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 November 2, 2013May 3, 2014

OR

 

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

For the transition period from                    to                    

Commission file 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 has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Website, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§ 232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).    Yes  x    No  ¨.

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer or a non-accelerated filer.smaller reporting company. 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

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 – 7,512,8037,679,142 shares

(excluding treasury shares) as of December 9, 2013May 23, 2014

 

 

 


ASTRO-MED, INC.

INDEX

 

     Page No. 

Part I.

 

Financial Information

  

Item 1.

 

Financial Statements

  
 

Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets—November 2, 2013May 3, 2014 and January 31, 20132014

   3  
 

Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations—Three and Nine Months Ended November 2,May 3, 2014 and May  4, 2013 and October 27, 2012

   4  
 

Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss)—Three and Nine Months Ended November 2,May  3, 2014 and May 4, 2013 and October 27, 2012

   5  
 

Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows—NineThree Months Ended November 2,May 3, 2014 and May  4, 2013 and October 27, 2012

   6  
 

Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)

   7-147-15  

Item 2.

 

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

   14-2116-20  

Item 3.

 

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk

   2120  

Item 4.

 

Controls and Procedures

   2220  

Part II.

 

Other Information

  

Item 1.

 

Legal Proceedings

   2220  

Item 1A.

 

Risk Factors

   2220  

Item 2.

 

Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

   2221  

Item 6.

 

Exhibits

   2321  

Signatures

   2422  


Part I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

Item 1.Financial Statements

ASTRO-MED, INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(In thousands, Except Share Data)

(Unaudited)

  May 3,
2014
 January 31,
2014
 
  November 2,
2013
 January 31,
2013
   (Unaudited)   
ASSETS      

CURRENT ASSETS

      

Cash and Cash Equivalents

  $12,974   $30,999    $10,140   $8,341  

Securities Available for Sale

   19,654   8,509     18,455   18,766  

Accounts Receivable, net

   10,970   9,376     12,844   11,366  

Inventories

   11,916   11,179     16,181   15,178  

Deferred Tax Assets

   1,825   1,866     1,677   1,673  

Restricted Cash

   —     1,800  

Line of Credit Receivable

   288   300     220   240  

Note Receivable

   250   250     250   250  

Restricted Cash

   1,800   1,800  

Asset Held for Sale

   2,016   2,016     2,120   2,120  

Prepaid Expenses and Other Current Assets

   1,682   696     3,709   1,383  

Current Assets of Discontinued Operations

   5,208   3,131     —     3,917  
  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

 

Total Current Assets

   68,583    70,122     65,596    65,034  
  

 

  

 

 

PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT

   34,768    33,886     35,306    34,960  

Less Accumulated Depreciation

   (27,045  (26,098   (27,743  (27,368
  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

 

Property, Plant and Equipment, net

   7,723    7,788     7,563    7,592  
  

 

  

 

 

OTHER ASSETS

      

Note Receivable

   440    440  

Deferred Tax Asset

   270    313  

Intangible Assets

   3,224    3,400  

Goodwill

   795    795     991    991  

Note Receivable

   569    756  

Other

   98    96     195    194  
  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

 

Total Other Assets

   1,462    1,647     5,120    5,338  
  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

 

TOTAL ASSETS

  $77,768   $79,557    $78,279   $77,964  
  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

 
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY      

CURRENT LIABILITIES

      

Accounts Payable

  $2,750   $1,938    $2,480   $2,374  

Accrued Compensation

   2,649    3,176     2,191    3,130  

Other Accrued Expenses

   3,641    3,164  

Other Liabilities and Accrued Expenses

   3,791    2,310  

Deferred Revenue

   499    271     445    454  

Income Taxes Payable

   21    4,169     12    788  

Current Liabilities of Discontinued Operations

   2,139    1,501     —      836  
  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

 

Total Current Liabilities

   11,699    14,219     8,919    9,892  

Long Term Obligations

   167    250  

Deferred Tax Liabilities

   178    212     97    77  

Other Long Term Liabilities

   1,336    1,289     1,008    1,131  
  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

 

TOTAL LIABILITIES

   13,213    15,720     10,191    11,350  
  

 

  

 

 

SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

      

Common Stock, $0.05 Par Value, Authorized 13,000,000 shares; Issued 9,228,305 shares and 9,031,756 shares at November 2, 2013 and January 31, 2013, respectively

   461    452  

Common Stock, $0.05 Par Value, Authorized 13,000,000 shares; Issued 9,455,263 shares and 9,291,225 shares at May 3, 2014 and January 31, 2014, respectively

   473    465  

Additional Paid-in Capital

   40,429    38,786     42,644    41,235  

Retained Earnings

   35,878    36,092     37,797    37,201  

Treasury Stock, at Cost, 1,721,098 shares and 1,663,214 shares at November 2, 2013 and January 31, 2013, respectively

   (12,348  (11,666

Treasury Stock, at Cost, 1,776,121 shares and 1,730,042 shares at May 3, 2014 and January 31, 2014, respectively

   (13,091  (12,463

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income

   135    173     265    176  
  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

 

TOTAL SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

   64,555    63,837     68,088    66,614  
  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

 

TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

  $77,768   $79,557    $78,279   $77,964  
  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

 

See Notes to condensed consolidated financial statements (unaudited).

ASTRO-MED, INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

(In thousands, Except Per Share Data)

(Unaudited)

 

  Three Months Ended   Nine Months Ended   Three Months Ended 
  November 2,
2013
 October 27,
2012
   November 2,
2013
 October 27,
2012
   May 3,
2014
 May 4,
2013
 

Net Sales

  $18,179   $16,039    $50,858   $45,038    $20,774   $15,485  

Cost of Sales

   10,816   9,555     30,796   27,497     12,139   9,708  

Product Replacement Related Costs

   —    —      672   —      —     672 
  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

 

Gross Profit

   7,363    6,484     19,390    17,541     8,635    5,105  

Operating Expenses:

         

Selling and Marketing

   3,727    3,199     10,680    9,242     4,374    3,572  

Research and Development

   1,230    897     3,617    2,766     1,371    1,113  

General and Administrative

   1,223    1,187     3,745    3,339     1,191    1,142  
  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

 

Operating Expenses

   6,180    5,283     18,042    15,347     6,936    5,827  
  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

 

Operating Income

   1,183    1,201     1,348    2,194  

Operating Income (Loss)

   1,699    (722

Other Income (Expense), net

   (2  47     (64  (56   (121  (36
  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

 

Income from Continuing Operations before Income Taxes

   1,181    1,248     1,284    2,138     1,578    (758

Income Tax Provision for Continuing Operations

   436    499     446    542  

Income Tax Provision (Benefit) for Continuing Operations

   449    (319
  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

 

Income from Continuing Operations

   745    749     838    1,596  

Income from Discontinued Operations, net of tax benefit of $89 and tax expense of $333, for the three and nine months ended November 2, 2013, respectively and tax benefit of $2 and tax expense of $928 for the three and nine months ended October 27, 2012, respectively

   363    558     517    1,535  

Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations

   1,129    (439

Loss from Discontinued Operations, Net of Tax Benefit of $7

   —      (10
  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

 

Net Income

  $1,108   $1,307    $1,355   $3,131  

Net Income (Loss)

  $1,129   $(449
  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

 

Net Income per Common Share—Basic:

      

Net Income (Loss) per Common Share—Basic:

   

From Continuing Operations

  $0.10   $0.10    $0.11   $0.22    $0.15   $(0.06

From Discontinued Operations

   0.05    0.08     0.07    0.20     —      —    
  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

 

Net Income Per Common Share—Basic

  $0.15   $0.18    $0.18   $0.42  

Net Income (Loss) Per Common Share—Basic

  $0.15   $(0.06
  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

 

Net Income per Common Share—Diluted:

      

Net Income (Loss) per Common Share—Diluted:

   

From Continuing Operations

  $0.10   $0.10    $0.11   $0.21    $0.14   $(0.06

From Discontinued Operations

   0.04    0.08     0.07    0.21     —      —    
  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

 

Net Income Per Common Share—Diluted

  $0.14   $0.18    $0.18   $0.42  

Net Income (Loss) Per Common Share—Diluted

  $0.14   $(0.06
  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

 

Weighted Average Number of Common Shares Outstanding:

         

Basic

   7,490    7,379     7,449    7,414     7,601    7,401  

Diluted

   7,716    7,462     7,650    7,487     7,848    7,401  

Dividends Declared Per Common Share

  $0.07   $0.07    $0.21   $0.21    $0.07   $0.07  

See Notes to condensed consolidated financial statements (unaudited).

ASTRO-MED, INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)

(In Thousands)

(Unaudited)

 

  Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended   Three Months Ended 
  November 2,
2013
   October 27,
2012
 November 2,
2013
 October 27,
2012
   May 3,
2014
 May 4,
2013
 

Net Income

  $1,108    $1,307   $1,355   $3,131  

Net Income (Loss)

  $1,129   $(449

Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Taxes and Reclassification Adjustments:

         

Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments

   137     185   (56 (66   92   (154

Unrealized Holding Gain (Loss) Arising During the Period

   14     (2 18   (9

Unrealized Holding Loss Arising During the Period

   (3 (1
  

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

 

Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)

   151     183    (38  (75   89    (155
  

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

 

Comprehensive Income

  $1,259    $1,490   $1,317   $3,056  

Comprehensive Income (Loss)

  $1,218   $(604
  

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

 

See Notes to condensed consolidated financial statements (unaudited).

ASTRO-MED, INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(In Thousands)

(Unaudited)

 

  Nine Months Ended   Three Months Ended 
  November 2,
2013
 October 27,
2012
   May 3,
2014
 May 4,
2013
 

Cash Flows from Operating Activities:

      

Net Income

  $1,355   $3,131  

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

   

Net Income (Loss)

  $1,129   $(449

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

   

Depreciation and Amortization

   951   993     512   310  

Share-Based Compensation

   406   305     131   161  

Deferred Income Tax Provision

   192   72     59   21  

Changes in Assets and Liabilities:

      

Accounts Receivable

   (3,368 (4   (166 (224

Inventories

   (1,039 (359   (1,003 (1,049

Income Taxes

   (4,940 174     (731 (5,077

Accounts Payable and Accrued Expenses

   1,087   (1,081   (1,691 (431

Other

   362   (200   (735 (235
  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

 

Net Cash Provided (Used) by Operating Activities

   (4,994  3,031  

Net Cash Used by Operating Activities

   (2,495  (6,973

Cash Flows from Investing Activities:

      

Proceeds from Sales/Maturities of Securities Available for Sale

   7,940    14,965     2,880    1,935  

Purchases of Securities Available for Sale

   (19,056  (11,816   (2,574  (13,527

Line of Credit Issuance

   —     (300

Release of Funds Held in Escrow From Sale of Grass

   1,800    —    

Proceeds Received on Disposition of Grass Inventory

   2,355    —    

Additions to Property, Plant and Equipment

   (910  (527   (292  (113
  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

 

Net Cash Provided (Used) by Investing Activities

   (12,026  2,322     4,169    (11,705

Cash Flows from Financing Activities:

      

Proceeds from Common Shares Issued Under Employee Benefit Plans and Employee Stock Option Plans, Net of Payment of Minimum Tax Withholdings

   564    61     658    391  

Purchase of Treasury Stock

   —      (770

Dividends Paid

   (1,569  (1,559   (533  (521
  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

 

Net Cash Used in Financing Activities

   (1,005  (2,268

Net Cash Provided (Used) by Financing Activities

   125    (130

Net Increase (Decrease) in Cash and Cash Equivalents

   (18,025  3,085     1,799    (18,808

Cash and Cash Equivalents, Beginning of Period

   30,999    11,704     8,341    30,999  
  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

 

Cash and Cash Equivalents, End of Period

  $12,974   $14,789    $10,140   $12,191  
  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

 

Supplemental Disclosures of Cash Flow Information:

      

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

  $4,881   $1,354    $1,471   $4,755  

See Notes to condensed consolidated financial statements (unaudited).

ASTRO-MED, INC.

NOTES TO THE CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)

(1) Overview

Headquartered in West Warwick, Rhode Island, Astro-Med Inc. designs, develops, manufactures and distributes a broad range of specialty printers and data acquisition and analysis systems. Our products are distributed through our own sales force and authorized dealers in the United States. We also sell to customers outside of the United States primarily through our branchCompany offices in Canada and Europe as well as with independent dealers and representatives. Astro-Med, Inc. products are sold under the brand names Astro-Med ® Test & Measurement and QuickLabel® Systems and are employed around the world in a wide range of aerospace, apparel, automotive, avionics, chemical, computer peripherals, communications, chemical,distribution, food and beverage, military, industrial,general manufacturing, packaging and packaging applications.transportation.

Unless otherwise indicated, references to “Astro-Med,” the “Company,” “we,” “our,” and “us” in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q refer to Astro-Med, Inc. and its consolidated subsidiaries.

(2) Basis of Presentation

The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared by Astro-Med 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. 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 fiscal year ended January 31, 2013.2014.

On January 31, 2013, wethe Company completed the sale of substantially all of the assets of ourits Grass Technologies Product Group.Group (Grass). Consequently, we havethe Company has classified the results of operations of theits Grass Technologies Product Groupsegment as discontinued operations for all periodsthe first quarter fiscal 2014 period presented. Refer to Note 14,15, “Discontinued Operations,” for further discussion.details.

On January 22, 2014, Astro-Med completed the acquisition of the ruggedized printer product line from Miltope Corporation (Miltope). Astro-Med’s ruggedized printer product line is part of the Test & Measurement (T&M) product group and is reported as part of the T&M segment. The results of the Miltope’s ruggedized printer product line operations have been included in the condensed consolidated financial statements of the Company for the first quarter fiscal 2015. Refer to Note 4, “Acquisition,” for further details.

Results of operations for the interim periods presented herein are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the full year.

The presentation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported and disclosed in the condensed consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes. Some of the more significant estimates relate to the allowances for doubtful accounts and credits, inventory valuation, impairment of long-lived assets and goodwill, income taxes, share-based compensation, accrued expenses and warranty reserves. Management’s estimates are based on the facts and circumstances available at the time estimates are made, past historical experience, risk of loss, general economic conditions and trends, and management’s assessments of the probable future outcome of these matters. Consequently, actual results could differ from those estimates.

Certain amounts in prior year’s financial statements have been reclassified to conform to the current year’s presentation.

(3) Principles of Consolidation

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

(4) Acquisition

On January 22, 2014, Astro-Med completed the acquisition of the Ruggedized Printer Product line from Miltope Corporation (Miltope), a company of VT Systems, which is engaged in the design, development, manufacture and testing of ruggedized computers and computer peripheral equipment for military, industry and commercial applications. Astro-Med’s ruggedized printer product line is part of the Test & Measurement (T&M) product group and is reported as part of the T&M segment. The results of the Miltope’s ruggedized printer product line operations have been included in the condensed consolidated financial statements for the first quarter fiscal 2015 as presented.

The purchase price of the acquisition was $6,732,000 which was funded using existing cash on hand. Of the $6,732,000 purchase price, $500,000 will be held in escrow for twelve months following the acquisition date to provide an indemnity to the Company in the event of any breach in the representation, warranties and covenants of Miltope. The assets acquired consist of all of the assets of the Miltope ruggedized printer product line excluding plant and equipment and personnel. The acquisition was accounted for under the acquisition method in accordance with the guidance provided by FASB ASC 805, “Business Combinations.”

As part of the acquisition, Miltope and Astro-Med have entered into a manufacturing services agreement under which Miltope will provide transition services and continue to manufacture printers for Astro-Med for up to six months until the Company transitions the manufacturing to its West Warwick, Rhode Island facility.

The purchase price of the acquisition has been allocated on the basis of the estimated fair value as follows:

(In thousands)    

Accounts Receivable

  $713  

Inventories

   2,503  

Identifiable Intangible Assets

   3,400  

Goodwill

   196  

Warranty Reserve

   (80
  

 

 

 

Total Purchase Price

  $6,732  
  

 

 

 

The following unaudited pro forma information assumes the acquisition of Miltope occurred on February 1, 2013. This information has been prepared for informational purposes only and does not purport to represent the results of operations that would have happened had the acquisition occurred as of the date indicated, nor of future results of operations.

   Three Months Ended
May 4, 2013
(In thousands)       

Net Revenue

  $17,485    

The impact on net income and earnings per share would not have been material to the Company in fiscal 2014.

(5) Net Income (Loss) Per Common Share

Basic net income per share is calculated by dividing net income by the weighted average number of shares outstanding during the period. Diluted net income per share is calculated by dividing net income by the weighted average number of shares and, if dilutive, common equivalent shares for stock options, restricted stock awards and restricted stock units outstanding during the period. A reconciliation of the shares used in calculating basic and diluted net income (loss) per share is as follows:

 

  Three Months Ended   Nine Months Ended   Three Months Ended 
  November 2,
2013
   October 27,
2012
   November 2,
2013
   October 27,
2012
   May 3,
2014
   May 4,
2013
 

Weighted Average Common Shares Outstanding—Basic

   7,489,690     7,379,094     7,449,251     7,414,273     7,600,780     7,401,465  

Effect of Dilutive Options, Restricted Stock Awards and Restricted Stock Units

   226,130     82,864     200,763     72,315     247,520     —    
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

Weighted Average Common Shares Outstanding—Diluted

   7,715,820     7,461,958     7,650,014     7,486,588     7,848,300     7,401,465  
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

For the three and nine months ended November 2,May 3, 2014 and May 4, 2013, the diluted per share amounts do not reflect common equivalent shares outstanding of 131,60075,600 and 172,100, respectively, because their effect would have been anti-dilutive, as the exercise price was greater than the average market price of the underlying stock during the period presented. For the three and nine months ended October 27, 2012, the diluted per share amounts do not reflect common equivalent shares outstanding of 595,394 and 654,194,155,900, respectively, because their effect would have been anti-dilutive, as the exercise price was greater than the average market price of the underlying stock during the period presented.

(5)For the three months ended May 4, 2013, diluted net loss per common share is the same as basic net loss per common share, as the inclusion of the effect of the common share equivalents then outstanding would be anti-dilutive. For this reason, excluded from the calculation of diluted net loss per common share for the three month period ended May 4, 2013 were “in the money” options to purchase 175,951 shares of the Company’s common stock.

(6) Share-Based Compensation

Astro-Med has one equity incentive plan (the “Plan”) under which incentive stock options, non-qualified stock options, restricted stock units (“RSUs”), restricted stock awards (“RSAs”) and other equity based awards may be granted to directors, officers and certain employees. An aggregate of 1,000,000 shares were authorized for awards under the Plan. At November 2, 2013, 356,350May 3, 2014, 290,609 shares were available for grant under the Plan. Options granted to employees vest over four years. 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. In fiscal year 2013, a portion of the Company’s executive’s long-term incentive compensation was awarded in the form of RSUs.RSUs (“2013 RSUs”). The 2013 RSUs vestwere earned based on the Company achieving specific thresholds of net sales and annual operating income as established under the fiscal 2013 Domestic Management Bonus Plan and vested fifty percent on the first anniversary of the grant date and fifty percent on the second anniversary of the grant date provided that the grantee iswas employed on each vesting date by Astro-Med or an affiliate company and provided the Company achieves specific thresholds of net sales and annual operating income as established under the fiscal 2013 Domestic Management Bonus Plan.company. All such 2013 RSUs were earned in fiscal 2013 and fifty percent vested inas of March 2013; the balance will vest in March 2014, subject to the grantee’s continued employment.2014. In April 2013, the Company granted options and RSUs to officers (“2014 RSUs”). Each 2014 RSU will be earned and vest as follows: twenty-five percent of the 2014 RSU vests on the third anniversary of the grant date, fifty percent of the 2014 RSU vests upon the Company achieving its cumulative budgeted net sales target for fiscal years 2014 through 2016 (the “Measurement Period”), and twenty-five percent of the total 2014 RSU vests upon the Company’s achieving a target average annual ORONA (operating income return on net assets as calculated under the Domestic Management Bonus Plan) for the Measurement Period. The grantee may not sell, transfer or otherwise dispose of more than fifty percent of the common stock issued upon vesting of the RSU until the first anniversary of the vesting date.

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 annual shareholdersshareholders’ 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 shareholdersshareholders’ meeting. In addition to the automatic option grant under Plan, the Company has a Non-Employee Director Annual Compensation Program (the “Program”) which provides that each non-employee director is entitled to an annual cash retainer of $7,000 (the “Cash“Annual Cash Retainer”), plus $500 for each Board and committee meeting attended, provided that if more than one meeting occurs onattended. In addition, effective August 1, 2014, the same day, no more than $500 shall be paid for such day.Chairman of the Board will receive an annual retainer of $6,000 and the Chair of the Audit Committee and Compensation Committee will each receive an annual retainer of $4,000 each (“Chair Retainer”). The non-employee director may elect for any fiscal year to receive all or a portion of the Annual Cash Retainer and/or Chair Retainer (collectively the “Cash Retainer”) in the form of common stock of the Company, which will be issued under the Plan. If a non-employee director elects to receive all or a portion of the Cash Retainer in the form of common stock, such shares shall be issued in four quarterly installments on the first day of each fiscal quarter, and the number of shares of common stock to be issued shall be based on the fair market value of such common stock on the date such installment is payable. The common stock received in lieu of such Cash Retainer will be fully vested. However, a non-employee director who receives common stock in lieu of all or a portion of the Cash Retainer may not sell, transfer, assign, pledge or otherwise encumber the common stock prior to the first anniversary of the date on which such shares were issuable. In the event of the death or disability of a nonemployee director, or a change in control of the Company, any shares of common stock issued in lieu of such Cash Retainer, shall no longer be subject to such restrictions on transfer.transfer and/or Chair Retainer (collectively the “Cash Retainer”).

In addition, under the Program, each non-employee director receives RSAs with a value equal to $20,000 (the “Equity Retainer”) upon adjournment of each annual shareholders meeting. If a non-employee director is first appointed or elected to the Board of Directors effective on a date other than at the annual shareholders meeting, on the date of such appointment or election, the director shall receive a pro rata award of restricted common stock having a value based on the number of days remaining until the next annual meeting. The Equity Retainer will vest on the earlier of 12 months after the grant date or the date immediately prior to the next annual meeting of the shareholders following the meeting at which such RSAs were granted. However, a non-employee director may not sell, transfer, assign, pledge or otherwise encumber the vested common stock prior to the second anniversary of the vesting date. In the event of the death or disability of a non-employee director, or a change in control of the Company, the RSAs shall immediately vest and shall no longer be subject to such restrictions on transfer.

We account for compensation cost related to share-based payments based on fair value of the stock options, RSUs and RSAs when awarded to an employee or director. We have estimated the fair value of each option on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model. Our estimate requires a number of complex and subjective assumptions including our stock price volatility, employee exercise patterns (expected life of the options), the risk-free interest rate and the Company’s dividend yield. The stock price volatility assumption is based on the historical weekly price data of our common stock over a period equivalent to the weighted average expected life of our 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 and the actual vesting schedule of the grant and has 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 dividend assumption is based upon the prior year’s average dividend yield. Reductions in compensation expense associated with the forfeited options are estimated at the date of grant, and this estimated forfeiture rate is adjusted periodically based on actual forfeiture experience. Our accounting for share-based compensation for RSUs and RSAs is also based on the fair value method. The fair value of the RSUs and RSAs is based on the closing market price of the Company’s common stock on the grant date of the RSU or RSA.

Share-based compensation expense was recognized as follows:

 

  Three Months Ended   Nine Months Ended   Three Months Ended 
  November 2,
2013
   October 27,
2012
   November 2,
2013
   October 27,
2012
   May 3, 2014   May 4, 2013 
(In thousands)                        

Stock Options

  $46    $42    $140    $120    $54    $46  

Restricted Stock Awards and Restricted Stock Units

   81     138     266     185     77     115  
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

Total

  $127    $180    $406    $305    $131    $161  
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

Stock Options

The fair value of stock options granted during the ninethree months ended November 2,May 3, 2014 and May 4, 2013 and October 27, 2012 was estimated using the following assumptions:

 

  Nine Months Ended   Three Months Ended 
  November 2,
2013
 October 27,
2012
   May 3, 2014 May 4, 2013 

Risk Free Interest Rate

   0.8 0.9   1.6 0.8

Expected Volatility

   38.3 39.2   26.8 38.5

Expected Life (in years)

   5.0   5.0     5.0   5.0  

Dividend Yield

   2.6 3.4   2.0 2.6

The weighted average fair value per share for options granted was $2.93 during the first quarter of fiscal 2015 as compared to $2.79 during the first and second quarters of fiscal 2014. No options were granted during the third quarter of fiscal 2014. This compares the weighted average fair value per share for options granted of $2.09, $2.01 and $1.93 during the first, second and third quarters of fiscal 2013, respectively.

Aggregated information regarding stock options granted under the Plan for the ninethree months ended November 2, 2013May 3, 2014 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, 2013

   916,612   $8.46     4.4    $1,624,000  

Outstanding at January 31, 2014

 736,647   $8.63   4.7   $3,707,000  

Granted

   56,800   10.54       75,600   14.20    

Exercised

   (156,273 8.16       (152,789 8.71    

Expired or canceled

   (22,624 9.53       (8,986 8.70    
  

 

  

 

      

 

  

 

   

Outstanding at November 2, 2013

   794,515   $8.64     4.7    $3,185,525  

Outstanding at May 3, 2014

  650,472   $9.26    5.8   $2,324,921  
  

 

  

 

   

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Exercisable at November 2, 2013

   619,867   $8.59     3.6    $2,514,405  

Exercisable at May 3, 2014

  452,599   $8.50    4.4   $1,878,835  
  

 

  

 

   

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

As of November 2, 2013,May 3, 2014, there was $305,646$419,000 of unrecognized compensation expense related to unvested options, which will be recognized through March 2017.2018.

Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) and Restricted Stock Awards (RSAs)

Aggregated information regarding RSUs and RSAs granted under the Plan for the ninethree months ended November 2, 2013May 3, 2014 is summarized below:

 

   RSAs & RSUs  Weighted Average
Grant Date Fair Value
 

Unvested at January 31, 2013

   96,900  $8.10 

Granted

   57,544    10.14  

Vested

   (40,898  8.15  

Forfeited

   —     —   
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Unvested at November 2, 2013

   113,546   $9.11  
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

   RSAs & RSUs  Weighted Average
Grant Date Fair Value
 

Unvested at January 31, 2014

   106,496   $9.12  

Granted

   —      —    

Vested

   (15,618  8.53  

Forfeited

   (5,834  10.07  
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Unvested at May 3, 2014

   85,044   $9.16  
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

As of November 2, 2013,May 3, 2014, there was $457,878$300,000 of unrecognized compensation expense related to unvested RSUs and RSAs which will be recognized through April 2016.

Employee Stock Purchase Plan

Astro-Med 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 reserved for issuance under this plan. During the quartersquarter ended November 2,May 3, 2014 and May 4, 2013, and October 27, 2012, there were 886815 and 1,535 shares respectively, purchased under this plan. During the nine months ended November 2, 2013 and October 27, 2012, there were 3,152 and 4,0821,212 shares respectively, purchased under this plan. As of November 2, 2013, 61,709May 3, 2014, 59,427 shares remain available.

(6)(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 are as follows:

 

  November 2, 2013   January 31, 2013   May 3, 2014 January 31, 2014 
(In thousands)              

Materials and Supplies

  $6,383    $6,654    $10,257   $10,722  

Work-In-Process

   1,128     591     1,657   852  

Finished Goods

   4,405     3,934     7,764   6,798  
  

 

   

 

   

 

  

 

 
  $11,916    $11,179     19,678    18,372  

Inventory Reserve

   (3,497  (3,194
  

 

   

 

   

 

  

 

 
  $16,181   $15,178  
  

 

  

 

 

(7)(8) Income Taxes

The Company’s effective tax rates for income (loss) from continuing operations based on the projected effective tax rate for the full year, are as follows:

 

   Three Months Ended  Nine Months Ended 

Fiscal 2014

   36.9  34.7

Fiscal 2013

   40.0  25.4
Three Months Ended

Fiscal 2015

28.5

Fiscal 2014

(42.1)% 

During the three months ended November 2, 2013,first quarter of fiscal 2015, the Company recognized a benefit of $187,000 recorded as a result of a favorable adjustment in the filing of the prior year’s tax returns. Of the $187,000 benefit, $18,000 relates to taxes on income from continuing operations.

During the nine months ended November 2, 2013, the Company recognizedan income tax expense on income from continuing operations of approximately $446,000$449,000 which included an expense of $464,000$549,000 on nine monthsthe quarter’s pretax income from continuing operations and a benefit of $18,000 related to the favorable adjustment in the filing of the prior year’s tax returns.

During the nine months ended October 27, 2012, the Company recognized income tax expense on income from continuing operations of approximately $542,000 which included an expense of $844,000 on the nine month’s pretax income from continuing operations and a benefit of $302,000$100,000 related to the favorable resolution of a previously uncertain tax position. During the first quarter of fiscal 2014, the Company recognized an income tax benefit on the loss from continuing operations of approximately $319,000.

As of November 2, 2013,May 3, 2014, the Company’s cumulative unrecognized tax benefits totaled $931,000$651,000 compared to $941,000$715,000 as of January 31, 2013. There were no developments affecting unrecognized tax benefits during the quarter ended November 2, 2013.2014.

(8)

(9) Note Receivable and Line of Credit and Note ReceivableIssued

On January 30, 2012, the Company completed the sale of its label manufacturing operations in Asheboro, North Carolina to Label Line Ltd. The net salessale price of $1,000,000 was received in the form of a promissory note issued by Label Line Ltd. and is fully secured by a first lien on various collateral, including the Asheboro plant and plant assets. The note bears interest at a rate equal to the lesser of (i) the United States prime rate as of January 30, 2013 plus 50 basis points or (ii) six percent per annum and3.75% is payable in sixteen quarterly installments of principal and interest commencing on January 30, 2013. The Note Receivable is disclosed at its present value on the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheets. As of May 3, 2014, $690,000 remains outstanding on this note.

The terms of the Asheboro sale also included an agreement for Astro-Med to provide Label Line Ltd. with additional financing in the form of a revolving line of credit in the amount of $600,000. This line of credit is fully secured by a first lien on various collateral of Label Line Ltd., including the Asheboro plant and plant assets and bears interest at a rate equal to the United States prime rate plus an additional margin of two percent of the outstanding credit balance. The line of credit had anAlthough the initial term was for a period of one-year from the date of the sale, which may bethe agreement has been extended for consecutive one-year terms on mutual agreement of both parties. On March 27, 2013, Astro-Med signed an agreement to extend this line of credit through January 30, 2014.31, 2015. As of November 2, 2013, $288,000May 3, 2014, $220,000 remains outstanding on this revolving line of credit.

(9)(10) Segment Information

Astro-Med reports two segments consistent with its sales product groups: QuickLabel Systems (QuickLabel) and Test & Measurement (T&M) and QuickLabel Systems (QuickLabel). On January 31, 2013, the Company completed the sale of substantially all of the assets of its Grass Technologies Product Group (Grass) in order to focus on its existing core businesses. Consequently, the Company has classified the results of operations of Grass as discontinued operations for all periods presented.the first quarter of fiscal 2014. Refer to Note 14, “Discontinued Operations” for a further discussion.

The Company evaluates segment performance based on the segment profit before corporate expenses.

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

 

  Three Months Ended   Nine Months Ended   Three Months Ended 
  Net Sales   Segment Operating Profit   Net Sales   Segment Operating Profit   Net Sales   Segment Operating Profit 

(In thousands)

  November 2,
2013
   October 27,
2012
   November 2,
2013
 October 27,
2012
   November 2,
2013
   October 27,
2012
   November 2,
2013
 October 27,
2012
   May 3,
2014
   May 4,
2013
   May 3,
2014
 May 4,
2013
 

QuickLabel

  $14,423    $11,396    $2,198   $891  

T&M

  $5,670    $5,359    $912   $1,252    $14,756    $13,188    $1,803   $2,393     6,351     4,089     692   201  

QuickLabel

   12,509     10,680     1,494   1,136     36,102     31,850     3,962   3,140  
  

 

   

 

   

 

  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

  

 

 

Total

  $18,179    $16,039     2,406    2,388    $50,858    $45,038     5,765    5,533    $20,774    $15,485     2,890    1,092  
  

 

   

 

      

 

   

 

      

 

   

 

    

Product Replacement Related Costs

       —     —          672   —           —     672 

Corporate Expenses

       1,223    1,187         3,745    3,339         1,191    1,142  
      

 

  

 

       

 

  

 

       

 

  

 

 

Operating Income

       1,183    1,201         1,348    2,194  

Operating Income (Loss)

       1,699    (722

Other Income (Expense)—Net

       (2  47         (64  (56       (121  (36
      

 

  

 

       

 

  

 

       

 

  

 

 

Income From Continuing Operations Before Income Taxes

       1,181    1,248         1,284    2,138  

Income Tax Provision

       436    499         446    542  

Income (Loss) From Continuing Operations Before Income Taxes

       1,578    (758

Income Tax Provision (Benefit)

       449    (319
      

 

  

 

       

 

  

 

       

 

  

 

 
       745    749         838    1,596         1,129    (439

Income From Discontinued Operations, Net of Income Taxes

       363    558         517    1,535  

Loss From Discontinued Operations, Net of Income Taxes

       —      (10
      

 

  

 

       

 

  

 

       

 

  

 

 

Net Income

      $1,108   $1,307        $1,355   $3,131  

Net Income (Loss)

      $1,129   $(449
      

 

  

 

       

 

  

 

       

 

  

 

 

(10)

(11) Recent Accounting Pronouncements

Comprehensive IncomeDiscontinued Operations

In FebruaryApril 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2014-08, “Presentation of Financial Statements (Topic 205) and Property, Plant, and Equipment (Topic 360): Reporting Discontinued Operations and Disclosures of Disposals of Components of an Entity.” ASU 2014-08 limits discontinued operations reporting to disposals of components of an entity that represent strategic shifts that have (or will have) a major effect on an entity’s operations and financial results. In addition, this ASU expands the disclosure requirements for disposals that meet the definition of a discontinued operation and requires entities to disclose information about disposals of individually significant components that do not meet the definition of a discontinued operation. ASU 2014-08 is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning on or after December 15, 2014. Early adoption is permitted for disposals that have not been reported in financial statements previously issued. We are currently evaluating the impact of the adoption of ASU 2014-08 and do not expect it to have a material effect on the Company’s financial position or results of operations.

Income Taxes

In July 2013, the Financial Standards Accounting BoardFASB issued Accounting Standard Update 2013-02, (“ASU-2013-02”) “ReportingASU 2013-11, “Income Taxes (Topic 740)—Presentation of Amounts Reclassified Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income,an Unrecognized Tax Benefit When a Net Operating Loss Carryforward, a Similar Tax Loss, or a Tax Credit Carryforward Exists,” which requires entitiesan unrecognized tax benefit, or a portion of an unrecognized tax benefit, to provide information about the amounts reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income by component. In addition, entities are required to present, either on the face of the statement where net income isbe presented or in the notes, significant amounts reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income byfinancial statements as a reduction to a deferred tax asset for a net operating loss carryforward, a similar tax loss, or a tax credit carryforward. To the respective line items ofextent that a net income but only ifoperating loss carryforward, a similar tax loss, or a tax credit carryforward is not available at the amount reclassified is required under U.S. GAAP toreporting date, the unrecognized tax benefit should be reclassified to net income in its entiretypresented in the same reporting period. For other amounts that are not required under U.S. GAAP to be reclassified in their entirety to net income, entities are required to cross-reference to other disclosures that provide additional detail on these amounts.financial statements as a liability. This ASU 2013-02 wasis effective prospectively for reportingannual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2012. We adopted this guidance in our first quarter ending May 4, 2013, and have provided the disclosure required in Note 13. Since ASU 2013-02 only impacts presentation and disclosure requirements, thewith early adoption permitted. The adoption of this guidance did not have a material impacteffect on the Company’s financial position or results of operations.

No other new accounting pronouncements, issued or effective during the first ninethree months of the current year, have had or are expected to have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.

(11)(12) Securities Available for Sale

Pursuant to our investment policy, securities available for sale include state and municipal securities with various contractual or anticipated maturity dates ranging from 1one to 3334 months. Securities available for sale are carried at fair value, with unrealized gains and losses reported as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) in shareholders’ equity until realized. Realized gains and losses from the sale of available for sale securities, if any, are determined on a specific identification basis. A decline in the fair value of any available for sale security below cost that is determined to be other than temporary will result in a write-down of its carrying amount to fair value. No such impairment charges were recorded for any period presented. All short-term investment (classified as cash equivalents) securities have original maturities greater than 90 days.

The fair value, amortized cost and gross unrealized gains and losses of the securities are as follows:

 

(In thousands)  Amortized Cost   Gross Unrealized
Gains
   Gross Unrealized
Losses
   Fair Value 

November 2, 2013

        

State and Municipal Obligations

  $19,615    $39    $—     $19,654  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

(In thousands)

May 3, 2014

  Amortized Cost   Gross Unrealized
Gains
   Gross Unrealized
Losses
  Fair Value 

State and Municipal Obligations

  $18,422    $35    $(2) $18,455  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

January 31, 2013

  Amortized Cost   Gross Unrealized
Gains
   Gross Unrealized
Losses
   Fair Value 

January 31, 2014

  Amortized Cost   Gross Unrealized
Gains
   Gross Unrealized
Losses
   Fair Value 

State and Municipal Obligations

  $  8,499    $10    $—     $  8,509    $18,729    $37    $—     $18,766  
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

(12)(13) Fair Value

We measure our financial assets at fair value on a recurring basis in accordance with the guidance provided in ASC 820, “Fair Value Measurement and Disclosures” which defines fair value as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date (exit price). In addition, ASC 820 establishes a three-tiered hierarchy for inputs used in management’s determination of fair value of financial instruments that emphasizes the use of observable inputs over the use of unobservable inputs by requiring that observable inputs be used when available. Observable inputs are inputs that reflect management’s belief about the assumptions market participants would use in pricing a financial instrument based on the best information available in the circumstances.

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.

Cash and cash equivalents;equivalents (including short term investment money market funds with original maturity of less than 90 days), accounts receivables; line of credit receivable; notes receivable;receivables, accounts payable;payable, accrued compensation and other expenses and income tax payable are reflected in the condensed consolidated balance sheet at carrying value, which approximates fair value due to the short term nature of the these instruments.

Assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis are summarized below:

 

(In thousands)                

November 2, 2013

  Level 1   Level 2   Level 3   Total 

(In thousands)

May 3, 2014

  Level 1   Level 2   Level 3   Total 

Money Market Funds (included in Cash and Cash Equivalents)

  $7,557    $—     $—     $7,557    $5,110    $—     $—     $5,110  

State and Municipal Obligations (included in Securities Available for Sale)

   19,654     —      —      19,654     —       18,455     —       18,455  
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

Total

  $27,211    $—     $—     $27,211    $5,110    $18,455   $—     $23,565  
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

 

January 31, 2013

  Level 1   Level 2   Level 3   Total 

January 31, 2014

  Level 1   Level 2   Level 3   Total 

Money Market Funds (included in Cash and Cash Equivalents)

  $8,784    $—     $—     $8,784    $4,734    $—     $—     $4,734  

State and Municipal Obligations (included in Securities Available for Sale)

   8,509         8,509     —       18,766     —       18,766  
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

Total

  $17,293    $—     $—     $17,293    $4,734    $18,766   $—     $23,500  
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

For our money market funds and state and municipal obligations, we utilize the market approach to measure fair value. The market approach is based on using quoted market prices for identical or similar assets.

(13)(14) Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)

The changes in the balance of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) by component are as follows:

 

(In thousands)  Foreign Currency
Translation
Adjustments
 Unrealized Holding Gain
on Available for
Sale Securities
   Total   Foreign Currency
Translation
Adjustments
   Unrealized Holding Gain
on Available for
Sale Securities
 Total 

Balance at January 31, 2013

  $166   $7    $173  

Balance at January 31, 2014

  $152    $24   $176  

Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)

   (56 18     (38   92     (3 89  

Amounts reclassified to Net Income

   —    —      —      —       —      —    
  

 

  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

  

 

 

Net Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)

   (56  18     (38   92     (3  89  
  

 

  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

  

 

 

Balance at November 2, 2013

  $110   $25    $135  

Balance at May 3, 2014

  $244    $21   $265  
  

 

  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

  

 

 

The amounts presented above in other comprehensive income (loss) are net of taxes.

(14)

(15) Discontinued Operations

On January 31, 2013, the Company completed the sale of substantially all of the assets of its Grass Technologies Product Group (Grass) which manufactured polysomnography and electroencephalography systems and related accessories and propriety electrodes for use in both research and clinical settings.settings for $18.6 million in cash, of which $1.8 million was held in escrow and received in the first quarter of the current year. The assets sold consisted primarily of working capital (exclusive of inventory and accounts payable related to manufacturing), the engineering, sales and support workforce, intellectual property and certain other related assets. The proceeds from the sale consisted of $18.6 million in cash, of which $1.8 million is being held in escrow as restricted cash, for twelve months following the closing date of the transaction in order to provide indemnity to the purchaser in the event of any breach in the representations, warranties and covenants of Astro-Med. The Company has fully reserved the $1.8 million in Other Accrued Expenses in the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheets.

As part of this transaction, Astro-Med entered into a Transition Service Agreement (TSA) with the purchaser pursuant to which the Company willagreed to provide transition services and continue to manufacture Grass products for the purchaser. The TSA will expire January 31, 2014 at which time the purchaser will acquire any remaining inventory. On September 20, 2013, the Company entered into a new contract manufacturing agreement with the purchaser to become an exclusive manufacturer of certain medical devices. The effective date of this agreement is February 1, 2014 and the agreement is for a period two years fromnot to exceed twelve months following the effectivesale closing date. The Company has determined that cash flows from this activity willwas not be significant and therefore Grass has been presenteddisclosed as a discontinued operation for all periodsthe first quarter fiscal 2014 period presented. The TSA officially expired on January 31, 2014 and the Company is no longer reporting discontinued operations in fiscal 2015.

In accordance with the terms of the TSA agreement, the purchaser was obligated to acquire the remaining Grass inventory upon expiration of the TSA on January 31, 2014. In connection with the disposition of the inventory previously included in discontinued operations, the Company received $2,355,000 in the first quarter of fiscal 2015 from the purchaser of Grass related to the disposition of this inventory. Any future services related to Grass post fiscal 2014 are not expected to be material.

Results for discontinued operations are as follows:

 

   Three Months
Ended
   Nine Months
Ended
 
   November 2,
2013
   October 27,
2012
   November 2,
2013
   October 27,
2012
 
(In thousands)                

Net Sales

  $2,485    $4,523    $6,201    $13,520  

Gross Profit

  $290    $2,354    $668    $6,969  

Net Income from Discontinued Operations

  $363    $558    $517    $1,535  

During the three months ended November 2, 2013, the Company recognized a tax benefit of $89,000 on income from discontinued operations, which included an expense of $80,000 on three months pretax income from discontinued operations and a benefit of $169,000 recorded as a result of a favorable adjustment in the filing of the prior year’s tax returns. During the nine months ended November 2, 2013, the Company recognized a tax benefit of $2,000 on income from discontinued operations, which included an expense of $167,000 and a benefit of $169,000 recorded as a result of a favorable adjustment in the filing of the prior years tax returns.

   May 4,
2013
 
(In thousands)    

Net Sales

  $1,745  

Gross Profit

  $48  

Net Loss from Discontinued Operations

  $(10

As a result of the sale of the Grass assets, the Company is in the process of selling its facility located in Rockland, Massachusetts, which was the former location of Grass production. This property is being actively marketed with sale considered probable within the next twelve months and as such,accordingly, the property is classified as an Asset Held for Sale in the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheets.

(15)(16) Commitments and Contingencies

Product Replacement Program

In April 2013, tests conducted by the Company revealed that one of its suppliers had been using a non-conforming material in the cover of the power supply usedpart in certain models of Astro-Med’s Test & Measurement printers. No malfunctions have been reported by customers as a result of the non-conforming material.

Upon identifying this issue, Astro-Med immediately suspended production of the printers, notified all customers and contacted the supplier who confirmed the problem. Astro-Med is workingcontinuing to work with its customers to replace the non-conforming material on existing printers with conforming material and will do this on a gradual basis over several months.material. The estimated costs associated with the replacement program arewere $672,000, which was based upon the number of printers shipped during the period the non-conforming material was used. Those estimated costs have beenwere recognized and recorded as a reserve in the first quarter of fiscal 2014 and are included in the cost of sales in the accompanying condensed consolidated statement of operations for the ninethree months ended November 2,May 4, 2013. As of May 3, 2014, the Company had expended $221,000 in replacement costs which have been charged against this reserve. The related remaining reserve amount of $520,000$451,000 is included in Other Accrued Expenses in the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheet dated November 2, 2013.May 3, 2014.

Astro-Med is currently receiving power supplies with compliant materials and has resumed printer production and shipments to customers.

Since Astro-Med’sthe supplier deviated from the agreed upon specifications for the power supply while providing certificates of conformance to the original specifications, the Company is currently in negotiations withJanuary 2014, Astro-Med received a $450,000 settlement from the supplier and is seekingfor recovery forof the costs and expense associated with this issue. This settlement was recorded in cost of sales during the fourth quarter of the fiscal year ended January 31, 2014. In addition to this cash settlement, the Company will receive lower product prices from the supplier for a period of three years.

Item 2.

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 Astro-Med’s Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements included elsewhere herein and our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 31, 2013.2014.

Astro-Med is a multi-national enterprise, which designs, develops, manufactures, distributes and services a broad range of products that acquire, store, analyze and present data in multiple formats. The Company organizes its structure around a core set of competencies, including research and development, manufacturing, service, marketing and distribution. We market and sell our products and services through the following two product groups:

 

QuickLabel Systems Product Group (QuickLabel)—offers label printer hardware, labeling software, service contracts and label and ink consumable products that digitally print color labels on a broad range of label and tag substrates.

Test and Measurement Product Group (T&M)—offers a suite of Ruggedized Printerruggedized printer products designed primarily for military and commercial aerospace applications to be used in the avionics industry to print weather maps, communications and other critical flight information. T&M also manufactures and marketscomprise a suite of telemetry recorder products sold to the aerospace and defense industries, as well as portable data acquisition recorders, which offer diagnostic and test functions to a wide range of manufacturers including automotive, energy, paper and steel fabrication.

QuickLabel Systems Product Group (QuickLabel)—offers label printer hardware, labeling software, service contracts and label and ink consumable products that digitally print color labels on a broad range of label and tag substrates.

On January 31, 2013, the Company completed the sale of substantially all of the assets of its Grass Technologies Product Group (Grass) in order to focus on its existing core businesses. Grass manufactured polysomnography and electroenecephalography systems for both clinical and research use along with the related accessories and proprietary electrodes. Consequently, the Company has classified the results of operations of its Grass segment as discontinued operations for all periodsthe first quarter fiscal 2014 period presented.

On January 22, 2014, Astro-Med completed the acquisition of the Ruggedized Printer Product line from Miltope Corporation (Miltope), which is engaged in the design, development, manufacture and testing of ruggedized computers and computer peripheral equipment for military, industry and commercial applications. Astro-Med’s ruggedized printer product line is part of the Test & Measurement (T&M) product group and is reported as part of the T&M segment. Miltope sales for the first quarter of fiscal 2015 were approximately $2.2 million and the results of the Miltope’s ruggedized printer product line operations have been included in the condensed consolidated financial statements for the first quarter fiscal 2015.

Astro-Med markets and sells its products and services globally through a diverse distribution structure of direct sales personnel, manufacturer’s representatives and authorized dealers that deliver a full complement of branded products and services to customers in our respective markets.

Results of Operations

Three Months Ended November 2, 2013May 3, 2014 vs. Three Months Ended October 27, 2012May 4, 2013

Net sales by product group and current quarter percentage change over prior year for the three months ended November 2,May 3, 2014 and May 4, 2013 and October 27, 2012 were:

 

(Dollars in thousands)

  November 2,
2013
   As a
% of
Net Sales
 October 27,
2012
   As a
% of
Net Sales
 % Change
Over
Prior Year
   May 3, 2014   As a
% of
Net Sales
 May 4, 2013
   As a
% of
Net Sales
 % Change
Over
Prior Year
 

QuickLabel

  $14,423     69.4 $11,396     73.6  26.6

T&M

   5,670     31.2 $5,359     33.4  5.8   6,351     30.6 4,089     26.4  55.3

QuickLabel

   12,509     68.8 10,680     66.6  17.1
  

 

   

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

   

 

   

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

 

Total

  $18,179     100.0 $16,039     100.0  13.3  $20,774     100.0 $15,485     100.0  34.2
  

 

   

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

   

 

   

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

 

Net sales for the thirdfirst quarter of the current year were $18,179,000,$20,774,000, representing a 13.3%34.2% increase as compared to the previous year’s thirdfirst quarter sales of $16,039,000 as well as a 5.7% increase as compared to current year second quarter sales of $17,194,000.$15,485,000. Sales through the domestic channels for the current quarter were $13,198,000,$14,623,000, an increase of 11.3%36.7% over the prior year’s thirdfirst quarter. International shipmentssales for the thirdfirst quarter of the current year were $4,981,000,$6,151,000, representing a 19.2%28.4% increase from the previous year. Current year’s thirdfirst quarter international sales include favorable foreign exchange rate impact of $111,000.$146,000.

Hardware sales in the current quarter were $7,762,000,$8,563,000, an increase as compared to both prior year’s thirdfirst quarter sales of $7,243,000 and current year’s second quarter sales of $7,701,000.$5,638,000. Both segments contributed to the current quarter increase, as hardware sales were up 7.5%55.7% in the QuickLabel product group and 49.8% in the T&M product group and 6.4% in the Quick Labels product group compared to prior year thirdfirst quarter. The increase in current quarter sales.hardware sales is primarily due to $1,775,000 in sales of Ruggedized printers due to the January 2014 acquisition of Miltope, as well as approximately a $991,000 million increase in sales of QuickLabel’s Kiaro! printers compared to first quarter of the prior year. Consumables sales in the current quarter were $9,419,000,$10,838,000, representing a 19.0%21.7% increase over prior year’s thirdfirst quarter consumable sales of $7,913,000 and a slight increase over current year’s second quarter sales of $9,205,000.$8,902,000. The current quarter increase in consumable sales as compared to the thirdfirst quarter of the prior year is primarily due to the double-digit increase in sales of label and tag products and digital color printer supplies in the QuickLabel segment.

Service and other revenues of $998,000$1,373,000 in the current quarter were up 13.1%45.3% from prior year’s thirdfirst quarter service and other revenues of $882,000,$945,000, primarily due to the increase in servicerepairs and parts revenue during the quarter.

Current year thirdfirst quarter gross profit was $7,363,000,$8,635,000, representing a 6.4% improvement over current year’s second quarter gross profit of $6,923,000 and a 13.6%69.1% improvement as compared to prior year’s thirdfirst quarter gross profit of $6,484,000.$5,105,000. The Company’s gross profit margin of 40.5%41.6% in the current quarter also reflects a nominalan increase from the prior year’s thirdfirst quarter gross profit margin of 40.4%33.0%. The higher gross profit and related margin for the current quarter as compared to prior year is primarily attributable ato the contribution of the Miltope acquisition, higher sales, favorable product mix.mix and $672,000 of product replacement costs recognized in the first quarter of the prior year related to replacing materials on certain T&M Ruggedized printers after the Company discovered that one of its suppliers was using a non-conforming part in certain models.

Operating expenses for the current quarter were $6,180,000,$6,936,000, which increased as compared to prior year’s thirdfirst quarter operating expenses of $5,283,000.$5,827,000. The Company increased its spending in selling and market activities due to additional personnel and related costs;commission and benefit costs, as well as increased spending on trade shows; expanded its R&D investments with new product programs; and incurred higher G&A costs from healthcare anddue to higher professional service fees. TheAlthough R&D expenses increased in the current quarter as compared to the prior year, current quarter spending in R&D represents 6.8%6.6% of sales, an increase asa decrease compared to prior year’s thirdfirst quarter level of 5.6%7.2%.

Third quarter operating income of $1,183,000, resulted in operating profit margin of 6.5%, a decrease compared to the prior year’s third quarter operating income of $1,201,000 and related operating margin of 7.5%. The decrease in operating income and related margin is primarily attributable to increased operating expenses.

Other expense during the thirdfirst quarter was $2,000$121,000 compared to other income of $47,000$36,000 in the thirdfirst quarter of the previous year. The higher expense was primarily due to the decrease in foreign exchange gain recognized in$251,000 write-down on the third quarterdisposition of inventory related to the conclusion and settlement of the current year as compared to the prior year.Grass Transition Service Agreement.

The provision for federal, state and foreign taxes on continuing operations for the thirdfirst quarter of the current year were $436,000,$449,000, reflecting an effective tax rate of 36.9%28.5%. Included in the current year income tax expense for continuing operations is a tax benefit of $18,000$100,000 related to the favorable adjustment in the filingresolution of the prior year’sa previously uncertain tax returns.position. This compares to the prior year’s thirdfirst quarter tax expense forbenefit on the loss from continued operations of $499,000,$319,000, reflecting ana negative effective tax rate of 40.0%42.1%.

The Company reported $745,000$1,129,000 of income from continuing operations for the thirdfirst quarter of the current year, reflecting a return on sales of 4.1%5.4% and generating EPS of $0.10$0.14 per diluted share, comparable to the prior year’s thirdfirst quarter incomeloss from continuing operations of $749,000,$439,000, reflecting a negative return on sales of 4.7%2.8% and an EPSa loss of $0.10$0.06 per diluted share. Prior year’s first quarter loss from continuing operations included $389,000 or $0.05 of product replacement costs.

Discontinued Operation

On January 31, 2013, the Company completed the sale of substantially all of the assets of its Grass Technologies Product Group (Grass) for a purchase price of $18,600,000. Consequently, the Company has classified the results of operations of its Grass segment as discontinued operations for all periodsthe fiscal 2014 period presented.

Results for discontinued operations are as follows:

 

  Three Months
Ended
 
(In thousands)  November 2,
2013
   October 27,
2012
   May 4,
2013
 

Net Sales

  $2,485    $4,523    $1,745  

Gross Profit

  $290    $2,354    $48  

Net Income from Discontinued Operations

  $363    $558  

Net Loss from Discontinued Operations

  $(10

Nine Months Ended November 2, 2013 vs. Nine Months Ended October 27, 2012

Net sales by product group and current quarter percentage change over prior year for the nine months ended November 2, 2013 and October 27, 2012 were:

(Dollars in thousands)

  November 2,
2013
   As a
% of
Net Sales
  October 27,
2012
   As a
% of
Net Sales
  % Change
Over
Prior Year
 

T&M

  $14,756     29.0 $13,188     29.3  11.9

QuickLabel

   36,102     71.0  31,850     70.7  13.3
  

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total

  $50,858     100.0 $45,038     100.0  12.9
  

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

 

Net sales for the first nine months of the current year were $50,858,000, representing a 12.9% increase as compared to the previous year’s sales of $45,038,000. Sales through the domestic channels for the first half of the current year were $35,965,000, an increase of 8.6% over the prior year. International shipments for the first nine months of the current year were $14,893,000, representing a 24.9% increase from the previous year. The current year’s first nine months international sales include a favorable foreign exchange rate impact of $144,000.

Hardware sales in the first nine months of the current year were $20,471,000, a 10.8% increase compared to prior year sales of $18,478,000. Both product groups experienced growth in the current year, with T&M hardware sales at $13,524,000, a 14.1% increase as compared to prior year sales of $11,857,000 and QuickLabel hardware sales at $6,947,000 in the current year, a 4.9% increase from prior year sales of $6,621,000.

Consumables sales in first half of the current year were $27,525,000, representing a 14.7% increase over prior year’s first nine months sales of $23,994,000. The current year increase in consumable sales is primarily due to the double-digit increase in both digital color printer supplies and label and tag product sales in the QuickLabel segment.

Service and other revenues of $2,862,000 in the first nine months of the current year were up 11.5% from prior year’s first nine months service and other revenues of $2,566,000, primarily due to the increase in parts and service revenue during the current year.

Current year first nine months gross profit was $19,390,000, reflecting an 10.5% improvement as compared to prior year’s first nine months gross profit of $17,541,000; however, the Company’s gross profit margin of 38.1% in the current year is slightly lower than the prior year’s first nine months’ gross profit margin of 38.9%. The lower gross profit margin for the current year as compared to prior year is primarily attributable to $672,000 in product replacement program costs recognized in the first quarter related to replacing materials on certain of T&M’s Ruggedized printers after the Company discovered that one of its suppliers was using non-conforming material in the cover of the power supply used in certain models. Astro-Med intends to seek recovery from the supplier for all costs associated with this issue since the supplier deviated from the agreed upon specifications for the power supply while providing certificates of conformance to the original specifications.

Operating expenses for the first nine months of the fiscal year were $18,042,000, an increase as compared to prior year’s first nine months operating expenses of $15,347,000. Specifically, selling and marketing expenses for the current year increased as compared to the previous year’s first nine months of selling and marketing expenses due to increases in personnel costs as well as promotional expenditures. G&A expenses increased to $3,745,000 in the first nine months of the current year as compared to prior year’s first nine months G&A expenses, specifically due to an increase in personnel costs, professional fees and promotional spending. Investment in R&D in the first nine months of the current year of $3,617,000 represents 7.1% of sales, an increase as compared to prior year’s first nine months’ R&D investment of $2,766,000 representing 6.1% of sales. The current year increase in R&D is related to new product programs.

Operating income for the first nine months of the current year of $1,348,000, resulted in a operating profit margin of 2.7%, lower as compared to the prior year’s first nine months’ operating income of $2,194,000 and related operating margin of 4.9%. The decrease in operating income and related margin is primarily attributable to the $672,000 of product replacement program costs recognized in the first quarter as discussed above, as well as higher operating expenses in the current fiscal year.

Other expense during the first nine months of the current year was $64,000 compared to $56,000 in the first nine months of the previous year. The higher expense was primarily due to the decline in foreign exchange loss recognized in the first nine months of the current year as compared to the prior year.

The Company recognized a $446,000 tax expense on income from continuing operations for the first nine months of the current fiscal year which includes and expense of $464,000 on the nine month’s pretax income from continuing operations and a benefit of $18,000 related to the favorable adjustment in the filing of the prior year’s tax returns. This compares to the prior year’s first nine months’ income tax expense on income from continued operations of $542,000, which included an expense of $844,000 on the nine months’ pretax income from continuing operations and a benefit $302,000 related to the favorable resolution of a previously uncertain tax position.

The Company reported income from continuing operations of $838,000 for the first nine months of the current year, reflecting a return on sales of 1.6% and generating a EPS of $0.11 per diluted share. On a comparative basis, in the prior year’s first nine months, the Company recognized income from continuing operations of $1,596,000, reflecting a return on sales of 3.5% and an EPS of $0.21 per diluted share.

Discontinued Operation

On January 31, 2013, the Company completed the sale of substantially all of the assets of its Grass Technologies Product Group (Grass) for a purchase price of $18,600,000. Consequently, the Company has classified the results of operations of its Grass segment as discontinued operations for all periods presented.

Results for discontinued operations are as follows:

   Nine Months Ended 
(In thousands)  November 2,
2013
   October 27,
2012
 

Net Sales

  $6,201    $13,520  

Gross Profit

  $668    $6,969  

Net Income from Discontinued Operations

  $517    $1,535  

Segment Analysis

The Company reports two segments consistent with its product groups: QuickLabel Systems (QuickLabel) and Test & Measurement (T&M) and QuickLabel Systems (QuickLabel). 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:

 

  Three Months Ended   Nine Months Ended   Three Months Ended 
  Net Sales   Segment Operating Profit   Net Sales   Segment Operating Profit   Net Sales   Segment Operating Profit 

(In thousands)

  November 2,
2013
   October 27,
2012
   November 2,
2013
 October 27,
2012
   November 2,
2013
   October 27,
2012
   November 2,
2013
 October 27,
2012
   May 3,
2014
   May 4,
2013
   May 3,
2014
 May 4,
2013
 

QuickLabel

  $14,423    $11,396    $2,198   $891  

T&M

  $5,670    $5,359    $912   $1,252    $14,756    $13,188    $1,803   $2,393     6,351     4,089     692   201  

QuickLabel

   12,509     10,680     1,494   1,136     36,102     31,850     3,962   3,140  
  

 

   

 

   

 

  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

  

 

 

Total

  $18,179    $16,039     2,406    2,388    $50,858    $45,038     5,765    5,533    $20,774    $15,485     2,890    1,092  
  

 

   

 

      

 

   

 

      

 

   

 

    

Product Replacement Related Costs

       —      —          672   —           —      672 

Corporate Expenses

       1,223    1,187         3,745    3,339         1,191    1,142  
      

 

  

 

       

 

  

 

       

 

  

 

 

Operating Income

       1,183    1,201         1,348    2,194  

Operating Income (Loss)

       1,699    (722

Other Income (Expense)—Net

       (2  47         (64  (56       (121  (36
      

 

  

 

       

 

  

 

       

 

  

 

 

Income From Continuing Operations Before Income Taxes

       1,181    1,248         1,284    2,138  

Income Tax Provision

       436    499         446    542  

Income (Loss) From Continuing Operations Before Income Taxes

       1,578    (758

Income Tax Provision (Benefit)

       449    (319
      

 

  

 

       

 

  

 

       

 

  

 

 
       745    749         838    1,596         1,129    (439

Income From Discontinued Operations, Net of Income Taxes

       363    558         517    1,535  

Loss From Discontinued Operations, Net of Income Taxes

       —      (10
      

 

  

 

       

 

  

 

       

 

  

 

 

Net Income

      $1,108   $1,307        $1,355   $3,131  

Net Income (Loss)

      $1,129   $(449
      

 

  

 

       

 

  

 

       

 

  

 

 

Test & Measurement—T&M

Sales revenues from the T&M product group were $5,670,000 for the third quarter of the current fiscal year, representing a 5.8% increase as compared to sales of $5,359,000 for the same period in the prior year. The increase is primarily attributable to the sales growth in the third quarter in both the traditional recorder and Ruggedized product lines as compared to the prior year. T&M’s third quarter segment operating profit of $912,000 resulted in a 16.1% profit margin as compared to the prior year’s segment operating profit of $1,252,000 and related operating margin of 23.4%. The lower segment operating profit and related margin was due to product mix and higher R&D expenses.

Sales revenues from the T&M product group were $14,756,000 for the first nine months of the current fiscal year, representing a 11.9% increase as compared to sales of $13,188,000 for the same period in the prior year. The increase is primarily attributable to the hardware product line, as both the Ruggedized and TMX product lines experienced growth over the prior year. T&M’s operating profit for the first nine months of the current fiscal year segment was $1,803,000 which resulted in a 12.2% profit margin as compared to the prior year’s segment operating profit of $2,393,000 and related operating margin of 18.1%. The lower segment operating profit and related margin was due to product mix.

QuickLabel Systems—QuickLabel

Sales revenues from the QuickLabel product group increased 17.1%26.6% with sales of $12,509,000$14,423,000 in the thirdfirst quarter of the current year as compared to $10,680,000$11,396,000 in the same period of the prior year. The current quarter increase in sales is primarily due to both the consumables product line, which increased 19.0%20.6% from the same period in the prior year, primarily attributable to the increased demand for digital color printer supplies as well as label and tag products, both which have experienced double-digit growth as compared to the prior year. Also contributing to the current quarter increase wasin sales were sales in the hardware product line, which increased 55.7% primarily attributable to sales of the new Kario! product line.lines. QuickLabel’s current quarter segment operating profit was $1,494,000,$2,198,000, reflecting a profit margin of 11.9%15.2%, an increase from prior year’s thirdfirst quarter segment profit of $1,136,000$891,000 and related profit margin of 10.6%7.8%. The increase in QuickLabel’s current year’s segment operating profit and related margin is primarily due to higher sales, lower manufacturing costs and favorable product mix.

Test & Measurement—T&M

Sales revenues from the QuickLabelT&M product group were $36,102,000$6,351,000 for the first nine monthsquarter of the current fiscal year, representing a 55.3% increase as compared to $31,850,000 insales of $4,089,000 for the same period ofin the prior year. The increase in sales is primarily due to the consumables product line which increased 14.8% from the prior year, attributable to the increasedsales growth in the first quarter in the Ruggedized product lines, including the acquisition of the Miltope ruggedized aerospace printer business in January 2014 which contributed $1,775,000 to this growth. T&M also experienced increase in demand for digital color printer supplies,its TMX high-speed data acquisition system during the current quarter. T&M’s first quarter segment operating profit of $692,000 resulted in a 10.8% profit margin as well as for the label and tag products. Also contributingcompared to the current quarter increase was the new Kario! product line. QuickLabel’s currentprior year’s segment operating profit was $3,962,000, reflecting a profitof $201,000 and related operating margin of 11.0%, an increase from prior year’s segment profit of $3,140,000 related profit margin of 9.9%4.9%. The increase in QuickLabel’s current year’shigher segment operating profit and related margin is primarilywere due to higher sales and favorable product mix.

Financial Condition and Liquidity

The Company believes that cash provided by operations will continue to be sufficient to meet operating and capital needs for at least the next twelve months. However, in the event that cash from operations is not sufficient, the Company has a substantial cash and short term marketable securities balance, as well as a $5.0$10.0 million revolving bank line of credit, all of which is currently available. Borrowings under this line of credit bear interest at either a fluctuating rate equal to 75 basis points below the base rate, as defined in the agreement, or at a fixed rate equal to 150 basis points above LIBOR. This line of credit has a maturity date of May 31, 2014 and the Company is currently in the process of negotiating a new credit line facility.

The Company’s statements of cash flows for the ninethree months ended November 2,May 3, 2014 and May 4, 2013 and October 27, 2012 are included on page 6. Net cash flows used by operating activities was $4,994,000$2,495,000 in the current year compared to net cash providedused by operating activities of $3,031,000$6,973,000 in the previous year. The declineincrease in operating cash flow provided in the first ninethree months of the current year as compared to the previous year is related to income tax payments made in the prior year in connection with the gain on the sale of Grass, Technologies, as well aspartially offset by slightly higher accounts receivable and inventory balances.balances in the current year. Accounts receivables increased to $10,970,000$12,844,000 at the end of the thirdfirst quarter as compared to $9,376,000$11,366,000 at year-end, andalthough the accounts receivable collection cycle increaseddecreased to 5351 days sales outstanding at the end of the current quarter as compared to 5154 days outstanding at year end. Inventory increased to $11,916,000$16,181,000 at the end of the thirdfirst quarter compared to $11,179,000$15,178,000 at year end and inventory days on hand also decreasedincreased to 99120 days on hand at the end of the current quarter from 109113 days at year end.

The Company’s cash, cash equivalents and investments at the end of the thirdfirst quarter totaled $32,628,000$28,595,000 compared to $39,508,000$27,107,000 at year end. The lowerincreased cash and investment position at November 2, 2013May 3, 2014 resulted from current quarter net income, cash received of $1.8 million in the increasecurrent quarter related to the cash held in escrow as part of the sale of Grass, cash received in the disposition of inventory to the purchaser of Grass, partially offset by increases in accounts receivable and the decrease in income taxes payable,inventory, as noteddiscussed above, as well asdividends paid of $533,000 and cash used to acquire property, plant and equipment of $910,000 and to pay cash dividends of $1,569,000.$292,000.

The Company’s backlog increased 23.3%15.8% from year-end to $7,586,000$16,200,000 at the end of the thirdcurrent first quarter.

Critical Accounting Policies, Commitments and Certain Other Matters

In the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 31, 2013,2014, 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 debts, inventories, income taxes, long-lived assets, goodwill and share-based compensation. 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.

Forward-Looking Statements

This Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q may contain “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements are not statements of historical fact, but rather reflect our current expectations concerning future events and results. We generally use the words “believes,” “expects,” “intends,” “plans,” “anticipates,” “likely,” “continues,” “may,” “will,” and similar expressions to identify forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements, including those concerning our expectations, involve risks, uncertainties and other factors, some of which are beyond our control, which may cause our actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. 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 our products and effective design of customer required features; (e) competition in the data acquisition industry; (f) the impact of changes in foreign currency exchange rates on the results of operations; (g) the ability to successfully integrate acquisitions and realize benefits from divestitures; (h) the business abilities and judgment of personnel and changes in business strategy; (i) the efficacy of research and development investments to develop new products; (j) the launching of significant new products which could result in unanticipated expenses; (k) 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; (l) and other risks included under “Item 1A-Risk Factors” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 31, 2013.2014. We assume no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law.

 

Item 3.Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

The registrant is a smaller reporting company and is not required to provide this information.

Item 4.Controls and Procedures

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

Our management has evaluated, under the supervision and with the participation of our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures as of the end of the period covered by this report pursuant to Rule 13a-15(b) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (Exchange Act). Based on that evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and our Chief Financial Officer have concluded that, as of the end of the period covered by this report, our disclosure controls and procedures are effective in ensuring that information required to be disclosed in our Exchange Act reports is (1) recorded, processed, summarized and reported in a timely manner, and (2) accumulated and communicated to our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and our Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting

There have been no changes in our internal control over financial reporting that occurred during our most recent fiscal quarter that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to have materially affected, our internal control over financial reporting.

PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

 

Item 1.Legal Proceedings

There are no 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

In addition to the other information set forth in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, you should carefully consider the factors discussed in Part I, Item 1A “Risk Factors” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 31, 2013,2014, which could materially affect our business, financial condition or future operating results. The risks described in our Annual Report on 10-K are not the only risks that we face, as additional risks and uncertainties not currently known to us or that we currently deem to be immaterial also may materially adversely affect our business, financial condition and/or operating result as well as adversely affect the value of our common stock.

There have been no material updates to the risk factors previously disclosed in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 31, 2013.2014.

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

During the thirdfirst quarter of fiscal 2014,2015, the Company made the following repurchases of its common stock:

 

   Total Number
of Shares
Repurchased
  Average
Price paid
Per Share
   Total Number of
Shares Purchased as
Part of Publicly
Announced Plans or
Programs
   Maximum Number
of Shares That
May Be Purchased
Under The Plans
or Programs
 

August 4—August 31

   —    $—      —      390,000  

September 1—September 28

   52,873(a)(b)  $11.87     —      390,000  

September 27—November 2

   —    $—      —      390,000  
   Total Number
of Shares
Repurchased
  Average
Price paid
Per Share
   Total Number of
Shares Purchased as
Part of Publicly
Announced Plans or
Programs
   Maximum Number
of Shares That
May Be Purchased
Under The Plans
or Programs
 

February 1—March 1

   —     $—      —       390,000  

March 2—March 29

   40,809 (a)  $13.77     —       390,000  

March 30—May 3

   5,270 (b)  $12.45    —       390,000  

 

(a)On September 5, 2013,March 21, 2014, the Company’s former Chief Executive Officer delivered 33,97040,809 shares of the Company’s common stock to satisfy the exercise price for 41,250 stock options exercised and the Company’s Chief Financial Officer delivered 16,985 shares of the Company’s common stock to satisfy the exercise price for 20,62535,250 stock options exercised. The shares delivered were valued at $11.87$13.77 per share and are included with treasury stock in the consolidated balance sheet. This transaction did not impact the number of shares authorized for repurchase under the Company’s current repurchase program.
(b)On September 6, 2013, a Vice PresidentMarch 8 and 9, 2014, employees of the Company delivered 1,918773 and 4,497 shares, respectively, of the Company’s common stock to satisfy the exercise price for 3,0137,518 stock options exercised. The shares delivered were valued at $11.80$12.35 and $12.47 per share, respectively, and are included with treasury stock in the consolidated balance sheet. This transaction did not impact the number of shares authorized for repurchase under the Company’s current repurchase program.

Item 6.Exhibits

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

 

   10.6Astro-Med Inc. Management Bonus Plan (Group III), as amended
   10.8Amended and Restated Non Employee Director Annual Compensation Program
   31.1  Certification of Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
   31.2  Certification of Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
   32.1  Certification of Chief Executive Officer Pursuant 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
   32.2  Certification of Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
(101)  The following materials from Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended November 2, 2013,May 3, 2014, formatted in XBRL (eXtensible Business Reporting Language): (i) the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets, (ii) the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income,Operations, (iii) the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss), (iv) the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows, and (vi) the Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements. Filed electronically herein.

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: December 9, 2013June 4, 2014  By 

/s/ Everett V. PizzutiGregory A. Woods

   Everett V. Pizzuti,Gregory A. Woods,
   President, Chief Executive Officer and Director
   (Principal Executive Officer)
  By 

/s/ Joseph P. O’Connell

   Joseph P. O’Connell
   Senior Vice President, Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer
   (Principal Financial Officer)

 

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