Perma-Pipe International Holdings, Inc. - FORM 10-Q - June 13, 2011

Attached files

file filename
EX-32 - Perma-Pipe International Holdings, Inc.mfri32q12011.htm
EX-31 - Perma-Pipe International Holdings, Inc.mfri312q12011.htm
EX-31 - Perma-Pipe International Holdings, Inc.mfri311q12011.htm
EX-10.(I) - 13TH AMENDMENT TO THE LOAN - Perma-Pipe International Holdings, Inc.exhibit10i13thamendment.htm
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-Q
x
QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES
EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the quarterly period ended April 30, 2011

Commission File No. 0-18370

MFRI, Inc.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Delaware
36-3922969
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)
(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
 
 
7720 N. Lehigh Avenue, Niles, Illinois
60714
(Address of principal executive offices)
(Zip Code)

(847) 966-1000
(Registrant's telephone number, including area code)

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

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

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See definitions of "large accelerated filer", "accelerated filer" and "smaller reporting company" in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):
Large accelerated filer o Accelerated filer o Non-accelerated filer o Smaller reporting company x

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

On May 30, 2011, there were 6,857,146 of the registrant's common stock outstanding.


MFRI, Inc.
FORM 10-Q
For the quarterly period ended April 30, 2011
TABLE OF CONTENTS


PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1.    Financial Statements

MFRI, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (Unaudited)
(In thousands, except per share information)
 
Three Months Ended April 30,
 
2011

 
2010

Net sales

$53,401

 

$49,850

Cost of sales
45,159

 
39,098

Gross profit
8,242

 
10,752

 
 
 
 
Operating expenses
 
 
 
General and administrative expenses
6,392

 
7,535

Selling expenses
3,494

 
3,379

Total operating expenses
9,886

 
10,914

 
 
 
 
Loss from operations
(1,644
)
 
(162
)
 
 
 
 
Loss from joint ventures
183

 
97

 
 
 
 
Interest expense, net
287

 
285

Loss before income taxes
(2,114
)
 
(544
)
 
 
 
 
Income tax benefit
(622
)
 
(60
)
 
 
 
 
Net loss

($1,492
)
 

($484
)
 
 
 
 
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding
 
 
 
Basic and diluted
6,855

 
6,837

 
 
 
 
Earnings per share
 
 
 
Basic and diluted

($0.22
)
 

($0.07
)
 
 
 
 
See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

1
MFRI, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(In thousands)
April 30, 2011

 
January 31, 2011

ASSETS
Unaudited

 
 
Current assets
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents

$14,829

 

$16,718

Restricted cash
171

 
984

Trade accounts receivable, less allowance for doubtful accounts of $316 at April 30, 2011 and $346 at January 31, 2011
40,157

 
36,634

Inventories, net
39,564

 
35,509

Prepaid expenses and other current assets
6,254

 
4,575

Deferred tax assets - current
2,490

 
2,389

Costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings on
uncompleted contracts
2,206

 
2,055

Income tax receivable
—

 
204

Total current assets
105,671

 
99,068

 
 
 
 
Property, plant and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation
43,871

 
43,655

 
 
 
 
Other assets
 
 
 
Deferred tax assets - long-term
9,484

 
8,470

Note receivable from joint venture
4,575

 
4,270

Investments in joint ventures
2,896

 
3,078

Cash surrender value of deferred compensation plan
2,887

 
2,869

Patents, net of accumulated amortization
264

 
260

Other assets
2,243

 
1,605

Total other assets
22,349

 
20,552

Total assets

$171,891

 

$163,275

 
 
 
 
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
 
 
 
Current liabilities
 
 
 
Trade accounts payable

$20,759

 

$19,296

Accrued compensation and payroll taxes
5,040

 
4,332

Commissions and management incentives payable
4,068

 
6,867

Billings in excess of costs and estimated earnings on uncompleted contracts
3,842

 
1,597

Other accrued liabilities
3,372

 
3,166

Current maturities of long-term debt
2,793

 
3,082

Customers' deposits
1,778

 
1,913

Income tax payable
162

 
—

Total current liabilities
41,814

 
40,253

 
 
 
 
Long-term liabilities
 
 
 
Long-term debt, less current maturities
43,581

 
36,192

Deferred compensation liabilities
5,256

 
5,138

Other long-term liabilities
3,047

 
3,271

Total long-term liabilities
51,884

 
44,601

 
 
 
 
Stockholders' equity
 
 
 
Common stock, $.01 par value, authorized 50,000 shares; 6,857 issued and outstanding at April 30, 2011 and 6,851 issued and outstanding at January 31, 2011
69

 
69

Additional paid-in capital
49,318

 
49,055

Retained earnings
26,612

 
28,104

Accumulated other comprehensive income
2,194

 
1,193

Total stockholders' equity
78,193

 
78,421

Total liabilities and stockholders' equity

$171,891

 

$163,275

See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

2


MFRI, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (Unaudited)
 
Three Months Ended April 30,
(In thousands)
2011

 
2010

Operating activities
 
 
 
Net loss

($1,492
)
 

($484
)
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash flows provided by operating activities
 
 
 
Depreciation and amortization
1,433

 
1,549

Deferred tax benefit
(1,046
)
 
(1,268
)
Stock-based compensation expense
228

 
257

Loss from joint ventures
183

 
97

Loss on disposals of fixed assets
99

 
—

Cash surrender value of deferred compensation plan
(18
)
 
(234
)
Changes in operating assets and liabilities
 
 
 
Accounts receivable, net
(3,082
)
 
(439
)
Accounts payable
2,217

 
4,953

Accrued compensation and payroll taxes
(2,185
)
 
(3,870
)
Inventories
(1,591
)
 
(2,148
)
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
(1,106
)
 
(1,435
)
Other assets and liabilities
(424
)
 
175

Income taxes receivable and payable
360

 
1,129

Customers' deposits
(136
)
 
113

Net cash used in operating activities
(6,560
)
 
(1,605
)
 
 
 
 
Investing activities
 
 
 
Additions to property, plant and equipment
(1,299
)
 
(1,216
)
Net cash used in investing activities
(1,299
)
 
(1,216
)
 
 
 
 
Financing activities
 
 
 
Borrowings
48,955

 
20,969

Payment of debt
(42,319
)
 
(18,853
)
Net borrowings
6,636

 
2,116

(Decrease) increase in drafts payable
(944
)
 
2,510

Stock options exercised
29

 
6

Payment on capitalized lease obligations
(22
)
 
(54
)
Tax benefit of stock options exercised
5

 
4

Net cash provided by financing activities
5,704

 
4,582

 
 
 
 
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents
266

 
331

Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents
(1,889
)
 
2,092

Cash and cash equivalents - beginning of period
16,718

 
8,067

Cash and cash equivalents - end of period

$14,829

 

$10,159

Supplemental cash flow information
 
 
 
Cash paid for
 
 
 
Interest

$496

 

$413

Income taxes paid, net
93

 
58

See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

3


MFRI, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)
APRIL 30, 2011
(Tabular amounts presented in thousands, except per share amounts)

1.
Basis of presentation. The interim condensed consolidated financial statements of MFRI, Inc. and subsidiaries (the "Company") are unaudited, but include all adjustments which the Company's management considers necessary to present fairly the financial position and results of operations for the periods presented. These adjustments consist of normal recurring adjustments. Information and footnote disclosures have been condensed or omitted pursuant to Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") rules and regulations. The consolidated balance sheet as of January 31, 2011 has been derived from the audited consolidated balance sheet as of that date. The results of operations for any interim period are not necessarily indicative of future or annual results. One of the reasons for this is piping systems' domestic sales and earnings are seasonal, typically lower during the first and fourth quarters due to unfavorable weather for construction over much of North America, and are correspondingly higher during the second and third quarters. Interim financial statements should be read in conjunction with the financial statements and the notes thereto included in the Company's latest Annual Report on Form 10-K. Reclassifications have been made in prior year financial statements to conform to the current year presentation. The Company's fiscal year ends on January 31. Years and balances described as 2011 and 2010 are for the three months ended April 30, 2011 and 2010, respectively.

2.
Business segment reporting. The Company has three reportable segments. The piping systems business engineers, designs, manufactures and sells specialty piping systems and leak detection and location systems. The filtration products business manufactures and sells a wide variety of filter elements for air filtration and particulate collection systems. The industrial process cooling business engineers, designs, manufactures and sells chillers, cooling towers, plant circulating systems and accessories for industrial process applications. Included in corporate and other activity is a subsidiary which engages in the installation of heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems, but which is not sufficiently large to constitute a reportable segment.
 
Three Months Ended April 30,
 
2011

 
2010

Net sales
 
 
 
Piping Systems

$19,027

 

$25,216

Filtration Products
24,843

 
19,114

Industrial Process Cooling
7,155

 
5,191

Corporate and Other
2,376

 
329

Total

$53,401

 

$49,850

Gross profit
 
 
 
Piping Systems

$2,813

 

$7,002

Filtration Products
3,312

 
2,637

Industrial Process Cooling
1,945

 
1,289

Corporate and Other
172

 
(176
)
Total

$8,242

 

$10,752

Income (loss) from operations
 
 
 
Piping Systems

($223
)
 

$3,436

Filtration Products
510

 
(519
)
Industrial Process Cooling
204

 
(184
)
Corporate and Other
(2,135
)
 
(2,895
)
Total

($1,644
)
 

($162
)
Income (loss) before income taxes
 
 
 
Piping Systems

($406
)
 

$3,339

Filtration Products
510

 
(519
)
Industrial Process Cooling
204

 
(184
)
Corporate and Other
(2,422
)
 
(3,180
)
Total

($2,114
)
 

($544
)


4


3.
Income taxes. Each quarter, the Company estimates the annual effective income tax rate ("ETR") for the full year and applies that rate to the income (loss) before income taxes in determining its provision for income taxes for the interim periods. The determination of the consolidated provision for income taxes, deferred tax assets and liabilities, and the related valuation allowance requires management to make judgments and estimates. As a company with subsidiaries in foreign jurisdictions, the process of calculating income taxes involves estimating current tax obligations and exposures in each jurisdiction as well as making judgments regarding the future recoverability of deferred tax assets. Income earned in the United Arab Emirates ("U.A.E.") is not subject to any local country income tax. Changes in the estimated level of annual pre-tax income, in tax laws, and changes resulting from tax audits can affect the overall effective income tax rate, which impacts the level of income tax expense and net income. Judgments and estimates related to the Company's projections and assumptions are inherently uncertain; therefore, actual results could differ materially from projections.

The Company's consolidated ETR was 29.4% and 11.1% for the three months ended April 30, 2011 and 2010, respectively. The computation of the projected annual tax rate has been significantly impacted by the change in the mix of the projected income tax free earnings in the U.A.E. versus total projected earnings. The 2011 year-to-date ETR was close to the statutory U.S. federal income tax rate, mainly due to a small proportion of income projected to be earned in the U.A.E. this year.

The Company continues to review periodically the adequacy of its valuation allowance in all of the tax jurisdictions in which it operates and may make further adjustments based on management's outlook for continued profits in each jurisdiction.

4.
Pension plan. The Winchester Filtration hourly rated employees are covered by a defined benefit plan. The fair value of the major categories of the pension plan's investments remained at the same levels.
Level 1 market value of plan assets
April 30,
2011

 
January 31,
2011

Equity securities

$2,986

 

$2,830

U.S. bond market
1,951

 
1,837

High-quality inflation-indexed bonds issued by the U.S. Treasury and government agencies as well as domestic corporations
242

 
229

Real estate
107

 
97

Subtotal
5,286

 
4,993

Level 2 significant other observable inputs
 
 
 
Money market fund
27

 
96

Total

$5,313

 

$5,089

 
Three Months Ended April 30,
Components of net periodic benefit costs
2011

 
2010

Service cost

$31

 

$30

Interest cost
74

 
70

Expected gain on plan assets
(101
)
 
(86
)
Amortization of prior service cost
32

 
33

Recognized actuarial loss
9

 
16

Net periodic benefit costs

$45

 

$63


Employer contributions for the remainder of the fiscal year ending January 31, 2012 are expected to be $346 thousand. For the three months ended April 30, 2011, contributions of $20 thousand were made.


5


5.
Equity-based compensation. The Company has equity-based compensation plans from which stock-based compensation awards can be granted to eligible employees, officers or directors.

Stock-based compensation expense
2011
2010
Three months ended
$228
$257

The fair value of the outstanding option awards were estimated on the grant dates using the Black-Scholes option pricing model.
 
Three Months Ended
Three Months Ended
Fair value assumptions
April 30, 2011
April 30, 2010
Expected volatility
51.72% - 65.54%
51.72%-66.82%
Risk-free interest rate
1.88% - 5.13%
1.88%-5.16%
Dividend yield
none
none
Expected life
5 - 7 years
5 - 7 years

Option activity
Options
Weighted-Average Exercise Price
Per Share
Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Term in Years
Aggregate Intrinsic Value
Outstanding on January 31, 2011
777
$11.88
6.9
$2,241
Granted
—
—
 
 
Exercised
(6)
5.15
 
45
Expired or forfeited
(3)
21.83
 
 
Outstanding on April 30, 2011
768
11.88
6.6
1,890
 
 
 
 
 
Exercisable at April 30, 2011
407
13.53
5.2
851
Weighted-average fair value of options granted during first three months of 2011
 
—
 
 

Unvested option activity
Unvested
 Options
Outstanding
Weighted-
Average Price
Per Share
Aggregate
 Intrinsic Value
Outstanding on January 31, 2011
369
$9.98
$1,241
Granted
—
—
 
Vested
(8)
 
 
Expired or forfeited
(1)
10.93
 
Outstanding on April 30, 2011
360
10.01
1,039

As of April 30, 2011, there was $1.1 million of total unrecognized compensation cost related to unvested stock options. The cost is expected to be recognized over a period of 2.2 years.


6


6.
Earnings per share.
 
Three Months Ended April 30,
 
2011

2010

Basic weighted average number of common shares outstanding
6,855

6,837

Dilutive effect of stock options
—

—

Weighted average number of common shares outstanding assuming full dilution
6,855

6,837

 
 
 
Stock options not included in the computation of diluted earnings per share of common stock because the option exercise prices exceeded the average market prices of the common shares
257

566

 
 
 
Stock options with an exercise price below the average market price
511

107


7.
Comprehensive income, net of tax.
 
Three Months Ended April 30,
 
2011

 
2010

Net loss

($1,492
)
 

($484
)
Interest rate swap
154

 
—

Foreign currency translation adjustments
848

 
374

Comprehensive loss

($490
)
 

($110
)

8.
Interest expense, net.
 
Three Months Ended April 30,
 
2011

 
2010

Interest expense

$520

 

$395

Interest income
(233
)
 
(110
)
Interest expense, net

$287

 

$285


9.
Debt. On July 11, 2002, the Company entered into a secured loan and security agreement with a financial institution ("Loan Agreement"). Under the terms of the Loan Agreement as amended, which matures on November 30, 2013, the Company can borrow up to $38.0 million, subject to borrowing base and other requirements, under a revolving line of credit. The Loan Agreement covenants restrict debt, liens, and investments, do not permit payment of dividends, and require attainment of levels of profitability and cash flows. At April 30, 2011, the Company was in compliance with all covenants under the Loan Agreement. Interest rates are based on options selected by the Company as follows: (a) a margin in effect plus a prime rate; or (b) a margin in effect plus the LIBOR rate for the corresponding interest period. At April 30, 2011, the prime rate was 3.25% and the margins added to the prime rate and the LIBOR rate, which are determined each quarter based on the applicable financial statement ratio, were 0.50 and 2.75 percentage points, respectively. Monthly interest payments were made during the three months ended April 30, 2011 and 2010. As of April 30, 2011, the Company had borrowed $25.5 million and had $4.3 million available to it under the revolving line of credit. In addition, $125 thousand of availability was used under the Loan Agreement primarily to support letters of credit to guarantee amounts committed for inventory purchases. The Loan Agreement provides that all domestic receipts are deposited in a bank account from which all funds may only be used to pay the debt under the Loan Agreement. At April 30, 2011, the amount of such restricted cash was $171 thousand. Cash required for operations is provided by draw-downs on the line of credit.


7


10.Fair value of financial instruments. At April 30, 2011, one interest rate swap agreement was in effect with a notional value of $9.0 million maturing in 2013. The swap agreement, which reduces the exposure to market risks from changing interest rates, exchanges the variable rate to fixed interest rate payments of 2.23% plus LIBOR margin.
 
 
Level 2 significant other observable inputs
 
Other long-term liabilities
 
$181
 
 
 
 
 
Accumulated other comprehensive income
 
(181)
 

11.
Subsequent event. The Company has evaluated all events subsequent to the balance sheet date of April 30, 2011 through June 13, 2011, which is the date these condensed financial statements were issued, and has determined that except as set forth below, there are no subsequent events that require disclosure under Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") Accounting Standards CodificationTM Topic 855, Subsequent Events.

On May 1, 2011 the Company was not in compliance with an excess availability covenant (the "Covenant") under the Loan Agreement. Prior to filing these statements, the Covenant has been amended to levels which the Company has complied without interruption and which the Company believes continues to be attainable.

Item 2.    Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations ("MD&A")

The statements contained under the caption MD&A and other information contained elsewhere in this annual report, which can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "may," "will," "expect," "continue," "remains,” "intend," "aim," "should," "prospects," "could," "future," "potential," "believes," "plans," "likely" and "probable" or the negative thereof or other variations thereon or comparable terminology, constitute "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and are subject to the safe harbors created thereby.  These statements should be considered as subject to the many risks and uncertainties that exist in the Company's operations and business environment.  Such risks and uncertainties could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected as a result of many factors, including but not limited to those under the heading Item 1A. Risk Factors included in the Company's latest Annual Report on Form 10-K.

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Consolidated MFRI, Inc.

MFRI, Inc. ("MFRI", the "Company" or the "Registrant") is engaged in the manufacture and sale of products in three reportable business segments: piping systems, filtration products, and industrial process cooling. The Company website address is www.mfri.com.

All of the Company's businesses directly or indirectly serve markets that were adversely impacted by current global economic conditions.  Although improvement is expected, the timing of economic recovery in the markets we serve remains uncertain.  Because economic and market conditions vary within the Company's business segments, the Company's future performance by business segment will also vary.  Should current economic conditions continue, or a further downturn in one or more of our significant markets, the Company could continue to experience a period of declining net sales, which could adversely impact the Company's results of operations.

This discussion should be read in conjunction with the condensed consolidated financial statements, including the notes thereto, contained elsewhere in this report. An overview of the segment results is provided in Note 2 of the Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements contained in Item 1 of this report.


8


Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

This MD&A discusses the interim consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. The preparation of these financial statements requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period.

Management believes that judgments and estimates related to the following critical accounting policies could materially affect the consolidated financial statements:

•
Revenue recognition
•
Percentage of completion revenue recognition
•
Inventory
•
Income taxes
•
Equity-based compensation
•
Fair value of financial instruments

In the first quarter of 2011, there were no changes in the above critical accounting policies.

Three months ended April 30, 2011 ("current quarter") vs. Three months ended April 30, 2010 ("prior-year quarter")

Net sales of $53.4 million in the current quarter increased 7% from $49.9 million in the prior-year quarter. Sales increased in all segments except the piping systems business.

Gross profit of $8.2 million in the current quarter decreased 23% from $10.7 million in the prior-year quarter, and gross margin decreased to 15.4% of net sales in the current quarter from 21.6% of net sales in the prior-year quarter. Gross profit increased in filtration products and industrial process cooling businesses and decreased in the piping systems business. The decrease in gross profit was attributed to lower volume from the piping systems business in the U.A.E.

General and administrative expenses decreased 15% to $6.4 million in the current quarter from $7.5 million in the prior-year quarter. The reduction was mainly due to lower management incentive compensation and professional costs.

Selling expenses increased 3% to $3.5 million in the current quarter from $3.4 million in the prior-year quarter. Selling expenses increased due to commissions for higher sales.

Net loss rose to $1.5 million in the current quarter from a net loss of $0.5 million in the prior-year quarter. The increased loss was due to decreased sales in the U.A.E. and loss of $183 thousand from the Company's joint venture for pipe coating in Canada.

Piping Systems Business

The adverse effect of the credit crisis experienced by the Emirate of Dubai has significantly decelerated construction activity both in the U.A.E. and across other Gulf Cooperation Council countries, negatively impacting sales volume at the U.A.E. facility. Piping systems' domestic sales and earnings are seasonal, typically lower during the first and fourth quarters due to unfavorable weather for construction over much of North America, and are correspondingly higher during the second and third quarters.

Construction of our manufacturing facility in Dammam, Saudi Arabia is on schedule. The manufacturing facility in India completed its move to Gandhidham, incorporating additions of both an extrutherm and retrotherm line, to accommodate potential oil and gas business.


9


Current quarter vs. prior-year quarter
 
Net sales decreased 25% to $19.0 million in the current quarter from $25.2 million in the prior-year quarter primarily due to lower sales manufactured at the U.A.E. facility.

Gross margin decreased to 14.8% of net sales in the current quarter from 27.8% of net sales in the prior-year quarter, attributed to lower sales at the U.A.E. facility without corresponding cost reductions. Consequently, management is implementing cost reductions to offset lower sales levels.

General and administrative expenses decreased to $2.2 million in the current quarter from $2.8 million for the prior-year quarter. The decrease was primarily due to lower management incentive compensation and legal costs.

Selling expenses increased to $875 thousand or 4.6% of net sales in the current quarter from $808 thousand or 3.2% of net sales for the prior-year quarter. This increase was mainly due to higher domestic sales commissions and increased advertising costs at the U.A.E. location.

Filtration Products Business

Current quarter vs. prior-year quarter

Net sales in the current quarter increased 30% to $24.8 million from $19.1 million in the prior-year quarter due to improving business conditions in filtration products.

Gross margin decreased to 13.3% of net sales in the current quarter from 13.8% of net sales in the prior-year quarter, due to product mix and increased material costs.

General and administrative expenses decreased to $1.1 million in the current quarter from $1.3 million in the prior-year quarter. The decrease was primarily due to lower professional costs, gain on foreign currency exchange and no expenses in 2011 related to the closed South Africa facility. General and administrative expenses as a percentage of net sales decreased to 4% in the current quarter from 7% in the prior-year quarter.

Selling expenses decreased to $1.7 million in the current quarter from $1.8 million for the comparable quarter last year primarily as a result of lower professional and advertising costs and no expenses in 2011 related to the closed South Africa facility.

Industrial Process Cooling Business

Current quarter vs. prior-year quarter

Net sales of $7.2 million in the current quarter increased 38% from $5.2 million in the prior-year quarter due to improving business conditions in the plastic and industrial market sectors.

Gross margin increased in the current quarter to 27.2% of net sales from 24.8% of net sales in the prior-year quarter, primarily due to product mix and higher sales volume to spread fixed overhead expenses.

General and administrative expenses increased in the current quarter to $814 thousand from $733 thousand in the prior-year quarter. The increase was primarily due to an increase in legal expenses. General and administrative expenses as a percentage of net sales decreased to 11.4% in the current quarter from 14.1% in the prior-year quarter due to the effect of higher sales.

Selling expenses increased to $927 thousand in the current quarter from $741 thousand in the prior-year quarter. This was primarily driven by an increase in commission expense due to higher sales. Selling expenses as a percentage of net sales decreased to 13.0% in the current quarter from 14.3% in the prior-year quarter due to the effect of higher sales.


10


Corporate and Other

Current quarter vs. prior-year quarter

Net sales of $2.4 million in the current quarter increased from $0.3 million in the prior-year quarter due to increased construction activity.

Corporate expenses include interest expense and general and administrative expenses that are not allocated to the business segments. General and administrative expenses decreased to $2.3 million or 4% of consolidated net sales in the current quarter from $2.7 million or 5% of consolidated net sales in the prior-year quarter. This change was mainly due to lower professional, stock compensation and insurance expenses.

Interest expense increased to $520 thousand in the current quarter from $395 thousand in the prior-year quarter, primarily due to higher borrowings and interest rates. Interest income increased to $233 thousand from $110 thousand due to interest earned overseas by the piping systems business.

INCOME TAXES

The ETR in the periods presented was the result of the mix of income earned in various tax jurisdictions that apply a broad range of income tax rates. Income earned in the U.A.E. is not subject to any local country income tax. Taxes are based on an estimated ETR that is calculated each quarter. The ETR was 29.4% for the three months ended April 30, 2011. The computation of the projected annual tax rate can be significantly impacted by the change in the mix of the projected tax free earnings in the U.A.E. versus total projected earnings. The year-to-date ETR was slightly less than the statutory U.S. federal income tax rate. In 2011, a large proportion of income is not projected to be earned in the U.A.E. For additional information, see Note 3 Income Taxes in the Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

Cash and cash equivalents as of April 30, 2011 were $14.8 million compared to $16.7 million at January 31, 2011. The Company's working capital was $63.9 million at April 30, 2011 compared to $58.8 million at January 31, 2011. Net cash used by operating activities during the first three months of 2011 was $6.6 million compared to $1.6 million during the first three months of 2010. In 2011, trade receivables decreased by $3.1 million mainly in the piping systems business.

Net cash used in investing activities for the three months ended April 30, 2011 included $1.3 million for capital expenditures, primarily for machinery and equipment in the piping systems business.

Debt totaled $46.4 million at April 30, 2011, a net increase of $7.1 million compared to the beginning of the current fiscal year. Net cash provided by financing activities was $5.7 million.

On July 11, 2002, the Company entered into a secured loan and security agreement with a financial institution ("Loan Agreement"). Under the terms of the Loan Agreement as amended, which matures on November 30, 2013, the Company can borrow up to $38.0 million, subject to borrowing base and other requirements, under a revolving line of credit. The Loan Agreement covenants restrict debt, liens, and investments, do not permit payment of dividends, and require attainment of levels of profitability and cash flows. At April 30, 2011, the Company was in compliance with all covenants under the Loan Agreement. Interest rates are based on options selected by the Company as follows: (a) a margin in effect plus a prime rate; or (b) a margin in effect plus the LIBOR rate for the corresponding interest period. At April 30, 2011, the prime rate was 3.25% and the margins added to the prime rate and the LIBOR rate, which are determined each quarter based on the applicable financial statement ratio, were 0.50 and 2.75 percentage points, respectively. Monthly interest payments were made during the three months ended April 30, 2011 and 2010. As of April 30, 2011, the Company had borrowed $25.5 million and had $4.3 million available to it under the revolving line of credit. In addition, $125 thousand of availability was used under the Loan Agreement primarily to support letters of credit to guarantee amounts committed for inventory purchases. The Loan

11


Agreement provides that all domestic receipts are deposited in a bank account from which all funds may only be used to pay the debt under the Loan Agreement. At April 30, 2011, the amount of such restricted cash was $171 thousand. Cash required for operations is provided by draw-downs on the line of credit.

CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND ESTIMATES

Reclassifications. Reclassifications were made to prior-year financial statements to conform to the current-year presentations.

Revenue recognition. The Company recognizes revenues including shipping and handling charges billed to customers, when all the following criteria are met: (i) persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, (ii) the seller's price to the buyer is fixed or determinable, and (iii) collectability is reasonably assured. All subsidiaries of the Company, except as noted below, recognize revenues upon shipment or delivery of goods or services when title and risk of loss pass to customers.

Percentage of completion revenue recognition. All divisions recognize revenues under the above stated revenue recognition policy except for sizable complex contracts that require periodic recognition of income. For these contracts, the Company uses "percentage of completion" accounting method. Under this approach, income is recognized in each reporting period based on the status of the uncompleted contracts and the current estimates of costs to complete. The choice of accounting method is made at the time the contract is received based on the expected length and complexity of the project. The percentage of completion is determined by the relationship of costs incurred to the total estimated costs of the contract. Provisions are made for estimated losses on uncompleted contracts in the period in which such losses are determined. Changes in job performance, job conditions, and estimated profitability, including those arising from contract penalty provisions and final contract settlements, may result in revisions to costs and income. Such revisions are recognized in the period in which they are determined. Claims for additional compensation due the Company are recognized in contract revenues when realization is probable and the amount can be reliably estimated.

Inventory. Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market. Cost is determined using the first-in, first-out method for all inventories.

Income taxes. Deferred income taxes have been provided for temporary differences arising from differences in basis of assets and liabilities for tax and financial reporting purposes. Deferred income taxes on temporary differences have been recorded at the current tax rate. The Company assesses its deferred tax assets for realizability at each reporting period.

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 financial statements is the largest amount that has a greater than 50 percent likelihood of being realized upon ultimate settlement with the relevant tax authority.

Equity-based compensation. Stock compensation expense for employee equity awards is recognized ratably over the requisite service period of the award. The Black-Scholes option-pricing model is utilized to estimate the fair value of awards. Determining the fair value of stock options using the Black-Scholes model requires judgment, including estimates for (1) risk-free interest rate - an estimate based on the yield of zero-coupon treasury securities with a maturity equal to the expected life of the option; (2) expected volatility - an estimate based on the historical volatility of the Company's Common Stock; and (3) expected life of the option - an estimate based on historical experience including the effect of employee terminations.

Fair value of financial instruments. The carrying values of cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable and accounts payable are based upon reasonable estimates of their fair value due to their short-term nature. The carrying value of the cash surrender value of life insurance policies approximated fair value and was based on the market value of the underlying investments, which may increase or decrease due to fluctuations in the overall financial markets. The carrying amount of the Company's short-term debt, revolving line of credit and long-term debt

12


approximate fair value because the majority of the amounts outstanding accrue interest at variable rates.

The Company entered into an interest rate swap agreement to reduce its exposure to market risks from changing interest rates under the revolving credit agreement. Any differences paid or received on the interest rate swap agreements are recognized as adjustments to interest expense over the life of the swap, thereby adjusting the effective interest rate on the underlying obligation.

Other accounting standards that have been issued by the FASB or other standards-setting bodies that do not
require adoption until a future date are not expected to have a material impact on the consolidated financial
statements upon adoption.

Item 3.    Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

The Company is subject to market risk associated with changes in foreign currency exchange rates, interest rates and commodity prices. Foreign currency exchange rate risk is mitigated through maintenance of local production facilities in the markets served, often, though not always, invoicing customers in the same currency as the source of the products and use of foreign currency-denominated debt in Denmark, India, and U.A.E. At times, the Company has attempted to mitigate interest rate risk by maintaining a balance of fixed-rate and floating-rate debt.

At April 30, 2011, one interest rate swap agreement was in effect with a notional value of $9.0 million maturing in 2013. The swap agreement, which reduces the exposure to market risks from changing interest rates, exchanges the variable rate to fixed interest rate payments of 2.23% plus LIBOR margin. For additional information, see Note 10 Fair Value of Financial Instruments in the Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

A hypothetical ten percent change in market interest rates over the next year would increase or decrease interest expense on the Company's floating rate debt instruments by approximately $45,700.

Commodity price risk is the possibility of higher or lower costs due to changes in the prices of commodities, such as ferrous alloys, which the Company uses in the production of piping systems. The Company attempts to mitigate such risks by obtaining price commitments from commodity suppliers and, when it appears appropriate, purchasing quantities in advance of likely price increases.

Item 4.    Controls and Procedures

The Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have evaluated the effectiveness of the Company's disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended) as of April 30, 2011. Based on that evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that the Company's disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of April 30, 2011 to ensure that information required to be disclosed in the reports that are filed or submitted under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 is recorded, processed, summarized and reported, within the time periods specified in the SEC's rules and forms and is accumulated and communicated to the issuer's management, including the principal executive and financial officers, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

There has been no change in internal control over financial reporting during the quarter ended April 30, 2011 that has materially affected or is reasonably likely to materially affect, internal control over financial reporting.

PART II - OTHER INFORMATION
Item 6.     Exhibits
10(i)    Thirteenth Amendment to Amended and Restated Loan and Security Agreement
31    Rule 13a - 14(a)/15d - 14(a) Certifications
(1) Chief Executive Officer certification pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
(2) Chief Financial Officer certification pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
32    Section 1350 Certifications (Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer certification pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002)

13


SIGNATURES



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


MFRI, INC.


Date:
June 13, 2011
/s/ David Unger
 
 
David Unger
 
 
Chairman of the Board of Directors and
 
 
Chief Executive Officer
 
 
(Principal Executive Officer)
 
 
 
 
 
 
Date:
June 13, 2011
/s/ Michael D. Bennett
 
 
Michael D. Bennett
 
 
Vice President, Chief Financial Officer, Secretary and Treasurer
 
 
(Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)



14

Stock widget

Investing forum

Perma-Pipe International Holdings, Inc. Reports

Also read