SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
FORM 10K
(Mark one)
[X] ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 or 15 (d) OF THE
SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the Fiscal Year ended April 30, 2001
OR
[ ] TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 or 15 (d) OF THE SECURITIES
EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the transition period from __________ to __________
Commission File No. 1-8061
FREQUENCY ELECTRONICS, INC.
(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)
Delaware 11-1986657
(State or other jurisdiction of (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
incorporation or organization)
55 CHARLES LINDBERGH BLVD., MITCHEL FIELD, N.Y. 11553
(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)
Registrant's telephone number, including area code: 516-794-4500
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12 (b) of the Act:
Name of each exchange
Title of each class on which registered
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Common Stock (par value $1.00 per share) American Stock Exchange, Inc.
--------------------------------------- -----------------------------
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12 (g) of the Act:
None
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 if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405
of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the
best of Registrant's knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements
incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this
Form 10-K. [X]
The aggregate market value of voting stock held by non-affiliates of the
Registrant as of July 23, 2001 - $123,200,000
APPLICABLE ONLY TO CORPORATE ISSUERS:
The number of shares outstanding of Registrant's Common Stock, par value $1.00
as of July 23, 2001 - 8,300,450
DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE: PART III incorporates information by
reference from the definitive proxy statement for the Annual Meeting of
Stockholders to be held on or about October 3, 2001.
(Cover page 1 of 58 pages)
Exhibit Index at Page 51
PART I
Item 1. Business
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GENERAL DISCUSSION
Frequency Electronics, Inc. (sometimes referred to as "Registrant",
"Frequency Electronics" or "Company") was founded in 1961 as a research and
development firm in the technology of time and frequency control. Unless the
context indicates otherwise, references to the Registrant or the Company are to
Frequency Electronics, Inc. and its subsidiaries. References to "FEI" are to the
parent company alone and do not refer to any of the subsidiaries.
Frequency Electronics was incorporated in Delaware in 1968 and became the
successor to the business of Frequency Electronics, Inc., a New York
corporation, organized in 1961. The principal executive office of Frequency
Electronics is located at 55 Charles Lindbergh Boulevard, Mitchel Field, New
York 11553. Its telephone number is 516-794-4500 and its website is
www.frequencyelectronics.com.
The current authorized capital of the Registrant consists of 20,000,000
shares of $1.00 par value common stock, of which 8,291,270 shares were
outstanding at April 30, 2001, and 600,000 shares of $1.00 par value preferred
stock, none of which have been issued to date.
The Company is a world leader in the design, development and manufacture of
high-technology frequency, timing and synchronization products for satellite and
terrestrial voice, video and data telecommunications. The Company's technologies
provide unique solutions that are essential building blocks for the next
generation of broadband wireless and fiber optic communications systems, and for
the ongoing expansion of existing wireless and wireline networks. The Company's
mission is to provide the most advanced control of frequency and time- essential
factors for synchronizing voice, video and data transmissions in communications
networks and in certain military and space applications.
The Company has segmented its operations into three principal industries:
(1) products for commercial communications which are based either on the ground
or in space, (2) the business of Gillam-FEI, principally wireline and network
synchronization systems and (3) products used by the United States Government
for defense or space applications. The Company's space and terrestrial
commercial communications programs are produced by its wholly owned subsidiary,
FEI Communications, Inc. ("FEIC"). FEIC was incorporated in Delaware in December
1991, and was created as a separate subsidiary company to provide ownership and
management of assets and other services appropriate for commercial clients, both
domestic and foreign. Gillam-FEI is the Company's newly acquired Belgian
subsidiary. (See discussion below under Fiscal 2001 Significant Events.)
In the mid-1990's, the Company transformed itself from a defense contract
manufacturer into a high-tech provider of precision time and frequency products
found in both ground-based communication stations and on-board commercial
satellites. The Company also continues to support the United States government
with products for defense and space applications principally with COTS
(commercial off-the-shelf) products. Products delivered by its newly acquired
subsidiary, Gillam-FEI, are providing essential network monitoring and wireline
synchronization products for a variety of industries and telecommunications
providers in Europe, Africa, Latin America, the Middle East and Asia.
FISCAL 2001 SIGNIFICANT EVENTS
Acquisition of Gillam, S.A.
---------------------------
On September 13, 2000, the Company completed its acquisition of
substantially all of the outstanding shares of Gillam S.A. ("Gillam"), a
privately-held company organized under the laws of Belgium. The acquired company
has been renamed Gillam-FEI. Gillam's business is based in the
telecommunications market and targeted to four main areas:
(i) "Wireline Network Synchronization" -- managing timing and
interconnectivity for communication networks; (ii) "Remote
Control"-consisting of network monitoring systems; (iii)"Rural
Telephony"--equipment designed to connect isolated subscribers
to a telephone network via satellite and (iv) "Power Supplies"
--produced through a subsidiary, for telecom service providers.
The Gillam acquisition was consummated pursuant to the terms of a Share
Purchase Agreement dated as of August 29, 2000. Under terms of the agreement,
the Company paid $8,400,264 in cash and issued 154,681 shares of common stock
("FEI stock") to acquire the outstanding stock of Gillam. Based upon the market
value of FEI's stock on July 25, 2002, the Share Purchase Agreement may require
the Company to issue to the Gillam shareholders up to 35,000 additional shares
of FEI stock. In addition, the Company paid approximately $496,000 in direct
transaction costs. Thus, the total purchase price is approximately as follows:
(in thousands)
Cash paid for Gillam shares $ 8,400
Fair value of restricted shares issued 3,465
Direct transaction costs 496
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Total purchase price $12,361
=======
The Gillam acquisition was treated as a purchase. The purchase price was
allocated to net assets acquired of approximately $7,282,000 and to goodwill, of
approximately $5,079,000. Goodwill in fiscal 2001 was amortized on the
straightline method using a 15-year life. As of May 1, 2001, under the
provisions of Statement 142 of the Financial Accounting Standards Board,
"Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets", goodwill will not be amortized but will
be tested periodically for impairment.
Insurance Reimbursement
-----------------------
On April 18, 2001, the Company settled an action which FEI had initiated in
the prior year against National Union Fire Insurance Company ("National Union").
In May 2001, under terms of the settlement, National Union paid the Company $3.0
million, FEI released its claims and the legal action was discontinued. In
fiscal 1999, the Company received $4.5 million from Associated International
Insurance Company. In June 2001, FEI initiated an arbitration proceeding to seek
reimbursement from a third insurance carrier. (See Item 3. Legal Proceedings and
Note 9 to the accompanying financial statements.)
REPORTABLE SEGMENTS
The Company designs, develops, manufactures and markets precision time and
frequency control products for three principal markets: (1) commercial
communications applications, either space- or ground-based, (2) wireline
synchronization and network monitoring systems produced by Gillam-FEI, and (3)
the traditional heritage U.S. Government and military markets.
Wireline and network synchronization products manufactured by the Company's
wholly-owned subsidiary, Gillam-FEI, are currently sold to non-U.S. customers.
The products for the other two reportable segments are similar in function and
are currently manufactured in the Company's production facility located in New
York. The Company has chosen the U.S Government business as a reportable segment
based upon the regulatory environment (Federal Acquisition Regulations or "FAR")
under which it operates when dealing with U.S. Government procurement contracts
versus the less restrictive commercial environment.
During fiscal 2001, 2000 and 1999 approximately 74%, 85% and 77%,
respectively, of the Company's sales were for products used for terrestrial or
space-based commercial communications and foreign governments. Sales for
Gillam-FEI, which was acquired in September 2000, were approximately 19% of
fiscal 2001 revenues. For the years ended April 30, 2001, 2000 and 1999,
approximately 7%, 15% and 23%, respectively, of the Company's sales were for
U.S. Government end-use. Sales summaries for the Commercial Communications,
Gillam-FEI and U.S. Government markets during each of the last five years are
set forth in Item 6 (Selected Financial Data). Segment information regarding
revenues, operating profits, depreciation and assets is more fully disclosed in
Note 14 to the accompanying financial statements.
Commercial Communications segment:
----------------------------------
The Company provides high-tech precision time and frequency products that
are found in both ground-based communication stations and on-board commercial
satellites. The Company has made a substantial investment in research and
development to apply its core technologies to the commercial markets. As a
result, the Company has experienced accelerating growth in commercial
communications revenues and anticipates continued substantial sales growth in
these areas.
Terrestrial- Wireless
The telecommunications industry is rapidly expanding with new or improved
technologies being developed to provide ever more services to the public.
Growing digital cellular systems and PCS networks require more base stations to
provide the connectivity and quality of service that cell phone users demand.
Cellular infrastructure original equipment manufacturing companies, consisting
of some of the world's largest telecommunications companies, are building out
existing networks even as they develop new technologies, such as EDGE (Enhanced
Data rates for Global Evolution) and 3G (3rd Generation) systems, to provide not
only improved voice connectivity but also Internet, video and data transmission.
Wireless communication networks consist of numerous installations located
throughout a service area, each with its own base station connected by wire or
microwave radio through a network switch. Network operators are in the process
of converting older networks from analog to digital technology in order to
expand network coverage, increase capacity and improve transmission quality.
This upgrade requires precise frequency control at the base stations
accomplished through quartz or rubidium oscillators to achieve a higher degree
of services.
With increased demand for cellular services but limited bandwidth, the
requirement for precise timing becomes paramount. The Company manufactures a
Rubidium Atomic Standard, a small, low cost, stable atomic "clock" as well as
temperature stable quartz crystal oscillators, which are ideally suited for use
in advanced cellular communications base stations. Whether the network uses CDMA
(Code Division Multiple Access), TDMA (Time Division Multiple Access) or GSM
(Global System for Mobile Communications) or a hybrid, such as EDGE, timing to
ensure signal synchronization, is of the essence.
Terrestrial- Optical Networks
Timing and signal synchronization is not limited to wireless
communications. The Company has developed products that will enable greater
utilization of the available spectrum in Fiber Optic systems. High-speed modems
which convert electronic signals to light and back again require highly
sophisticated signal synchronization. The Company has provided prototypes for
such systems and began initial production in calendar 2001. These products
represent a new application of the Company's core technology. Since the products
are just one of several competing technologies of a nascent industry, the
ultimate market size is unknown.
Space-based
The commercial use of satellites launched for communications, navigation,
weather forecasting, video and data transmissions has led to the increased need
and ability to transmit information to earth based receivers. This requires
precise timing and frequency control at the satellite. For example, the Company
manufactures the master clocks (quartz, rubidium and cesium) and other
significant timing products for many satellite communication systems. The
Company's space hybrid assemblies are used onboard spacecraft for command,
control and power distribution. Efficient and reliable DC-DC power converters
are also manufactured for the Company's own instruments and as stand-alone
products for space applications. The Company's subminiature oven-controlled
quartz crystal oscillator is a low cost, small size, precision crystal
oscillator suited for high-end performance required in satellite transmissions,
airborne telephony and geophysical survey positioning systems. Commercial
satellite programs such as Globalstar, Eutelsat, Inmarsat and Worldstar have
utilized the Company's space-qualified products.
Gillam-FEI segment:
-------------------
The acquisition of Gillam-FEI extends the Company's core competencies into
wireline telecommunications synchronization, network monitoring and power supply
products. The LYNX network monitoring product provides the Company with entree
to not only telecommunications companies but also to companies that monitor
electrical grids and other utilities applications.
U.S. Government segment:
------------------------
The Company's sales in the U.S. Government segment are made under fixed
price contracts either directly with U.S. Government agencies or indirectly
through subcontracts intended for government end-use. The price paid to the
Company is not subject to adjustment by reason of the costs incurred by the
Company in the performance of the contract, except for costs incurred due to
contract changes ordered by the customer. These contracts are on a negotiated
basis under which the Company bears the risk of cost overruns and derives the
benefit from cost savings.
Negotiations on U.S. Government contracts are sometimes based in part on
Certificates of Current Costs. An inaccuracy in such certificates may entitle
the government to an appropriate recovery. From time to time, the Defense
Contracts Audit Agency ("DCAA") of the Department of Defense audits the
Company's accounts with respect to these contracts. The Company is not aware of
any basis for recovery with respect to past certificates.
All government end-use contracts are subject to termination by the
purchaser for the convenience of the U.S. Government and are subject to various
other provisions for the protection of the U.S. Government. In the event of such
termination, the Company is entitled to receive compensation as provided under
such contracts and in the applicable U.S. Government regulations.
The Company's proprietary products have been used in guidance, navigation,
communications, radar, sonar surveillance and electronic countermeasure and
timing systems. Products are built in accordance with Department of Defense
standards and are in use on many of the United States' most sophisticated
military aircraft, satellites and missiles. The Global Positioning Satellite
System, as well as the MILSTAR Satellite System, are two examples of the
programs in which the Company participates. The Company has manufactured the
master clock for the Trident missile, the basic timing system for the Voyager I
and Voyager II deep space exploratory missions and the quartz timing system for
the Space Shuttle. The Company's cesium beam atomic clock is presently employed
in low frequency secure communications, surveillance and positioning systems for
the United States Air Force, Navy and Army.
PRODUCTS
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The Company's products are manufactured from raw material which, when
combined with conventional electronic components available from multiple
sources, become finished products, subsystems and systems used for commercial
wireless and wireline communications, satellite applications, space exploration,
position location, radar, sonar and electronic counter-measures. These products,
subsystems and systems are employed in ground-based earth stations, fixed,
transportable, portable and mobile communications installations, domestic and
international satellites, as well as aircraft, ships, submarines and missiles.
The Company's products are marketed as components, instruments, or complete
systems. Prices are determined based upon the complexity, design requirement and
delivery schedule.
COMPONENTS - The Company's key technologies utilize quartz, rubidium and
cesium to manufacture precision time and frequency standards and higher level
assemblies which allow the users to generate, synchronize, transmit, and receive
signals in order to locate their position, secure a communications system, or
guide a missile. The components class of the Company's products is rounded out
with crystal filters and discriminators, surface acoustic wave resonators, and
high-reliability thick and thin film hybrid assemblies for space and other
applications.
Precision quartz oscillators use quartz resonators in conjunction with
electronic circuitry to produce signals with accurate and stable frequency. The
Company's products include several types of quartz oscillators, suited to a wide
range of applications, including ultrastable units for satellite systems, and
fast warm-up, low power consumption units for mobile applications, including
wideband-CDMA voice and data communications.
The ovenized quartz oscillator is the most accurate type, wherein the
oscillator crystal is enclosed in a temperature controlled environment called a
proportional oven. The Company manufactures several varieties of temperature
controlling devices and ovens.
The voltage-controlled quartz oscillator is an electronically controlled
device wherein the frequency may be stabilized or modulated, depending upon the
application.
The temperature compensated quartz oscillator is an electronically
controlled device using a temperature sensitive device to directly compensate
for the effect of temperature on the oscillator's frequency.
The rubidium lamp, filter and resonance cell provide the optical
subassembly used in the manufacture of the Company's optically pumped atomic
rubidium frequency standards. The cesium tube resonator is used in the
manufacture of the Company's cesium primary standard atomic clocks.
High reliability, MIL-M-38510 Class S and B, hybrid assemblies are
manufactured in thick and thin film technologies for applications from DC to 44
GHz. These are used in manufacturing the Company's products and also supplied
directly to customers, for space and other high reliability systems.
Efficient and reliable DC-DC power converters are manufactured for the
Company's own instruments and as stand alone products, for space applications.
The Company manufactures filters and discriminators using its crystal
resonators for its own radio-frequency and microwave receiver, signal
conditioner and signal processor products.
INSTRUMENTS - The Company's instrument line consists of three basic time
and frequency generating instruments and a number of instruments which test and
distribute the time and frequency. The Company's time and frequency generating
instruments are the quartz frequency standard, rubidium atomic standard and
cesium beam atomic standard.
The quartz frequency standard is an electronically controlled solid-state
device which utilizes a quartz crystal oscillator to produce a highly stable
output signal at a standardized frequency. The Company's frequency standard is
used in communications, guidance and navigation and time synchronization. The
Company's products also include a precision frequency standard with battery
back-up and memory capability enabling it to remain in operation if a loss of
power has occurred.
The optically pumped atomic rubidium frequency standard is a solid-state
instrument which provides both timing and low phase noise frequency references
used in commercial communications systems. Rubidium oscillators combine
sophisticated glassware, light detection devices and electronics packages to
generate a highly stable frequency output. Rubidium, when energized by a
specific radio frequency, will absorb less light. The oscillator's electronics
package generates this specific frequency and the light detection device
ensures, through monitoring the decreased absorption of light by the rubidium
and the use of feedback control loops, that this specific frequency is
maintained. This highly stable frequency is then captured by the electronics
package and generated as an output signal. Rubidium oscillators provide atomic
oscillator stability, at lower costs and in smaller packages.
The cesium beam atomic standard utilizes the atomic resonance
characteristics of cesium atoms to generate precise frequency several orders of
magnitude more accurate than other types of quartz frequency generators. The
atomic standard is a compact, militarized solid-state device which generates
these precision frequencies for use with advanced communications and navigation
equipment. A digital time-of-day clock is incorporated which provides visual
universal time display and digital timing for systems use. The atomic standard
manufactured by the Company is a primary standard, capable of producing time
accuracies of better than one second in seven hundred thousand years.
As communications systems become more precise, the requirement for precise
frequency signals to drive a multitude of electronic equipment is greatly
expanded. To meet this requirement, the Company manufactures a distribution
amplifier which is an electronically controlled solid-state device that receives
frequency from a frequency standard and provides multiple signal outputs of the
input frequency. A distribution amplifier enables many items of electronic
equipment in a single facility, aircraft or ship to receive a standardized
frequency and/or time signal from a quartz, rubidium or cesium atomic standard.
SYSTEMS - The systems portion of the Company's business includes
manufacturing and integrating selections of its products into subsystems and
systems that meet customer-defined needs. This is done by utilizing its unique
knowledge of interfacing these technologies and experience in applying them to a
wide range of systems. The Company's systems generate electronic frequencies of
predetermined value and then divide, multiply, mix, convert, modulate,
demodulate, filter, distribute, combine, separate, switch, measure, analyze,
and/or compare these signals depending on the system application.
The Systems portion of the business includes a complete line of time and
frequency control systems, capable of generating many frequencies and time
scales that may be distributed to widely dispersed users, or within the confines
of a facility or platform, or for a single dedicated purpose. The time and
frequency control systems combine the Company's cesium, rubidium and/or crystal
instruments with its other products, to provide systems for space and ground
based communications, space exploration, satellite tracking stations,
satellite-based navigation and position location, secure communication,
submarine and ship navigation, calibration, and electronic counter-measures
applications. A number of these time and frequency control systems provide up to
quadruple redundancy to assure operational longevity.
BACKLOG
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As of April 30, 2001, the Company's consolidated backlog amounted to
approximately $39 million (see Item 7). Of this backlog, approximately 76%
represents orders for the commercial communications segment, 18% for the
Gillam-FEI segment and 6% for the U.S. Government segment. Approximately 90% of
this backlog is expected to be filled during the Company's fiscal year ending
April 30, 2002. The backlog, which includes firm purchase orders and contracts,
is subject to change by reason of several factors including possible
cancellation of orders, change orders, terms of the contracts and other factors
beyond the Company's control. Accordingly, the backlog is not necessarily
indicative of the revenues or profits (losses) which may be realized when the
results of such contracts are reported.
CUSTOMERS AND SUPPLIERS
-----------------------
The Company markets its products both directly and through 27 independent
sales representative organizations located principally in the United States and
Europe. Sales to non-U.S. customers, including all of the sales of Gillam-FEI in
fiscal 2001, totaled approximately 29%, 12% and 20% of net sales in fiscal years
2001, 2000 and 1999, respectively.
The Company's products are sold to a variety of customers, both commercial
and governmental. For the years ended April 30, 2001, 2000 and 1999,
approximately 8%, 15% and 23%, respectively, of the Company's sales were made
under contracts to the U.S. Government or subcontracts for U.S. Government
end-use.
The Company's consolidated sales for each of the years ended April 30,
2001, 2000 and 1999 included sales to Motorola Corp. ("Motorola") of
approximately $17.7 million, $14.0 million and $6.5 million, respectively. These
amounts represent 36%, 53% and 34%, respectively, of consolidated sales for each
of those years. For the year ended April 30, 2001, sales to Space Systems Loral
("SSL") were $5.2 million or 11% of the Company's consolidated sales. During the
three years ended April 30, 2001, sales to Motorola and SSL were made by the
Company's commercial communications segment, accounting for 63% in fiscal 2001,
67% in fiscal 2000 and 54% in fiscal 1999 of that segment's total sales. During
fiscal 2001, two customers accounted for 29% and 11%, respectively, of the
revenues of the Gillam-FEI segment and two customers accounted for 37% and 31%,
respectively, of the U.S. Government segment's revenues. In fiscal 2000, sales
to three customers accounted for 61% of the U.S. Government segment's revenues
and, in fiscal 1999, two customers accounted for 53% of that segment's sales.
The loss by the Company of any one of these customers would have a material
adverse effect on the Company's business. The Company believes its relationship
with these companies to be mutually satisfactory and is not aware of any
prospect for the cancellation or significant reduction of any of its commercial
or existing U.S. Government contracts.
The Company purchases a variety of components such as transistors,
resistors, capacitors, connectors and diodes for use in the manufacture of its
products. The Company is not dependent upon any one supplier or source of supply
for any of its component part purchases and maintains alternative sources of
supply for all of its purchased components. The Company has found its suppliers
generally to be reliable and price-competitive.
RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT
------------------------
The Company's technological expertise continues to be an important factor
in its recent growth. Until a few years ago, virtually all research and
development activities had taken place in connection with customer-sponsored
development-oriented products conducted under fixed price contracts and
subcontracts in support of U.S. Government programs. The Company was successful
in applying its resources to develop prototypes and preproduction hardware for
use in navigation, communication, guidance and electronic countermeasure
programs and space application. The output of these customer-sponsored projects,
in all cases, was of a proprietary nature.
In the last three years, the Company has focused its internal research and
development efforts on improving the core physics and electronic packages in its
time and frequency products; conducting research to develop new time and
frequency technologies; improving product manufacturability by seeking to reduce
its production costs through product redesign and other measures to take
advantage of lower cost components.
The Company continues to focus a significant portion of its own resources
and efforts on developing hardware for satellite and terrestrial commercial
communications systems, including wireless, wireline and fiber optic systems. By
so doing, the Company anticipates it will achieve future growth and increased
profits. During fiscal 2001, 2000 and 1999, the Company expended $4.8 million,
$5.4 million and $5.8 million of its own funds, respectively, on such research
and development activity. (See also Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis
of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.) For fiscal year 2002, the
Company is targeting to spend approximately 10% of revenues on research and
development but will spend more if market conditions and opportunities warrant.
Such funds will be used to introduce Gillam-FEI's wireline synchronization
products to the US market, to further develop third generation (3G) cellular
telephony products, complete development of high-precision crystal oscillators
for the telecommunications marketplace and other products for emerging wireless,
optical and wireline communications technologies.
PATENTS AND LICENSES
--------------------
The Company believes that its business is not dependent on patent or
license protection. Rather, it is primarily dependent upon the Company's
technical competence, the quality of its products and its prompt and responsible
contract performance. However, the rights to inventions of employees working for
the Company are assigned to the Company and the Company presently holds such
patents and licenses. Also, in certain limited circumstances, the U.S.
Government may use or permit the use by the Company's competitors, certain
patents or licenses it has funded. The Company does not believe that patents and
licenses are material to its business.
COMPETITION
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The Company experiences competition with respect to all areas of its
business. The Company competes primarily on the basis of the accuracy,
performance and reliability of its products, the ability of its products to
function in severe environments, such as encountered in space or other remote
locations, prompt and responsive contract performance, and the Company's
technical competence and price. The Company has a unique and broad product line
which includes all three frequency standards - quartz, rubidium, and cesium. In
recent years, the Company has successfully outsourced certain component
manufacturing processes to third parties as well as to joint venture partners
and more recently to its wholly-owned subsidiary in Tianjin, China. The Company
expects this outsourcing to enhance its competitive position on cost while
maintaining its high quality standards. The Company believes its ability to
obtain raw materials, manufacture finished products, integrate them into systems
and sub-systems, and to interface these systems with end-user applications
provides the Company with a competitive advantage.
Certain of the Company's competitors are larger, have greater financial
resources and have larger research and development and marketing staffs.
With respect to its instruments and systems, the Company competes with
Hewlett-Packard Company, Datum, Inc., E. G. and G., Inc. and others. The
Company's principal competition for space products is the in-house capability of
its major customers.
EMPLOYEES
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The Company employs approximately 400 persons worldwide. None of the U.S.
employees are represented by labor unions while in Europe, approximately 25
employees in one facility are represented by a French labor union.
OTHER ASPECTS
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The Company's business is not seasonal although the Company expects to
experience some fluctuation in revenues during the second fiscal quarter as a
result of the extended European holiday period in August. No unusual working
capital requirements exist.
Item 2. Properties
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The Company operates out of several facilities located around the world.
Each facility is used for manufacturing its products and for administrative
activities. The following table presents the location, size and terms of
ownership/occupation:
Location Size (sq. ft.) Own or Lease
-------- -------------- ------------
Long Island, NY 93,000 Lease
Liege, Belgium 34,000 Own
Chalon Sur Saone, France 70,900 Own
Tianjin, China 6,000 Lease
The Company's facility located in Mitchel Field, Long Island, New York, is
part of the building that the Company constructed in 1981 and expanded in 1988
on land leased from Nassau County. In January 1998, the Company sold this
building and the related land lease with the County of Nassau, to Reckson
Associates Realty Corp. ("Reckson"), and leased back the space that it presently
occupies.
The Company leases its manufacturing and office space from Reckson under an
11-year lease at an annual rental of $400,000 per year with the Company paying
its pro rata share of real estate taxes along with the costs of utilities and
insurance. The lease provides for two 5-year renewal periods, exercisable at the
option of the Company, with annual rentals of $600,000 during the first renewal
period and $800,000 during the second renewal period. Under the terms of the
lease, new office and engineering facilities for the Company were constructed at
the cost of Reckson. The leased space is adequate to meet the Company's domestic
operational needs.
The sale of its building to Reckson, a real estate investment trust
("REIT") whose shares are traded on the New York Stock Exchange, was effected
through a tax-deferred exchange of the building for approximately 486,000
participation units of Reckson Operating Partnership, L.P. ("REIT units") which
were valued at closing at $12 million. Each REIT unit is convertible into one
share of the common stock of the REIT. In addition, approximately 27,000 REIT
units have been placed in escrow which may be released to the Company based upon
the price per share of the REIT on the date of conversion of REIT units. Under
the accounting provisions for sale and leaseback transactions, the sale of this
building is considered a financing and the REIT units received are reflected as
a noncurrent liability while the related building continues to be reflected as
an asset. Upon liquidation of the REIT units, a portion of the resulting gain on
this sale will be deferred and recognized into income over the term of the
leaseback with the balance recognized in income on the date of liquidation. (See
Note 6 to the accompanying financial statements.)
The properties located in Belgium and France were acquired upon completion
of the Gillam S.A. acquisition. These facilities are adequate to meet the
present and future operational requirements of Gillam-FEI.
The Tianjin, China facility is the location of the Company's newly
established subsidiary, Frequency Electronics, Inc. Asia. Space has been leased
within a manufacturing facility located in the Trade-Free Zone. The lease is for
a one-year term with rent of $9,850 payable quarterly. The amount of space is
adequate for the near-term manufacturing expectations for the Company.
Item 3. Legal Proceedings
------- -----------------
A qui tam action was commenced in the United States District Court for the
Eastern District of New York entitled, "The United States of America ex rel.
Ralph Muller, Plaintiff, against Frequency Electronics, Inc., Raytheon Company,
Raytheon Company Subsidiaries #1-10, fictitious names for subsidiaries of
Raytheon Company, Hughes Aircraft Company, Hughes Aircraft Company subsidiaries
#1-20, fictitious names for subsidiaries of Hughes Aircraft Company, and Martin
Bloch, Defendants", index number CV-92 5716 ("Muller Qui Tam Action"). The
Muller Qui Tam Action was brought pursuant to the provisions of the False Claims
Act and is an action by which an individual may, under certain circumstances,
sue one or more third persons on behalf of the Government for damages and other
relief.
The complaint was filed on or about December 3, 1992, in camera and under
seal pursuant to the provisions of the False Claims Act. The Court unsealed the
complaint by order dated December 3, 1993, after FEI complained to the United
States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York regarding newspaper
articles that charged FEI with manufacturing defective products based upon
claims in an unspecified and undisclosed qui tam action. It is believed that the
Government made applications to the Court on one or more occasions after
December 3, 1992, to continue to have the file in the Muller Qui Tam Action
remain under seal. The complaint was served on FEI and Martin B. Bloch on March
28, 1994 and March 30, 1994, respectively. Under the provisions of the False
Claims Act, the Government is permitted to take over the prosecution of the
action. The Government has declined to prosecute the Muller Qui Tam Action and
the plaintiff, Ralph Muller ("Muller"), is proceeding with the action on behalf
of the Government as is permitted under the False Claims Act. Moreover, while
the action named as parties defendant, Hughes Aircraft Company ("Hughes") and
Raytheon Company ("Raytheon"), along with several of their subsidiaries, the
Muller Qui Tam Action was dismissed voluntarily by Muller on April 6, 1994, as
to Hughes, Raytheon and their respective subsidiaries. FEI and Martin Bloch
moved to dismiss the complaint on various grounds and at the oral argument of
the motion to dismiss, the Court granted the motion to the extent that the
complaint failed to plead fraud with sufficient particularity as is required
under the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure and the plaintiff was directed to
serve an amended complaint. On February 6, 1996, plaintiff served an amended
complaint ("Amended Complaint").
The Amended Complaint, insofar as it pertains to FEI and Martin Bloch,
contains a series of allegations to the effect that Hughes and Raytheon
contracted with the Government to supply it with Advanced Medium Range Air to
Air Missiles ("AMRAAMS"); Hughes and Raytheon (collectively, the "Contractors")
entered into a subcontract with FEI pursuant to which FEI was to design,
manufacture, test, sell and deliver to the Contractors certain oscillators which
constituted components of the AMRAAMS; that FEI improperly designed,
manufactured and tested the oscillators; that numerous faulty and defective
oscillators were delivered to the Contractors; that the oscillators did not meet
contract specifications; that FEI was aware of the defective and faulty nature
of the oscillators; that FEI and Martin Bloch knowingly directed non-disclosure
of the design flaws; that the concealed design defects in developmental
oscillators permitted FEI to manufacture additional defective oscillators which
were used in operational missiles; that as a direct result of FEI's fraudulent
concealment of the defects, FEI was contracted to design and manufacture
additional oscillators; that when missiles were returned to FEI for repair, FEI
charged the Government for repair even though FEI knew the units had been
defective at the time of delivery; that FEI falsified test results and FEI and
Martin Bloch directed the falsification of test results; and that FEI sold and
delivered the oscillators to the Contractors; as a result of the faulty and
defective oscillators, many of the AMRAAMS failed to function properly; and that
the Government sustained damages. The complaint demands an unspecified amount of
damages allegedly suffered by the Government, and asks that the Court determine
the damages and assess civil penalties as provided under the False Claims Act,
and that the plaintiff Muller be awarded a bounty. Under the False Claims Act, a
recovery can be made in favor of the Government for a civil penalty of not less
than $5,000 and not more than $10,000 as to each false claim and for each false
record and statement, plus three times the amount of damages it is determined
the Government sustained, plus legal fees and expenses.
FEI has determined to vigorously defend the Muller Qui Tam Action. It has
answered the Amended Complaint, denied the material allegations, asserted
seventeen affirmative defenses, and counterclaims for: libel and product libel -
demanding damages of $3,000,000; republication of the libel and product libel -
demanding damages of $3,000,000; slander - demanding damages of $3,000,000;
tortious interference with prospects for additional business relations -
demanding damages of $1,865,010; prima facie tort - demanding damages of
$1,865,010; conversion - demanding damages of $11 plus an amount to be
determined at trial; breach of employment contract - demanding damages of
$1,865,010; breach of fiduciary duty - demanding damages of $1,865,010; plus
punitive damages in the amount of $30,000,000 on each of the tort causes of
action, and legal fees and expenses. The substance of the counterclaims alleged
against Muller are predicated upon a letter dated November 23, 1992 ("November
23 Letter") written by Muller's attorneys Schneider, Harris, Harris and Furman
("SHHF") to the Government which allegedly contained false and libelous
statements concerning FEI's design, manufacture and production of components for
Hughes and Raytheon in connection with the AMRAAMS.
In addition, FEI has instituted a third party action against SHHF, Robert
Harris, Esq. and Rod Kovel, Esq., attorneys for Muller, in connection with their
alleged authoring and publishing of the November 23 Letter provided to the
Government. The third-party complaint asserts the same claims against the
attorneys as are asserted in the counterclaims against Muller, for libel and
product libel, republication of the libel and product libel, slander, tortious
interference with contractual relations, prima facie tort and conversion. The
counterclaims and third-party complaint have been served. Muller has replied to
the counterclaims asserted in FEI's answer to the Amended Complaint, denied the
substantive allegations and asserted various affirmative defenses. The
third-party defendants have replied to the third-party complaint and have denied
the allegations and asserted various affirmative defenses.
Muller moved to dismiss the counterclaims in the answer and the third party
defendants moved to dismiss the third-party complaint. FEI and Martin Bloch
moved to dismiss the complaint in the Muller Qui Tam Action. The motions were
argued on January 5, 1996 and at the time the Court directed the plaintiff to
serve the Amended Complaint. At the oral argument, the Court deferred a portion
of its decision and, in addition, it indicated a formal decision and order would
be provided as to certain of the relief requested. By order dated August 29,
1996, the Court stated that on January 5, 1996, the Government had agreed to
unseal the case file and that the balance of the relief requested was denied or
otherwise dealt with as reflected on the record at the oral argument on January
5, 1996. On April 11, 1997, in open Court and on the record, the Court ordered
that the Muller Qui Tam Action was stayed. Thereafter, in September 1998
litigation was resumed. To date, the parties have engaged in limited discovery
since the Government has determined that all classified and unclassified
documents relating to this action are deemed classified documents subject to
Department of Defense security regulations. As a result, extraordinary
procedures have been put in place for purposes of conducting discovery. On
January 20, 2000, the Court stayed further proceedings pending a decision of the
Supreme Court of the United States in a case where certain legal issues were
raised that could have been dispositive of certain legal issues in the Muller
Qui Tam Action. That case was decided and on July 20, 2000, the Court determined
that this litigation will resume.
In August 1999, the attorneys representing Muller withdrew as his counsel.
Since that time Muller has been representing himself on a pro se basis.
No opinion can be offered as to the outcome of the Muller Qui Tam Action,
the FEI counterclaims, or the third-party action.
FEI has filed claims with its insurance carriers as follows: (1) Associated
International Insurance Company ("Associated") (2) National Union Fire Insurance
Company of Pittsburgh, PA ("National") and (3) the Home Insurance Company
("Home"). The claims filed pertain to potential coverages for directors and
officers relating to the Muller Qui Tam Action and the Solash Action, the Katz
Action, the Katz Delaware Action, the Derivative Litigation, the AMRAAM
Investigation and the Geldart Qui Tam Action. (For a description of these
litigations, the Settlement Agreement and Global Disposition, refer to Item 3 of
the Registrant's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended April 30, 1998, a
copy of which is on file with the Securities and Exchange Commission).
On November 17, 1998, FEI settled its claim with Associated and FEI
received payment from the carrier in the amount of $4.5 million. On March 14,
2000, FEI commenced an action in the Supreme court of the State of New York,
Nassau County, entitled "Frequency Electronics, Inc. Plaintiff, against National
Union Fire Insurance of Pittsburgh, PA, Defendants," index number 004075/00
("National Action"). The National Action set forth causes of action for a
declaratory judgment and breach of contract relating to certain directors and
officers liability insurance policies in connection with the Muller Qui Tam
Action, the AMRAAM Investigation, the Geldart Qui Tam Action, the Solash Action,
the Katz Action, the Katz Delaware Action, and the Derivative Litigation.
Pursuant to a Settlement Agreement dated April 18, 2001, the action against
National was settled, FEI was paid $3.0 million representing the full amount of
the available coverage under the applicable National policy, FEI released its
claims and the action was discontinued.
The Home policy provides $2.0 million of excess coverage over the
applicable National policy. Homes' liability under its policy was triggered by
National's payment under its policy. Home is disputing FEI's claims. In June
2001, FEI demanded arbitration of the dispute with Home before the American
Arbitration Association for resolution of a portion of the FEI claims. No
opinion can be offered as to the outcome of the arbitration proceeding.
Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders
------ ---------------------------------------------------
No matters were required to be submitted by Registrant to a vote of
security holders during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2001.
PART II
Item 5. Market for the Company's Common Equity and Related Stockholder Matters
------- ----------------------------------------------------------------------
The Common Stock of the Company is listed on the American Stock Exchange
under the symbol "FEI". The following table shows the high and low sale price
for the Company's Common Stock for the quarters indicated, as reported by the
American Stock Exchange.
FISCAL QUARTER HIGH SALE LOW SALE
-------------- --------- --------
2001-
FIRST QUARTER $29.50 $15.00
SECOND QUARTER 38.25 15.61
THIRD QUARTER 22.50 11.51
FOURTH QUARTER 22.00 10.61
2000 -
FIRST QUARTER $10.88 $7.50
SECOND QUARTER 13.00 8.62
THIRD QUARTER 11.94 8.12
FOURTH QUARTER 30.25 10.62
As of July 23, 2001, the approximate number of holders of record of common
stock was 771.
DIVIDEND POLICY
On March 24, 1997, the Company announced a policy of distributing a cash
dividend to shareholders of record on April 30 and October 31, payable on June 1
and December 1, respectively. The Board of Directors will determine dividend
amounts prior to each declaration based on the Company's financial condition and
financial performance.
Item 6. Selected Financial Data
------- -----------------------
The following table sets forth selected financial data including net sales
and operating profit (loss) for the five-year period ended April 30, 2001. The
information has been derived from the audited financial statements of the
Company for the respective periods.
Years Ended April 30,
2001 2000 1999 1998 1997
---- ---- ---- ---- ----
(in thousands, except share data)
Net Sales
Commercial Communications $36,206 $22,554 $14,547 $26,364 $19,612
U.S. Government 3,728 3,981 4,411 5,633 8,317
Gillam-FEI 9,276 - - - -
------- ------- ------- -------- -------
Total Net Sales $49,210 $26,535 $18,958 $31,997 $27,929
======= ======= ======= ======= =======
Operating Profit (Loss) $ 5,939(1) $ 1,008 $ (701)(3) ($ 9,105)(4) $ 2,675
======= ======= ======= ======== =======
Net Earnings $ 5,644(2) $ 3,144 $ 1,173 $ 64 (5) $ 4,863
======= ======= ======= ======= =======
Average Common Shares Outstanding (6)
Basic 8,198,569 7,673,497 7,502,260 7,368,472 6,967,109
Diluted 8,431,823 8,043,727 7,820,742 7,787,140 7,319,250
Earnings per Common Share (6)
Basic $ 0.69 $ 0.41 $ 0.16 $ 0.01 $ 0.70
====== ====== ====== ====== ======
Diluted $ 0.67 $ 0.39 $ 0.15 $ 0.01 $ 0.66
====== ====== ====== ====== ======
Total Assets $102,039 $80,847 $78,355 $88,780 $74,866
======== ======= ======= ======= =======
Long-Term Obligations
and Deferred Items $18,074 $16,849 $16,959 $18,841 $ 5,460
======= ======= ======= ======= =======
Cash dividend declared
per common share (6) $ 0.20 $ 0.20 $ 0.20 $ 0.20 $ 0.10
====== ====== ====== ====== ======
(1) Includes insurance reimbursement of $2.8 million (net of professional fees)
for expenses related to certain litigation with the U.S. Government,
inventory reserves of $2.0 million related to certain product lines and
$300,000 of acquisition-related nonrecurring costs.
(2) In addition to items in (1) above, includes $287,000 investment loss for an
other than temporary decline of value in a marketable security.
(3) Includes insurance reimbursement of $4.5 million for legal fees related to
certain litigation with the U.S. Government.
(4) Includes litigation settlement of $8 million and U.S. Government-related
inventory writedowns and reserves of $4.8 million.
(5) In addition to items in (4) above, includes net gain on sale of buildings
of $4.9 million and the reversal of the valuation allowance on deferred tax
assets of $2.6 million.
(6) All share and per share amounts have been adjusted to reflect a 3-for-2
stock split in the form of a 50% stock dividend, effective October 31,
1997.
Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and
------- ---------------------------------------------------------------
Results of Operations
---------------------
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
The table below sets forth for the fiscal years ended April 30 the
percentage of consolidated net sales represented by certain items in the
Company's consolidated statements of operations:
2001 2000 1999
---- ---- ----
Net Sales
Commercial Communications 73.6% 85.0% 76.7%
U.S. Government 7.6 15.0 23.3
Gillam-FEI 18.8 - -
----- ----- -----
100.0 100.0 100.0
Cost of Sales 65.4 56.1 68.5
Selling and Administrative expenses 17.9 19.9 28.4
Insurance Reimbursement, net (5.2) - (23.7)
Research and Development expenses 9.8 20.2 30.5
----- ----- -----
Operating Profit (Loss) 12.1 3.8 (3.7)
Other Income (Expense) 4.7 12.9 12.0
Provision for Income Taxes 5.3 4.8 2.1
----- ----- -----
Net Income 11.5% 11.9% 6.2%
===== ===== =====
Fiscal 2001 - Gillam Acquisition
--------------------------------
The fiscal year 2001 results of operations reflect the global expansion of
Frequency Electronics. In September 2000, the Company completed the acquisition
of Gillam, S.A., a Belgium based corporation. (see Item 1 and Note 11 to the
financial statements) The consolidated results of operations include the
operating results of renamed Gillam-FEI from the date of acquisition through
March 31, 2001, the historical fiscal year-end of Gillam, S.A. Included in these
results are certain non-recurring charges to expense the "step-up" value of
acquired inventory ($300,000) as well as amortization of goodwill in the amount
of $193,000. (The Financial Accounting Standards Board has issued Statement 142
on "Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets" which became effective June 30, 2001.
Under the provisions of this statement, effective May 1, 2001, goodwill related
to the Gillam-FEI acquisition will not be amortized but will be tested
periodically for impairment.)
Significant Fiscal 2001 & 1999 Events
-------------------------------------
As more thoroughly described elsewhere in this Form 10-K and in the notes
to the financial statements, the Company's fiscal 2001 and 1999 results of
operations were materially impacted by several specific events including the
fiscal 2001 Gillam-FEI acquisition. In both fiscal 2001 and 1999, the Company
recovered $2.8 million (net of $200,000 in expenses) and $4.5 million,
respectively, from two insurance companies related to expenses incurred in
defense and settlement of the Company's litigation with the U.S. Government.
(See Item 3. Legal Proceedings and Note 9 to the financial statements.) In
October 2000, the Company also settled a derivative suit stemming from its U.S.
Government litigation and paid approximately $224,000 in attorneys' fees and
expenses. During fiscal 2001, the Company determined that a writeoff or reserve
of $2.0 million of certain work-in-progress and component inventory was
appropriate. These inventory items relate to certain product lines that the
Company is no longer marketing and to quantities of certain component parts in
excess of near-term requirements. During the fourth quarter of fiscal 2001, the
Company determined that the decline in market value of its investment in a
certain marketable security was not temporary. Accordingly, the Company wrote
down the investment to its then reported market value and recorded a charge
against investment income of approximately $287,000.
Operating Profit (Loss)
-----------------------
Operating profit for the year ended April 30, 2001, increased by $4.9
million over the profit for fiscal 2000. Excluding the nonrecurring items as
discussed above (see Items 6 and 7), the increase in operating profit would have
been $4.8 million. Approximately $400,000 of this increase is attributable to
the results of Gillam-FEI. The major portion of the improved profitability is
due to the 51% increase in revenues, exclusive of Gillam-FEI, while maintaining
gross profit margins. Selling and administrative costs increased in proportion
to the increased revenues while self-funded research and development spending
declined from the fiscal 2000 levels.
The operating profit for the year ended April 30, 2000, increased by $1.7
million over the operating loss of the preceding fiscal year. Excluding the
insurance reimbursement, as noted above, the increase in operating profits for
fiscal 2000 was $6.2 million. The increase is the result of a 40% increase in
sales and significantly improved gross margins.
Net Sales
---------
Net sales for fiscal 2001 increased by $22.7 million (85%) over fiscal 2000
sales. Excluding Gillam-FEI sales, revenues would have increased by $13.5
million (51%) over comparable fiscal 2000 sales. Sales in the commercial
communications segment improved by $13.7 million (61%) over fiscal 2000 while
revenues from the U.S. Government segment declined by $250,000 (6%). Continued
strong demand for the Company's rubidium atomic standard, which is the key
synchronization element of many cellular network base stations, led the increase
but the Company also experienced significant growth in other areas. Revenues
from space programs increased from the depressed levels of fiscal 2000 and the
Company developed a new source of revenues from fiber optic networks. These two
areas accounted for approximately 44% of the growth in revenues in the
commercial communication segment and 27% of consolidated revenue growth. The
Company anticipates the demand for its rubidium atomic standard to remain high
as OEMs continue the world-wide buildout of the cellular network infrastructure.
The Company expects revenues from space programs and fiber optic networks to
trend higher but at a lower rate than experienced in the past year. It is
expected that evenue from Gillam-FEI will grow but the rate of growth is
predicated on the introduction and acceptance of new products into the U.S.
wireline market and wireless products into European markets.
Net sales for fiscal 2000 increased by $7.6 million (40%) over fiscal 1999
sales. Sales in the commercial communications segment improved by $8.0 million
(55%) over fiscal 1999 while revenues from the U.S. Government segment declined
by $430,000 (10%). Revenues in the commercial communications segment were led by
the growing demand for the Company's rubidium atomic standard. Commercial
communications revenues related to space programs remained at low levels as the
industry continued to experience low demand for its products.
The Company believes that its 38-year legacy in building high-reliability,
precision timing and frequency generation devices uniquely positions it to
successfully exploit the much greater emerging markets in commercial
communications both in space and on the ground. The Company therefore intends to
focus its energies on these markets and has de-emphasized its business with the
U.S. Government. However, the Company will continue to fulfill its current
contractual obligations to U.S. Government programs and will make its
proprietary technology available for these and future programs where applicable.
Consequently, the proportion of sales generated from U.S. Government programs is
expected to continue to decline in future years. This will be more than offset
by increasing demands for the Company's commercial communications products used
in space and terrestrial applications as well as the wireline and network
synchronization products offered by Gillam-FEI.
Gross Margins
-------------
Gross margins for fiscal year 2001 were 35% compared to 44% in the fiscal
year ended April 30, 2000. During fiscal 2001, the Company had been engaged in
two significant development efforts which are customer-funded. The cost of these
efforts, which approximate the revenue recognized on the contracts, are a
component of cost of sales. Excluding these contracts as well as the inventory
adjustments mentioned above, gross margins would have been 41%. The principal
cause for the decline in the rate from the prior year is due to the mix of
products sold. In particular, costs at Gillam-FEI are typically higher than in
the U.S. due to labor cost structure. Excluding the effects of Gillam-FEI, the
inventory adjustments and the development contracts, gross margins would have
exceeded 47%. The Company's target is to achieve an overall gross margin of 40%
or better. To that end, the Company's goal for fiscal 2002 is to improve the
margins at Gillam-FEI.
Gross margins for the fiscal year ended April 30, 2000 were 44% versus 32%
in fiscal 1999. The improved margins are a result of the successful migration to
producing components and systems in higher volumes versus the Company's legacy
of contract manufacturing which generally included the costs of unique product
designs and smaller, less efficient, production quantities. This larger-quantity
production mode is also applicable to U.S. Government sales as the Company sells
more of its Commercial Off-the-Shelf (COTS) products under contracts for U.S.
Government programs. Margins were also favorably impacted by the higher volume
of business which permitted fixed costs to be absorbed over a broader range of
orders.
Selling and Administrative expenses
-----------------------------------
Selling and administrative costs for the year ended April 30, 2001,
increased by $3.5 million (67%). Of this increase, $1.4 million is attributable
to expenses incurred by Gillam-FEI. Of the remaining $2.1 million, $875,000 is
attributable to increased personnel costs, including accruals for bonuses as a
result of improved profit margins and $825,000 relates to increased selling
costs and travel expenses, as the Company seeks to continue the expansion of its
world-wide commercial markets. In addition, the Company incurred legal fees
related to the insurance recovery and litigation settlement, and administrative
expenses related to the Company's establishment of a manufacturing facility in
China.
Selling and administrative costs in fiscal 2000 decreased by $109,000 (2%)
from those incurred in fiscal 1999. The lower costs are the result of several
factors including an $800,000 reduction in amortization expense of deferred
compensation costs (a return to normal levels) and a reduction of $200,000 in
computer software and related services as a result of implementation of new
enterprise software and consolidation of computer hardware. These savings were
offset by accruals for bonuses as a result of improved profit margins, increased
selling expenses, increased amortization of certain stock-based compensation and
higher depreciation due to the installation of new computer hardware and
software.
As sales increase, the ratio of selling and administrative expenses to net
sales is expected to decrease. The Company targets selling and administrative
expenses to be less than 20% of sales.
Research and Development expenses
---------------------------------
Research and development expenditures for the year ended April 30, 2001,
declined by 10% ($521,000) from fiscal 2000 levels. Development spending by
Gillam-FEI was less than 5% of the consolidated total and not significant in
fiscal 2001. The apparent slowing of research and development spending is not
indicative of a decrease in the Company's development effort. During fiscal
2001, the Company was successful in obtaining funding from customers on two
separate projects. This reduced the level of self-funded research and
development spending but increased the cost of sales.
Research and development spending in fiscal 2000 was $5.37 million compared
to $5.79 million in fiscal 1999, a 7% decrease. These costs were incurred to
develop a high-precision quartz oscillator, improvement of rubidium atomic
standards for wireless communications infrastructure, finalization of certain
generic space transponder components and to continue the development of more
efficient manufacturing procedures.
The Company will continue to focus its research and development activities
on those commercial products which it expects will provide the best return on
investment and greatest prospects for the future growth of the Company. For
fiscal 2002, the Company will continue to devote substantial financial and
technical resources to development of new products for the burgeoning cellular
infrastructure buildout as well as continue to invest in more efficient product
designs and manufacturing procedures. The Company's target is to spend
approximately 10% of revenues on research and development activities, although
the actual level of spending is dependent on new opportunites and the rate at
which it succeeds in bringing new products to market. Internally generated cash
and cash reserves will be adequate to fund these development efforts.
Other Income (Expense)
----------------------
Other income (expense) decreased by $1.1 million (32%) in fiscal 2001
compared to fiscal 2000 but increased by $1.1 million (50%) in fiscal 2000
compared to fiscal 1999.
Investment income in fiscal 2001 includes $469,000 of realized gains on the
sale of marketable securities less a $287,000 writedown to market value of a
certain marketable security whose decline in value was deemed to be other than
temporary. This is compared to $1.6 million of realized gains in fiscal 2000 and
to $678,000 in fiscal 1999. Excluding these net gains, investment income in
fiscal 2001 was $198,000 (9%) higher than fiscal 2000 and fiscal 2000 investment
income was $178,000 (8%) higher than fiscal 1999. In addition to interest
income, the Company also realizes quarterly dividend income on its REIT units.
The Company anticipates that investment income in future years will remain
fairly constant assuming a relatively stable interest rate environment and if
the level of investments remains the same.
Interest expense in fiscal 2001 increased by $27,000 (9%) from fiscal 2000
and fiscal 2000 interest expense decreased by $26,000 or 7% from fiscal 1999.
Included in the fiscal 2001 amount is $56,000 of interest expense paid by
Gillam-FEI. Excluding Gillam-FEI, interest expense would have continued its
decline as the Company retires its long-term financing obligations. It incurs
interest expense on Gillam-FEI's credit obligations, the financing arrangement
for the leaseback of the U.S. manufacturing facility and for certain deferred
compensation payments. As a result, the Company anticipates that interest
expense in fiscal 2002 will be approximately the same as the expense for fiscal
2001.
During fiscal 2001, other income, net, increased by $211,000 to $4,000.
Gillam-FEI contributed $76,000 of this growth. In fiscal 2000, the Company
incurred approximately $170,000 of expenses related to an attempted acquisition
of another company. The Company anticipates that in future years other income,
net, will not be a significant contributor to pretax earnings.
Income Taxes
------------
As a result of the acquisition of Gillam S.A. during fiscal 2001, the
Company is now subject to taxation in several countries. The statutory federal
rates vary from 34% in the United States to 40% in Europe. The effective rate
for the Company for the year ended April 30, 2001 was 31.4% compared to 28.9% in
fiscal 2000 and to 25.4% in fiscal 1999. In all three years, the effective rate
is lower than the statutory rate primarily due to the availability of Research
and Development Tax Credits in the United States.
The Company's European subsidiaries have available net operating loss
carryforwards of approximately $2.2 million to offset future taxable income. Of
the loss carryforward, approximately $238,000 expires in fiscal 2003 while the
balance may be utilized for an indefinite period of time.
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
The Company's balance sheet continues to reflect a highly liquid position
with working capital of $66.6 million at April 30, 2001. Included in working
capital at April 30, 2001 is $35.5 million of cash, cash equivalents and
short-term investments, including approximately $12 million representing the
fair market value of REIT units which are convertible to Reckson Associates
Realty Corp. common stock. (See Note 6 to the financial statements.) The
Company's current ratio at April 30, 2001 is 5.9 to 1. This ratio is lower than
prior years due to the Company's long-term investments in new subsidiaries as
well as the growth in accruals for income taxes and compensation programs.
Net cash provided by operating activities for the year ended April 30,
2001, was approximately $4.0 million compared to $3.5 million provided in fiscal
2000. While fiscal 2001 earnings were greater than the prior year, a significant
component of earnings, the reimbursement for directors' and officers' liability
insurance coverage of $3.0 million, was not received until after the end of the
fiscal year. Another significant reason for the reduced cash inflow is due to
the $6.6 million increase in inventory, before reserve adjustments, as the
Company attempted to build a stock of finished goods by year-end. These two
items were offset by a $3.6 million increase in income taxes payable, largely
related to the insurance reimbursement and refunds of prior year tax payments.
Unbilled receivables increased by $1.2 million (48%) as the Company won new
long-term contracts in both the space portion of the commercial communications
segment and in the US Government segment. Accounts payable and accrued expenses
increased by $5.4 million (129%) from the balances at April 30, 2000. Of this
increase, $4.5 million is attributable to liabilities of Gillam-FEI. The balance
of the increase is principally due to accruals for management compensation
programs for improved profitability offset by payments for inventory purchases.
Net cash used in investing activities for the year ended April 30, 2001,
was $5.0 million. The major transaction during the year was the acquisition of
Gillam-FEI for which the Company paid an aggregate of $8.9 million, including
transaction costs. This purchase was partially funded by the redemption of
certain marketable securities of approximately $6.2 million and was also offset
by the acquired cash of Gillam-FEI of approximately $758,000. The Company also
acquired and sold other marketable securities that resulted in a net outflow of
cash in the amount of $1.1 million. The Company may continue to invest cash
equivalents in longer-term securities or to convert short-term investments to
cash equivalents as dictated by its investment strategies. The Company also
invested approximately $1.8 million in production and test equipment which will
improve the efficiency of its manufacturing operations. The Company will
continue to acquire more efficient equipment to automate its production process
and to build up the capacity of its new China manufacturing facility. It intends
to spend approximately $2 million on capital equipment during fiscal 2002.
Internally generated cash will be adequate to acquire this capital equipment.
Net cash used by financing activities for the year ended April 30, 2001,
was $1.8 million. Of this amount, $1.6 million was used to pay the Company's
semi-annual cash dividends to shareholders and $916,000 was used to make
regularly scheduled long-term liability payments. The debt repayment includes
$694,000 paid by Gillam-FEI. These outflows were partially offset by payments of
$716,000 received from the sale of shares of common stock from treasury to
satisfy the exercise of stock options granted to certain officers and employees
in prior years. The Company will continue to use treasury shares to satisfy the
future exercise of stock options granted to officers and employees. The Company
may repurchase shares of its common stock for treasury whenever appropriate
opportunities arise but it has neither a formal repurchase plan nor commitments
to purchase additional shares in the future.
The Company will continue to expend its resources and efforts to develop
products for wireless, wireline and fiber optic commercial communication
systems, which management believes will result in future growth and continued
profitability. During fiscal 2002, the Company intends to make a substantial
investment of capital and technical resources to continue to develop new
products to meet the needs of the commercial communications marketplace and to
invest in more efficient product designs and manufacturing procedures. Where
possible, the Company will secure partial customer funding for such development
efforts but is targeting to spend its own funds at a rate of approximately 10%
of revenues to achieve its development goals. Internally generated cash will be
adequate to fund these development efforts.
As of April 30, 2001, the Company's consolidated backlog amounted to
approximately $39 million (see Item 1). Of this backlog, approximately 76%
represents orders for the commercial communications segment, 18% for the
wireline and network synchronization segment and 6% for the U.S. Government
segment. Approximately 90% of this backlog is expected to be filled during the
Company's fiscal year ending April 30, 2002.
QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
Interest Rate Risk
------------------
The Company is exposed to market risk related to changes in interest rates
and market values of securities, including participation units in the Reckson
Operating Partnership, L.P. (REIT units, see Item 2. Properties and Note 6 to
the financial statements). The Company's investments in fixed income and equity
securities were $19.6 million and $13.8 million, respectively, at April 30,
2001. The investments are carried at fair value with changes in unrealized gains
and losses recorded as adjustments to stockholders' equity. The fair value of
investments in marketable securities is generally based on quoted market prices.
Typically, the fair market value of investments in fixed interest rate debt
securities will increase as interest rates fall and decrease as interest rates
rise. Based on the Company's overall interest rate exposure at April 30, 2001, a
10 percent change in market interest rates would not have a material effect on
the fair value of the Company's fixed income securities or results of operations
(investment income).
Foreign Currency Risk
---------------------
With its acquisition of Gillam-FEI in September 2000, the Company has
become subject to foreign currency translation risk. In fiscal 2002, the Company
will be subject to additional risks related to its establishment of a
manufacturing facility in China. For each of these investments, the Company does
not have any near-term intentions to repatriate its invested cash. For this
reason, the Company does not intend to initiate any exchange rate hedging
strategies which could be used to mitigate the effects of foreign currency
fluctuations. The effects of foreign currency rate fluctuations will be recorded
in the equity section of the balance sheet as a component of other comprehensive
income. As of April 30, 2001, the amount related to foreign currency exchange
rates is a $245,000 unrealized gain.
The results of operations of foreign subsidiaries, when translated into US
dollars, will reflect the average rates of exchange for the periods presented.
As a result, similar results in local currency can vary significantly upon
translation into US dollars if exchange rates fluctuate significantly from one
period to the next.
European Union Conversion to Euro
---------------------------------
Effective January 1, 2002, the eleven participating countries of the
European Union are expected to convert the "legacy" currency of each country
into the Euro. Thereafter, all cash transactions are to be conducted solely in
the Euro with legacy currencies canceled. The Company's European-based
subsidiaries operate in two of the participating countries and are therefore
obligated to comply with the new currency requirements. To the knowledge of
Company management, this conversion will have little, if any, impact on
contractual agreements, banking arrangements, employment agreements or similar
matters. The subsidiaries' accounting systems and records must be modified to
accommodate the new currency but management expects the cost of doing so to be
nominal.
OTHER MATTERS
The financial information reported herein is not necessarily indicative of
future operating results or of the future financial condition of the Company.
Except as noted, management is unaware of any impending transactions or events
that are likely to have a material adverse effect on results from operations.
INFLATION
During fiscal 2001, as in the two prior fiscal years, the impact of
inflation on the Company's business has not been materially significant.
Item 7a. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk
-------- ----------------------------------------------------------
The information required by this item is included in the text in response
to Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and
Results of Operations, above and is incorporated herein by reference.
"Safe Harbor" Statement under the Private
Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995:
The statements in this Annual Report on Form 10K regarding future earnings
and operations and other statements relating to the future constitute
"forward-looking" statements pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the
Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements
inherently involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to
differ materially from the forward-looking statements. Factors that would cause
or contribute to such differences include, but are not limited to, continued
acceptance of the Company's products in the marketplace, competitive factors,
new products and technological changes, product prices and raw material costs,
dependence upon third-party vendors, competitive developments, changes in
manufacturing and transportation costs, the availability of capital, and the
outcome of certain litigation and arbitration proceedings. By making these
forward-looking statements, the Company undertakes no obligation to update these
statements for revisions or changes after the date of this report.
Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data
------- -------------------------------------------
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS
To the Board of Directors and Stockholders of Frequency Electronics, Inc.
In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements listed in the index
appearing under Item 14(a)(1) on page 50 present fairly, in all material
respects, the financial position of Frequency Electronics, Inc. and its
Subsidiaries as of April 30, 2001 and 2000, and the results of their operations
and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended April 30,
2001 in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United
States of America. In addition, in our opinion, the financial statement schedule
listed in the index appearing under Item 14(a)(2) on page 50 presents fairly, in
all material respects, the information set forth therein when read in
conjunction with the related consolidated financial statements. These financial
statements and the financial statement schedule are the responsibility of the
Company's management; our responsibility is to express an opinion on these
financial statements and the financial statement schedule based on our audits.
We conducted our audits of these statements in accordance with auditing
standards generally accepted in the United States of America, which require that
we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the
financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes
examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in
the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and
significant estimates made by management, and evaluating the overall financial
statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis
for our opinion.
PRICEWATERHOUSECOOPERS LLP
Melville, New York
June 27, 2001
FREQUENCY ELECTRONICS, INC. and SUBSIDIARIES
Consolidated Balance Sheets
April 30, 2001 and 2000
-----------
ASSETS: 2001 2000
---- ----
(In thousands)
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents .......................$ 2,121 $ 4,994
Marketable securities ........................... 33,407 36,013
Accounts receivable, net of allowance
for doubtful accounts of $190 ................ 15,160 9,590
Inventories ..................................... 20,471 13,307
Deferred income taxes ........................... 4,313 1,940
Prepaid expenses and other ...................... 4,662 1,329
-------- -------
Total current assets ........................ 80,134 67,173
Property, plant and equipment, at cost,
less accumulated depreciation and
amortization .................................... 11,997 9,040
Deferred income taxes ............................. 69 600
Intangible assets ................................. 4,987 -
Other assets ...................................... 4,852 4,034
-------- -------
Total assets ................................$102,039 $80,847
======== =======
Continued
FREQUENCY ELECTRONICS, INC. and SUBSIDIARIES
Consolidated Balance Sheets
April 30, 2001 and 2000
(Continued)
-----------
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY: 2001 2000
---- ----
(In thousands)
Current liabilities:
Short-term credit obligations .......................$ 699 $ -
Accounts payable - trade ............................ 2,408 1,019
Accrued liabilities ................................. 7,228 3,190
Dividend payable .................................... 829 799
Income taxes payable ................................ 2,370 -
-------- -------
Total current liabilities ..................... 13,534 5,008
Deferred compensation ................................. 5,726 5,276
Other liabilities ..................................... 12,348 11,573
-------- -------
Total liabilities ............................. 31,608 21,857
-------- -------
Commitments and contingencies (Notes 6 and 9)
Minority interest in subsidiary ....................... 226 -
Stockholders' equity:
Preferred stock - authorized 600,000 shares
of $1.00 par value; no shares issued ............. - -
Common stock - authorized 20,000,000 shares
of $1.00 par value; issued - 9,163,939 shares
in 2001 and 9,009,259 shares in 2000 9,164 9,009
Additional paid-in capital 42,860 37,929
Retained earnings ................................... 21,226 17,239
-------- -------
73,250 64,177
Common stock reacquired and held in treasury -
at cost (872,669 shares in 2001
and 1,016,552 shares in 2000) .................... (3,127) (3,644)
Other stockholders' equity .......................... (122) (135)
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) ....... 204 (1,408)
-------- -------
Total stockholders' equity .................... 70,205 58,990
-------- -------
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity ........$102,039 $80,847
======== =======
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these
financial statements.
FREQUENCY ELECTRONICS, INC. and SUBSIDIARIES
Consolidated Statements of Operations
Years ended April 30, 2001, 2000 and 1999
-----------
2001 2000 1999
---- ---- ----
(In thousands, except share data)
Net sales ... ............................$ 49,210 $ 26,535 $ 18,958
Cost of sales ............................ 32,180 14,884 12,985
-------- -------- --------
Gross margin ........................ 17,030 11,651 5,973
Selling and administrative expenses ...... 8,820 5,275 5,384
Insurance reimbursement, net ............. (2,576) - (4,500)
Research and development expenses ........ 4,847 5,368 5,790
-------- -------- --------
Operating profit (loss) 5,939 1,008 (701)
Other income (expense):
Investment income ...................... 2,655 3,929 2,775
Interest expense ....................... (333) (306) (330)
Other, net ............................. 4 (207) (171)
-------- -------- --------
Income before minority interest and
provision for income taxes ............ 8,265 4,424 1,573
Minority interest in income of
consolidated subsidiary ............... 29 - -
-------- -------- --------
Income before provision for
income taxes .......................... 8,236 4,424 1,573
Provision for income taxes ............... 2,592 1,280 400
-------- -------- --------
Net Income .................$ 5,644 $ 3,144 $ 1,173
======== ======== ========
Net Income per common share:
Basic .............................. $ 0.69 $ 0.41 $ 0.16
====== ====== ======
Diluted ............................ $ 0.67 $ 0.39 $ 0.15
====== ====== ======
Average shares outstanding:
Basic ..............................8,198,569 7,673,497 7,502,260
========= ========= =========
Diluted ............................8,431,823 8,043,727 7,820,742
========= ========= =========
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these
financial statements.
FREQUENCY ELECTRONICS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Consolidated Statements of Changes in
Stockholders' Equity Years
ended April 30, 2001, 2000
and 1999
(In thousands, except share data)
Other Accumulated
Add'l Treasury stock Stock- other
Common Stock paid in Retained (at cost) Unamortized holders' comprehensive
Shares Amount capital earnings Shares Amount ESOP debt equity income (loss) Total
--------- ------ ------- -------- --------- ------ --------- ------ ------------- -------
Balance at May 1, 1998 9,009,259 $9,009 $36,306 $15,983 1,296,913 ($3,632) ($1,000) ($ 376) $117 $56,407
Exercise of stock options 12 (20,063) 61 73
Purchase of treasury stock 70,000 (487) (487)
Amortization of Independent
Contractor stock options 58 58
Amortization of ESOP debt 564 500 1,064
Amortization of unearned
compensation 42 42
Cash dividend (1,503) (1,503)
Decrease in market value of
marketable securities (320) (320)
Net Income 1,173 1,173
-------
Comprehensive income- 1999 853
--------- ------ ------- ------- --------- ------- ------ ------ ------ -------
Balance at April 30, 1999 9,009,259 9,009 36,940 15,653 1,346,850 (4,058) (500) ( 334) (203) 56,507
Exercise of stock options 341 (330,298) 414 755
Amortization of Independent
Contractor stock options 170 170
Amortization of ESOP debt 478 500 978
Payment received for common
stock subscribed 172 172
Amortization of unearned
compensation 27 27
Cash dividend (1,558) (1,558)
Decrease in market value of
marketable securities (1,205) (1,205)
Net Income 3,144 3,144
--------
Comprehensive income- 2000 1,939
--------- ------ ------- ------- --------- ------- ------ ------ ------ --------
Balance at April 30, 2000 9,009,259 9,009 37,929 17,239 1,016,552 (3,644) 0 (135) (1,408) 58,990
Exercise of stock options 510 (129,288) 206 716
Tax benefit from stock option
exercise 809 809
Amortization of Independent
Contractor stock options 310 310
Contribution of stock to
401(k) plan (8) (14,595) 311 303
Issuance of stock for Gillam
acquisition 154,681 155 3,310 3,465
Amortization of unearned
compensation 13 13
Cash dividend (1,657) (1,657)
Increase in market value of
marketable securities 1,367 1,367
Foreign currency translation
adjustment 245 245
Net Income 5,644 5,644
-------
Comprehensive income- 2001 7,256
--------- ------ ------- ------- --------- ------- ------ ------ ------ -------
Balance at April 30, 2001 9,163,940 $9,164 $42,860 $21,226 872,669 ($3,127) $0 ($122) $ 204 $70,205
========= ====== ======= ======= ========= ======= ====== ====== ====== =======
The accompanying notes are an integral part of
these financial statements.
FREQUENCY ELECTRONICS, INC. and SUBSIDIARIES
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
Years ended April 30, 2001, 2000 and 1999
-----------
2001 2000 1999
---- ---- ----
(In thousands)
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income .....................................$ 5,644 $ 3,144 $ 1,173
Adjustments to reconcile net earnings
to net cash provided by (used in)
operating activities:
Deferred tax expense (benefit) ............... (1,408) 840 (100)
Depreciation and amortization ................ 1,446 1,117 1,224
Provision for losses on accounts
receivable and inventories ................. 2,001 151 186
Gains on marketable securities and
notes receivable- net ...................... (181) (1,654) (678)
Amortization resulting from
allocation of ESOP shares .................. - 978 1,064
Employee benefit plan provisions ............. 1,271 766 1,461
Minority interest in earnings of subsidiary .. 29 - -
Changes in assets and liabilities, exclusive
of assets and liabilities acquired:
Accounts receivable .......................... (1,195) 2,583 6,414
Inventories .................................. (4,612) (3,745) (3,546)
Prepaid and other ............................ (462) (174) 312
Other assets ................................. (373) (359) (554)
Accounts payable trade ....................... 44 182 (446)
Insurance reimbursement receivable ........... (3,000) - -
Litigation settlement accrual ................ - - (8,150)
Accrued liabilities .......................... 1,350 773 (362)
Income taxes payable ......................... 3,590 (676) 310
Other liabilities ............................ (193) (383) (137)
------- ------- -------
Net cash provided by (used in)
operating activities ................... 3,951 3,543 (1,829)
------- ------- -------
Cash flows from investing activities:
Payment for acquisition, net of cash
acquired of $758 ............................. (8,138) - -
Purchase of marketable securities .............. (4,318) (24,611) (22,920)
Proceeds from sale or redemption of marketable
securities .................................. 9,384 27,468 20,575
Capital expenditures ........................... (1,929) (668) (1,366)
------- ------- -------
Net cash (used in) provided by
investing activities ................... (5,001) 2,189 (3,711)
------- ------- -------
Continued
FREQUENCY ELECTRONICS, INC. and SUBSIDIARIES
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
Years ended April 30, 2001, 2000 and 1999
(Continued)
-----------
2001 2000 1999
---- ---- ----
(In thousands)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Principal payments of long-term debt
and other long-term obligations ............... (929) (700) (665)
Purchase of treasury stock ...................... - - (487)
Payment of cash dividend ........................(1,627) (1,532) (1,539)
Payment on notes
receivable from employees ................... - 172 -
Exercise of stock options ....................... 716 755 73
------- ------- -------
Net cash used in
financing activities .................... (1,840) (1,305) (2,618)
------- ------- -------
Net (decrease) increase in cash and
cash equivalents before effect of
exchange rate changes .......................... (2,890) 4,427 (8,158)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash
and cash equivalents ........................... 17 - -
------- ------- -------
Net (decrease) increase in cash
and cash equivalents .......................... (2,873) 4,427 (8,158)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year .. 4,994 567 8,725
------- ------- -------
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year ........ $ 2,121 $ 4,994 $ 567
======= ======= =======
Supplemental disclosures of cash flow
information (Note 16):
Cash paid during the year for:
Interest $ 297 $ 312 $ 331
====== ====== ======
Income taxes $ 971 $1,159 $ 190
====== ====== ======
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these
financial statements.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
1. Summary of Accounting Policies
------------------------------
Principles of Consolidation:
The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Frequency
Electronics, Inc. and its wholly-owned subsidiaries (the "Company" or
"Registrant". References to "FEI" are to the parent company alone and do not
refer to any of its subsidiaries). The Company is principally engaged in the
design, development and manufacture of precision time and frequency control
products and components for microwave integrated circuit applications. See Note
14 for information regarding the Company's commercial communications, Gillam-FEI
and U.S. government business segments. Intercompany accounts and significant
intercompany transactions are eliminated in consolidation.
These financial statements have been prepared in conformity with generally
accepted accounting principles and require management to make estimates and
assumptions that affect amounts reported and disclosed in the financial
statements and related notes. Actual results could differ from these estimates.
Inventories:
Inventories, which consist of finished goods, work-in-process, raw
materials and components, are accounted for at the lower of cost (specific and
average) or market.
Property, Plant and Equipment:
Property, plant and equipment is recorded at cost and includes interest on
funds borrowed to finance construction. Expenditures for renewals and
betterments are capitalized; maintenance and repairs are charged to income when
incurred. When fixed assets are sold or retired, the cost and related
accumulated depreciation and amortization are eliminated from the respective
accounts and any gain or loss is credited or charged to income.
If events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of
a long-lived asset may not be recoverable, the Company estimates the future cash
flows expected to result from the use of the asset and its eventual disposition.
If the sum of the expected future cash flows (undiscounted and without interest
charges) is less than the carrying amount of the long-lived asset, an impairment
loss is recognized. To date, no impairment losses have been recognized.
Depreciation and Amortization:
Depreciation of fixed assets is computed on the straight-line method based
upon the estimated useful lives of the assets (40 years for buildings and 3 to
10 years for other depreciable assets). Leasehold improvements are amortized on
the straight-line method over the shorter of the term of the lease or the useful
life of the related improvement.
Revenue and Cost Recognition:
Revenues under larger, long-term contracts, generally defined as orders in
excess of $100,000, are reported in operating results using the percentage of
completion method. For U.S. Government and other fixed-price contracts that
require initial design and development of the product, revenue is recognized on
the cost-to-cost method. Under this method, revenue is recorded based upon the
ratio that incurred costs bear to total estimated contract costs with related
cost of sales recorded as the costs are incurred. On production-type contracts,
revenue is recorded as units are delivered with the related cost of sales
recognized on each shipment based upon a percentage of estimated final contract
costs. Changes in job performance may result in revisions to costs and income
and are recognized in the period in which revisions are determined to be
required. Provisions for anticipated losses are made in the period in which they
become determinable.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - Continued
For contracts in the Company's Gillam-FEI segment, and smaller contracts or
orders in the other business segments, sales of products and services to
customers are reported in operating results based upon shipment of the product
or performance of the services pursuant to contractual terms.
Contract costs include all direct material, direct labor costs,
manufacturing overhead and other direct costs related to contract performance.
Selling, general and administrative costs are charged to expense as incurred.
In accordance with industry practice, inventoried costs contain amounts
relating to contracts and programs with long production cycles, a portion of
which will not be realized within one year.
Income Taxes:
The Company recognizes deferred tax liabilities and assets based on the
expected future tax consequences of events that have been included in the
financial statements or tax returns. Under this method, deferred tax liabilities
and assets are determined based on the difference between the financial
statement and tax bases of assets and liabilities using enacted tax rates in
effect for the year in which the differences are expected to reverse. Valuation
allowances are established when necessary to reduce deferred tax assets to the
amount expected to be realized.
Earnings Per Share:
Basic earnings per share are computed by dividing net earnings by the
weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding. Diluted earnings
per share are computed by dividing net earnings by the sum of the weighted
average number of shares of common stock and the if-converted effect of
unexercised stock options.
Marketable Securities:
Marketable securities consist of investments in common stocks, mutual
funds, and debt securities of U.S. government agencies. In addition, as a result
of the sale of the Company's real estate holdings (Note 6), marketable
securities include participation units in the Reckson Operating Partnership,
L.P. ("REIT units") which are convertible to common shares of Reckson Associates
Realty Corp. Except for the REIT units and certain investments in common stock,
substantially all other marketable securities at April 30, 2001 and 2000 were
held in the custody of two financial institutions. Investments in certain debt
and equity securities are categorized as available for sale and are carried at
fair value, with unrealized gains and losses excluded from income and recorded
directly to stockholders' equity. The Company recognizes gains or losses when
securities are sold using the specific identification method.
Cash Equivalents:
The Company considers certificates of deposit and other highly liquid
investments with original maturities of three months or less to be cash
equivalents. The Company places its temporary cash investments with high credit
quality financial institutions. Such investments may be in excess of the FDIC
insurance limit. No losses have been experienced on such investments.
Fair Values of Financial Instruments:
Cash and cash equivalents and loans payable are reflected in the
accompanying consolidated balance sheets at amounts considered by management to
reasonably approximate fair value based upon the nature of the instrument and
current market conditions. Management is not aware of any factors that would
significantly affect the value of these amounts.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - Continued
Stock-based Plans:
The Company applies the disclosure-only provisions of SFAS No. 123,
"Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation," and continues to measure compensation
cost in accordance with Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 25, "Accounting
for Stock Issued to Employees." Historically, this has not resulted in
compensation cost upon the grant of options under a qualified stock option plan.
However, in accordance with SFAS No. 123, the Company provides pro forma
disclosures of net earnings (loss) and earnings (loss) per share as if the fair
value method had been applied beginning in fiscal 1996.
2. Earnings Per Share
------------------
Reconciliations of the weighted average shares outstanding for basic and
diluted Earnings Per Share are as follows:
Years ended April 30,
-----------------------------------------
2001 2000 1999
---- ---- ----
Basic EPS Shares outstanding
(weighted average) 8,198,569 7,673,497 7,502,260
Effect of Dilutive Securities 233,254 370,230 318,482
--------- --------- ---------
Diluted EPS Shares outstanding 8,431,823 8,043,727 7,820,742
========= ========= =========
Options to purchase 419,750 and 178,500 shares of common stock were
outstanding during the years ended April 30, 2001 and 1999, respectively, but
were not included in the computation of diluted earnings per share because the
exercise price of the options was greater than the average market price of the
Company's common shares during the respective periods. Since the inclusion of
such options would have been antidilutive they are excluded from the
computation. For the year ended April 30, 2000, all exercisable options were
included in the computation of diluted earnings per share.
3. Accounts Receivable
-------------------
Accounts receivable include costs and estimated earnings in excess of
billings on uncompleted contracts accounted for on the percentage of completion
basis of approximately $3,814,000 at April 30, 2001 and $2,584,000 at April 30,
2000. Such amounts represent revenue recognized on long-term contracts that has
not been billed, pursuant to contract terms, and was not billable at the balance
sheet date.
4. Inventories
-----------
Inventories, which are reported net of reserves of $4,001,000 and
$1,188,000 at April 30, 2001 and 2000, respectively, consisted of the following
(in thousands):
2001 2000
---- ----
Raw Materials and Component Parts .........$ 9,227 $ 6,188
Work in Progress and Finished Goods ....... 11,244 7,119
-------- --------
$ 20,471 $ 13,307
======== ========
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - Continued
5. Marketable Securities
---------------------
Marketable securities at April 30, 2001 and 2000 are summarized as follows
(in thousands):
April 30, 2001
-------------------------------------------
Unrealized
Market Holding
Cost Value Gain (Loss)
---- ----- -----------
REIT units ..................$ 12,000 $ 12,000 $ -
Fix