UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C.  20549


FORM 10-Q



(Mark One)
 
 xQuarterly report pursuant to section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 for the quarterly period ended JulyJanuary 31, 20082009 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. 0-9143


HURCO COMPANIES, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Indiana 35-1150732
(State or other jurisdiction of (I.R.S. Employer Identification Number)
incorporation or organization)  
   
One Technology Way  
Indianapolis, Indiana 46268
(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip code)

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code                                                                                                           (317) 293-5309


Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Sections 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months, and (2) has been subject to the filing requirements for the past 90 days:
Yes X    No ­    .


Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer or a small 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 [ X ]
Non-accelerated filer [   ] (Do not check if a smaller reporting company)                                    Smaller reporting company [   ]

Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the
Exchange Act).                                                                                                                                      Yes [   ]  No [X ]

The number of shares of the Registrant's common stock outstanding as of SeptemberMarch 1, 20082009 was 6,420,851.



 
 

 

HURCO COMPANIES, INC.
July 2008January 2009 Form 10-Q Quarterly Report


Table of Contents



Part I - Financial Information


Item 1.Financial Statements 
   
 
Condensed Consolidated Statement of Operations ………………………………………..
Three and nine months ended JulyJanuary 31, 20082009 and 20072008
3
   
 
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet …………………………………………………..
As of JulyJanuary 31, 20082009 and October 31, 20072008
4
   
 
Condensed Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows………………………………………..
Three and nine months ended JulyJanuary 31, 20082009 and 20072008
5
   
 
Condensed Consolidated Statement of Changes in Shareholders' Equity…………………
NineThree months ended JulyJanuary 31, 20082009 and 20072008
6
   
 Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements…………………………………..7
   
Item 2.
Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial ……………………………………..
Condition and Results of Operations
13
   
Item 3.Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk …………………………….2018
   
Item 4.Controls and Procedures …………………………………………………………………...2220
   

Part II - Other Information


Item 1.Legal Proceedings…………………………………...…………………………………...2321
   
Item 1A.Risk Factors…………..……………………………...…………………………………...2321
   
Item 5.Other Information…..…………… ………………………………………………………2321
   
Item 6.Exhibits…..……………………… ………………………………………………………2422
   
Signatures…………………………………………………………………………………………….2523



 
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PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION


Item 1.
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS


HURCO COMPANIES, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
(In thousands, except per share data)

 Three Months Ended  Nine Months Ended  Three Months Ended 
 July 31  July 31  January 31 
 2008  2007  2008  2007  2009  2008 
       (Unaudited) 
                  
Sales and service fees $57,318  $48,555  $176,526  $137,927  $28,307  $60,923 
                        
Cost of sales and service  36,439   30,138   110,459   85,838   19,765   36,066 
                        
Gross profit
  20,879   18,417   66,067   52,089   8,542   24,857 
                        
Selling, general and administrative expenses  11,829   10,228   35,881   28,883   8,029   12,376 
                        
Operating income
  9,050   8,189   30,186   23,206   513   12,481 
                        
Interest expense  25   11   46   165   23   11 
                        
Interest income  154   172   436   561   104   149 
                        
Investment income  72   113   363   191   28   172 
                        
Other (income) expense, net  471   (359)  1,311   (867)
Other expense, net  73   464 
                        
Income before taxes
  8,780   8,822   29,628   24,660   549   12,327 
                        
Provision for income taxes  2,954   3,659   10,530   9,421   195   4,522 
                        
Net income $5,826  $5,163  $19,098  $15,239  $354  $7,805 
                        
Earnings per common share                        
                        
Basic
 $0.91  $0.81  $2.98  $2.39  $0.06  $1.22 
Diluted
 $0.90  $0.80  $2.96  $2.37  $0.05  $1.21 
                        
Weighted average common shares outstanding                        
                        
Basic
  6,414   6,379   6,414   6,379   6,421   6,401 
Diluted
  6,439   6,440   6,445   6,435   6,438   6,433 









The accompanying notes are an integral part of the condensed consolidated financial statements.

 
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HURCO COMPANIES, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET
(Dollars in thousands)In thousands, except share and per-share data)

 July 31  October 31  January 31  October 31 
 2008  2007  2009  2008 
       (Unaudited)  (Audited) 
ASSETS            
Current assets:            
Cash and cash equivalents
 $31,048  $29,760  $30,126  $26,394 
Short-term investments  1,925  10,000  --  6,674 
Accounts receivable, net  29,505  25,645  18,587  31,952 
Inventories, net  74,489  61,121  63,294  66,368 
Deferred tax assets, net  9,108  8,258  6,489  5,444 
Derivative assets  8,762  12,463 
Other   7,827   4,481   1,824   2,017 
  153,902   139,265   129,082   151,312 
                
Property and equipment:                
Land
 782  776  782  782 
Building
 7,135  7,135  7,127  7,127 
Machinery and equipment
 15,674  13,629  15,396  14,885 
Leasehold improvements
  1,935   1,473   1,827   1,765 
 25,526  23,013  25,132  24,559 
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization
  (12,067)  (11,617)  (11,300)  (10,961)
  13,459   11,396   13,832   13,598 
Non-current assets:                
Software development costs, less accumulated amortization 5,475  5,960  5,967  5,711 
Long-term investments  4,774  - 
Other assets   7,280   7,160   6,825   6,823 
 $184,890  $163,781  $155,706  $177,444 
                
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY                
Current liabilities:                
Accounts payable
 $36,926  $35,486  $14,587  $28,303 
Derivative liabilities
 3,094  2,692 
Accrued expenses
  26,182   27,729   12,105   20,134 
  63,108   63,215   29,786   51,129 
                
Non-current liabilities:                
Deferred tax liability, net  1,878  1,956  2,083  2,056 
Deferred credits and other obligations
  962   1,007   786   782 
Total liabilities
  65,948   66,178   32,655   53,967 
                
Shareholders’ equity:                
Preferred stock: no par value per share; 1,000,000 shares
                
authorized; no shares issued
 --  --  --  -- 
Common stock: no par value; $.10 stated value per share;
                
13,250,000 shares authorized, and 6,420,851 and 6,392,220
        
13,250,000 shares authorized, and 6,420,851 and 6,420,851
        
shares issued and outstanding, respectively
 642   639  642   642 
Additional paid-in capital
 51,633  50,971  51,747  51,690 
Retained earnings
 68,467  49,369  72,243  71,889 
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
  (1,800)  (3,376)  (1,581)  (744)
Total shareholders’ equity
  118,942   97,603   123,051   123,477 
 $184,890  $163,781  $155,706  $177,444 


The accompanying notes are an integral part of the condensed consolidated financial statements.

 
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HURCO COMPANIES, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
(Dollars in thousands)

 Three Months Ended  Nine Months Ended  Three Months Ended 
 July 31  July 31  January 31 
 2008  2007  2008  2007  2009  2008 
       (Unaudited) 
Cash flows from operating activities:                  
Net income
 $5,826  $5,163  $19,098  $15,239  $354  $7,805 
Adjustments to reconcile net income to
Net cash provided by (used for) operating activities:
                        
Provision for doubtful accounts (22) (83) (163) 160  306  (25)
Deferred tax provision (310) 1,190  (956) 694  (1,106) (268)
Equity in (income) loss of affiliates (40) (352) (11) (972) 24  20 
Depreciation and amortization
 777  589  2,190  1,376  791  683 
Stock-based compensation 364  56  478  422  57  57 
Change in assets and liabilities:
                        
(Increase) decrease in accounts receivable
 3,742  (2,641) (2,541) (3,858) 13,047  (10,019)
(Increase) decrease in inventories
 (6,143) (8,679) (10,290) (9,203) 2,929  (2,029)
Increase (decrease) in accounts payable
 (826) 7,798  (1,559) 8,934  (13,441) 982 
Increase (decrease) in accrued expenses
 2,144  5,180  (1,826) 5,677  (7,993) (2,003)
Other
  44   (4,550)  (3,847)  (5,836)  3,522   1,103 
Net cash provided by (used for) operating activities
  5,556   3,671   573   12,633   (1,510)  (3,694)
                        
Cash flows from investing activities:                        
Proceeds from sale of property and equipment
 --  --  12  --  4  12 
Purchase of property and equipment
 (1,306) (508) (3,061) (1,100) (792) (1,096)
Purchase of investments --  (8,175) (9,100) (20,175) --  (8,000)
Sale of investments 1,725  --  12,075  4,000  6,674  4,000 
Software development costs
 (236) (148) (395) (1,198) (559) (51)
Other investments
  (334)  (163)  (73)  (323)  (48)  (106)
Net cash provided by (used for) investing activities
  (151)  (8,994)  (542)  (18,796)  5,279   (5,241)
                        
Cash flows from financing activities:                        
Repayment on first mortgage
 --  --  --  (4,010)
Tax benefit from exercise of stock options --  31  36  299 
Proceeds from exercise of common stock options
  --   --   151   119   --   54 
Net cash provided by (used for) financing activities
  --   31   187   (3,592)  --   54 
                        
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash  34   (121)  1,070   953   (37)  297 
                        
Net increase (decrease) in cash and
cash equivalents
  5,439  (5,413)  1,288  (8,802)  3,732  (8,584)
                        
Cash and cash equivalents
at beginning of period
   25,609    26,457    29,760    29,846    26,394    29,760 
                        
Cash and cash equivalents
at end of period
 $31,048  $21,044  $31,048  $21,044  $30,126  $21,176 






The accompanying notes are an integral part of the condensed consolidated financial statements.

 
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HURCO COMPANIES, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
For the ninethree months ended JulyJanuary 31, 20082009 and 20072008


(Dollars in thousands, except
Shares Issued and Outstanding)
 
 
Common Stock
  
 
Additional
     
Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
     
 
Common Stock
  
 
Additional
     
Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
    
 
Shares Issued
& Outstanding
  Amount  
Paid-In
Capital
  
Retained
Earnings
  
Income
(Loss)
  Total  
Shares Issued
& Outstanding
  
Amount
  
Paid-In
Capital
  
Retained
Earnings
  
Income
(Loss)
  
Total
 
 (Dollars in thousands)  (Dollars in thousands) 
                                    
Balances, October 31, 2006  6,346,520  $635  $50,011  $28,480  $(3,751) $75,375 
Balances, October 31, 2007  6,392,220  $639  $50,971  $49,369  $(3,376) $97,603 
                                                
Net income  --   --   --   15,239   --   15,239   --   --   --   7,805   --   7,805 
                                                
Translation of foreign currency financial statements   --    --    --    --    1,702    1,702    --    --    --    --    456    456 
                                                
Unrealized loss on derivative instruments, net of tax   --    --    --    --   (1,176)  (1,176)
Unrealized gain on derivative instruments, net of tax   --    --    --    --   30    30 
                                                
Comprehensive income  --   --   --   --   --   15,765   --   --   --   --   --  8,291 
                                                
Exercise of common stock options  43,200   4   115   --   --   119   25,000   3   51   --   --  54 
                                                
Tax benefit from exercise of stock options  --   --   299   --   --  299   --   --   --   --   --  -- 
                                                
Stock-based compensation expense  --   --   422   --   --  422   --   --   57   --   --  57 
                                                
Balances, July 31, 2007  6,389,720  $639  $50,847  $43,719  $(3,225) $91,980 
Balances, January 31, 2008 (Unaudited)
  6,417,220  $642  $51,079  $57,174  $(2,890) $106,005 
                                                
                                                
Balances, October 31, 2007  6,392,220  $639  $50,971  $49,369  $(3,376) $97,603 
Balances, October 31, 2008  6,420,851  $642  $51,690  $71,889  $(744) $123,477 
                              
Net income  --   --   --   19,098   --   19,098   --   --   --   354  --   354 
                                                
Translation of foreign currency financial statements   --    --    --    --   2,261    2,261    --    --    --    --   (740)  (740)
                                                
Unrealized loss on derivative instruments, net of tax   --      --    --    --   (483)  (483)   --      --    --    --   (299)  (299)
                        
Unrealized loss on investments, net of tax  --   --   --   --   (202)  (202)
                        
Comprehensive income  --   --   --   --   --   20,674 
Reversal of unrealized loss on investments,
net of tax
    --     --     --     --      202      202 
Comprehensive income (loss)
  --   --   --   --    --   (483)
                                                
Exercise of common stock options  28,631   3   148   --   --   151   --   --   --   --   --   -- 
                                                
Tax benefit from exercise of stock options  --   --   36   --   --   36   --   --   --   --  --   -- 
                                                
Stock-based compensation expense  --   --   478   --   --   478   --   --   57   --   --   57 
                                                
Balances, July 31, 2008  6,420,851  $642  $51,633  $68,467  $(1,800) $118,942 
Balances, January 31, 2009 (Unaudited)
  6,420,851  $642  $51,747  $72,243  $(1,581) $123,051 
                                                







The accompanying notes are an integral part of the condensed consolidated financial statements.

 
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NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)

1.  GENERAL

The unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements include the accounts of Hurco Companies, Inc. and its consolidated subsidiaries.  As used in this report, and unless the context indicates otherwise, the terms “we”, “us”, “our” and similar language refer to Hurco Companies, Inc. and its consolidated subsidiaries. We design and produce computerized machine tools, interactive computer control systems and software for sale through our distribution network to the worldwide metal cutting market. We also provide software options, computer control upgrades, accessories and replacement parts for our products, as well as customer service and training support.

The condensed financial information as of JulyJanuary 31, 20082009 and for the three and nine months ended JulyJanuary 31, 20082009 and JulyJanuary 31, 20072008 is unaudited; however, in our opinion, the interim data includes all adjustments, consisting only of normal recurring adjustments, necessary for a fair statementto present fairly our consolidated financial position, results of our results for,operations, changes in shareholders’ equity and our financial positioncash flows at the end of the interim periods.  We suggest that you read these condensed consolidated financial statements in conjunction with the financial statements and the notes thereto included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended October 31, 2007.2008.

Certain prior year amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current year presentation. These changes had no impact on previously reported net income or shareholders' equity.

2.  SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS

 
At January 31, 2008, we made a reclassification in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet and Condensed Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows to record investments in auction rate securities as Short-term Investments instead of Cash and Cash Equivalents, as previously reported.  This reclassification did not have any impact on our Condensed Consolidated Statement of Operations, cash provided by operating activities, total current assets, working capital, total assets or shareholders’ equity.  The following is a summary of the effects of this reclassification on our Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet asAs of October 31, 2007 and the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows as of January 31, 2008.

Consolidated Balance Sheet October 31, 2007 
(in thousands) As previously reported  As reclassified 
Cash and cash equivalents $39,760  $29,760 
Short-term investments $-  $10,000 
         
Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows        
(in thousands) As reported at October 31, 2007  As reclassified January 31, 2008 
Cash and cash equivalents, at end of period $39,760     
Cash and cash equivalents, at beginning of period     $29,760 

As of July 31, 2008 and October 31, 2007, we held $6.7 million and $10.0 million, respectively, of investments in auction rate securities, which represented investments in student loan obligations and municipal bonds.  These auction rate securities arewere intended to provide liquidity via an auction process that resets the applicable interest rate at predetermined intervals allowing us to either roll over the holdings or sell the investment at par value.  All income generated from these auction rate securities was recorded as Investment Income.

The recent uncertainties in the credit markets have adversely affected the liquidity of our holdings in auction rate securities, and multiple auctions for these securities have been unsuccessful.  Consequently, approximately $4.8 million of these investments in student loan obligations are currently not liquid and we will not be able to access these funds until a future auction of these investments is successful. The remaining $1.9 million of the auction rate securities, as of July 31, 2008, are in a municipal bond. This municipal bond has had recent auction sales, at par value, totaling $2.3 million since January 31, 2008.  All of the auction rate securities are “AAA” rated and were in compliance with our investment policy at the time of the acquisition.  We currently have the ability and intent to hold these auction rate securities until a recovery of the auction process takes place or the securities mature, which could be greater than twelve months.  As of July 31, 2008, we have classified the student loan obligations of $4.8 million as long-term investments due to the inability to determine when the investments will be liquidated, and continue to carry the $1.9 million municipal bond as a short-term investment based upon the most recent trading activity.

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We classify our auction rate securities as “available for sale” in accordance with the provisions of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 115, “Accounting for Certain Investments in Debt and Equity Securities”.  Due to the lack of observable quotes in the market, we engaged an independent registered investment advisor to provide expert investment information in order to estimate the fair value of our auction rate securities.  In estimating the fair value of these securities, each prospectus was researched, recent auction history was reviewed, and current collateral performance was examined. The underlying collateral for these securities was compared to other securities currently trading in the market, as well as, non-auction based debt with similar characteristics.  Although these securities continue to pay interest according to their stated terms, during

During the second quarter of fiscal 2008, we recorded an unrealized loss of $202,000, net of tax in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss reflecting adjustments to our auction rate securities to record whatas we havehad concluded isthere was a temporary decline in estimated fair value. We have deemed this impairment as temporary because the underlying reason for the impairment is primarily related to liquidity, as there has not been a change in credit risk of the investment since acquisition, the severity of the impairment is not significant compared to the total investment balance, and we do not currently expect to sell these investments for less than par value.  The estimated fair value of the auction rate securities.  In the first quarter of fiscal 2009, we sold all of our holdings of auction rate securities as of July 31, 2008 was $6.7 million compared toat par value and reversed our unrealized loss of $202,000, net of tax, in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss.  As a result, no gain or stated costloss was recognized in our statement of $7.0 million.  Atoperations for the endthree months ended January 31, 2009, on the sale of the third quarter, these securities had a weighted average tax exempt interestauction rate of approximately 3.6%.securities.

3.  HEDGING

We enter into foreign currency forward exchange contracts periodically to hedge certain forecasted inter-company sales and forecasted inter-company and third party purchases denominated in foreign currencies (the Pound Sterling, Euro and New Taiwan Dollar).  The purpose of these instruments is to mitigate the risk that the U.S. Dollar net cash inflows and outflows resulting from sales and purchases denominated in foreign currencies will be adversely affected by changes in exchange rates.  These forward contracts have been designated as cash flow hedge instruments, and are recorded in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets at fair value in Other CurrentDerivative Assets and Accrued Expenses.Derivative Liabilities.  Gains and losses resulting from changes in the fair value of these hedge contracts are deferred in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss and recognized as an adjustment to Cost of Sales in the period that the sale that is the subject of the related hedge contract is recognized, thereby providing an offsetting economic impact against the corresponding change in the U.S. Dollar value of the inter-company sale or purchase being hedged.

At JulyJanuary 31, 2008,2009, we had $3.1$3.3 million of losses,gains, net of tax, related to cash flow hedges deferred in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss, net of tax.  Of this amount, $1.6$2.8 million represents unrealized losses,gains, net of tax, related to future cash flow hedge instruments that remain subject to currency fluctuation risk.  These deferred lossesgains will be recorded as an adjustment to Cost of Sales in the periods through July 2009,January 2010, in which the sale that is the subject of the related hedge contract is recognized, as described above.  Net losses on cash flow hedge contracts, which we reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss to Cost of Sales in the quarter ended JulyJanuary 31, 2008,2009, were $978,000$555,000 compared to net losses of $337,000$800,000 for the same period in the prior year.



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We also enter into foreign currency forward exchange contracts to protect against the effects of foreign currency fluctuations on receivables and payables denominated in foreign currencies. These derivative instruments are not designated as hedges under Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 133, “Accounting Standards for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities,” and, as a result, changes in their fair value are reported currently as Other Expense (Income), Net in the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Operations consistent with the transaction gain or loss on the related foreign denominated receivable or payable and non-hedged foreign currency gains and losses.  We recorded net transaction lossesgains of $462,000$24,000 for the quarter ended JulyJanuary 31, 2008,2009, compared to net gainslosses of $17,000$368,000 for the same period in the prior year.

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We are exposed to foreign currency exchange risk related to our investment in net assets in foreign countries.   To manage this risk, we entered into a forward contract on November 26, 2007 with a notional amount of €3.0 million.  We have designated this forward contract as a hedge of our net investment in Euro denominated assets.  We have selected the forward method under the guidance of the Derivatives Implementation Group Statement 133 Issue H8, “Foreign Currency Hedges: Measuring the Amount of Ineffectiveness in a Net Investment Hedge”. The forward method requires all changes in the fair value of the forward to be reported as a cumulative translation adjustment in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss, net of tax, in the same manner as the underlying hedged net assets. This forward contract matured on November 25, 2008 and we entered into a new forward contract for the same notional amount.  As of JulyJanuary 31, 2008,2009, we had a lossrealized gain of $123,000,$355,000 and an unrealized gain of $28,000, net of tax, recorded as a cumulative translation adjustmentadjustments in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss, net of tax, related to thethese forward contract.contracts.

4.  STOCK OPTIONS

In March 2008, we adopted the Hurco Companies, Inc. 2008 Equity Incentive Plan (the “2008 Plan”), which allows us to grant awards of stock options, Stock Appreciation Rights settled in stock (SARs), restricted shares, performance shares and performance units.  The 2008 Plan replaced the 1997 Stock Option and Incentive Plan (the “1997 Plan”) which expired in March 2007.  The Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors has authority to determine the officers, directors and key employees who will be granted awards; designate the number of shares subject to each award; determine the terms and conditions upon which awards will be granted; and prescribe the form and terms of award agreements.  We have granted stock options under both Plansplans which are currently outstanding.  No stock option may be exercised more than ten years after the date of grant or such shorter period as the Compensation Committee may determine at the date of grant.  The total number of shares of our common stock that may be issued as awards under the 2008 Plan is 750,000.  The market value of a share of our common stock, for purposes of the 2008 Plan, is the closing sale price as reported by the Nasdaq Global Select Market on the date in question or, if not a trading day, on the last preceding trading date.

During the first ninethree months of fiscal 2009, no options to purchase shares were exercised.   During the first three months of fiscal 2008, options to purchase 28,63125,000 shares were exercised under the 1997 Plan, resulting in cash proceeds of approximately $151,000 and an$54,000 with no additional tax benefit of approximately $36,000, compared to 43,200 shares exercised in the prior year period resulting in cash proceeds of $119,000 and an additional tax benefit of approximately $299,000.benefit.

Effective November 1, 2005, we adopted SFAS No. 123(R), “Share Based Payment,” using the modified prospective method, and began applying its provisions to all options granted, as well as, to the nonvested portion of previously granted options outstanding at that date.  Compensation expense is determined at the date of grant using the Black-Scholes valuation model.

On May 28, 2008, the Compensation Committee granted fully vested options with respect to 5,000 shares under the 2008 Plan to each of the two new directors.  The fair value of the options was estimated on the date of grant using a Black-Scholes valuation model with assumptions for expected volatility based on the historical volatility of our common stock, the ten year contractual term of the options and a risk-free interest rate based upon a three-year U.S. Treasury yield as of the date of grant.  Based upon the foregoing factors, the fair value of the options was determined to be $30.71 per share.

During the first ninethree months of both fiscal 2009 and 2008, approximately $478,000$57,000 of stock-based compensation expense was recorded related to grants under the Plans compared to $422,000 for the same period in the prior year.plans.  As of JulyJanuary 31, 2008,2009, there was approximately $286,000$172,000 of total unrecognized stock-based compensation cost that we expect to recognize by the end of fiscal 2009.


 
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A summary of stock option activity for the nine-monththree-month period ended JulyJanuary 31, 2008,2009, is as follows:

 
 
Stock Options
  Weighted Average Exercise Price  
 
Stock Options
  Weighted Average Exercise Price 
            
Outstanding at October 31, 2007  83,000  $13.24 
Outstanding at October 31, 2008  64,369  $20.29 
                
Options granted  10,000  $35.83  --  $-- 
Options exercised   (28,631) $5.26   --  $-- 
Options cancelled  --   --  --  $-- 
                
Outstanding at July 31, 2008   64,369  $20.29 
Outstanding at January 31, 2009   64,369  $20.29 
                

The total intrinsic value of stock options exercised during the nine-monththree-month periods ended JulyJanuary 31, 20082009 and 20072008 was approximately $685,000$0 and $1.9 million,$900,000, respectively. The intrinsic value is calculated as the difference between the stock price as of JulyJanuary 31 and the exercise price of the stock option multiplied by the number of shares exercised.

Summarized information about outstanding stock options as of JulyJanuary 31, 2008,2009, that are already vested and those that we expect to vest, as well as stock options that are currently exercisable, is as follows:

 Outstanding Stock Options Already Vested and Expected to Vest  Options Outstanding and Exercisable  Outstanding Stock Options Already Vested and Expected to Vest  
Options Outstanding and Exercisable
 
            
Number of outstanding options   64,369   44,369   64,369   54,369 
                
Weighted average remaining contractual life  7.75   7.08   7.34   6.82 
Weighted average exercise price per share $20.29  $17.41  $20.29  $19.12 
                
Intrinsic value  $572,000  $522,000  $247,000  $247,000 

5.  EARNINGS PER SHARE

Basic and diluted earnings per common share are based on the weighted average number of shares of our common stock outstanding.  Diluted earnings per common share give effect to outstanding stock options using the treasury method.  The dilutive number of shares for the three months ended JulyJanuary 31, 2009 and 2008 was 17,000 and 2007 was 25,000 and 61,000,32,000, respectively.

6.  ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE

Accounts receivable are net of allowances for doubtful accounts of $588,000$984,000 as of JulyJanuary 31, 20082009 and $751,000$678,000 as of October 31, 2007.2008.

7.  INVENTORIES

Inventories, priced at the lower of cost (first-in, first-out method) or market, are summarized below (in thousands):

 July 31, 2008  October 31, 2007  January 31, 2009  October 31, 2008 
Purchased parts and sub-assemblies $14,963  $10,956  $12,412  $13,098 
Work-in-process  11,275   11,692   10,860   11,243 
Finished goods  48,251   38,473   40,022   42,027 
 $74,489  $61,121  $63,294  $66,368 

 
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8.  SEGMENT INFORMATION
 
We operate in a single segment: industrial automation systems. We design and produce interactive computer control systems and software and computerized machine tools for sale through our own distribution network to the worldwide metal-working market. We also provide software options, control upgrades, accessories and replacement parts for our products, as well as customer service and training support.

9.  GUARANTEES
 
From time to time, our subsidiaries guarantee third party payment obligations in connection with the sale of certain machines to customers that use lease financing.  As of JulyJanuary 31, 2008,2009, we had 5955 outstanding third party guarantees totaling approximately $1.8$1.7 million. The terms of our subsidiaries’ guarantees are consistent with the underlying customer financing terms. Upon shipment, the customer has the risk of ownership, but does not obtain title until the machine lease is paid in full.  A retention of title clause allows us to recover the machine if the customer defaults on the lease. We believe that the proceeds obtained from liquidation of the machine would cover any payments required by the guarantee.
 
We provide warranties on our products with respect to defects in material and workmanship. The terms of these warranties are generally one year for machines and shorter periods for service parts.  We recognize a reserve with respect to this obligation at the time of product sale, with subsequent warranty claims recorded against the reserve. The amount of the warranty reserve is determined based on historical trend experience and any known warranty issues that could cause future warranty costs to differ from historical experience. A reconciliation of the changes in our warranty reserve is as follows (in thousands):

 Nine months ended  Three months ended 
 July 31, 2008  July 31, 2007  January 31, 2009  January 31, 2008 
Balance, beginning of period $2,449  $1,926  $2,536  $2,449 
Provision for warranties during the period 2,447  1,836  57  669 
Charges to the accrual  (2,020)  (1,593)  (434)  (598)
Impact of foreign currency translation  135   82   (25)  30 
Balance, end of period $3,010  $2,251  $2,134  $2,550 

10.  COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

A reconciliation of our net income to comprehensive income was as follows (in thousands):
 Three months ended  Three months ended 
 July 31, 2008  July 31, 2007  January 31, 2009  January 31, 2008 
Net income $5,826  $5,163  $354  $7,805 
Translation of foreign currency financial statements  (23)  337   (740)  456 
Unrealized gain (loss) on derivative instruments, net of tax  212   193   (299)  30 
Comprehensive income $6,015  $5,693 
Reversal of unrealized loss on investments, net of tax  202   -- 
Comprehensive income (loss) $(483) $8,291 

11.  DEBT AGREEMENTS

We are party to aan unsecured domestic credit agreement that provides us with a $30.0 million unsecured revolving credit facility as well as an agreement for an uncommitted demandand a separate letter of credit facility in the amount of 100.0 million New Taiwan Dollars.  We are also party to a Taiwan revolving credit agreement of 100.0 million New Taiwan Dollars, which is an uncommitted demand credit facility. In the event the Taiwan facility is not available, the Taiwan letter of credit facility from the domestic credit agreement would enable us to provide credit enhancement to a replacement lender in Taiwan. We are also party tohave a £1.0 million revolving credit agreementfacility in the United Kingdom. 
The domestic and U.K. agreementsfacilities mature on December 7, 2012.
 

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Borrowings under the domestic agreementfacility may be used for general corporate purposes and will bear interest at a LIBOR-based rate or an alternate base rate, plus, in each case, plus an applicable margin determined by reference to the ratio of the interest-bearing debt and obligations and the undrawn face amount of all letters of credit outstanding, on a consolidated basis, to consolidated EBITDA.  The domestic agreementfacility contains customary affirmative and negative covenants and events of default for an unsecured commercial bank credit facility, including, among other things, limitations on consolidations, mergers and sales of assets. The financial covenants contained in the domestic agreement are a minimum quarterlyrolling four quarter consolidated net income covenant and a covenant establishing a maximum ratio of consolidated total indebtedness to total indebtedness and net worth.
 
 
As of January 31, 2009, we had no debt or borrowings outstanding under our domestic or European credit facilities and no outstanding letters of credit issued to non-U.S. suppliers for inventory purchase commitments.  As of January 31, 2009, we had unutilized credit facilities of $36.3 million available for either direct borrowings or commercial letters of credit.
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12.  INCOME TAXES

On November 1, 2007, we adopted the provisions of Financial Accounting Standards Board Interpretation No. 48 "Accounting"Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes-anTaxes - an Interpretation of FASB Statement No. 109," (FIN 48) ("FIN 48").  As a result of the adoption, there was no change to beginning retained earnings.  Our total balance of unrecognized tax benefits as of JulyJanuary 31, 20082009 was approximately $654,000,$695,000, which included accrued interest.

We accruerecognize accrued interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits as a componentcomponents of our income tax provision.  We believe there is substantial support for taking these tax benefits and therefore have estimated no tax penalties.  As of JulyJanuary 31, 2008, we had approximately $72,000 of accrued interest, which did not include2009, the federal tax benefitgross amount of interest deductions.  accrued and reported in other liabilities was approximately $93,000.

We file U.S. federal and/or state income tax returns as well as tax returns in U.S. federal jurisdiction and various state, local andone or more foreign jurisdictions.  The statute of limitationlimitations will expire between July 2009 and July 2010 with respect to unrecognized tax benefits related to FIN 48.

13.  FAIR VALUE

On November 1, 2008, we adopted the provisions of FASB Statement No. 157 “Fair Value Measurements” (“SFAS 157”) as it relates to financial assets and liabilities recorded at fair value on a recurring basis.  Financial Accounting Standards Board Staff Position (FSP) No. 157-2 has delayed the effective date of SFAS 157 for nonfinancial assets and liabilities, except for items that are recognized or disclosed at fair value in the financial statements on  a recurring basis.  We do not expect that the full adoption of SFAS 157 will have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements or results of operation.

SFAS 157 established a three-tier fair value hierarchy, which categorizes the inputs used in measuring fair value.  These tiers include: Level 1, defined as observable inputs, such as quoted prices in active markets; Level 2, defined as inputs other than quoted prices in active markets that are either directly or indirectly observable; and Level 3, defined as unobservable inputs in which little or no market data exist, therefore requiring an entity to develop its own assumptions.

In accordance with SFAS 157, the following table represents the fair value hierarchy for our financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value as of January 31, 2009 (in thousands):
  Level I  Level II  Level III  Total 
Assets:            
Money Market Funds $19,744  $--  $--  $19,744 
Derivative Assets      8,762       8,762 
     Total $19,744  $8,762  $--  $28,506 


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  Level I  Level II  Level III  Total 
Liabilities:            
Derivative Liabilities $--  $3,094  $--  $3,094 
     Total $--  $3,094  $--  $3,094 


Included as Level II fair value measurements are derivative assets and liabilities related to hedge gains and losses on foreign currency forward exchange contracts entered into with a third party.  We estimate the fair value of these derivatives on a recurring basis using foreign currency exchange rates obtained from active markets.



 
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Item 2.                      MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

EXECUTIVE OVERVIEW

Hurco Companies, Inc. is an industrial technology company operating in a single segment.  We design and produce computerized machine tools, featuring our proprietary computer control systems and software, for sale through our own distribution network to the worldwide metal cutting market.  We also provide software options, control upgrades, accessories and replacement parts for our products, as well as customer service and training support.

Our strategy is to design and manufacture a comprehensive lineThe primary drivers of computerized machine tools that incorporatesthe sustained growth we experienced until the first quarter of fiscal 2009 resulted from the improved worldwide demand for our proprietary, interactive computer control technology and sell those machine tools on a global basis. We designproducts, the increasing acceptance of our technology to enhance the machine tool user's productivity through ease of operation and higher levels of machine performance (speed, accuracy and surface finish quality). We use an open software architecture that permits our computer control systems and software to be produced using standard PC hardware. We have emphasized a “user-friendly” design that employs both interactive conversational and graphical programming software. Each year since 2002, we have expanded our product offering to meet customer needs, which has led us to design and manufacture more complex machining centers with advanced capabilities.  We utilize a disciplined approach to strategically enter new geographic markets, as appropriate.  Our introduction of new, technologically advanced products, combined with our expansion into new markets, has resulted in our significant growth over the last several years.  In addition to this strong organic growth, our recent performance and current financial strength also provide us with the capability to pursue opportunistic acquisitions that are consistent with our strategic focus to expand our product line and enter new markets.our success in selling and manufacturing outside of the United States.

Our computerized metal cuttingThe market for machine tools are manufacturedis an international market.  We have both significant foreign sales and foreign manufacturing operations.  During fiscal 2008, more than 75% of our revenues were attributable to customers located abroad.  The percentage of revenues attributable to customers located abroad decreased during the first quarter of fiscal 2009 to approximately 66%, due in Taiwanpart to our specifications by our wholly owned subsidiary, Hurco Manufacturing Limited (HML),deterioration of the European and by an affiliated contract manufacturer.Asian markets for machine tool products as well as the effect of a stronger U.S. Dollar when translating foreign sales to U.S. Dollars for financial reporting purposes.  We sell our products through more than 170100 independent agents and distributors in countries throughout North America, Europe and Asia.  We also have our own direct sales and service organizations in Canada, England, France, Germany, Italy, Singapore and China.

Approximately 89% of the worldwide demand forUnited Kingdom.  Our computerized metal cutting machine tools comes from outside the United States.  In recent years, approximately two-thirds ofare manufactured in Taiwan to our revenues have been attributable to customers located abroad.  Since the beginning of fiscal 2008, deteriorating conditions in the United States economy have significantly reduced demand for machine tools in the North American market, while demand has remained strong in the European and Asia Pacific markets.  As a result, during the past nine months the percentage ofspecifications by our revenues attributable to customers located abroad has been approximately 80%wholly owned subsidiary, Hurco Manufacturing Limited (HML).

Our sales to foreign customers are denominated, and paid,payments by those customers are made in the prevailing currencies—primarily the Euro and Pound Sterling—prevailing in the markets where sold.  Ourcountries in which those customers are located, and our product costs are incurred and paid primarily in the New Taiwan Dollar and the U.S. Dollar.  Changes in currency exchange rates may have a material effect on our operating results and consolidated balance sheets as reported under U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles.  For example, when a foreign currency increases in value relative to the U.S. Dollar, sales made (and expenses incurred) in that currency, when translated to U.S. Dollars for reporting in our financial statements, are higher than would be the case when that currency has a lower value relative to the U.S. Dollar.  In our comparison of period-to-period results, we discuss not only the increases or decreases in those results as reported in our financial statements (which reflect translation to U.S. Dollars at exchange rates prevailing exchange rates)during the period covered by those financial statements), but also the effect that changes in exchange rates had on those results.

Our high levels of foreign manufacturing and sales also subject us to cash flow risks due to fluctuating currency exchange rates.  We seek to mitigate those risks through the use of various derivative instruments principally foreign currency forward exchange contracts.

The volatilityLike many other businesses, we have been adversely affected by the ongoing global economic crisis.  During periods of declining economic conditions, manufacturers and suppliers of capital goods are often the first to experience reductions in demand for machine tools affectsas their customers defer or eliminate investments in capital equipment.  Additionally, unlike other economic downturns, during the past two quarters customers who wanted to purchase capital goods found it difficult to obtain financing due to the tight global credit market.  Primarily as a result of these two factors, we experienced a 54% decline in sales and a 60% decline in orders during the first quarter of fiscal 2009 in comparison to the first quarter of fiscal 2008.

Starting in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2008, we implemented various initiatives to reduce expenses while staying committed to our working capital requirementsstrategic plan of product innovation and therefore,penetration of developing markets.   We also took steps to reduce our cash flow from operations and our operating profits. Because our products are produced in Taiwan, manufacturing and ocean transportation lead times require that we schedule machine tool production based on forecasts of customer orders for a future period of four or five months. We continually monitor order activity levels and adjust future production schedulesinventories to reflect changes in demand, but a significant unexpectedthe decline in customer orders from forecasteddemand.  Since our production lead time is approximately six months, the impact of reduced production levels can increaseon our finished goods inventories may take several quarters to be fully realized.  We will continue to take actions to control costs and our use of working capital.manage cash flow so long as current market conditions persist.
 
 
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Our financial results forWe believe that the third quarterabsence of fiscal 2008 reflect increased revenuesoutstanding debt and operating income comparedour cash position provide us with the capability to weather the corresponding period of the prior year because of strong demand in European markets and targeted expansion into the Asia Pacific region, which offset a marked decrease in demand in the North American region.  The third quarter results also reflect the benefit of a weaker U.S. Dollar when translating foreign sales for financial reporting purposes.current global economic crisis.

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Three monthsMonths Ended JulyJanuary 31, 20082009 Compared to Three monthsMonths Ended JulyJanuary 31, 20072008

Sales and Service Fees.  Sales and service fees for the thirdfirst quarter of fiscal 20082009 were $57.3$28.3 million, an increasea decrease of $8.7$32.6 million, or 18%54%, overfrom the thirdfirst quarter of fiscal 2007 despite a 19% decrease in the North American region, which accounts for approximately 13%2008.  The drop of the worldwide machine tool market.  The growth offirst quarter revenues was primarily the result of strong demand in European and Asia Pacific markets combined with targeted expansion into Eastern Europe, China and India.  As noted below, approximately 75% of our sales during the third quarter of fiscal 2008 were derived from Europe.global economic downturn.  Due to the effects of a weakerstronger U.S. Dollar when translating foreign sales to U.S. Dollars for financial reporting purposes, sales and service fees for the thirdfirst quarter of fiscal 20082009 were approximately 10%$2.9 million, or 5%, or $5.1 million, moreless than would have been the case if foreign sales had been translated at the same rate of exchange that was utilized for the thirdfirst quarter of 2007.2008.

The following tables set forth net sales (in thousands) by geographic region and product category for the thirdfirst quarter of 20082009 and 2007:2008:

Net Sales and Service Fees by Geographic RegionNet Sales and Service Fees by Geographic Region Net Sales and Service Fees by Geographic Region 
 July 31,  Increase (Decrease)  January 31,  Increase 
 2008  2007  Amount  %  2009  2008  Amount  % 
North America $10,643   18.6% $13,086   26.9% $(2,443)  (18.7%) $9,636   34.0% $13,079   21.5% $(3,443)  (26.3%)
Europe  43,071   75.1%  33,044   68.1%  10,027   30.3%  18,060   63.8%  45,052   73.9%  (26,992)  (59.9%)
Asia Pacific  3,604   6.3%  2,425   5.0%  1,179   48.6%  611   2.2%  2,792   4.6%  (2,181)  (78.1%)
Total $57,318   100.0% $48,555   100.0% $8,763   18.0% $28,307   100.0% $60,923   100.0% $(32,616)  (53.5%)

Unit shipments forSales were down sharply across all regions due to the third quarter increased in Europeaneconomic disruption that has had an adverse effect on all markets around the world.  In addition to declining volume and Asia Pacific markets by 9% and 54%, respectively over the third quarter of fiscal 2007.  The effects of a weaker U.S. Dollar when translating foreign sales into U.S. Dollars for financial reporting purposes had a favorable impact of currency translation, approximately 14% on15% of the year-over-year increasesales decline was attributable to a drop in both the European and Asia Pacific markets. Sales in North America reflected continued market weakness throughout the United States due to customer concerns over unfavorable economic conditions. Unit shipments for the third quarter decreased in North America by 29% compared to the same periodsales of VMX machines in the prior year, but the decrease was partially offset by a more favorableEurope sales mix of larger machines.region.

Net Sales and Service Fees by Product CategoryNet Sales and Service Fees by Product Category Net Sales and Service Fees by Product Category 
 July 31,  Increase 
 2008  2007  Amount  %  January 31,  Increase 
                   2009  2008  Amount  % 
Computerized Machine Tools $50,991   89.0% $42,959   88.5% $8,032   18.7% $23,948   84.6% $54,924   90.2% $(30,976)  (56.4%)
Service Fees, Parts and Other  6,327   11.0%  5,596   11.5%  731   13.1%  4,359   15.4%  5,999   9.8%  (1,640)  (27.3%)
Total $57,318   100.0% $48,555   100.0% $8,763   18.0% $28,307   100.0% $60,923   100.0% $(32,616)  (53.5%)


Sales of computerized machine tools during the thirdfirst quarter of fiscal 2008 increased 19% over2009 decreased 56% from the corresponding period in fiscal 2007.2008. The year-over-year increasedecrease was driven primarily attributableby a deterioration of 32% in overall shipments. The remaining change is due to increased unit shipments in European and Asia Pacific markets and the favorable impact of a weaker U.S. Dollar when translating foreign sales into U.S. Dollars for financial reporting purposes.
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unfavorable mix, particularly higher-priced VMX machines and changes due to fluctuations in currency exchange rates.

Orders. New order bookings in the thirdfirst quarter of fiscal 2008,2009, were $52.5 million, an increase$24,516,000, a decrease of $3.8 million,$36,631,000, or 8%60%, overcompared to the prior year period.  European orders increased $6.0 million, or 19%, during the third quarter of fiscal 2008 compared to the same periodOrders in the prior year,North America, Europe and included a favorable impact of a weaker U.S. Dollar when translating foreign orders into U.S. Dollars of approximately $4.3 million, or 13%. Asia Pacific orders increased $.8 million,regions decreased $3,655,000, or 33%30%, during the third quarter of fiscal 2008 compared to the same period in the prior year,$30,754,000, or 67% and included a favorable impact of a weaker U.S. Dollar when translating foreign orders into U.S. Dollars of approximately $0.3 million,$2,222,000, or 12%.  Orders in North America during the third quarter of fiscal 2008 were $3.0 million, or 22%79%, below those in the third quarter of fiscal 2007.respectively.  The decline in orders in North America reflectedwe experienced at the end of fiscal 2008 continued and worsened as our customers, consisting primarily of small job shops, reacted to the deteriorating conditions in the United States economy.markets they serve.  The impact of currency translation on new orders booked for the first quarter was consistent with the impact on sales.

 

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Gross Margin.  Gross margin for the thirdfirst quarter of fiscal 20082009 was 36%30%, compared to 38%41% for the 20072008 period.  The reductiondecrease in gross margin rate was attributableprimarily due to recent price increases for raw materials, which have significantly affectedlower overall volume, and particularly in sales of higher margin VMX machines in the machine tool industry. However, the impact of those increases was partially offset by a more favorable mix ofEurope sales by product and region.

Operating Expenses.Expenses.  Selling, general and administrative expenses were $11.8 million$8,029,000 for the thirdfirst quarter of fiscal 2008, an increase2009, a decrease of $1.6 million over$4,347,000, or 35%, from the 20072008 period, reflecting greater expenditures for global market expansionlower sales commissions, cost reduction initiatives and product development. The increase also reflected the unfavorable effectsfavorable effect of a weakerstronger U.S. Dollar during the 20082009 period when translating foreign operating expenses for financial reporting purposes, as well as, stock-based compensation expense recorded for the grant of stock options to two new directors.purposes.

Operating Income.  Operating income for the first quarter of fiscal 2009 was $9.1$0.5 million, or 16%2% of sales and service fees, for the third quarter of fiscal 2008, compared to $8.2$12.5 million, or 17%20% of sales and service fees, for the prior year period.  The increasereduction in operating income year over yearyear-over-year was primarily reflected growthdue to lower overall volume, and particularly in foreign sales and service fees, offset by recent price increases for raw materials and increased operating expenses for global market expansion, product development and stock-based compensation recorded for new directors.of higher margin VMX machines in the Europe sales region.

Other (Income) Expense, net.  The decrease in other incomeexpense of $391,000 is primarily the result of $0.5 million in net transaction lossesgains on foreign currency forward exchange contracts during the third quarter of fiscal 2008 compared to net transaction losses in the prior year period. The decrease representsand due to the difference at the balance sheet date between the fair value of receivables and payables denominated in foreign currencies and the foreign exchange contract rates at which the hedgesderivatives were placed. Additionally, we had reduced income of approximately $0.3 million during the third quarter of fiscal 2008 compared to the prior year as a result of the sale of our equity investment in a Taiwan contract manufacturer, which occurred in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2007.

Income Taxes.Taxes.  Our effective tax rate for the thirdfirst quarter of fiscal 2008 was 34% compared to 41% for the same period in the prior year. The lower effective tax rate for the third quarter of fiscal 2008 reflected the increased percentage of foreign income, which is taxable at lower rates, compared to the prior year period.  Additionally, the effective tax rate for the third quarter of fiscal 2007 included an adjustment2009 of approximately 3% for the estimated tax liability related to the sale of our minority interest in Quaser, which occurred in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2007.

Nine months Ended July 31, 2008 Compared to Nine months Ended July 31, 2007

Sales and Service Fees.  Sales and service fees for the first nine months of fiscal 2008 were $176.5 million, an increase of $38.6 million, or 28%, over the first nine months of fiscal 2007. The growth of revenues36% was primarily the result of strong demand in European and Asia Pacific markets combined with ongoing expansion into Eastern Europe, China and India.  As noted below, approximately 74% of our sales during the first nine months of fiscal 2008 were derived from Europe. Due to the effects of a weaker U.S. Dollar when translating foreign sales for financial reporting purposes, sales and service fees for the first nine months of fiscal 2008 were approximately 11%, or $9.8 million, more than would have been the case if foreign sales had been translated at the same rate of exchange that was utilized for the first nine months of 2007.


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The following tables set forth net sales (in thousands) by geographic region and product category for the first nine months of 2008 and 2007:

Net Sales and Service Fees by Geographic Region 
  July 31,  Increase (Decrease) 
  2008  2007  Amount  % 
North America $35,427   20.1% $37,890   27.5% $(2,463)  (6.5%)
Europe  130,776   74.1%  93,233   67.6%  37,543   40.3%
Asia Pacific  10,323   5.8%  6,804   4.9%  3,519   51.7%
Total $176,526   100.0% $137,927   100.0% $38,599   28.0%

Unit shipments for the first nine months of fiscal 2008 increased in European and Asia Pacific markets by 10% and 50% respectively, over the same period in fiscal 2007.  The effects of a weaker U.S. Dollar when translating fiscal 2008 foreign sales into U.S. Dollars for financial reporting purposes had a favorable impact of approximately 15% in Europe and 12% in the Asia Pacific market.  Sales in North America reflected continued market weakness throughout the United States due to customer concerns over unfavorable economic conditions.  Unit shipments for the first nine months of fiscal 2008 decreased in North America by 14% compared to the same period in the prior year, but the decrease was partially offset by a more favorable sales mix of larger machines.

Net Sales and Service Fees by Product Category 
  July 31,  Increase 
  2008  2007  Amount  % 
                   
Computerized Machine Tools $157,977   89.5% $121,952   88.4% $36,025   29.5%
Service Fees, Parts and Other  18,549   10.5%  15,975   11.6%  2,574   16.1%
Total $176,526   100.0% $137,927   100.0% $38,599   28.0%

Sales of computerized machine tools during the first nine months of fiscal 2008 increased 30% over the corresponding period in fiscal 2007. The increase was attributable to an increase in unit shipments in Europe and Asia Pacific and the favorable impact of a weaker U.S. Dollar when translating foreign sales into U.S. Dollars for financial reporting purposes.

Orders. New order bookings in the first nine months of fiscal 2008, were $172.5 million, an increase of $28.3 million, or 20%, over the prior year period.  European orders increased $31.2 million, or 32%, during the first nine months fiscal 2008 compared to the same period in the prior year, and included a favorable impact of a weaker U.S. Dollar when translating foreign orders into U.S. Dollars of approximately $13.8 million, or 14%.  Asia Pacific orders increased $1.2 million, or 15%, during the first nine months of fiscal 2008 compared to the same period in the prior year, and included a favorable impact of a weaker U.S. Dollar when translating foreign orders into U.S. Dollars of approximately $0.8 million, or 9%.  North American orders decreased $4.1 million, or 11%, during the first nine months of fiscal 2008relatively unchanged compared to the same period in the prior year.  The decline in orders in North America reflected the deteriorating conditions in the United States economy.

Gross Margin.  Gross marginOur provision for the first nine months of fiscal 2008 was down slightly compared to the first nine months of fiscal 2007 at 37% and 38%, respectively. The reduction in gross margin was attributable to recent price increases for raw materials which have significantly affected the machine tool industry.  The recent price increases for raw materials were partially offset by a more favorable mix of sales by product and region.

Operating Expenses.  Selling, general and administrative expenses were $35.9 million for the first nine months of fiscal 2008, an increase of $7.0 million over the 2007 period, reflecting greater expenditures for sales, product development and market expansion. The increase also reflected the unfavorable effects of a weaker U.S. Dollar during the 2008 period when translating foreign operating expenses for financial reporting purposes.
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Operating Income.  Operating income was $30.2 million, or 17% of sales and service fees for the first nine months of fiscal 2008, compared to $23.2 million, or 17% of sales and service fees, for the prior year period. The increase in operating income year over year primarily reflected growth in foreign sales and service fees, offset by recent price increases for raw materials and increased operating expenses for global market expansion and product development.

Other (Income) Expense, net.  The decrease in other income was primarily the result of $1.1 million in net transaction losses on foreign currency forward exchange contractstaxes during the first nine monthsquarter of fiscal 2008 compared to2009 was approximately $4.3 million lower than in the prior yearsame period and represents the difference at the balance sheet date between the fair value of receivables and payables denominated in foreign currencies and the foreign exchange contract rates at which the hedges were placed. Additionally, the prior year period had income of approximately $1.0 millionfiscal 2008 as a result of the sale of our equity investmentdecrease in a Taiwan contract manufacturer, which occurred in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2007.

Income Taxes.  Our effective tax rate for the first nine months of fiscal 2008 was 36% compared to 38% for the same period in the prior year. The higher effective tax rate for the first nine months of fiscal 2007 was primarily a result of an adjustment for estimated tax liability related to the sale of our minority interest in Quaser, which occurred in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2007.operating income.

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

At JulyJanuary 31, 2008,2009, we had cash and cash equivalents of $31.0$30.1 million, compared to $29.8cash and cash equivalents and short term investments of $33.1 million at October 31, 2007.2008.  Cash generated fromused for operations totaled $0.6$1.5 million for the nine monthsquarter ended JulyJanuary 31, 2008,2009, compared to cash generated from operations of $12.6$3.7 million in the prior year period.  The year-over-year reduction in cash flow from operationsCash provided by investing activities was $5.3 million for the first fiscal quarter of 2009, primarily due to payments made to vendors to support increased production levels.

Asthe sale of July 31, 2008 and October 31, 2007, we held $6.7 million and $10.0 million, respectively, ofour investments in auction rate securities which represented investments in student loan obligations and municipal bonds.  These auction rate securities are intended to provide liquidity via an auction process that resets the applicable interest rate at predetermined intervals allowing us to either roll over the holdings or sell the investmentwere sold at par value.

  Approximately 64% of the $30.1 million of cash and cash equivalents is denominated in U.S. Dollars.  The recent uncertaintiesremaining balances are held outside the U.S. in the credit markets have affected the liquiditylocal currencies of our holdingsvarious foreign entities and are subject to fluctuations in auction rate securities, and multiple auctions for these securities have been unsuccessful.  Consequently, approximately $4.8 million of these investments in student loan obligations are currently not liquid and we will not be able to access these funds until a future auction of these investments is successful.  The remaining $1.9 million of the auction rate securities, as of July 31, 2008, are in a municipal bond that has had recent auction sales, at par value, totaling $2.3 million since January 31, 2008.  All of the auction rate securities are “AAA” rated and were in compliance with our investment policy at the time of the acquisition.  We currently have the ability and intent to hold these auction rate securities until a recovery of the auction process or until maturity, which could be greater than 12 months.  As of July 31, 2008, we classified the student loan obligations of $4.8 million as long-term investments due to the inability to determine when the investments will settle, and continue to carry the $1.9 million municipal bond as a short-term investment based upon the most recent trading activity.currency exchange rates.

Working capital, excluding cash and cash equivalents and short-term investments, was $57.8$69.2 million at JulyJanuary 31, 2008,2009, compared to $36.3$67.1 million at October 31, 2007.2008.  The increased$2.1 million increase in working capital, excluding cash and cash equivalents and short-term investments, was primarily driven by increasedreduced accounts receivablepayable as a result of lower production levels and inventory primarily duea reduction in accrued expenses.

We expect our cash balance on hand and available borrowing capacity to growth inpermit us to stay committed to our strategic plan of product demandinnovation and the forthcoming launchtargeted penetration of new products.developing markets.  In order to sustain profitability and cash flow during these current economic conditions we have significantly reduced production levels, removed overtime, reduced our work force, eliminated hiring and salary increases and reduced pay for select salaried employees by 5-10%.

Capital expenditures were primarily for purchases of equipment related to expansion offor our manufacturing facilities, software development projects, and an integrated computer system.facilities.  We funded these expenditures with cash flow from operations.

As of JulyJanuary 31, 2008,2009, we had no outstanding debt or borrowings outstanding under our domestic and foreign bank credit agreements.facilities.

We have an effective SEC “shelf” registration statement on Form S-3file with the SEC that allows us to offer and sell from time to time, in one or more transactions, a variety of securities, including common stock, preferred stock, warrants, depositary shares and debt securities, up to an aggregate amount of $200.0 million, if and when authorized by the Board of Directors.  WeAt present, we have not made any offerings under the shelf registration statement.
no plans of offering or selling securities.
 
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Although we have not made any significant acquisitions in the recent past and we have no present plans for acquisitions, we continue to receive and evaluate information on businesses and assets, including intellectual property assets that are being sold. Should attractive opportunities arise, we believe that our earnings, cash flow from operations, borrowings under our bank credit agreements, and the sale of securities from our shelf registration would provide sufficient resources to finance any such possible acquisitions.available for purchase.

NEW ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS

In July 2006, the FASB released Interpretation No. 48 “Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes,” an interpretation of FASB Statement No. 109, which clarifies the accounting and reporting for uncertainties in income taxes.  The interpretation prescribes a recognition threshold and measurement attribute for the financial statement recognition and measurement of a tax position taken or expected to be taken in a tax return.  FIN 48 also provides guidance on derecognition, classification, interest and penalties, accounting in interim periods, disclosure and transition.  During the first quarter of fiscal 2008, we adopted FIN 48.  The adoption of this standard did not have a material effect on the consolidated financial statements.

During 2006, the FASB released Statement No. 157, “Fair Value Measurements,” a new standard which provides further guidance on using fair value to measure assets and liabilities, the information used to measure fair value and the effect of fair value measurements on earnings. Statement 157 applies whenever other standards require (or permit) assets or liabilities to be measured at fair value, but does not expand the use of fair value in any new circumstances.  The changes to current practice resulting from the adoption of this statement relate to defining fair value, the methods used to measure fair value and expanding our financial statement disclosures about our fair value measurements.  We will be required to adopt and report the impact of Statement 157 in the first quarter of fiscal 2009. In February 2008, the FASB issued Staff Position (FSP) 157-2, “Effective Date of FASB Statement No. 157.”  This FSP delays the effective date of Statement 157 for all nonfinancial assets and nonfinancial liabilities, except those that are recognized or disclosed at fair value on a recurring basis (at least annually) to fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2008. Although we have not adopted this statement, we have assessed the potential impact and have concluded that its adoption will not have a material effect on our financial position or results of operations.

In March 2008, the FASB released Statement No. 161, “Disclosures about Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities,”Activities” (“SFAS 161”), an amendment of SFAS No. 133.”  Statement  SFAS 161 will require increased disclosure of our derivative and hedging activities, including how derivative and hedging activities affect our consolidated statement of operations, balance sheet and cash flows.  StatementSFAS 161 is effective for interim periods and fiscal years beginning on or after DecemberNovember 15, 2008, and interim periods within those fiscal years.2008.  The adoption of StatementSFAS 161 will increase the required disclosure of our derivative and hedging activities, but is not expected to have a material impact on our financial position or results of operations.

CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Our accounting policies, which are described in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2007,2008, require management to make significant estimates and assumptions using information available at the time the estimates are made. These estimates and assumptions significantly affect various reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues, and expenses.  If our future experience differs materially from these estimates and assumptions, our results of operations and financial condition would be affected. There were no material changes to our critical accounting policies during the first ninethree months of fiscal 2008.2009.

CONTRACTUAL OBLIGATIONS AND COMMITMENTS

There have been no material changes related to contractual obligations and commitments from the information provided in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2007.2008.  As of JulyJanuary 31, 2008,2009, our FIN 48 liabilities were $654,000.$695,000. The periods in which the FIN 48 liabilities will be paid cannot be reliably estimated and are, therefore, excluded from our contractual obligations.  For additional information regarding FIN 48, see Note 12 of Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

 
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OFF BALANCE SHEET ARRANGEMENTS

From time to time, our subsidiaries guarantee third party payment obligations in connection with the sale of certain machines to customers that use financing.  As JulyJanuary 31, 2008,2009, we had 5955 outstanding third party guarantees totaling approximately $1.8$1.7 million.  The terms of our subsidiaries’ guarantees are consistent with the underlying customer financing terms.  Upon shipment, the customer has the risk of ownership, but does not obtain title until the machine is paid in full.  A retention of title clause allows us to recover the machine if the customer defaults on the lease.  We believe that the proceeds obtained from liquidation of the machine would cover any payments required by the guarantee.
 
CAUTIONARY STATEMENT CONCERNING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

Certain statements made in this report constitute “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause our actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from those expressed or implied by the statements. These risks, uncertainties and other factors include:

·  The current global economic crisis affecting customer demand and purchase of products and services;
·  The cyclical nature of the machine tool industry;
·  The risks of our international operations;
·  The limited number of our manufacturing sources;
·  The effects of changes in currency exchange rates;
·  Our dependence on new product development;
·  The need to make technological advances;
·  Competition with larger companies that have greater financial resources;
·  Changes in the prices of raw materials, especially steel and iron products;
·  Possible obsolescence of our technology;
·  Acquisitions that could disrupt our operations and affect operating results;
·  Impairment of our goodwill or other assets;
·  The need to protect our intellectual property assets;
·  The impact of the continuing downturn in the U.S. economy;
·  The impact of ongoing disruptions in the credit markets on our investment securities; and
·  The effect of the loss of key personnel.

We discuss these and other important risks and uncertainties that may affect our future operation in Part I, Item 1A – Risk Factors in our most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and may update that discussion in Part II, Item 1A – Risk Factors in this report or a Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q we file hereafter.

Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements.  While we believe the assumptions on which the forward-looking statements are based are reasonable, there can be no assurance that these forward-looking statements will prove to be accurate. This cautionary statement is applicable to all forward-looking statements contained in this report.

 
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Item 3.                      QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

 Interest Rate Risk
Interest Rate Risk

Interest on borrowings on our bank credit agreements are tied to prevailing U.S. and European interest rates.  At JulyJanuary 31, 2008,2009, there were no outstanding borrowings under our bank credit agreements.

Foreign Currency Exchange Risk

In fiscal 2008, we derived more than two-thirds75% of our revenues, including export sales, from foreign markets.  All of our computerized machine tools and computer control systems, as well as certain proprietary service parts, are sourced by our U.S.-based engineering and manufacturing division and re-invoiced to our foreign sales and service subsidiaries, primarily in their functional currencies.

Our products are sourced from foreign suppliers or built to our specifications by either our wholly owned subsidiary in Taiwan or an affiliated contract manufacturer. Our purchases are predominantly in foreign currencies and in some cases our arrangements with these suppliers include foreign currency risk sharing agreements, which reduce (but do not eliminate) the effects of currency fluctuations on product costs. The predominant portion of the exchange rate risk associated with our product purchases relates to the New Taiwan Dollar.

We enter into foreign currency forward exchange contracts from time to time to hedge the cash flow risk related to forecasted inter-company sales and forecasted inter-company and third party purchases denominated in, or based on, foreign currencies (primarily the Euro, Pound Sterling, and New Taiwan Dollar). We also enter into foreign currency forward exchange contracts to protect against the effects of foreign currency fluctuations on receivables and payables denominated in foreign currencies. We do not speculate in the financial markets and, therefore, do not enter into these contracts for trading purposes.

Forward contracts for the sale or purchase of foreign currencies as of JulyJanuary 31, 2008,2009, which are designated as cash flow hedges under FASB Statement 133, “Accounting Standards for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities” were as follows:

 Notional Amount  Weighted Avg.  
Contract Amount at Forward Rates in
U.S. Dollars
   Notional Amount  Weighted Avg.  
Contract Amount at Forward Rates in
U.S. Dollars
  
Forward Contracts 
in Foreign Currency
  
Forward Rate
  
Contract Date
  
July 31, 2008
 Maturity Dates 
in Foreign Currency
  
Forward Rate
  
Contract Date
  
January 31, 2009
 Maturity Dates
Sale Contracts:                          
Euro  39,450,000   1.4841   58,547,745   61,016,505 August 2008 – July 2009  29,250,000   1.4835   43,393,130   37,394,080 February 2009 – January 2010
Pound Sterling  5,105,000   1.9676   10,044,598   10,002,257 August 2008 – July 2009  3,750,000   1.8593   6,972,268   5,418,761 February 2009 – January 2010
Purchase Contracts:                                  
New Taiwan Dollar  1,112,000,000   30.42*  36,553,696   36,572,448 August 2008 – July 2009  900,000,000   30.41*  29,596,687   26,621,009 February 2009 – January 2010

*NT Dollars per U.S. Dollar

 
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Forward contracts for the sale or purchase of foreign currencies as of JulyJanuary 31, 2008,2009, which were entered into to protect against the effects of foreign currency fluctuations on receivables and payables and are not designated as hedges under Statement 133 denominated in foreign currencies, were as follows:

       
Contract Amount at Forward Rates in
U.S. Dollars
         
Contract Amount at Forward Rates in
U.S. Dollars
  
Forward Contracts 
Notional Amount in Foreign Currency
  
Weighted Avg. Forward Rate
  
Contract Date
  
July 31, 2008
 Maturity Dates 
Notional Amount in Foreign Currency
  
Weighted Avg. Forward Rate
  
Contract Date
  
January 31, 2009
 Maturity Dates
Sale Contracts:                          
Euro  16,619,350   1.5546   25,836,441   25,794,307 August 2008 – February 2009  20,435,446   1.3312   27,204,254   26,128,097 February 2009 – April 2009
Pound Sterling  1,215,575   1.9649   2,388,483   2,404,907 August 2008 – September 2008  1,737,254   1.4280   2,480,803   2,510,133 February 2009 – April 2009
Singapore Dollar  2,444,567   1.3568   1,801,715   1,793,464 August 2008 – November 2008
Canadian Dollar  218,156   .8034   175,262   177,448 February 2009
Purchase Contracts:                                  
New Taiwan Dollar  330,608,000   30.37*  10,884,967   10,784,153 August 2008 – September 2008  15,517,000   33.75*  459,763   458,918 February 2009

* NT Dollars per U.S. Dollar

We are exposed to foreign currency exchange risksrisk related to our investment in net assets in foreign countries.   To manage this risk, we entered into a forward contract on November 26, 2007 with a notional amount of €3.0 million.  We have designated this forward contract as a hedge of our net investment in Euro denominated assets.  We have selected the forward method under the guidance of the Derivatives Implementation Group Statement 133 Issue H8, “Foreign Currency Hedges: Measuring the Amount of Ineffectiveness in a Net Investment Hedge.”Hedge”. The forward method requires all changes in the fair value of the forward to be reported as a cumulative translation adjustment in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss, net of tax, in the same manner as the underlying hedged net assets. This forward contract matured on November 25, 2008 and we entered into a new forward contract for the same notional amount.  As of JulyJanuary 31, 2008,2009, we had a lossrealized gain of $123,000,$355,000 and an unrealized gain of $28,000, net of tax, recorded as a cumulative translation adjustmentadjustments in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss, net of tax, related to thethese forward contract.contracts.

Forward contracts for the sale or purchase of foreign currencies as of JulyJanuary 31, 2008,2009, which are designated as net investment hedges under Statement 133 were as follows:

 Notional Amount  Weighted Avg.  
Contract Amount at Forward Rates in
U.S. Dollars
   Notional Amount  Weighted Avg.  
Contract Amount at Forward Rates in
U.S. Dollars
  
Forward Contracts 
in Foreign Currency
  
Forward Rate
  
Contract Date
  
July 31, 2008
 Maturity Date 
in Foreign Currency
  
Forward Rate
  
Contract Date
  
January 31, 2009
 Maturity Date
Sale Contracts:                          
Euro  3,000,000   1.4837   4,451,100   4,650,756 November 2008  3,000,000   1.2936   3,880,800   3,835,547 November 2009

 
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Item 4.                      CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

We carried out an evaluation under the supervision and with participation of management, including the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures as of JulyJanuary 31, 2008,2009, pursuant to Rule 13a-15(b) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.  Based upon that evaluation, our management, including the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of the evaluation date.

There were no changes in our internal controls over financial reporting during the quarter ended JulyJanuary 31, 20082009 that materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.


 
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PART II - OTHER INFORMATION

  Item 1.
 LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

Item 1.
LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
 
We are involved in various claims and lawsuits arising in the normal course of our business.  We believe it is remote that any of these claims will have a material adverse effect on our consolidated financial position or results of operations.

Item 1A. RISK FACTORS

Except as set forth below, thereThere have been no material changes from the risk factors disclosed in Part I, Item 1A of– Risk Factors in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended October 31, 2007.2008.

Our investments in auction rate securities do not currently provide us a liquid source of cash.

As of July 31, 2008, we held approximately $6.7 million of investments which were auction rate securities.  Recently, there have been disruptions in the market for auction rate securities.  Approximately 71.6% of the auction rate securities in our portfolio had unsuccessful auctions, and we may not be able to sell these securities in a timely manner to meet a liquidity need.  If the credit markets do not improve, we may be unable to sell the underlying securities at or above our carrying value, or at all.

Item 5.  OTHER INFORMATION

During the period covered by this report, the Audit Committee of our Board of Directors did not engage our independent registered public accounting firm to perform any non-audit services.  This disclosure is made pursuant to Section 10A9(i)(2) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as added by Section 202 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.













 
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Item 6.
EXHIBITS

 11
Computation of per share earnings.
 
 31.1
Certification by the Chief Executive Officer, pursuant to Rule 13a-15(b) under the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.
 
 31.2
Certification by the Chief Financial Officer, pursuant to Rule 13a-15(b) under the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.
 
 32.1
Certification by the Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
 
 32.2Certification by the Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.


 
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SIGNATURES


Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.



HURCO COMPANIES, INC.


By:           /s/ John G. Oblazney                                                                         
John G. Oblazney
Vice President and
Chief Financial Officer



By:           /s/ Sonja K. McClelland                                                          
Sonja K. McClelland
Corporate Controller and
Principal Accounting Officer





SeptemberMarch 9, 20082009




 
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