Table of Contents

UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D. C. 20549

FORM 10-Q

(Mark One)

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

For the quarterly period ended March 31, 2014

OR

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

For the transition period from                      to                   

NORTECH SYSTEMS INCORPORATED

Commission file number 0-13257

State of Incorporation: Minnesota

IRS Employer Identification No. 41-1681094

Executive Offices: 1120 Wayzata Blvd E., Suite 201, Wayzata, MN 55391

Telephone number: (952) 345-2244

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 Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulations S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).  Yes x No 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 the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

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

Number of shares of $.01 par value common stock outstanding at May 1, 2014 - 2,742,992

(The remainder of this page was intentionally left blank.)

Table of Contents

TABLE OF CONTENTS

2

Table of Contents

PART 1

ITEM 1.  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

NORTECH SYSTEMS INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARY

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

See Accompanying Condensed Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

3

Table of Contents

NORTECH SYSTEMS INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARY

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME

(UNAUDITED)

See Accompanying Condensed Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

4

Table of Contents

NORTECH SYSTEMS INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARY

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(UNAUDITED)

See Accompanying Condensed Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

5

Table of Contents

CONDENSED NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)

NOTE 1.  SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Basis of Presentation

The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements for the interim periods have been prepared in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles in the United States of America (GAAP) for interim financial information and pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission.  Accordingly, they do not include all of the financial information and footnotes required by GAAP for complete financial statements, although we believe the disclosures are adequate to make the information presented not misleading.  It is suggested that these consolidated financial statements be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and the notes thereto included in our latest shareholders’ annual report on Form 10-K.  The operating results for the interim periods presented are not necessarily indicative of the results expected for the full year or for any other interim period.  In our opinion, all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring adjustments) considered necessary for a fair presentation have been included.

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, 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.  In preparing these consolidated financial statements, we have made our best estimates and judgments of certain amounts included in the consolidated financial statements, giving due consideration to materiality.  Changes in the estimates and assumptions used by us could have a significant impact on our financial results, since actual results could differ from those estimates.

Principles of Consolidation

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Nortech Systems Incorporated and its wholly owned subsidiary, Manufacturing Assembly Solutions of Monterrey, Inc.  All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated.

Revenue Recognition

We recognize revenue upon shipment of manufactured products to customers, when title has passed, all contractual obligations have been satisfied and collection of the resulting receivable is reasonably assured. We also provide engineering services separate from the manufacture of a product. Revenue for engineering services is recognized upon completion of the engineering process, providing standalone fair value to our customers. Our engineering services are short-term in nature. In addition, we have another separate source of revenue that comes from short-term repair services, which are recognized upon completion of the repairs and shipment of product back to the customer.

Shipping and handling costs charged to our customers are included in net sales, while the corresponding shipping expenses are included in cost of goods sold.

6

Table of Contents

Stock Options

Following is the status of all stock options outstanding as of March 31, 2014:

There were no options exercised during the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013.  The weighted-average fair value of options granted during the three months ended March 31, 2013 was $1.65 per share.  There were no stock options granted during the three months ended March 31, 2014.

Total compensation expense related to stock options for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013 was $7,482 and $3,781, respectively.  As of March 31, 2014, there was approximately $39,000 of unrecognized compensation related to unvested option awards that we expect to recognize over a weighted-average period of 1.68 years.

Equity Appreciation Rights Plan

In November 2010, the Board of Directors approved the adoption of the Nortech Systems Incorporated Equity Appreciation Rights Plan (the “2010 Plan”). The total number of Equity Appreciation Right Units (Units) the Plan can issue shall not exceed an aggregate of 750,000 Units. The 2010 Plan provides that Units issued shall fully vest three years from the base date as defined in the agreement unless terminated earlier. Units give the holder a right to receive a cash payment equal to the appreciation in book value per share of common stock from the base date, as defined, to the redemption date. Unit redemption payments under this plan shall be paid in cash within 90 days after we determine the value as of the redemption date.

As of March 31, 2014, we had granted all 750,000 Units and 650,000 remain outstanding with vesting dates ranging from December 31, 2014 through December 31, 2019.

Total compensation expense related to these Units based on the estimated appreciation over their remaining terms was approximately $43,000 and $14,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.

7

Table of Contents

As of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, approximately $124,000 and $81,000 have been accrued under this plan, respectively.  As of March 31, 2014, approximately $35,000 of this balance was included in Other Accrued Liabilities and the remaining $89,000 balance was included in Other Long-term Liabilities.  As of December 31, 2013, approximately $29,000 of this balance is included in Other Accrued Liabilities and the remaining $52,000 was included in Other Long-term Liabilities.

Earnings per Common Share

For the three months ended March 31, 2013, the effect of all stock options is antidilutive.  Therefore, no outstanding options were included in the computation of per-share amounts.  For the three months ended March 31, 2014, 26,750 stock options were included in the computation of diluted per share amounts as their impact is dilutive.  For the three months ended March 31, 2014, stock options of 189,250 were excluded because their inclusion would be antidilutive.

Segment Reporting Information

All of our operations fall under the Contract Manufacturing segment within the Electronic Manufacturing Services industry.  We strategically direct production between our various manufacturing facilities based on a number of considerations to best meet our customers’ requirements.  We share resources for sales, marketing, engineering, supply chain, information services, human resources, payroll, and all corporate accounting functions.  Consolidated financial information is available that is evaluated regularly by the chief operating decision maker in assessing performance and allocating resources.

Inventories

Inventories are stated at the lower of cost (first-in, first-out method) or market (based on the lower of replacement cost or net realizable value).  Costs include material, labor, and overhead required in the warehousing and production of our products.  Inventory reserves are maintained for the estimated value of the inventories that may have a lower value than stated or quantities in excess of future production needs.

Inventories are as follows:

8

Table of Contents

Impairment Analysis

We evaluate long-lived assets, primarily property and equipment, as well as the related depreciation periods, whenever current events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset or asset group may not be recoverable.  Recoverability for assets to be held and used is based on our projection of the undiscounted future operating cash flows of the underlying assets.  To the extent such projections indicate that future undiscounted cash flows are not sufficient to recover the carrying amounts of related assets, a charge might be required to reduce the carrying amount to equal estimated fair value.  We recorded impairment charges for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013 of $1,150 and $74,003, respectively.  The impairment charge was included in general and administrative expenses in the statements of income.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

In July 2013, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2013-11, “Presentation of an Unrecognized Tax Benefit When a Net Operating Loss Carryforward, a Similar Tax Loss, or a Tax Credit Carryforward Exists”, which states that entities should present the unrecognized tax benefit as a reduction of the deferred tax asset for a net operating loss (“NOL”) or similar tax loss or tax credit carryforward rather than as a liability when the uncertain tax position would reduce the NOL or other carryforward under the tax law.  We adopted this new standard in the first quarter of 2014; however the adoption did not have a material impact on our Consolidated Financial Statements.

NOTE 2. CONCENTRATION OF CREDIT RISK AND MAJOR CUSTOMERS

Financial instruments that potentially subject us to concentrations of credit risk consist principally of cash and accounts receivable.  With regard to cash, we maintain our excess cash balances in checking accounts at two high-credit quality financial institutions.  These accounts may at times exceed federally insured limits.  We grant credit to customers in the normal course of business and do not require collateral on our accounts receivable.

Our largest customer has two divisions which accounted for 10% or more of our net sales for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013.  The first division accounted for 24% and 20% of our net sales for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.  The second division accounted for 5% and 4% of net sales for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.  Together the divisions accounted for 29% and 24% of net sales for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.

Combined accounts receivable from both divisions represented 21% and 20% of total accounts receivable at March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively.

Export sales represented 13% of net sales for the three months ended March 31, 2014.  Export sales represented 11% of net sales for the three months ended March 31, 2013.  The increase in export sales relates to increased sales volume to existing customers.

9

Table of Contents

NOTE 3. FINANCING ARRANGEMENTS

We have a credit agreement with Wells Fargo Bank (WFB) which was most recently amended on December 31, 2012 and provides for a line of credit arrangement of $13.5 million that expires, if not renewed, on May 31, 2015.  The credit arrangement also has a $1.8 million real estate term note outstanding with a maturity date of March 31, 2027, an additional $1.7 million real estate term note outstanding that is due, if not renewed, on May 15, 2015, and a term loan facility of up to $2.0 million for capital expenditures with a maturity date of December 31, 2017.  As of March 31, 2014, we have borrowed $1.6 million of the $2.0 million capital term note.

Under the credit agreement, both the line of credit and real estate term notes are subject to variations in the LIBOR rate.  Our line of credit bears interest at three-month LIBOR + 2.75% (approximately 3.0% at March 31, 2014) while our real estate term notes bear interest at three-month LIBOR + 3.25% (approximately 3.50% at March 31, 2014).  The weighted-average interest rate on our line of credit was 3.0% and 3.1% for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively, while the weighted-average rate on our real estate term notes was 3.4% for the both periods. We had borrowings on our line of credit of $7,625,468 and $7,234,983 outstanding as of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively.

The credit agreement contains certain covenants which, among other things, require us to adhere to regular reporting requirements, abide by annual shareholder dividend limitations, maintain certain financial performance, and limit the amount of annual capital expenditures.

The availability under the line is subject to borrowing base requirements, and advances are at the discretion of the lender.  At March 31, 2014, we have net unused availability under our line of credit of approximately $5.9 million.  The line is secured by substantially all of our assets.

NOTE 4.  INCOME TAXES

On a quarterly basis, we estimate what our effective tax rate will be for the full fiscal year and record a quarterly income tax provision based on the anticipated rate.  As the year progresses, we refine our estimate based on the facts and circumstances, including discrete events, by each tax jurisdiction.  Our effective tax rate for the three months ended March 31, 2014 was 37%, compared with (17%) for the three months ended March 31, 2013. The tax benefit in the first quarter of 2013 was the result of the federal government reinstating the research and development credit for the 2012 tax year and extending it to 2013.  The effective tax rate for the year ended December 31, 2014 is expected to be 37% compared to 28% for the year ended December 31, 2013.  The increase is primarily the result of the federal government not extending the research and development credit for the 2014 tax year as well as the retroactive credits allowed in 2013 related to 2012 research and development activities as noted above.

The differences between federal income taxes computed at the federal statutory rate and reported income taxes for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013 are as follows:

10

Table of Contents

At March 31, 2014, we had $193,000 of net uncertain tax benefit positions recorded in other long-term liabilities that would reduce our effective income tax rate if recognized.

ITEM 2.    MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Overview:

We are a Wayzata, Minnesota based full-service Electronics Manufacturing Services (EMS) contract manufacturer of wire and cable assemblies, printed circuit board assemblies, higher-level assemblies and box builds for a wide range of industries.  We provide value added services and technical support including design, testing, prototyping and supply chain management to customers mainly in the Aerospace and Defense, Medical, and Industrial Equipment markets. We maintain manufacturing facilities in Baxter, Bemidji, Blue Earth, Mankato, Merrifield, and Milaca, Minnesota; Augusta, Wisconsin; and Monterrey, Mexico.

Summary of Results:

For the quarter ended March 31, 2014, we reported net sales of $26.1 million compared to $25.9 million reported in the same quarter of 2013.

Our gross profit percentage for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013 was 11.8% and 12.5%, respectively.  The gross profit decrease relates primarily to product mix and launch costs associated with a number of new assemblies across several of our operations.

Income from operations was approximately $236,000 and $224,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.  Net income for the first quarter of 2014 was $86,157 or $0.03 per diluted common share, compared to net income of $141,089 or $0.05 per diluted common share for the same period in 2013.

Cash provided by operating activities in the first three months of 2014 was $0.5 million.  Cash provided in the first quarter of 2014 came from profits, noncash addback of depreciation and the timing of collections and payments, offset by increased inventories.  Cash used by operating activities in the first quarter of 2013 was $0.4 million.

11

Table of Contents

Results of Operations:

The following table presents statements of income data as percentages of total net sales for the periods indicated:

Net Sales:

We reported net sales of $26.1 million and $25.9 for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively. Revenue increased to our existing medical customers, but was offset by a decline in revenue to our industrial customers who continue to be impacted by the sluggish economic recovery.

Net sales by our major EMS industry markets for the three month periods ended March 31, 2014 and 2013 are as follows:

Backlog:

Our 90-day order backlog as of March 31, 2014 was approximately $17.0 million, compared to approximately $16.1 million at the beginning of the quarter and $20.3 million at March 31, 2013.

12

Table of Contents

Our Medical customers backlog increased nicely from the end of last year and we are encouraged by the increase in Industrial backlog.  Aerospace and Defense backlog decreased as several large contracts came to a close in the first quarter and as a result of lower Department of Defense program funding.  Our backlog consists of firm purchase orders and we expect a major portion of the current 90 day backlog to be realized as revenue during the following quarter.

90 Day backlog by our major EMS industry markets are as follows:

Our 90 day backlog varies due to order size, manufacturing delays, contract terms and conditions and timing from customer delivery schedules and releases. These variables cause inconsistencies in comparing the backlog from one period to the next.

Gross Profit:

Gross profit as a percent of net sales for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013 was 11.8% and 12.5% of net sales.  The gross profit decrease relates primarily to product mix and launch costs associated with a number of new assemblies across several of our operations.

Selling Expense:

Our selling expenses were $1.1 million or 4.3% of net sales and $1.2 million or 4.6% of net sales for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.

General and Administrative Expense:

Our general and administrative expenses were $1.7 million or 6.6% of net sales and $1.8 million or 6.7% of net sales for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.

Income Taxes:

Our effective tax rate for the three months ended March 31, 2014 was 37% compared with (17%) for the three months ended March 31, 2013.  The tax benefit in the first quarter of 2013 was the result of the federal government reinstating the research and development credit for the 2012 tax year and extending it to 2013.  The differences between federal income taxes computed at the federal statutory rate and reported income taxes for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013 are as follows:

13

Table of Contents

Liquidity and Capital Resources:

We have satisfied our liquidity needs over the past several years with cash flows generated from operations and an operating line of credit through WFB.  We also have real estate and equipment term loans.  Both the line of credit and real estate term notes are subject to fluctuations in the LIBOR rates.  The line of credit, real estate term notes, and equipment loans with WFB contain certain covenants which, among other things, require us to adhere to regular reporting requirements, abide by annual shareholder dividend limitations, maintain certain financial performance, and limit the amount of annual capital expenditures.  The availability under our line is subject to borrowing base requirements, and advances are at the discretion of the lender.  The line of credit is secured by substantially all of our assets.

On March 31, 2014, we had outstanding advances of $7.6 million under the line of credit and unused availability of $5.9 million supported by our borrowing base.  We believe our financing arrangements and cash flows to be provided by operations will be sufficient to satisfy our future working capital needs.  Our working capital was $15.7 million and $15.5 million as of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively.  The increase in working capital relates primarily to increased inventory levels partially offset by lower accounts receivable, and increased borrowings and accounts payable.

Net cash provided by operating activities for the three months ended March 31, 2014 was $0.5 million.  Increased collection of receivables, higher accounts payable and noncash depreciation expense were partially offset by increased inventories.

Net cash used in investing activities of $0.7 million for the three months ended March 31, 2014 is comprised of property and equipment purchases to support the business.

Net cash provided by financing activities for the three months ended March 31, 2014 was $0.5 million, mainly due to loan proceeds of $0.2 million and increased borrowings on the line of credit of $0.4 million, offset by payments on long-term debt of $0.1 million.

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates:

Our significant accounting policies and estimates are summarized in Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations in our Annual Report on Form

14

Table of Contents

10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013.  There have been no significant changes in these critical accounting policies since December 31, 2013.  Some of our accounting policies require us to exercise significant judgment in selecting the appropriate assumptions for calculating financial estimates.  Such judgments are subject to an inherent degree of uncertainty.  These judgments are based on our historical experience, known trends in our industry, terms of existing contracts and other information from outside sources, as appropriate.  Actual results could differ from these estimates.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

In July 2013, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2013-11, “Presentation of an Unrecognized Tax Benefit When a Net Operating Loss Carryforward, a Similar Tax Loss, or a Tax Credit Carryforward Exists”, which states that entities should present the unrecognized tax benefit as a reduction of the deferred tax asset for a net operating loss (“NOL”) or similar tax loss or tax credit carryforward rather than as a liability when the uncertain tax position would reduce the NOL or other carryforward under the tax law.  We adopted this new standard in the first quarter of 2014; however, the adoption did not have a material impact on our Consolidated Financial Statements.

Forward-Looking Statements:

Those statements in the foregoing report that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements made pursuant to the safe-harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.  Such statements generally will be accompanied by words such as “anticipate,” “believe,” “estimate,” “expect,” “forecast,” “intend,” “possible,” “potential,” “predict,” “project,” or other similar words that convey the uncertainty of future events or outcomes.  Although we believe these forward-looking statements are reasonable, they are based upon a number of assumptions concerning future conditions, any or all of which may ultimately prove to be inaccurate.  Forward-looking statements involve a number of risks and uncertainties.  Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the forward-looking statements include, without limitation:

·                  Volatility in the marketplace which may affect market supply and demand for our products;

·                  Increased competition;

·                  Changes in the reliability and efficiency of operating facilities or those of third parties;

·                  Risks related to availability of labor;

·                  Increase in certain raw material costs such as copper;

·                  Commodity and energy cost instability;

·                  General economic, financial and business conditions that could affect our financial condition and results of operations; and

·                  Availability of raw material components.

The factors identified above are believed to be important factors (but not necessarily all of the important factors) that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed in any forward-looking statement made by us.  Unpredictable or unknown factors not discussed herein

15

Table of Contents

could also have material adverse effects on forward-looking statements.  All forward-looking statements included in this Form 10-Q are expressly qualified in their entirety by the forgoing cautionary statements.  We undertake no obligations to update publicly any forward-looking statement (or its associated cautionary language) whether as a result of new information or future events.

Please refer to forward-looking statements and risks as previously disclosed in our report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2013.

ITEM 4.   CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures:

In accordance with Rule 13a-15(b) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the “Exchange Act”), as of the end of the period covered by this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, our management evaluated, with the participation of our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) and Rule 15d-15(e) under the Exchange Act).  Based upon their evaluation of these disclosure controls and procedures, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have concluded that the disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of the date of such evaluation in ensuring that information required to be disclosed in our Exchange Act reports is (1) recorded, processed, summarized and reported in a timely manner, and (2) accumulated and communicated to management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting:

There was no change in our internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the period covered by this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

PART II

ITEM 1.    LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

We are subject to various legal proceedings and claims that arise in the ordinary course of business.

16

Table of Contents

ITEM 6. EXHIBITS

Exhibits

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.

Nortech Systems Incorporated and Subsidiary

17