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Table of Contents

 

 

 

Securities and Exchange Commission

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

 

Form 10-K

 

 

 

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

For the fiscal year ended November 30, 2010

OR

 

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

For the transition period from                  to             

Commission File Number 0-8796

 

 

Spectrum Control, Inc.

 

 

(a Pennsylvania Corporation)

(I.R.S. Employer Identification No. 25-1196447)

8031 Avonia Road, Fairview, Pennsylvania 16415

Telephone 814-474-2207

 

 

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

None

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

 

Title of each class

 

Name of each exchange on which registered

Common Stock - No Par Value   The Nasdaq Stock Market

 

 

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities

Act.    Yes  ¨    No  x.

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the

Act.    Yes  ¨    No  x.

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, and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.    Yes  x    No  ¨.

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of regulation S-T (Section 232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files.    Yes  ¨    No  ¨.

Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of the 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.

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, or a non-accelerated filer. See definition of “accelerated filer and large accelerated filer” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):

Large accelerated filer  ¨    Accelerated filer  x    Non-accelerated filer  ¨

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

At May 31, 2010, the aggregate market value of voting Common Stock held by non-affiliates of the registrant based on a closing price of $13.00 was $158,173,002. Shares of Common Stock held by each officer and director and by each person who owns 10% or more of the outstanding Common Stock of the Company have been excluded because such persons may be deemed to be affiliates.

As of January 31, 2011, the registrant had outstanding 13,118,678 shares of Common Stock, no par value.

Documents incorporated by reference

Portions of the registrant’s Proxy Statement for the annual meeting of shareholders to be held April 4, 2011 are incorporated by reference into Part III of this Form 10-K.

 

 

 


Table of Contents

Table of Contents

 

          Page  

PART I

     
Item 1.   

Business

     3   
Item 1A.   

Risk Factors

     19   
Item 1B.   

Unresolved Staff Comments

     22   
Item 2.   

Properties

     23   
Item 3.   

Legal Proceedings

     24   
Item 4.   

Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders

     24   

PART II

  
Item 5.   

Market for Registrant’s Common Stock, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

     24   
Item 6.   

Selected Financial Data

     26   
Item 7.   

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

     27   
Item 7A.   

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

     35   
Item 8.   

Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

     40   
Item 9.   

Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure

     69   
Item 9A.   

Controls and Procedures

     69   
Item 9B.   

Other Information

     70   

PART III

  
Item 10.   

Directors and Executive Officers of the Registrant

     71   
Item 11.   

Executive Compensation

     72   
Item 12.   

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

     72   
Item 13.   

Certain Relationships and Related Transactions

     72   
Item 14.   

Principal Accountant Fees and Services

     72   

PART IV

  
Item 15.   

Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules, and Reports on Form 8-K

     73   
  

Signatures

     75   
  

Schedule

     76   
  

Exhibits

     77   

 

 

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PART I

 

ITEM 1. BUSINESS

Except for the historical information contained herein, the following discussion contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. The Company intends these forward-looking statements to qualify for the safe harbor from liability established by the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, descriptions of management’s expectations regarding the future markets for the Company’s products, future operating performance, and other future plans and objectives. Words such as “expect”, “anticipate”, “believe”, “intend”, and variations of such words identify forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are only predictions and are not guarantees of future performance. Actual results or events may differ materially from historical results or those suggested by these forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause or contribute to such differences include, but are not limited to, those discussed herein under Item 1A “Risk Factors”, as well as Item 7 entitled “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” in this report.

GENERAL

Spectrum Control, Inc. and its subsidiaries (hereinafter referred to as “we”, “us”, “our”, or the “Company”) design, develop and manufacture custom electronic components and systems. Although our components and systems are used in many industries worldwide, our largest individual markets are military/defense and communications equipment which represented 60% and 17%, respectively, of our fiscal 2010 sales. Military/defense applications for our products include secure communications, smart weapons and munitions, countermeasures for improvised explosive devices, radar systems, military aircraft and vehicles, and missile defense systems. In communications, our products are used in numerous systems including optical networks, broadband switching equipment, global positioning systems, Wi-Fi, and wireless base stations. Other markets for our products include medical imaging equipment and instrumentation, industrial automation and controls, computers, IT hubs, and storage devices.

Our operations are currently conducted in four reportable segments: advanced specialty products; microwave components and systems; power management systems; and sensors and controls. Our Advanced Specialty Products Business designs and manufactures a broad range of products including antennas, specialty connectors, advanced ceramics, and electromagnetic interference (“EMI”) filters and interconnects. Our Microwave Components and Systems Business designs and manufactures microwave filters and components, high power amplifiers, oscillators, synthesizers, switched filter banks, and related systems and integrated assemblies. The Power Management Systems Business designs and manufactures custom AC and DC power distribution units, power outlet strips, power monitoring equipment, and our Smart Start power management systems. Our Sensors and Controls Business designs and manufactures rotary and linear precision sensors, temperature sensing probes, thermistors, resistance temperature detector sensors, accelerometers, angular rate gyros, inertial measurement systems and related assemblies.

OPERATING ENTITIES

Spectrum Control, Inc. (the “Parent company”) was incorporated in Pennsylvania in 1968. The Parent company currently operates manufacturing facilities in Fairview, Pennsylvania; State College, Pennsylvania; and Wesson, Mississippi. Operations in Fairview include the design and manufacture of advanced specialty products. In State College, the Parent company’s operations include the design and manufacture of power management systems. Operations in Wesson principally consist of metal fabrication manufacturing in support of our power product offerings. The Parent company’s executive offices are located in Fairview.

Spectrum Control Technology, Inc. (“Spec Tech”) is a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Parent company. Spec Tech designs and manufactures advanced ceramic products at its state-of-the-art ceramic facility in State College, Pennsylvania. In addition to producing specialty ceramic capacitors used in the Company’s EMI filters, Spec Tech designs and manufactures other advanced ceramics including various ceramic-based antenna products and related assemblies.

Other wholly-owned subsidiaries of the Parent company include: Spectrum Microwave, Inc.; Spectrum SEI Microwave, Inc.; Spectrum FSY Microwave, Inc.; Spectrum Sensors and Controls, Inc. (CA Corp); Spectrum Sensors and Controls, Inc. (PA Corp.); Spectrum Sensors and Controls, Inc. (OH Corp); Spectrum Control, GmbH; Spectrum Control de Mexico; and Spectrum Control (Hong Kong) Limited.

Spectrum Microwave, Inc. (“Spec Microwave”) and Spectrum SEI Microwave, Inc. (“SEI”) design and manufacture various radio frequency (“RF”) and microwave products. These high-end components and integrated assemblies include high power amplifiers, frequency mixers, filters, microelectronics, and various types of oscillators (voltage control, dielectric resonator, and digitally tuned). Currently, Spec Microwave operates facilities in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; Palm Bay, Florida; Marlborough, Massachusetts; Hudson, New Hampshire; and Auburn, New York; as well as a portion of our facility in State College, Pennsylvania. SEI’s operating facility is located in Delmar, Delaware.

 

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Spectrum FSY Microwave, Inc., located in Columbia, Maryland, is primarily a design center, with limited manufacturing of certain RF and microwave products and systems.

Spectrum Sensors and Controls, Inc. (CA Corp.), located in Grass Valley, California, designs and manufactures precision co-molded conductive position sensors and related assemblies.

Spectrum Sensors and Controls, Inc. (PA Corp.), located in St. Marys, Pennsylvania, designs and manufactures a broad line of custom temperature sensors including temperature sensing probes and assemblies, positive and negative temperature coefficient thermistors, and resistance temperature detector sensors and related assemblies.

Spectrum Sensors and Controls, Inc. (OH Corp.), located in Akron, Ohio, designs and manufactures custom accelerometers, angular rate gyros, inertial measurement systems, and related products and assemblies.

Spectrum Control, GmbH, located in Schwabach, Germany, principally acts as a distributor for the Company’s advanced specialty products in the European market.

Spectrum Control de Mexico, located in Juarez, Mexico, commenced operations in June 2000 as the Company’s low-cost manufacturing center for North America. Currently, this subsidiary manufactures various products for each of our four business segments for use in numerous commercial applications.

Spectrum Control (Hong Kong) Limited (“Spec HK”), currently is a holding company for our China subsidiary.

Spectrum Control Electronics (Dongguan) Co. Ltd. (“Spec China”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Spec HK, located in Qiao Tou Town, China, commenced operations in 2003 as the Company’s low-cost manufacturing center for Asia. Currently, Spec China manufactures certain advanced specialty products, power management systems, and sensors and controls for various commercial customers.

RECENT DEVELOPMENTS

ACQUISITIONS

On October 29, 2010, we acquired all of the outstanding common stock of Summit Instruments, Inc. (“Summit”). Based in Akron, Ohio, Summit designs and manufactures custom inertia sensors, accelerometers, inertial measurement systems, and related products and assemblies. A majority of Summit’s revenues are generated from military/defense applications, including missile defense systems. Summit products are also used in numerous commercial applications, such as wind turbines, industrial test equipment, and measurement instrumentation. This acquisition significantly expands our sensors and controls product offerings and capabilities. The cash purchase price for Summit (net of cash received) was $5.4 million.

On June 18, 2010, we acquired substantially all of the assets and assumed certain liabilities of Sage Laboratories, Inc. (“Sage Labs”). Sage Labs, based in Hudson, New Hampshire, designs and manufactures custom RF and microwave products including filters, diplexers, multiplexers, hybrids, and digital frequency discriminators. A majority of Sage Labs’ components and subsystems are used in defense and aerospace applications, including missile defense systems, electronic warfare, military aircraft, and radar systems. We believe that Sage Labs’ product offerings and suspended substrate stripline technology are natural complements to our Microwave Components and Systems Business. We also believe that our vertical manufacturing processes, low-cost manufacturing capabilities, and established military sales channels will provide additional revenue opportunities and improved profitability for Sage Labs products. The aggregate cash purchase price for Sage Labs was $6.5 million.

On June 18, 2010, in a separate transaction, we entered into an agreement with DRS – Signal Solutions, Inc. (“DRS”) under which we acquired certain inventories, equipment, and a fully paid non-royalty bearing license to manufacture and sell certain products using intellectual property owned by DRS. The aggregate cash purchase price for the acquired assets was $1.4 million. The acquired assets are expected to be used to support certain specific customer programs over the next six years.

On November 30, 2009, we acquired substantially all of the assets and assumed certain liabilities of Micro Networks Corporation (“Micro Networks”). Micro Networks, with operations in Worcester, Massachusetts and Auburn, New York, designs and manufactures high-performance data conversion products, custom modules, and a broad line of filters, oscillators, and delay lines based on surface acoustic wave (“SAW”) technology. Micro Networks’ products also include integrated microwave assemblies with hybrid circuit design, precision bulk acoustic wave delay lines and synthesizers. We believe that these products and related SAW technology, which are currently used predominantly in defense and aerospace applications, are a natural extension to our existing Microwave Components and Systems Business. The aggregate cash purchase price for Micro Networks was $12.9 million.

The cash purchase prices for these business acquisitions were predominantly funded by borrowings under our domestic line of credit.

 

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STOCK BUYBACK PROGRAM

We have adopted a stock repurchase program. Under this program, we may repurchase up to $16.0 million of the Company’s outstanding Common Stock. Acquired shares are to be purchased in the open market or through privately negotiated transactions at prevailing market prices. Funding for these repurchases is expected to come from available cash reserves and borrowings under our revolving line of credit facility. The amount and timing of the shares repurchased are based on our ongoing assessment of the Company’s capital structure, liquidity, and the market price of the Company’s Common Stock. The repurchased shares are held as treasury stock. During the year ended November 30, 2010, we did not repurchase any of our Common Stock. Since the inception of the stock repurchase program, 1,677,479 shares have been repurchased at a total cost of $11.8 million.

MARKETS

MILITARY/DEFENSE

Military forces worldwide are dependent on sophisticated electronic equipment. Military aircraft, naval vessels, and fighting vehicles generally contain extensive communication equipment, electronic countermeasure equipment for defense against enemy weapons, smart weapons and munitions, and radar systems. We provide numerous custom microwave components and subsystems, power products, position sensors, specialty connectors, and low pass EMI filters to major equipment manufacturers for installation into these systems. Our customers, in turn, sell their equipment to major defense manufacturers or directly to governments.

Our engineers and technologists work closely with our military/defense customers to design new custom products. Major defense programs, for which our engineers and technologists are currently designing and developing products, include the following:

Modernization of Military Communication Systems

 

  Advanced Extremely High Frequency (“AEHF”) Navy Multiband Terminals (“NMT”) for satellite communications
  Secure Mobile Anti-Jam Reliable Tactical Terminal (“SMART-T”)
  Family of Advanced Beyond Line-of-Sight Terminals (“FAB-T”)
  Modernization of Enterprise Terminals (“MET”)
  Joint Tactical Radio System (“JTRS”), Enhanced Multiband Inter/Intra Team Radio
  Falcon III Radio Systems
  Single Channel Ground and Airborne Radio System (“SINCGARS”)
  Command Post Platforms (“CPP” and “CPP-ML/CP”) to direct operations and control forces
  Warfighter Information Network – Tactical Program (“WIN-T”) to increase communication bandwidth

Domestic and International Missile Defense Systems

 

  Patriot Advanced Capability (“PAC-3”)
  Aegis Combat Systems and Programs (“AEGIS”)
  High Speed Anti-Radiation (“HARM”) Missile Program
  Medium Extended Air Defense System (“MEADS”)
  Evolved Sea Sparrow Missile (“ESSM”)
  Excalibur GPS Guided Artillery
  Advanced Medium Range Air-to-Air Missile Programs (“AMRAAM”)
  Maverick Air-to-Ground Guided Missiles
  Tomahawk Cruise Missile Programs

Military Aircraft and Land Vehicles

 

  Joint Strike Fighter Aircraft
  F-16 Fighter Jets
  MQ-1B Predator Unmanned Aircraft System
  MQ-9 Reaper Remotely Piloted Aircraft
  UH 60 Black Hawk Utility Tactical Transport Helicopter

 

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  RQ-4 Global Hawk Aircraft
  MQ-8 Fire Scout Unmanned Aerial Vehicle
  Bradley Fighting Vehicle
  M1 Abrams Tank
  Stryker Armored Fighting Vehicle
  Joint Light Tactical Vehicle (“JLVT”)

Radar Systems

 

  Light Airborne Multi Purpose Systems (“LAMPS”) Multi-Mode Radar (“MMR ALQ-147”)
  Lightweight Counter Mortar Radar (“LCMR”)
  Ground/Air Task Oriented Radar (“G/ATOR”)
  Synthetic Aperture Radar Systems (“SARS”)
  Missile Approach Warning Systems (“MAWS”)
  AN/TPQ Firefinder Mobile Radar System

Force Protection and Electronic Warfare

 

  Joint Counter Radio Controlled Improvised Explosive Device Electronic Warfare Program (“JCREW”)
  Advanced Self-Protection Integrated Suite (“ASPIS”)
  Advanced Integrated Defense Electronic Warfare System (“AIDEWS”)
  Suite for Integrated RF Countermeasures (“SIRFC”)
  Electronic Signals Intelligence (“ELINT”)
  Intelligence Surveillance Reconnaissance (“ISR”) Systems

Military/defense sales were $97.8 million in 2010 and $80.9 million in 2009, or approximately 60% and 61% of our total sales, respectively. Demand for military/defense products may be impacted by numerous economic, technological and political factors. Accordingly, while we have developed and will continue to develop products for military/defense programs, there can be no assurance that sales to such customers will not decrease in the future.

COMMUNICATIONS EQUIPMENT

We provide a wide range of custom products for use in various communications equipment, including optical networks, data storage, routers, servers, and WiMAX (Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access) systems. We design and manufacture products for both wireline and wireless applications. Wireless communication systems can offer the functional advantages of wired communication systems without the costly and time consuming development of an extensive wired infrastructure. The relative advantages of wireless and wired communication systems with respect to cost, transmission quality, reliability and other factors depend on the specific applications for which such systems are used and the existence of a wired or wireless infrastructure already in place.

The products designed and manufactured by the Company support a wide range of digital wireless communication protocols, systems and standards including Global System for Mobile Communications (“GSM”), Enhanced Data Rates for GSM Evolution (“EDGE”), Third and Fourth Generation Wireless (“3G” and “4G”), Bluetooth, and Voice over Internet (“VoIP”).

Sales to customers in the communications equipment industry were $28.1 million in 2010 and $21.0 million in 2009, or approximately 17% and 16% for our total sales, respectively. Most of these products are custom designed not only to conform to the specifications and requirements of the particular customer, but also to meet the performance and quality standards set by the agency or other governmental body whose regulations are applicable to the specific equipment or usage involved. A significant reduction in orders from such customers would have a materially adverse effect on the Company’s business.

MEDICAL EQUIPMENT, INDUSTRIAL CONTROLS, AND INSTRUMENTATION

We also design and manufacture a broad range of custom products for use in numerous commercial applications including: precision position sensors for robotic surgical equipment, wind instruments, and commercial aerospace; thermal products for high-end HVAC equipment, industrial controls, and food service equipment; power filters for medical imaging (“MRI”) and computed tomography (“CT”) equipment; antennas and related assemblies for asset tracking systems; and microwave products for CATV.

 

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In fiscal 2010, $27.0 million or approximately 16% of our total sales were to customers in the medical equipment, industrial controls, and instrumentation markets. In fiscal 2009, sales to customers in these markets totaled $20.7 million or 16% of our total consolidated sales.

OUR SOLUTION

We believe we are well positioned to capitalize on our long-term market opportunities. We combine engineering expertise, design and testing capabilities and vertically integrated and flexible manufacturing processes to provide custom solutions to our customers’ control products and systems needs.

We Offer Integrated Design, Development and Testing Services. We provide an integrated approach to problem solving by offering our customers consulting, diagnostic testing and design services. We believe that our testing facilities and capabilities exceed those of our major competitors and, accordingly, may give us a competitive advantage. Our engineers typically work closely with customers to develop a product or system design. Although our customers generally provide the initial engineering guidelines for a particular product, our design engineers are often called upon to work together with a customer’s design team to develop a solution. An important part of our solution is ensuring at an early stage, before time and money are spent on manufacturing, that the product design will meet all performance specifications and can be produced efficiently and cost-effectively. Our design engineers include EMI, power, microwave, and sensor specialists. These specialists enable us to provide new and creative solutions for our customers. We believe that by integrating our product design and development efforts with those of our customers, we create increased reliance on us and increased incentives to utilize us as a single source strategic supplier.

We Offer Flexible, Low-Cost Production Capabilities. Once a design is completed, we apply our vertically integrated manufacturing processes to produce a solution that meets our customers’ functionality and cost objectives. We maintain a state-of-the-art ceramic production facility in State College, Pennsylvania, with advanced manufacturing equipment primarily used for the production of specialty ceramic capacitors. These ceramic products are critical components of our EMI filter products. Our State College facility, along with our extensive ceramic expertise, enables us to maintain short lead times for our EMI filter and interconnect prototyping and production orders. We also maintain metal fabrication capabilities with computer numerically controlled (“CNC”) equipment to manufacture the metal utilized in many of our power and microwave products, sensors, and power management systems. By performing the metal fabrication in-house, we are able to shorten the lead time for these product offerings and reduce our overall material costs. Our philosophy of vertical integration, along with utilizing demand flow manufacturing processes, enables us to meet the growing OEM customer demands for flexible production schedules and just-in-time inventories.

We Offer High Quality, High Performance Products. Our customers demand a high level of quality and performance. We believe we meet our customers’ requirements for high quality products manufactured to increasingly exacting specifications, including performance and quality standards that are set by agencies and other governmental bodies whose regulations may apply to specific communications or other equipment. We emphasize a quality culture, driving continuous product improvement and a company-wide commitment to quality. As part of our commitment to high quality manufacturing, all of our domestic and foreign manufacturing facilities have achieved and maintain ISO 9001 certification, and we have been approved by defense customers under the requirements of the U.S. military quality system.

OUR STRATEGY

Our goal is to increase sales and profits by expanding in our existing markets and by entering new markets where we can apply our design and manufacturing capabilities. Key elements of our strategy for achieving this goal include:

Leveraging Our Status as a Strategic Supplier to our OEM Customers. Our status as a strategic supplier to many of our OEM customers presents us with opportunities to develop and design new products for these customers on a collaborative, solutions-oriented basis giving us an advantage over our competitors. We use our position as a strategic supplier to these OEM customers to accelerate the introduction of new, more complex custom electronic products and systems at higher profit margins. We seek to solidify our status as a strategic supplier to our OEM customers by continuing to provide:

 

  High levels of service;
  Extensive product lines;
  Custom and collaborative product design and manufacturing capabilities;
  Product delivery flexibility and reliability; and
  High quality products

 

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Introducing New Product Lines. We continuously seek to develop new product lines and capabilities. Recently, we broadened our Advanced Specialty Products Business to include specialty connectors, advanced ceramics, antennas, and related assemblies. This product line expansion was largely generated by enhancing our capabilities to design and manufacture planar capacitors and internally machined connector shells. This now enables us to design and manufacture specialty connectors, including circular connectors. Circular connectors are used in numerous military/defense applications including falcon radios, movement tracking systems (MTS) for military vehicles, and communication systems for mine resistant ambush protected (MRAP) vehicles. In addition, we have recently developed numerous antenna products including loop antennas, wide beam aperture antennas, and wide bandwidth slot antennas. These specialty antennas have many commercial and military applications including asset tracking systems, down hole drilling, commercial satellites, and soldier wearable antennas. In 2010, our Sensors and Controls Business developed a Hall Effect non-contact position sensor. Hall Effect sensors convert energy from a magnetic field into an electrical signal, enabling their contact-less operation and yielding nearly unlimited life cycles. As a result, these sensors are ideal for applications requiring ultra precise and high-reliability sensing. On an ongoing basis, our primary focus is on new higher-margin products to exploit the long-term expected growth in wireless devices and defense applications. Our customers increasingly look for greater capability to produce value-added systems integrating our existing custom products. To respond to our customers’ needs, we intend increasingly to design and manufacture more sophisticated electronic control systems and assemblies.

Expanding the Markets for Our Power Management Systems. We continue to develop and expand our advanced systems product offerings to leverage our core competencies in design, manufacturing and assembly to become a diversified provider of higher margin power management systems. Recently, we successfully introduced a ruggedized version of our AC SMART Start product. These multifunctional units direct and manage power to connected servers and networking equipment, while providing remote operational flexibility and control. Our newly developed ruggedized version is ideally suited for military applications. In recent years, we’ve also expanded our product offerings to include a full line of off-the-shelf AC power strips. For several years, we have been a reliable and cost effective provider of custom AC power strip solutions for many large OEM customers. By creating a standard line of AC power strips, we are now providing these products to a larger marketplace. Typical applications for our AC power strips include data centers, financial centers, communication base stations, portable deployable communication racks, transit cases, and network operating centers. Traditionally, our power management systems have primarily served the communication equipment market. Our current focus for these products has expanded into numerous military/defense applications including Command Post Platforms (“CPP”), Power Entry Panels (“PEP”), and Joint Light Tactical Vehicles (“JLTV”). We expect to continuously develop and introduce new power management system product offerings in the future.

Pursuing Acquisitions that Enhance Our Product Offerings. We continue to pursue acquisitions complementary to our core businesses. We consummated three business acquisitions (Summit, Sage Labs, and DRS) in fiscal 2010, and we acquired Micro Networks at the end of fiscal 2009. In addition to these recent acquisitions, we have made several other acquisitions in the past few years. In 2008, we acquired SatCon Electronics, Inc. (“SatCon”), a designer and manufacturer of high performance microelectronic components used in numerous military and commercial applications, including secure communication systems and high frequency wireless devices. These sophisticated products include hybrid components and subsystems, signal converters, millimeterwave components, and a full line of thin and thick film circuits. We believe these products are a natural complement and extension of our Microwave Components and Systems Business. In 2007, we acquired EMF Systems, Inc. (“EMF”), a designer and manufacturer of custom oscillator-based products. In addition to a broad line of oscillator components, EMF’s products include synthesizers, phase-locked oscillators, and other integrated microwave assemblies. These products further expanded our microwave capabilities and product offerings with additional applications in military radar systems, secure communications, and commercial weather radar. Acquisitions remain a significant element of our overall growth strategy, as we continue to expand our technologies and product offerings within our four business segments.

With OEM’s increasingly demanding higher levels of service and lower overall product costs from their electronic component and systems suppliers, we believe that additional acquisition opportunities will emerge as smaller suppliers with insufficient technical and design expertise and limited access to capital choose to sell to larger organizations with greater technical and financial resources. We also expect to see acquisition opportunities from large manufacturers as they seek to focus their product offerings on those fully utilizing their core competencies.

Remaining a Low-Cost, Efficient Producer. Our customers are under worldwide competitive pressure to reduce their product costs and these pressures are passed along to component and systems manufacturers. We are constantly seeking to reduce our material and labor costs, develop cost-effective manufacturing equipment and processes, and design our manufacturing plants for efficient production. We have been able to reduce the manufacturing cost for many of our products by increasing materials efficiency, improving production yields, and utilizing in-house metal fabrication capabilities. In addition, we have taken steps to reduce assembly direct labor costs by locating plants in areas with relatively low-cost labor, such as Juarez, Mexico and Qiao Tou Town, China (located in the Guangdong province of southern China). We believe our low-cost manufacturing centers in Mexico and China, along with our efforts to continuously reduce other operating costs, enable us to effectively compete in a global marketplace.

 

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PRODUCTS

The Company’s product offerings include various advanced specialty products, microwave components and systems, power management systems, and sensors and controls.

ADVANCED SPECIALTY PRODUCTS

Recently, we expanded our product capabilities for a wide range of sophisticated components and assemblies including antennas, unfiltered interconnects, cable assemblies, specialty ceramics, and film modules. These products have been added to our comprehensive line of EMI coaxial filters and filtered interconnects. Our advanced specialty products provide solutions for military and aerospace applications such as weapons guidance systems, missile defense, radios, secure communications, aircraft, and military vehicles. Communications equipment applications include base stations, switching equipment, GPS, and optical networks. In addition, our advanced specialty products are utilized within commercial aircraft, industrial controls, instrumentation, medical, consumer, and automotive markets.

Our current product offerings include the following:

ANTENNA ASSEMBLIES

 

   

Patch antennas

   

Microstrip antennas

   

Slot antennas

   

Arrays and assemblies

SPECIALTY CONNECTORS AND HARNESSING

 

   

Circular connectors

   

Audio connectors

   

Glass sealed connectors

   

Value added terminations, cables, and harnesses

EMI COAXIAL FILTERS AND INTERCONNECTS

 

   

Resin and hermetically sealed filters

   

Motor-line feed through filters

   

High current and high voltage filters

   

Miniature hermetically sealed and surface mount filters

   

Filter plates and terminal blocks

   

D-sub and combo filtered connectors

   

Ribbon and datacomm connectors

   

USB filtered and ESD protected connectors

POWER FILTERS AND FILM MODULES

 

   

Commercial power filters

   

Military and aerospace power filters

   

Power entry modules

   

Film feed through filters

   

Film modules

ADVANCED CERAMICS

 

   

Structural ceramics

   

Capacitor arrays

   

Planar capacitors

   

Discoidal and tubular capacitors

   

Thick and thin film

During the year ended November 30, 2010, approximately 31% of our total consolidated revenue was generated from the sale of advanced specialty products.

 

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MICROWAVE COMPONENTS AND SYSTEMS

We design and manufacture a broad range of RF and microwave products. Currently, these products are predominately sold into military/defense markets for applications in communication jamming systems, radar systems, countermeasures, radio, electronic warfare, and weapons guidance systems. Wireless commercial applications for our microwave components and systems include base stations and towers, WiFi, HDTV and CATV, as well as medical imaging equipment.

Our current product offerings include the following:

RF AND MICROWAVE AMPLIFIERS

 

   

Ultra low phase noise

   

Medium power broadband models

   

High reverse isolation AMPS

   

High linearity designs

RF AND MICROWAVE MIXERS

 

   

Broadband triple balanced models

   

High isolation double balanced designs

   

Multi-octave doublers

   

High image suppression models

FREQUENCY CONTROL PRODUCTS

 

   

Low phase noise voltage controlled oscillators

   

High frequency dielectric resonator oscillators

   

Multi-throw switches

   

Low phase noise synthesizers

RF AND MICROWAVE FILTERS

 

   

High selectivity cavity filters

   

Low loss tubular filters

   

Low profile lumped element designs

   

Low cost ceramic filters

   

Multi-channel switched filter banks

INTEGRATED RF AND MICROWAVE SOLUTIONS

 

   

Integrated microwave assemblies

   

High frequency receivers

   

Microelectronic components

During the year ended November 30, 2010, approximately 49% of our total consolidated revenue was generated from the sale of microwave components and systems.

POWER MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS

Our power management systems include a line of digital radio-frequency control equipment designed to monitor various functions and equipment and provide automatic management, as well as remote management, through wireless or external communication links. These remote management systems incorporate highly flexible software that enable our customers to control and monitor their systems from remote locations. The primary commercial markets for these systems include optical equipment, data centers, wireless base stations, and IT hubs. In addition, we offer a line of custom and standard power strips, and circuit protection systems for both AC and DC power applications. Military/defense is a growing market for our power management products with applications in mobile command platforms, simulators, radar systems, and ATE equipment.

Our current product offerings include the following:

AC POWER SOLUTIONS

 

   

Smart start switched power distribution units

   

AC Smart start power sequencers

   

Power entry panels with circuit protection

   

Specialty Hi-Rel power management systems

   

Monitored power strips

   

Single and three phase power strips

 

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DC POWER SOLUTIONS

 

   

Circuit breaker interface panels

   

Fuse interface panels

   

Data acquisition and monitoring modules

   

Specialty Hi-Rel power management systems

   

Smart start power sequencers

TACTICAL MILITARY VEHICLE AND TRANSIT CASE POWER SOLUTIONS

 

   

Smart start technology with sequencing for AC or DC

   

Transfer switches

   

Surge protection

   

Embedded battery charger

   

Integrated EMI filters

During the year ended November 30, 2010, approximately 7% of our total consolidated revenue was generated from the sale of power management systems.

SENSORS AND CONTROLS

We design and manufacture high reliability precision position sensors and transducers, as well as a broad line of temperature sensors and thermal products. Our precision position sensors and control products are based on several proprietary technologies, including a flush circuit conductive plastic element for long-term reliability. In addition, our new non-contact position sensors offer ultra-high precision and reliability. Our sensors and controls are used in numerous industries worldwide including military/defense, commercial aerospace, medical equipment, wind instruments, HVAC equipment, food service, and industrial automation.

Our current product offerings include the following:

POSITION SENSORS AND CONTROLS

 

   

Motorized potentiometers

   

Fadar and hollow shaft potentiometers

   

Element segments and wiper assemblies

ADVANCED THERMAL PRODUCTS

 

   

Temperature sensing probes and assemblies

   

Heater assemblies

   

Positive temperature coefficient (PTC) thermistors

   

Negative temperature coefficient (NTC) thermistors

PRECISION INERTIA PRODUCTS

 

   

Accelerometers

   

Angular rate gyros

   

Inertial measurement systems

During the year ended November 30, 2010, approximately 13% of our total consolidated revenue was generated from the sale of sensors and controls.

 

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REPORTABLE OPERATING SEGMENTS

The Company designs, develops and manufactures custom electronic components and systems.

The Company’s current operations are conducted in four reportable segments: advanced specialty products, microwave components and systems, power management systems, and sensors and controls. The reportable segments are each managed separately because they manufacture and sell distinct products with different production processes.

The Company evaluates performance and allocates resources to its reportable segments based upon numerous factors, including segment income before income taxes. The accounting policies of the reportable segments are the same as those utilized in the preparation of the Company’s consolidated financial statements. However, substantially all of the Company’s general and administrative expenses, and nonoperating expenses, are not allocated to the Company’s reportable operating segments and, accordingly, these expenses are not deducted in arriving at segment income. Segment reportable assets are comprised of certain tangible assets (property, plant, equipment, and inventories) and goodwill.

For each period presented, the accounting policies and procedures used to determine segment income have been consistently applied. For the years ended November 30, 2010, 2009, and 2008, reportable segment information is as follows (in thousands):

 

2010

   Advanced
Specialty
Products
     Microwave
Components
and Systems
     Power
Management
Systems
     Sensors
and
Controls
     Total  

Revenue from unaffiliated customers

   $ 51,155       $ 79,935       $ 12,069       $ 20,777       $ 163,936   

Depreciation and amortization expense

     1,895         3,699         304         870         6,768   

Segment income

     9,684         13,224         3,586         3,280         29,774   

Segment assets

              

Tangible assets

     20,642         31,768         2,496         9,047         63,953   

Goodwill

     14,243         20,966         -         10,658         45,867   

Capital expenditures

     2,013         3,435         221         546         6,215   

2009

                                  

Revenue from unaffiliated customers

     42,001         60,069         10,268         19,968         132,306   

Depreciation and amortization expense

     1,953         2,601         280         812         5,646   

Segment income

     5,332         10,021         2,758         3,448         21,559   

Segment assets

              

Tangible assets

     20,125         25,482         2,743         7,541         55,891   

Goodwill

     14,243         23,046         -         7,706         44,995   

Capital expenditures

     1,030         2,326         99         298         3,753   

2008

                                  

Revenue from unaffiliated customers

     52,060         45,942         9,879         22,813         130,694   

Depreciation and amortization expense

     1,990         1,977         258         875         5,100   

Segment income

     9,343         5,492         1,705         3,771         20,311   

Segment assets

              

Tangible assets

     21,966         21,052         2,854         7,239         53,111   

Goodwill

     14,243         14,862         -         7,706         36,811   

Capital expenditures

     1,367         1,896         432         719         4,414   

 

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For the years ended November 30, 2010, 2009, and 2008, reconciliations of reportable segment information to the Company’s consolidated financial statements are as follows (in thousands):

 

Depreciation and amortization expense

   2010     2009     2008  

Total depreciation and amortization expense for reportable segments

   $ 6,768      $ 5,646      $ 5,100   

Unallocated amounts:

      

Depreciation and amortization expense related to general and administrative activities

     100        75        81   
                        

Consolidated depreciation and amortization expense

   $ 6,868      $ 5,721      $ 5,181   
                        

Income before provision for income taxes

   2010     2009     2008  

Total income for reportable segments

   $ 29,774      $ 21,559      $ 20,311   

Unallocated amounts:

      

General and administrative expense

     (9,340     (7,955     (6,967

Interest expense

     (100     (190     (369

Other income and (expense), net

     (30     (26     505   
                        

Consolidated income before provision for income taxes

   $ 20,304      $ 13,388      $ 13,480   
                        

Assets

   2010     2009     2008  

Total assets for reportable segments

   $ 109,820      $ 100,886      $ 89,922   

Unallocated amounts:

      

Cash and cash equivalents

     2,754        6,090        5,397   

Accounts receivable

     25,892        22,623        24,043   

Other current assets

     2,824        3,859        3,991   

Other noncurrent assets

     16,332        10,271        11,431   
                        

Total consolidated assets

   $ 157,622      $ 143,729      $ 134,784   
                        

Capital expenditures

   2010     2009     2008  

Total capital expenditures for reportable segments

   $ 6,215      $ 3,753      $ 4,414   

Unallocated amounts:

      

Capital expenditures related to general and administrative activities

     183        199        26   
                        

Total consolidated capital expenditures

   $ 6,398      $ 3,952      $ 4,440   
                        

 

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The Company has operations in the United States, Mexico, China and Germany. Sales are attributed to individual countries based on the location of the customer. The geographic distribution of sales and long-lived assets for 2010, 2009, and 2008, is as follows (in thousands):

 

2010

   United
States
     Mexico      China      Germany      All
Other
Countries
     Total  

Revenue from unaffiliated customers

   $ 135,174       $ 1,583       $ 2,635       $ 2,957       $ 21,587       $ 163,936   

Long-lived assets:

                 

Property, plant and equipment

     28,316         91         788         15         -         29,210   

2009

                                         

Revenue from unaffiliated customers

     110,612         658         2,111         2,535         16,390         132,306   

Long-lived assets:

                 

Property, plant and equipment

     25,164         116         1,086         17         -         26,383   

2008

                                         

Revenue from unaffiliated customers

     101,891         1,122         3,652         4,231         19,798         130,694   

Long-lived assets:

                 

Property, plant and equipment

     25,599         71         1,558         22         -         27,250   

The Company expects that international sales will continue to account for a significant portion of its total sales. There can be no assurance, however, that the Company will be able to maintain or increase international demand for the Company’s products or that the Company will be able to effectively meet that demand. The Company’s international sales are denominated in several different currencies including U.S. Dollars, British Pounds Sterling, and the Euro. An increase in the value of these currencies relative to other foreign currencies could make the Company’s products more expensive and, therefore, potentially less competitive in those markets. Additional risks inherent in the Company’s international business activities include potentially adverse tax consequences, repatriation of earnings, and the burdens of complying with a variety of foreign laws. There can be no assurance that such factors will not have an adverse effect on the Company’s future results of operations.

In 2010, 2009, and 2008, the Company’s largest single customer (a prime supplier to the military/defense industry) represented 8%, 8% and 4%, respectively, of total consolidated net sales. Sales to this major customer consisted of various microwave components and systems, as well as certain advanced specialty products.

 

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PRODUCTION

The Company substantially relies on its internal manufacturing capabilities for production of its custom products and systems. At its facility in State College, Pennsylvania, the Company designs and manufactures various specialty ceramic components including tubular and discoidal capacitors. These specialty capacitors are primarily utilized in the manufacture of EMI filters and EMI interconnect products at the Company’s facility in Fairview, Pennsylvania and its low-cost manufacturing center in Juarez, Mexico.

Our extensive machining capabilities are integral to our ability to deliver custom product solutions to our customers. We utilize six major machining centers, supported by three design and prototype satellite machining centers, to help us respond to our customers’ design and timing requirements. Our primary machining centers are operated within our manufacturing facilities in State College, Pennsylvania; Grass Valley, California; Palm Bay, Florida; Juarez, Mexico; Qiao Tou Town, China; and Wesson, Mississippi. Our design and satellite machining centers are in our Delmar, Delaware; Columbia, Maryland; and Fairview, Pennsylvania manufacturing facilities. Within these facilities, we have more than 50 dedicated CNC machines. A complementary resource to our machining capability is our metal fabrication operations in Wesson, Mississippi.

The Company currently designs and manufactures its microwave products in several locations including: Philadelphia and State College, Pennsylvania; Delmar, Delaware; Palm Bay, Florida; Marlborough, Massachusetts; Hudson, New Hampshire; and Columbia, Maryland. Manufacturing at these facilities primarily relates to military products and certain low-volume commercial components. Many of the Company’s commercial microwave products are manufactured at our facility in Juarez, Mexico. The design and manufacture of most of our sensors and control products occur in Grass Valley, California (position sensors); St. Marys, Pennsylvania (temperature sensors); and Akron, Ohio (inertia sensors). Our power management systems are designed in State College, Pennsylvania. Manufacturing of these products for military and defense applications occur in State College, while most commercial applications for these systems are manufactured at our facility in Qiao Tou Town, China. The design of our advanced specialty products is currently performed at our facilities in Fairview and State College, Pennsylvania. Manufacturing of these products is conducted at our facilities in Juarez, Mexico; Qiao Tou Town, China; as well as our two Pennsylvania facilities. Although the Company produces a standardized line of products for sale from inventory or through distributors, most orders require relatively short production runs of custom designed components.

The Company purchases brass bushings, castings, miniature metal stampings, as well as other hardware used in the assembly and production of its products. These items are available from numerous sources. The principal raw materials used by the Company in the manufacture of ceramic capacitors are barium titanate ceramic, silver, palladium, and platinum. Precious metals are available from many sources; however, their prices may be subject to significant fluctuations and such fluctuations may have a material and adverse affect on the Company’s operating results.

The Company’s customers demand a high level of quality. As a result, the Company maintains an extensive quality control system designed to meet the requirements of sophisticated defense and commercial products. The Company has been approved by defense customers under the requirements of the U.S. military quality system, which approval is also often accepted by commercial customers. In addition, all of the Company’s facilities have achieved and maintain ISO 9001 certification.

In recent years, a majority of the Company’s capital investment has been expended to establish new production lines and improve manufacturing processes. There can be no assurance that the Company can continue to make such investments in a timely manner so as to take advantage of market demand.

SALES AND DISTRIBUTION

The Company sells its products through a combination of manufacturers’ representatives, internal sales force, and distribution. The Company maintains representatives throughout North America and Europe, and portions of South America, Asia and the Middle East. The Company’s internal sales organization includes employees dedicated to certain microwave product sales, new business development, and distribution sales management. In fiscal 2010, approximately 14% of the Company’s consolidated sales were through distribution. Domestic distribution is done through various national and regional distributors. International distribution is primarily done through the Company’s wholly-owned German subsidiary, Spectrum Control GmbH.

During fiscal year 2010, the Company sold its products to approximately 2,200 accounts. Sales of products to the Company’s top ten customers represented 38.1% ($62.5 million) of total consolidated net sales in 2010. The top ten customers primarily consist of military/defense prime contractors, original equipment manufacturers of communications equipment, and electronic product distributors. All of the Company’s major customers are unaffiliated with Spectrum Control, Inc. and its subsidiaries.

 

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Shipments are made by common carrier. Most of the Company’s advanced specialty products, sensors, and microwave products are either small or miniaturized and light weight. Accordingly, shipping charges for these products are not significant to the Company’s business. However, transportation costs for the Company’s power products and power management systems may be significant. Accordingly, shipping charges and delivery time for these products may affect the Company’s ability to compete for business, particularly in international markets.

No material portion of the Company’s business is subject to renegotiation of profits or termination of contracts or sub-contracts at the election of the U.S. Government.

BACKLOG

The Company’s backlog, which consists of purchase orders by customers, totaled approximately $82.2 million at November 30, 2010 and $73.2 million at November 30, 2009. It is anticipated that approximately 90% of the Company’s backlog as of November 30, 2010 will be shipped within one year. Annual requirement contracts are taken into backlog only to the extent that orders are actually released thereunder. Although the terms and conditions contained in the Company’s quotation forms place certain restrictions on a customer’s right to cancel, purchase orders generally provide for cancellation. In practice, the Company negotiates each cancellation and schedule change based on the cost it has incurred prior to such occurrence. The Company expects to continually reduce its average lead time (the length of time from the receipt of a customer order to shipment of finished product to the customer). As a result, the Company’s backlog may decrease in the future due to reduced lead times.

EMPLOYEES

As of November 30, 2010, the Company had a total of 1,631 employees, including 48 in sales, marketing and customer support; 165 in engineering, product development and technical support; 1,331 in manufacturing and production; 33 in accounting and finance; and 54 in administration. The Company’s future success depends in significant part upon the continued service of its key technical and senior management personnel and its continued ability to attract and retain highly qualified technical and managerial personnel. Competition for such personnel is intense, and there can be no assurance that the Company can retain its key managerial and technical employees or that it can attract, assimilate, or retain other highly qualified technical and managerial personnel in the future. None of the Company’s employees is represented by a labor union. The Company has not experienced any work stoppages and considers its relations with its employees to be good.

PROPRIETARY RIGHTS

The Company relies on trade secrets, know-how, and to a lesser extent patents, to establish and protect proprietary rights to technologies and products. Trade secrets and know-how are protected through confidentiality agreements and internal procedures. In connection with the manufacture and sale of its custom products and systems, the Company owns numerous United States and foreign patents and has certain patents pending. None of these patents and patent applications are critical to the Company’s business. The Company’s policy is to file patent applications to protect proprietary technology, inventions and improvements. There can be no assurance that patents will issue from any of the Company’s pending applications or that any claims allowed from existing or pending patents will be sufficiently broad to protect the Company’s technology. While the Company intends to protect its intellectual property rights vigorously, there can be no assurance that any patents held by the Company will not be challenged, invalidated or circumvented, or the rights granted thereunder will provide competitive advantages to the Company.

 

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ENVIRONMENTAL MATTERS

We own certain land and manufacturing facilities in State College, Pennsylvania. The property, which was acquired from Murata Electronics North America (“Murata”) in December 2005, consists of approximately 53 acres of land and 250,000 square feet of manufacturing facilities. Among other uses, the acquired facilities have become the design and manufacturing center for our ceramic operations.

The purchase price for the acquired property consisted of: (a) $1.00, plus (b) closing costs of $695,000 including realtor commissions, transfer taxes, and legal fees; plus (c) the assumption of, and indemnification of Murata against, all environmental liabilities related to the property. The acquired property has known environmental conditions that require remediation, and certain hazardous materials previously used on the property have migrated into neighboring third party areas. These environmental issues arose from the use of chlorinated organic solvents including tetrachloroethylene (“PCE”) and trichloroethylene (“TCE”). As a condition to the purchase, we entered into an agreement with the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (“PADEP”) pursuant to which: (a) we agreed to remediate all known environmental conditions relating to the property to a specified industrial standard, with our costs for remediating such conditions being capped at $4.0 million; (b) PADEP released Murata from further claims by Pennsylvania under specified state laws for the known environmental condition; and (c) we purchased an insurance policy providing clean-up cost cap coverage (for known and unknown pollutants) with a combined coverage limit of approximately $8.2 million, and pollution legal liability coverage (for possible third party claims) with an aggregate coverage limit of $25.0 million. The total premium cost for the insurance policy, which has a ten year term and an aggregate deductible of $650,000, was $4.8 million. The cost of the insurance associated with the environmental clean-up ($3.6 million) is being charged to general and administrative expense in direct proportion to the actual remediation costs incurred. The cost of the insurance associated with the pollution legal liability coverage ($1.2 million) is being charged to general and administrative expense on a pro rata basis over the ten year policy term.

Based upon our environmental review of the property, we recorded a liability of $2.9 million to cover probable future environmental expenditures related to the remediation, the cost of which is expected to be entirely covered by the insurance policy. As of November 30, 2010, remediation expenditures of $2.2 million have been incurred and charged against the environmental liability, with all such expenditures being reimbursed by the insurance carrier. The remaining aggregate undiscounted expenditures of $713,000, which are anticipated to be incurred over the next five years, principally consist of: (a) continued operation and monitoring of the existing on-site groundwater extraction, treatment, and recharge system; (b) completion of soil investigations to determine the extent of potential soil contamination; (c) excavation and off-site disposal of soil containing contaminates above acceptable standards; and (d) implementation of soil vapor extraction systems in certain areas. Depending upon the results of future environmental testing and remediation actions, it is possible that the ultimate costs incurred could exceed the current aggregate estimate of $2.9 million. We expect such increase, if any, to be entirely covered by the insurance policy. Insurance recoveries for actual environmental remediation costs incurred are recorded when it is probable that such insurance reimbursement will be received and the related amounts are determinable. Such insurance recoveries are credited to our general and administrative expense. Based on the current remediation plan, $280,000 of the total remediation costs are expected to be incurred during the next twelve months.

We are subject to various laws and governmental regulations concerning environmental matters and employee safety and health in the United States and other countries. U.S. federal environmental legislation having particular impact on us includes the Toxic Substances Control Act; the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act; the Clean Air Act; the Clean Water Act; and the Safe Drinking Water Act. We also are subject to regulation by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (“OSHA”) concerning employee safety and health matters. The United States Environmental Protection Agency (“EPA”), OSHA, and other federal agencies have the authority to promulgate regulations that have an impact on our operations.

In addition to these federal agencies, various states have been delegated certain authority under the aforementioned federal statutes. Many state and local governments have adopted environmental and employee safety and health laws and regulations, some of which are similar to federal requirements. State and federal authorities may seek fines and penalties for violation of these laws and regulations. As part of our continuing environmental program, we have been able to comply with such proceedings and orders without any materially adverse effect on our business. We are not currently involved in any significant legal proceedings involving environmental matters.

GOVERNMENT REGULATIONS

In order to qualify as an approved supplier of products for use in equipment purchased by the military services or aerospace programs, the Company is required to meet the applicable portions of the quality specifications and performance standards designed by the Air Force, the Army, and the Navy. The Company’s products must also conform to the specifications of the Defense Electronic Supply Center for replacement parts supplied to the military. To the extent required, the Company meets or exceeds all of these specifications.

 

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The Company’s products are often incorporated into communications systems which are subject to various FCC regulations. Regulatory changes, including changes in the allocation of available frequency spectrum, could significantly impact the Company’s operations by restricting development efforts by the Company’s customers, obsoleting current products or increasing the opportunity for additional competition. Changes in, or the failure by the Company to comply with, applicable domestic and international regulations could have an adverse effect on the Company’s business, operating results and financial condition. In addition, the increasing demand for wireless communications has exerted pressure on regulatory bodies worldwide to adopt new standards for such products and services, generally following extensive investigation of and deliberation over competing technologies. The delays inherent in this government approval process may cause the cancellation, postponement or rescheduling of the installation of communications systems by the Company’s customers, which in turn may have a material adverse effect on the sale of products by the Company to such customers.

COMPETITION

The markets for the Company’s products are intensely competitive and are characterized by technological change and product obsolescence. The principal competitors of our Advanced Specialty Products Business include: Amphenol Corporation; Carlisle Interconnect Technologies; Sabritec, a Smiths Group company; CTS Corporation; Corcom, a Tyco Electronics company; Schaffner Holder AG; and Captor Corporation. The major competitors for our Power Management Systems include: Powerware and Pulizzi, power businesses of Eaton; American Power Conversion, a Schneider Electric company; Server Technology; and Data Device Corporation. Major competitors for our Microwave Components and Systems Business include K&L Microwave, a Dover company; Lorch Microwave, a Smiths Group company; Teledyne Cougar; M/A Com, a Cobham PLC company; and Murata Manufacturing Company. Competition for our Sensors and Controls Business comes from many sources including Betatronix, LLC; BetaTHERM Corporation; Honeywell Sensing and Controls; Thermalogic Corporation; and Smith Systems, Inc. Many of the Company’s current and potential competitors have significantly greater financial, technical, manufacturing, and marketing resources than the Company. These competitors may be able to engage in sustained price reductions in the Company’s primary markets to gain market share. Furthermore, the Company currently supplies custom products and systems to large OEM customers that are continuously evaluating whether to manufacture their own products and systems or purchase them from outside sources.

The Company believes that its ability to compete in its current markets depends on factors both within and outside the Company’s control, including the timing and success of new product introductions by the Company and its competitors, availability of ceramic and assembly manufacturing capability, the Company’s ability to support decreases in selling price through operating cost reductions, adequate sources of raw materials, product quality, and general economic conditions. There can be no assurance that the Company will be able to compete successfully in the future.

RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT

The Company’s position as a leading designer, developer and manufacturer of custom products and systems is largely the result of a long history of technological innovation. The Company’s research and development efforts are focused on expanding the Company’s materials technology, improving existing product offerings, developing new product offerings, and designing specialized production equipment to improve manufacturing efficiencies. As of November 30, 2010 the Company employed 165 individuals in engineering, technical support, and product development. In addition to their design and development activities, the engineering staff participates with the Company’s marketing department in proposal preparation and applications support for customers. Research and development expense was $5.6 million in 2010, $4.4 million in 2009, and $3.7 million in 2008.

WEBSITE ACCESS TO COMPANY REPORTS AND GOVERANCE DOCUMENTS

The Company’s annual reports on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K, and all amendments to those reports are available free of charge on the Company’s website at www.spectrumcontrol.com as soon as reasonably practicable after such material is electronically filed with or furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission. Copies of the Company’s annual report are also available, free of charge, upon written request. Charters of the Company’s Audit Committee, Compensation Committee, and Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee, along with the Company’s Code of Ethics and Business Conduct, and other governance documents, are available for viewing on the Company’s website.

OTHER MATTERS

The business of the Company is not subject to any significant seasonal fluctuations.

The Company does not believe that it has any special practices or special conditions affecting working capital items that are significant for an understanding of its business.

 

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Item 1A. Risk Factors

The Company is exposed to certain risk factors that may affect future consolidated operating and financial results. The risks and uncertainties described below are not the only risks and uncertainties that we face. Additional risks and uncertainties not presently known to us or that are currently deemed immaterial may also impair our future business operations.

Significance of Military and Defense Spending

Military aircraft, naval vessels, and certain military vehicles contain extensive communications systems, electronic countermeasure equipment for defense against enemy weapons, smart weapons and munitions, and radar systems. We provide advanced specialty products and various microwave components and integrated assemblies to major equipment manufacturers for installation into these systems. In addition, our precision position sensors are used in numerous military vehicles and aircraft. In fiscal year 2010, military/defense sales represented approximately 60% of our total consolidated sales. In recent years, demand for our products has been favorably impacted by an upward trend in U.S. defense spending. Future defense budgets, however, may be impacted by numerous economic and political factors. In addition, the specific programs in which we participate, or in which we may seek to participate in the future, must compete with other programs for consideration during the budget formulation and appropriation processes. While we believe many of our products are used in high priority military/defense programs, one or more of the programs that we currently serve could be phased-out or terminated. Reductions in these existing programs, unless offset by other programs and opportunities, would adversely affect our future revenues and profitability.

Volatile Communications Equipment Market

In fiscal year 2010, approximately 17% of our consolidated sales were to original equipment manufacturers of communications equipment, with a significant portion of these sales supporting wireless infrastructure equipment. Several years ago, capital expenditures for wireless infrastructure equipment by service providers declined dramatically. Market conditions in the industry remain unpredictable and overall capital spending for wireless infrastructure equipment is still volatile. If the current market conditions deteriorate, it will have a material negative impact on our future operating performance.

Competitive Markets

The markets for our products are extremely competitive and are characterized by rapid technological change, new product development and evolving industry standards. We face competition from component manufacturers which have integration capabilities, as well as from the internal capabilities of large original equipment manufacturers and defense prime contractors. Our future success will depend in part upon the extent to which these parties elect to purchase from outside sources rather than manufacture their own components and systems. Many of our current and potential competitors have substantially greater financial, technical, marketing, distribution and other resources than us, and have greater name recognition and market acceptance of their products and technologies. Our competitors may develop new technologies or products that may offer superior price or performance features, and new products or technologies may render our customers’ products obsolete.

General Economic Conditions

A continuation or resurgence of the recent global economic downturn and credit crisis may have a significant negative impact on our business, financial condition, and future results of operations. Specific risk factors related to these overall economic and credit conditions include the following: customer or potential customers may reduce or delay their new product development and component procurement; key suppliers may become insolvent resulting in delays for our material purchases; vendors and other third parties may fail to perform their contractual obligations; customers may be unable to obtain credit to finance purchases of our products; and certain customers may become insolvent. These risk factors could reduce our product sales, increase our operating costs, impact our ability to manage inventory levels and collect customer receivables, lengthen our cash conversion cycle and increase our need for cash, which would ultimately decrease our profitability and negatively impact our financial condition.

 

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Need for Continuous New Product Development

We must continue to make significant investments in research and development efforts in order to develop necessary product enhancements, new designs and technologies. We may not be able to obtain a sufficient number of engineers, or other technical support staff, or the funds necessary to support our research and development efforts when needed. In addition, our research and development efforts may not be successful, and our new products may not achieve market acceptance. Our customers’ technologies are complex and new products and enhancements developed by our customers can in turn require long development periods for our new products or for enhancement or adaptation of our existing products. If we are unable to develop and introduce new products or enhancements in a timely manner in response to changing market conditions or customer requirements, or if our new products do not achieve market acceptance, our business, financial condition and operating results could suffer.

Integrating Acquired Businesses

As part of our growth strategy, we expect to make strategic acquisitions which expand our technologies, product offerings, and customer base. Historically, our acquisitions have been integrated into our existing businesses. The acquisition and integration of businesses includes numerous risks, including the following: (1) potential exposure to unknown liabilities of the acquired companies; (2) higher than anticipated acquisition costs and expenses; (3) potential disruption to our ongoing business and diversion of management time and attention; (4) difficulties in adopting and maintaining uniform standards, controls, procedures, and policies; (5) loss of key employees and customers as a result of changes in management; and (6) possible dilution to our shareholders. We may not be successful in overcoming these risks or any other problems encountered in connection with any of our acquisitions. In addition, we may make a strategic acquisition knowing that the transaction may adversely affect our short-term profitability, perhaps because the acquisition candidate may be experiencing operating losses. We may believe that the benefits of acquiring such a company outweigh the operating losses the candidate is experiencing and the losses that we expect to experience before being able to make the acquisition candidate profitable. The completion of such an acquisition in the future would negatively affect our profitability and may cause a decline in our stock price. Future acquisitions may also require significant increases in our bank indebtedness, and related restrictive loan covenants, which may negatively impact our future operating performance and financial results.

Retaining and Attracting Technical Personnel

There is a continuing demand for qualified technical personnel. We believe that our future growth and success will depend upon our ability to attract, train and retain such personnel. Competition for personnel in our industry is intense and there are a limited number of persons, especially engineers, with knowledge of and experience in our technologies. Our design and development efforts depend on hiring and retaining qualified technical personnel. Although we currently experience relatively low rates of turnover for our technical personnel, the rate of turnover may increase in the future. An inability to attract or maintain a sufficient number of technical personnel could have a material adverse effect on our operating performance or on our ability to capitalize on market opportunities.

Protecting Intellectual Property Rights

Our success is dependent upon our proprietary technology. We do not currently have any patents that are material to our business. We rely principally on trade secret and copyright laws, certain employee and third-party non-disclosure agreements, as well as limited access to and distribution of proprietary information, in order to protect our technology. Trade secret laws afford us limited protection because they cannot be used to prevent third parties from reverse engineering and reproducing our products. Similarly, copyright laws afford us limited protection because copyright protection extends only to how an idea is expressed and does not protect the idea itself. Moreover, third parties could independently develop technologies that compete with our technologies. We cannot provide assurance that the obligations on the part of our employees and business partners to maintain the confidentiality of our proprietary technology will prevent disclosure of such information by our employees or third parties. Litigation may be necessary for us to defend against claims of infringement or protect our proprietary technology, which could result in substantial cost to us and diversion of our efforts. We cannot provide assurances that we would prevail in any such litigation. Our inability to protect our proprietary technology could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. Although we believe that our products and proprietary rights do not infringe on the patents and proprietary rights of third parties, we cannot provide assurance that infringement claims, regardless of merit, will not be asserted against us. In addition, effective copyright and trade secret protection of our proprietary technology may be unavailable or limited in certain foreign countries.

 

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International Sales and Operations

In fiscal year 2010, sales to international customers comprised approximately 18% of our net sales, and we expect our international business to continue to account for a significant part of our revenues. We currently maintain manufacturing facilities in Mexico and China. International sales and operations are subject to numerous risks including political and economic instability in foreign markets, currency exchange rate fluctuations, restrictive trade policies of foreign governments, inconsistent product regulation by foreign agencies or governments, imposition of product tariffs, and the costs of complying with a wide variety of export laws and regulatory requirements. For certain of our international products and system sales, we must obtain appropriate export licenses. Because of these various risks and uncertainties, we cannot provide assurance that we will be able to continue to compete successfully in international markets or that our international sales will be profitable.

Price Fluctuations for Precious Metals

Raw materials used in the manufacture of certain ceramic capacitors include silver, palladium, and platinum. Certain of our microwave components and systems require gold plating. Precious metals are available from many sources; however, their prices may be subject to significant fluctuations and such fluctuations may have a material and adverse affect on our operating results.

Price Pressures from our Customers

Many of our commercial customers are under continuous pressure to reduce costs and, therefore, we expect to continue to experience pressure from these customers to reduce the prices of the products that we sell to them. These customers frequently negotiate volume supply arrangements well in advance of delivery dates, requiring us to commit to price reductions before we can determine whether the assumed cost reductions or the negotiated supply volumes can be achieved. To offset declining average sales prices to these commercial customers, we believe that we must achieve manufacturing cost reductions and increase our sales volumes. If we are unable to offset declining average selling prices, our gross margins will decline, and this decline could materially harm our business, financial condition and operating results.

Environmental Issues

Our operations are subject to federal, state, local and foreign environmental laws and regulations. As a result, we may be involved from time to time in administrative or legal proceedings relating to environmental matters. We cannot provide assurance that the aggregate amount of future clean-up costs and other environmental liabilities will not be material. We cannot predict what environmental legislation or regulations will be enacted in the future, how existing or future laws or regulations will be administered or interpreted or what environmental conditions may be found to exist. Enactment of more stringent laws or regulations or more strict interpretations of existing laws and regulations may require us to make additional expenditures, some of which could be material.

Possible Impairment of Goodwill

As a result of the three business acquisitions we completed in fiscal year 2010, and several acquisitions we made in previous years, goodwill is a significant part of our total assets. At November 30, 2010, our total assets were $157.6 million, which included $45.9 million of goodwill. This goodwill reflects the excess of the purchase price of each of our acquisitions over the fair value of the net assets of the business acquired. We perform annual evaluations for potential impairment of the carrying value of goodwill in accordance with current accounting standards. To date, these evaluations have not resulted in the need to recognize an impairment charge. However, if our future financial performance were to decline significantly, we could incur a material non-cash charge in our income statement and a material reduction in our stockholders’ equity for the impairment of goodwill.

Risks Related to our Securities

A number of factors could cause the market price of our Common Stock to fluctuate significantly, including: (1) our quarterly operating results or those of our competitors; (2) the public’s reaction to our press releases, announcements, and our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission; (3) changes in earnings estimates or recommendations by research analysts; (4) changes in general economic factors, financial markets, or pertinent industry-wide conditions; (5) natural disasters, terrorist attacks, or acts of war; and (6) other developments affecting us or our competitors. In addition, in recent years, the stock market has experienced extreme price and volume fluctuations. This volatility has had significant effect on the market price of securities issued by many companies for reasons unrelated to the operating performance of these companies.

Pennsylvania law and our charter documents may impede or discourage a takeover, which could cause the market price of our shares to decline. We are a Pennsylvania corporation and the anti-takeover provisions of Pennsylvania law impose various impediments to the ability of a third party to acquire control of us, even if a change in control would be beneficial to our existing shareholders. Our certificate of incorporation and bylaws provide, among other things, for board

 

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members to serve staggered three-year terms. Our incorporation under Pennsylvania law, the acceleration of the vesting of outstanding stock options upon a change in control, and certain provisions of our certificate of incorporation and bylaws could impede a merger, takeover, or other business combination involving us, or discourage a potential acquirer from making a tender offer for our Common Stock which, under certain circumstances, could reduce the market value of our Common Stock.

Other Risks and Uncertainties

Our results of operations may be negatively affected in the future by a variety of other factors, including: (1) cancellation of existing sales order backlog; (2) unanticipated impairment of long-lived assets; (3) changes in product mix; (4) inability to timely increase production to meet some of our customer’s increased demands; and (5) litigation involving antitrust, product warranty, product liability, and other issues.

 

Item 1B. Unresolved Staff Comments

None

 

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ITEM 2. PROPERTIES

The Company’s principal manufacturing and office facilities as of November 30, 2010 are as follows:

 

LOCATION

  

FUNCTION

  

APPROXIMATE
SQUARE FEET
OF FLOOR AREA

  

OWNERSHIP

  

PRINCIPAL

BALANCE
OUTSTANDING
AT 11/30/10
ON RELATED
MORTGAGE

8061 Avonia Road

Fairview, PA

  

Manufacturing,

EMI Testing

     43,000    Owned    N/A

1900 West College Avenue

State College, PA

   Manufacturing    250,000    Owned    N/A

7100 Gateway Drive

Columbia, MD

   Design Center        7,000    Rented    N/A

3053 Hwy. 51N

Wesson, MS

   Manufacturing      55,000    Owned    $ 480,000

38166 Old Stage Road

Delmar, DE

   Manufacturing      15,000    Owned    N/A

2144 Franklin Drive NE

Palm Bay, FL

   Manufacturing      51,000    Owned    N/A

2707 Black Lake Place

Philadelphia, PA

   Manufacturing      20,000    Owned    N/A

400 Nickerson Road

Marlborough, MA

   Manufacturing      86,000    Rented    N/A

23 North Division Street

Auburn, NY

   Manufacturing      21,000    Owned    N/A

8 Executive Drive

Hudson, NH

   Manufacturing      39,000    Rented    N/A

424 Crown Point Circle

Grass Valley, CA

   Manufacturing      16,000    Rented    N/A

328 State Street

St. Marys, PA

   Manufacturing      22,000    Owned    N/A

2236 Cleveland-Massillon Rd

Akron, OH

   Manufacturing      11,000    Rented    N/A

Boulevard Zaragoza 2910

Ciudad Juarez, Mexico

   Manufacturing      55,000    Rented    N/A

2nd Industrial Area

North Ling Tou Industrial Road

Qiao Tou Town

Dong Guan City

Guang Dong Province

China

   Manufacturing      70,000    Rented    N/A

8031 Avonia Road

Fairview, PA

   Corporate Offices    10,000    Owned    N/A

 

(1) The Company’s manufacturing and office space are considered adequate for its existing requirements and its projected business needs.
(2) In addition to the facilities described above, the Company leases certain sales/administrative office and warehousing space.

 

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ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

The Company is subject to certain legal proceedings and claims arising in the ordinary course of business. In the opinion of management, the amount of any ultimate liability with respect to these actions will not materially affect the Company’s consolidated financial position or results of operations.

 

ITEM 4. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS

No matters were submitted to a vote of security holders during the quarter ended November 30, 2010.

PART II

 

ITEM 5. MARKET FOR THE REGISTRANT’S COMMON STOCK, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES

The Company’s Common Stock is traded on the NASDAQ Stock Market under the symbol SPEC. The high and low sales prices for the Common Stock for each quarter during fiscal years 2010 and 2009 are set forth below.

 

     High      Low  

Fiscal 2010

     

First quarter

   $ 11.67       $ 8.53   

Second quarter

     14.70         11.52   

Third quarter

     16.13         11.38   

Fourth quarter

     15.84         12.66   
     High      Low  

Fiscal 2009

     

First quarter

   $ 7.52       $ 4.15   

Second quarter

     8.22         4.99   

Third quarter

     10.25         7.50   

Fourth quarter

     9.90         8.19   

At January 31, 2011 the Company had 13,118,678 shares of Common Stock outstanding, which were held by approximately 1,100 registered stockholders. In recent years, the Company has not paid cash dividends on its Common Stock. While subject to periodic review, the current policy of the Board of Directors is to retain all earnings to provide funds for the future growth of the Company.

The following table sets forth information as of November 30, 2010 with respect to compensation plans under which equity securities of the Company are authorized for issuance.

 

     (I)      (II)      (III)  

Plan Category

   Number of securities
to be issued upon
exercise of
outstanding options
    

Weighted-average

exercise price of

outstanding options

    

Number of securities

remaining available

for future issuance

under plans

(excluding securities

listed in Column (I))

 

Equity compensation plans approved by security holders

     712,605                 $9.15                 1,262,496           

Equity compensation plans not approved by security holders

     -                 -                 -           

Total

     712,605                 $9.15                 1,262,496           

 

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The Board of Directors has authorized the Company to repurchase up to $16.0 million of the Company’s Common Stock at market prices. The amount and timing of the shares to be repurchased are at the discretion of management, and there is no current expiration date for the Board’s authorization. During the fourth quarter of fiscal 2010, no shares were repurchased under this program. Since the inception of the stock buyback program, the Company has repurchased 1,677,479 shares at an aggregate cost of $11.8 million. The repurchased shares are held as treasury stock.

The following table shows the Company’s total return to shareholders compared to the S&P 500 Index, the NASDAQ U.S. Index, and the NASDAQ Electronic Components Stock Index over the five year period from 2006 through 2010. The table assumes that $100 was invested on December 1, 2005, in the Company’s Common Stock and in each of the other indices.

 

     2005      2006      2007      2008      2009      2010  

Spectrum Control, Inc.

   $ 100       $ 139       $ 234       $ 66       $ 138       $ 240   

S&P 500 Index

   $ 100       $ 112       $ 119       $ 72       $ 88       $ 95   

NASDAQ U.S. Index

   $ 100       $ 109       $ 118       $ 70       $ 77       $ 91   

NASDAQ Electronic Components Stock Index

   $ 100       $ 109       $ 119       $ 62       $ 93       $ 101   

 

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ITEM 6. Selected Financial Data

 

    

Years Ended November 30

 
    

(Amounts in Thousands, Except Per Share Data)

 
     2010      2009      2008      2007      2006  

Operations

              

Net sales

   $ 163,936       $ 132,306       $ 130,694       $ 136,539       $ 125,672   

Gross margin

     44,127         34,360         32,762         36,363         28,780   

Income from operations

     20,434         13,604         13,344         17,864         9,314   

Interest expense

     100         190         369         561         545   

Income before provision for income taxes

     20,304         13,388         13,480         17,558         9,039   

Net income

     12,843         8,560         8,851         11,141         5,871   

Earnings per common share:

              

Basic

   $ 1.00       $ 0.68       $ 0.68       $ 0.83       $ 0.45   

Diluted

   $ 0.98       $ 0.67       $ 0.67       $ 0.81       $ 0.44   

Weighted average common shares outstanding:

              

Basic

     12,849         12,604         13,069         13,359         13,127   

Diluted

     13,138         12,739         13,189         13,798         13,381   

Financial Position

              

Working capital

   $ 55,096       $ 47,240       $ 42,590       $ 43,277       $ 31,808   

Total assets

     157,622         143,729         134,784         126,919         119,207   

Long-term debt

     410         480         545         1,031         1,131   

Stockholders’ equity

     129,797         113,424         103,291         101,868         88,599   

This table should be read in conjunction with the related consolidated financial statements; notes to consolidated financial statements, and management’s discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations.

 

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Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

The following discussion and analysis should be read in conjunction with, and is qualified in its entirety by reference to, the consolidated financial statements and related notes appearing elsewhere in this Annual Report. All references to “we”, “us”, “our”, or “the Company” in the following discussion and analysis mean Spectrum Control, Inc. and its Subsidiaries.

Overview

We design, develop and manufacture custom electronic components and systems. Although our components and systems are used in many industries worldwide, our largest individual markets are military/defense and communications equipment which represented 60% and 17%, respectively, of our fiscal 2010 sales. Military/defense applications for our products include secure communications, smart weapons and munitions, countermeasures for improvised explosive devices, radar systems, military aircraft and vehicles, and missile defense systems. In communications, our products are used in numerous systems including optical networks, broadband switching equipment, global positioning systems, wi-fi, and wireless base stations. Other markets for our products include medical imaging equipment and instrumentation, industrial automation and controls, computers, IT hubs, and storage devices.

Our operations are currently conducted in four reportable segments: advanced specialty products; microwave components and systems; power management systems; and sensors and controls. Our Advanced Specialty Products Business designs and manufactures a broad range of products including antennas, specialty connectors, advanced ceramics, and electromagnetic interference (“EMI”) filters and interconnects. Our Microwave Components and Systems Business designs and manufactures microwave filters and components, high power amplifiers, oscillators, synthesizers, switched filter banks, and related systems and integrated assemblies. The Power Management Systems Business designs and manufactures custom AC and DC power distribution units, power outlet strips, power monitoring equipment, and our Smart Start power management systems. Our Sensors and Controls Business designs and manufactures rotary and linear precision sensors, temperature sensing probes, thermistors, resistance temperature detector sensors, precision accelerometers, angular rate gyros, and inertial measurement systems and related assemblies.

We recognize revenue when all significant contractual obligations have been met, the sales price is fixed and determinable, and the collection of the resulting receivable is reasonably assured. As a result, product sales are generally recorded at the time of shipment when title passes under the terms FOB shipping point or Ex Works. Payments received from customers in advance of products shipped are recorded as deferred revenue until earned.

Acquisitions

On October 29, 2010, we acquired all of the outstanding common stock of Summit Instruments, Inc. (“Summit”). Based in Akron, Ohio, Summit designs and manufactures custom inertia sensors, accelerometers, inertial measurement systems, and related products and assemblies. A majority of Summit’s revenues are generated from military/defense applications, including missile defense systems. Summit products are also used in numerous commercial applications, such as wind turbines, industrial test equipment, and measurement instrumentation. The cash purchase price for Summit (net of cash received) was $5.4 million, which was primarily funded by borrowings under our domestic line of credit.

On June 18, 2010, we acquired substantially all of the assets and assumed certain liabilities of Sage Laboratories, Inc. (“Sage Labs”). Sage Labs, based in Hudson, New Hampshire, designs and manufactures custom RF and microwave products including filters, diplexers, multiplexers, hybrids, and digital frequency discriminators. A majority of Sage Labs’ components and subsystems are used in defense and aerospace applications, including missile defense systems, electronic warfare, military aircraft, and radar systems. The aggregate cash purchase price for Sage Labs was $6.5 million, which was primarily funded by borrowings under our domestic line of credit.

On June 18, 2010, in a separate transaction, we entered into an agreement with DRS – Signal Solutions, Inc. (“DRS”) under which we acquired certain inventories, equipment, and a fully paid non-royalty bearing license to manufacture and sell certain products using intellectual property owned by DRS. The aggregate cash purchase price for the acquired assets was $1.4 million, which was primarily funded from available cash reserves. The acquired assets are expected to be used to support certain specific customer programs over the next six years.

 

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Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (Continued)

On November 30, 2009, we acquired substantially all of the assets and assumed certain liabilities of Micro Networks Corporation (“Micro Networks”), a subsidiary of Integrated Device Technology, Inc. (Nasdaq: IDTI). Micro Networks, with operations in Worcester, Massachusetts and Auburn, New York, designs and manufactures high-performance data conversion products, custom modules, and a broad line of filters, oscillators, and delay lines based on surface acoustic wave (“SAW”) technology. These products, and related SAW technology, are used in numerous defense and aerospace applications. The aggregate cash purchase price for Micro Networks was $12.9 million, which was partially funded by borrowings of $7.0 million under our domestic line of credit. We utilized our existing cash reserves to satisfy the balance of the purchase price. This acquisition occurred after the close of business on the last day of our 2009 fiscal year and therefore no revenues, expenses, or customer orders were recognized in our consolidated results of operations or related disclosures for the fiscal year ended November 30, 2009.

On September 26, 2008, we acquired substantially all of the assets and assumed certain liabilities of SatCon Electronics, Inc. (“SatCon”). SatCon, based in Marlborough, Massachusetts, designs and manufactures high performance microelectronic components used in numerous military and commercial applications, including secure communication systems and high frequency wireless devices. These sophisticated products include hybrid components and subsystems, signal converters, and a full line of thin and thick film circuits. The aggregate cash purchase price for SatCon was $5.6 million, which was primarily funded by borrowings under our domestic line of credit.

The results of operations of each of these acquired businesses have been included in the accompanying consolidated financial statements since their respective acquisition dates. Accordingly, our consolidated net sales for the years ended November 30, 2010, 2009, and 2008 include the following amounts related to these acquired businesses (in thousands):

 

     2010      2009      2008  

Summit

   $ 706       $ -       $ -   

Sage Labs

     5,708         -         -   

DRS

     -         -         -   

Micro Networks

     11,753         -         -   

SatCon

     9,854         11,664         2,289   

For operating segment purposes, Sage Labs, DRS, Micro Networks and SatCon are reported within our Microwave Components and Systems business segment. Summit is reported within our Sensors and Controls business segment.

Forward-Looking Information

The following discussion includes certain “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the federal securities laws, including statements regarding: (1) our belief as to future market conditions for our products, (2) our projected capital expenditures, (3) our anticipated research and development expenses, and (4) our expected future operating requirements and financing needs. The words “believe”, “expect”, “anticipate” and similar expressions identify forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are subject to certain risks and uncertainties which could cause actual results to differ materially from historical results or those anticipated. Factors that could cause or contribute to such differences include those discussed in “Risk Factors” contained elsewhere in this Annual Report. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements.

 

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Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (Continued)

Executive Summary

During fiscal 2010, our consolidated sales were $163.9 million, an increase of $31.6 million or 23.9% from fiscal 2009. Of this increase, $18.2 million was generated by our recent business acquisitions ($11.8 million from Micro Networks, $5.7 million from Sage Labs, and $706,000 from Summit). The remaining current year increase of $13.4 million was principally generated by additional product shipments to numerous commercial customers, reflecting the improvement in general economic conditions as well the impact of our new commercial product offerings. Overall, our total 2010 sales to military/defense customers amounted to $97.8 million, an increase of $16.9 million or 21.0% from 2009. Sales to commercial customers were $66.1 million in fiscal 2010, an increase of $14.7 million or 28.6% from the prior year. Total customer orders received in fiscal 2010 amounted to $162.0 million, up $29.8 million from the preceding year.

In fiscal 2010, our gross margin was $44.1 million or 26.9% of sales, compared to $34.4 million or 26.0% of sales in fiscal 2009. The increase in gross margin, as a percentage of sales, reflects the impact of leveraging fixed manufacturing overhead with higher production volumes and reductions in direct labor costs from changes in sales mix.

Selling, general and administrative expense in fiscal 2010 was $23.7 million or 14.4% of sales, compared to $20.8 million or 15.7% of sales in 2009. As a percentage of sales, selling expense decreased to 7.4% in fiscal 2010, compared to 8.6% in the preceding year. The decrease in selling expense, as a percentage of sales, reflects a decrease in our effective sales commission rate along with the impact of leveraging certain fixed selling expenses over greater sales volume. Aggregate general and administrative expense was $11.5 million in 2010, up $2.1 million from fiscal 2009. This increase includes: additional amortization expense of $668,000 associated with the identifiable intangible assets of our recent business acquisitions; additional compensation expense of $434,000, including equity-based compensation; and professional fees of $418,000 incurred in connection with our three business acquisitions consummated in fiscal 2010.

Overall, we generated net income of $12.8 million or $1.00 per share (98 cents diluted) in fiscal 2010, compared to net income of $8.6 million or 68 cents per share (67 cents diluted) in fiscal 2009.

During the year ended November 30, 2010, net cash provided by operating activities amounted to $19.5 million. This positive cash flow, along with our existing cash reserves, enabled us to expend $6.4 million on capital equipment additions, decrease our net bank borrowings by $6.1 million, as well as support the $13.4 million aggregate cash purchase price for the Sage Labs, DRS, and Summit acquisitions.

At November 30, 2010, our cash and cash equivalents were $2.8 million, our current ratio was 4.46 to 1.00, and our total debt to equity was 0.22 to 1.00.

 

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Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (Continued)

Results of Operations

The following table sets forth certain financial data, as a percentage of net sales, for the years ended November 30, 2010, 2009, and 2008:

 

     2010     2009     2008  

Net sales

     100.0     100.0     100.0

Cost of products sold

     73.1        74.0        74.9   
                        

Gross margin

     26.9        26.0        25.1   

Selling, general and administrative expense

     14.4        15.7        14.9   
                        

Income from operations

     12.5        10.3        10.2   

Other income (expense)

      

Interest expense

     (0.1     (0.2     (0.3

Other income and expense, net

     -        -        0.4   
                        

Income before provision for income taxes

     12.4        10.1        10.3   

Provision for income taxes

     4.6        3.6        3.5   
                        

Net income

     7.8     6.5     6.8
                        

The following table sets forth our net sales by reportable operating segments for the years ended November 30, 2010, 2009, and 2008 (in thousands):

 

     2010      2009      2008  

Advanced specialty products

   $ 51,155       $ 42,001       $ 52,060   

Microwave components and systems

     79,935         60,069         45,942   

Power management systems

     12,069         10,268         9,879   

Sensors and controls

     20,777         19,968         22,813   
                          
   $ 163,936       $ 132,306       $ 130,694   
                          

2010 Compared to 2009

Net Sales

Our consolidated net sales were $163.9 million in fiscal 2010, an increase of $31.6 million or 23.9% from fiscal 2009. This sales increase reflects an aggregate impact of $18.2 million from our recent business acquisitions ($11.8 million from Micro Networks, $5.7 million from Sage Labs, and $706,000 from Summit). The remaining current year increase of $13.4 million was primarily driven by additional product shipments to numerous commercial customers, reflecting a partial rebound from the global recession, as well as the impact of several new commercial product offerings.

Sales of our microwave components and systems were $79.9 million in fiscal 2010, an increase of $19.9 million or 33.1% from fiscal 2009. This increase primarily reflects shipments from our Micro Networks and Sage Labs acquisitions of $11.8 million and $5.7 million, respectively. Excluding the impact of Micro Networks and Sage Labs, sales of our microwave products increased by $2.4 million or 4.0% from the prior year. Our microwave components and systems are predominantly used in military/defense applications including secure communications, domestic and international missile defense systems, countermeasures for improvised explosive devices, electronic warfare, and radar systems. Total customer orders received for this business segment were $76.3 million in fiscal 2010, compared to $56.5 million in fiscal 2009.

Sales of our advanced specialty products were $51.2 million in fiscal 2010, an increase of $9.2 million or 21.8% from a year ago. In 2010, sales of these products to customers in our commercial markets increased by approximately $7.7 million. This increase reflects the impact of our new product offerings in specialty connectors and antennas, along with the improvement in general economic conditions. In addition, shipments in support of various military/defense programs

 

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Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (Continued)

increased by $1.5 million from a year ago. Total customer orders received for this business segment totaled $51.8 million in fiscal 2010, compared to $49.1 million in fiscal 2009.

For our sensors and controls, sales for fiscal 2010 were $20.8 million, an increase of $809,000 or 4.1% from a year ago. This increase primarily reflects Summit shipments of $706,000. Shipments of our sensor products used in numerous industrial applications increased $1.9 million in fiscal 2010, reflecting new product offerings and improved overall market conditions. This increase was substantially offset by reduced shipments of our precision position sensors used in certain military vehicles. Customer orders received for our sensors and controls amounted to $22.9 million in fiscal 2010, compared to $15.8 million in fiscal 2009.

For our power management systems, sales for fiscal 2010 were $12.1 million and customer orders received amounted to $11.1 million, up 17.5% and 2.4% from a year ago, respectively. In fiscal 2010, shipments for these products were particularly strong in electronic data storage and applications for our AC power strip products.

Total customer orders received in fiscal 2010 amounted to $162.0 million, an increase of $29.8 million from the preceding year. At November 30, 2010, our sales order backlog was $82.2 million, up $9.0 million from the end of fiscal 2009. At November 30, 2010 our backlog reflects $7.9 million and $2.2 million of orders for Sage Labs and Summit, respectively.

Overall, average selling prices remained relatively stable in 2010 for all of our major product lines.

Gross Margin

In fiscal 2010, our gross margin was $44.1 million or 26.9% of sales, compared to $34.4 million or 26.0% of sales in fiscal 2009. The increase in gross margin, as a percentage of sales, principally reflects changes in sales mix and better absorption of fixed manufacturing overhead with higher production volumes.

Total material costs amounted to $38.3 million or 23.4% of sales in fiscal 2010, versus $30.9 million or 23.3% of sales in the preceding year. Direct labor costs were $19.2 million or 11.7% of sales in 2010, compared to $16.2 million or 12.3% of sales in 2009. The changes in material costs and direct labor costs, as a percentage of sales, were primarily driven by changes in sales mix. Manufacturing overhead costs amounted to $62.3 million or 38.0% of sales in 2010, versus $50.8 million or 38.4% of sales in the preceding year. In fiscal 2010, the decrease in manufacturing overhead, as a percentage of sales, principally reflects the impact of leveraging fixed manufacturing overhead over greater sales volume.

At November 30, 2010, we had a total workforce of 1,631 employees, which represents an increase of 16.6% from the end of last fiscal year. The 2010 fiscal year-end workforce includes 55 employees from the Sage Labs acquisition and 19 employees from the Summit acquisition. We expect to continuously review our organization and cost structure to enhance operating efficiencies, while maintaining flexibility for additional production requirements.

Selling, General and Administrative Expense

In fiscal 2010, selling expense amounted to $12.2 million or 7.4% of sales, compared to $11.4 million or 8.6% of sales in fiscal 2009. The decrease in selling expense, as a percentage of sales, primarily reflects a decrease to our effective sales commission rate from changes in sales mix, along with the impact of certain fixed selling expenses and greater sales volume. Aggregate general and administrative expense was $11.5 million in 2010, versus $9.4 million in 2009. The increase in general and administrative expense includes: $668,000 of additional amortization expense, primarily associated with the identifiable intangible assets of our recent business acquisitions; $434,000 of additional compensation expense, including equity-based compensation; and $418,000 of legal and professional fees incurred in connection with our three business acquisitions consummated in fiscal 2010. In addition, 2009 general and administrative expense included a credit of $528,000, representing the excess of insurance recoveries over the carrying value of certain assets destroyed in two separate involuntary conversions.

Interest Expense

Total interest expense in fiscal 2010 was $100,000, a decrease of $90,000 from fiscal 2009, reflecting lower average interest rates. During the year ended November 30, 2010, weighted average borrowings under our domestic line of credit amounted to $4.0 million, with an average interest rate of 1.37%. During the year ended November 30, 2009, weighted average borrowings under the domestic line of credit were $3.8 million, with an average interest rate of 2.04%.

 

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Income Taxes

Our effective income tax rate was 36.7% in 2010 and 36.1% in 2009, compared to an applicable federal and state statutory income tax rate of approximately 40.0%. For the years ended November 30, 2010 and 2009, the difference between the effective tax rate and statutory tax rate principally reflects state tax provisions and U.S. domestic production activities deductions.

At November 30, 2010, we had recorded certain deferred tax assets. In assessing the realizability of deferred tax assets, we consider whether it is more-likely-than-not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. The ultimate realization of deferred tax assets is dependent upon the generation of future taxable income during the periods in which the temporary differences become deductible. We consider the scheduled reversal of deferred tax liabilities, projected future taxable income, and tax planning strategies in making this assessment. Based upon our level of historical taxable income and projections for future taxable income, we believe it is more-likely-than-not that the benefits of the deferred tax assets will be realized. Accordingly, no deferred tax asset valuation allowance was recorded at November 30, 2010.

2009 Compared to 2008

Net Sales

Our consolidated net sales were $132.3 million in fiscal 2009, an increase of $1.6 million or 1.2% from fiscal 2008. This increase primarily reflects the impact of twelve months of SatCon product sales and increased shipment levels for numerous military/defense applications. Offsetting much of this sales growth in fiscal 2009 was the global recession and its impact throughout most of our commercial markets.

Sales of our microwave components and systems were $60.1 million in fiscal 2009, an increase of $14.1 million or 30.7% from fiscal 2008. SatCon product shipments increased in fiscal 2009 to $11.7 million, up $9.4 million from fiscal year 2008, representing SatCon’s first full year of sales. In addition, shipments of microwave products used in numerous military/defense applications increased in fiscal 2009, including microwave components and assemblies used in RCIED (Radio Controlled Improvised Explosive Devices) Jammer Systems. Total customer orders received for our microwave components and systems were $56.5 million in fiscal 2009, versus $47.5 million in fiscal 2008.

Sales of our advanced specialty products were $42.0 million in fiscal 2009, down $10.1 million or 19.3% from a year ago. In 2009, sales of these products to customers in our commercial markets were down by approximately $11.7 million. The soft commercial sales were partially offset by an increase of $1.6 million of shipments in support of various military/defense programs. Total customer orders received for this business segment totaled $49.1 million in fiscal 2009, compared to $55.9 million in fiscal 2008.

For our sensors and controls, sales for fiscal 2009 were $20.0 million, down $2.8 million or 12.5% from a year ago. Shipments of these products used in military/defense applications (including aircraft cockpit controls and fin actuators, fighting vehicles, and smart weapons) increased $1.1 million in 2009, while product shipments into commercial markets decreased by $3.9 million. In fiscal 2009, demand for our temperature sensors and thermal products (which are used in various commercial food service applications, refrigeration, and HVAC equipment) was particularly soft. Customer orders received for our sensors and controls amounted to $15.8 million in fiscal 2009, compared to $26.6 million in fiscal 2008.

For our power management systems, sales for fiscal 2009 were $10.3 million and customer orders received amounted to $10.8 million, up 3.9% and 2.7% from a year ago, respectively. In fiscal 2009, shipments for these products were particularly strong in electronic data storage and applications for our AC power strip products.

Total customer orders received in fiscal 2009 amounted to $132.2 million, a decrease of $8.4 million from the preceding year. At November 30, 2009, our sales order backlog was $73.2 million, up $3.3 million from the end of fiscal 2008. This increase reflects $3.9 million of sales order backlog assumed as part of our acquisition of Micro Networks.

Overall, average selling prices remained relatively stable in 2009 for all of our major product lines.

Gross Margin

In fiscal 2009, our gross margin was $34.4 million or 26.0% of sales, compared to $32.8 million or 25.1% of sales in fiscal 2008. The increase in gross margin, as a percentage of sales, principally reflects changes in sales mix and better absorption of fixed manufacturing overhead with higher production volumes.

 

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Total material costs amounted to $30.9 million or 23.3% of sales in fiscal 2009, versus $30.8 million or 23.5% of sales in the preceding year. Direct labor costs were $16.2 million or 12.3% of sales in 2009, compared to $16.8 million or 12.8% of sales in 2008. The decreases in direct material and direct labor costs, as a percentage of sales, were driven primarily by changes in sales mix. Manufacturing overhead costs amounted to $50.9 million or 38.4% of sales in 2009, versus $50.4 million or 38.6% of sales in the preceding year. In fiscal 2009, the increase in manufacturing overhead primarily reflects additional costs for employee health insurance, which was partially offset by numerous cost reduction programs.

At November 30, 2009, we had a total workforce of 1,399 employees, including 73 Micro Networks employees, which represents a reduction of 7.7% from the end of fiscal 2008.

Selling, General and Administrative Expense

In fiscal 2009, selling expense amounted to $11.4 million or 8.6% of sales, compared to $10.8 million or 8.3% of sales in fiscal 2008. The increase in selling expense, as a percentage of sales, primarily reflects an increase to our effective sales commission rate from changes in sales mix. Aggregate general and administrative expense was $9.4 million in 2009, versus $8.6 million in 2008. The increase in general and administrative expense includes $463,000 of additional incentive-based compensation expense, $300,000 of expenses resulting from a legal settlement, as well as several other operating expense increases from additional business activity. These increases were partially offset by a $528,000 credit to general and administrative expense in fiscal 2009, representing the excess of insurance recoveries over the carrying value of certain assets destroyed in two separate involuntary conversions.

Interest Expense

With lower interest rates and reduced short-term borrowings, our interest expense decreased in fiscal 2009. Total interest expense in fiscal 2009 was $190,000, a decrease of $179,000 from fiscal 2008. During the year ended November 30, 2009, weighted average borrowings under our domestic line of credit amounted to $3.8 million, with an average interest rate of 2.04%. During the year ended November 30, 2008, weighted average borrowings under the domestic line of credit were $4.9 million, with an average interest rate of 3.95%.

Other Income and Expense

For many years, we held certain United States and foreign patents relating to polymer multilayer (“PML”) technology, and we had granted several licenses to other entities for the use of PML technology. In connection with our PML technology, we received license fee and royalty income of $340,000 in 2008. Since fiscal 2008, no license fees or royalty income have been earned or received, and all of the PML-related patents have expired. Accordingly, we do not expect any PML-related income in future periods.

Our wholly-owned foreign subsidiaries transact business with certain customers and vendors in currencies other than their local currency. As a result, we recognize gains and losses on foreign currency transactions. Foreign currency transaction net losses of $60,000 in 2009 and $13,000 in 2008 were recognized and included in nonoperating income and expense.

We realized interest income of $34,000 in 2009 and $178,000 in 2008 from temporary cash investments. The decrease in 2009 interest income primarily reflects reductions in money market interest rates.

Income Taxes

Our effective income tax rate was 36.1% in 2009 and 34.3% in 2008, compared to an applicable federal and state statutory income tax rate of approximately 40.0%. For the years ended November 30, 2009 and 2008, the difference between the effective tax rate and statutory tax rate principally reflects state tax provisions, research activities tax credits, and U.S. domestic production activities deductions.

At November 30, 2009, we had recorded certain deferred tax assets. Based upon our level of historical taxable income and projections for future taxable income, we believe it is more-likely-than-not that the benefits of the deferred tax assets will be realized. Accordingly, no deferred tax asset valuation allowance was recorded at November 30, 2009.

 

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Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (Continued)

 

Liquidity, Capital Resources and Financial Condition

We maintain a domestic line of credit with our principal lending institution, PNC Bank, N.A. of Erie, Pennsylvania (the “Bank”), in the aggregate amount of $50.0 million. Borrowings under the line of credit are secured by substantially all of our tangible and intangible personal property, and bear interest at rates below the prevailing prime rate. The Bank’s revolving credit commitment is scheduled to be permanently reduced in accordance with the following schedule: (i) $2,000,000 on December 31, 2010; (ii) $3,000,000 on June 30, 2011; and (iii) $5,000,000 on December 31, 2011. At November 30, 2010, $1.0 million was outstanding under this line of credit arrangement. The line of credit agreement contains certain covenants, the most restrictive of which require us to maintain designated minimum levels of net worth and profitability, and impose certain restrictions on us regarding additional indebtedness. At November 30, 2010 we were in compliance with all debt covenants. The current line of credit agreement expires in September 2014. Our ability to borrow in the future under this Bank credit facility is dependent on our ongoing compliance with the restrictive covenants. Whether we continue to comply with these covenants is largely dependent on our ability to attain certain levels of operating performance and profitability in the future, for which there can be no assurance.

Our wholly-owned German subsidiary maintains an unsecured Euro line of credit with a German financial institution aggregating approximately $1.3 million (Euro 1.0 million). At November 30, 2010, no borrowings were outstanding under this line of credit. Future borrowings, if any, will bear interest at rates below the prevailing prime rate and will be payable upon demand.

In fiscal 2010, our net working capital and current ratio increased significantly, primarily reflecting reduced borrowings under our domestic line of credit and increased inventories from our recent business acquisitions and additional production requirements. At November 30, 2010 and 2009, net working capital was $55.1 million and $47.2 million, respectively. At November 30, 2010, our current assets were 4.46 times current liabilities, compared to 3.42 at the end of fiscal 2009. Our net working capital was $42.6 million at November 30, 2008 and our current ratio was 2.98 to 1.00 at the end of fiscal 2008. In fiscal 2008, our working capital and current ratio were negatively impacted by $8.0 million of net borrowings under our domestic line of credit, which were used to fund our cash purchase price for the acquisition of SatCon and partially fund our stock repurchase program.

In fiscal year 2010, we expended $6.4 million for capital additions and improvements. Of this amount, $1.8 million was for leasehold improvements to a facility in Marlborough, Massachusetts. This newly leased facility is being used by our Microwave Components and Systems Business to consolidate certain microwave operations, as well as increase manufacturing capabilities and efficiencies. The remainder of our 2010 capital expenditures principally relate to production expansion and improvements, particularly for our Advanced Specialty Products Business. Our capital expenditures for property, plant and equipment were $4.0 million in 2009, including $2.3 million in our Microwave Components and Systems Business. These capital expenditures primarily relate to production capacity and other manufacturing enhancements. Our capital expenditures for property, plant and equipment were $4.4 million in 2008, including $1.9 million in our Microwave Components and Systems Business and $1.4 million in our Advanced Specialty Products Business. The balance of our 2008 capital expenditures consists of normal replacements and enhancements of manufacturing equipment.

At November 30, 2010, we had not entered into any material commitments for additional capital expenditures. We currently expect our aggregate capital expenditures in fiscal 2011 to approximate our fiscal 2010 levels.

In October 2010, we acquired all of the outstanding common stock of Summit. The purchase price for Summit (net of cash received) was $5.4 million. In June 2010, we acquired substantially all of the assets and assumed certain liabilities of Sage Labs. The aggregate purchase price for Sage Labs was $6.5 million. The purchase prices for Summit and Sage Labs were primarily funded by borrowings under our domestic line of credit. Also in June 2010, we acquired certain inventories, equipment, and a fully paid non-royalty bearing license to manufacture and sell certain products using intellectual property owned by DRS. The aggregate purchase price was $1.4 million, which was primarily funded from available cash reserves. In November 2009, we acquired substantially all of the assets and assumed certain liabilities of Micro Networks. The aggregate cash purchase price for Micro Networks was $12.9 million, which was partially funded by borrowings of $7.0 million under our domestic line of credit. We utilized our existing cash reserves to satisfy the balance of the purchase price. In September 2008, we acquired substantially all of the assets and assumed certain liabilities of SatCon. The cash purchase price for SatCon was $5.6 million, which was substantially funded by borrowings under our domestic line of credit.

We have adopted a stock repurchase program. Under this program, we may repurchase up to $16.0 million of the Company’s outstanding Common Stock. Acquired shares are to be purchased in the open market or through privately negotiated transactions at prevailing market prices. Funding for these repurchases is expected to come from available cash reserves and borrowings under our revolving line of credit facility. The amount and timing of the shares repurchased are based on our ongoing assessment of the Company’s capital structure, liquidity, and the market price of the Company’s Common Stock. The repurchased shares are held as treasury stock. During the years ended November 30, 2010 and

 

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2009, we did not repurchase any of our Common Stock. In 2008, we repurchased 1,001,479 shares at an aggregate cost of $8.2 million. Since the inception of the stock repurchase program, 1,677,479 shares have been repurchased at a total cost of $11.8 million.

Research and development expenditures, which encompass the personnel and related expenses devoted to developing new products and processes, amounted to $5.6 million in 2010, $4.4 million in 2009, and $3.7 million in 2008. We expect to continue our investment in research and development in 2011, as we continuously enhance existing product lines, design new products and processes, and increase our participation in emerging markets.

Income taxes paid during the fiscal years ended November 30, 2010, 2009, and 2008 amounted to $4.2 million, $3.5 million, and $6.8 million, respectively. As a result of certain temporary differences and 2010 prepayments, we expect cash outlays for income taxes to be less than income tax expense for fiscal 2011.

As of November 30, 2010, our obligations and firm commitments are as follows (in thousands):

 

    

Payments Due by Period

 

Contractual obligations

   Total      2011      2012      2013      2014      2015      Thereafter  

Long-term debt

   $ 480       $ 70       $ 75       $ 80       $ 80       $ 85       $ 90   

Operating leases

     8,667         1,914         1,823         1,419         1,310         937         1,264   

Current financial resources, including working capital and existing lines of credit, and anticipated funds from operations are expected to be sufficient to meet operating cash requirements throughout fiscal year 2011, including scheduled long-term debt repayment, lease commitments, planned capital expenditures, research and development expenses, and possible stock repurchases. There can be no assurance, however, that unplanned capital replacement or other future events will not require us to seek additional debt or equity financing and, if so required, that it will be available on terms acceptable to us.

Net cash provided by operating activities was $19.5 million in 2010, $19.0 million in 2009, and $9.8 million in 2008. This increase in operating cash flow primarily reflects our enhanced profitability and changes in working capital requirements. In 2008, our operating cash flow was negatively impacted by a $3.3 million growth in inventories, principally reflecting replenishment of ceramic component safety stocks and additional work-in-process inventories in support of our increased production requirements.

At November 30, 2010, goodwill represented 29.1% of our total assets and 35.4% of our stockholders’ equity. In addition to a total of $10.2 million of goodwill recognized in connection with our recent acquisitions of Summit, Sage Labs, Micro Networks, and SatCon, another $35.7 million of goodwill was realized in earlier acquisitions. In accordance with current accounting guidance, we have performed the required annual impairment tests of goodwill (as of September 1 of each fiscal year) and determined that no impairment loss need be recognized in the years ended November 30, 2010, 2009, and 2008.

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

Foreign Currency

Certain of our European sales and related selling expenses are denominated in Euros, British Pounds Sterling, and other local currencies. In addition, certain of our operating expenses are denominated in Mexican Pesos and Chinese Yuan. As a result, fluctuations in currency exchange rates may affect our operating results and cash flows. To manage our exposure to the Euro and British Pound Sterling, we occasionally enter into forward currency exchange contracts. At November 30, 2010, we did not have any forward currency exchange contracts outstanding. For each of the three years ended November 30, 2010, currency exchange rate gains and losses were not material to the consolidated financial statements.

Interest Rate Exposure

We have market risk exposure relating to possible fluctuations in interest rates. From time to time, we utilize interest rate swap agreements to minimize the risks and costs associated with variable rate debt. We do not enter into derivative financial instruments for trading or speculative purposes. The interest rate swap agreements are entered into with major financial institutions, and we have never experienced nonperformance by any counterparties to these agreements. At November 30, 2010, no interest rate swap agreements were outstanding.

 

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Environmental Matters

We own certain land and manufacturing facilities in State College, Pennsylvania. The property, which was acquired from Murata Electronics North America (“Murata”) in December 2005, consists of approximately 53 acres of land and 250,000 square feet of manufacturing facilities. Among other uses, the acquired facilities have become the design and manufacturing center for our ceramic operations, replacing the ceramic operations previously conducted in New Orleans, Louisiana.

The purchase price for the acquired property consisted of: (a) $1.00, plus (b) closing costs of $695,000 including realtor commissions, transfer taxes, and legal fees; plus (c) the assumption of, and indemnification of Murata against, all environmental liabilities related to the property. The acquired property has known environmental conditions that require remediation, and certain hazardous materials previously used on the property have migrated into neighboring third party areas. These environmental issues arose from the use of chlorinated organic solvents including tetrachloroethylene (“PCE”) and trichloroethylene (“TCE”). As a condition to the purchase, we entered into an agreement with the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (“PADEP”) pursuant to which: (a) we agreed to remediate all known environmental conditions relating to the property to a specified industrial standard, with our costs for remediating such conditions being capped at $4.0 million; (b) PADEP released Murata from further claims by Pennsylvania under specified state laws for the known environmental conditions; and (c) we purchased an insurance policy providing clean-up cost cap coverage (for known and unknown pollutants) with a combined coverage limit of approximately $8.2 million, and pollution legal liability coverage (for possible third party claims) with an aggregate coverage limit of $25.0 million. The total premium cost for the insurance policy, which has a ten year term and an aggregate deductible of $650,000, was $4.8 million. The cost of the insurance associated with the environmental clean-up ($3.6 million) is being charged to general and administrative expense in direct proportion to the actual remediation costs incurred. The cost of the insurance associated with the pollution legal liability coverage ($1.2 million) is being charged to general and administrative expense on a pro rata basis over the ten year policy term.

Based upon our environmental review of the property, we recorded a liability of $2.9 million to cover probable future environmental expenditures related to the remediation, the cost of which is expected to be entirely covered by the insurance policy. As of November 30, 2010, remediation expenditures of $2.2 million have been incurred and charged against the environmental liability, with all such expenditures being reimbursed by the insurance carrier. The remaining aggregate undiscounted expenditures of $713,000, which are anticipated to be incurred over the next five years, principally consist of: (a) continued operation and monitoring of the existing on-site groundwater extraction, treatment, and recharge system; (b) completion of soil investigations to determine the extent of potential soil contamination; (c) excavation and off-site disposal of soil containing contaminates above acceptable standards; and (d) implementation of soil vapor extraction systems in certain areas. Depending upon the results of future environmental testing and remediation actions, it is possible that the ultimate costs incurred could exceed the current aggregate estimate of $2.9 million. We expect such increase, if any, to be entirely covered by the insurance policy. Insurance recoveries for actual environmental remediation costs incurred are recorded when it is probable that such insurance reimbursement will be received and the related amounts are determinable. Such insurance recoveries are credited to the Company’s general and administrative expense. Based on the current remediation plan, $280,000 of the total remediation costs are expected to be incurred during the next twelve months.

We are subject to various laws and governmental regulations concerning environmental matters and employee safety and health in the United States and other countries. U.S. federal environmental legislation having particular impact on us includes the Toxic Substances Control Act; the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act; the Clean Air Act; the Clean Water Act; and the Safe Drinking Water Act. We also are subject to regulation by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (“OSHA”) concerning employee safety and health matters. The United States Environmental Protection Agency (“EPA”), OSHA, and other federal agencies have the authority to promulgate regulations that have an impact on our operations.

In addition to these federal agencies, various states have been delegated certain authority under the aforementioned federal statutes. Many state and local governments have adopted environmental and employee safety and health laws and regulations, some of which are similar to federal requirements. State and federal authorities may seek fines and penalties for violation of these laws and regulations. As part of our continuing environmental program, we have been able to comply with such proceedings and orders without any materially adverse effect on our business. We are not currently involved in any significant legal proceedings involving environmental matters.

Other Legal Matters

We are subject to certain legal proceedings and claims arising in the ordinary course of business. The amount of any ultimate liability with respect to these actions is not expected to materially affect our consolidated financial position, results of operations, or cash flows.

 

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Impact of Inflation

In recent years, inflation has not had a significant impact on our operations. However, we continuously monitor operating price increases, particularly in connection with the supply of precious metals used in our manufacturing of certain ceramic capacitors and microwave products. To the extent permitted by competition, we pass increased costs on to our customers by increasing sales price over time. Sales price increases, however, were not significant in any of the years presented herein.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

ASC 805-10, “Business Combinations”

In December 2007, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued ASC 805-10, “Business Combinations”. The objective of this accounting guidance is to improve the relevance, representational faithfulness, and comparability of the information that a reporting entity provides in its financial reports about a business combination and its effects. Specifically, it establishes principles and requirements over how the acquirer: (1) recognizes and measures in its financial statements the identifiable assets acquired, the liabilities assumed, and any noncontrolling interest in the acquiree; (2) recognizes and measures the goodwill acquired in the business combination or a gain from a bargain price; and (3) determines what information to disclose to enable users of the financial statements to evaluate the nature and financial effects of the business combination. ASC 805-10 changes the accounting treatment for certain specific items, including acquisition-related costs and restructuring costs associated with the acquisition. This accounting guidance applies prospectively to business combinations for which the acquisition date is on or after the beginning of the first annual reporting period beginning on or after December 15, 2008 (the Company’s 2010 fiscal year), with early adoption prohibited. During the year ended November 30, 2010, we incurred acquisition-related costs of $418,000 in connection with three business acquisitions. In accordance with the provisions of ASC 805-10, these acquisition-related costs were charged to general and administrative expense in the accompanying consolidated statements of income.

ASC 350-30-35, “Intangibles Other Than Goodwill – Subsequent Remeasurements”

In April 2008, the FASB issued ASC 350-30-35, “Intangibles Other Than Goodwill – Subsequent Remeasurements”, which amends the list of factors an entity should consider in developing renewal or extension assumptions used to determine the useful life of a recognized intangible asset. These provisions apply to intangible assets that are acquired individually or with a group of assets and intangible assets acquired in both business combinations and asset acquisitions. Furthermore, these provisions remove the provision that requires an entity to consider whether the renewal or extension can be accomplished without substantial cost or material modifications of the existing terms and conditions associated with the asset. Instead, these provisions require that an entity consider its own experience in renewing similar arrangements. An entity would consider market participant assumptions regarding renewal if no such relevant experience exists. This accounting guidance is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2008 (the Company’s 2010 fiscal year). The adoption of this accounting guidance, effective December 1, 2009, did not have any impact on our consolidated financial condition, results of operations, and cash flows for the year ended November 30, 2010.

ASC 805-20-25, “Business Combinations – Recognition of Identifiable Assets and Liabilities and Any Noncontrolling Interests”

In April 2009, the FASB issued ASC 805-20-25, “Business Combinations – Recognition of Identifiable Assets and Liabilities and Any Noncontrolling Interests”, which applies to all assets acquired and liabilities assumed in a business combination that arise from contingencies that would be within the scope of ASC 450, “Contingencies”, if not acquired or assumed in a business combination, except for assets or liabilities arising from contingencies that are subject to specific guidance in ASC 805-10, “Business Combinations”. These provisions require an acquirer to recognize at fair value, at the acquisition date, an asset acquired or a liability assumed in a business combination that arises from a contingency if the acquisition-date fair value of that asset or liability can be determined during the measurement period. If the acquisition-date fair value cannot be determined during the measurement period, the asset or liability shall be recognized at the acquisition date if it is probable that the asset existed or that a liability has been incurred at the acquisition date and the amount of the asset or liability can be reasonably estimated. These provisions are effective for assets or liabilities arising from contingencies in business combinations for which the acquisition date is on or after the beginning of the first annual reporting period beginning on or after December 15, 2008 (the Company’s 2010 fiscal year). The adoption of this accounting guidance, effective December 1, 2009, did not have any impact on our consolidated financial condition, results of operations, and cash flows for the year ended November 30, 2010.

 

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Critical Accounting Policies

The methods, estimates and judgments we use in applying our most critical accounting policies have a significant impact on the results we report in our consolidated financial statements. The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission has defined the most critical accounting policies as the ones that are most important to the portrayal of our financial condition and results, and require us to make our most difficult and subjective judgments, often as a result of the need to make estimates of matters that are inherently uncertain. Based on this definition, we believe our most critical accounting policies relate to the valuation and carrying amounts of accounts receivable, inventories, long-lived assets, and deferred tax assets.

We evaluate the collectibility of our accounts receivable based on a combination of factors including an assessment of the customer’s financial condition and the length of time a receivable is past due. At November 30, 2010, our allowance for doubtful accounts was $955,000 or approximately 3.6% of our aggregate accounts receivable. In determining the adequacy of this allowance, we have assumed that conditions in our major served markets (military/defense, communications equipment, and medical/industrial instrumentation) will not significantly deteriorate during fiscal 2011. If current economic and market conditions do significantly deteriorate, our customers may not be able to meet their financial obligations to us. Accordingly, our estimate of the recoverability of amounts due us could be reduced by a material amount.

At November 30, 2010, we had recorded inventory reserves in the aggregate amount of $1.5 million for excess and slow-moving items. In determining the adequacy of these reserves, we considered numerous factors including current customer forecasts and estimated usage. Should these forecasts and estimates change due to market, technological or other factors, the net realizable value of our inventories may be materially less than our current carrying values.

Goodwill represents the excess of the purchase price over the fair value of identifiable net assets acquired in a business combination. Goodwill is assigned to specific reporting units, which we have identified as our operating segments, and is tested for impairment at least annually, or more frequently upon the occurrence of an event or when circumstances indicate that a reporting unit’s carrying amount is greater than its fair value. Impairment losses are recognized when the implied fair value of goodwill is less than its carrying value. The implied fair value of goodwill is contingent upon many factors, including estimates of future discounted operating cash flows. Goodwill is tested for impairment using the two-step approach, in accordance with Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) No. 350, Intangibles – Goodwill and Other. The determination of an impairment requires the valuation of the respective reporting unit, which we estimate using the discounted cash flow model and market approach.

The discounted cash flow model involves many assumptions, including forecasted operating results and discount rates. Inherent in the forecasted operating results are certain assumptions regarding revenue growth rates, projected cost saving initiatives, and projected long-term growth rates in the determination of terminal values. We perform our goodwill impairment testing as of September 1 of each year. For each of the fiscal years presented herein, no impairments were identified. No reporting units were deemed to be at risk of failing Step 1 of the goodwill impairment test under ASC No. 350.

Long-lived assets other than goodwill are reviewed for impairment whenever indicators of possible impairment exist. Impairments are recognized when the expected future operating cash flows derived from such assets are less than their carrying values. No impairment losses have been recognized in any of the periods presented herein. However, our future cash flow expectations assume that the general economic climate and conditions within our major served markets will improve within the next few years. If long-term market conditions do not improve, or in fact deteriorate, our long-lived assets may become materially impaired.

Our income tax expense, deferred tax assets and liabilities, and reserves for unrecognized tax benefits reflect management’s best assessment of estimated future taxes to be paid. We are subject to income taxes in both the U.S. and several foreign jurisdictions. Significant judgments and estimates are required in determining the consolidated income tax expense.

Deferred income taxes arise from temporary differences between the tax and financial statement recognition of revenue and expense. In evaluating our ability to recover our deferred tax assets within the jurisdiction from which they arise we consider all available positive and negative evidence, including scheduled reversals of deferred tax liabilities, projected future taxable income, tax planning strategies and recent financial performance. In projecting future taxable income, we begin with historical results and incorporate assumptions including the amount of future state, federal and foreign pretax operating income, the reversal of temporary differences and the implementation of feasible and prudent tax planning strategies. These assumptions require significant judgment about the forecasts of future taxable income.

 

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Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (Continued)

 

We record valuation allowances to reduce deferred tax assets when it is more-likely-than-not that some portion of the asset may not be realized. Presently, we believe that all deferred tax assets will more-likely-than-not be realized and a valuation allowance is not required. We evaluate the need for valuation allowances on a regular basis and make adjustments as needed. These adjustments, when made, may have a materially negative impact on our consolidated financial statements.

 

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ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA

The following consolidated financial statements of Spectrum Control, Inc. and subsidiaries are included herein:

 

     Page
Number

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

       41

Consolidated Balance Sheets as of November 30, 2010 and 2009

       42

Consolidated Statements of Income for the years ended November 30, 2010, 2009, and 2008

       43

Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity for the years ended November 30, 2010, 2009, and 2008

       44

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended November 30, 2010, 2009, and 2008

       45

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

   46-68

 

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Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

The Board of Directors and Shareholders

Spectrum Control, Inc.

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Spectrum Control, Inc. and subsidiaries as of November 30, 2010 and 2009, and the related consolidated statements of income, stockholders’ equity, and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended November 30, 2010. Our audits also included the financial statement schedule listed in the Index at Item 15(a). These financial statements and schedule are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements and schedule based on our audits.

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

In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of Spectrum Control, Inc. and subsidiaries at November 30, 2010 and 2009, and the consolidated results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended November 30, 2010, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. Also, in our opinion, the related financial statement schedule, when considered in relation to the basic financial statements taken as a whole, presents fairly in all material respects the information set forth therein.

We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), Spectrum Control, Inc. and subsidiaries’ internal control over financial reporting as of November 30, 2010, based on criteria established in Internal Control-Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission and our report dated February 10, 2011 expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.

/S/ ERNST & YOUNG LLP

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

February 10, 2011

 

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SPECTRUM CONTROL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

NOVEMBER 30, 2010 AND 2009

(Dollar Amounts in Thousands)

 

     2010     2009  

Assets

    

Current assets

    

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 2,754      $ 6,090   

Accounts receivable, less allowances of $955 in 2010 and $815 in 2009

     25,892        22,623   

Inventories, net

     39,549        34,223   

Deferred income taxes

     1,681        1,425   

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

     1,143        2,434   
                

Total current assets

     71,019        66,795   
                

Property, plant and equipment, net

     29,210        26,383   

Other assets

    

Goodwill

     45,867        44,995   

Other noncurrent assets

     11,526        5,556   
                

Total other assets

     57,393        50,551   
                

Total assets

   $ 157,622      $ 143,729   
                

Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity

    

Current liabilities

    

Short-term debt

   $ 1,000      $ 7,000   

Accounts payable

     7,527        7,124   

Income taxes payable

     754        -   

Accrued liabilities

     6,572        5,366   

Current portion of long-term debt

     70        65   
                

Total current liabilities

     15,923        19,555   
                

Long-term debt

     410        480   

Other liabilities

     433        728   

Deferred income taxes

     11,129        9,542   

Stockholders’ equity

    

Common stock, no par value, authorized 25,000,000 shares, issued 14,796,157 shares in 2010 and 14,343,335 shares in 2009

     52,768        48,919   

Retained earnings

     88,007        75,164   

Treasury stock, 1,677,479 shares in 2010 and 2009, at cost

     (11,788     (11,788

Accumulated other comprehensive income

     740        1,129   
                

Total stockholders’ equity

     129,727        113,424   
                

Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity

   $ 157,622      $ 143,729   
                

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

 

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SPECTRUM CONTROL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME

FOR THE YEARS ENDED NOVEMBER 30, 2010, 2009, AND 2008

(Amounts in Thousands Except Per Share Data)

 

     2010     2009     2008  

Net sales

   $ 163,936      $ 132,306      $ 130,694   

Cost of products sold

     119,809        97,946        97,932   
                        

Gross margin

     44,127        34,360        32,762   

Selling, general and administrative expense

     23,693        20,756        19,418   
                        

Income from operations

     20,434        13,604        13,344   

Other income (expense):

      

Interest expense

     (100     (190     (369

Other income and expense, net

     (30     (26     505   
                        
     (130     (216     136   
                        

Income before provision for income taxes

     20,304        13,388        13,480   

Provision for income taxes

     7,461        4,828        4,629   
                        

Net income

   $ 12,843      $ 8,560      $ 8,851   
                        

Earnings per common share:

      

Basic

   $ 1.00      $ 0.68      $ 0.68   
                        

Diluted

   $ 0.98      $ 0.67      $ 0.67   
                        

Weighted average common shares outstanding:

      

Basic

     12,849        12,604        13,069   
                        

Diluted

     13,138        12,739        13,189   
                        

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

 

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SPECTRUM CONTROL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

FOR THE YEARS ENDED NOVEMBER 30, 2010, 2009, AND 2008

(Dollar Amounts in Thousands)

 

    Common Stock     Retained     Treasury     Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
    Total
Stockholders’
 
    Shares     Amount     Earnings     Stock     Income (Loss)     Equity  

Balance - November 30, 2007

    14,128,914      $ 46,950      $ 57,753      $ (3,628   $ 793      $ 101,868   

Net income

    -        -        8,851        -        -        8,851   

Foreign currency translation adjustments

    -        -        -        -        (148     (148
                 

Comprehensive income

    -        -        -        -        -        8,703   
                 

Issuance of common stock upon exercise of employee stock options

    151,733        816        -        -        -        816   

Purchase and retirement of
common stock

    (31,875     (302     -        -        -        (302

Purchase of common stock, held in treasury

    -        -        -        (8,160     -        (8,160

Tax benefits from exercise of
stock options

    -        102        -        -        -        102   

Equity-based compensation

    -        264        -        -        -        264   
                                               

Balance - November 30, 2008

    14,248,772        47,830        66,604        (11,788     645        103,291   

Net income

    -        -        8,560        -        -        8,560   

Foreign currency translation adjustments

    -        -        -        -        484        484   
                 

Comprehensive income

    -        -        -        -        -        9,044   
                 

Issuance of common stock upon exercise of employee stock options

    123,634        865        -        -        -        865   

Purchase and retirement of
common stock

    (29,071     (265     -        -        -        (265

Tax benefits from exercise of
stock options

    -        42        -        -        -        42   

Equity-based compensation

    -        447        -        -        -        447   
                                               

Balance - November 30, 2009

    14,343,335        48,919        75,164        (11,788     1,129        113,424   

Net income

    -        -        12,843        -        -        12,843   

Foreign currency translation adjustments

    -        -        -        -        (389     (389
                 

Comprehensive income

    -        -        -        -        -        12,454   
                 

Issuance of common stock upon exercise of employee stock options

    589,599        3,976        -        -        -        3,976   

Purchase and retirement of
common stock

    (136,777     (1,825     -        -        -        (1,825

Tax benefits from exercise of
stock options

    -        1,085        -        -        -        1,085   

Equity-based compensation

    -        613        -        -        -        613   
                                               

Balance - November 30, 2010

    14,796,157      $ 52,768      $ 88,007      $ (11,788   $ 740      $ 129,727   
                                               

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

 

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SPECTRUM CONTROL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

FOR THE YEARS ENDED NOVEMBER 30, 2010, 2009, AND 2008

(Dollar Amounts in Thousands)

 

     2010     2009     2008  

Cash Flows From Operating Activities:

      

Net income

   $ 12,843      $ 8,560      $ 8,851   

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:

      

Depreciation

     5,423        4,944        4,447   

Amortization

     1,445        777        734   

Deferred income taxes

     627        1,310        557   

Equity-based compensation

     613        447        264   

Tax benefits from exercise of stock options

     (1,085     (42     (102

Gain on insurance recoveries

     -        (528     -   

Non-cash insurance recoveries

     (295     (250     (479

Changes in assets and liabilities, excluding effects of business acquisitions:

      

Accounts receivable

     (1,562     2,668        2,810   

Inventories

     (2,630     10        (3,290

Prepaid expenses and other assets

     1,765        272        (958

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities

     2,396        867        (3,009
                        

Net cash provided by operating activities

     19,540        19,035        9,825   
                        

Cash Flows From Investing Activities:

      

Payments for acquired businesses, net of cash received

     (13,350     (12,938     (5,587

Insurance proceeds related to property, plant and equipment

     -        1,180        -   

Purchase of property, plant and equipment

     (6,398     (3,952     (4,440
                        

Net cash used in investing activities

     (19,748     (15,710     (10,027
                        

Cash Flows From Financing Activities:

      

Net proceeds (repayment) of short-term borrowings

     (6,000     (3,000     8,000   

Repayment of long-term debt

     (65     (487     (99

Payment of debt issuance costs

     (235     -        -   

Net proceeds from issuance of common stock

     2,151        600        514   

Purchase of common stock

     -        -        (8,160

Tax benefits from exercise of stock options

     1,085        42        102   
                        

Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities

     (3,064     (2,845     357   
                        

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash

     (64     213        59   
                        

Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

     (3,336     693        214   

Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of year

     6,090        5,397        5,183   
                        

Cash and cash equivalents, end of year

   $ 2,754      $ 6,090      $ 5,397   
                        

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

 

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SPECTRUM CONTROL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

For the year ended November 30, 2010

 

1. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Principles of Consolidation

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Spectrum Control, Inc. and its subsidiaries (the “Company”). All significant intercompany accounts are eliminated upon consolidation.

Nature of Operations

The Company designs and manufactures custom electronic components and systems and has operations in the United States, Mexico, China and Germany. The Company offers a broad line of products which are included in its four reportable business segments: Advanced Specialty Products; Microwave Components and Systems; Power Management Systems; and Sensors and Controls. Although its products are used in many industries worldwide, the Company’s largest markets are military/defense, communications, and medical/industrial equipment.

Cash Equivalents

The Company invests its excess cash in money market funds. All highly liquid money market instruments with original maturities of three months or less are considered to be cash equivalents.

Accounts Receivable

Trade accounts receivable are recorded at the invoiced amount and do not bear interest. An allowance for doubtful accounts is maintained for potential credit losses based upon the expected collectibility of all accounts receivable. The Company determines the allowance based on an evaluation of numerous factors, including historical write-off experience and current economic conditions. On a monthly basis, all significant customer balances over 90 days past due are reviewed individually for collectibility. Account balances are charged off against the allowance after all reasonable means of collection have been exhausted and the potential for recovery is considered remote. The Company does not have any off-balance-sheet credit exposure related to its customers.

Derivative Financial Instruments

The Company occasionally enters into forward currency exchange contracts in the regular course of business to manage its exposure against foreign currency fluctuations on sales denominated in foreign currencies. The terms of the forward currency exchange contracts are generally nine months or less. These contracts are considered derivatives and are recognized on the consolidated balance sheet at fair value. Derivatives that are not considered effective hedges are adjusted to fair value through the consolidated statement of income. If the derivative is considered an effective hedge, depending on the nature of the hedge, changes in the fair value of the derivative are either offset against the change in fair value of assets, liabilities, or firm commitments through earnings or recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income or loss until the hedged item is recognized in earnings. The ineffective portion of a derivative’s change in fair value is immediately recognized in earnings.

Inventories

Inventories are valued at the lower of cost or market, with cost for raw materials, work-in-process and finished goods at standard cost, which approximates the first-in, first-out basis. For work-in-process and finished goods inventories, standard cost includes an allocation of manufacturing overhead based on normal production rates and capacity.

Property, Plant and Equipment

Property, plant and equipment are stated at cost. Depreciation is computed over the estimated useful lives of the assets using the straight-line method. Estimated useful lives are generally 20 years for land improvements, 15 to 30 years for buildings and improvements, and 3 to 8 years for machinery and equipment. Expenditures for maintenance and repairs are charged against earnings in the year incurred; major replacements, renewals and betterments are capitalized and depreciated over their estimated useful lives. The cost and accumulated depreciation of assets sold or retired are removed from the respective accounts and any gain or loss is reflected in earnings.

 

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

Goodwill

Goodwill represents the excess of cost over the fair value of net tangible and identifiable intangible assets of acquired businesses. At least annually (on September 1), goodwill is tested for impairment at the reporting unit (business segment) level by comparing the fair value of the reporting unit with its carrying value. Fair value is primarily determined by computing the future discounted cash flows expected to be generated by the reporting unit. If the carrying value exceeds the fair value, goodwill may be impaired. If this occurs, the fair value of the reporting unit is then allocated to its assets and liabilities in a manner similar to a purchase price allocation in order to determine the implied fair value of the reporting unit goodwill. This implied fair value is then compared with the carrying amount of the reporting unit goodwill, and if it is less, the Company would then recognize an impairment loss.

No goodwill impairment losses have been recognized in any of the periods presented herein.

Other Noncurrent Assets

Customer-related intangible assets (principally consisting of customer lists, sales order backlogs, and noncontractual customer relationships) acquired in business combinations are amortized to expense on a straight-line basis over estimated useful lives ranging from 3 to 10 years. Patents and patent rights are amortized to expense on a straight-line basis over periods not exceeding 17 years. Licenses for the use of intellectual property are amortized to expense on a straight-line basis over an estimated useful life of 6 years. The carrying value of these long-lived assets is periodically reviewed by the Company and impairments are recognized when the expected future operating cash flows derived from such intangible assets is less than their carrying value. No impairment losses have been recognized in any of the periods presented herein.

Debt issuance costs are amortized to expense on a straight-line basis over the term of the related indebtedness, which does not differ materially from the effective interest method.

Income Taxes

The Company uses the asset and liability method in accounting for income taxes. Under this method, deferred tax assets and liabilities are recorded for temporary differences between the tax basis of assets and liabilities and their reported amounts in the consolidated financial statements, using statutory tax rates in effect for the year in which the differences are expected to reverse. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in the consolidated results of operations in the period that includes the enactment date. A valuation allowance is recorded to reduce the carrying amounts of deferred tax assets unless it is more-likely-than-not that such assets will be realized.

The Company recognizes the financial statement benefit of a tax position only after determining that the relevant tax authority would more-likely-than-not sustain the position following an audit. For tax positions meeting the more-likely-than-not threshold, the amount recognized in the consolidated financial statements is the largest benefit that has a greater than fifty percent likelihood of being realized upon ultimate settlement with the relevant tax authority.

Foreign Currency Translation

The assets and liabilities of the Company’s foreign operations are translated into U.S. dollars at year-end exchange rates. Revenue and expense accounts of these operations are translated at average exchange rates prevailing during the year. These translation adjustments are accumulated in a separate component of stockholders’ equity and other comprehensive income or loss.

Foreign Currency Transactions

Foreign currency transaction gains and losses are included in determining net income for the year in which the exchange rate changes.

 

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

Revenue Recognition

Revenue is recognized when all significant contractual obligations have been met, the sales price is fixed and determinable, product has been delivered, and collection of the resulting receivable is reasonably assured. Product sales are generally recorded at the time of shipment when title passes under the terms FOB shipping point or Ex Works. Payments received from customers in advance of products shipped are recorded as deferred revenue until earned. Sales of consigned inventories are recorded when the customer has taken title and assumed the risks and rewards of ownership as specified in the customer’s purchase order or sales agreement. Sales to third party distributors are made under contractual agreements that allow for limited rights of return and replacement. The contractual agreements do not provide any price protection for unsold inventory held by the distributor. Service revenues are recorded when the related services are performed. Patent licensing fees are recorded when the related technology rights are transferred.

The Company’s contracts and customer purchase orders generally do not include any customer acceptance clauses. In addition, the Company does not normally offer or grant any discounts. The Company’s product warranties usually extend for one year, and are limited to the repair and replacement value of the product. The Company does not have any other post shipment obligations. Sales returns and warranty expense are recorded as incurred and were not material in any of the periods presented herein.

Shipping and Handling Costs

Shipping and handling costs are included in cost of products sold.

Advertising and Promotion

Advertising and promotion costs are expensed as incurred. Advertising and promotion expense amounted to $886,000 in 2010, $824,000 in 2009, and $786,000 in 2008.

Research and Development

Research and development costs are expensed as incurred. Research and development expense amounted to $5,564,000 in 2010, $4,425,000 in 2009, and $3,743,000 in 2008.

Equity - Based Compensation

For employee services received in exchange for equity awards (including employee stock options), the Company measures the related compensation cost based on the fair value of the awards. The fair value of each option granted under the Company’s stock option plans is determined, as of the date of grant, using the Black-Scholes option pricing model. Within this valuation model, expected volatilities are based upon the historical volatility of the Company’s stock, and historical data is used to estimate option exercise and employee terminations. In addition, risk-free interest rates within the contractual life of the options are based on the U.S. Treasury yield curve in effect at the time of grant. During the years ended November 30, 2010, 2009, and 2008, options to purchase the Company’s Common Stock were granted with the following weighted average assumptions:

 

     2010     2009     2008  

Expected volatility

     50.40     46.90     33.10

Risk-free interest rate

     2.20     1.72     2.75

Expected dividend yield

     0.00     0.00     0.00

Expected option life in years

     5.00        5.00        5.00   

Fair value per share

   $ 6.00      $ 2.52      $ 3.89   

During the year ended November 30, 2010, options to purchase 266,104 shares of the Company’s Common Stock were granted. Of these awards, options for 171,052 shares vest ratably over a three year period and expire five years from the date of grant (the “Base Awards”). The remaining options granted for 95,052 shares have three year cliff vesting and an option term of five years (the “Performance-Based Awards”). Vesting of the Performance-Based Awards is contingent upon the Company achieving certain levels of future sales growth and profitability.

During the years ended November 30, 2009 and 2008, options to purchase 297,000 shares and 380,500 shares, respectively, of the Company’s Common Stock were granted, comprised solely of Base Awards. Options granted during the year ended November 30, 2008, included options for 191,000 shares at an exercise price of $15.00 per share (the “original options”). These options were subsequently modified by canceling all 191,000 of the original options and then concurrently replacing them with options for 95,500 shares at an exercise price of $9.30 per share (the “replacement options”). All other terms of the replacement options remained the same as the original options. The fair value of the replacement options was determined to be less than the fair value of the original options immediately before cancellation. Accordingly, no incremental compensation cost is being recognized for the modification of the original options.

 

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

For Base Awards, compensation expense is recognized on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period of the awards. For Performance-Based Awards, no compensation expense has been recognized in the accompanying consolidated financial statements. Compensation expense related to these Performance-Based Awards will be recognized in future periods if it becomes probable that the performance conditions will be met. At November 30, 2010, the maximum compensation expense for all Performance-Based Awards, which may be recognized in future periods, amounted to $562,000.

For the years ended November 30, 2010, 2009, and 2008, equity-based compensation expense (related solely to Base Awards) was as follows (in thousands):

 

     2010      2009      2008  

Equity-based compensation expense

   $ 613       $ 447       $ 264   

The above amounts are included in selling, general and administrative expense in the accompanying consolidated statements of income.

At November 30, 2010, the total future equity-based compensation expense (related to nonvested Base Awards) is expected to be recognized as follows (in thousands):

 

2011

   $ 735   

2012

     472   

2013

     288   

2014

     122   

2015

     -   
        
   $ 1,617   
        

Earnings Per Common Share

Basic earnings per common share is computed by dividing net income by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted earnings per common share is computed by dividing net income by the sum of the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period and the effect of all dilutive common stock options. The treasury stock method is used to calculate the effect of dilutive shares, which reduces the gross number of dilutive shares by the number of shares that could be repurchased from the proceeds of the options assumed to be exercised.

Estimates

The preparation of the consolidated financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements, the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities, and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

 

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Recent Accounting Pronouncements

ASC 805-10, “Business Combinations”

In December 2007, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued ASC 805-10, “Business Combinations”. The objective of this accounting guidance is to improve the relevance, representational faithfulness, and comparability of the information that a reporting entity provides in its financial reports about a business combination and its effects. Specifically, it establishes principles and requirements over how the acquirer: (1) recognizes and measures in its financial statements the identifiable assets acquired, the liabilities assumed, and any noncontrolling interest in the acquiree; (2) recognizes and measures the goodwill acquired in the business combination or a gain from a bargain price; and (3) determines what information to disclose to enable users of the financial statements to evaluate the nature and financial effects of the business combination. ASC 805-10 changes the accounting treatment for certain specific items, including acquisition-related costs and restructuring costs associated with the acquisition. This accounting guidance applies prospectively to business combinations for which the acquisition date is on or after the beginning of the first annual reporting period beginning on or after December 15, 2008 (the Company’s 2010 fiscal year), with early adoption prohibited. During the year ended November 30, 2010, the Company incurred acquisition-related costs of $418,000 in connection with three business acquisitions. In accordance with the provisions of ASC 805-10, these acquisition-related costs were charged to general and administrative expense in the accompanying consolidated statements of income.

ASC 350-30-35, “Intangibles Other Than Goodwill – Subsequent Remeasurements”

In April 2008, the FASB issued ASC 350-30-35, “Intangibles Other Than Goodwill – Subsequent Remeasurements”, which amends the list of factors an entity should consider in developing renewal or extension assumptions used to determine the useful life of a recognized intangible asset. These provisions apply to intangible assets that are acquired individually or with a group of assets and intangible assets acquired in both business combinations and asset acquisitions. Furthermore, these provisions remove the provision that requires an entity to consider whether the renewal or extension can be accomplished without substantial cost or material modifications of the existing terms and conditions associated with the asset. Instead, these provisions require that an entity consider its own experience in renewing similar arrangements. An entity would consider market participant assumptions regarding renewal if no such relevant experience exists. This accounting guidance is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2008 (the Company’s 2010 fiscal year). The adoption of this accounting guidance, effective December 1, 2009, did not have any impact on the Company’s consolidated financial condition, results of operations, and cash flows for the year ended November 30, 2010.

ASC 805-20-25, “Business Combinations – Recognition of Identifiable Assets and Liabilities and Any Noncontrolling Interests”

In April 2009, the FASB issued ASC 805-20-25, “Business Combinations – Recognition of Identifiable Assets and Liabilities and Any Noncontrolling Interests”, which applies to all assets acquired and liabilities assumed in a business combination that arise from contingencies that would be within the scope of ASC 450, “Contingencies”, if not acquired or assumed in a business combination, except for assets or liabilities arising from contingencies that are subject to specific guidance in ASC 805-10, “Business Combinations”. These provisions require an acquirer to recognize at fair value, at the acquisition date, an asset acquired or a liability assumed in a business combination that arises from a contingency if the acquisition-date fair value of that asset or liability can be determined during the measurement period. If the acquisition-date fair value cannot be determined during the measurement period, the asset or liability shall be recognized at the acquisition date if it is probable that the asset existed or that a liability has been incurred at the acquisition date and the amount of the asset or liability can be reasonably estimated. These provisions are effective for assets or liabilities arising from contingencies in business combinations for which the acquisition date is on or after the beginning of the first annual reporting period beginning on or after December 15, 2008 (the Company’s 2010 fiscal year). The adoption of this accounting guidance, effective December 1, 2009, did not have any impact on the Company’s consolidated financial condition, results of operations, and cash flows for the year ended November 30, 2010.

 

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2. Acquisitions

On October 29, 2010, the Company acquired all of the outstanding common stock of Summit Instruments, Inc. (“Summit”). Summit, based in Akron, Ohio, designs and manufactures inertia sensors and related products including analog and digital accelerometers, angular rate sensors, and inertial measurement systems. Summit’s products are used in numerous military and aerospace applications, as well as industrial test and measurement instrumentation. The acquisition significantly expands the Company’s sensors and controls product offerings and capabilities. In addition, the Company believes that its low-cost manufacturing capability and established sales channels will provide additional revenue opportunities and improved profitability for Summit products. These factors contributed to a purchase price resulting in the recognition of goodwill.

The cash purchase price for Summit (net of cash received) was $5,439,000. The purchase price has been allocated to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed based upon their respective fair market values. Machinery and equipment values were determined by reference to undepreciated cost as of the date of acquisition, which the Company believes approximates fair value. The fair market values of identifiable intangible assets were determined by estimating the present value of future cash flows. The excess of the aggregate purchase price over the fair values of the net assets acquired was recognized as goodwill. The cash purchase price was primarily funded by borrowings under the Company’s domestic line of credit. In addition to the purchase price, the Company incurred acquisition-related costs of approximately $57,000, primarily consisting of legal and professional fees. These acquisition-related costs have been included in selling, general and administrative expense in the accompanying consolidated statement of income for the year ended November 30, 2010.

A preliminary allocation of the purchase price to the Summit assets acquired and liabilities assumed is as follows (in thousands):

 

Accounts receivable

   $ 807   

Inventories

     687   

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

     26   

Leasehold improvements

     129   

Machinery and equipment

     425   

Identifiable intangible assets

     1,683   

Accounts payable

     (165

Accrued liabilities

     (169

Income taxes payable

     (232

Deferred income taxes

     (704

Goodwill

     2,952   
        
   $ 5,439   
        

The Company expects a final allocation of the Summit purchase price to be completed in the first six months of fiscal year 2011, upon receipt and review of all relevant and necessary information. The identifiable intangible assets (consisting of customer-related intangible assets such as customer lists, sales order backlog, and non-contractual customer relationships) will be amortized to expense over estimated useful lives ranging from 3 to 10 years, with a weighted average amortization period of 7.6 years. The Summit goodwill acquired has been assigned to the Company’s Sensors and Controls reportable operating segment. The Company does not expect the acquired goodwill to be amortizable or deductible for tax purposes.

On June 18, 2010, the Company acquired substantially all of the assets and assumed certain liabilities of Sage Laboratories, Inc. (“Sage Labs”). Sage Labs, based in Hudson, New Hampshire, designs and manufactures custom RF and microwave products including filters, diplexers, multiplexers, hybrids, and digital frequency discriminators. A majority of Sage Labs’ components and subsystems are used in defense and aerospace applications, including missile defense systems, electronic warfare, military aircraft, and radar systems. The Company believes that Sage Labs’ product offerings and suspended substrate stripline technology are natural complements to the Company’s Microwave Components and Systems Business. The Company also believes that its vertical manufacturing processes, low-cost manufacturing capabilities, and established military sales channels will provide additional revenue opportunities and improved profitability for Sage Labs products. These factors contributed to a purchase price resulting in the recognition of goodwill.

 

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The cash purchase price for Sage Labs was $6,512,000. The purchase price has been allocated to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed based upon their respective fair market values. Machinery and equipment values were determined by reference to undepreciated cost as of the date of acquisition, which the Company believes approximates fair value. The fair market values of identifiable intangible assets were determined by estimating the present value of future cash flows. The excess of the aggregate purchase price over the fair values of the net assets acquired was recognized as goodwill. The cash purchase price was primarily funded by borrowings under the Company’s domestic line of credit. In addition to the purchase price, the Company incurred acquisition-related costs of $361,000, primarily consisting of a transaction finders fee, legal services, and certain professional fees. These acquisition-related costs have been included in selling, general and administrative expense in the accompanying consolidated statements of income for the year ended November 30, 2010.

The allocation of the purchase price to the Sage Labs assets acquired and liabilities assumed is as follows (in thousands):

 

Accounts receivable

   $ 1,175   

Inventories

     2,025   

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

     77   

Leasehold improvements

     301   

Machinery and equipment

     846   

Identifiable intangible assets

     1,510   

Accounts payable

     (308

Accrued liabilities

     (332

Goodwill

     1,218   
        
   $ 6,512   
        

The identifiable intangible assets (consisting of customer-related intangible assets such as customer lists, sales order backlog, and noncontractual customer relationships) are being amortized to expense over estimated useful lives ranging from three to ten years, with a weighted average amortization period of approximately 5.1 years. The goodwill acquired has been assigned to the Company’s Microwave Components and Systems reportable operating segment. For tax purposes, the Company will amortize the acquired goodwill ratably over a 15 year period.

On June 18, 2010, in a separate transaction, the Company entered into an agreement with DRS – Signal Solutions, Inc. (“DRS”) under which the Company acquired certain inventories, equipment, and a fully paid non-royalty bearing license to manufacture and sell certain products using intellectual property owned by DRS. The aggregate purchase price for the acquired assets was $1,400,000. The acquired assets are expected to be used to support certain specific customer programs over the next six years. The aggregate purchase price of $1,400,000 has been allocated to the assets acquired based upon their respective fair market values. Values for inventories and equipment were determined by reference to original cost, which the Company believes approximates fair value as of the date of acquisition, with the remainder of the aggregate purchase price allocated to the acquired license. The license will be amortized to expense over its estimated useful life of six years.

The allocation of the purchase price to the DRS assets acquired is as follows (in thousands):

 

Inventories

   $ 200   

Machinery and equipment

     150   

Identifiable intangible assets (license)

     1,050   
        
   $ 1,400   
        

 

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

The results of operations of the acquisitions enumerated above (Summit, Sage and DRS) have been included in the accompanying consolidated financial statements since the dates of acquisition, with aggregate revenues from the three acquisitions of $6,414,000 included in consolidated net sales for the year ended November 30, 2010. The following unaudited pro forma consolidated financial information has been prepared as if the acquisitions had occurred on December 1, 2008 (in thousands, except per share data):

 

     2010      2009  

Net sales

   $ 177,032       $ 151,569   

Net income

     14,289         9,494   

Earnings per common share:

     

Basic

     1.10         0.75   

Diluted

     1.08         0.75   

Pro forma amounts are based upon certain assumptions and estimates, and do not reflect any benefits from economies which might be achieved from combined operations. The pro forma information does not necessarily represent results which would have occurred if the acquisitions had taken place on the basis assumed above, nor are they necessarily indicative of the results of future combined operations.

On November 30, 2009, the Company acquired substantially all of the assets and assumed certain liabilities of Micro Networks Corporation (“Micro Networks”). Micro Networks, with operations in Worcester, Massachusetts and Auburn, New York, designs and manufactures high-performance data conversion products, custom modules, and a broad line of filters, oscillators, and delay lines based on surface acoustic wave (“SAW”) technology. Micro Networks’ products also include integrated microwave assemblies with hybrid circuit design, precision bulk acoustic wave delay lines and synthesizers. The Company believes that these products and related SAW technology, which are used predominantly in defense and aerospace applications, are a natural complement and extension to its existing Microwave Components and Systems business segment. The Company also believes that its vertical manufacturing processes, low-cost manufacturing capabilities, and established military sales channels will provide additional revenue opportunities and improved profitability for Micro Networks’ products. These factors contributed to a purchase price resulting in the recognition of goodwill.

The aggregate cash purchase price for Micro Networks was $12,938,000. The purchase price has been allocated to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed based upon their respective fair market values. Land and building values were determined by independent appraisal. Machinery and equipment values were determined by reference to undepreciated cost as of the date of acquisition, which the Company believes approximates fair value. The fair market values of identifiable intangible assets were determined by estimating the present value of future cash flows. The excess of the aggregate purchase price over the fair values of the net assets acquired was recognized as goodwill. The aggregate cash purchase price, which includes legal fees and other costs directly related to the acquisition of $139,000, was partially funded by borrowings of $7,000,000 under the Company’s domestic line of credit. The Company utilized its existing cash reserves to satisfy the balance of the purchase price.

On November 30, 2009, the Company recorded a preliminary allocation of the Micro Networks purchase price. In fiscal year 2010, upon the receipt and review of all relevant and necessary information, a final allocation of the purchase price was completed which primarily resulted in a decrease of $3,298,000 to goodwill and an increase of $3,320,000 to customer-related intangible assets.

 

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The final allocation of the purchase price to the Micro Networks assets acquired and liabilities assumed is as follows (in thousands):

 

Accounts receivable

   $ 1,027   

Inventories

     3,387   

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

     19   

Land

     83   

Building

     517   

Machinery and equipment

     172   

Accounts payable

     (188

Accrued liabilities

     (285

Identifiable intangible assets

     3,320   

Goodwill

     4,886   
        
   $ 12,938   
        

The identifiable intangible assets (consisting of customer-related intangible assets such as customer lists, sales order backlog, and noncontractual customer relationships) are being amortized to expense over estimated useful lives ranging from three to ten years, with a weighted average amortization period of approximately 9.1 years. The goodwill acquired has been assigned to the Company’s Microwave Components and Systems reportable operating segment. For tax purposes, the Company will amortize the acquired goodwill ratably over a 15 year period.

With the acquisition of Micro Networks occurring after the close of business on the last day of the Company’s 2009 fiscal year, no Micro Networks revenues or expenses have been included in the accompanying consolidated statement of income for the year ended November 30, 2009. The following unaudited pro forma consolidated financial information for the years ended November 30, 2009 and 2008, has been prepared as if the Micro Networks acquisition had occurred on December 1, 2007 (in thousands, except per share data):

 

     2009      2008  

Net sales

   $ 144,611       $ 145,992   

Net income

     8,731         10,425   

Earnings per common share:

     

Basic

     0.69         0.80   

Diluted

     0.69         0.79   

On September 26, 2008, the Company acquired substantially all of the assets and assumed certain liabilities of SatCon Electronics, Inc. (“SatCon”). SatCon, based in Marlborough, Massachusetts, designs and manufactures high performance microelectronic components used in numerous military and commercial applications, including secure communication systems and high frequency wireless devices. These sophisticated products include hybrid components and subsystems, signal converters, and a full line of thin and thick film circuits. The aggregate cash purchase price for SatCon was $5,587,000, which was primarily funded by borrowings under the Company’s domestic line of credit. The results of operations of the SatCon business have been included in the accompanying consolidated financial statements since the date of acquisition.

 

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3. Inventories

Inventories by major classification are as follows:

 

     November 30  
     2010      2009  
     (in thousands)  

Finished goods

   $ 6,637       $ 5,548   

Work-in-process

     14,192         12,576   

Raw materials

     18,720         16,099   
                 
   $ 39,549       $ 34,223   
                 

At November 30, 2010 and 2009, inventories are presented net of inventory reserves of $1,486,000 and $991,000, respectively.

 

4. Property, Plant and Equipment

Property, plant and equipment consist of the following:

 

     November 30  
     2010      2009  
     (in thousands)  

Land and improvements

   $ 2,380       $ 2,362   

Buildings and improvements

     16,039         15,841   

Leasehold improvements

     3,237         1,029   

Machinery and equipment

     50,851         45,045   
                 
     72,507         64,277   

Less accumulated depreciation

     43,297         37,894   
                 
   $ 29,210       $ 26,383   
                 

 

5. Goodwill

Changes in the carrying amount of goodwill for the years ended November 30, 2010 and 2009, in total and for each reportable segment, are summarized as follows (in thousands):

 

     2010     2009  

Goodwill, beginning of year

   $ 44,995      $ 36,811   

Goodwill acquired

     4,170        8,184   

Goodwill adjustment

     (3,298     -   
                

Goodwill, end of year

   $ 45,867      $ 44,995   
                

 

     Advanced
Specialty
Products
     Microwave
Components
and Systems
    Sensors
and
Controls
     Total  

2010

          

Goodwill, beginning of year

   $ 14,243       $ 23,046      $ 7,706       $ 44,995   

Goodwill acquired

     -         1,218        2,952         4,170   

Goodwill adjustment

     -         (3,298     -         (3,298
                                  

Goodwill, end of year

   $ 14,243       $ 20,966      $ 10,658       $ 45,867   
                                  

2009

          

Goodwill, beginning of year

   $ 14,243       $ 14,862      $ 7,706       $ 36,811   

Goodwill acquired

     -         8,184        -         8,184   
                                  

Goodwill, end of year

   $ 14,243       $ 23,046      $ 7,706       $ 44,995   
                                  

During the year ended November 30, 2010, the Company recorded goodwill in connection with its acquisitions of Summit and Sage Labs of $2,952,000 and $1,218,000, respectively. During the year ended November 30, 2009, the Company recorded $8,184,000 of goodwill in connection with its acquisition of Micro Networks, based upon a preliminary allocation of the related purchase price. As more fully described in Note 2 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company adjusted its preliminary allocation of the Micro Networks purchase price in fiscal year 2010 upon the receipt and review of all relevant and necessary valuation information.

 

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6. Other Noncurrent Assets

Other noncurrent assets consist of the following:

 

     November 30  
     2010      2009  
     (in thousands)  

Amortizable assets:

     

Customer-related intangibles

   $ 11,846       $ 6,926   

Licenses

     1,050         -   

Patents and patent rights

     335         325   

Debt issuance costs

     273         38   
                 
     13,504         7,289   

Less accumulated amortization

     3,772         3,959   
                 
     9,732         3,330   

Other assets:

     

Prepaid environmental liability insurance (see Note 10)

     1,711         2,121   

Deferred charges

     83         105   
                 
   $ 11,526       $ 5,556   
                 

For the year ended November 30, 2010, the weighted average amortization period for customer-related intangibles was 8.5 years. For the years ended November 30, 2009 and 2008, the weighted average amortization period for customer-related intangibles was 8.0 years.

For the years ended November 30, 2010, 2009, and 2008, amortization expense was $1,445,000, $777,000 and $734,000, respectively. During each of the five years ending November 30, 2015, amortization expense is expected to approximate $1,982,000, $1,863,000, $1,522,000, $1,082,000, and $820,000, respectively.

 

7. Short-Term Debt

Short-term debt consists of the following:

 

     November 30  
     2010      2009  
     (in thousands)  

Notes payable – domestic line of credit (1)

   $ 1,000       $ 7,000   

Notes payable – foreign line of credit (2)

     -         -   
                 
   $ 1,000       $ 7,000   
                 

 

(1) In September 2010, the Company and its principal lending institution (the “Bank”) amended their domestic line of credit agreement, increasing the aggregate amount of the line of credit to $50,000,000. Borrowings under the amended agreement are secured by substantially all of the Company’s tangible and intangible personal property, and bear interest at rates below the prevailing prime rate. The Bank’s revolving credit commitment is scheduled to be permanently reduced in accordance with the following schedule: (i) $2,000,000 on December 31, 2010; (ii) $3,000,000 on June 30, 2011; and (iii) $5,000,000 on December 31, 2011. During the year ended November 30, 2010, weighted average borrowings under the revolving line of credit amounted to $3,967,000 with an average interest rate of 1.37% and maximum month-end borrowings of $8,000,000. During the year ended November 30, 2009, weighted average borrowings were $3,808,000 with an average interest rate of 2.04% and maximum month-end borrowings of $9,000,000. The line of credit agreement contains certain covenants, the most restrictive of which require the Company to maintain designated minimum levels of net worth and profitability, and impose certain restrictions on the Company regarding additional indebtedness. At November 30, 2010, the Company was in compliance with all debt covenants. The amended line of credit agreement expires in September 2014.

 

(2) The Company’s wholly-owned German subsidiary maintains an unsecured Euro line of credit with a German financial institution aggregating $1,303,000 (Euro 1,000,000). During the years ended November 30, 2010 and 2009, no borrowings were outstanding under this line of credit arrangement. Future borrowings, if any, will bear interest at rates below the prevailing prime rate and will be payable upon demand.

 

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8. Accrued Liabilities

Accrued liabilities consist of the following:

 

     November 30  
     2010      2009  
     (in thousands)  

Accrued salaries and wages

   $ 5,274       $ 4,365   

Accrued environmental remediation costs (see Note 10)

     280         278   

Accrued interest

     27         67   

Accrued other expenses

     991         656   
                 
   $ 6,572       $ 5,366   
                 

 

9. Long-Term Debt

Long-term debt consists of the following:

 

     November 30  
     2010      2009  
     (in thousands)  

Industrial revenue bonds

   $ 480       $ 545   

Less current portion

     70         65   
                 
   $ 410       $ 480   
                 

The industrial revenue bonds bear interest at 5.36% and are collateralized by certain land and building and an irrevocable letter of credit issued by the Company, through its principal lending institution. The aggregate principal maturities of the bonds during each of the five years ending November 30, 2015, are $70,000 in 2011, $75,000 in 2012, $80,000 in 2013, $80,000 in 2014, and $85,000 in 2015. The bonds mature on December 1, 2015, with a final principal payment due on that date of $90,000.

 

10. Other Liabilities

Other liabilities consist of the following:

 

     November 30  
     2010      2009  
     (in thousands)  

Accrued environmental remediation costs

   $ 713       $ 1,006   

Less current portion

     280         278   
                 
   $ 433       $ 728   
                 

The Company owns certain land and manufacturing facilities in State College, Pennsylvania. The property, which was acquired from Murata Electronics North America (“Murata”) in December 2005, consists of approximately 53 acres of land and 250,000 square feet of manufacturing facilities. Among other uses, the acquired facilities have become the design and manufacturing center for the Company’s ceramic operations, replacing the ceramic operations previously conducted by the Company in New Orleans, Louisiana.

 

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The purchase price for the acquired property consisted of: (a) $1.00, plus (b) closing costs of $695,000 including realtor commissions, transfer taxes, and legal fees; plus (c) the assumption of, and indemnification of Murata against, all environmental liabilities related to the property. The acquired property has known environmental conditions that require remediation, and certain hazardous materials previously used on the property have migrated into neighboring third party areas. These environmental issues arose from the use of chlorinated organic solvents including tetrachloroethylene (“PCE”) and trichloroethylene (“TCE”). As a condition to the purchase, the Company entered into an agreement with the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (“PADEP”) pursuant to which: (a) the Company agreed to remediate all known environmental conditions relating to the property to a specified industrial standard, with the Company’s costs for remediating such conditions being capped at $4,000,000; (b) PADEP released Murata from further claims by Pennsylvania under specified state laws for the known environmental conditions; and (c) the Company purchased an insurance policy providing clean-up cost cap coverage (for known and unknown pollutants) with a combined coverage limit of approximately $8,200,000, and pollution legal liability coverage (for possible third party claims) with an aggregate coverage limit of $25,000,000. The total premium cost for the insurance policy, which has a ten year term and an aggregate deductible of $650,000, was $4,762,000. The cost of the insurance associated with the environmental clean-up ($3,604,000) is being charged to general and administrative expense in direct proportion to the actual remediation costs incurred. The cost of the insurance associated with the pollution legal liability coverage ($1,158,000) is being charged to general and administrative expense on a pro rata basis over the ten year policy term.

Based upon its environmental review of the property, the Company recorded a liability of $2,888,000 to cover probable future environmental expenditures related to the remediation, the cost of which is expected to be entirely covered by the insurance policy. As of November 30, 2010, remediation expenditures of $2,175,000 have been incurred and charged against the environmental liability, with all such expenditures being reimbursed by the insurance carrier. The remaining aggregate undiscounted expenditures of $713,000 which are anticipated to be incurred over the next five years, principally consist of: (a) continued operation and monitoring of the existing on-site groundwater extraction, treatment, and recharge system; (b) completion of soil investigations to determine the extent of potential soil contamination; (c) excavation and off-site disposal of soil containing contaminates above acceptable standards; and (d) implementation of soil vapor extraction systems in certain areas. Depending upon the results of future environmental testing and remediation actions, it is possible that the ultimate costs incurred could exceed the current aggregate estimate of $2,888,000. The Company expects such increase, if any, to be entirely covered by the insurance policy. Insurance recoveries for actual environmental remediation costs incurred are recorded when it is probable that such insurance reimbursement will be received and the related amounts are determinable. Such insurance recoveries are credited to the Company’s general and administrative expense.

Based on the Company’s current remediation plan, $280,000 of the total remediation costs are expected to be incurred during the next twelve months.

 

11. Fair Value of Financial Instruments

The carrying amounts of cash, cash equivalents, accounts receivable, accounts payable, and accrued liabilities approximate fair value due to the short-term maturities of these assets and liabilities. The carrying amounts of the Company’s long-term debt approximate fair value, based on borrowing rates currently available for debt of similar terms and maturities. The Company utilizes letters of credit to collateralize certain long-term borrowings. The letters of credit reflect fair value as a condition of their underlying purpose and are subject to fees competitively determined in the marketplace.

To protect against the reduction in value of forecasted foreign currency cash flows resulting from export sales, the Company maintains a foreign currency cash flow hedging program. Under this program, the Company occasionally hedges portions of its forecasted revenue denominated in foreign currencies with forward contracts. When the dollar strengthens significantly against the foreign currencies (primarily the Euro and British Pound Sterling), the decline in value of future foreign currency revenue is offset by gains in the value of the forward contracts designated as hedges. Conversely, when the dollar weakens, the increase in the value of future foreign currency cash flows is offset by losses in the value of the forward contracts. At November 30, 2010 and 2009, the Company did not have any material forward currency exchange contracts outstanding. Hedging ineffectiveness during the years ended November 30, 2010, 2009, and 2008 was not material to the consolidated financial statements.

 

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12. Treasury Stock

The Board of Directors has authorized the Company to repurchase up to $16,000,000 of the Company’s Common Stock at market prices. The amount and timing of the shares to be repurchased are at the discretion of management. During the years ended November 30, 2010 and 2009, no shares were repurchased under this program. During the year ended November 30, 2008, the Company repurchased 1,001,479 shares at an aggregate cost of $8,160,000. Since the inception of the stock buyback program, the Company has repurchased 1,677,479 shares at an aggregate cost of $11,788,000. The repurchased shares are held as treasury stock.

 

13. Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)

The components of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) are as follows (in thousands):

 

     Foreign
Currency
Translation
Adjustments
 

Balance – November 30, 2007

   $ 793   

2008 Foreign currency translation adjustments

     (148
        

Balance – November 30, 2008

     645   

2009 Foreign currency translation adjustments

     484   
        

Balance – November 30, 2009

     1,129   

2010 Foreign currency translation adjustments

     (389
        

Balance – November 30, 2010

   $ 740   
        

 

14. Insurance Recoveries

During the year ended November 30, 2009, the Company’s operating sites included a leased facility in Marlborough, Massachusetts (the “Marlborough Facility”) and an owned facility in Wesson, Mississippi (the “Wesson Facility”). In January 2009, the Marlborough Facility sustained wind damage to its roof which, in turn, resulted in water damage to certain machinery, equipment, and leasehold improvements. Also in January 2009, a small outbuilding at the Wesson Facility sustained a fire, destroying the outbuilding and certain plating equipment contained inside. The aggregate book value of the assets damaged or destroyed by these two involuntary conversions amounted to $652,000. In addition, the Company incurred costs of $106,000 for various clean-up, repairs and related outside services. Upon the settlement of all related insurance claims, the Company received aggregate insurance recoveries of $1,286,000. Accordingly, the Company recorded a net gain of $528,000 representing the excess of the insurance recoveries over the carrying value of the assets destroyed and related costs incurred. This credit has been included in selling, general and administrative expense in the Company’s consolidated statement of income for the year ended November 30, 2009.

 

15. Other Income and Expense

Other income and expense for the years ended November 30, 2010, 2009, and 2008, consist of the following (in thousands):

 

     2010     2009     2008  

Investment income

   $ 9      $ 34      $ 178   

Patent licensing fees

     -        -        340   

Loss on foreign currency transactions

     (39     (60     (13
                        
   $ (30   $ (26   $ 505   
                        

 

 

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

 

16. Income Taxes

For the years ended November 30, 2010, 2009, and 2008, income before income taxes consists of the following (in thousands):

 

     2010      2009      2008  

U.S. operations

   $ 19,557       $ 13,353       $ 13,414   

Foreign operations

     747         35         66   
                          
   $ 20,304       $ 13,388       $ 13,480   
                          

For the years ended November 30, 2010, 2009, and 2008, the provision for income taxes consists of the following (in thousands):

 

     2010      2009     2008  

Current

       

U.S. Federal

   $ 6,073       $ 3,033      $ 3,561   

Foreign

     210         (7     (5

State

     551         492        514   

Deferred

       

U.S. Federal

     509         1,208        603   

State

     118         102        (44
                         
   $ 7,461       $ 4,828      $ 4,629   
                         

The difference between the provision for income taxes and the amount computed by applying the U.S. federal income tax rate in effect for the years ended November 30, 2010, 2009, and 2008, consists of the following (in thousands):

 

     2010     2009     2008  

Statutory federal income tax

   $ 7,106      $ 4,686      $ 4,718   

State income taxes, net of federal tax effect

     435        386        305   

Research activities tax credit

     -        (151     (193

Domestic production activities deduction

     (210     (175     (186

Foreign tax rates

     (51     (19     (28

Other items

     181        101        13   
                        
   $ 7,461      $ 4,828      $ 4,629   
                        

Excess tax benefits realized upon the exercise of non-qualified stock options and disqualified incentive stock options are credited directly to stockholders’ equity. For the years ended November 30, 2010, 2009, and 2008, these tax benefits and related credits to stockholders’ equity amounted to $1,085,000, $42,000, and $102,000, respectively.

 

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

Significant components of the Company’s net deferred tax assets and liabilities are as follows:

 

     November 30  
     2010        2009   
                
     (in thousands)  

Deferred tax assets:

    

Amortization of intangible assets

   $ 803      $ 552   

Inventory valuation

     695        521   

Accrued compensation

     666        638   

Allowance for doubtful accounts

     341        284   

Other

     25        -   
                

Deferred tax assets

     2,530        1,995   
                

Deferred tax liabilities:

    

Amortization of intangible assets

     6,418        4,997   

Depreciation of plant and equipment

     3,180        2,898   

Investment in subsidiaries

     2,359        2,199   

Other

     21        18   
                

Deferred tax liabilities

     11,978        10,112   
                

Net deferred tax liabilities

   $ (9,448   $ (8,117
                
     November 30  
     2010     2009  
     (in thousands)  

Net deferred tax assets:

    

Current

   $ 1,681      $ 1,425   

Net deferred tax liabilities:

    

Noncurrent

     (11,129     (9,542
                
   $ (9,448   $ (8,117
                

The Company has not recorded deferred income taxes on the undistributed earnings of its foreign subsidiaries because of management’s intent to indefinitely reinvest such earnings. At November 30, 2010, the aggregate undistributed earnings of the foreign subsidiaries amounted to $5,092,000. Upon distribution of these earnings in the form of dividends or otherwise, the Company may be subject to U.S. income taxes and foreign withholding taxes. It is not practical, however, to estimate the amount of taxes that may be payable on the eventual remittance of these earnings.

In assessing the realizability of deferred tax assets, management considers whether it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. The ultimate realization of deferred tax assets is dependent upon the generation of future taxable income during the periods in which the temporary differences become deductible. Management considers the scheduled reversal of deferred tax liabilities, projected future taxable income, and tax planning strategies in making this assessment. Based upon the level of historical taxable income and projections for future taxable income, management believes it is more likely than not the Company will realize the benefits of the deferred tax assets. Accordingly, no deferred tax asset valuation allowance was recorded at November 30, 2010 or 2009.

The Company recognizes the financial statement benefit of a tax position only after determining that the relevant tax authority would more-likely-than-not sustain the position following an audit. For tax positions meeting the more-likely-than-not threshold, the amount recognized in the consolidated financial statements is the largest benefit that has a greater than fifty percent likelihood of being realized upon ultimate settlement with the relevant tax authority.

 

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

For the years ended November 30, 2010, 2009, and 2008, a reconciliation of beginning and ending unrecognized tax benefits is as follows (in thousands):

 

Balance at December 1, 2007

   $ 68   

Increases related to current year tax positions

     65   
        

Balance at November 30, 2008

     133   

Increases related to current year tax positions

     50   
        

Balance at November 30, 2009

     183   

Increases related to current year tax positions

     4   

Decreases related to prior year tax positions

     (39
        

Balance at November 30, 2010

   $ 148   
        

The Company’s unrecognized tax benefits relate to certain U.S. tax credits and state income tax matters. As of November 30, 2010, 2009, and 2008, the Company’s unrecognized tax benefits of $148,000, $183,000 and $133,000, respectively, would affect the Company’s effective tax rate if recognized.

The Company’s practice is to recognize interest and penalties related to income tax matters as income tax expense. For each of the years presented herein, there were no significant amounts accrued or charged to expense for tax-related interest and penalties.

Although no income tax examinations are currently in process, the Company is subject to possible income tax examinations for its U.S. federal income tax returns filed for the tax years 2006 to present, and the tax year 2003 to present for most state income tax returns. International tax statutes may vary widely regarding the tax years subject to examination, but generally range from 2006 to the present.

 

17. Earnings Per Common Share

The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted earnings per common share:

 

     2010      2009      2008  

Numerator for basic and diluted earnings per common share (in thousands):

        

Net income

   $ 12,843       $ 8,560       $ 8,851   
                          

Denominator for basic earnings per common share (in thousands):

        

Weighted average shares outstanding

     12,849         12,604         13,069   
                          

Denominator for diluted earnings per common share (in thousands):

        

Weighted average shares outstanding

     12,849         12,604         13,069   

Effect of dilutive stock options

     289         135         120   
                          
     13,138         12,739         13,189   
                          

Earnings per common share:

        

Basic

   $ 1.00       $ 0.68       $ 0.68   
                          

Diluted

   $ 0.98       $ 0.67       $ 0.67   
                          

In 2009, options to purchase 105,500 shares of Common Stock, at a weighted average exercise price of $9.25 per share, were outstanding but were not included in the computation of diluted earnings per share because their inclusion would be antidilutive. In 2008, options to purchase 1,103,734 shares of Common Stock, at a weighted average exercise price of $7.48 per share, were similarly excluded.

 

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

 

18. Supplemental Cash Flow Information

Supplemental cash flow information for the years ended November 30, 2010, 2009, and 2008, consists of the following (in thousands):

 

     2010      2009      2008  

Cash paid during the year for:

        

Interest

   $ 140       $ 244       $ 357   

Income taxes

     4,207         3,488         6,759   

Liabilities assumed in connection with:

        

Business acquisitions

     1,910         597         1,344   

 

19. Common Stock Options

The Company has two plans that provide for granting to officers, directors, employees and advisors options to purchase shares of the Company’s Common Stock. Under the plans, option prices are not less than the market price of the Company’s Common Stock on the date of the grant, and all unexercised options expire five years from the date of grant. Most options become exercisable ratably over a three year period (the “Base Awards”), while the exercisability of certain options is contingent upon the Company achieving specified levels of future sales growth and profitability (the “Performance-Based Awards”). At November 30, 2010, options to purchase 1,262,496 shares of Common Stock were available for grant under the Company’s stock option plans.

A summary of the Company’s stock option activity for the years ended November 30, 2010, 2009, and 2008, is as follows:

 

     Number
of Shares
Under
Option
    Option Price  
       Per Share      Weighted
Average
     Aggregate  

Outstanding – November 30, 2007

     1,065,967      $ 5.05 –   8.68       $ 6.93       $ 7,390,000   

Granted during the year

     380,500        8.38 – 15.00         11.94         4,545,000   

Exercised during the year

     (151,733     5.05 –   8.68         5.38         (816,000

Cancellations and forfeitures

     (191,000     15.00         15.00         (2,865,000
                                  

Outstanding – November 30, 2008

     1,103,734        6.31 –  9.30         7.48         8,254,000   

Granted during the year

     297,000        5.75 –  6.43         5.91         1,757,000   

Exercised during the year

     (123,634     6.31 –  7.60         7.00         (865,000

Cancellations and forfeitures

     (215,000     8.00 –  8.68         8.66         (1,862,000
                                  

Outstanding – November 30, 2009

     1,062,100        5.75 –  9.30         6.86         7,284,000   

Granted during the year

     266,104        12.72 – 13.91         13.01         3,461,000   

Exercised during the year

     (589,599     6.31 –  9.30         6.74         (3,976,000

Cancellations and forfeitures

     (26,000     5.75 – 12.72         9.65         (251,000
                                  

Outstanding – November 30, 2010

     712,605      $ 5.75 – 13.91       $ 9.15       $ 6,518,000   
                                  

Exercisable:

          

November 30, 2010

     49,165      $ 8.38 –  9.30       $ 8.78       $ 431,000   
                                  

November 30, 2009

     575,600      $ 6.31 –  7.60       $ 6.69       $ 3,848,000   
                                  

November 30, 2008

     656,598      $ 6.31 –  8.68       $ 7.37       $ 4,840,000   
                                  

 

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

The following table summarizes significant ranges of outstanding and exercisable stock options at November 30, 2010:

 

Option Price    Number of Shares Under Option

Range

Per Share

   Outstanding   

Exercisable

$5.75 –   6.00    216,000              -
  6.01 –   7.00      72,000              -
  8.01 –   9.00      90,667    28,000
  9.01 – 10.00      79,834    21,165
12.01 – 13.00    188,404              -
13.01 – 13.91      65,700              -

At November 30, 2010, the weighted average remaining contractual life of outstanding options was 3.9 years. Of the options outstanding at November 30, 2010, 49,165 were fully vested with a weighted average exercise price of $8.78 per share, while options for 663,440 shares were unvested at a weighted average exercise price of $9.17 per share. Based upon a closing market price of $15.27 per share for the Company’s Common Stock on November 30, 2010, the aggregate intrinsic value of all outstanding options was $4,364,000, including an aggregate intrinsic value of $319,000 for all exercisable stock options. During the years ended November 30, 2010, 2009, and 2008, the aggregate intrinsic value of stock options exercised amounted to $4,031,000, $272,000, and $568,000, respectively.

 

20. Employee Savings Plan

The Company has a savings plan, available to substantially all U.S. employees, which permits participants to make contributions by salary reduction pursuant to Section 401(k) of the Internal Revenue Code. The Company matches employee contributions up to a maximum of 2.5% of compensation and may, at its discretion, make additional contributions to the plan. The Company’s aggregate contribution to the plan was $809,000 in 2010, $635,000 in 2009, and $601,000 in 2008.

 

21. Concentration of Credit Risk

Financial instruments which potentially subject the Company to a concentration of credit risk principally consist of cash equivalents, forward currency exchange contracts, and trade receivables.

The Company places its temporary cash investments with high credit quality financial institutions which invest primarily in U.S. Government instruments, commercial paper of prime quality, certificates of deposit, and guaranteed bankers’ acceptances. The Company has never experienced any material losses on its temporary cash investments.

The Company is exposed to credit loss in the event of nonperformance by counterparties on foreign exchange contracts used in hedging activities. The counterparties to the Company’s forward currency exchange contracts are major financial institutions and the Company has never experienced nonperformance by any of its counterparties.

Although its products are used in many industries, the Company’s largest individual markets are military/defense and communications equipment. Accounts receivable from military/defense customers represented approximately 60% of total accounts receivable at November 30, 2010 and 2009. At November 30, 2010 and 2009, approximately 16% and 17%, respectively, of the Company’s accounts receivable were from customers in the communications equipment industry. To reduce credit risk, the Company performs ongoing credit evaluations of its customers, but does not generally require advance payments or collateral. The Company maintains a provision for potential credit losses based upon the expected collectibility of all accounts receivable.

 

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

 

22. Reportable Operating Segments

The Company designs, develops and manufactures custom electronic components and systems. Although it provides a wide range of products to many industries worldwide, the Company’s largest markets are military/defense, communications, and medical/industrial equipment.

The Company’s current operations are conducted in four reportable segments: advanced specialty products; microwave components and systems; power management systems; and sensors and controls. The Company’s Advanced Specialty Products Business designs and manufactures a broad range of products including antennas, specialty connectors, advanced ceramics, and electromagnetic interference (“EMI”) filters and interconnects. Our Microwave Components and Systems Business designs and manufactures microwave filters and components, high power amplifiers, oscillators, synthesizers, switched filter banks, and related systems and integrated assemblies. The Power Management Systems Business designs and manufactures custom AC and DC power distribution units, power outlet strips, power monitoring equipment, and our Smart Start power management systems. Our Sensors and Controls Business designs and manufactures rotary and linear positioning sensors, temperature sensing probes, thermistors, resistance temperature detector sensors, inertia sensors, inertial measurement systems, and related assemblies. The reportable segments are each managed separately because they manufacture and sell distinct products with different production processes.

The Company evaluates performance and allocates resources to its reportable segments based upon numerous factors, including segment income before income taxes. The accounting policies of the reportable segments are the same as those utilized in the preparation of the Company’s consolidated financial statements. However, substantially all of the Company’s general and administrative expenses, and nonoperating expenses, are not allocated to the Company’s reportable operating segments and, accordingly, these expenses are not deducted in arriving at segment income. Segment reportable assets are comprised of certain tangible assets (property, plant, equipment, and inventories) and goodwill.

For each period presented, the accounting policies and procedures used to determine segment income have been consistently applied. For the years ended November 30, 2010, 2009, and 2008, reportable segment information is as follows (in thousands):

 

     Advanced
Specialty
Products
     Microwave
Components
and
Systems
     Power
Management
Systems
     Sensors
and
Controls
     Total  
2010               

Revenue from unaffiliated customers

   $ 51,155       $ 79,935       $ 12,069       $ 20,777       $ 163,936   

Depreciation and amortization expense

     1,895         3,699         304         870         6,768   

Segment income

     9,684         13,224         3,586         3,280         29,774   

Segment assets

              

Tangible assets

     20,642         31,768         2,496         9,047         63,953   

Goodwill

     14,243         20,966         -         10,658         45,867   

Capital expenditures

     2,013         3,435         221         546         6,215   
2009               

Revenue from unaffiliated customers

     42,001         60,069         10,268         19,968         132,306   

Depreciation and amortization expense

     1,953         2,601         280         812         5,646   

Segment income

     5,332         10,021         2,758         3,448         21,559   

Segment assets

              

Tangible assets

     20,125         25,482         2,743         7,541         55,891   

Goodwill

     14,243         23,046         -         7,706         44,995   

Capital expenditures

     1,030         2,326         99         298         3,753   
2008               

Revenue from unaffiliated customers

     52,060         45,942         9,879         22,813         130,694   

Depreciation and amortization expense

     1,990         1,977         258         875         5,100   

Segment income

     9,343         5,492         1,705         3,771         20,311   

Segment assets

              

Tangible assets

     21,966         21,052         2,854         7,239         53,111   

Goodwill

     14,243         14,862         -         7,706         36,811   

Capital expenditures

     1,367         1,896         432         719         4,414   

 

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

For the years ended November 30, 2010, 2009, and 2008, reconciliations of reportable segment information to the Company’s consolidated financial statements are as follows (in thousands):

 

Depreciation and amortization expense

   2010     2009     2008  

Total depreciation and amortization expense for reportable segments

   $ 6,768      $ 5,646      $ 5,100   

Unallocated amounts:

      

Depreciation and amortization expense related to general and administrative activities

     100        75        81   
                        

Consolidated depreciation and amortization expense

   $ 6,868      $ 5,721      $ 5,181   
                        

Income before provision for income taxes

   2010     2009     2008  

Total income for reportable segments

   $ 29,774      $ 21,559      $ 20,311   

Unallocated amounts:

      

General and administrative expense

     (9,340     (7,955     (6,967

Interest expense

     (100     (190     (369

Other income and (expense), net

     (30     (26     505   
                        

Consolidated income before provision for income taxes

   $ 20,304      $ 13,388      $ 13,480   
                        

Assets

   2010     2009     2008  

Total assets for reportable segments

   $ 109,820      $ 100,886      $ 89,922   

Unallocated amounts:

      

Cash and cash equivalents

     2,754        6,090        5,397   

Accounts receivable

     25,892        22,623        24,043   

Other current assets

     2,824        3,859        3,991   

Other noncurrent assets

     16,332        10,271        11,431   
                        

Total consolidated assets

   $ 157,622      $ 143,729      $ 134,784   
                        

Capital expenditures

   2010     2009     2008  

Total capital expenditures for reportable segments

   $ 6,215      $ 3,753      $ 4,414   

Unallocated amounts:

      

Capital expenditures related to general and administrative activities

     183        199        26   
                        

Total consolidated capital expenditures

   $ 6,398      $ 3,952      $ 4,440   
                        

 

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

The Company has operations in the United States, Mexico, China and Germany. Sales are attributed to individual countries based on the location of the customer. The geographic distribution of sales and long-lived assets for 2010, 2009, and 2008 is as follows (in thousands):

 

2010

   United
States
     Mexico      China      Germany      All Other
Countries
     Total  

Revenue from unaffiliated customers

   $ 135,174       $ 1,583       $ 2,635       $ 2,957       $ 21,587       $ 163,936   

Long-lived assets:

                 

Property, plant and equipment

     28,316         91         788         15         -         29,210   

2009

                                         

Revenue from unaffiliated customers

     110,612         658         2,111         2,535         16,390         132,306   

Long-lived assets:

                 

Property, plant and equipment

     25,164         116         1,086         17         -         26,383   

2008

                                         

Revenue from unaffiliated customers

     101,891         1,122         3,652         4,231         19,798         130,694   

Long-lived assets:

                 

Property, plant and equipment

     25,599         71         1,558         22         -         27,250   

In 2010, 2009, and 2008, the Company’s largest single customer (a prime supplier to the military/defense industry) represented 8%, 8% and 4%, respectively, of total consolidated net sales. Sales to this major customer consisted of various microwave components and systems, as well as certain advanced specialty products.

 

23. Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited)

 

     Year Ended November 30, 2010  
     First      Second      Third      Fourth  
     (in thousands, except per share data)  

Net sales

   $ 37,870       $ 39,731       $ 43,613       $ 42,722   

Gross margin

     8,879         11,091         12,717         11,440   

Net income

     2,408         3,271         3,896         3,268   

Earnings per common share:

           

Basic

     0.19         0.26         0.30         0.25   

Diluted

     0.19         0.25         0.30         0.25   
     Year Ended November 30, 2009  
     First      Second      Third      Fourth  
     (in thousands, except per share data)  

Net sales

   $ 33,117       $ 33,623       $ 31,477       $ 34,089   

Gross margin

     8,258         8,948         7,749         9,405   

Net income

     2,153         2,221         2,041         2,145   

Earnings per common share:

           

Basic

     0.17         0.18         0.16         0.17   

Diluted

     0.17         0.18         0.16         0.17   

Earnings per common share are computed independently for each of the quarters presented. Therefore, the sum of the quarterly earnings per share may not equal the total computed for the year.

 

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24. Contingencies

The Company is subject to certain legal proceedings and claims arising in the ordinary course of business. In the opinion of management, the amount of any ultimate liability with respect to these actions will not materially affect the Company’s consolidated financial position, results of operations, or cash flows.

 

25. Operating Leases

The Company has entered into several operating lease agreements, primarily relating to certain manufacturing facilities, computer equipment, and sales offices. These leases are noncancelable and expire on various dates through 2017. Leases that expire generally are expected to be renewed or replaced by other leases. Future minimum rental payments for all operating leases having initial or remaining noncancelable terms in excess of one year are as follow (in thousands):

 

2011

   $ 1,914   

2012

     1,823   

2013

     1,419   

2014

     1,310   

2015

     937   

Later Years

     1,264   
        
   $ 8,667   
        

Total rent expense under all operating leases amounted to $2,611,000 in 2010, $2,270,000 in 2009, and $2,157,000 in 2008.

 

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ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE

None

 

ITEM 9A. Controls and Procedures

(a) Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

The Company’s management, with the participation of the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, has evaluated the effectiveness of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures as of November 30, 2010. Based on that evaluation, the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures were effective to ensure that information required to be disclosed by the Company in the reports that it files or submits under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported, within the time periods specified in the Commission’s rules and forms.

(b) Management’s Annual Report on Internal Controls Over Financial Reporting

Management of Spectrum Control, Inc. is responsible for establishing and maintaining an adequate system of internal control over financial reporting. This system is designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

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

Because of its inherent limitations, a system of internal control over financial reporting can provide only reasonable assurance and may not prevent or detect misstatements. Further, because of changes in conditions, effectiveness of internal controls over financial reporting may vary over time. Our system contains self-monitoring mechanisms, and actions are taken to correct deficiencies as they are identified.

Management conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of the system of internal control over financial reporting based on the framework in Internal Control – Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). Based on this evaluation, management concluded that the Company’s system of internal control over financial reporting was effective as of November 30, 2010.

The Company’s independent registered public accounting firm that audited the financial statements included in this Annual Report issued an attestation report on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

(d) Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

The Board of Directors and Shareholders

Spectrum Control, Inc.

We have audited Spectrum Control, Inc. and subsidiaries’ internal control over financial reporting as of November 30, 2010, based on criteria established in Internal Control – Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (the COSO criteria). Spectrum Control, Inc. and subsidiaries’ management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting, and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, as stated in their report which is included herein. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audit.

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

 

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

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

In our opinion, Spectrum Control, Inc. and subsidiaries maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of November 30, 2010, based on the COSO criteria.

We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the consolidated balance sheets of Spectrum Control, Inc. and subsidiaries as of November 30, 2010 and 2009, and the related consolidated statements of income, stockholders’ equity, and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended November 30, 2010 of Spectrum Control, Inc. and subsidiaries and our report dated February 10, 2011, expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.

ERNST & YOUNG LLP

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

February 10, 2011

(e) Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

There were no material changes in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2010.

 

ITEM 9B. Other Information

None

 

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PART III

 

ITEM 10. DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANT

The information set forth under “Election of Directors” and “Directors of the Company” on pages 4 and 5 of the registrant’s Proxy Statement for the annual meeting of shareholders to be held April 4, 2011 (the “Proxy Statement”) is incorporated herein by reference.

Current members of the Company’s Audit Committee are: George J. Behringer, Chairman; Bernard C. Bailey; and Gerald A. Ryan. All of the committee members are independent directors. The Company has determined that Mr. Behringer, Mr. Bailey, and Mr. Ryan are “financial experts”, as that term has been defined by the Securities and Exchange Commission.

The Company has adopted a Code of Ethics and Business Conduct that applies to all of its directors, officers (including its chief executive officer, chief financial officer, chief accounting officer, controller and any person performing similar functions) and employees. The Code of Ethics and Business Conduct is available on the Company’s website at www.spectrumcontrol.com.

The following information is provided with respect to the executive officers of the Company:

 

Name of Officer

  

Age

  

Position

John P. Freeman

   56   

Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer

Lawrence G. Howanitz

   58   

Senior Vice President, Advanced Specialty Products

Robert J. McKenna

   57   

Senior Vice President, New Business and Resource Development

Richard A. Southworth

   68   

President, Chief Executive Officer

James F. Toohey

   76   

Secretary

Brian F. Ward

   51   

Senior Vice President, Sensors and Controls

Mr. Freeman is a graduate of Gannon University in Accounting and is a Certified Public Accountant and Certified Management Accountant. He joined the Company in 1988 as Controller. Prior to that time, he was a principal in a public accounting firm. In 1990, he was named Vice President and Chief Financial Officer. In December of 2000, he was named Senior Vice President.

Mr. Howanitz is a graduate of Pennsylvania State University with a bachelors degree in Business Administration. Since joining the Company in 1984, he has held several management positions including General Manager of the Company’s Interconnect Products Division, Vice President of the Company’s Signal Integrity Products Group, and Senior Vice President of Advanced Specialty Products.

Mr. McKenna is a graduate of Gannon University with a bachelors degree in General Science. Since joining the Company in 1991, he has held several positions including Business Unit Leader and Distribution Sales Manager. In 2002, Mr. McKenna was named Vice President of New Business and Resource Development. In 2004, he was named Senior Vice President.

Mr. Southworth is a graduate of Gannon University in Mechanical Engineering and Mathematics. He joined the Company in 1991 as Vice President and General Manager. Prior to joining the Company, Mr. Southworth held executive positions with National Water Specialties, Philips Components, Murata Electronics North America, and Erie Technological Products. In 1997, Mr. Southworth was named President and Chief Executive Officer.

Mr. Toohey is a graduate of Gannon University and Dickinson School of Law and is a practicing member of the Erie County Bar Association. He is a member of the law firm of Quinn, Buseck, Leemhuis, Toohey & Kroto, Inc., general counsel to the Company, and has been a Director and Secretary of the Company since its organization.

Mr. Ward is a Marketing graduate of Franklin Pearce College of Business. He joined the Company in 1994 as Director of Marketing and in 1997 was named Vice President of Sales and Marketing. In December of 2000, he was named Senior Vice President. In his current position, Mr. Ward is responsible for the Company’s sensors and controls business. Prior to joining the Company, Mr. Ward held managerial positions in Engineering and Marketing with Clarostat Manufacturing Co. and Oak Grigsby, Inc.

All executive officers are elected by the Board of Directors and serve at the discretion of the Board.

 

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ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

The information set forth under “Executive Compensation” and “Compensation Discussion and Analysis” on pages 10 through 21 of the Proxy Statement is incorporated herein by reference.

 

ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS

The information set forth under “Securities Ownership” on pages 9 and 10 of the Proxy Statement is incorporated herein by reference.

 

ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS

The information set forth under “Certain Relationships and Related Transactions” on page 10 of the Proxy Statement is incorporated herein by reference.

 

ITEM 14. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES

The information set forth under “Appointment of the Company’s Auditors for the Fiscal Year 2011” on page 24 of the Proxy Statement is incorporated herein by reference.

 

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PART IV

 

ITEM 15. EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES, AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K

 

(a) Financial Statements and Schedules

 

  (1) Financial Statements - The following consolidated financial statements of Spectrum Control, Inc. and subsidiaries are included in Part II, Item 8:

 

     Page No.  

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

     41   

Consolidated Balance Sheets as of November 30, 2010 and 2009

     42   

Consolidated Statements of Income for the Years Ended November 30, 2010, 2009, and 2008

     43   

Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity for the Years Ended November 30, 2010, 2009, and 2008

     44   

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Years Ended November 30, 2010, 2009, and 2008

     45   

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

     46-68   

 

  (2) Financial Statement Schedules - The following financial statement schedule is submitted herewith for the periods indicated therein.

 

Schedule II - Valuation and Qualifying Accounts

     76   

All other schedules are not submitted because they are not required or are not applicable, or the required information is shown in the consolidated financial statements or notes thereto. Columns omitted from the schedule filed have been omitted because the information is not applicable.

 

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  (3) Exhibits - The following is the index to exhibits for Spectrum Control, Inc. and subsidiaries.

 

Description of Exhibit    Page No.  
Articles of Incorporation of the Company, as amended, previously filed on February 25, 1981, as Exhibit 3.1 to Form S-1 registration and incorporated herein by reference   
By-laws of the Company, as amended, previously filed on February 25, 1981, as Exhibit 3.2 to Form S-1 registration and incorporated herein by reference   
Stock Option Plan of 1995, previously filed under Form S-8 on January 22, 1996, and incorporated herein by reference   
1996 Non-Employee Directors’ Stock Option Plan, previously filed under Form S-8 on July 16, 1996, and incorporated herein by reference   
Asset Purchase Agreement dated October 15, 2004, by and between Spectrum Control, Inc. and REMEC Inc., previously filed on October 15, 2004, as Exhibit 2.1 to Form 8-K, and incorporated herein by reference   
Asset Purchase Agreement dated February 11, 2005, by and among Spectrum Microwave, Inc., Amplifonix, Inc., R. Lake Associates and Dr. Arthur Riben, previously filed on February 11, 2005, as Exhibit 10.1 to Form 8-K, and incorporated herein by reference   
Asset Purchase Agreement effective November 30, 2009, by and among Spectrum Control, Inc., Spectrum Microwave, Inc., Micro Networks Corporation, Creative Electric, Inc., MNC Worcester Corporation, and Integrated Device Technology, Inc., previously filed on November 30, 2009, as Exhibit 10.1 to Form 8-K, and incorporated herein by reference   
Asset Purchase Agreement effective June 18, 2010, by and among Spectrum Control, Inc., Spectrum Microwave, Inc., Sage Laboratories, Inc., and Ceralta Technologies, Inc., previously filed on June 18, 2010, as Exhibit 10.1 to Form 8-K, and incorporated herein by reference   
Subsidiaries of the Company (21.1)      77-78   
Consent of Ernst & Young LLP (23.1)      79   
Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Rule 13a – 14(a) and Rule 15d-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act, as amended (31.1)      80   
Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Rule 13a – 14(a) and Rule 15d-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act, as amended (31.2)      81   
Certification of Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (32.1)      82   

 

(b) Reports on Form 8-K

None

 

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SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

 

   

Spectrum Control, Inc.

  By:  

/s/ Richard A. Southworth

February 10, 2011     Richard A. Southworth
    President and Chief Executive Officer

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.

 

/s/ Bernard C. Bailey

     Director   February 10, 2011

/s/ George J. Behringer

     Director   February 10, 2011

/s/ James R. Foster

     Principal Accounting Officer   February 10, 2011

/s/ John P. Freeman

    

Director,

Chief Financial Officer

  February 10, 2011

/s/ J. Thomas Gruenwald

     Director   February 10, 2011

/s/ Charles S. Mahan, Jr.

     Director   February 10, 2011

/s/ Gerald A. Ryan

     Director   February 10, 2011

/s/ James F. Toohey

     Director   February 10, 2011

 

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Spectrum Control, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Schedule II – Valuation and Qualifying Accounts

For the Three Years Ended November 30, 2010

(Amounts in Thousands)

 

Column A    Column B      Column C     Column D     Column E  

Description

   Balance at
Beginning

of Year
     Additions
Charged to
(Credited Against)
Costs and
Expenses
    Deductions     Balance
at End
of Year
 

Year ended November 30, 2008:

         

Allowance for doubtful accounts

   $ 971       $ 212      $ 250   (1)    $ 933   
                                 

Reserve for excess and slow- moving inventories

   $ 1,228       $ 1,506      $ 1,029   (2)    $ 1,705   
                                 

Year ended November 30, 2009:

         

Allowance for doubtful accounts

   $ 933       $ (36   $ 82   (1)    $ 815   
                                 

Reserve for excess and slow- moving inventories

   $ 1,705       $ 1,152      $ 1,866   (2)    $ 991   
                                 

Year ended November 30, 2010:

         

Allowance for doubtful accounts

   $ 815       $ 198      $ 58   (1)    $ 955   
                                 

Reserve for excess and slow- moving inventories

   $ 991       $ 1,341      $ 846   (2)    $ 1,486   
                                 

 

(1) Uncollectible accounts written off, net of recoveries

 

(2) Inventories physically scrapped

 

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