UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 


 

FORM 10-K/A

 

Amendment No. 1


 

(check one)

ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the fiscal year ended June 30, 2014

 

OR

 

TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the transition period from __________ to __________

 

Commission File No. 1-367

 


 

THE L.S. STARRETT COMPANY

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 


 

  

  

MASSACHUSETTS

04-1866480

(State or other jurisdiction of

incorporation or organization)

(I.R.S. Employer

Identification No.)

 

  

  

121 CRESCENT STREET, ATHOL, MASSACHUSETTS

01331

(Address of principal executive offices)

(Zip Code)

 

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code 978-249-3551

 


 

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

 

  

  

  

Title of each class

  

Name of each exchange on which registered

Class A Common - $1.00 Per Share Par Value

  

New York Stock Exchange

Class B Common - $1.00 Per Share Par Value

  

Not applicable

 


 

  

  

 

Indicate by check mark if the Registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act.   Yes  ☐    No  ☒

 

Indicate by check mark if the Registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act.   Yes  ☐    No   ☒

 

 
1

 

 

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  ☒    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 (§ 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  ☒    No  ☐

 

Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein and will not be contained, to the best of Registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or amendment to this Form 10-K.    ☒

 

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 ☐

(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 Act).    Yes  ☐    No  ☒

 

The Registrant had 6,110,580 and 823,361 shares, respectively, of its $1.00 par value Class A and B common stock outstanding on December 31, 2013. On December 31, 2013, the last business day of the Registrant’s second fiscal quarter, the aggregate market value of the common stock held by nonaffiliates was approximately $88,346,710.

 

There were 6,174,977 and 789,722 shares, respectively, of the Registrant’s $1.00 par value Class A and Class B common stock outstanding as of August 31, 2014.

 

The exhibit index is located on pages 53-54.

 

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

 

The Registrant intends to file a definitive Proxy Statement for the Company’s 2014 Annual Meeting of Stockholders within 120 days of the end of the fiscal year ended June 30, 2014. Portions of such Proxy Statement are incorporated by reference in Part III.

 

 
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THE L.S. STARRETT COMPANY

 

FORM 10-K

 

FOR THE YEAR ENDED JUNE 30, 2014

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

  

  

Page

Number

  

PART I

  

  

  

  

ITEM 1.

Business

4-6

ITEM 1A.

Risk Factors

6-8

ITEM 1B.

Unresolved Staff Comments

8

ITEM 2.

Properties

8-9

ITEM 3.

Legal Proceedings

9

ITEM 4.

Mine Safety Disclosures

9

  

  

  

  

PART II

  

  

  

  

ITEM 5.

Market for the Company’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

9-10

ITEM 6.

Selected Financial Data

10

ITEM 7.

Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

11-17

ITEM 7A.

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk

11-17

ITEM 8.

Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

18-47

ITEM 9.

Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure

47

ITEM 9A.

Controls and Procedures

47

ITEM 9B.

Other Information

50

  

  

  

  

PART III

  

  

  

  

ITEM 10.

Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance

50

ITEM 11.

Executive Compensation

50

ITEM 12.

Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters

51

ITEM 13.

Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence

51

ITEM 14.

Principal Accounting Fees and Services

51

  

  

  

  

PART IV

  

  

  

  

ITEM 15.

Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules

52

EXHIBIT INDEX

53-54

SIGNATURES

55

 

All references in this Annual Report to “Starrett”, the “Company”, “we”, “our” and “us” mean The L.S. Starrett Company and its subsidiaries.

 

 

Rider A

 

EXPLANATORY NOTE 

 

This Amendment No. 1 on Form 10-K/A amends our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended June 30, 2014 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on September 10, 2014 (the “Original Report”) and is being filed for the purpose of correcting a date in the report of our independent registered public accounting firm. The correction had no impact on the financial statements or other disclosures included in the Original Report and, accordingly, the Company has not modified or updated disclosures presented in the Original Report in this Form 10-K/A.

 

 
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PART I

 

Item 1 - Business

 

General

Founded in 1880 by Laroy S. Starrett and incorporated in 1929, The L.S. Starrett Company (the “Company”) is engaged in the business of manufacturing over 5,000 different products for industrial, professional and consumer markets. The company has a long history of global manufacturing experience and currently operates 5 major global manufacturing plants. Domestic locations are Athol, Massachusetts (1880) and Mt. Airy, North Carolina (1985) with international operations located in Itu, Brazil (1956) Jedburgh, Scotland (1958) and Suzhou, China (1997). All subsidiaries principally serve the global manufacturing industrial base with concentration in the metalworking, construction, machinery, equipment, aerospace and automotive markets.

 

The Company offers its broad array of measuring and cutting products to the market through multiple channels of distribution throughout the world. The Company’s products include precision tools, electronic gages, gage blocks, optical vision and laser measuring equipment, custom engineered granite solutions, tape measures, levels, chalk products, squares, band saw blades, hole saws, hacksaw blades, jig saw blades, reciprocating saw blades, M1® lubricant and precision ground flat stock.  The Company primarily distributes its precision hand tools, saw and construction products through distributors or resellers both domestically and internationally. The Company’s financial reporting is based upon one business segment. Starrett® is brand recognized around the world for precision, quality and innovation.

 

Products

The Company’s tools and instruments are sold throughout North America and in over 100 other countries. By far the largest consumer of these products is the manufacturing industry including metalworking, aerospace, medical, and automotive but other important consumers are marine and farm equipment shops, do-it-yourselfers and tradesmen such as builders, carpenters, plumbers and electricians.

 

For 134 years the Company has been a recognized leader in providing measurement and cutting solutions to industry. Measurement tools consist of precision instruments such as micrometers, vernier calipers, height gages, depth gages, electronic gages, dial indicators, steel rules, combination squares, custom, non-contact and in-process gaging such as optical, vision and laser measurement systems. The Company has expanded its product offering in the field of test and measurement equipment, with force measurement and material test equipment.. Skilled personnel, superior products, manufacturing expertise, innovation and unmatched service has earned the Company its reputation as the “Best in Class” provider of measuring application solutions for industry. During fiscal 2014, the Company introduced material test systems consisting of hardware and cutting edge software with capacities up to 50KN, in addition to new manual and automated FOV (Field of View) measurement systems. These systems we believe will be attractive to industry to reduce measurement and inspection time and are ideal for quality assurance, inspection labs, manufacturing and research facilities.

 

The Company’s saw product lines enjoy strong global brand recognition and market share. These products encompass a breadth of uses. The Company introduced several new products in the recent past including a new line of hand tools for measuring, marking and layout that include tapes, levels, chalk lines and other products for the building trades.. The continued focus on high performance, production band saw applications has resulted in the development of two new ADVANZ carbide tipped products MC5 and MC7 ideal for cutting ferrous materials (MC7) and non-ferrous metals and castings (MC5). These actions are aimed at positioning Starrett for global growth in wide band products for production applications.

 

As one of the premier industrial brands, the Company continues to be focused on every touch point with its customers. To that end, the Company now offers modern, easy-to-use interfaces for distributors and end-users including interactive catalogs and several online applications.

 

 
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Personnel

At June 30, 2014, the Company had 1,811 employees, approximately 52% of whom were domestic. This represents a net decrease from June 30, 2013 of 3 employees. The headcount change included a decrease of 9 domestically and an increase of 6 internationally.

 

None of the Company’s operations are subject to collective bargaining agreements. In general, the Company considers relations with its employees to be excellent. Domestic employees hold a large share of Company stock resulting from various stock purchase plans and employee stock ownership plans. The Company believes that this dual role of owner-employee has strengthened employee morale over the years.

  

Competition

The Company competes on the basis of its reputation as the best in class for quality, precision and innovation combined with its commitment to customer service and strong customer relationships. To that end, Starrett is increasingly focusing on providing customer centric solutions. Although the Company is generally operating in highly competitive markets, the Company’s competitive position cannot be determined accurately in the aggregate or by specific market since none of its competitors offer all of the same product lines offered by the Company or serve all of the markets served by the Company.

 

The Company is one of the largest producers of mechanics’ hand measuring tools and precision instruments. In the United States, there are three major foreign competitors and numerous small companies in the field. As a result, the industry is highly competitive. During fiscal 2014, there were no material changes in the Company’s competitive position. The Company’s products for the building trades, such as tape measures and levels, are under constant margin pressure due to a channel shift to large national home and hardware retailers. The Company is responding to such challenges by expanding its manufacturing operations in China.  Certain large customers offer private labels (“own brand”) that compete with Starrett branded products. These products are often sourced directly from low cost countries.

 

Saw products encounter competition from several domestic and international sources. The Company’s competitive position varies by market and country. Continued research and development, new patented products and processes, strategic acquisitions and investments and strong customer support have enabled the Company to compete successfully in both general and performance oriented applications.

 

Foreign Operations

The operations of the Company’s foreign subsidiaries are consolidated in its financial statements. The subsidiaries located in Brazil, Scotland and China are actively engaged in the manufacturing and distribution of precision measuring tools, saw blades, optical and vision measuring equipment and hand tools. Subsidiaries in Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Mexico, Germany and Singapore are engaged in distribution of the Company’s products. The Company expects its foreign subsidiaries to continue to play a significant role in its overall operations. A summary of the Company’s foreign operations is contained in Note 16 to the Company’s fiscal 2014 financial statements under the caption “OPERATING DATA” found in Item 8 of this Form 10-K.

 

Orders and Backlog

The Company generally fills orders from finished goods inventories on hand. Sales order backlog of the Company at any point in time is not significant. Total inventories amounted to $65.6 million at June 30, 2014 and $56.5 million at June 30, 2013. 

 

Intellectual Property

When appropriate, the Company applies for patent protection on new inventions and currently owns a number of patents. Its patents are considered important in the operation of the business, but no single patent is of material importance when viewed from the standpoint of its overall business. The Company relies on its continuing product research and development efforts, with less dependence on its current patent position. It has for many years maintained engineers and supporting personnel engaged in research, product development and related activities. The expenditures for these activities during fiscal years 2014, 2013, and 2012 were approximately $1.4 million, $1.3 million, and $0.9 million, respectively.

 

The Company uses trademarks with respect to its products and considers its trademark portfolio as one of its most valuable assets. All of the Company’s important trademarks are registered and rigorously enforced.

 

 
5

 

 

Environmental

Compliance with federal, state, local, and foreign provisions that have been enacted or adopted regulating the discharge of materials into the environment or otherwise relating to protection of the environment is not expected to have a material effect on the capital expenditures, earnings and competitive position of the Company. Specifically, the Company has taken steps to reduce, control and treat water discharges and air emissions. The Company takes seriously its responsibility to the environment, has embraced renewable energy alternatives and received approval from federal and state regulators in fiscal 2013 to begin using its new hydro – generation facility on line at its Athol, MA plant to reduce its carbon foot print and energy costs, an investment in excess of $1.0 million.

 

Strategic Activities

Globalization has had a profound impact on product offerings and buying behaviors of industry and consumers in North America and around the world, forcing the Company to adapt to this new, highly competitive business environment. The Company continuously evaluates most aspects of its business, aiming for new world-class ideas to set itself apart from its competition.

 

Our strategic concentration is on global brand building and providing unique customer value propositions through technically supported application solutions for our customers. Our job is to recommend and produce the best suited standard product or to design and build custom solutions. The combination of the right tool for the job with value added service gives us a competitive advantage. The Company continues its focus on lean manufacturing, plant consolidations, global sourcing, new software and hardware technologies, and improved logistics to optimize its value chain.

 

The execution of these strategic initiatives has expanded the Company’s manufacturing and distribution in developing economies, resulting in international sales revenues totaling 53% of consolidated sales for fiscal 2014.

 

SEC Filings and Certifications

The Company makes its public filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”), including its Annual Report on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, Current Reports on Form 8-K and all exhibits and amendments to these reports, available free of charge at its website, www.starrett.com, as soon as reasonably practicable after the Company files such material with the SEC. Information contained on the Company’s website is not part of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

 

Item 1A – Risk Factors

SAFE HARBOR STATEMENT UNDER THE PRIVATE SECURITIES LITIGATION REFORM ACT OF 1995

 

This Annual Report on Form 10-K and the Company’s 2014 Annual Report to Stockholders, including the President’s letter, contain forward-looking statements about the Company’s business, competition, sales, gross margins, capital expenditures, foreign operations, plans for reorganization, interest rate sensitivity, debt service, liquidity and capital resources, and other operating and capital requirements. In addition, forward-looking statements may be included in future Company documents and in oral statements by Company representatives to security analysts and investors. The Company is subject to risks that could cause actual events to vary materially from such forward-looking statements, including the following risk factors:

 

Economic and world events could affect our operating results.

The Company’s results of operations may be materially affected by the conditions in the global economy. These include both world - wide and regional economic conditions and geo-political events. These conditions may affect financial markets, consumer and customer confidence. The recovery from the recession has been slow in North America and Europe. Latin America has experienced inflation resulting in weaker local currencies compared to the U. S. dollar. China’s growth has slowed and Europe and the Middle – East remain under geo-political threat. The Company can provide no assurance that these economic trends will not continue.

 

Technological innovation by competitors could adversely affect financial results.

Although the Company’s strategy includes investment in research and development of new and innovative products to meet technology advances, there can be no assurance that the Company will be successful in competing against new technologies developed by competitors.

 

International operations and our financial results in those markets may be affected by legal, regulatory, political, currency exchange and other economic risks.

During 2014, international sales revenues were $130 million, representing approximately 53% of total net sales. In addition, a significant amount of our manufacturing and production operations are located, or our products are sourced from, outside the United States. As a result, our business is subject to risks associated with international operations. These risks include the burdens of complying with foreign laws and regulations, unexpected changes in tariffs, taxes or regulatory requirements, and political unrest and corruption. Regulatory changes could limit the countries in which we sell, produce or source our products or significantly increase the cost of operating in or obtaining materials originating from certain countries. Restrictions imposed by such changes can have a particular impact on our business when, after we have moved our operations to a particular location, new unfavorable regulations are enacted in that area or favorable regulations currently in effect are changed. 

 

 
6

 

 

Countries in which our products are manufactured or sold may from time to time impose additional new regulations, or modify existing regulations, including:

 

changes in duties, taxes, tariffs and other charges on imports;

 

limitations on the quantity of goods which may be imported into the United States from a particular country;

 

requirements as to where products and/or inputs are manufactured or sourced;

 

creation of export licensing requirements, imposition of restrictions on export quantities or specification of minimum export pricing and/or export prices or duties;

 

limitations on foreign owned businesses; or

 

government actions to cancel contracts, re-denominate the official currency, renounce or default on obligations, renegotiate terms unilaterally or expropriate assets.

 

In addition, political and economic changes or volatility, geopolitical regional conflicts, terrorist activity, political unrest, civil strife, acts of war, public corruption and other economic or political uncertainties could interrupt and negatively affect our business operations. All of these factors could result in increased costs or decreased revenues and could materially and adversely affect our product sales, financial condition and results of operations.

 

We are also subject to the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, in addition to the anti-corruption laws of the foreign countries in which we operate. Although we implement policies and procedures designed to promote compliance with these laws, our employees, contractors and agents, as well as those companies to which we outsource certain of our business operations, may take actions in violation of our policies. Any such violation could result in sanctions or other penalties and have an adverse effect on our business, reputation and operating results.

 

Economic weakness in the industrial manufacturing sector could adversely affect the Company’s financial results.

The market for most of the Company’s products is subject to economic conditions affecting the industrial manufacturing sector, including the level of capital spending by industrial companies and the general movement of manufacturing to low cost foreign countries where the Company does not have a substantial market presence. Accordingly, economic weakness in the industrial manufacturing sector may, and in some cases has, resulted in decreased demand for certain of the Company’s products, which adversely affects sales and performance. Economic weakness in the consumer market will also adversely impact the Company’s performance. In the event that demand for any of the Company’s products declines significantly, the Company could be required to recognize certain costs as well as asset impairment charges on long-lived assets related to those products.

 

Volatility in the price of energy and raw materials could negatively affect our margins.

Steel is the principal raw material used in the manufacture of the Company’s products. The price of steel has historically fluctuated on a cyclical basis and has often depended on a variety of factors over which the Company has no control. The cost of producing the Company’s products is also sensitive to the price of energy. The selling prices of the Company’s products have not always increased in response to raw material, energy or other cost increases, and the Company is unable to determine to what extent, if any, it will be able to pass future cost increases through to its customers. The Company’s inability to pass increased costs through to its customers could materially and adversely affect its financial condition or results of operations.

 

The inability to meet expected investment returns and changes to interest rates could have a negative impact on Pension plan assets.

Currently, the Company’s U.S. defined benefit pension plan is underfunded primarily due to lower discount rates. The Company was not required to make contributions in fiscal 2014 but will be required to make additional contributions in fiscal 2015 of $5.4 million. The Company could be required to provide more funding to the domestic plan in the future.  The Company’s UK plan, which is also underfunded, required Company contributions of $1.2 million, $1.2 million and $0.8 million during fiscal 2014, 2013 and 2012 respectively. The Company will be required to make a $0.8 million contribution to its UK pension plan in fiscal 2015.

 

Businesses that we may acquire may fail to perform to expectations.

Acquisitions involve special risks, including the potential assumption of unanticipated liabilities and contingencies, difficulty in assimilating the operations and personnel of the acquired businesses, disruption of the Company’s existing business, dissipation of the Company’s limited management resources, and impairment of relationships with employees and customers of the acquired business as a result of changes in ownership and management. While the Company believes that strategic acquisitions can improve its competitiveness and profitability, the failure to successfully integrate and realize the expected benefits of such acquisitions could have an adverse effect on the Company’s business, financial condition and operating results. 

 

 
7

 

 

 

We are subject to certain risks as a result of our financial borrowings.Under the Company’s credit facility with TD Bank, N.A., the Company is required to comply with certain financial covenants, including: 1) funded debt to EBITDA, excluding non-cash and retirement benefit expenses (“maximum leverage”), cannot exceed 1.45 to 1; 2) annual capital expenditures cannot exceed $15.0 million; 3) maintain a Debt Service Coverage Rate of a minimum of 1.25 to 1 and 4) maintain consolidated cash plus liquid investments of not less than $10.0 million at any time.

   The Company believes that it will be able to service its debt and comply with the financial covenants in future periods; however, it can be not be assured of results of operations or future credit and financial markets conditions. In an event of default under the credit facility, if not waived, could prevent additional borrowing and could result in the acceleration of the Company’s debt. As of June 30, 2014 the Company was in compliance with all the covenants. The credit facility expires in April of 2015 and the Company intends to negotiate an extension.

 

Any inadequacy, interruption, integration failure or security failure with respect to our information technology could harm our ability to effectively operate our business. 

The efficient operation of the Company's business is dependent on its information systems, including its ability to operate them effectively and to successfully implement new technologies, systems, controls and adequate disaster recovery systems.  In addition, the Company must protect the confidentiality of data of its business, employees, customers and other third parties. The failure of the Company's information systems to perform as designed or its failure to implement and operate them effectively could disrupt the Company's business or subject it to liability and thereby harm its profitability. The Company continues to enhance the applications contained in the Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system as well as improvements to other operating systems.

 

Failure to comply with laws, rules and regulations could negatively affect our business operations and financial performance.

Our business is subject to federal, state, local and international laws, rules and regulations, such as state and local wage and hour laws, the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, the False Claims Act, the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (“ERISA”), securities laws, import and export laws (including customs regulations) and many others. The complexity of the regulatory environment in which we operate and the related cost of compliance are both increasing due to changes in legal and regulatory requirements, increased enforcement and our ongoing expansion into new markets and new channels. In addition, as a result of operating in multiple countries, we must comply with multiple foreign laws and regulations that may differ substantially from country to country and may conflict with corresponding U.S. laws and regulations. We may also be subject to investigations or audits by governmental authorities and regulatory agencies, which can occur in the ordinary course of business or which can result from increased scrutiny from a particular agency towards an industry, country or practice. If we fail to comply with laws, rules and regulations or the manner in which they are interpreted or applied, we may be subject to government enforcement action, class action litigation or other litigation, damage to our reputation, civil and criminal liability, damages, fines and penalties, and increased cost of regulatory compliance, any of which could adversely affect our results of operations and financial performance.

 

Our tax rate is dependent upon a number of factors, a change in any of which could impact our future tax rates and net income.

Our future tax rates may be adversely affected by a number of factors, including the enactment of certain tax legislation being considered in the U.S.; other changes in tax laws or the interpretation of such tax laws; changes in the estimated realization of our net deferred tax assets; the jurisdictions in which profits are determined to be earned and taxed; the repatriation of non-U.S. earnings for which we have not previously provided for U.S. income and non-U.S. withholding taxes; adjustments to estimated taxes upon finalization of various tax returns; increases in expenses that are not deductible for tax purposes, including impairment of goodwill in connection with acquisitions; changes in available tax credits; and the resolution of issues arising from tax audits with various tax authorities. Losses for which no tax benefits can be recorded could materially impact our tax rate and its volatility from one quarter to another. Any significant change in our jurisdictional earnings mix or in the tax laws in those jurisdictions could impact our future tax rates and net income in those periods.

 

If the Company fails to develop or maintain an effective system of internal controls, the Company may not be able to accurately report our financial results or prevent fraud or to ensure that information required to be disclosed by the Company in the reports it files under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified.

Our management determined that we did not maintain effective internal control over financial reporting as of June 30, 2014 because material weaknesses in internal control over revenue transactions and information technology security access at our Bytewise subsidiary existed. A material weakness is a deficiency, or combination of deficiencies in internal controls over financial reporting such that there is a reasonable possibility that a material misstatement of the annual or interim financial statements will not be prevented or detected on a timely basis. Our plans to improve the effectiveness of our internal controls and procedures are in process however the Company cannot assure that the measures we have taken to date or any future measures will remediate the material weaknesses.

 

Item 1B – Unresolved Staff Comments

None.

 

Item 2 - Properties

The Company’s principal plant and its corporate headquarters are located in Athol, MA on approximately 15 acres of Company-owned land. The plant consists of 25 buildings, mostly of brick construction of varying dates, with approximately 535,000 square feet.

 

 
8

 

 

 

The Company’s Webber Gage Division in Cleveland, OH, owns and occupies two buildings totaling approximately 50,000 square feet.

 

The Company-owned facility in Mt. Airy, NC consists of one building totaling approximately 320,000 square feet. It is occupied by the Company’s Saw Division, Ground Flat Stock Division and a distribution center.

 

The Company’s subsidiary in Itu, Brazil owns and occupies several buildings totaling 209,000 square feet.

 

The Company’s subsidiary in Jedburgh, Scotland owns and occupies a 175,000 square foot building.

 

A wholly owned manufacturing subsidiary in The People’s Republic of China leases a 133,000 square foot building in Suzhou.  In fiscal 2012, the Company closed a 5,000 square foot Shanghai distribution center and sales office, consolidated the distribution into the Suzhou facility and leased a new sales office in Shanghai.

 

The Tru-Stone Division owns and occupies a 106,000 square foot facility in Waite Park, MN.

 

The Kinemetric Engineering Division occupies a 18,000 square foot leased facility in Laguna Hills, CA.

 

The Bytewise Division occupies a 10,000 square foot leased facility in Columbus, GA.

 

In addition, the Company operates warehouses and/or sales-support offices in the U.S., Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Mexico, Germany, Singapore and Japan.  

 

In the Company’s opinion, all of its property, plant and equipment are in good operating condition, well maintained and adequate for its current and foreseeable needs.

 

Item 3 - Legal Proceedings

In the ordinary course of business the Company is involved from time to time in litigation that is not considered material to its financial condition or operations.

 

Item 4 – Mine Safety Disclosures

Not applicable.

 

 

PART II

 

Item 5 - Market for the Company’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

The Company’s Class A common stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange. Quarterly dividend and high/low closing market price information is presented in the table below. The Company’s Class B common stock is generally nontransferable, except to lineal descendants of stockholders, and thus has no established trading market, but it can be converted into Class A common stock at any time. The Class B common stock was issued on October 5, 1988, and the Company has paid the same dividends thereon as have been paid on the Class A common stock since that date. On June 30, 2014, there were approximately 1,273 registered holders of Class A common stock and approximately 1,069 registered holders of Class B common stock.

 

Quarter Ended

 

Dividends

   

High

   

Low

 

September 2012

  $ 0.10     $ 12.99     $ 10.96  

December 2012

    0.10       12.70       9.56  

March 2013

    0.10       11.47       10.05  

June 2013

    0.10       10.90       9.81  

September 2013

    0.10       11.77       10.07  

December 2013

    0.10       14.57       10.99  

March 2014

    0.10       19.21       14.41  

June 2014

    0.10       17.01       13.73  

 

The Company’s dividend policy is subject to periodic review by the Board of Directors. Based upon economic conditions, the Board of Directors decided to maintain the quarterly dividend at $0.10 for all quarters of fiscal 2014.

 

There were no repurchases of shares in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2014.

 

 
9

 

 

PERFORMANCE GRAPH

 

The following graph sets forth information comparing the cumulative total return to holders of the Company’s Class A common stock based on the market price of the Company’s class A common stock over the last five fiscal years with (1) the cumulative total return of the Russell 2000 Index (“Russell 2000”) and (2) a peer group index (the “Peer Group”) reflecting the cumulative total returns of certain small cap manufacturing companies as described below. The peer group is comprised of the following companies: Acme United, Q.E.P. Co. Inc., Badger Meter, Federal Screw Works, National Presto Industries, Regal-Beloit Corp., Tecumseh Products Co., Tennant Company, The Eastern Company and WD-40.

 

 

 

 

  

   

BASE

   

FY2010

   

FY2011

   

FY2012

   

FY2013

   

FY2014

 

STARRETT

    100.00       144.26       159.62       186.32       170.74       264.51  

RUSSELL 2000

    100.00       121.48       166.93       163.46       203.03       251.02  

PEER GROUP

    100.00       132.60       155.07       151.79       169.08       216.20  

 

 

Item 6 - Selected Financial Data

 

The following selected financial data have been derived from and should be read in conjunction with “Management Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and our Consolidated Financial Statements and notes thereto, included elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

 

   

Years ended June 30 (in $000s except per share data)

 
   

2014

   

2013

   

2012

   

2011

   

2010

 

Net sales

  $ 247,134     $ 243,797     $ 260,148     $ 244,841     $ 203,662  

Net earnings (loss)

    6,712       (162

)

    888       6,845       (8,021

)

Basic earnings (loss) per share

    0.97       (0.02

)

    0.13       1.02       (1.20

)

Diluted earnings (loss) per share

    0.97       (0.02

)

    0.13       1.02       (1.20

)

Long-term debt

    10,804       24,252       29,387       721       706  

Total assets

    239,248       230,794       252,166       227,179       200,134  

Dividends per share

    0.40       0.40       0.40       0.32       0.30  

 

 
10

 

 

Items 7 and 7A- Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations and Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosure about Market Risk

 

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

 

Fiscal 2014 Compared to Fiscal 2013

  

Overview

 

L. S. Starrett is a global manufacturing company impacted by economic conditions worldwide. In North America, an improved labor market and a steady recovery in overall economic performance resulted in increased demand for precision hand tools and a resurgence of shipments for high-end capital equipment. Internationally, sales declined as an economic recovery in Europe and strong gains in Asia was offset by a continued weakening of the Brazilian Real against the U. S. dollar.

 

Net sales for fiscal 2014 increased $3.3 million or 1.4% compared to fiscal 2013, as gains in North America, Europe and Asia more than offset unfavorable foreign currency exchange rates in South America. Price increases, particularly in Brazil, and new products represented sales gains of $9.6 and $7.0 million respectively offsetting volume declines of $6.0 million and unfavorable exchange rates of $7.3 million. Gross margins increased $9.3 million from $71.8 million or 29.5 % of sales in fiscal 2013 to $81.1 million or 32.8% of sales in fiscal 2014 as a favorable product mix of increased sales of higher margin products, a successful launch of new products and reduced manufacturing overhead costs all contributed to an improved performance.  Selling, general and administrative expenses decreased $3.9 million or 5.3 % from $73.1 million in fiscal 2013 to $69.2 million in fiscal 2014 principally due to cost reductions implemented in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2013.  Operating income improved $13.2 million from a loss of $1.3 million in fiscal 2013 to a profit of $11.9 million in fiscal 2014. 

 

Net Sales

 

Net sales in North America increased $5.9 million or 4.8% from $123.5 million in fiscal 2013 to $129.4 million in fiscal 2014 with an increase in capital equipment sales representing $4.3 million or 73% of the growth.  International sales decreased $2.6 million or 2.2% from $120.3 million in fiscal 2013 to $117.7 million in fiscal 2014.  Foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations represented an unfavorable impact of $7.3 million, more than offsetting than revenue increases in Europe and Asia of $2.1 and $1.4 million, respectively.

 

Gross Margin

 

Gross margin in North America increased $7.4 million or 22% from $33.1 million in fiscal 2013 to $40.5 million in fiscal 2014 and improved as a percentage of sales from 26.8% in fiscal 2013 to 31.3% in fiscal 2014.  The improvement was due to a favorable product mix, reduced manufacturing overhead and lower LIFO reserves in North America. International gross margins increased $1.8 million or 4.7% from $38.8 million in fiscal 2013 to $40.6 million in fiscal 2014 as improved margins in Europe and Asia, of $0.9 million and $2.5 million, respectively, more than offset a $2.7 million negative impact due to foreign exchange rate changes.

 

Selling, General and Administrative Expenses

 

North American selling, general and administrative expenses decreased $1.0 million or 2.8% due to lower salaries, travel and professional fees.  International selling, general and administrative expenses decreased $3.0 million or 8.4% with a $1.9 million savings due to the stronger U. S. dollar. Lower salaries and employee benefits, commissions, Information Technology, professional fees and marketing expenses combined for a $2.7 million savings expressed in U. S. dollars.

 

Operating Profit

 

Operating profit improved $13.2 million from a loss of $1.3 million in fiscal 2013 to a profit of $11.9 million in fiscal 2014 as a result of improved gross margins and lower selling, general and administrative expenses.

 

Other Income, Net

 

Other income declined $1.9 million due to $0.8 million in foreign exchange losses in fiscal 2014 compared to $1.1in foreign exchange gains in fiscal 2013.

 

 
11

 

 

Income Taxes

 

The Company recorded $5.3 million of tax expense (44.3%) on $12.0 million of pretax income and $0.9 million of tax expense (120.3%) on $0.7 million of pretax income for the fiscal years ended June 30, 2014 and June 30, 2013, respectively. The significant items impacting tax expense in fiscal 2014 include the following:

 

The Company recorded $0.3 million of deferred income tax expense to reflect a reduction of three percentage points in the tax rate applied to deferred tax assets in the U.K. In addition, as a result of a tax audit in China, the Company’s tax loss carryforwards were reduced increasing tax expense by $0.2 million. Tax benefits include a reduction of the valuation allowance in China as the subsidiary was profitable in fiscal 2014 and fully utilized its tax loss carryforward and the tax benefit of a revised calculation of the U.S. deduction for losses related to receivables and investments in foreign subsidiaries as a return to provision adjustment.

 

The Company continues to recognize the benefit of its U.S. carryforward tax losses and most other U.S. deferred tax assets as, after weighing the positive and negative evidence, it believes it is more likely than not that those benefits will be recognized. In fiscal 2014, the valuation allowance decreased by $1.2 million primarily related to profits in China (as noted above) and to the portion of foreign tax credits which expired in 2014 and which were also written off.

 

 

Fiscal 2013 Compared to Fiscal 2012

  

Overview

 

Starrett is a global manufacturing company with approximately one-half of consolidated net sales derived outside of North America, predominantly through multiple distribution channels. The Company is exposed to volatility in the markets that it serves. In North America, economic uncertainty and political turmoil dampened manufacturing investment which adversely impacted sales for capital equipment and discouraged our distribution network customers to stock inventory at historical levels. Internationally, sales declined due to a continued recession in the European economies and a significant exchange rate decline in the Brazilian Real against the U.S. dollar.

 

Net sales for fiscal 2013 declined $16.3 million or 6.3% compared to fiscal 2012, due principally to unfavorable foreign currency exchange rates. Gross margins declined $6.3 million from $78.1 million or 30.0 % of sales in fiscal 2012 to $71.8 million or 29.5% of sales in fiscal 2013 as the savings related to lower pension costs was offset by unfavorable foreign currency exchange rates, reduced sales and higher unabsorbed fixed manufacturing costs.  Selling, general and administrative expenses decreased $6.8 million or 9% from $79.9 million in fiscal 2012 to $73.1 million in fiscal 2013 principally due to lower international expenses translated to U. S. dollars and reduced pension expense.  Operating income (loss) improved $0.6 million from a loss of $1.9 million in fiscal 2012 to a loss of $1.3 million in fiscal 2013. 

 

Net Sales

 

Net sales in North America declined $5.6 million or 4% from $129.1 million in fiscal 2012 to $123.5 million in fiscal 2013.  The principal factors contributing to the drop in sales were a combined reduction in precision tools and custom granite of $7.8 million, which was partially offset by a $3.3 million increase due to a full year of operations for Bytewise.  International sales decreased $10.7 million or 8% from $131.0 million in fiscal 2012 to $120.3 million in fiscal 2013.  Foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations represented an unfavorable impact of $16.2 million, while Brazilian sales denominated in local currency increased 6% or $5.5 million.

 

Gross Margin

 

Gross margin in North America increased $3.1 million or 10% from $29.8 million in fiscal 2012 to $33.0 million in fiscal 2013 and improved as a percentage of sales from 23% in fiscal 2012 to 27% in fiscal 2013.  The improvement was due to lower pension expenses which more than offset inventory production inefficiencies. International gross margins decreased $9.4 million or 20% from $48.3 million in fiscal 2012 to $38.8 million in fiscal 2013 with foreign exchange fluctuations representing $5.1 million or 55% of the shortfall. Reduced sales and manufacturing inefficiencies represented the remaining $4.3 million decrease.

 

Selling, General and Administrative Expenses

 

Selling, general and administrative expenses in North American decreased $4.1 million or 10%.   Lower pension expense represented $3.0 million of the decrease, while reduced headcount and management bonuses accounted for the remaining $1.1 million in savings.  International selling, general and administrative expenses decreased $2.7 million or 7.0% with a $4.3 million savings due to the stronger U. S. dollar offsetting higher employee benefit expenses.

 

 
12

 

 

Other Income, Net

 

Other income, net improved $0.2 million due to the Company’s equity share in higher profits of a private software development company. Internationally, a $0.5 million settlement gain related to a lawsuit was offset by a $0.5 million decline in foreign exchange gains as compared to the prior year.

 

Income Taxes

 

The Company recorded $1.0 million of tax expense (120.3%) on $0.8 million of pretax income and $0.8 million of tax benefit (-700.0%) on $0.1 million of pretax income for the fiscal years ended June 30, 2013 and June 30, 2012 respectively. The significant items impacting tax expense in fiscal 2013 include the following:

 

The Company recorded $0.9 million of deferred income tax expense to reflect the year over year change in the tax rates we apply to our deferred tax balances. Of this amount, $0.8 million is attributable to a decrease in our State effective tax rate due to changes in the apportionment of profits in the jurisdictions we operate in. The remaining $0.1 million of deferred tax expense relates to a corporate tax rate reduction in the United Kingdom, which received royal assent during fiscal 2013.

 

The Company recorded approximately $0.8 million of tax expense to reflect the U.S. and foreign income tax expense related to differences between the Company’s tax returns filed in fiscal 2013 and the corresponding original estimates used for financial statement purposes.

 

The Company recorded approximately $0.2 million of tax expense related to the U.S. tax cost of a one-time dividend made from our Australian subsidiary.

 

The Company continues to recognize the benefit of its U.S. tax losses and most other U.S. deferred tax assets as, after weighing the positive and negative evidence, it believes it is more likely than not that those benefits will be recognized. Valuation allowance increases in fiscal 2013 relate primarily to foreign losses, primarily in China, and to foreign tax credit increases due to a changed position on selected U.S. tax returns to elect the credit.

 

 

FINANCIAL INSTRUMENT MARKET RISK

 

Market risk is the potential change in a financial instrument’s value caused by fluctuations in interest and currency exchange rates, and equity and commodity prices. The Company’s operating activities expose it to risks that are continually monitored, evaluated and managed. Proper management of these risks helps reduce the likelihood of earnings volatility.

 

The Company does not engage in tracking, market-making or other speculative activities in derivatives markets. The Company does not enter into long-term supply contracts with either fixed prices or quantities. The Company engages in an immaterial amount of hedging activity to minimize the impact of foreign currency fluctuations and had $1.1 million in forward currency contracts outstanding at June 30, 2014.  Net foreign monetary assets are approximately $36.9 million as of June 30, 2014.

 

A 10% change in interest rates would not have a significant impact on the aggregate net fair value of the Company’s interest rate sensitive financial instruments or the cash flows or future earnings associated with those financial instruments.    A 10% increase in interest rates would not have a material impact on our borrowing costs.  See Note 13 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for details concerning the Company’s long-term debt outstanding of $10.8 million.

 

 

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

 

   

Years ended June 30 ($000)

 
   

2014

   

2013

   

2012

 

Cash provided by operating activities

  $ 10,803     $ 20,363     $ 3,559  

Cash used in investing activities

    (7,975

)

    (9,476

)

    (25,870

)

Cash provided by (used in) financing activities

    (6,669

)

    (7,590

)

    20,015  

 

The Company has a working capital ratio of 4.1:1 as of June 30, 2014 as compared to 5.6:1 as of June 30, 2013. The decline in working capital in fiscal 2014 is principally due to the reclassification of our Line of Credit from long-term debt to short-term debt as the credit facility expires within twelve months in April of 2015.  Cash, short-term investments, accounts receivable and inventories represent 91% and 91% of current assets at June 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively.  The Company had accounts receivable turnover of 6.1 in both fiscal 2014 and 2013 and an inventory turnover ratio of 2.7 in both fiscal 2014 and fiscal 2013.

 

 
13

 

 

Net cash provided by operations of $10.8 million in fiscal 2014 was primarily the result of net contributions of earnings, depreciation and amortization of $16.1 million partially offset by increased working capital requirements of $9.3 million.

 

The Company invested $8.5 million in fiscal 2014 in plant and equipment. During fiscal 2014 the Company received $0.6 million from the sale of a building.

 

The Company decreased debt by $4.5 million in fiscal 2014 principally due to improved operating profits, providing the funding to reduce debt.

 

Effects of translation rate changes on cash primarily result from the movement of the U.S. dollar against the British Pound, the Euro and the Brazilian Real. The Company uses a limited number of forward contracts to hedge some of this activity and a natural hedge strategy of paying for foreign purchases in local currency when economically advantageous.

 

Liquidity and Credit Arrangements

 

The Company believes it maintains sufficient liquidity and has the resources to fund its operations in the near term.  In addition to its cash and short-term investments, the Company has maintained a $23.0 million line of credit, of which $0.5 million is reserved for letters of credit and $9.0 million was outstanding as of June 30, 2014. The line of credit expires on April of 2015 and the Company intends to negotiate an extension.   

 

On June 30, 2009, the Company and certain subsidiaries entered into a Loan and Security Agreement (the “Credit Facility”) with TD Bank, N.A. The amended Credit Facility is scheduled to mature on April 30, 2015 and bears interest at LIBOR plus 1.50%.

 

The obligations under the Credit Facility are unsecured.  However, in the event of certain triggering events, the obligations under the Credit Facility will become secured by the assets of the Company and the subsidiaries that are party to the Credit Facility.  Triggering events are two consecutive quarters of failure to achieve the financial covenants outlined in Note 13 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

Availability under the Credit Facility is subject to a borrowing base comprised of accounts receivable and inventory. The Company believes that the borrowing base will consistently produce availability under the Credit Facility in excess of $23.0 million. As of August 31, 2014, the Company had borrowings of $9.9 million under the Credit Facility.

 

The Credit Facility contains financial covenants with respect to leverage, tangible net worth, and interest coverage, and also contains customary affirmative and negative covenants, including limitations on indebtedness, liens, acquisitions, asset dispositions, and fundamental corporate changes, and certain customary events of default. Upon the occurrence and continuation of an event of default, the lender may terminate the revolving credit commitment and require immediate payment of the entire unpaid principal amount of the Credit Facility, accrued interest and all other obligations. As of June 30, 2014, the Company was in compliance with the financial covenants under the Credit Facility.  

 

OFF-BALANCE SHEET ARRANGEMENTS

 

The Company does not have any material off-balance sheet arrangements as defined under the Securities and Exchange Commission rules.

 

CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND ESTIMATES

 

The preparation of financial statements and related disclosures in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make judgments, assumptions and estimates that affect the amounts reported in the consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes. The second footnote to the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements describes the significant accounting policies and methods used in the preparation of the consolidated financial statements.

 

Judgments, assumptions, and estimates are used for, but not limited to, the allowance for doubtful accounts receivable and returned goods; inventory allowances; income tax reserves; long lived assets; goodwill; and employee turnover, discount and return rates used to calculate pension obligations.

 

Future events and their effects cannot be determined with absolute certainty. Therefore, the determination of estimates requires the exercise of judgment. Actual results inevitably will differ from those estimates, and such differences may be material to the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements. The following sections describe the Company’s critical accounting policies.

 

 
14

 

 

Revenue Recognition and Accounts Receivable: Sales of merchandise and freight billed to customers are recognized when products are delivered, title and risk of loss has passed to the customer, no significant post-delivery obligations remain and collection of the resulting receivable is reasonably assured. Sales are net of provisions for cash discounts, returns, customer discounts (such as volume or trade discounts), cooperative advertising and other sales related discounts.  Cooperative advertising payments made to customers are included as advertising expense in selling, general and administrative in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.  While the Company does allow its customers the right to return in certain circumstances, revenue is not deferred, but rather a reserve for sales returns is provided based on experience, which historically has not been significant.

 

The allowance for doubtful accounts of $0.7million at the end of both fiscal 2014 and 2013 is based on our assessment of the collectability of specific customer accounts and the aging of our accounts receivable. While the Company believes that the allowance for doubtful accounts is adequate, if there is a deterioration of a major customer’s credit worthiness, actual write-offs are higher than our previous experience, or actual future returns do not reflect historical trends, the estimates of the recoverability of the amounts due the Company and net sales could be adversely affected.

 

Inventory Valuation:  The Company values inventories at the lower of the cost of inventory or net realizable value, with cost determined by either the last-in, first-out ("LIFO") method for most U.S. inventories or the first-in, first-out ("FIFO") method for all other inventories. We establish reserves for excess, slow moving, and obsolete inventory based on inventory levels, expected product life, and forecasted sales demand. In assessing the ultimate realization of inventories, we are required to make judgments as to future demand requirements compared with inventory levels. Reserve requirements are developed according to our projected demand requirements based on historical demand, competitive factors, and technological and product life cycle changes. It is possible that an increase in our reserve may be required in the future if there is a significant decline in demand for our products and we do not adjust our production schedule accordingly.

   

Long-lived Assets:  The Company accounts for property, plant and equipment (PP&E) at historical cost less accumulated depreciation. Impairment losses are recorded when indicators of impairment, such as plant closures, are present and the undiscounted cash flows estimated to be generated by those assets are less than the carrying amount. The Company continually reviews for such impairment and believes that PP&E is being carried at its appropriate value.

 

Our long-lived assets consist primarily of property, plant and equipment. The Company groups long-lived assets for impairment analysis by division and/or product line.  Long-lived assets are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying amount of such an asset may not be recoverable. Such events or circumstances include, but are not limited to, a significant decrease in the fair value of the underlying business or change in utilization of property and equipment.

 

Recoverability of the net book value of property, plant and equipment is determined by comparison of the carrying amount to estimated future undiscounted net cash flows the assets are expected to generate. Those cash flows include an estimated terminal value based on a hypothetical sale at the end of the assets' depreciation period. Estimating these cash flows and terminal values requires management to make judgments about the growth in demand for our products, sustainability of gross margins, and our ability to achieve economies of scale. If assets are considered to be impaired, the impairment to be recognized is measured as the amount by which the carrying amount of the long-lived asset exceeds its fair value. No events or circumstances arose in fiscal 2014 which required management to perform an impairment analysis.

 

Depreciation is included in cost of goods sold or selling, general and administrative expenses in the Consolidated Statement of Operations based upon where the assets are contributing to the measurement of cost or expense by functional area. Depreciation of equipment used in the manufacturing process is a component of inventory and included in costs of goods sold.  Depreciation of equipment used for office and administrative functions is an expense in selling, general and administrative expenses.

 

Intangible Assets: Identifiable intangible assets are recorded at cost and are amortized on a straight-line basis over a 5-15 year period. The estimated useful lives of the intangible assets subject to amortization are: 15 years for patents, 14 years for trademarks and trade names, 10 years for completed technology, 8 years for non-compete agreements, 8 years for customer relationships and 5 years for software development.

 

Goodwill: The Company assesses the fair value of its goodwill to determine if the carrying amount of the goodwill is greater than the fair value. An impairment charge would be recognized to the extent the recorded goodwill exceeds the implied fair value of goodwill.  

 

The Company performed a qualitative analysis in accordance with ASU 2011-08 for its Bytewise reporting unit for its October 1, 2013 annual assessment of goodwill (commonly referred to as “Step Zero”). From a qualitative perspective, in evaluating whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of the reporting unit is not less than its carrying amount, relevant events and circumstances were taken into account, with greater weight assigned to events and circumstances that most affect the fair value of Bytewise or the carrying amounts of its assets. Items that were considered included, but were not limited to, the following: macroeconomic conditions, industry and market conditions, cost factors, overall financial performance, changes in management or key personnel, and other Bytewise specific events. After assessing these and other factors the Company determined that it was more likely than not that the fair value of the Bytewise reporting unit was not less than the carrying amount as of October 1, 2013.

 

 
15

 

 

Income Taxes:  Accounting for income taxes requires estimates of future benefits and tax liabilities. Due to temporary differences in the timing of recognition of items included in income for accounting and tax purposes, deferred tax assets or liabilities are recorded to reflect the impact arising from these differences on future tax payments. With respect to recorded tax assets, the Company assesses the likelihood that the asset will be realized by addressing the positive and negative evidence to determine whether realization is more likely than not to occur. Realization of our deferred tax assets is primarily dependent on future taxable income, the timing and amount of which are uncertain, in part, due to the expected profitability of certain subsidiaries. A valuation allowance is recognized if it is “more likely than not” that some or all of a deferred tax asset will not be realized. In the event that we were to determine that we would not be able to realize our deferred tax assets in the future, an increase in the valuation allowance would be required. In the event we were to determine that we are able to use our deferred tax assets and a valuation allowance had been recorded against the deferred tax assets, a decrease in the valuation allowance would be required. . Should any significant changes in the tax law or the estimate of the necessary valuation allowance occur, the Company would record the impact of the change, which could have a material effect on our financial position or results of operations. See also Income Taxes (Note 11 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.)

 

Defined Benefit Pension Plans: The Company has two defined benefit pension plans, one for U.S. employees and another for U.K. employees.

 

Under our current accounting method, both plans use fair value as the market-related value of plan assets and continue to recognize actuarial gains or losses within the corridor in other comprehensive income but instead of amortizing net actuarial gains or losses in excess of the corridor in future periods, excess gains and losses are recognized in net periodic benefit cost as of the plan measurement date, which is the same as the fiscal year end of the Company (MTM adjustment). This accounting method is a permitted option which results in immediate recognition of excess net actuarial gains and losses in net periodic benefit cost instead of in other comprehensive income.  Immediate recognition in net periodic benefit cost could potentially increase the volatility of net periodic benefit cost. The MTM adjustments to net periodic benefit cost for 2014, 2013 and 2012 were $0.0, $0.0, and $15.3 million, respectively.

 

Calculation of pension and postretirement medical costs and obligations are dependent on actuarial assumptions.  These assumptions include discount rates, healthcare cost trends, inflation, salary growth, long-term return on plan assets, employee turnover rates, retirement rates, mortality and other factors. These assumptions are made based on a combination of external market factors, actual historical experience, long-term trend analysis, and an analysis of the assumptions being used by other companies with similar plans. Significant differences in actual experience or significant changes in assumptions would affect pension and other postretirement benefit costs and obligations. Effective December 31, 2013, the Company terminated eligibility for employees 55-64 years old in the Postretirement Medical Plan. See also Employee Benefit Plans (Note 12 to the Consolidated Financial Statements).

 

Cost of Goods Sold:  The Company includes material direct and indirect labor and manufacturing overhead in cost of goods sold.  Included in these costs are inbound freight, personnel (manufacturing plants only), receiving costs, internal transferring, employee benefits (including pension expense) and inspection costs.

 

Selling General and Administrative Expenses:  The Company includes distribution expenses in selling, general and administrative expenses.  Distribution expenses include shipping labor and warehousing costs associated with the storage of finished goods at each manufacturing facility.  The Company also includes costs for our dedicated distribution centers as selling expenses.  Employee benefits, including pension expense attributable to personnel not involved in the manufacturing process, are also included in selling, general and administrative expenses.

 

CONTRACTUAL OBLIGATIONS

 

The following table summarizes future estimated payment obligations by period.

 

   

Payments due by period (in millions)

 
   

Total

   

<1yr.

   

1-3yrs.

   

3-5yrs.

   

>5yrs.

 

Debt obligations

  $ 21.1     $ 10.4     $ 3.0     $ 3.3     $ 4.4  

Estimated interest on debt obligations

    2.4       0.7       0.8       0.6       0.3  

Capital lease obligations

    0.2       0.1       0.1       -       -  

Operating lease obligations

    10.5       2.1       3.1       2.8       2.5  

Purchase obligations

    24.0       23.9       0.1       -       -  

Total

  $ 58.2     $ 37.2     $ 7.1     $ 6.7     $ 7.2  

 

 
16

 

 

Estimated interest on debt obligations are based on a standard 10 year loan amortization schedule for the $15.5 million term loan, and the current outstanding balance of the company's credit line at the current effective interest rate through April-2015 when the current credit line agreement ends. See note 13 for additional details on these debt instruments.

 

While our purchase obligations are generally cancellable without penalty, certain vendors charge cancellation fees or minimum restocking charges based on the nature of the product or service.

 

ANNUAL NYSE CEO CERTIFICATION AND SARBANES-OXLEY SECTION 302 CERTIFICATIONS

 

In fiscal 2014, the Company submitted an unqualified “Annual CEO Certification” to the New York Stock Exchange as required by Section 303A.12(a) of the New York Stock Exchange Listed Company Manual. Further, the Company is filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission the certifications required by Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 as exhibits to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K.

 

 
17

 

 

Item 8 - Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

 

Contents:

  

Page

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

  

19

Consolidated Balance Sheets

  

20

Consolidated Statements of Operations 

  

21

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss)

 

22

Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity

  

23

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

  

24

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

  

25-47

 

 
18

 

 

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

 

To the Board of Directors and Stockholders

The L.S. Starrett Company

 

 

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of The L.S. Starrett Company (a Massachusetts corporation) and subsidiaries (the “Company”) as of June 30, 2014 and 2013, and the related consolidated statements of operations, comprehensive income (loss), stockholders’ equity, and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended June 30, 2014. Our audits of the basic consolidated financial statements included the financial statement schedule listed in the index appearing under Item 15 (2) of this Form 10-K. These financial statements and financial statement schedule are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements and financial statement schedule based on our audits.

 

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

 

In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of The L.S. Starrett Company and subsidiaries as of June 30, 2014 and 2013, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended June 30, 2014 in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. Also in our opinion, the related financial statement schedule, when considered in relation to the basic consolidated financial statements taken as a whole, presents fairly, in all material respects, the information set forth therein.

 

We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of June 30, 2014, based on criteria established in the 1992 Internal Control—Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO), and our report dated September 10, 2014 expressed an adverse opinion.

 

/s/ Grant Thornton LLP

 

Boston, Massachusetts

September 10, 2014

 

 
19

 

 

THE L.S. STARRETT COMPANY

Consolidated Balance Sheets

(in thousands except share data)

 

   

June 30,

2014

   

June 30,

2013

 

ASSETS

               

Current assets:

               

Cash

  $ 16,233     $ 19,755  

Short-term investments

    8,723       7,657  

Accounts receivable (less allowance for doubtful accounts of $704 and $697, respectively)

    43,712       37,875  

Inventories

    65,582       56,501  

Current deferred tax asset

    6,141       4,978  

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

    6,615       7,182  

Total current assets

    147,006       133,948  

Property, plant and equipment, net

    51,537       51,200  

Taxes receivable

    3,775       3,770  

Deferred tax assets, net

    24,238       28,274  

Intangible assets, net

    7,760       8,222  

Goodwill

    3,034       3,034  

Other assets

    1,898       2,346  

Total assets

  $ 239,248     $ 230,794  
                 

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

               

Current liabilities:

               

Notes payable and current maturities of long-term debt

  $ 10,548     $ 1,557  

Accounts payable

    9,980       7,532  

Accrued expenses

    8,516       9,552  

Accrued compensation

    6,642       5,304  

Total current liabilities

    35,686       23,945  

Deferred tax liabilities

    2,037       2,182  

Other tax obligations

    10,818       10,514  

Long-term debt, net of current portion

    10,804       24,252  

Postretirement benefit and pension obligations

    43,589       42,386  

Other non-current liability

    -       773  

Total liabilities

    102,934       104,052  
                 

Stockholders’ equity:

               

Class A common stock $1 par (20,000,000 shares authorized; 6,165,838 outstanding at June 30, 2014 and 6,076,698 outstanding at June 30, 2013)

    6,166       6,077  

Class B common stock $1 par (10,000,000 shares authorized; 794,990 outstanding at June 30, 2014 and 750,563 outstanding at June 30, 2013)

    795       750  

Additional paid-in capital

    54,063       52,613  

Retained earnings

    95,715       91,778  

Accumulated other comprehensive loss

    (20,425

)

    (24,476

)

Total stockholders’ equity

    136,314       126,742  

Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity

  $ 239,248     $ 230,794  

 

 See notes to consolidated financial statements

 

 
20

 

 

THE L.S. STARRETT COMPANY

Consolidated Statements of Operations

 (in thousands except per share data)

 

   

Years Ended

 
   

6/30/14

   

6/30/13

   

6/30/12

 

Net sales

  $ 247,134     $ 243,797     $ 260,148  

Cost of goods sold

    166,038       171,985       182,073  

Gross margin

    81,096       71,812       78,075  

% of net sales

    32.8 %     29.5 %     30.0 %
                         

Selling, general and administrative expenses

    69,181       73,090       79,925  

Operating income (loss)

    11,915       (1,278

)

    (1,850

)

                         

Other income, net

    142       2,074       1,961  
                         

Earnings before income taxes

    12,057       796       111  

Income tax expense (benefit)

    5,345       958       (777

)

                         

Net earnings (loss)

  $ 6,712     $ (162

)

  $ 888  
                         

Basic and diluted earnings (loss) per share

  $ 0.97     $ (0.02

)

  $ 0.13  
                         

Average outstanding shares used in per share calculations:

                       

Basic

    6,926       6,797       6,757  

Diluted

    6,955       6,797       6,794  
                         

Dividends per share

  $ 0.40     $ 0.40     $ 0.40  

 

See notes to consolidated financial statements

 

 
21

 

 

THE L. S. STARRETT COMPANY

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss)

(in thousands)

 

   

Years Ended

 
   

6/30/14

   

6/30/13

   

6/30/12

 

Net earnings (loss)

  $ 6,712     $ (162

)

  $ 888  

Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:

                       

Translation gain (loss)

    3,323       (5,729

)

    (14,675

)

Pension and postretirement plans

    728       6,787       (8,898

)

                         

Other comprehensive income (loss)

    4,051       1,058       (23,573

)

                         

Total comprehensive income (loss)

  $ 10,763     $ 896     $ (22,685

)

 

See notes to consolidated financial statements

 

 
22

 

 

THE L.S. STARRETT COMPANY

Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity

 (in thousands except per share data)

 

   

Common Stock

Outstanding

   

Additional

Paid-in

   

Retained

   

Accumulated

Other Comprehensive

         
   

Class A

   

Class B

   

Capital

   

Earnings

   

Loss

   

Total

 

Balance, June 30, 2011

  $ 5,933     $ 801     $ 51,411     $ 96,477     $ (1,961

)

  $ 152,661  
                                                 

Total comprehensive income (loss)

                            888       (23,573

)

    (22,685

)

Dividends ($0.40 per share)

                            (2,704

)

            (2,704

)

Issuance of stock under 1984 ESOP

    24               255                       279  

Issuance of stock under ESPP

            9       72                       81  

Issuance of stock for length of service awards

    3               32                       35  

Stock-based compensation

                    171                       171  

Conversion

    57       (57

)

                            -  

Balance, June 30, 2012

    6,017       753       51,941       94,661       (25,534

)

    127,838  
                                                 

Total comprehensive (loss) income

                            (162

)

    1,058       896  

Dividends ($0.40 per share)

                            (2,721

)

            (2,721

)

Repurchase of shares

    (5

)

            (57

)

                    (62

)

Issuance of stock under 1984 ESOP

    25               253                       278  

Issuance of stock under ESPP

            34       248                       282  

Issuance of stock for length of service awards

    3               30                       33  

Stock-based compensation

                    198                       198  

Conversion

    37       (37

)

                            -  

Balance, June 30, 2013

    6,077       750       52,613       91,778       (24,476

)

    126,742  
                                                 

Total comprehensive income

                            6,712       4,051       10,763  

Dividends ($0.40 per share)

                            (2,775

)

            (2,775

)

Issuance of stock under 1984 ESOP

    22               250                       272  

Issuance of stock under 2013 ESOP

            77       726                       803  

Issuance of stock under Long Term Incentive Plan

    3               35                       38  

Issuance of stock under ESPP

            27       231                       258  

Issuance of stock for length of service awards

    5               54                       59  

Stock-based compensation

                    154                       154  

Conversion

    59       (59

)

                            -  

Balance, June 30, 2014

  $ 6,166     $ 795     $ 54,063     $ 95,715     $ (20,425

)

  $ 136,314  
                                                 

Cumulative balance:

                                               

Translation loss, net

                                  $ (18,312

)

       

Pension and postretirement plans, net of taxes

                                    (2,113

)

       
                                    $ (20,425

)

       

 

See notes to consolidated financial statements 

 

 
23

 

 

THE L. S. STARRETT COMPANY

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

 (in thousands)

  

   

Years Ended

 
   

6/30/14

   

6/30/13

   

6/30/12

 

Cash flows from operating activities:

                       

Net earnings (loss)

  $ 6,712     $ (162

)

  $ 888  

Non cash operating activities:

                       

Depreciation

    8,177       8,529       9,039  

Amortization

    1,181       1,146       1,059  

ESOP compensation expense

    -       773       -  

Stock-based compensation

    154       198       171  

Issuance of stock for length of service awards

    59       33       35  

Issuance of stock under Long-Term Incentive Plan

    38       -       -  

Net long-term tax obligations

    289       97       (284

)

Deferred taxes

    1,820       (361

)

    (5,079

)

Unrealized transaction gains

    (4

)

    (23

)

    (23

)

Income on equity method investment

    (257

)

    (470

)

    (237

)

Loss on disposal of building

    89       -       -  

Working capital changes, net of effects of business acquisition:

                       

Accounts receivable

    (4,491

)

    2,377       (2,567

)

Inventories

    (7,526

)

    11,994       (15,774

)

Other current assets

    818       60       (382

)

Other current liabilities

    1,871       (5,551

)

    (315

)

Postretirement benefit and pension obligations

    2,073       1,752       16,037  

Other

    (200

)

    (29

)

    991  

Net cash provided by operating activities

    10,803       20,363       3,559  
                         

Cash flows from investing activities:

                       

Business acquisition, net of cash acquired

            -       (15,070

)

Additions to plant and equipment

    (8,464

)

    (7,788

)

    (10,800

)

Purchase of short-term investments

    (107

)

    (8,116

)

    -  

Proceeds from sale of short-term investments

    -       6,428       -  

Proceeds from sale of building

    596       -       -  

Net cash used in investing activities

    (7,975

)

    (9,476

)

    (25,870

)

                         

Cash flows from financing activities:

                       

Proceeds from short-term borrowings

    -       -       2,056  

Short-term debt repayments

    (425

)

    (194

)

    (552

)

Proceeds from long-term borrowings

    500       1,500       22,454  

Long-term debt repayments

    (4,529

)

    (6,673

)

    (1,599

)

Proceeds from common stock issued

    560       560       360  

Repurchase of shares

    -       (62

)

    -  

Dividends paid

    (2,775

)

    (2,721

)

    (2,704

)

Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities

    (6,669

)

    (7,590

)

    20,015  

Effect of translation rate changes on cash

    319       (1,044

)

    (1,774

)

Net increase (decrease) in cash

    (3,522

)

    2,253       (4,070

)

Cash beginning of year

    19,755       17,502       21,572  

Cash end of year

  $ 16,233     $ 19,755     $ 17,502  

Supplemental cash flow information:

                       

Interest paid

  $ 813       935       505  

Taxes paid, net

    3,476       2,573       4,795  
                         

Supplemental disclosure of non-cash activities:

                       

Issuance of stock under 2013 ESOP

  $ 773       -       -  

 

See notes to consolidated financial statements

 

 
24

 

  

THE L.S. STARRETT COMPANY

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

June 30, 2014 and 2013

 

1. DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS

 

The L. S. Starrett Company (the “Company”) is incorporated in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and is in the business of manufacturing industrial, professional and consumer measuring and cutting tools and related products. The Company’s manufacturing operations are primarily in North America, Brazil, China and the United Kingdom. The largest consumer of these products is the metalworking industry, but others include automotive, aviation, marine, farm, do-it-yourselfers and tradesmen such as builders, carpenters, plumbers and electricians.

 

 

2. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

 

Principles of consolidation: The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of The L. S. Starrett Company and its subsidiaries, all of which are wholly-owned. All significant intercompany items have been eliminated in consolidation.

 

Financial instruments and derivatives: The Company’s financial instruments include cash, investments and debt. Investments are stated at cost which approximates fair market value. The carrying value of debt, which is at current market interest rates, also approximates its fair value.    The Company’s U.K. subsidiary utilizes forward exchange contracts to reduce currency risk. The amount of contracts outstanding as of June 30, 2014 and June 30, 2013 amounted to $1.1 million and $1.0 million, respectively.

 

Accounts receivable: Accounts receivable consist of trade receivables from customers. The expense for bad debts amounted to $0.0, $0.1, and $0.8 million in fiscal 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively. In establishing the allowance for doubtful accounts, management considers historical losses, the aging of receivables and existing economic conditions.

 

Inventories: Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market. Substantially all United States inventories are valued using the last-in-first-out (“LIFO”) method.  All non-U.S. subsidiaries use the first-in-first-out (“FIFO”) method or the average cost method. LIFO is not a permissible method of inventory costing for tax purposes outside the U.S.

 

Long-lived assets: The cost of buildings and equipment is depreciated using straight-line and accelerated methods over their estimated useful lives as follows: buildings and building improvements 10 to 50 years, machinery and equipment 3 to 12 years. Leases are capitalized under the criteria set forth in Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) 840, “Leases” which establishes the four criteria of a capital lease.  At least one of the four following criteria must be met for a lease to be considered a capital lease:  a transfer of ownership of the property to the lessee by the end of the lease term; a bargain purchase option; a lease term that is greater than or equal to 75 percent of the economic life of the leased property; present value of the future minimum lease payments equals or exceeds 90 percent of the fair market value of the leased property.  If none of the aforementioned criteria are met, the lease will be treated as an operating lease. Long-lived assets to be disposed of are reported at the lower of carrying amount or fair value less cost to sell. A gain or loss is recorded on individual fixed assets when retired or disposed of. Included in buildings and building improvements and machinery and equipment at June 30, 2014 and June 30, 2013 were $1.2 million and $1.3 million, respectively, of construction in progress.  Also included in machinery and equipment at both June 30, 2014 and June 30, 2013 is $0.5 million of capitalized interest cost. Repairs and maintenance of equipment are expensed as incurred. No events or circumstances arose in fiscal 2014 which required management to perform an impairment analysis.

 

Intangible assets and goodwill: Identifiable intangibles are recorded at cost and are amortized on a straight-line basis over a 5-15 year period. The estimated useful lives of the intangible assets subject to amortization are: 15 years for patents, 14 years for trademarks and trade names, 10 years for completed technology, 8 years for non-compete agreements, 8 years for customer relationships and 5 years for software development. Goodwill represents costs in excess of fair values assigned to the underlying net assets of acquired businesses. Goodwill is not subject to amortization but is tested for impairment annually and at any time when events suggest impairment may have occurred. The Company annually tests the goodwill associated with the November 2011 acquisition of Bytewise in October. As of October 1, 2013, the company performed an analysis of qualitative factors to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of the Bytewise business is less than its carrying amount as a basis for determining whether it is necessary to perform a two-step goodwill impairment test. Based on the company's analysis of qualitative factors, the company determined that it was not necessary to perform a two-step goodwill impairment test.

 

Revenue recognition: Sales of merchandise and freight billed to customers are recognized when title and risk of loss has passed to the customer, no significant post-delivery obligations remain and collection of the resulting receivable is reasonably assured. Sales are presented net of provisions for cash discounts, returns, customer discounts (such as volume or trade discounts), cooperative advertising and other sales related discounts.   Cooperative advertising payments made to customers are included in selling, general and administrative expenses in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.  While the Company does allow its customers the right to return in certain circumstances, revenue is not deferred, but rather a reserve for sales returns is provided based on experience, which historically has not been significant.

 

 
25

 

 

Advertising costs: The Company’s policy is to generally expense advertising costs as incurred, except catalogs costs, which are deferred until mailed.  Advertising costs were expensed as follows: $5.5 million in fiscal 2014, $6.0 million in fiscal 2013 and $5.6 million in fiscal 2012 and are included in selling, general and administrative expenses.

 

Freight costs: The cost of outbound freight and the cost for inbound freight included in material purchase costs are both included in cost of sales.

 

Warranty expense: The Company’s warranty obligation is generally one year from shipment to the end user and is affected by product failure rates, material usage, and service delivery costs incurred in correcting a product failure. Historically, the Company has not incurred significant warranty expense and consequently its warranty reserves are not material.

 

Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits: The Company has two defined benefit pension plans, one for U.S. employees and another for U.K. employees.  The Company also has defined contribution plans.  In addition, certain U.S. employees participate in an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (the 1984 ESOP) used to partially fund benefits under the U.S. defined benefit pension plan. The Company amended its Postretirement Medical Plan effective December 31, 2013, whereby the Company terminated eligibility for employees ages 55-64.

 

The Company sponsors funded U.S. and non-U.S. defined benefit pension plans covering the majority of our U.S. and U.K. employees. The Company also sponsors unfunded postretirement benefit plans that provide health care benefits and life insurance coverage to eligible U.S. retirees. Under the Company’s current accounting method, both plans use fair value as the market-related value of plan assets and continue to recognize actuarial gains or losses within the corridor in other comprehensive income (loss) but instead of amortizing net actuarial gains or losses in excess of the corridor in future periods, such excess gains and losses, if any, are recognized in net periodic benefit cost as of the plan measurement date, which is the same as the fiscal year end of the Company (MTM adjustment). This method is a permitted option which results in immediate recognition of excess net actuarial gains and losses in net periodic benefit cost instead of in other comprehensive income (loss).  Such immediate recognition in net periodic benefit cost increases the volatility of net periodic benefit cost. The MTM adjustments included in net periodic benefit cost for fiscal 2012 were $15.3 million. There were none in fiscal 2014 or 2013.

 

Income taxes: Deferred tax expense results from differences in the timing of certain transactions for financial reporting and tax purposes. Deferred taxes have not been recorded on approximately $71 million of undistributed earnings of foreign subsidiaries as of June 30, 2014 and the related unrealized translation adjustments because such amounts are considered permanently invested. In addition, it is possible that remittance taxes, if any, would be reduced by U.S. foreign tax credits to the extent available. Valuation allowances are recognized if, based on the available evidence, it is more likely than not that some portion of the deferred tax assets will not be realized.

 

Research and development: Research and development costs are expensed, primarily in selling, general and administrative expenses, and were as follows: $1.4 million in fiscal 2014, $1.3 million in fiscal 2013, and $0.9 million in fiscal 2012 and are included in selling general and administrative expenses in the Consolidated Statement of Operations.

 

Earnings per share (EPS): Basic EPS is computed by dividing earnings (loss) available to common shareholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding for the period. Diluted EPS reflects the potential dilution by securities that could share in the earnings. The Company had 29,951, 48,455, and 36,555 of potentially dilutive common shares in fiscal 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively, resulting from shares issuable under its stock option plans. These shares had no impact on the calculated per share amounts. These additional shares are not used in the diluted EPS calculation in loss years.

 

Translation of foreign currencies: The financial statements of our foreign subsidiaries, where the local currency is the functional currency, are translated at exchange rates in effect on reporting dates, and income and expense items are translated at average rates or rates in effect on transaction dates as appropriate. The resulting foreign currency translation adjustments are charged or credited directly to the other comprehensive income (loss) as noted in the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss).  Net foreign currency gains (losses) are disclosed in Note 10.

 

Use of accounting estimates: The preparation of the financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the U.S. requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of net sales and expenses during the reporting period. Judgments, assumptions and estimates are used for, but not limited to: the allowances for doubtful accounts receivable and returned goods; inventory allowances; income tax valuation allowances, uncertain tax positions and pension obligations. Amounts ultimately realized could differ from those estimates.

 

 
26

 

 

Recent Accounting Pronouncements:

 

ASU 2013-11 clarifies the rules on how to present deferred taxes for tax losses, tax credits and the liability for tax reserves.  The new rules require that a company report its tax balances on the balance sheet on an after reserve basis.   This ASU is required to be adopted in the Company’s year ending June 30, 2015 but early adoption is allowed.  The net effect upon adoption will be to reduce the long term deferred tax asset for NOLs and for tax credits by approximately $8 million and reduce the long term tax liability reflected as Other Tax Obligations by the same amount.  The Company does not expect a material impact to the Statement of Operations.  The Company has not adopted this pronouncement as of June 30, 2014 and will adopt it in the first quarter of fiscal 2015.

 

In May 2014, the FASB issued a new standard related to the “Revenue from Contracts with Customers” which amends the existing accounting standards for revenue recognition. The standard requires entities to recognize revenue when it transfers promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration the entity expects to be entitled to in exchange for those goods or services. This standard is applicable for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2016 and for interim periods within those years and early adoption is not permitted. The Company expects to adopt this standard on July 1, 2017. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of the adoption of this standard on its consolidated financial statements.

 

 

3. ACQUISITION AND INVESTMENT

 

On November 22, 2011, a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company entered into an asset purchase agreement (the “Purchase Agreement”) with Bytewise Development Corporation (“Bytewise”) pursuant to which a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company purchased all of the assets of Bytewise for $15.4 million in cash plus the assumption of certain liabilities.  The asset purchase was financed through a term loan under the Company’s existing security agreement.  

 

Under the Purchase Agreement, the former owners of Bytewise are entitled to a 40% share of any profits from Bytewise’s operations over the first three years after the purchase date so long as they remain employed by the Company.  The Company has accrued for such profit sharing as an expense based on the results of operations since the date of acquisition.

Bytewise designs, develops and manufactures non-contact, industrial measurement systems and software that capture the external geometric profile of a product and analyze that data to meet measurement and/or quality control requirements.

 

The acquisition was accounted for under the acquisition method of accounting.  The total purchase price was allocated to the net tangible assets and identifiable intangible assets based on their estimated fair value as of November 22, 2011.  The allocation of the purchase price is based upon management’s valuation and was finalized in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2012.

 

The table below presents the allocation of the purchase price to the acquired net assets of Bytewise (in thousands):

 

Cash

  $ 298  

Accounts receivable

    1,897  

Inventories

    1,674  

Other current assets

    74  

Intangibles

    9,300  

Goodwill

    3,034  

Other long-term assets

    69  

Accounts payable

    (379

)

Accrued compensation costs

    (270

)

Accrued expenses

    (329

)

Cash paid to sellers

  $ 15,368  

 

Acquisition costs were expensed as incurred and totaled approximately $0.1 million in fiscal year 2012, which are included in selling, general and administrative expenses.

 

The estimates for identifiable intangible assets acquired include approximately $4.95 million for customer relationships, $1.48 million for trademarks and trade names, $2.0 million for completed technology, $0.6 million for non-compete agreements and $0.26 million for order backlog.  Such intangible assets are being amortized on a straight-line basis over their respective useful lives. The weighted-average amortization period is 9.3 years.

 

 
27

 

 

The following table reflects the Bytewise acquisition as if the transaction had occurred as of the beginning of the Company’s fiscal year 2011.  The unaudited pro forma information does not necessarily reflect the actual results that would have occurred had the Company and Bytewise been combined during all of fiscal year 2012 (in thousands except per share amounts):

 

   

Year Ended

6/30/2012

 
         

Unaudited consolidated pro forma net sales

  $ 264,036  

Unaudited consolidated pro forma net earnings

  $ 951  

Unaudited consolidated pro forma diluted earnings per share

  $ 0.14  

 

In fiscal 2010, the Company entered into an agreement with a private software development company to invest $1.5 million over the subsequent twelve to eighteen months in exchange for a 36% equity interest therein.  The Company recorded other income of $0.3 million in fiscal 2014, $0.5 million in fiscal 2013 and other loss of $0.2 million in fiscal 2012 based on the earnings of this entity as allocated under the equity method of accounting. The net carrying value of the investment included in other long-term assets in the Consolidated Balance Sheet as of June 30, 2014 and June 30, 2013 is $1.9 million and $1.6 million, respectively.  In August 2011, the Company guaranteed a loan of $0.5 million, which remains outstanding, between the private software development company and a lender. The cost method is used by the Company to account for investments in companies that the Company does not control and for which it does not have the ability to exercise significant influence over operating and financial policies. These investments are recorded at cost.

 

 

4.  STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION

 

Long-Term Incentive Plan

 

During the quarter ended December 31, 2012, the Company implemented The L.S. Starrett Company 2012 Long-Term Incentive Plan (the “2012 Stock Incentive Plan”), which was adopted by the Board of Directors September 5, 2012 and approved by shareholders October 17, 2012. The 2012 Stock Incentive Plan permits the granting of the following types of awards to officers, other employees and non-employee directors: stock options; restricted stock awards; unrestricted stock awards; stock appreciation rights; stock units including restricted stock units; performance awards; cash-based awards; and awards other than previously described that are convertible or otherwise based on stock. The 2012 Stock Incentive Plan provides for the issuance of up to 500,000 shares of common stock.

 

Options granted vest in periods ranging from one year to three years and expire ten years after the grant date. Restricted stock units (“RSU”) granted generally vest from one year to three years. Vested restricted stock units will be settled in shares of common stock. As of June 30, 2014, there were 20,500 stock options and 5,467 restricted stock units outstanding. In addition, there were 471,300 shares available for grant under the 2012 Stock Incentive Plan as of June 30, 2014.

 

For the stock option grant, the fair value of each grant was estimated at the date of grant using the Binomial Options pricing model. The Binomial Options pricing model utilizes assumptions related to stock volatility, the risk-free interest rate, the dividend yield and employee exercise behavior. Expected volatilities utilized in the model are based on the historic volatility of the Company’s stock price. The risk free interest rate is derived from the U.S. Treasury yield curve in effect at the time of the grant. The expected life is determined using the average of the vesting period and contractual term of the options (short-cut method).

 

The fair value of stock options granted during fiscal year 2013 of $3.82 was estimated using the following weighted-average assumptions:

 

Risk-free interest rate

    1.0

%

Expected life (years)

    6.0  

Expected stock volatility

    52.3

%

Expected dividend yield

    4.0

%

 

The weighted average contractual term for stock options outstanding as of June 30, 2014 was 8.5 years.  The aggregate intrinsic value of stock options outstanding as of June 30, 2014 was $0.1 million. There were 6,833 options exercisable as of June 30, 2014. In recognizing stock compensation expense for the 2012 Stock Incentive Plan management has estimated that there will be no forfeitures of options.

 

The Company accounts for RSU awards by recognizing the expense of the intrinsic value at award date ratably over vesting periods generally ranging from one year to three years. The related expense is included in selling, general and administrative expenses. There were no RSU awards during the year ended June 30, 2014. During the year ended June 30, 2013, the Company granted 8,200 RSU awards with fair values of $10.08 per RSU award. There were no RSU awards prior to December 17, 2012.

 

There were 2,733 RSU awards settled during the year ended June 30, 2014. The aggregate intrinsic value of RSU awards outstanding as of June 30, 2014 was $0.1 million. As of June 30, 2014 all vested RSU awards had been issued and settled.

 

 
28

 

 

Compensation expense related to the 2012 Stock Incentive Plan was $54,000 and $31,000 for fiscal 2014 and 2013 respectively. As of June 30, 2014 there was $0.1 million of total unrecognized compensation costs related to outstanding stock-based compensation arrangements. The cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 1.4 years.

 

Employee Stock Purchase Plan

The Company’s Employee Stock Purchase Plans (ESPP) give eligible employees an opportunity to participate in the success of the company. The Board of Directors renews the Employee Stock Purchase Plan every five years. Under these plans the purchase price of the optioned stock is 85% of the lower of the market price on the date the option is granted or the date it is exercised. Options become exercisable exactly two years from the date of grant and expire if not exercised on such date. No options were exercisable at fiscal year ends. The Board of Directors last approved an ESPP renewal in 2012. No additional options will be granted under the previous 2007 plan. A summary of option activity is as follows:

 

   

Shares

On Option

   

Weighted Average

Exercise Price

   

Shares Available

For Grant

 

Balance, June 30, 2011

    74,009               612,524  

Options granted

    61,815       9.87       (61,815

)

Options exercised

    (9,290

)

    8.73       -  

Options canceled

    (24,044

)

            24,044  

2002 plan expired

    -               (222,568

)

Balance, June 30, 2012

    102,490               352,185  

2007 Plan expired

    -               (352,185

)

2012 Plan authorized

    -               500,000  

Options granted

    61,382       8.77       (61,382

)

Options exercised

    (34,128

)

    8.28       -  

Options canceled

    (41,016

)

            9,926  

Balance, June 30, 2013

    88,728               448,544  

Options granted

    43,643       10.91       (43,643 )

Options exercised

    (26,225 )     9.83       -  

Options canceled

    (30,758 )             19,711  

Balance, June 30, 2014

    75,388               424,612  

 

The following information relates to outstanding options as of June 30, 2014:

 

Weighted average remaining life (years)

    1.3  

Weighted average fair value on grant date of options granted in:

       

2012

  $ 3.32  

2013

    2.73  

2014

    3.37  

 

The fair value of each option grant was estimated on the date of grant based on the Black-Scholes option pricing model with the following weighted average assumptions: expected volatility – 29.76% – 32.04%, interest – 0.32% – 0.43%, and expected lives - 2 years. Compensation expense of $138,677, $166,368 and $171,400 has been recorded for fiscal 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively. 

 

Employee Stock Ownership Plan

 

On February 5, 2013, the Board of Directors adopted The L.S. Starrett Company 2013 Employee Stock Ownership Plan (the “2013 ESOP”). The purpose of the plan is to supplement existing Company programs through an employer funded individual account plan dedicated to investment in common stock of the Company, thereby encouraging increased ownership of the Company while providing an additional source of retirement income.  The plan is intended as an employee stock ownership plan within the meaning of Section 4975 (e) (7) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended. U.S. employees who have completed a year of service as of December 31, 2012 are eligible to participate.

  

 
29

 

 

On June 5, 2013 the Board of Directors approved a contribution to the 2013 ESOP for fiscal 2013 in the amount of two percent of each participant’s compensation (as defined in the Plan). The 2013 contribution was funded in July 2013 in the amount of $0.8 million. There was no ESOP contribution in 2014.

 

Compensation expense for the ESOP was $0.0 million and $0.8 million for the year ended June 30, 2014 and June 30, 2013, respectively. The liability related to the plan was $0.0 million and $0.8 million as of June 30, 2014 and June 30, 2013, respectively. The liability is included in other non-current liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheet. Shares of Class B common stock were contributed to the 2013 ESOP on July 30, 2013 in order to fund the 2013 liability.

 

 

5. CASH AND SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS

 

Cash and investments held in foreign subsidiaries amounted to $21.0 million and $23.5 million at June 30, 2014 and June 30, 2013, respectively. Of this amount, $12.5 million in U.S. dollar equivalents was held in British Pounds Sterling and $6.9 million in U.S. dollar equivalents was held in Brazilian Reals.

 

The Company plans to permanently reinvest cash held in foreign subsidiaries. Cash held in foreign subsidiaries is not available for use in the U.S. without the incurrence of U.S. federal and state income tax consequences.

 

As of June 30, 2014 and June 30, 2013, the Company’s U.K. subsidiary held a $8.7 million 95 day fixed rate deposit and a $7.7 million 95 day fixed rate deposit, respectively, with a financial institution.

 

 

6.  INVENTORIES

 

Inventories consist of the following (in thousands):

 

   

June 30,

2014

   

June 30,

2013

 

Raw materials and supplies

  $ 31,303     $ 29,565  

Goods in process and finished parts

    19,148       20,256  

Finished goods

    42,459       37,507  
      92,910       87,328  

LIFO reserve

    (27,328

)

    (30,827

)

    $ 65,582     $ 56,501  

 

LIFO inventories were $14.1 million and $12.9 million at June 30, 2014 and June 30, 2013, respectively, such amounts being approximately $27.3 million and $30.8 million, respectively, less than if determined on a FIFO basis.  The use of LIFO compared to FIFO on an annual basis resulted in a $3.5 million decrease in cost of sales in fiscal 2014 compared to increases in cost of goods sold of $3.3 million and $1.3 million in fiscal 2013 and 2012 respectively.

   

 
30

 

 

7. GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLES

 

The following tables present information about the Company’s intangible assets on the dates indicated (in thousands):

 

   

June 30, 2014

   

June 30, 2013

 
   

Cost

   

Accumulated Amortization

   

Net

   

Cost

   

Accumulated Amortization

   

Net

 

Goodwill

  $ 3,034     $ -     $ 3,034     $ 3,034     $ -     $ 3,034  

Identifiable intangible assets

    10,720       (2,960

)

    7,760       10,000       (1,778

)

    8,222  

 

Identifiable intangible assets consist of the following (in thousands):

 

   

June 30, 2014

   

June 30, 2013

 

Non-compete agreements

  $ 600     $ 600  

Trademarks and trade names

    1,480       1,480  

Completed technology

    2,358       2,010  

Customer relationships

    4,950       4,950  

Software development

    1,007       635  

Other intangible assets

    325       325  

Total

    10,720       10,000  

Accumulated amortization

    (2,960

)

    (1,778

)

Total net balance

  $ 7,760     $ 8,222  

 

Identifiable intangible assets are being amortized on a straight-line basis over the period of expected economic benefit.  

 

The estimated aggregate amortization expense for each of the next five years, and thereafter, is as follows (in thousands):

 

Fiscal Year

       

2015

  $ 1,304  

2016

    1,304  

2017

    1,302  

2018

    1,234  

2019

    1,155  

Thereafter

    1,461  

 

The Company performed a qualitative analysis in accordance with ASU 2011-08 for its Bytewise reporting unit for its October 1, 2013 annual assessment of goodwill (commonly referred to as “Step Zero”). From a qualitative perspective, in evaluating whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of the reporting units is not less than their respective carrying amount, relevant events and circumstances were taken into account, with greater weight assigned to events and circumstances that most affect the fair value of Bytewise or the carrying amounts of its assets. Items that were considered included, but were not limited to, the following: macroeconomic conditions, industry and market conditions, cost factors, overall financial performance, changes in management or key personnel, and other Bytewise specific events. After assessing these and other factors the Company determined that it was more likely than not that the fair value of the Bytewise reporting unit was not less than the carrying amount as of October 1, 2013. There were no triggering events identified from the annual assessment date through the fiscal year-end.

 

  

8. PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT

 

Property, plant and equipment consists of the following as of June 30, 2014 and 2013 (in thousands):

 

   

As of June 30, 2014

 
   

Cost

   

Accumulated

Depreciation

   

Net

 

Land

  $ 1,376           $ 1,376  

Buildings and building improvements

    47,793       (25,994

)

    21,799  

Machinery and equipment

    142,579       (114,217

)

    28,362  

Total

  $ 191,748     $ (140,211

)

  $ 51,537  

 

 
31

 

 

   

As of June 30, 2013

 
   

Cost

   

Accumulated

Depreciation

   

Net

 

Land

  $ 1,377     $ -     $ 1,377  

Buildings and building improvements

    46,101       (23,308

)

    22,793  

Machinery and equipment

    129,031       (102,001

)

    27,030  

Total

  $ 176,509     $ (125,309

)

  $ 51,200  

 

Included in machinery and equipment are assets under capital leases of $0.7 million as of June 30, 2014 and $1.3 million as of June 30, 2013. The accumulated amortization relating to these leases was $0.6 million and $0.8 million as of June 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively.

 

Operating lease expense was $1.9 million, $1.9 million and $1.8 million in fiscal 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively. Future commitments under operating leases are as follows (in thousands):

 

Fiscal Year

       

2015

  $ 2,147  

2016

    1,679  

2017

    1,400  

2018

    1,372  

2019

    1,453  

Thereafter

    2,474  

 

 

9. REORGANIZATION COSTS

 

The Company closed its Dominican Republic facility effective December 31, 2011.  The decision to close the facility was the result of a decision by Sears to no longer purchase “Craftsman” brand measuring tapes from the Company.  The Company incurred approximately $0.3 million in costs in fiscal 2012 related to facility closure, severance and asset write-offs.  The costs were included in the fiscal 2012 Consolidated Statements of Operations in cost of goods sold ($0.1 million), selling, general and administrative expenses ($0.2 million) and other income and expense ($0.1 million). There were no costs recognized in connection with this closing in fiscal 2013 or fiscal 2014.

  

 

10. OTHER INCOME AND EXPENSE

 

Other income and expense consists of the following (in thousands):

 

   

2014

   

2013

   

2012

 

Interest income

  $ 951     $ 786     $ 916  

Interest expense

    (800

)

    (968

)

    (712

)

Foreign currency gain (loss), net

    (840

)

    1,086       1,442  

Gain from private software development company

    257       470       237  

Dominican Republic reorganization costs

    -       -       (128

)

Sale of scrap material

    126       167       191  

Gain on resolution of contingency

    89       501       -  

Other income (expense), net

    359       32       15  
    $ 142     $ 2,074     $ 1,961  

 

The gain on resolution of contingency represents damages awarded in a Brazilian lawsuit which the Company had filed as plaintiff in 2003.

 

 
32

 

 

11. INCOME TAXES

 

Components of earnings (loss) before income taxes are as follows (in thousands):

 

   

2014

   

2013

   

2012

 

Domestic operations

  $ 5,793     $ (2,633

)

  $ (14,614

)

Foreign operations

    6,264       3,429       14,725  
    $ 12,057     $ 796     $ 111  

 

The provision (benefit) for income taxes consists of the following (in thousands):

 

   

2014

   

2013

   

2012

 

Current:

                       

Federal

  $ 155     $ 124     $ (392

)

Foreign

    3,284       1,243       4,239  

State

    86       (48

)

    455  

Deferred:

                       

Federal

    2,175       (1,472

)

    (5,195

)

Foreign

    (426

)

    503       656  

State

    71       608       (540

)

    $ 5,345     $ 958     $ (777

)

 

Reconciliations of expected tax expense at the U.S. statutory rate to actual tax expense (benefit) are as follows (in thousands):

 

   

2014

   

2013

   

2012

 

Expected tax expense

  $ 4,099     $ 271     $ 38  

State taxes, net of federal effect

    269       26       (170

)

Foreign taxes, net of federal credits

    123       353       (751

)

Change in valuation allowance

    (428

)

    (127

)

    (201

)

Tax reserve adjustments

    465       141       (286

)

Return to provision adjustments

    (265

)

    (764

)

    -  

Losses not benefited

    350       370       206  

Dividend from subsidiary (net of foreign tax credit)

    -       201       -  

Tax rate change applied to deferred tax balances

    278       880       -  

Other permanent items

    454       (393

)

    387  

Actual tax expense (benefit)

  $ 5,345     $ 958     $ (777

)

 

Significant changes in tax expense reconciliation in the year ended June 30, 2014 relate to the following items which are described more fully below: Additional reserves related to the settlement of an audit in China; change in the valuation allowance related to operations in China; an additional tax rate change enacted in the U.K. and return to provision adjustments. Information related to similar items in fiscal 2013 is reflected below. Similar items for the year ended June 30, 2012 were not significant and continue to be classified in the preceding table as components of other permanent items.

 

In fiscal 2014, the tax authorities in China reviewed the intercompany transfer pricing of Chinese subsidiary and made adjustments to the prices for tax purposes to the calendar years 2010 through 2012. The net result was a substantial reduction in the Company’s carryforward tax losses and a small payment of tax and penalties; the net effect is to increase tax expense by $204,000 which is included in the tax reserve adjustments. Since the Company had a history of tax losses, there was a full valuation allowance reflected against the tax impact of the loss carryforward at June 30, 2013. The entity also had substantial profits in fiscal 2014. As a result, the full amount of its carryforward tax losses, after audit adjustments, were utilized and the valuation allowance reducing the deferred tax assets for those losses and other temporary differences was released. The effect was a reduction in the valuation allowance of $428,000.

 

The Company recorded a $278,000 deferred income tax expense in the year ended June 30, 2014 to reflect the impact of a corporate tax rate reduction in the United Kingdom. The tax rate reduction from 23 percent to 20 percent received royal assent during fiscal 2014 and the impact of that reduction on our deferred tax assets was recorded in the first quarter of the year.

 

A return to provision adjustment reducing tax expense by $265,000 was booked in fiscal 2014. The amount relates primarily to a revision of the estimated deduction on the U.S. tax return filed for fiscal 2013 for losses on the intercompany receivable from and investment in the Dominican Republic subsidiary which has ceased operations.

 

 
33

 

 

No benefit is reflected for losses in subsidiaries outside the U.S. which do not have the ability to carry the losses back for a tax refund and which do not have sufficient positive evidence supporting that the losses will be more likely than not to be used to reduce future taxes.

 

Significant changes in the tax expense reconciliation in the year ended June 30, 2013 relate to the following items which are described more fully below:  Return to provision adjustments primarily in the U.S. for foreign tax credits, research credits and state taxes; the tax impact of a dividend from a foreign subsidiary and a change in the effective state tax rate in the U.S. and a legislated change in the tax rate in the U.K. applied to deferred tax balances.

 

For the year ended June 30, 2013 the Company reported an income tax benefit of $764,000 related to differences between the Company’s tax returns filed in fiscal 2013 for earlier periods and the corresponding original estimates used for financial statement purposes. This benefit was primarily driven by the following four significant return to provision adjustments:

 

a.

$350,000 reduction to tax expense related to foreign tax returns primarily related to our estimates of required Brazilian statutory transfer pricing adjustments compared to actual amounts imposed by the Brazilian government.

b.

$162,000 reduction to U.S. tax expense primarily related to changes in U.S. state taxes from the 2012 estimate to the amounts reflected on the actual state tax returns filed.

c.

$160,000 reduction to tax expense related to Company’s decision to claim foreign tax credits for foreign taxes deducted in the fiscal 2012 provision and on selected tax returns for earlier years. The reduction in tax expense is the net benefit after considering the Company’s corresponding valuation allowance on portions of its foreign tax credit carryforward.

d.

$92,000 reduction to tax expense related to the Company’s decision to elect to use the Simplified Alternative Method of calculating the federal tax credit for research expenses on its 2012 tax return.

  

The Company also recorded $880,000 of deferred income tax expense in the year ended June 30, 2013 to reflect the year over year change in the tax rates the Company applies to our deferred tax balances. Of this amount, $782,000 is attributable to a decrease in the Company’s state effective tax rate due to changes in state tax rates and apportionment of profits in the jurisdictions the Company operates in. The remaining $98,000 of deferred tax expense relates to a corporate tax rate reduction in the United Kingdom, which received royal assent during fiscal 2013. An additional $278,000 deferred tax expense in fiscal 2014 relates to the U.K. corporate tax rate reduction from 23 percent to 20 percent which received royal assent in July 2013.

 

Total deferred tax assets net of deferred tax liabilities at June 30, 2014 are $28,342,000. While these deferred tax assets reflect the tax effect of temporary differences between book and taxable income in all jurisdictions in which the Company has operations, the majority of the assets relate to operations in the U.S. where the Company has had book losses in recent years prior to the current year. The Company has considered the positive and negative evidence to determine the need for a valuation allowance offsetting the deferred tax assets in the U.S. and has concluded that it is more likely than not that the deferred tax assets net of the recorded valuation allowance will be realized.

 

Key positive evidence considered include: a) Significant domestic book profits in 2014; b) losses in prior recent years are primarily due to the recession and one-time events including a $16 million pension expense in fiscal 2012; c) cost saving plans have been implemented by the Company; d) earnings of a newly acquired company have created additional domestic income; e) the Company has had more domestic taxable income than losses in the last three years; and f) the U.S. federal tax loss carryforward does not start to expire until fiscal year 2029. The negative evidence considered include: a) before the current year, the 5 most recent years have shown domestic book losses; and b) fiscal 2013 reflects both a book loss and a tax loss.

 

In order to fully utilize the U.S. federal NOL, the Company will need to generate $18 million of U.S. taxable income. While the book losses in prior years are a significant negative factor, the fact that the Company had book and tax profits in 2014, has reduced its federal tax loss carryforward over the last three years and has implemented cost saving measures which will benefit future periods, all of which can be objectively verified, overcome the negative evidence. Thus, the Company believes it is more likely than not that the domestic deferred tax assets will be realized with the exception of certain items described below.

 

A valuation allowance has been provided on certain state NOLs as a result of their much shorter carryforward periods and the uncertainty of generating adequate taxable income at the entity and state level.   Similarly, a valuation allowance has been provided on certain foreign NOLs due to the uncertainty of generating future taxable income in those jurisdictions. In addition, a valuation allowance has been provided for foreign tax credit carryforwards due to the uncertainty of generating sufficient foreign source income in the future. In fiscal 2014, the allowance decreased by $1.2 million primarily related to operations in China where the Company had sufficient profit in fiscal 2014 to fully utilize its tax loss carryforward and to the portion of foreign tax credits which expired in 2014. The need for a valuation allowance is reevaluated as facts and assumptions change over time.

 

 
34

 

 

Deferred income taxes at June 30, 2014 and 2013 are attributable to the following (in thousands):

 

   

2014

   

2013

 

Deferred tax assets (current):

               

Inventories

  $ 3,596     $ 2,954  

Employee benefits (other than pension)

    1,331       827  

Book reserves

    1,244       1,435  

Other

    385       313  

Total current deferred tax assets

    6,556       5,529  

Valuation allowance

    (415

)

    (551

)

Current deferred tax asset

  $ 6,141     $ 4,978  
                 

Deferred tax assets (long-term):

               

Federal NOL, carried forward

  $ 6,150     $ 6,715  

State NOL, various carryforward periods

    1,181       1,178  

Foreign NOL, various carryforward periods

    1,042       1,574  

Foreign tax credit carryforward, expiring 2017 – 2023

    3,754       4,398  

Pension benefits

    10,098       10,889  

Retiree medical benefits

    2,218       4,144  

Intangibles

    2,178       2,643  

Other

    506       721  

Total long-term deferred tax assets

    27,127       32,262  

Valuation allowance

    (2,889

)

    (3,988

)

Long-term deferred tax asset

  $ 24,238     $ 28,274  
                 
                 

Deferred tax liabilities (long-term):

               

Depreciation

    (2,037

)

    (2,182

)

Long-term deferred tax liabilities

    (2,037

)

    (2,182

)

Net deferred tax assets

  $ 28,342     $ 31,070  

 

As of June 30, 2014 and 2013, the net long-term deferred tax asset and deferred tax liabilities on the balance sheet are as follows (in thousands):

 

   

2014

   

2013

 

Long-term assets

  $ 24,238     $ 28,274  

Long-term liabilities

    (2,037

)

    (2,182

)

    $ 22,201     $ 26,092  

 

 
35

 

 

Foreign operations deferred assets relate primarily to inventory and book reserves (current) and pension benefits (long term).  Amounts related to foreign operations included in the long-term portion of deferred liabilities relate to depreciation.

 

The Company is subject to U.S. federal income tax and various state, local and foreign income taxes in numerous jurisdictions. The Company’s domestic and international tax liabilities are subject to the allocation of revenues and expenses in different jurisdictions and the timing of recognizing revenues and expenses. Additionally, the amount of income taxes paid is subject to the Company’s interpretation of applicable tax laws in the jurisdictions in which it files.

 

Reconciliations of the beginning and ending amount of unrecognized tax benefits are as follows (in thousands):

 

Balance at June 30, 2011

  $ (11,127

)

Increases for tax positions taken during a prior period

    (32

)

Increases for tax positions taken during the current period

    (955

)

Effect of exchange rate changes

    473  

Decrease relating to settlement

    137  

Decreases resulting from the expiration of the statute of limitations

    914  

Balance at June 30, 2012

    (10,590

)

Increases for tax positions taken during a prior period

    (212

)

Increases for tax positions taken during the current period

    (381

)

Effect of exchange rate changes

    140  

Decrease relating to settlement

    32  

Balance at June 30, 2013

    (11,011

)

Increases for tax positions taken in prior years

    (204

)

Increases for tax positions taken during the current period

    (268

)

Effect of exchange rate changes

    (9

)

Decrease relating to settlement

    241  

Balance at June 30, 2014

  $ (11,251

)

 

The long-term tax obligations on the balance sheet as of June 30, 2014 and 2013 relate primarily to transfer pricing adjustments.  The Company has also recorded a non-current tax receivable for $3.8 million at June 30, 2014 and 2013, representing the corollary effect of transfer pricing competent authority adjustments.

 

During the next 12 months, the Company does not expect there will be a significant change in the total amount of unrecognized tax benefits. The Company recognizes interest and penalties related to income tax matters in income tax expense.

 

The Company’s U.S. federal tax returns for years prior to fiscal 2011 are no longer subject to U.S. federal examination by the Internal Revenue Service; however, tax losses carried forward from earlier years are still subject to review and adjustment. In fiscal 2014, the tax authorities in China audited the transfer pricing of Starrett’s subsidiary in that country for calendar years 2010 through 2012. Adjustments reduced the tax loss carryforward and required a tax and penalty payment for calendar 2011. As of June 30, 2014, the Company has resolved all open income tax audits. In international jurisdictions: Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, Germany, Japan, Mexico, New Zealand, Singapore and the United Kingdom, the years that may be examined vary by country. The Company’s most significant foreign subsidiary in Brazil is subject to audit for the calendar years 2009 through 2013.   

 

The federal NOL carryforward of $18 million expires beginning in 2029. The state tax loss carryforwards tax effected benefit of $1.2 million expires at various times over the next 1 to 20 years. The foreign tax credit carryforward of $3.8 million expires in the years 2017 through 2024.

 

At June 30, 2014, the estimated amount of total unremitted earnings of foreign subsidiaries is $71 million. The Company received a cash dividend from a foreign subsidiary for $2.4 million in fiscal 2013. The Company has no plans to repatriate additional prior year earnings of its foreign subsidiaries and, accordingly, no estimate of the unrecognized deferred taxes related to these earnings has been made. Cash held in foreign subsidiaries is not available for use in the U.S. without the incurrence of U.S. federal and state income tax consequences.

 

 
36

 

 

12. EMPLOYEE BENEFIT AND RETIREMENT PLANS

 

The Company has two defined benefit pension plans, one for U.S. employees and another for U.K. employees.   The UK plan was closed to new entrants in fiscal 2009.  The Company has a postretirement medical and life insurance benefit plan for U.S. employees. The Company also has defined contribution plans.  In addition, certain U.S. employees, as part of their pension plan benefits, participate in an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (1984 ESOP).

 

The Company amended its Postretirement Medical Plan effective December 31, 2013 whereby the Company terminated eligibility for employees ages 55-64.  For retirees 65 and older, the Company’s contribution is fixed at $28.50 or $23.00 per month depending upon the plan the retiree has chosen.

 

In previous years the Company made contributions to the 1984 ESOP in the form of Company stock or in cash to be invested in Company stock. Employees are not required or permitted to make contributions to the 1984 ESOP. Ninety percent of the actuarially determined annuity value of their 1984 ESOP shares is used to offset benefits otherwise due under the domestic defined benefit pension plan.

 

The total cost of all such plans for fiscal 2014, 2013 and 2012, considering the combined projected benefits and funds of the 1984 ESOP as well as the other plans, was $5.0 million, $4.4 million and $18.0 million, respectively. Included in these amounts are the Company’s contributions to the defined contribution plans amounting to $1.2 million, $1.0 million and $0.2 million in fiscal 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.

  

Under both U.S and U.K. defined benefit plans, benefits are based on years of service and final average earnings. Plan assets, including those of the1984 ESOP, consist primarily of investment grade debt obligations, marketable equity securities and shares of the Company’s common stock. The asset allocation of the Company’s domestic pension plan is diversified, consisting primarily of investments in equity and debt securities. The Company seeks a long-term investment return that is reasonable given prevailing capital market expectations. Target allocations are 40% to 70% in equities (including 10% to 20% in Company stock), and 30% to 60% in cash and debt securities.

 

The Company currently uses an expected long-term rate of return assumption of 6.0% for the U.S. domestic pension plan, and 6.4% for the U.K. plan. In determining these assumptions, the Company considers the historical returns and expectations for future returns for each asset class as well as the target asset allocation of the pension portfolio as a whole. In fiscal 2014 and 2013, the Company used a discount rate assumption of 4.29% and 4.96% for the U.S. plan and 4.30% and 4.70% for the U.K. plan, respectively. In determining these assumptions, the Company considers published third party data appropriate for the plans.

 

Other than the discount rate, pension valuation assumptions are generally long-term and not subject to short-term market fluctuations, although they may be adjusted as warranted by structural shifts in economic or demographic outlooks.  Long-term assumptions are reviewed annually to ensure they do not produce results inconsistent with current market conditions. The discount rate is adjusted annually based on corporate investment grade (rated AA or better) bond yields, the maturities of which are correlated with the expected timing of future benefit payments, as of the measurement date.

 

Based upon the actuarial valuations performed on the Company’s defined benefit plans as of June 30, 2014, the U.S. plan will require a $6.4 million contribution in fiscal 2015 and the U.K. plan will require a $0.8 million contribution in fiscal 2015.

 

The table below sets forth the actual asset allocation for the assets within the Company’s plans.

 

   

2014

   

2013

 

Asset category:

               

Cash equivalents

    1 %     1 %

Fixed income

    14 %     14 %

Equities

    24 %     24 %

Mutual and pooled funds

    61 %     61 %
      100 %     100 %

 

The Company determines its investments strategies based upon the composition of the beneficiaries in its defined benefit plans and the relative time horizons that those beneficiaries are projected to receive payouts from the plans. The Company engages an independent investment firm to manage the U.S. pension assets.

 

Cash equivalents are held in money market funds.

 

 
37

 

 

The Company’s fixed income portfolio includes mutual funds that hold a combination of short-term, investment-grade fixed income securities and a diversified selection of investment-grade, fixed income securities, including corporate securities and U.S. government securities.

 

The Company invests in equity securities, which are diversified across a spectrum of value and growth in large, medium and small capitalization as appropriate to achieve the objective of a balanced portfolio and optimize the expected returns and volatility in the various asset classes.

 

Other assets include pooled investment funds whose underlying assets consist primarily of property holdings as well as financial instruments designed to offset the long-term impact of inflation and interest rate fluctuations.

 

In accordance with ASC 820 Fair Value Measurement, the Company has categorized its financial assets (including its pension plan assets), based on the priority of the inputs to the valuation technique, into a three-level fair value hierarchy as set forth below. If the inputs used to measure the financial instruments fall within different levels of the hierarchy, the categorization is based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement of the instrument.

 

Financial assets are categorized based on the inputs to the valuation techniques as follows:

 

o  

Level 1 – Financial assets whose values are based on unadjusted quoted prices for identical assets or liabilities in an active market which the Company has the ability to access at the measurement.

 

o  

Level 2 – Financial assets whose value are based on quoted market prices in markets where trading occurs infrequently or whose values are based on quoted prices of instruments with similar attributes in active markets.

 

o  

Level 3 – Financial assets whose values are based on prices or valuation techniques that require inputs that are both unobservable and significant to the overall fair value measurement. These inputs reflect management’s own view about the assumptions a market participant would use in pricing the asset.

 

 

The tables below show the portfolio by valuation category as of June 30, 2014 and June 30, 2013 (in thousands).

 

June 30, 2014

                                       

Asset Category

 

Level 1

   

Level 2

   

Level 3

   

Total

   

%

 

Cash Equivalent

  $ 1,105                     $ 1,105       1

%

Fixed Income

            16,791               16,791       14

%

Equities

    26,210       3,428               29,638       24

%

Mutual & Pooled Funds

    37,563       33,932       3,895       75,390       61

%

Total

  $ 64,878     $ 54,151     $ 3,895     $ 122,924       100

%

 

June 30, 2013

                                       

Asset Category

 

Level 1

   

Level 2

   

Level 3

   

Total

   

%

 

Cash Equivalent

  $ 1,416     $     $     $ 1,416       1

%

Fixed Income

          15,307             15,307       14

%

Equities

    23,210       2,475             25,685       24

%

Mutual & Pooled Funds

    28,357       35,553       3,008       66,918       61

%

Total

  $ 52,983     $ 53,335     $ 3,008     $ 109,326       100

%

 

Included in equity securities at June 30, 2014 and 2013 are shares of the Company’s common stock having a fair value of $13.2 million and $9.2 million, respectively.

  

 
38

 

 

A reconciliation of the beginning and ending balances of Level 3 assets is as follows (in thousands):

 

   

Fair Value Measurement Using Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)

 
   

2014

   

2013

 
                 

Beginning balance

  $ 3,008     $ 3,034  

Actual returns on assets

    887       (26

)

                 

Ending balance

  $ 3,895     $ 3,008  

 

The Level 3 assets consist of units of a pooled investment fund which invests in a mix of properties selected from across retail, office, industrial and other sectors predominantly located in the U.K. In addition to direct investments, the fund may also invest indirectly in property through investment vehicles such as quoted and unquoted property companies or collective investment trusts. Redemptions from the fund are not readily available given the illiquid nature of its assets.

 

 
39

 

 

U.S. and U.K. Plans Combined:

 

The status of these defined benefit plans, including the 1984 ESOP, is as follows (in thousands):

 

   

2014

   

2013

   

2012

 

Change in benefit obligation

                       

Benefit obligation at beginning of year

  $ 141,316     $ 145,595     $ 119,892  

Service cost

    2,709       3,017       2,168  

Interest cost

    6,922       6,057       6,538  

Participant contributions

    183       242       249  

Exchange rate changes

    5,359       (1,344

)

    (852

)

Benefits paid

    (5,956

)

    (5,918

)

    (5,803

)

Actuarial (gain) loss

    10,529       (6,333

)

    23,403  

Benefit obligation at end of year

  $ 161,062     $ 141,316     $ 145,595  
                         

Change in plan assets

                       

Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year

  $ 109,326     $ 107,368     $ 108,547  

Actual return on plan assets

    14,105       6,878       3,770  

Employer contributions

    1,171       1,795       1,268  

Participant contributions

    183       242       249  

Benefits paid

    (5,956

)

    (5,918

)

    (5,803

)

Exchange rate changes

    4,095       (1,039

)

    (663

)

Fair value of plan assets at end of year

    122,924       109,326       107,368  

Funded status at end of year

  $ (38,138 )   $ (31,990 )   $ (38,227 )

Amounts recognized in balance sheet

                       

Current liability

  $ (37

)

  $ (33

)

  $ (23

)

Noncurrent liability

    (38,101

)

    (31,957

)

    (38,204

)

Net amount recognized in balance sheet

  $ (38,138

)

  $ (31,990

)

  $ (38,227

)

                         

Amounts not yet reflected in net periodic benefit costs and included in accumulated other comprehensive loss

                       

Prior service cost

  $ 0     $ (116 )   $ (349

)

Accumulated loss

    (8,686

)

    (5,919 )     (13,248

)

Amounts not yet recognized as a component of net periodic benefit cost

    (8,686

)

    (6,035 )     (13,597

)

Accumulated net periodic benefit cost in excess of contributions

    (29,452

)

    (25,955 )     (24,630

)

Net amount recognized

  $ (38,138

)

  $ (31,990 )   $ (38,227

)

                         

Components of net periodic benefit cost

                       

Service cost

  $ 2,709     $ 3,017     $ 2,168  

Interest cost

    6,922       6,057       6,538  

Expected return on plan assets

    (6,332

)

    (5,961

)

    (6,473

)

Amortization of prior service cost

    116       234       234  

Recognized actuarial loss

    398       0       15,298  

Net periodic benefit cost

  $ 3,813     $ 3,347     $ 17,765  
                         

Estimated amounts that will be amortized from accumulated other comprehensive loss over the next year

                       

Prior service cost

  $ (30

)

  $ (127 )   $ (234

)

                         

Information for pension plans with accumulated benefits in excess of plan assets

                       

Projected benefit obligation

  $ 161,062       141,316       145,595  

Accumulated benefit obligation

    154,163       134,594       138,587  

Fair value of assets

    122,924       109,326       107,368  

 

 
40

 

 

U.S. Plan:

 

The status of the U.S. defined benefit plan is as follows (in thousands):

 

   

2014

   

2013

   

2012

 

Change in benefit obligation

                       

Benefit obligation at beginning of year

  $ 99,788     $ 104,537     $ 83,491  

Service cost

    2,326       2,562       1,763  

Interest cost

    4,868       4,289       4,530  

Benefits paid

    (4,263

)

    (4,101

)

    (4,170

)

Actuarial (gain) loss

    7,335       (7,499

)

    18,923  

Benefit obligation at end of year

  $ 110,054     $ 99,788     $ 104,537  
                         

Weighted average assumptions - benefit obligation

                       

Discount rate

    4.29

%

    4.96

%

    3.92

%

Rate of compensation increase

    2.64

%

    2.64

%

    2.64

%

                         

Change in plan assets

                       

Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year

  $ 77,208     $ 76,778     $ 78,577  

Actual return on plan assets

    11,661       3,958       2,348  

Employer contributions

    23       573       23  

Benefits paid

    (4,263

)

    (4,101

)

    (4,170

)

Fair value of plan assets at end of year

    84,629       77,208       76,778  

Funded status at end of year

  $ (25,425

)

  $ (22,580

)

  $ (27,759

)

                         

Amounts recognized in balance sheet

                       

Current liability

  $ (37

)

  $ (33

)

  $ (23

)

Noncurrent liability

    (25,388

)

    (22,547

)

    (27,736

)

Net amount recognized in balance sheet

  $ (25,425

)

  $ (22,580

)

  $ (27,759

)

                         

Weighted average assumptions – net periodic benefit cost

                       

Discount rate

    4.96

%

    3.92

%

    5.44

%

Rate of compensation increase

    2.64

%

    2.64

%

    2.64

%

Return on plan assets

    6.00

%

    6.00

%

    6.00

%

                         

Amounts not yet reflected in net periodic benefit cost and included in accumulated other comprehensive loss

                       

Prior service cost

  $ 0     $ (116

)

  $ (349

)

Accumulated loss

    (3,585

)

    (3,438

)

    (10,420

)

Amounts not yet recognized as a component of net periodic benefit cost

    (3,585

)

    (3,554

)

    (10,769

)

Accumulated contributions less than net periodic benefit cost

    (21,840

)

    (19,026

)

    (16,990

)

Net amount recognized

  $ (25,425

)

  $ (22,580

)

  $ (27,759

)

                         

Components of net periodic benefit cost

                       

Service cost

  $ 2,326     $ 2,562     $ 1,763  

Interest cost

    4,868       4,289       4,530  

Expected return on plan assets

    (4,484

)

    (4,474

)

    (4,570

)

Amortization of prior service cost

    116       234       234  

Recognized actuarial loss

    12       -       15,298  

Net periodic benefit cost

  $ 2,838     $ 2,611     $ 17,255  
                         

Estimated amounts that will be amortized from accumulated other comprehensive loss over the next year

                       

Prior service cost

  $ (30

)

  $ (127

)

  $ (234

)

                         
                         

Information for plan with accumulated benefits in excess of plan assets

                       

Projected benefit obligation

  $ 110,054       99,788       104,537  

Accumulated benefit obligation

    103,155       93,066       97,529  

Fair value of assets

    84,629       77,208       76,778  

 

 
41

 

 

U.K. Plan:

 

The status of the U.K. defined benefit plan is as follows (in thousands):

 

   

2014

   

2013

   

2012

 

Change in benefit obligation

                       

Benefit obligation at beginning of year

  $ 41,528     $ 41,058     $ 36,400  

Service cost

    383       455       405  

Interest cost

    2,054       1,768       2,008  

Participant contributions

    183       242       249  

Exchange rate changes

    5,359       (1,344 )     (851 )

Benefits paid

    (1,693 )     (1,817 )     (1,633 )

Actuarial (gain) loss

    3,194       1,166       4,480  

Benefit obligation at end of year

  $ 51,008     $ 41,528     $ 41,058  
                         

Weighted average assumptions - benefit obligation

                       

Discount rate

    4.30

%

    4.70

%

    4.40 %

Rate of compensation increase

    3.20

%

    3.10

%

    2.60 %
                         

Change in plan assets

                       

Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year

  $ 32,118     $ 30,590     $ 29,971  

Actual return on plan assets

    2,444       2,920       1,422  

Employer contributions

    1,148       1,222       1,245  

Participant contributions

    183       242       249  

Benefits paid

    (1,693 )     (1,817 )     (1,633 )

Exchange rate changes

    4,095       (1,039 )     (664 )

Fair value of plan assets at end of year

    38,295       32,118       30,590  
Funded status at end of year   $ (12,713 )   $ (9,410 )   $ (10,468 )
Amounts recognized in balance sheet                        

Current liability

          $     $  

Noncurrent liability

    (12,713 )     (9,410 )     (10,468 )

Net amount recognized in balance sheet

  $ (12,713 )   $ (9,410 )   $ (10,468 )
                         

Weighted average assumptions – net periodic benefit cost

                       
                         

Discount rate

    4.70

%

    4.40

%

    5.70 %

Rate of compensation increase

    3.10

%

    2.60

%

    3.30 %

Return on plan assets

    5.40

%

    4.90

%

    6.40 %
                         

Amounts not yet reflected in net periodic benefit costs and included in accumulated other comprehensive loss

                       

Prior service cost

  $ 0     $     $  

Accumulated loss

    (5,101 )     (2,481 )     (2,828 )

Amounts not yet recognized as a component of net periodic benefit cost

    (5,101 )     (2,481 )     (2,828 )

Accumulated net periodic benefit cost in excess of contributions

    (7,612 )     (6,929 )     (7,639 )

Net amount recognized

  $ (12,713 )   $ (9,410 )   $ (10,467 )
                         

Components of net periodic benefit cost

                       

Service cost

  $ 383     $ 455     $ 405  

Interest cost

    2,054       1,768       2,008  

Expected return on plan assets

    (1,848 )     (1,487 )     (1,903 )

Amortization of prior service cost

    -       -       -  

Amortization of net loss

    386                  

Recognized actuarial loss

    -       -       -  

Net periodic benefit cost

  $ 975     $ 736     $ 510  
                         

Estimated amounts that will be amortized from accumulated other comprehensive loss over the next year

  $     $     $  
                         
                         

Information for plan with accumulated benefits in excess of plan assets

                       

Projected benefit obligation

  $ 51,008     $ 41,528     $ 41,058  

Accumulated benefit obligation

    51,008       41,528       41,058  

Fair value of assets

    38,295       32,118       30,590  

 

 
42

 

 

Postretirement Medical and Life Insurance Benefits:

 

The status of the U.S. postretirement medical and life insurance benefit plan is as follows (in thousands):

 

   

2014

   

2013

   

2012

 

Change in benefit obligation:

                       

Benefit obligation at beginning of year

  $ 10,964     $ 14,230     $ 11,804  

Service cost

    225       484       386  

Interest cost

    396       518       611  

Plan amendments

    (5,730

)

               

Benefits paid

    (429

)

    (351

)

    (552

)

Actuarial (gain) loss

    441       (3,917

)

    1,981  

Benefit obligation at end of year

  $ 5,867     $ 10,964     $ 14,230  
                         

Weighted average assumptions: benefit obligations

                       

Discount rate

    4.29

%

    4.96

%

    3.92

%

Rate of compensation increase

    2.64

%

    2.64

%

    2.64

%

                         

Change in plan assets

                       

Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year

          $     $  

Employer contributions

    429       351       552  

Benefits paid, net of employee contributions

    (429

)

    (351

)

    (552

)

Fair value of plan assets at end of year

                   
                         

Amounts recognized in balance sheet

                       

Current postretirement benefit obligation

  $ (379

)

  $ (536

)

  $ (624

)

Non-current postretirement benefit obligation

    (5,488

)

    (10,428

)

    (13,606

)

Net amount recognized in balance sheet

  $ (5,867

)

  $ (10,964

)

  $ (14,230

)

                         

Weighted average assumptions – net periodic benefit cost

                       

Discount rate

    4.96

%

    3.92

%

    5.44

%

Rate of compensation increase

    2.64

%

    2.64

%

    2.64

%

                         

Amounts not yet reflected in net periodic benefit cost and included in accumulated other comprehensive loss

                       

Prior service credit

  $ 6,104     $ 1,145     $ 1,888  

Accumulated gain (loss)

    185       627       (3,400

)

Amounts not yet recognized as a component of net periodic benefit cost

    6,289       1,772       (1,512

)

Net periodic benefit cost in excess of accumulated contributions

    (12,156

)

    (12,736

)

    (12,718

)

Net amount recognized

  $ (5,867

)

  $ (10,964

)

  $ (14,230

)

                         

Components of net periodic benefit cost

                       

Service cost

  $ 225     $ 484     $ 386  

Interest cost

    396       518       611  

Amortization of prior service credit

    (771

)

    (743

)

    (905

)

Amortization of accumulated loss

    (1

)

    111       2  

Net periodic benefit cost

  $ (151

)

  $ 370     $ 94  
                         
                         

Estimated amounts that will be amortized from accumulated other comprehensive loss over the next year

                       

Prior service credit

  $ 799     $ 502     $ 905  

Net gain (loss)

    0             (158

)

    $ 799     $ 502     $ 747  
                         
                         

Healthcare cost trend rate assumed for next year

    8.30

%

    7.80

%

    8.80

%

Rate to which the cost trend rate gradually declines

    4.50

%

    4.50

%

    4.50

%

Year that the rate reaches the rate at which it is assumed to remain

 

2026

   

2026

   

2026

 

 

 
43

 

 

Assumed health care cost trend rates have a significant effect on the amounts reported for the health care plans. A one percentage point change in assumed health care cost trend rates would have the following effects (in thousands):

 

   

1% Increase

 
   

2014

   

2013

   

2012

 

Effect on total of service and interest cost

  $ 35     $ 91     $ 111  

Effect on postretirement benefit obligation

    7       1,041       1,430  

 

   

1% Decrease

 
   

2014

   

2013

   

2012

 

Effect on total of service and interest cost

  $ (30

)

  $ (77

)

  $ (93

)

Effect on postretirement benefit obligation

    (7

)

    (881

)

    (1,208

)

 

For fiscal 2015, the Company expects to make a $6.4 million contribution to the qualified domestic pension plan, $33,000 to the nonqualified domestic pension plan, $0.8 million to the U.K. pension plan, and $536,000 to the postretirement medical and life insurance plan.

 

Future pension and other benefit payments are as follows (in thousands):

 

Fiscal Year

 

Pension

   

Other

Benefits

 

2015

  $ 6,423     $ 379  

2016

    6,719       345  

2017

    7,083       315  

2018

    7,424       292  

2019

    7,725       286  

2020-2024

    43,925       1484  

 

 

13. DEBT

 

Debt, including capitalized lease obligations, is comprised of the following (in thousands):

 

   

June 30, 2014

   

June 30, 2013

 

Short-term and current maturities

               

Loan and Security Agreement

  $ 10,410     $ 1,348  

Short-term foreign credit facility

    -       27  

Capitalized leases

    138       182  
    $ 10,548     $ 1,557  

Long-term debt

               

Loan and Security Agreement, net of current portion

  $ 10,726     $ 24,037  

Capitalized leases

    78       215  
      10,804       24,252  

Total debt

  $ 21,352     $ 25,809  

 

Future maturities of debt are as follows (in thousands):

 

Fiscal Year

       

2015

  $ 10,548  

2016

    1,552  

2017

    1,543  

2018

    1,614  

2019

    1,688  

Thereafter

    4,407  

Total

  $ 21,352  

 

The Company completed the negotiations for an amended Loan and Security Agreement (“Line of Credit”) and executed the new agreement as of April 25, 2012.  Borrowings under this agreement may not exceed $23.0 million.  The Line of Credit expires on April 30, 2015 and has an interest rate of LIBOR plus 1.5%.  The effective interest rate on the Line of Credit for fiscal 2014 was 2.01%. The Company intends to negotiate an extension of the Line of Credit.

 

 
44

 

 

On September 7, 2012, the Company completed an amendment to the financial covenants.  The material financial covenants of the amended Loan and Security Agreement are: 1) funded debt to EBITDA, excluding non-cash and retirement benefit expenses (“maximum leverage”), cannot exceed 1.45 to 1; 2) annual capital expenditures cannot exceed $15.0 million; 3) maintain a Debt Service Coverage Rate of a minimum of 1.25 to 1 and 4) maintain consolidated cash plus liquid investments of not less than $10.0 million at any time.

 

On May 9, 2013, the Company further amended the agreement to adjust the current funded debt to EBITDA ratio from 1.45 to 1, to 2.25 to 1 for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2013 and the first quarter of fiscal 2014. Thereafter, and through the end of the agreement on April 30, 2015, the funded debt to EBITDA covenant reverts to 1.45 to 1.

 

On December 23, 2013, the Company amended the loan agreement to reverse the portion of the May 9, 2013 agreement that called for the funded debt to EBITDA ratio to revert back to 1.45 to 1 from 2.25 to 1, beginning with the second quarter of fiscal 2014. Under this new agreement the maximum ratio of funded debt to EBITDA will remain 2.25 to 1 for the remaining term of the loan. The Company expects to be able to meet the covenant in future periods.

 

On November 22, 2011, in conjunction with the Bytewise acquisition, the Company entered into a new $15.5 million term loan (the “Term Loan”) under the then existing Loan and Security Agreement.  The term loan is a ten year loan bearing a fixed interest rate of 4.5% and is payable in fixed monthly payments of principal and interest of $160,640.  The $15.5 million term loan is subject to the same financial covenants as the Loan and Security Agreement.

  

Availability under the Line of Credit is subject to a borrowing base comprised of accounts receivable and inventory.  The Company believes that the borrowing base will consistently produce availability under the Line of Credit in excess of $23.0 million.  As of June 30, 2014, the Company had borrowings of $9.0 million under this facility. A 0.25% commitment fee is charged on the unused portion of the Line of Credit.

 

The Company has three standby letters of credit totaling $0.5 million which reduce the $23.0 million available Line of Credit to $22.5 million.  As of June 30, 2014, the Company has approximately $13.5 million available in the Line of Credit.

 

The obligations under the Credit Facility are unsecured. In the event of certain triggering events, such obligations would become secured by the assets of the Company’s domestic subsidiaries. A triggering event occurs when the Company fails to achieve any of the financial covenants noted above in consecutive quarters. 

  

 

14. COMMON STOCK

 

Class B common stock is identical to Class A except that it has 10 votes per share, is generally nontransferable except to lineal descendants of stockholders, cannot receive more dividends than Class A, and can be converted to Class A at any time. Class A common stock is entitled to elect 25% of the directors to be elected at each meeting with the remaining 75% being elected by Class A and Class B voting together. 

 

 

15. CONTINGENCIES

 

The Company is involved in certain legal matters which arise in the normal course of business, which are not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.

  

 

16. OPERATING DATA

 

The Company believes it has no significant concentration of credit risk as of June 30, 2014. Trade receivables are dispersed among a large number of retailers, distributors and industrial accounts in many countries, with none exceeding 10% of consolidated sales.

 

The Company is engaged in the single business segment of producing and marketing industrial, professional and consumer products. It manufactures over 5,000 tools, including precision measuring tools, tape measures, gages and saw blades. Operating segments are identified as components of an enterprise about which separate discrete financial information is used by the chief operating decision maker in determining how to allocate assets and assess performance of the Company.

 

The Company has (and is managed through) nine manufacturing plants, which are in Jedburgh, Scotland, Itu, Brazil, Athol, MA, Cleveland, OH, Mt. Airy, NC, Suzhou, China, Waite Park, MN, Laguna Hills, CA, and Columbus, GA. Internal operating statements used by the chief operating decision maker (the CEO) are prepared on the basis of the operating results of each of these units, and the Company believes these reporting units meet the aggregation criteria as stated in ASC 280 Segment Reporting.

 

 
45

 

 

The Company has concluded that its principal operations in North America, Scotland and Brazil have similar economic characteristics and therefore similar long-term financial prospects because they operate in worldwide markets, produce and market the same or similar finished products in the same way, generate comparable gross margins, have comparable return on equity, and sell primarily through distribution as opposed to directly to the end user of the product.  Because the units operate in different countries, the economic climate in each country may affect the short-term results of each unit differently; however, over the long run, the units in general are expected to operate similarly and generate similar returns.

 

Other reporting unit similarities include:

 

a.  

All the Company’s units produce tools and related products used primarily by the metal-working and construction trades.  These include rules and tape measures, levels, dial indicators, band saw and hole saw blades, gage blocks, ground flat stock, granite surface plates, micrometers and calipers, etc.  All the Company’s products are included in a single catalog regardless of where manufactured.

 

b.  

The production processes for all products (regardless of where manufactured) are the same or similar in that they use metal or granite as a raw material.

 

c.  

The Company’s products are sold from its manufacturing units through a customer base of resellers, primarily industrial distributors.

 

d.  

The Company and its individual units are not materially affected by the regulatory environment.

 

For these reasons, the Company believes it is appropriate to report on the basis of one reporting segment.

 

The Company’s operations are primarily in North America, Brazil the United Kingdom and China. Geographic information about the Company’s sales and long-lived assets are as follows (in thousands):

 

   

2014

   

2013

   

2012

 

Net Sales

                       

United States

  $ 143,803     $ 133,129     $ 142,417  

Brazil

    80,794       86,122       96,404  

United Kingdom

    31,717       29,260       31,527  

China

    22,663       17,882       19,062  

North America (other than U.S.)

    12,062       12,344       13,144  

Eliminations and other

    (43,905

)

    (34,940

)

    (42,406

)

Total

  $ 247,134     $ 243,797     $ 260,148  
                         

Long-lived Assets

                       

United States

  $ 69,631     $ 77,198     $ 80,818  

Brazil

    12,699       11,044       11,981  

United Kingdom

    5,779       4,527       4,349  

China

    3,558       3,460       3,210  

North America (other than U.S.)

    387       449       464  

Eliminations and other

    188       168       114  

Total

  $ 92,242     $ 96,846     $ 100,936  

 

 
46

 

 

17. QUARTERLY FINANCIAL DATA (unaudited)

 

(in thousands except per share data)

 

Quarter Ended

 

Net

Sales

   

Gross

Margin

   

Earnings

(Loss)

Before

Income

Taxes

   

Net

Earnings / (Loss)

   

Basic and Diluted Earnings / (Loss)

Per Share

 

September 2012

  $ 56,937     $ 17,689     $ (738

)

  $ (351

)

  $ (0.05

)

December 2012

    59,829       18,753       1,121       476       0.07  

March 2013

    59,864       15,939       (1,236

)

    (1,485

)

    (0.22

)

June 2013

    67,167       19,431       1,649       1,198       0.18  
    $ 243,797     $ 71,812     $ 796     $ (162

)

  $ (0.02

)

September 2013

  $ 57,487       17,809       845       216       0.03  

December 2013

    61,841       20,345       2,941       1,782       0.26  

March 2014

    58,281       19,259       2,667       1,682       0.24  

June 2014

    69,525       23,683       5,604       3,032       0.44  
    $ 247,134       81,096       12,057       6,712       0.97  

 

In the fourth quarter of fiscal 2013 the Company was awarded damages in a Brazilian lawsuit which it had filed as plaintiff in 2003, recognizing other income of $0.5 million. In addition, the Company recognized $0.8 million of additional compensation related to the Board of Directors approval of a contribution to the 2013 ESOP.

  

18. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

 

The Company evaluated the June 30, 2014 financial statements for subsequent events through the date that the financial statements were available to be issued and noted no material events requiring either recognition as of June 30, 2014 or disclosure herein.

 

Item 9 - Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure

None.

 

Item 9A - Controls and Procedures

Pursuant to Rule 13a-15(b) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, we carried out an evaluation, with the participation of our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined under Rule 13a-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934) as of the end of the period covered by this annual report. Based upon that evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of such date in ensuring that information required to be filed in this annual report was recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time period required by the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission, and that such information is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

 

There have been no changes in internal control over financial reporting during the quarter that materially affected, or are reasonably likely materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

 

 
47

 

 

 Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

 

Management of the Company is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting. The Company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. Internal control over financial reporting includes those written policies and procedures that:

 

  

  

Pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and acquisitions and dispositions of the assets of the Company;

 

  

  

Provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America;

 

  

  

Provide reasonable assurance that receipts and expenditures of the Company are being made only in accordance with authorization of management and directors of the Company; and

 

  

  

Provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use or disposition of assets that could have a material effect on the consolidated financial statements.

 

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect all misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

 

Management assessed the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of June 30, 2014.  Management based this assessment on criteria for effective internal control over financial reporting described in “Internal Control – Integrated Framework” issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission in 1992. Management’s assessment included an evaluation of the design of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting and testing of the operational effectiveness of its internal control over financial reporting. Management reviewed the results of its assessment with the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors.

 

Based on management’s evaluation of controls at our Bytewise subsidiary, management concluded that the Company did not design and maintain effective controls over revenue transactions and information technology system at that subsidiary. Therefore, material weaknesses in the design and operating effectiveness of the internal control over revenue transactions and information technology system at Bytewise exist. As a result, management has concluded that the Company’s internal control over financial reporting was not effective as of June 30, 2014. 

 

A Global Corporate Finance Policy (“Policy”) was issued to Bytewise and other domestic and foreign subsidiaries in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2014. Once fully implemented, the Policy’s requirements for activity level and information technology controls will address the material weaknesses identified at Bytewise. Corporate management plans to assist Bytewise staff with implementation of these and any other procedures necessary to completely remediate deficiencies in internal controls in fiscal 2015.

 

The Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of June 30, 2014 has been audited by Grant Thornton LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, as stated in their report included herein.

 

 
48

 

 

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

 

To the Board of Directors and Stockholders

The L.S. Starrett Company

 

We have audited the internal control over financial reporting of The L.S. Starrett Company (a Massachusetts corporation) and subsidiaries (the “Company”) as of June 30, 2014, based on criteria established in the 1992 Internal Control—Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). The Company’s management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in the accompanying “Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting.” Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audit.

 

We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk, and performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.

 

A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

 

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

 

A material weakness is a deficiency, or combination of control deficiencies, in internal control over financial reporting, such that there is a reasonable possibility that a material misstatement of the company’s annual or interim financial statements will not be prevented or detected on a timely basis. The following material weaknesses have been identified and included in management’s assessment.

 

As of June 30, 2014, management disclosed material weaknesses related to insufficient controls and documentation for revenue transactions and access to its information technology system at the Company’s Bytewise subsidiary. 

 

In our opinion, because of the effect of the material weakness described above on the achievement of the objectives of the control criteria, the Company has not maintained effective internal control over financial reporting as of June 30, 2014, based on criteria established in the 1992 Internal Control—Integrated Framework issued by COSO.

 

We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the consolidated financial statements of the Company as of and for the year ended June 30, 2014. The material weakness identified above was considered in determining the nature, timing, and extent of audit tests applied in our audit of the June 30, 2014 consolidated financial statements, and this report does not affect our report dated September 10, 2014, which expressed an unqualified opinion on those financial statements.

 

/s/ Grant Thornton LLP 

 

Boston, Massachusetts

September 10, 2014

 

 
49

 

 

Item 9B - Other Information

None.

 

PART III

 

Item 10 – Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance

The information concerning the Directors of the Registrant will be contained immediately under the heading “Election of Directors” and prior to Section A of Part I in the Company’s definitive Proxy Statement for the Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held on October 15, 2014 (the “2014 Proxy Statement”), which will be mailed to stockholders on or about September 12, 2014. The information in that portion of the 2014 Proxy Statement is hereby incorporated by reference.

 

Executive Officers of the Registrant

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

Name

  

Age

  

Held Present

Office Since

  

Position

Douglas A. Starrett

  

62

  

2001

  

President and CEO and Director

Francis J. O’Brien

  

67

  

2009

  

Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer

Anthony M. Aspin

  

61

  

2000

  

Vice President Sales

Stephen F. Walsh

  

68

  

2001

  

Senior Vice President Operations and Director

 

Douglas A. Starrett has been President of the Company since 1995 and became CEO in 2001.

 

Francis J. O’Brien was previously Chief Financial Officer at Delta Education, LLC, an elementary school education company, from 2005 to 2009.  Prior to Delta Education, he was Chief Financial Officer at StockerYale Corporation, a publicly traded technology company, from 2001 to 2004 and Director of Finance and Business Development at Analogic Corporation, a publicly traded manufacturer of medical and security systems, from 1998 to 2000.  Mr. O’Brien served as Corporate Vice President of Finance & Administration for Addison Wesley, a global education company, from 1982 to 1997 and as Senior Manager at Coopers & Lybrand, an international public accounting firm, from 1976 to 1982.  Mr. O’Brien holds a BA from the University of Massachusetts and an MBA from Suffolk University and is a Certified Public Accountant.

 

Anthony M. Aspin was previously a divisional sales manager with the Company.

 

Stephen F. Walsh was previously President of the Silicon Carbide Division of Saint-Gobain Industrial Ceramics before joining the Company in 2001 as Vice President Operations.

 

The positions listed above represent their principal occupations and employment during the last five years.

 

The President and Treasurer hold office until the first meeting of the directors following the next annual meeting of stockholders and until their respective successors are chosen and qualified, and each other officer holds office until the first meeting of directors following the next annual meeting of stockholders, unless a shorter period shall have been specified by the terms of his election or appointment or, in each case, until he sooner dies, resigns, is removed or becomes disqualified.

 

There have been no events under any bankruptcy act, no criminal proceedings and no judgments or injunctions material to the evaluation of the ability and integrity of any executive officer during the past ten years.

 

Code of Ethics

The Company has adopted a Policy on Business Conduct and Ethics (the “Ethics Policy”) applicable to all directors, officers and employees of the Company. The Code is intended to promote honest and ethical conduct, full and accurate reporting, and compliance with laws as well as other matters. The Ethics Policy is available on the Company’s website at www.starrett.com. Stockholders may also obtain free of charge a printed copy of the Ethics Policy by writing to the Clerk of the Company at The L.S. Starrett, 121 Crescent Street, Athol, MA 01331. We intend to disclose any future amendments to, or waivers from, the Ethics Policy within four business days of the waiver or amendment through a website posting or by filing a Current Report on Form 8-K with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

 

Item 11 - Executive Compensation

The information concerning management remuneration will be contained under the heading “General Information Relating to the Board of Directors and Its Committees,” and in Sections C-H of Part I of the Company’s 2014 Proxy Statement, and is hereby incorporated by reference.

 

 
50

 

 

 

On July 15, 2010, the Company entered into a Change of Control Agreement with Francis J. O’Brien.  The terms of Mr. O’Brien’s Agreement are identical to those contained in the Change of Control Agreement between the Company and Stephen F. Walsh dated as of January 16, 2009, a form of which is incorporated by reference as Exhibit 10n to this Form 10-K.   Such terms are described in the Company’s Form 10-Q filed for the quarter ended December 27, 2008 and are incorporated herein by reference.

 

Item 12 - Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters

(a)      The following table gives information about the Company’s common stock that may be issued upon the exercise of options, warrants and rights under the Company’s 2012 Employees’ Stock Purchase Plan (“2012 Plan”) as of June 30, 2014. The 2012 Plan was approved by stockholders at the Company’s 2012 annual meeting and shares of Class A or Class B common stock may be issued under the 2012 Plan. Options are not issued under the Company’s Employees’ Stock Purchase Plan that was adopted in 1952.

 

Plan Category

 

Number of Securities

to be issued

Upon Exercise of

Outstanding Options,

Warrants and Rights

(a)

 

 

Weighted Average

Exercise Price of

Outstanding Options,

Warrants and Rights

(b)

 

 

Number of Securities

Remaining Available

For Future Issuance

Under Equity Compen-

sation Plans (Ex-

cluding Securities

Reflected in Column (a))

(c)

 

Equity compensation plans approved by security holders

 

 

75,388

 

 

$

9.95

 

 

 

424,612

 

Equity compensation plans not approved by security holders

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total

 

 

75,388

 

 

$

9.95

 

 

 

424,612

 

 

(b)       Security ownership of certain beneficial owners:

 

The information concerning a more than 5% holder of any class of the Company’s voting shares will be contained under the heading “Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners” in Section I of Part I of the Company’s 2014 Proxy Statement, and is hereby incorporated by reference.

 

(c)       Security ownership of management:

 

The information concerning the beneficial ownership of each class of equity securities by all directors, and all directors and officers of the Company as a group, will be contained under the heading “Security Ownership of Management” in Section I of Part I in the Company’s 2014 Proxy Statement. These portions of the 2014 Proxy Statement are hereby incorporated by reference.

 

(d)       The Company knows of no arrangements that may, at a subsequent date, result in a change in control of the Company.

 

Item 13 - Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence

The information required by this Item 13 will be contained in the Company’s 2014 Proxy Statement, and is hereby incorporated by reference.

 

Item 14 - Principal Accountant Fees and Services

The information required by this Item 14 will be contained in the Audit Fee table in Section B of Part I in the Company’s 2014 Proxy Statement. These portions of the Proxy Statement are hereby incorporated by reference.

 

 
51

 

 

PART IV

 

Item 15 – Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules

(a)  1.      Financial statements filed in Item 8 of this annual report:

 

Consolidated Balance Sheets at June 30, 2014 and June 30, 2013.

 

Consolidated Statements of Operations for each of the years in the three year period ended June 30, 2014.

 

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) for each of the years in the three year period ended June 30, 2014.

 

Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity for each of the years in the three year period ended June 30, 2014.

 

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for each of the years in the three year period ended June 30, 2014.

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

       2.    The following consolidated financial statement schedule of the Company included in this annual report on Form 10-K is filed herewith pursuant to Item 15(c) and appears immediately before the Exhibit Index:

 

SCHEDULE II – VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS

 

Schedule II

 

 

Valuation and Qualifying Accounts

Allowance for Doubtful Accounts

 

(in 000)

 

Balance at

Beginning of Period

   

Provisions

   

Charges to

Other Accounts

   

Write-offs

   

Balance at

End of Period

 
                                         

Allowance for Doubtful Accounts:

                                       

Year Ended June 30, 2014

  $ 697     $ 27     $ 27     $ (47

)

  $ 704  

Year Ended June 30, 2013

    965       7       (42

)

    (233

)

    697  

Year Ended June 30, 2012

    416       660       (17

)

    (94

)

    965  

 

Valuation Allowance on Deferred Tax Asset

 

(in 000)

 

Balance at

Beginning of Period

   

Provisions

   

Charges to

Other Accounts

   

Write-offs

   

Balance at

End of Period

 
                                         
                                         

Year Ended June 30, 2014

  $ 4,539     $ 302     $ (385

)

  $ (1,152

)

  $ 3,304  

Year Ended June 30, 2013

    2,560       685       1,595       (301

)

    4,539  

Year Ended June 30, 2012

    2,829       13       (282

)

    -       2,560  

 

 

All other financial statement schedules are omitted because they are inapplicable, not required under the instructions, or the information is reflected in the financial statements or notes thereto.

 

       3.     See Exhibit Index below. Compensatory plans or arrangements are identified by an “*.”

 

(b)      See Exhibit Index below.

 

(c)      Not applicable.

 

 
52

 

 

THE L.S. STARRETT COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES - EXHIBIT INDEX

 

Exhibit

  

3a

Restated Articles of Organization as amended, filed with Form 10-K for the year ended June 30, 2012, is hereby incorporated by reference.

   

3b

Amended and Restated Bylaws, filed with Form 10-Q for the quarter ended December 31, 2012, is hereby incorporated by reference.

   

4a

Rights Agreement dated as of November 2, 2010 between the Company and Mellon Investor Services LLC, as Rights Agent (together with exhibits, including the Form of Rights Certificate, and the Summary of Rights to Purchase Shares of Class A Common Stock), filed with Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 25, 2010, is hereby incorporated by reference.

   

4b

Amendment No. 1 to Rights Agreement dated as of February 5, 2013 by and between the Company and Computershare Shareowner Services LLC, filed with Form 10-Q for the quarter ended December 31, 2012, is hereby incorporated by reference.

   

10a

Form of indemnification agreement with directors and executive officers, filed with Form 10-K for the year ended June 29, 2002, is hereby incorporated by reference.

   

10b*

The L.S. Starrett Company Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan, filed with Form 10-K for the year ended June 29, 2002 is hereby incorporated by reference.

   

10c*

The L.S. Starrett Company 401(k) Stock Savings Plan (2001 Restatement), filed with Form 10-K for the year ended June 29, 2002 is hereby incorporated by reference.

   

10d*

The L.S. Starrett Company Employee Stock Ownership Plan and Trust Agreement, as amended, filed with Form 10-K for the year ended June 30, 2012 is hereby incorporated by reference.

   

10e*

Amendment dated April 1, 2003 to the Company’s 401(k) Stock Savings Plan, filed with Form 10-K for the year ended June 28, 2003, is hereby incorporated by reference.

   

10f*

Amendment dated October 20, 2003 to the Company’s 401(k) Stock Savings Plan, filed with Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 27, 2003, is hereby incorporated by reference.

   

10g

Amendment dated as of June 24, 2006 to the Company’s Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, filed with Form 10-K for the year ended June 24, 2006, is hereby incorporated by reference.

   

10h

Loan and Security Agreement dated as of June 30, 2009 by and among the Company, certain subsidiaries of the Company, and TD Bank, N.A., as lender as amended through April 25, 2012, filed with Form 10-k for the year ended June 30, 2012, is hereby incorporated by reference..

   

10i*

2007 Employees’ Stock Purchase Plan filed with the Definitive Proxy Statement for the 2008 Annual Meeting of Stockholders is hereby incorporated by reference.

   

10j

Change in Control Agreement, dated January 16, 2009, between the Company and Douglas A. Starrett, filed with Form 10-Q for the quarter ended December 27, 2008, is hereby incorporated by reference.

   

10k

Form of Change in Control Agreement, executed separately by the Company and each of Stephen F. Walsh and Francis J. O’Brien on January 16, 2009 and July 15, 2010, respectively, filed with Form 10-Q for the quarter ended December 27, 2008, is hereby incorporated by reference.

   

10l

Form of Non-Compete Agreement, dated as of January 16, 2009, executed separately by the Company and each of  Francis J. O’Brien, Douglas A Starrett and Stephen F. Walsh on July 15, 2010, January 16, 2009 and January 16, 2009, filed with Form 10-Q for the quarter ended December 27, 2008, is hereby incorporated by reference.

   

10m*

The L. S. Starrett Company 2013 Employee Stock Ownership Plan and Trust Agreement, filed with Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2013, is hereby incorporated by reference. 

 

 
53

 

 

10n*

First Amendment to The L. S. Starrett Company 2013 Employee Stock Ownership Plan and Trust Agreement as, dated December 31, 2013 is hereby incorporated by reference.

   

10o*

The L.S. Starrett Company 2012 Employees’ Stock Purchase Plan, filed with the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-8 (File No. 333-184934) filed on November 14, 2012, is hereby incorporated by reference.

   

10p*

The L.S. Starrett Company 2012 Long-Term Incentive Plan, filed with the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-8 (File No. 333-184934) filed on November 14, 2012, is hereby incorporated by reference.

   

10q

Form of Non-Statutory Stock Option Agreement under The L.S. Starrett Company 2012 Long-Term Incentive Plan, filed with Form 10-Q for the quarter ended December 31, 2012, is hereby incorporated by reference.

   

10r

Form of Director Non-Statutory Stock Option Agreement under The L.S. Starrett Company 2012 Long-Term Incentive Plan, filed with Form 10-Q for the quarter ended December 31, 2012, is hereby incorporated by reference.

   

10s

Form of Restricted Stock Unit Agreement under The L.S. Starrett Company 2012 Long-Term Incentive Plan, filed with Form 10-Q for the quarter ended December 31, 2012, is hereby incorporated by reference.

   

10t

Form of Director Restricted Stock Unit Agreement under The L.S. Starrett Company 2012 Long-Term Incentive Plan, filed with Form 10-Q for the quarter ended December 31, 2012, is hereby incorporated by reference.

   

10u*

Cash Bonus Plan for executives officers of the Company, filed with Form 10-K for the year ended June 30, 2013, is hereby incorporated by reference.

   

10v

Amendment dated December 23, 2013 to the Company’s amended Loan and Security Agreement is hereby incorporated by reference.

   

21

Subsidiaries of the L.S. Starrett Company is hereby incorporated by reference.

   

23

Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm, is hereby incorporated by reference.

   

31a

Certification of Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) is hereby incorporated by reference.

   

31b

Certification of Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) is hereby incorporated by reference.

   

32

Certification of Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to Rule 13a-14(b) and Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (subsections (a) and (b) of Section 1350, Chapter 63 of Title 18, United States Code), is hereby incorporated by reference.

   

101

The following materials from The L. S. Starrett Company Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended June 30,  2014 are hereby incorporated by reference, formatted in XBRL (Extensible Business Reporting Language): (i) the Consolidated Balance Sheets, (ii) the Consolidated Statements of Operations, (iii) the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss), (iv) the Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity (v) the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows, and (vi) Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements, tagged as blocks of text.

 

 
54

 

 

SIGNATURES

 

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) 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.

 

 

  

THE L.S. STARRETT COMPANY

(Registrant)

  

  

  

  

  

By: /S/ Francis J. O’Brien

  

  

Francis J. O’Brien

Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer

 (Principal Accounting Officer)

Date: Sept. 11, 2014

  

  

 

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the Registrant and in the capacities and on the date indicated:

 

/S/DOUGLAS A. STARRETT

  

/S/SALVADOR DE CAMARGO, JR.

Douglas A. Starrett, Sept. 11, 2014 

President and CEO and Director

(Principal Executive Officer)

  

Salvador de Camargo, Jr., Sept. 11, 2014 

President and Director

Starrett Industria e Comercio Ltda, Brazil

 

By: /S/ Francis J. O’Brien

  

/S/TERRY A. PIPER

Francis J. O’Brien, Sept. 11, 2014

Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer

(Principal Accounting Officer)

  

Terry A. Piper, Sept. 11, 2014 

Director

  

  

  

/S/RICHARD B. KENNEDY

  

/S/STEPHEN F. WALSH

Richard B. Kennedy, Sept. 11, 2014

  

Stephen F Walsh, Sept. 11, 2014

Director

  

Senior Vice President Operations and Director

  

  

 

/S/DAVID A. LEMOINE

  

/S/RALPH G. LAWRENCE

David A. Lemoine, Sept. 11, 2014

  

Ralph G. Lawrence, Sept. 11, 2014

Director

  

Director

 

 

55