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 August 2,November 1, 2008

OR

 

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

For the transition period from            to            

Commission file number 0-13200

 

 

Astro-Med, Inc.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

 

 

Rhode Island 05-0318215

(State or other jurisdiction of

incorporation or organization)

 

(I.R.S. Employer

Identification No.)

 

600 East Greenwich Avenue, West Warwick, Rhode Island 02893
(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)

(401) 828-4000

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

 

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.    Yes  x    No  ¨.

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer or a non-accelerated filer. See definition of accelerated filer and large accelerated filer in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

Large accelerated filer  ¨    Accelerated filer  ¨    Non-accelerated filer  ¨    Smaller reporting company  x

Large accelerated filer¨Accelerated filer¨
Non-accelerated filer¨Smaller reporting companyx

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act)    Yes  ¨    No  x.

Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer’s classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date.

Common Stock, $.05 Par Value – 7,002,8477,008,151 shares

(excluding treasury shares) as of August 29,November 28, 2008

 

 

 


ASTRO-MED, INC.

INDEX

 

   Page No.
Part I. Financial Information  
  Item 1. Financial Statements  
   

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets – August 2,November 1, 2008 (unaudited) and January 31, 2008 (audited)

  3
   

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations (unaudited) – Three and SixNine Months Ended August 2,November 1, 2008 and August 4,November 3, 2007

  4
   

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (unaudited) SixNine Months Ended August 2,November 1, 2008 and August 4,November 3, 2007

  5
   

Notes to the Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited) August 2,November 1, 2008

  6-11
  Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations  12-1612-17
  Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk  1718
  Item 4. Disclosure Controls and Procedures  1718
Part II. Other Information  
  Item 1. Legal Proceedings  1718
  Item 1A. Risk Factors  1718
  Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Securities and Use of Proceeds  17
Item 4.Submission of Matters to a Vote of Stockholders18
  Item 6. Exhibits  18
19
Signatures  1819
Management Certifications  

 

-2-


Part I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

Item 1.Financial Statements

ASTRO-MED, INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

 

  August 2,
2008
 January 31,
2008
   November 1,
2008
 January 31,
2008
 
  (Unaudited) (Audited)   (Unaudited) (Audited) 

ASSETS

      

CURRENT ASSETS

      

Cash and Cash Equivalents

  $12,534,481  $5,747,937   $14,544,876  $5,747,937 

Securities Available for Sale

   7,402,129   11,807,670    6,566,096   11,807,670 

Accounts Receivable, Net

   11,979,754   12,761,281    10,374,209   12,761,281 

Inventories

   13,597,577   14,050,619    12,705,697   14,050,619 

Prepaid Expenses and Other Current Assets

   597,935   1,103,818    2,899,118   1,103,818 

Deferred Tax Assets

   2,937,807   2,912,688    573,410   2,912,688 
              

Total Current Assets

   49,049,683   48,384,013    47,663,406   48,384,013 

PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT

   33,311,569   32,380,536    33,235,182   32,380,536 

Less Accumulated Depreciation

   (22,395,329)  (21,647,701)   (22,474,642)  (21,647,701)
              

Property, Plant and Equipment, Net

   10,916,240   10,732,835    10,760,540   10,732,835 

OTHER ASSETS

      

Securities Available for Sale

   981,800   —   

Goodwill

   2,336,721   2,336,721    2,336,721   2,336,721 

Security Available for Sale

   478,180   —   

Other

   126,142   245,843    103,831   245,843 
              

TOTAL ASSETS

  $62,906,966  $61,699,412   $61,846,298  $61,699,412 
              

LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

      

CURRENT LIABILITIES

      

Accounts Payable

  $2,642,290  $3,420,015   $2,468,249  $3,420,015 

Accrued Compensation

   2,107,822   2,412,647    2,023,464   2,412,647 

Accrued Expenses

   1,843,819   2,264,055 

Other Accrued Expenses

   1,694,438   2,264,055 

Deferred Revenue

   874,096   768,863    843,192   768,863 

Income Taxes Payable

   400,174   107,674    384,094   107,674 

Other Current Liabilities

   423,385   —   
              

Total Current Liabilities

   7,868,201   8,973,254    7,836,822   8,973,254 

Deferred Tax Liabilities

   1,609,635   1,766,517    1,458,263   1,766,517 

Other Long Term Liabilities

   1,599,363   1,604,718    1,145,538   1,604,718 
              

Total Liabilities

   11,077,199   12,344,489    10,440,623   12,344,489 
              

SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

      

Common Stock, $.05 Par Value, Authorized 13,000,000 shares; Issued and outstanding 8,179,685 and 8,053,281 shares at August 2, 2008 and January 31, 2008, respectively

   408,989   402,668 

Common Stock, $.05 Par Value, Authorized 13,000,000 shares; Issued 8,186,838 and 8,053,281 shares at November 1, 2008 and January 31, 2008, respectively

   409,346   402,668 

Additional Paid-In Capital

   33,353,976   32,363,277    33,502,855   32,363,277 

Retained Earnings

   25,278,298   24,064,440    25,507,372   24,064,440 

Treasury Stock, at Cost, 1,179,406 Shares

   (8,124,715)  (8,124,715)   (8,124,715)  (8,124,715)

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income

   913,219   649,253    110,817   649,253 
              

Total Shareholders’ Equity

   51,829,767   49,354,923    51,405,675   49,354,923 
              

TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

  $62,906,966  $61,699,412   $61,846,298  $61,699,412 
              

See Notes to unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.statements (unaudited).

 

-3-


ASTRO-MED, INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (unaudited)

 

  Three Months Ended
(Unaudited)
  Six Months Ended
(Unaudited)
  Three Months Ended  Nine Months Ended
  August 2,
2008
 August 4,
2007
  August 2,
2008
 August 4,
2007
  November 1,
2008
 November 3,
2007
  November 1,
2008
 November 3,
2007

Net Sales

  $19,783,613  $18,694,484  $38,471,462  $35,101,374  $17,680,904  $19,139,125  $56,152,366  $54,240,498

Cost of Sales

   11,102,957   10,863,924   21,603,073   20,424,510   10,033,838   10,766,863   31,636,911   31,191,373
                        

Gross Profit

   8,680,656   7,830,560   16,868,389   14,676,864   7,647,066   8,372,262   24,515,455   23,049,125

Costs and Expenses:

            

Selling, General and Administrative

   5,553,086   5,433,462   11,219,903   10,560,098   5,303,940   5,449,905   16,523,843   16,010,002

Research and Development

   1,199,134   1,134,848   2,425,341   2,233,105   1,254,221   1,183,965   3,679,562   3,417,070
                        

Operating Expenses

   6,752,220   6,568,310   13,645,244   12,793,203   6,558,161   6,633,870   20,203,405   19,427,072
                        

Operating Income

   1,928,436   1,262,250   3,223,145   1,883,661   1,088,905   1,738,392   4,312,050   3,622,053

Other Income (Expense):

            

Investment Income

   121,143   149,814   261,901   319,873   128,679   141,074   390,580   460,947

Other, Net

   (59,913)  64,236   (24,677)  142,798   (365,548)  28,631   (390,225)  171,429
                        
   61,230   214,050   237,224   462,671   (236,869)  169,705   355   632,376
                        

Income Before Income Taxes

   1,989,666   1,476,300   3,460,369   2,346,332   852,036   1,908,097   4,312,405   4,254,429

Income Tax Provision

   835,454   590,556   1,409,028   938,589   202,585   346,426   1,611,613   1,285,015
                        

Net Income

  $1,154,212  $885,744  $2,051,341  $1,407,743  $649,451  $1,561,671  $2,700,792  $2,969,414
                        

Net Income per Common Share:

            

Basic

  $0.16  $0.13  $0.29  $0.20  $0.09  $0.23  $0.39  $0.43

Diluted

  $0.15  $0.12  $0.27  $0.19  $0.09  $0.21  $0.36  $0.39

Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding:

            

Basic

   6,999,303   6,901,265   6,966,642   6,866,104   7,004,509   6,912,489   6,979,175   6,881,398

Diluted

   7,522,713   7,577,748   7,482,289   7,573,223   7,470,997   7,509,964   7,478,436   7,551,969

Dividends Declared Per Common Share

  $0.06  $0.05  $0.12  $0.10  $0.06  $0.05  $0.18  $0.15

See Notes to unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.statements (unaudited).

 

-4-


ASTRO-MED, INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (unaudited)

 

  Six Months Ended 
  August 2,
2008
 August 4,
2007
   Nine Months Ended 
  (Unaudited)   November 1,
2008
 November 3,
2007
 

Cash Flows from Operating Activities:

      

Net Income

  $2,051,341  $1,407,743   $2,700,792  $2,969,414 

Adjustments to Reconcile Net Income to Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities:

   

Adjustments to Reconcile Net Income to Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities:

   

Depreciation and Amortization

   741,591   806,101    1,052,173   1,191,603 

Share-Based Compensation

   280,381   271,076    376,474   428,187 

Deferred Income Taxes

   (182,001)  303,971    (294,684)  637,428 

Excess Tax Benefit from Share-Based Compensation

   —     (107,920)   —     (107,920)

Changes in Assets and Liabilities:

      

Accounts Receivable

   781,527   (719,481)   2,387,072   (827,799)

Inventories

   453,042   (893,470)   1,344,922   (1,723,895)

Other

   949,275   185,094    290,187   248,622 

Income Taxes Payable

   287,145   (285,877)   240,625   (975,141)

Accounts Payable and Accrued Expenses

   (1,397,553)  (1,637,584)   (1,836,237)  (524,602)
              

Total Adjustments

   1,913,407   (2,078,090)
       

Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities

   3,964,748   (670,347)
       

Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities

   6,261,324   1,315,897 
       

Cash Flows from Investing Activities:

      

Proceeds from Maturities of Securities Available for Sale

   5,461,215   2,464,828    8,274,215   5,454,531 

Purchases of Securities Available for Sale

   (1,580,000)  (2,185,000)   (4,040,000)  (6,073,000)

Additions to Property, Plant and Equipment

   (938,575)  (3,729,467)   (1,210,525)  (4,159,055)
       
       

Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities

   2,942,640   (3,449,639)   3,023,690   (4,777,524)
              

Cash Flows from Financing Activities:

      

Proceeds from Common Shares Issued Under Employee Benefit Plans and Exercises of Stock Options

   716,639   729,381    769,782   768,074 

Excess Tax Benefit from Share-Based Compensation

   —     107,920    —     107,920 

Dividends Paid

   (837,483)  (688,836)   (1,257,857)  (1,034,357)
              

Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities

   (120,844)  148,465 

Net Cash Used in Financing Activities

   (488,075)  (158,363)

Long Term Investments Designated for Real Estate Purchase Transferred to Cash

   —     3,200,000    —     3,200,000 
              

Net Increase (Decrease) in Cash and Cash Equivalents

   6,786,544   (771,521)   8,796,939   (419,990)

Cash and Cash Equivalents, Beginning of Period

   5,747,937   4,595,570    5,747,937   4,595,570 
              

Cash and Cash Equivalents, End of Period

  $12,534,481  $3,824,049   $14,544,876  $4,175,580 
              

Supplemental Disclosures of Cash Flow Information:

      

Cash Paid During the Period for Income Taxes, Net of Refunds

  $858,647  $986,415   $1,046,336  $1,804,449 

Non-Cash Transfer of Demonstration Equipment from Fixed Assets to Inventories

  $—    $249,514   $—    $204,292 

Reclassification of Investment Security to Non-Current Assets

  $478,180  $—   

Reclassification of Investment Securities to Non-Current Assets

  $981,800  $—   

See Notes to unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.statements (unaudited).

 

-5-


ASTRO-MED, INC.

NOTES TO UNAUDITEDTHE CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (unaudited)

August 2,November 1, 2008

(1) Basis of Presentation

The accompanying financial statements have been prepared by Astro-Med, Inc. (the “Company”), without audit, pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission, and reflect all adjustments consisting of normal recurring adjustments which, in the opinion of management, are necessary for a fair presentation of the results of the interim periods included herein. Results of operations for the interim periods presented herein are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the full year. These financial statements do not include all disclosures associated with annual financial statements and, accordingly, should be read in conjunction with footnotes contained in the Company’s annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended January 31, 2008.

(2) Principles of Consolidation

The accompanying condensed consolidated condensed financial statements include the financial statements of the Company and its wholly-owned subsidiaries. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions are eliminated in consolidation.

(3) Net Income Per Common Share

Net income per common share has been computed and presented pursuant to the provisions of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 128, “Earnings Per Share”. Net income per share is based on the weighted average number of shares outstanding during the period. Net income per share assuming dilution is based on the weighted average number of shares and, if dilutive, common equivalent shares for stock options outstanding during the period.

 

  Three Months Ended  Six Months Ended  Three Months Ended  Nine Months Ended
  August 2,
2008
  August 4,
2007
  August 2,
2008
  August 4,
2007
  November 1,
2008
  November 3,
2007
  November 1,
2008
  November 3,
2007

Weighted Average Common Shares Outstanding – Basic

  6,999,303  6,901,265  6,966,642  6,866,104  7,004,509  6,912,489  6,979,175  6,881,398

Effect of Dilutive Options

  523,410  676,483  515,647  707,119  466,488  597,475  499,261  670,571
                        

Weighted Average Common Shares Outstanding – Diluted

  7,522,713  7,577,748  7,482,289  7,573,223  7,470,997  7,509,964  7,478,436  7,551,969
                        

For the three months and sixnine months ended August 2,November 1, 2008, the diluted per share amounts do not reflect options outstanding of 179,600513,667 and 170,763,285,064, respectively. For the three months and sixnine months ended August 4,November 3, 2007, the diluted per share amounts do not reflect options outstanding of 150,200162,400 and 157,300,159,000, respectively. These outstanding options were not included because the exercise price of the options was greater than the average market price of the underlying stock during the periods presented.

(4) Revenue Recognition

The majority of the Company’s product sales are recorded at the time of shipment, when legal title has transferred and risk of loss passes to the customer, when persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, the seller’s price to the buyer is fixed or determinable and collectibility is reasonably assured in accordance with the requirements in Staff Accounting Bulletin (“SAB”) 104, “Revenue Recognition in Financial Statements.” When a sale arrangement involves training or installation, the deliverables in the arrangement are evaluated to determine whether they represent separate units of accounting in accordance with SAB 104 and EITF 00-21, “Revenue Arrangements With Multiple Deliverables”. This evaluation occurs at inception of the arrangement and as each item in the arrangement is delivered. The total fee from the arrangement is allocated to each unit of accounting based on its relative fair value. Fair value for each element is established generally based on the sales price charged when the same or similar element is sold separately. Revenue is recognized when revenue recognition criteria for each unit of accounting are met. When other significant obligations remain after products are delivered, revenue is recognized only after such obligations are fulfilled. All of the Company’s equipment contains embedded operating systems and data management software which is included in the purchase price of the equipment. The software is deemed incidental to the systems as a whole as it is not sold separately or marketed separately and its production costs are minor as compared to those of the hardware system. Returns and customer credits are infrequent and are recorded as a reduction to sales. Rights of return are not included in sales arrangements. Revenue associated with products that contain specific customer acceptance criteria is not recognized before the customer acceptance criteria are satisfied. Discounts from list prices are recorded as a reduction to sales. Amounts billed to customers for shipping and handling fees are included in sales while related shipping and handling costs are included in cost of sales.

Infrequently, the Company recognizes revenue for non-recurring engineering (NRE) fees for product modification orders upon completion of agreed-upon milestones. Revenue is deferred for any amounts received prior to completion of milestones. Certain of our NRE arrangements include formal customer acceptance provisions. In such cases, the Company determines whether they have obtained customer acceptance for the specific milestone before recognizing revenue.

Infrequently, the Company receives requests from customers to hold product being purchased from the Company for the customers’ convenience. The Company recognizes revenue for such bill and hold arrangements in accordance with the requirements of SAB No. 104 which requires, among other things, the existence of a valid business purpose for the arrangement, the transfer of ownership of the purchased product, the readiness of the product for shipment, the use of customary payment terms, no continuing performance obligation by the Company and segregation of the product from the Company’s inventories.

 

-6-


ASTRO-MED, INC.

NOTES TO UNAUDITEDTHE CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (unaudited) (continued)

August 2,November 1, 2008

 

(5) Share-Based Compensation

The Company has one equity incentive plan (the “Plan”) under which incentive stock options, non-qualified stock options, restricted stock and other equity based awards may be granted to officers and key employees. To date, only options have been granted under thisthe Plan. Options granted to employees vest over four years. An aggregate of 1,000,000 shares were authorized for awards under the Plan. The exercise price of each stock option will be established at the discretion of the Compensation Committee; however, any incentive stock options granted must be at an exercise price of not less than fair market value at the date of grant. The Plan provides for an automatic annual grant of ten-year options to purchase 5,000 shares of stock to each non-employee director upon the adjournment of each shareholder meeting. Each such option is exercisable at the fair market value as of the grant date and vests immediately prior to the next succeeding annual shareholders meeting. During the second quarter of fiscal 2009, 15,000 options were awarded to non-employee directors pursuant to the Plan. At August 2,November 1, 2008, 895,025 shares under the Plan were available for grant.

The Company has estimated the fair value of each option on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model. The volatility assumption is based on the historical weekly price data of the Company’s common stock over a period equivalent to the weighted average expected life of the Company’s options. Management evaluated whether there were factors during that period which were unusual and would distort the volatility figure if used to estimate future volatility and concluded that there were no such factors. In determining the expected life of the option grants, the Company has observed the actual terms of prior grants with similar characteristics, the actual vesting schedule of the grant, and assessed the expected risk tolerance of different option groups. The risk-free interest rate is based on the actual U.S. Treasury zero coupon rates for bonds matching the expected term of the option as of the option grant date. The risk-free interest rate was 3.13% for all options granted in the second quarter of fiscal 2009.

The fair value of stock options granted during the sixnine months ended August 2,November 1, 2008 and August 4,November 3, 2007 was estimated on the date of grant using the following assumptions:

 

  Six Months Ended   Nine Months Ended 
  August 2,
2008
 August 4,
2007
   November 1,
2008
 November 3,
2007
 

Risk Free Interest Rate

  3.13 % - 3.95% 4.5%  3.13% - 3.95% 4.5%

Expected Volatility

  46.5% 48.1%  46.5% 48.1%

Expected Life (in years)

  5.0  5.0   5.0  5.0 

Dividend Yield

  2.0% 1.9%  2.0% 1.9%

The fair value per share for options granted were $3.43 and $3.19 during the first quarter of fiscal 2009 and $3.65 during the second quarter of fiscal 2009 compared to $4.81 and $4.79 during the first and second quarters of fiscal 2008. No options were granted during the third quarter of fiscal 2009 and 2008.

Aggregated information regarding the Company’s stock option plansplan as of August 2,and for the nine months ended November 1, 2008 is summarized below:

 

  Number of Options Weighted Average
Exercise Price
  Weighted Average
Remaining
Contractual Life
(in Years)
  Aggregate Intrinsic
Value
  Number of Options Weighted Average
Exercise Price
  Weighted Average
Remaining
Contractual Life
(in Years)
  Aggregate Intrinsic
Value

Outstanding at January 31, 2008

  1,832,686  $5.89  4.0  $7,294,366  1,832,686  $5.89  4.0  $7,294,366

Granted

  89,975   9.16      89,975   9.16    

Exercised

  (123,935)  5.63      (129,404)  5.70    

Expired or canceled

  (26,957)  8.27      (27,957)  8.38    
                        

Outstanding at August 2, 2008

  1,771,769  $6.04  4.3  $4,996,567

Outstanding at November 1, 2008

  1,765,300  $6.04  4.0  $4,116,791
                        

Exercisable at August 2, 2008

  1,483,179  $5.32  3.5  $4,920,447

Exercisable at November 1, 2008

  1,476,710  $5.31  3.2  $4,092,907
                        

Share-based compensation expense was recognized as follows:

 

  Three Months Ended  Six Months Ended  Three Months Ended  Nine Months Ended
  August 2,
2008
  August 4,
2007
  August 2,
2008
  August 4,
2007
  November 1,
2008
  November 3,
2007
  November 1,
2008
  November 3,
2007

Cost of Sales

  $16,139  $25,304  $47,412  $46,526  $16,139  $25,304  $63,551  $71,830

Selling, General and Administrative

   56,869   103,635   196,254   177,907   67,455   106,440   263,709   284,347

Research & Development

   12,499   25,367   36,715   46,643   12,499   25,367   49,214   72,010
                        

Reduction in Pretax Income

   85,507   154,306   280,381   271,076   96,093   157,111   376,474   428,187

Income Tax Benefit

   18,039   23,702   61,167   37,889   22,051   25,254   83,218   63,143
                        

Reduction in Net Income

  $67,468  $130,604  $219,214  $233,187  $74,042  $131,857  $293,256  $365,044
                        

As of August 2,November 1, 2008, there was $843,561$749,668 of unrecognized compensation expense related to unvested options.

The Company has an Employee Stock Purchase Plan allowing eligible employees to purchase shares of common stock at a 15% discount from fair value on the date of purchase. A total of 247,500 shares were initially reserved for issuance under the Plan.this plan. During the quarters ended August 2,November 1, 2008 and August 4,November 3, 2007, 1,5551,684 and 747764 shares were purchased under the Plan.this plan. During the sixnine months ended August 2,November 1, 2008 and August 4,November 3, 2007, 2,4694,153 and 1,4562,220 shares were purchased under the Plan.this plan. As of August 2,November 1, 2008, 97,72396,039 shares remain available.

 

-7-


ASTRO-MED, INC.

NOTES TO UNAUDITEDTHE CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (unaudited) (continued)

August 2,November 1, 2008

 

(6) Comprehensive Income (Loss)

The Company’s comprehensive income (loss) is as follows:

 

  Three Months Ended Six Months Ended  Three Months Ended  Nine Months Ended
  August 2,
2008
  August 4,
2007
 August 2,
2008
 August 4,
2007
  November 1,
2008
 November 3,
2007
  November 1,
2008
 November 3,
2007

Net Income

  $1,154,212  $885,744  $2,051,341  $1,407,743  $649,451  $1,561,671  $2,700,792  $2,969,414

Other Comprehensive Income:

      

Other Comprehensive Income (Loss):

      

Foreign currency translation adjustments, net of tax

   213,911   38,008   314,659   129,920   (784,726)  169,199   (470,067)  299,119

Unrealized holding gain (loss) arising during the period, net of tax

   2,755   (5,128)  (50,693)  9,509   (17,676)  27,659   (68,369)  37,167
                        

Other Comprehensive Income

   216,666   32,880   263,966   139,429

Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)

   (802,402)  196,858   (538,436)  336,286
                        

Comprehensive Income

  $1,370,878  $918,624  $2,315,307  $1,547,172

Comprehensive Income (Loss)

  $(152,951) $1,758,529  $2,162,356  $3,305,700
                        

(7) Inventories

Inventories are stated at the lower of cost (first-in, first-out) or market and include material, labor and manufacturing overhead. The components of inventories were as follows:

 

  August 2,
2008
  January 31,
2008
  November 1,
2008
  January 31,
2008

Materials and Supplies

  $8,331,228  $8,661,345  $7,475,865  $8,661,345

Work-In-Process

   1,647,528   1,735,972   1,538,289   1,735,972

Finished Goods

   3,618,821   3,653,302   3,691,543   3,653,302
            
  $13,597,577  $14,050,619  $12,705,697  $14,050,619
            

(8) Income Taxes

The Company’s effective tax rates for the periods presented herein are as follows:

 

   Three Months Ended  Six Months Ended 

Fiscal 2009

  42.0% 40.7%

Fiscal 2008

  40.0% 40.0%

The increase in the effective tax rate to 42.0% for the three months ended August 2, 2008 was due to a discrete charge of $59,484 related to the payment of additional state franchise taxes.

   Three Months Ended  Nine Months Ended 

Fiscal 2009

  23.8% 37.4%

Fiscal 2008

  18.2% 30.2%

Effective February 1, 2007, the Company adopted Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Interpretation No. 48 “Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes – an interpretation of FASB Statement 109” (“FIN 48”). FIN 48 prescribes a comprehensive model for recognizing, measuring, presenting and disclosing in the financial statements tax positions taken or expected to be taken on a tax return, including a decision whether to file or not to file in a particular jurisdiction. For those benefits to be recognized, a tax position must be more likely than not to be sustained upon examination by taxing authorities. The amount recognized is measured as the largest amount of benefit that is greater than 50 percent likely of being realized upon ultimate settlement.

During the third quarter of fiscal 2009, the Company recognized an income tax expense of approximately $203,000 which included 1) expense of $301,000 on the quarter’s pre-tax income, 2) benefit of $71,000 for the recently passed extension of the R&D tax credit and 3) benefit of $27,000 related to differences between the prior year tax provision and the actual returns as filed. During the third quarter of fiscal 2008, the Company recognized an income tax expense of approximately $346,000 which included 1) expense of $792,000 on the quarter’s pre-tax income, 2) benefit of $167,000 related to the completion of an IRS exam, 3) benefit of $319,000 related to changes in uncertain R&D and foreign tax credit positions and 4) expense of $40,000 related to differences between the prior year tax provision and the actual returns as filed.

During the nine months ended November 1, 2008, the Company recognized an income tax expense of approximately $1,612,000 which included 1) expense of $1,650,500 on the nine month’s pre-tax income, 2) expense of $59,500 related to discrete payment of additional state franchise tax, 3) benefit of $71,000 for the recently passed extension of the R&D tax credit and 4) benefit of $27,000 related to differences between the prior year tax provision and the actual returns as filed. During the nine months ended November 3, 2007, the Company recognized an income tax expense of approximately $1,285,000 which included 1) expense of $1,731,000 on the nine month’s pre-tax income, 2) benefit of $167,000 related to the completion of an IRS exam, 3) benefit of $319,000 related to changes in uncertain R&D and foreign tax credit positions and 4) expense of $40,000 related to differences between the prior year tax provision and the actual returns as filed.

As of August 2,November 1, 2008, the Company had cumulative unrecognized tax benefits of $1,367,985$1,336,972 compared to $1,372,767 as of January 31, 2008. During the third quarter of the current fiscal year, the Company reclassed $423,000 of the $1,336,972 unrecognized tax benefit to a current liability due to the expected settlement of a portion of the uncertain tax positions within the next twelve months. The Company continues to recognize accrued interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits in the income tax provision. As of August 2,November 1, 2008, approximately $40,000$60,000 of interest was accrued.

 

-8-


ASTRO-MED, INC.

NOTES TO UNAUDITEDTHE CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (unaudited) (continued)

August 2,November 1, 2008

 

(9) Segment Information

The Company reports three reporting segments consistent with its sales product groups: Test & Measurement (T&M); QuickLabel Systems (QuickLabel) and Grass Technologies (GT). The Company evaluates segment performance based on the segment profit before corporate and financial administration expenses.

Summarized below are the Net Sales and Segment Operating Profit for each reporting segment for three months ended August 2, 2008 and August 4, 2007:segment:

 

   Net Sales  Segment Operating Profit
   August 2,
2008
  August 4,
2007
  August 2,
2008
  August 4,
2007

T&M

  $4,490,000  $4,500,000  $882,000  $888,000

QuickLabel

   10,633,000   9,661,000   1,522,000   1,075,000

GT

   4,661,000   4,533,000   587,000   340,000
                

Total

  $19,784,000  $18,694,000   2,991,000   2,303,000
            

Corporate Expenses

       1,063,000   1,040,000
            

Operating Income

       1,928,000   1,263,000

Other Income, Net

       61,000   213,000
            

Income Before Income Taxes

       1,989,000   1,476,000

Income Tax Provision

       835,000   590,000
            

Net Income

      $1,154,000  $886,000
            

Summarized below are the Net Sales and Segment Operating Profit for each reporting segment for the six months ended August 2, 2008 and August 4, 2007:

  Net Sales  Segment Operating Profit Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended
  August 2,
2008
  August 4,
2007
  August 2,
2008
  August 4,
2007
 Net Sales Segment Operating Profit Net Sales Segment Operating Profit
(In thousands) November 1,
2008
 November 3,
2007
 November 1,
2008
 November 3,
2007
 November 1,
2008
 November 3,
2007
 November 1,
2008
 November 3,
2007

T&M

  $8,450,000  $7,965,000  $1,510,000  $1,300,000 $4,099 $4,458 $525  $1,164 $12,549 $12,423 $2,035 $2,464

QuickLabel

   20,382,000   18,577,000   2,532,000   1,987,000  9,231  9,919  961   1,075  29,612  28,496  3,493  3,062

GT

   9,640,000   8,559,000   1,334,000   575,000  4,351  4,762  614   512  13,991  13,321  1,948  1,087
                             

Total

  $38,472,000  $35,101,000   5,376,000   3,862,000 $17,681 $19,139  2,100   2,751 $56,152 $54,240  7,476  6,613
                      

Corporate Expenses

       2,153,000   1,978,000    1,011   1,013    3,163  2,991
                       

Operating Income

       3,223,000   1,884,000    1,089   1,738    4,313  3,622

Other Income, Net

       237,000   462,000

Other Income (Expense), Net

    (237)  170    —    632
                       

Income Before Income Taxes

       3,460,000   2,346,000    852   1,908    4,313  4,254

Income Tax Provision

       1,409,000   938,000    203   346    1,612  1,285
                       

Net Income

      $2,051,000  $1,408,000   $649  $1,562   $2,701 $2,969
                       

(10) NewRecent Accounting Pronouncements

In March 2008, the FASB issued SFAS No. 161, “Disclosures about Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities—an amendment of FASB No. 133”. (“SFAS No. 161”). This statement amends SFAS No. 133 by requiring enhanced qualitative, quantitative and credit-risk disclosures about an entity’s derivative instruments and hedging activities, but does not change SFAS No. 133’s scope or accounting. SFAS 161 is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after November 15, 2008, with earlier adoption permitted. As we do not currently engage in activities accounted for under the provision of SFAS No. 133, the adoption of SFAS No. 161 is not expected to have any impact on our financial statements.

In February 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 159, “The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities-Including an amendment of FASB Statement No. 115”, (“SFAS No. 159”). This statement permits entities to choose to measure many financial instruments and certain other items at fair value. The objective is to improve financial reporting by providing entities with the opportunity to mitigate volatility in reported earnings caused by measuring related assets and liabilities differently without having to apply complex hedge accounting provisions. This statement is effective for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007. The adoption of SFAS No. 159 had no impact on our financial statements.

In December 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 141 (Revised 2007), “Business Combinations” (“SFAS No. 141(R)”). This statement improves the relevance, representational faithfulness, and comparability of the information that a reporting entity provides in its financial reports about a business combination and its effects. It establishes principles and requirements for how the acquirer recognizes and measures in its financial statements the identifiable assets acquired, the liabilities assumed, and any non-controlling interest in the acquiree; recognizes and measures the goodwill acquired in the business combination or a gain from a bargain purchase and determines what information to disclose to enable users of the financial statements to evaluate the nature and financial effects of the business combination. This statement is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2008. This statement is not expected to have any effect on our financial statements until such time as we acquire another entity.a business.

 

-9-


ASTRO-MED, INC.

NOTES TO UNAUDITEDTHE CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (unaudited) (continued)

August 2,November 1, 2008

 

(11) Securities Available for Sale

Pursuant to our investment policy, securities available for sale may include corporate debt securities, governmental obligations and state and municipal securities with various contractual or anticipated maturity dates, including Auction Rate Securities.auction rate securities. Governmental obligations include U.S. Government and Federal Agency securities. Auction rate securities are a type of long-term state and municipal securitiessecurity issued in the form of variable rate bonds having interest rate resets through a modified Dutch auction, at predetermined short-term intervals, usually every 7, 28 or 35 days.

At August 2,November 1, 2008 the Company had approximately $2,845,175$2,134,977 invested in AAA-rated municipal auction rate securities of which $478,180 is invested in a state-sponsored entity engaged in the business of investing in student loans.securities. Beginning in February 2008, a decrease in liquidity in the global credit markets caused auctions to fail for substantially all of the remaining municipal auction rate securities we held. When these auctions failed to clear, higher interest rates for many of those securities went into effect. However, the principal amounts of those securities have not been considered accessible until a successful auction occurs, a buyer is found outside of the auction process, the issuer calls the security, the issuer repays principal over time from cash flows prior to final maturity, or the security matures according to contractual terms ranging from one to 30 years. The Company’s auction rate securities were acquired through the brokerage service of UBS Financial Services Inc., a subsidiary of UBS AG. On August 8, 2008, UBS Financial Services Inc. agreed to a settlement in principle with the Securities and Exchange Commission and other state regulatory agencies including Massachusetts, New York, Texas and other states, to restore liquidity to all clients who hold actionauction rate securities. All UBS clients who hold auction rate securities will be able to redeem their securities at par value plus interest over a scheduled timeframe. With the exception of one security invested in a state-sponsored entity engaged in the business of investing in student loanloans for $493,100 and one other security for $478,180 referred to above,$488,700, all of the other auction rate securities are classified as current assets at November 1, 2008 and were refunded by UBS subsequent to November 1, 2008.

Based on the current market information available, the remaining auction rate securities are classified as non- current assets as they are scheduled to be refunded by UBS over the next year. The student loan security is scheduled to be refunded within a two-year timeframe.

We continue to classify our auction rate securities, except for the one security for $478,180 noted above, as a current asset based on the market information available.at par value plus interest between 2010 and 2012.

(12) Fair Value

In September 2006, the FASB issued SFAS No. 157, “Fair Value Measurements” (“SFAS No. 157”). SFAS No. 157 clarifies the principle that fair value should be based on the assumptions market participants would use when pricing an asset or liability and establishes a fair value hierarchy that prioritizes the information used to develop those assumptions. Under SFAS No. 157, fair value measurements would be separately disclosed by level within the fair value hierarchy. The provisions of SFAS No. 157 are effective for the fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007. However, in February 2008, the FASB issued FASB Staff Position No. 157-2, “Effective Date of FASB Statement No. 157” (“FSP 157-2”) that amended SFAS No. 157 to delay the effective date for all non-financial assets and non-financial liabilities, except those that are recognized or disclosed at fair value in the financial statements on a recurring basis (that is, at least annually). FSP 157-2 defers the effective date of SFAS No. 157 to fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2008, and interim periods within those fiscal years for items within the scope. We are currently evaluating the effect, if any, that the adoption of items deferred under FSP 157-2 may have on our financial statements.2008.

Effective February 1, 2008, the Company adopted certain provisions of SFAS No. 157 for its financial assets and liabilities. SFAS No. 157 describes a fair value hierarchy based on three levels of inputs, of which the first two are considered observable and the last unobservable, that may be used to measure fair value. In October 2008, the FASB issued FASB Staff Position No.157-3 “Determining the Fair Value of a Financial Asset When the Market for that Asset Is Not Active” (“FSP 157-3”). FSP 157-3 clarified the application of FAS 157 in situations where the market for that financial asset is not active. FSP 157-3 was effective upon issuance, including prior periods for which financial statements had not been issued.

The fair value hierarchy is summarized as follows:

 

Level 1 - Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities;

 

Level 2 - Inputs other than Level 1 that are observable, either directly or indirectly, such as quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities; quoted prices in markets that are not active or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data for substantially the full term of the assets or liabilities; and

 

Level 3 - Unobservable inputs that are supported by little or no market activity and that are significant to the fair value of the assets or liabilities.

The following table represents the fair value hierarchy for our financial assets (cash equivalents and investments in marketable securities) measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of August 2,November 1, 2008:

 

  Level 1  Level 2  Level 3  Total  Level 1  Level 2  Level 3  Total

Money market funds

   6,150,713  $—    $—     6,150,713  $6,910,098  $—    $—    $6,910,098

Governmental

   2,190,688   —     —     2,190,688   1,870,779   —     —     1,870,779

State and municipal

   4,537,694   —     —     4,537,694   4,913,020   —     —     4,913,020

Auction rate securities

   —     —     2,845,175   2,845,175   —     —     2,134,977   2,134,977
                        

Total

  $12,879,095  $—    $2,845,175  $15,724,270  $13,693,897  $—    $2,134,977  $15,828,874
                        

 

-10-


ASTRO-MED, INC.

NOTES TO UNAUDITEDTHE CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (unaudited) (continued)

August 2,November 1, 2008

 

Level 3 assets consist of auction rate securities whose underlying assets are backed by either municipal assets or state-issued student and educational loans. Interest received during a given period is based upon the interest rate determined through the auction process. While we continue to earn interest on our auction rate securities at maximum contractual rates, these investments are not currently trading and therefore do not currently have a readily determinable market value which historically has been their par value. Therefore, the estimated fair value of auction rate securities no longer approximates par value. Accordingly, we recorded an unrealized loss of approximately $54,825$65,023 related to our auction rate securities as of August 2,November 1, 2008, using a discounted cash flow method. We believe this unrealized loss is primarily attributable to the limited liquidity of these investments and have no reason to believe that any of the underlying issuers are presently at risk of default. Management has the intent and the ability to hold these securities for an indefinite period of time and, accordingly, believes that the unrealized loss on its auction rate securities holdings is temporary in nature. The following table provides a summary of changes in fair value of the Company’s auction rate securities as of August 2,for the three and nine months ended November 1, 2008:

 

  Three Months Ended
August 2, 2008
 Six Months Ended
August 2, 2008
   Three Months Ended
November 1, 2008
 Nine Months Ended
November 1, 2008
 

Beginning Balance

  $4,605,016  $6,250,000   $2,845,175  $6,250,000 

Transferred to variable rate demand notes

   —     (700,000)   —     (700,000)

Sales

   (1,775,000)  (3,125,000)   (700,000)  (3,825,000)

Purchases

   —     475,000    —     475,000 

Unrealized gain (loss) included in other comprehensive income

   15,159   (54,825)   (10,198)  (65,023)
              

Balance at August 2, 2008

  $2,845,175  $2,845,175 

Balance at November 1, 2008

  $2,134,977  $2,134,977 
              

During the first quarter of fiscal 2009 the Company’s investment advisor redefined variable rate demand notes as fixed income municipal securities as these investments continue to trade in a liquid market.

(13) Restructuring

The following table summarizes the activity and balances of the reserve established for the Italy and Netherlands restructuring:restructuring approved in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2008:

 

   Severance  Lease  Other  Total 

Balance at January 31, 2008

  $207,230  $33,701  $58,830  $299,761 

Reserve transfer

   (52,000)  —     52,000   —   

Utilization of reserve

   (155,230)  (28,925)  (110,830)  (294,985)
                 

Balance at August 2, 2008

  $—    $4,776  $—    $4,776 
                 

The Company expects to complete the utilization of the reserve related to this restructuring by the end of fiscal 2009.

   Severance  Lease  Other  Total 

Balance at January 31, 2008

  $207,230  $33,701  $58,830  $299,761 

Reserve transfer

   (52,000)  —     52,000   —   

Utilization of reserve

   (155,230)  (33,701)  (110,830)  (299,761)
                 

Balance at November 1, 2008

  $—    $—    $—    $—   
                 

 

-11-


Item 2.

ASTRO-MED, INC.

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION

AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Business Overview

This section should be read in conjunction with the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements of the Company included elsewhere herein and the Company’s Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 31, 2008.

The Company develops and manufactures systems that have the ability to acquire, process, analyze, store and present electronic data in a variety of useable forms. The Company sells its product under brand names including Astro-Med® Test & Measurement (T&M), QuickLabel® Systems (QuickLabel) and Grass® Technologies (GT). Products sold under the Astro-Med T&M brand acquire and record data and print the output onto charts or electronic media. Products sold under the QuickLabel Systems brand create product and packaging labels and tags in one or many colors. Products sold under the Grass Technologies brand electronically capture and record neurological data that is used to diagnose epilepsy or to study sleep disorders. The Company supplies a range of products that include hardware, software and consumables to customers who are in a variety of industries.

The Company competes worldwide in many markets including clinical and research medicine, aerospace, automotive and general manufacturing. The Company retains a competitive position in its respective markets by virtue of proprietary technology, product reputation, delivery, technical assistance and service to customers. The Company markets its products worldwide by advertising and promotion using major national and international trade journals, scientific meetings and trade shows, direct mailing campaigns and the internet. The products are sold by direct field sales persons as well as independent dealers and representatives. In the United States, the Company has factory-trained direct field sales people located in major cities from coast to coast specializing in either T&M Recorders and Data Acquisitions systems, QuickLabel Color Label printers and media systems, or Grass Technologies Neurological Instrumentation products. Additionally, the Company has direct field sales and service centers in Canada, England, France, United Kingdom and Germany. In the remaining parts of the world, the Company utilizes approximately 80 independent dealers and representatives selling and marketing its products in 40 countries.

Products sold under the Astro-Med T&M brand include ToughWriter page printers, ToughSwitches Ethernet switches, Everest recorders and ToughSwitches for use in passenger and military aircraft.Dash series data recorders. ToughWriter ruggedized page printers are used in bothon the cockpitflight deck and in the cabins of aircraft.military and commercial aircraft to print hard copies of airport maps, flight itineraries, weather maps, gate information and ground communications. ToughSwitches are also used in commercial and military vehicles.aircraft and military vehicles to connect multiple computers or Ethernet-compatible devices together. These and other similar products are ruggedized andto comply with rigorous military and commercial flightworthiness standards specifications for operation under extreme environmental conditions. The Company is currently furnishing ToughWriters for the Airbus A380, the Boeing C-17, B-787, B-777, B-747, B-767, and the Lockheed C-130. Other products sold under the Astro-Med brand include the Everest, a telemetry workstation used widely in the aerospace industry to monitor and track space vehicles, aircraft, missiles and missiles under test.other systems in flight. The Everest ranges in price from $18,000 to $35,000 depending on features and options selected.$35,000. The Astro-Med brandCompany’s Dash Series constituteproduct line consists of a family of portable electronic data acquisition systems which arerecorders used as maintenance and troubleshooting instruments forin pulp and paper mills, metal mills, power plants, automotive R & D centers and manufacturing plants. Included in the Dash Series areinclude the Dash 2EZ, Dash 8X, Dash 8HF, Dash 8XPM, Dash 32HF18, Dash 20HF and the Dash 18 and they32HF which range in price from $3,500 (Dash 2EZ+) to $20,000$25,000 (Dash 32HF) depending on model and features and options selected.

Products sold under the QuickLabel System brand include a family of digital color label printers includingdeveloped for short-run, in-house label printing; label and tag substrates and thermal transfer ribbon, toner, and inkjet printing inks developed for use in label printers, and a range of labeling software, accessory products, and printing services which allow QuickLabel Systems sales and support staff to serve customers at virtually every level of their label printing needs. With its broad range of entry-level, mid-range, and high-performance digital label printers, QuickLabel Systems is able to provide its customers a continuous path to upgrade to new products. QuickLabel products are primarily sold to end-user manufacturers, processors, and retailers who package products on a Just-in-Time basis, label products for private label, OEM, or contract packaging customers, or label products in foreign languages for export markets. These end-users can benefit from the time savings and cost-savings of printing their own labels digitally on-demand. Industries that commonly benefit from short-run label printing include apparel, chemicals, cosmetics, electronics, foods and beverages, medical products, and pharmaceuticals, among many other manufactured goods. Current QuickLabel models include the Vivo!, the first electrophotographic label printer developed to print roll-to-roll for in-house label printing; the Zeo!, a lower-duty inkjet printer developed in partnership with Hewlett-Packard; and the QLS-4100 XE, QLS-8100 XE, QLS-2000 and QLS-3000Xe Series of color thermal transfer label printers including the ZEO inkjet printer which was introduced in fiscal 2008, as well as a lineQLS-4100 Xe, QLS-8100 Xe, QLS-2000 Xe and QLS-3000 Xe. The Xe Series of monochromedigital color thermal transfer digital label printers including the Pronto! Series. This Series includes four models used in printing bar code labels. QuickLabel digital color label printers are sold viaunique in the industry in that they can be directly integrated with production line equipment and represent a direct sales force throughout the US, Canadanovel, patented application of multi-color thermal transfer technology, historically only commercialized in single-color barcode label printers. QuickLabel also sells and Western Europe, and serviced by a factory-trained, direct technical support staff. In the restsupports its own Pronto! family of the world, QuickLabel uses a broad network of dealers to sell and support its products. QuickLabel’s unique labeling solutions are aimed atmonochrome/barcode printers which utilize thermal transfer label printing applicationstechnology in which product packaging requires frequent content changes. QuickLabel digital color label printers fill a critical need in environments that require on-demand flexibility to package multiple product variations, and to add value to the product itself, as in private labeling, to produce OEM packaging, and to customize virtually any product. Industries that require instant label production flexibility include food and beverage, foodservice distribution, grocery retailing, chemical and sanitary supplies, pharmaceutical and medical products, personal care products, advertising specialties, tire manufacturing and apparel. Custom QuickLabel, a custom label creation software package, is an integral part of the QuickLabel printing system, and was designed by the same team of engineers who designed the digital label printers. The latest generation of QuickLabel’s proprietary user-friendly label creation software offers significant new tools for simplifying label creation and for controlling and enhancing label output. The Company’s patented MicroCell® half-toning algorithms have been improved in this latest version of the software, so that printers driven by Custom QuickLabel now render process-color print quality that closely approximates digital artwork. QuickLabel digital label printers generate revenue through label, tag, thermal transfer ribbon and toner cartridge consumables sales. The Company engineers and manufactures unique printing supplies especially for use in optimizing the performance of the QuickLabel brand of digital label printers.single color.

Products sold under the Grass Technologies (GT) brand include systems, instrumentsboth capital equipment as well as consumable products. The capital equipment is made up of primary Clinical line selling into the diagnostic markets of electroencephalography (EEG), Epilepsy Monitoring and softwareSleep Disorders. These products to detect, amplify and display the electrical activity of the human brain commonly called electroencephalography (EEG). EEG data is used by clinicians to diagnose epilepsy and other neurological conditions including sleep apnea. Included in the GT line of products are the Comet, the Aura, the wireless Aura PSG, and the Beehive. These systems are all operated under the Twin software system, a Windows-based multi-module software program developed by the Company over the past six years. Included also is a line of amplifiers, electrodes, transducers and stimulators used by clinicians and researchers. Products sold under the Grass Technologies brand are sold to hospitals, sleep centers,free standing clinics and doctorsprivate physician offices. The equipment sold to each of these markets is similar in that it consists of amplifying bio signals and capturing them via PC/software for eventual review and reporting. The secondary capital equipment line is sold to the research market involving diagnostic recording systems as well as stimulation units. The customers for the research line typically involve University based biology research centers. The consumable line of products offered by GT are typically utilized with the recording systems outlined above. These products are predominantly made up of electrodes that are used for the purpose of collecting physiological data from patients. All GT clinical products which are connected to the human body are approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

 

-12-


ASTRO-MED, INC.

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION

AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Results of Operations

Three Months Ended August 2,November 1, 2008 vs. Three Months Ended August 4,November 3, 2007

The Company reports three reporting segments consistent with its sales product groups: Test & Measurement (T&M); QuickLabel Systems (QuickLabel) and Grass-Technologies (GT). The Company evaluates segment performance based on the segment profit before corporate and financial administration expenses.

Net Sales by product group and current quarter percentage change and percent of Net Salesover prior year for the three months ended August 2,November 1, 2008 and August 4,November 3, 2007 were:

 

  August 2, 2008  As a
% of
Net Sales
 August 4, 2007  As a
% of
Net Sales
 % Change
Over
Prior Year
 
(Dollars In Thousands)  November 1, 2008  As a
% of
Net Sales
 November 3, 2007  As a
% of
Net Sales
 % Change
Over
Prior Year
 

T&M

  $4,490,000  22.7% $4,500,000  24.1% (0.2)%  $4,099  23.2% $4,458  23.3% (8.1)%

QuickLabel

   10,633,000  53.7%  9,661,000  51.7% 10.1%   9,231  52.2%  9,919  51.8% (6.9)%

GT

   4,661,000  23.6%  4,533,000  24.2% 2.8%   4,351  24.6%  4,762  24.9% (8.6)%
                                

Total

  $19,784,000  100.0% $18,694,000  100.0% 5.8%  $17,681  100.0% $19,139  100.0% (7.6)%
                                

The Company’s current year third quarter sales revenues were $19,784,000 in the second quarter, reaching$17,681,000, representing a record level of quarterly sales and improving on the7.6% decrease as compared to previous year’s sales in the secondthird quarter of $18,694,000 by 5.8%.$19,139,000. Sales through the domestic channels were $13,486,000, up 6.8%$12,654,000, a decline of 7.1% over the prior year. Current year whereasthird quarter international shipments at $6,298,000 grewof $5,027,000 were also down by 3.8%8.9% from the previous year. FavorableA negative impact from foreign exchange rates contributed $443,000$118,000 to the secondthird quarter’s international sales growth.decline.

Hardware sales in the current quarter were $9,863,000, up 3.9%$8,037,000, down 16.5% over the prior year’s third quarter hardware sales of $9,491,000. Growth$9,626,000. The decrease in hardware sales in the current quarter was evident in twoall three product groups, with Test & Measurement down 10.9%, QuickLabel Systems down 33.5 % and Grass Technologies while the Test & Measurement hardware sales were flat with the prior year.down 10.1%.

Consumables sales in the current quarter were $8,561,000,$8,334,000, representing an increase of 8.0% from1.9% over the prior year’s sales of $7,925,000, with each$8,178,000. The slight growth in consumable sales for the current quarter was mainly due to the QuickLabels product group, reporting healthy growthas sales increased 3.4% from prior years. This increase was tempered by a 20.2% and 2.4% decline in their respectivecurrent quarter as compared to prior year third quarter consumable sales for the T&M and GT product lines, as the hardware installed base continues to grow.respectively.

Service and other revenues at $1,360,000of $1,310,000 in the quarter achieved a 6.3% improvement over thewas down 1.9% from prior year’s service and other revenues of $1,278,000. All three product groups reported growth$1,335,000. The decline in their respective service and other sales product lines.

Relative towas shared among the Company’s three product groups, the QuickLabel Systems product group of color and monochrome printing systems dominated the second quarter’s sales with revenues of $10,633,000, up 10.1% from the previous year’s sales of $9,661,000. Also contributing to the quarter’s growth were sales in the Grass Technologies product group, where revenues of $4,661,000 rose 2.8%groups.

Current year third quarter gross profit was $7,647,000, an 8.7% decrease from the prior year’s sales of $4,533,000. Sales revenues from the Company’s Test & Measurement product group were virtually flat at $4,490,000 with the prior year’s sales of $4,500,000.

The Company continued its improvement in gross profit during the second quarter. Gross profit was $8,681,000 in thethird quarter a 10.9% increase from the prior year’s gross profit in the second quarter and a 6.0% increase over the first quarter’s gross profit of $8,188,000.$8,372,000. The results also reflect a gross profit margin improvement during the quarter. The Company achieved aCompany’s gross profit margin of 43.9%43.3% in the current quarter, reflects a 200 basis point improvementnominal decrease from the prior year’s gross profit margin of 41.9% and a nominal improvement over43.7%. The lower gross profit margins for the first quarter’s margin of 43.8% duecurrent quarter can be attributed to better factory absorption and productivity improvements.lower sales volume.

The Company’s current year third quarter spending in the operating accounts offor selling, research & development (R&D) and general and administrative rose 2.8%expenses declined 1.1% from the prior year to $6,752,000.$6,558,000. Specifically, selling & marketing expenses increased 1.6%decreased 2.5% from the previous year due to incrementsthe Italy restructuring and lower travel and entertainment expenses in compensation expense and marketing programs. Research & Development (R&D)the current quarter. R&D expenses in the quarter were $1,199,000,$1,254,000, a 5.6%5.9% increase from the prior year’s secondthird quarter’s spending, but down 2.2% from the first quarter’s expense level.spending. The increased spending in R & D&D is confined to purchases of outside professional engineering services. As a percentage of sales, R&D expenses consumed 6.1%spending was 7.1% in the third quarter of the second quarter’s sales, being consistent withcurrent year as compared to 6.2% in the third quarter of the previous year. General & administrative spending rose 4.5%declined 3.4% from prior year to $1,210,000.$1,140,000. The increased expensedecreased in general and administrative expenditures is duemainly attributed to lower incentive compensation, offset by an increase in professional service fees and insurance costs.fees.

The Company achievedCompany’s income from operations of $1,928,000$1,089,000 in the quarter. This levelcurrent quarter reflects a decrease of profitability improved on the37.3% from prior year’s second quarter’s operating income by 52.8% and reflects an operatingof $1,738,000. Operating margin for the third quarter of 9.7% asthe current year of 6.2% is down compared to the prior year’s 6.8% margin.third quarter margin of 9.1%. The lower operating income and related margins for the third quarter of the current year can be mainly attributed to the lower sales volume during the current quarter.

Other incomeexpense during the secondthird quarter declinedwas $237,000 compared to $61,000 from our prior year level of $214,000. The lower level of other income stems fromof $170,000 in the third quarter of the previous year. The major contributing factor of the current year’s other expense is the $357,000 in losses for foreign currency translation transactions and adjustments due to the continued strengthening of the US dollar. Other expenses were also impacted this quarter by lower investment income higher foreign currency losses and miscellaneous charges.as compared to prior years.

The provision for federal and state income taxes in the secondthird quarter was $835,000,$203,000 reflecting an effective tax rate of 42.0%23.8% as compared to the prior year’s effective tax rate of 40.0%18.2%. This quarter’s expense includes a discrete item relatedan adjustment to the paymenttax provision as a result of additional state franchise taxes.the recent extension of the R&D tax credit as compared to the prior year’s third quarter rate which included the benefits of both a favorable IRS tax examination and favorable changes in uncertain R&D and foreign tax credit positions.

The Company earned $1,154,000$649,000 in net income for the secondthird quarter reflecting a return on sales of 5.8%3.7% and generatinggenerated an EPS of $0.15$0.09 per diluted share. On a comparative basis with the previous year’s secondthird quarter, net income was $886,000$1,562,000 providing a return of 4.7%8.2% on sales and reporting an EPS of $0.12$0.21 per diluted share.

 

-13-


ASTRO-MED, INC.

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION

AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

 

Results of Operations (Continued)

 

Summarized below are the Net Sales and Segment Operating Profit for each reporting segment for the three months ended August 2, 2008 and August 4, 2007:

   Net Sales  Segment Operating Profit
   August 2,
2008
  August 4,
2007
  August 2,
2008
  August 4,
2007

T&M

  $4,490,000  $4,500,000  $882,000  $888,000

QuickLabel

   10,633,000   9,661,000   1,522,000   1,075,000

GT

   4,661,000   4,533,000   587,000   340,000
                

Total

  $19,784,000  $18,694,000   2,991,000   2,303,000
            

Corporate Expenses

       1,063,000   1,040,000
            

Operating Income

       1,928,000   1,263,000

Other Income, Net

       61,000   213,000
            

Income Before Income Taxes

       1,989,000   1,476,000

Income Tax Provision

       835,000   590,000
            

Net Income

      $1,154,000  $886,000
            

Test & Measurement - T&M

Sales revenues from the Test & Measurement product group were $4,490,000 for the second quarter, essentially flat with the sales of $4,500,000 for the same period in the prior year. Within the product group, Dash recorder sales were comparable to the prior year and ruggedized products were down due to timing on the avionic printer orders year over year. However, sales of the Everest product line were up significantly from the prior year. Gross Profit margins were up from last year while operating expenses rose 1.8% from the prior year spending level. Segment operating profits were approximately flat with the prior year, while the segment operating profit margins of 19.6% were comparable to the prior year’s margin of 19.7%.

QuickLabel Systems - QLS

Sales revenues from the QuickLabel Systems product group were $10,633,000 in the quarter as compared to $9,661,000 in the prior year’s same quarter. The sales growth of 10.1% over the prior year was distributed among hardware products, up 16.5%, consumable products, up 8.1% and service and other sales, up 4.4%. Gross profit increased over the prior year, while the gross profit margin improved by 230 basis points. Operating expenses rose 6.4% from the previous year as higher personnel costs and compensation related commission expense drove the increased spending. The QLS segment operating profits were up 41.6% over the prior year and reflect a profit margin of 14.3% against the prior year’s segment profit margin of 11.1%.

Grass Technologies - GT

Sales in the quarter were $4,661,000 against $4,533,000 in the prior year’s second quarter. The growth rate of 2.8% was shared among hardware systems up 1.2%, consumable products up 8.5% and service and other revenues up 0.5%. Gross profit was 10.0% while gross profit margins improved as well. Operating expenses were down 1.7% from the previous year’s second quarter spending due to savings realized from the restructuring initiative implemented in the prior year. Segment operating profits were up significantly in the quarter with the segment achieving an operating profit margin of 12.6% as compared to a segment operating profit margin of 7.5% reported in the prior year.

SixNine Months Ended August 2,November 1, 2008 vs. SixNine Months Ended August 4,November 3, 2007

Net Sales by product group percentand current year percentage change and percent of Net Salesover prior year for the sixnine months ended August 2,November 1, 2008 and August 4,November 3, 2007 were:

 

  August 2,
2008
  As a
% of
Net Sales
 August 4,
2007
  As a
% of
Net Sales
 % Change
Over
Prior Year
 
(Dollars In Thousands)  November 1,
2008
  As a
% of
Net Sales
 November 3,
2007
  As a
% of
Net Sales
 % Change
Over
Prior Year
 

T&M

  $8,450,000  22.0% $7,965,000  22.7% 6.1%  $12,549  22.3% $12,423  22.9% 1.0%

QuickLabel

   20,382,000  53.0%  18,577,000  52.9% 9.7%   29,612  52.8%  28,496  52.5% 3.9%

GT

   9,640,000  25.0%  8,559,000  24.4% 12.6%   13,991  24.9%  13,321  24.6% 5.0%
                                

Total

  $38,472,000  100.0% $35,101,000  100.0% 9.6%  $56,152  100.0% $54,240  100.0% 3.5%
                                

Net sales for the sixnine month period of the current fiscal year were $38,472,000,$56,152,000, a 9.6%3.5% improvement over the $35,101,000$54,240,000 reported for the first sixnine months of the prior fiscal year. T&MSales through the domestic channels for the first nine months of the current year were $39,177,000, a 2.6% increase from the prior year. International sales of $16,975,000 for the first nine months of the current year reflects a 5.8% increase over prior year. Favorable foreign exchange of $798,000 contributed to the international sales growth. All three segments have reported an increase in sales for the first nine months of the current year as compared to prior year’s sales for the same period.

The Company’s hardware sales grew 2.2% in the first nine months of fiscal 2009 to $26,855,000 with GT hardware sales dominating the growth rate. Consumable sales of $25,254,000 rose 5.2% from the nine month period with QuickLabel media and Grass Technologies’ electrodes and creams products accounting for the increase. Service and other sales revenues for the nine months were $8,450,000, reflecting$4,043,000, an increase of 6.1% over2.3% from the previousprior year with the sales growth traceable to an increase in T&M parts and representing 22.0%repair invoicing.

The Company achieved $24,515,000 in gross profit for the first nine months and generated a gross profit margin of the Company’s total sales for six months. QuickLabel Systems with sales revenues of $20,382,000 for six months grew 9.7%43.7% on sales. This result reflects a 120 basis point improvement over the prior year’s salesgross profit margin of 42.5% and represent 53.0%is due to better factory absorption, product mix and productivity improvements.

Operating expenses in the nine months of the Company’s total salescurrent year for selling, R&D and general and administrative were $20,203,000, representing a 4.0% increase from the prior year. Selling and marketing expenses rose 2.5% from the prior year to $12,927,000 with the increase traceable to personnel costs related to compensation from higher commission expense, wages and advertising costs. R&D spending for the current six months. Grass Technologiesnine months grew by 7.7% to $3,680,000 as compared to the same period in the prior year and represents 6.6% of the current year’s sales revenues were $9,640,000compared to 6.3% of sales in the prior year. The current year increase in R&D spending is primarily attributable to an increase in the procurement of outside software engineering services. General and administrative expense for the first halfnine months of the current year were $3,596,000, a 6.1% increase to from the prior year. The higher spending level in the current year is mainly attributed to an increase in professional service fees.

The Company has earned $4,313,000 in operating income during the first nine months of fiscal year 2009, representingreflecting a 12.6% increase19.1% improvement in operating income over the prior year’s nine month’s operating income. On a margin basis, this year’s operating income reflects an operating margin of 7.7% on sales, for six months and reflecting 25.0%a 100 basis point increase from the prior year’s operating margin of the Company’s total sales for6.7%.

Other income realized during the first sixnine months of the current fiscal year has decreased $632,000 as compared to the other income reported in the previous year. This lower level of other income is a result of higher foreign exchange losses due to the continued strengthening of the US dollar and lower interest income from municipal bonds as compared to the prior year.

The Company has provided federal and state income tax expense of $1,612,000 for the nine month period ended November 1, 2008. This year’s provision reflects an effective tax rate of 37.4%, up from the prior year’s effective tax rate of 30.2%. The increase is the result of the payment of additional discrete state franchise taxes incurred in the current fiscal year, and prior year tax benefits from a favorable IRS tax examination and favorable changes in uncertain R&D and foreign tax credit positions.

Net income earned during the first nine months of the current fiscal year was $2,701,000, lower than the prior year’s net income of $2,969,000 and reflects a return on sales of 4.8% as compared to 5.5% reported for the previous year. This year’s net income resulted in an EPS of $0.36 per diluted share as compared to an EPS of $0.39 per diluted share reported for the prior year’s first nine months. The prior year’s EPS includes $0.06 of benefit related to a favorable IRS tax examination and favorable changes in uncertain R&D and foreign tax credit positions.

 

-14-


ASTRO-MED, INC.

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION

AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

 

Results of Operations (Continued)

 

The Company’s hardware sales grew 13.0% in the first half to $18,819,000 with the Dash, Everest, QuickLabel printer lines and Grass Technologies clinical products responsible for this year’s growth. Consumable sales of $16,919,000 rose 6.9% from the six month period with QuickLabel media and Grass Technologies’ electrodes and creams products accounting for the increase. Service and other sales revenues for the six months were $2,734,000, an increase of 4.4% from the prior year with the sales growth traceable to an increase in parts and repair invoicing.

Relative to Astro-Med’s various channels of distribution, the Company reported domestic sales of $26,524,000, an increase of 7.9% from the previous year’s sales of $24,576,000 and representing 69.0% of the Company’s total sales revenues. International shipments for the six month period increased by 13.5% to $11,948,000 and represent 31.0% of the Company’s total sales revenues. Foreign currency exchange rates had a favorable impact on international sales of $916,000 or 8.7%.Segment Analysis

The Company realized $16,868,000 in gross profit for the first six monthsreports three segments consistent with its sales product groups: Test & Measurement (T&M); QuickLabel Systems (QuickLabel) and generated a gross profit margin of 43.8% on sales. This result reflects a 200 basis point improvement over the prior year’s gross profit margin of 41.8% and is due to better factory absorption, product mix and productivity improvements.

Operating expenses in the six months were $13,645,000, a 6.7% increase in spending in selling, R&D and general and administrative expenses from the prior year. Selling and marketing expenses rose 5.0% from last year to $8,764,000 with the increase traceable to personnel costs related to compensation from higher commission expense. R&D spending grew by 8.6% to $2,425,000 from the prior year’s six months spending. The increase in expenses is confined to an increase in the procurement of outside software engineering services. R&D spending is 6.3% of the current year’s sales and comparable to the spending of 6.4% of sales reported in the prior year. General and administrative expense rose 11.0% from the prior year to $2,456,000 for the first six months. The higher spending level is traceable to an increase in professional service fees.

Grass-Technologies (GT). The Company has earned $3,223,000 in operating income duringevaluates segment performance based on the first six months of fiscal year 2009. This achievement reflects a 71.1% improvement in operating income over the prior year’s first half operating income. On a margin basis, this year’s operating income reflects an operating margin of 8.4% on sales, a 300 basis point increase from the prior year’s operating margin of 5.4%.

Other income realized during the first six months of the current fiscal year was $237,000 as compared to the other income of $463,000 reported in the previous year. This lower level of other income stems from lower interest income (municipal bonds), lower foreign currency gainssegment profit before corporate and lower miscellaneous income than reported in the prior year.

The Company has provided federal and state income tax expense of $1,409,000 for the six month period ended August 2, 2008. This year’s provision reflects an effective tax rate of 40.7%, up slightly from the prior year’s effective tax rate of 40.0%. The increase is the result of the payment of additional discrete state franchise taxes incurred in the current fiscal year.

Net income earned during the first six months of the current fiscal year was $2,051,000, a 45.7% increase over the prior year’s net income of $1,408,000 and reflects a return on sales of 5.3% against 4.0% reported for the previous year. This year’s net income translates into an EPS of $0.27 per diluted share against an EPS of $0.19 per diluted share reported for the prior year’s first six months.financial administration expenses.

Summarized below are the Net Sales and Segment Operating Profit for each reporting segmentsegment:

  Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended
  Net Sales Segment Operating Profit Net Sales Segment Operating Profit
(In thousands) November 1,
2008
 November 3,
2007
 November 1,
2008
  November 3,
2007
 November 1,
2008
 November 3,
2007
 November 1,
2008
 November 3,
2007

T&M

 $4,099 $4,458 $525  $1,164 $12,549 $12,423 $2,035 $2,464

QuickLabel

  9,231  9,919  961   1,075  29,612  28,496  3,493  3,062

GT

  4,351  4,762  614   512  13,991  13,321  1,948  1,087
                         

Total

 $17,681 $19,139  2,100   2,751 $56,152 $54,240  7,476  6,613
                

Corporate Expenses

    1,011   1,013    3,163  2,991
                 

Operating (Expense) Income

    1,089   1,738    4,313  3,622

Other Income, Net

    (237)  170    —    632
                 

Income Before Income Taxes

    852   1,908    4,313  4,254

Income Tax Provision

    203   346    1,612  1,285
                 

Net Income

   $649  $1,562   $2,701 $2,969
                 

Test & Measurement—T&M

Sales revenues from the Test & Measurement product group were $4,099,000 for the sixthird quarter of the current fiscal year representing an 8.1% decrease as compared to sales of $4,458,000 for the same period in the prior year. Within the product group, the Ruggedized products sales were down 36.1%, from prior year due to delays in the deployment of the new Airbus A380 and the Boeing 787 commercial aircraft. However, sales of the Dash product line were up 20.9% from the prior year. Operating expenses rose 5.0% from the prior year spending level. Segment operating profits for the third quarter were $525,000, 54.9% lower than the third quarter of the previous year. The decrease in current year third quarter segment operating profit resulted in segment operating profit margin of 12.8% as compared to the prior year’s third quarter margin of 26.1%.

For the first nine months ended August 2, 2008of the current fiscal year, sales revenue of the T&M product group were $12,549,000 as compared to $12,423,000 for the same period of the previous year. The improved sales volume stems from growth in the Dash and August 4, 2007:Everest product lines, tempered by a decrease in the Ruggedized product line. This year’s segment operating profit of $2,035,000 decreased 17.4% from the prior year’s segment operating profit and provided an operating profit margin of 16.2%, down from the prior year’s margin of 19.8%. The decrease in T&M current year’s profit margin is traceable to lower sales volume and higher selling expenses in the current fiscal year.

   Net Sales  Segment Operating Profit
   August 2,
2008
  August 4,
2007
  August 2,
2008
  August 4,
2007

T&M

  $8,450,000  $7,965,000  $1,510,000  $1,300,000

QuickLabel

   20,382,000   18,577,000   2,532,000   1,987,000

GT

   9,640,000   8,559,000   1,334,000   575,000
                

Total

  $38,472,000  $35,101,000   5,376,000   3,862,000
            

Corporate Expenses

       2,153,000   1,978,000
            

Operating Income

       3,223,000   1,884,000

Other Income, Net

       237,000   462,000
            

Income Before Income Taxes

       3,460,000   2,346,000

Income Tax Provision

       1,409,000   938,000
            

Net Income

      $2,051,000  $1,408,000
            

 

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ASTRO-MED, INC.

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION

AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

 

Results of Operations (Continued)

 

Test & Measurement - T&MQuickLabel System—QuickLabel

This year’s sales revenue ofSales revenues from the T&MQuickLabel Systems product group was $8,450,000 forwere $9,231,000 in the first six monthsthird quarter as compared to $7,965,000 for the same period of the previous year. The improved sales volume of 6.1% stems from growth$9,919,000 in the Dash, Everestprior year’s same quarter. The lower sales were distributed among hardware products and parts product lines. This year’s segment operating profit increased 16.2%service and other sales, down 33.4% and 13.7%, respectively, and consumable products sales up 3.5% from the prior year’syear. QuickLabel’s current quarter segment operating profitprofits were $961,000 and provided an operatingreflect a profit margin of 17.9%10.4%, upa decrease from the prior year’s third quarter segment profit margin of 16.3%10.8%. The improvement is traceable to higher gross profit margins in the current fiscal year.

QuickLabel System - QLS

The QuickLabel product group has sales revenue of $20,382,000$29,612,000 for the first sixnine months of the current fiscal year as compared with $18,577,000$28,496,000 in sales revenues reported for the same period in the prior year. The current year’s sales growth of 9.7% results from3.9% is a result of sales increases in the hardware (printers), up 18.7% and consumables products line (labels & Vivo & Zeo supplies) up 7.3%.6.0% tempered by flat hardware printer sales and lower service revenue. The QuickLabel segment operating profit increased significantly in the current year, reporting profit improvement of 27.4%14.1% from lastprior year, with anwhile operating profit margin of 12.4%11.8% for the first nine months of the current year has increased as compared to a 10.7% operating profit margin for the same period of the previous year. The improvement is due to higher gross profit margins from sales volume and product mix.mix and lower manufacturing costs.

Grass Technologies—GT

Sales in the third quarter for the current year for Grass Technologies -product group were $4,351,000 as compared to $4,762,000 in the prior year’s third quarter. The lower sales in the quarter was traceable to the Research, Consumable, and Service and Other product lines which were down 15.8% from the same period in the previous year. Current year third quarter sales in the clinical markets were approximately flat with the prior year, although GT’s sleep and EEG product lines posted growth rates of 34.7% and 22.8%, respectively. However, the long term epilepsy monitor product sales were lower by 62.9% from the previous year. Third quarter operating expenses for GT were down 8.4% from the previous year’s third quarter spending due to savings realized from the restructuring initiative implemented in the prior year. Segment operating profits were up in the quarter, with the segment achieving an operating profit margin of 14.1% as compared to a segment operating profit margin of 10.7% reported in the third quarter of the prior year.

Sales revenues of the Grass Technologies product group have been especially strong in the current fiscal year. GT sales were $9,640,000$13,991,000 for the sixnine months of the current year as compared to $8,559,000$13,321,000 for the same period of the prior year. The year over year increase of 12.6%5.0% was achieved through growth of the clinical products (sleep and long term monitoring diagnostic products) up 15.1%,9.6% and research instruments up 22.9%, as well as the consumable products of electrodes and creams up 8.5%5.0%. The segment’s current year operating profit of the GT product group has improved dramatically from last year, more than doubling itsresulting in segment operating profit margin of 13.9% for the first nine months of the current year as compared to 13.8% from 6.7%8.2% reported in the same period of the previous year. The increased profitability is an outgrowth of sales volume, factory absorption and product mix.

-16-


ASTRO-MED, INC.

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION

AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Financial Condition and Liquidity

The Company expects to finance its future working capital needs, capital expenditures and acquisition requirements through internal funds. To the extent the Company’s capital and liquidity requirements are not satisfied internally, the Company may utilize a $3.5 million unsecured bank line of credit, all of which is currently available. Borrowings under this line of credit bear interest at the bank’s prime rate. The expiration date of this line of credit is July 31, 2009.

The Company’s statementstatements of cash flows for the sixnine months ended August 2,November 1, 2008 and August 4,November 3, 2007 are included on page 5. Net cash flows provided by operating activities were $3,965,000$6,261,000 in the current year compared to net cash usedprovided by operating activities of $670,000$1,316,000 in the previous year. The improved cash flows provided in the current year is primarily an outgrowth of lower accounts receivable and inventory balances and strong net income.balances. Accounts receivable decreased to $11,980,000$10,374,000 at the end of the secondthird quarter compared to $12,761,000 at year end. The accounts receivable collection cycle decreased to 53 days sales outstanding at the end of the quarter down from 58 days sales outstanding at year end. Inventory balances also declined 3.2% to $13,598,000$12,706,000 at the end of the secondthird quarter compared to $14,051,000 at year end. Inventory days on hand also declined to 110114 days on hand at the end of the quarter from 126 days at year end.

CashThe Company’s current and Cashnon-current cash, cash equivalents and investments, at the end of the second quarter totaled $20,415,000$22,093,000 compared to $17,556,000 at year end. The higher cash and investments position resulted from higher net incomeoperating cash flow, as noted above, and proceeds from maturities of securities available for sale and employees exercising stock options. Cash flows were utilized to acquire property, plant and equipment of $939,000$1,211,000 and to pay cash dividends of $837,000.$1,258,000.

The Company’s backlog declined 2.2%increased 2.3% to $6,745,000$7,060,000 at the end of the secondthird quarter from a backlog of $6,900,000 at year-end.

Critical Accounting Policies, Commitments and Certain Other Matters

In the Company’s Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 31, 2008, the Company’s most critical accounting policies and estimates upon which our financial status depends were identified as those relating to revenue recognition, warranty claims, bad debt,debts, inventories and long-lived assets. We considered the disclosure requirements of Financial Release (“FR”) 60 (“FR-60”) regarding critical accounting policies and FR-61 regarding liquidity and capital resources, certain trading activities and related party/certain other disclosures, and concluded that nothing materially changed during the quarter that would warrant further disclosure under these releases.

Safe Harbor StatementForward-Looking Information

This document contains forward-looking statements based on current expectations that involve a number of risks and uncertainties. Factors which could cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated include, but are not limited to (a) general economic, financial and business conditions; (b) declining demand in the test and measurement markets, especially defense and aerospace; (c) competition in the specialty printer industry; (d) ability to develop market acceptance of the QuickLabel color printer products and effective design of customer required features; (e) competition in the data acquisition industry; (f) competition in the neurophysiology industry; (g) the impact of changes in foreign currency exchange rates on the results of operations; (h) the ability to successfully integrate acquisitions; (i) the business abilities and judgment of personnel and changes in business strategy; (j) the efficacy of research and development investments to develop new products; (k) the launching of significant new products which could result in unanticipated expenses; and (l) bankruptcy or other financial problems at major suppliers or customers that could cause disruptions in the Company’s supply chain or difficulty in collecting amounts owed by such customers.

 

-16--17-


Item 3.Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

Astro-Med, Inc.’s exposure to market risk has not changed materially from its exposure at January 31, 2008, as set forth in Item 7A of our Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 31, 2008.

 

Item 4.Disclosure Controls and Procedures

As required by Rule 13a-15 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the Exchange Act), the Company conducted an evaluation under the supervision and with the participation of the Company’s management, including the Chairman of the Board (serving as the principal executive officer) and the Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures as of the end of the period covered by this report. Based on that evaluation, the Chairman of the Board and the Chief Financial Officer concluded that the disclosure controls and procedures are effective in ensuring that all information required to be disclosed in reports that the Company files or submits under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the Securities and Exchange Commission rules and forms.

There was no significant change in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the Company’s most recent fiscal quarter that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

 

Item 1.Legal Proceedings

In April 2008, following a trial in the U.S. District Court of Rhode Island, the jury found a former employee to have violated his non-compete agreement and awarded the Company damages of $375,800 against both the former employee and the former employee’s new employer. The Company was also awarded exemplary damages and attorneys fees (all of which have been previously expensed), resulting in a total award of over $1.1 million. The defendants have askedappealed the judgment to the United States Court to orderof Appeals for the First Circuit and have posted a new trial or to reducebond for approximately $1.3 million as a security for payment of the judgment. That motionjudgement during the appeal process. Currently the appeal is pending before the trial court. The defendants also have represented that they intend to appeal if their motion is denied.pending.

There are no other pending or threatened legal proceedings against the Company believed to be material to the financial position or results of operations of the Company.

 

Item 1A.Risk Factors

There is no change to the Risk Factors disclosed in Item 1A to the Company’s Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 31, 2008.

 

Item 2.Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

On August 16, 2004, the Company announced that its Board of Directors had approved the repurchase of 600,000 shares of common stock. This is an ongoing authorization without any expiration date. The Company made no purchases of its common stock pursuant to this authority during the secondthird quarter of fiscal 2009. Currently, the Company can repurchase an additional 392,289 shares under the current program.this authorization.

 

-17--18-


Item 4.Submission of Matters to a Vote of Stockholders

The Company’s Annual Meeting of Shareholders was held May 13, 2008.

In an uncontested election, nominees for directors were elected by the following votes:

Name of Nominee for Director

  Votes
For
  Votes
Withheld

Albert W. Ondis

  6,097,800  179,538

Everett V. Pizzuti

  6,084,037  193,301

Jacques V. Hopkins

  6,141,242  136,096

Hermann Viets

  6,157,703  119,635

Graeme MacLetchie

  6,135,264  142,074

Item 6.Exhibits

The following exhibits are filed as part of this report on Form 10-Q:

 

31.1 Certification of Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) — SOX 302
31.2 Certification of Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) — SOX 302
32.1 Certification of Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to Rule 13a-14(b) and 18 U.S.C. 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
32.2 Certification of Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to Rule 13a-14(b) and 18 U.S.C. 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

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.

 

 ASTRO-MED, INC.
 (Registrant)
Date: September 9,December 8, 2008 By 

/s/ A.W. Ondis

  

A.W. Ondis,

Chairman and Chief Executive Officer

  (Principal Executive Officer)
 By 

/s/ Joseph P. O’Connell

  

Joseph P. O’Connell

Senior Vice President, Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer

  (Principal Financial Officer)

 

-18--19-