Form 10-Q Third Quarter Fiscal 2007


 

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 June 30, 2007

o 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 1-9789





TECH/OPS SEVCON, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)


Delaware
04-2985631
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)
(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)

155 Northboro Road, Southborough, Massachusetts, 01772
(Address of principal executive offices and zip code)

(508) 281 5510
(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 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 o  Accelerated Filer o  Non accelerated filer 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
Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer's classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date.

Class
Outstanding at August 10, 2007
Common stock, par value $.10
3,229,455


- 1 -


TECH/OPS SEVCON, INC.
FORM 10-Q
FOR THE QUARTER ENDED JUNE 30, 2007
INDEX

PART I -FINANCIAL INFORMATION
PAGE
3
3
4
4
5
6
12
17
18
19
19
19
20
20


- 2 -


ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
Tech/Ops Sevcon, Inc. and Subsidiaries
(in thousands of dollars except per share data)
 
 
   
June 30,
2007 
   
September 30,
2006
 
 
 
 
   
(unaudited) 
   
(derived from
audited
statements
)
ASSETS
             
Current assets:
             
Cash and cash equivalents
 
$
907
 
$
1,290
 
Receivables, net of allowances for doubtful accounts of $174 at June 30, 2007
and $141 at September 30, 2006
   
8,828
   
6,187
 
Inventories
   
5,876
   
4,717
 
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
   
953
   
847
 
Total current assets
   
16,564
   
13,041
 
Property, plant and equipment:
             
At cost
   
11,974
   
10,497
 
Less: accumulated depreciation and amortization
   
8,202
   
7,202
 
Net property, plant and equipment
   
3,772
   
3,295
 
Long-term deferred tax asset
   
949
   
881
 
Goodwill
   
1,435
   
1,435
 
Total assets
 
$
22,720
 
$
18,652
 
               
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ INVESTMENT
             
Current liabilities:
             
Accounts payable
 
$
4,252
 
$
2,397
 
Dividend payable
   
97
   
96
 
Accrued expenses
   
2,747
   
2,701
 
Accrued and deferred taxes on income
   
1,011
   
479
 
Total current liabilities
   
8,107
   
5,673
 
Liability for pension benefits
   
2,964
   
2,886
 
Other long term liabilities
   
59
   
56
 
Total liabilities
   
11,130
   
8,615
 
Commitments and contingencies
             
Stockholder equity:
             
Preferred stock, par value $.10 per share - authorized - 1,000,000 shares;
outstanding - none
   
-
   
-
 
Common stock, par value $.10 per share - authorized - 8,000,000 shares;
outstanding 3,229,455 shares at June 30, 2007 and 3,211,051 shares at
September 30, 2006
   
323
   
321
 
Premium paid in on common stock
   
4,478
   
4,309
 
Retained earnings
   
7,940
   
7,123
 
Cumulative other comprehensive loss
   
(1,151
)
 
(1,716
)
Total stockholder equity
   
11,590
   
10,037
 
Total liabilities and stockholder equity
 
$
22,720
 
$
18,652
 
 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements


- 3 -



CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
(Unaudited)
Tech/Ops Sevcon, Inc. and Subsidiaries

(in thousands of dollars except per share data)
 
 
 
Three months ended 
Nine months ended
 
   
June 30,
2007 
   
July 1,
2006
   
June 30,
2007
   
July 1,
2006
 
Net sales
 
$
10,341
 
$
9,313
 
$
28,941
 
$
25,696
 
Cost of sales
   
6,550
   
5,761
   
18,138
   
15,780
 
Gross Profit
   
3,791
   
3,552
   
10,803
   
9,916
 
Selling, research and administrative expenses
   
3,009
   
2,968
   
8,919
   
8,526
 
Operating income
   
782
   
584
   
1,884
   
1,390
 
Interest expense
   
(10
)
 
(13
)
 
(17
)
 
(48
)
Interest income
   
3
   
1
   
7
   
3
 
Foreign currency loss
   
(40
)
 
(8
)
 
(130
)
 
(10
)
Income before income taxes
   
735
   
564
   
1,744
   
1,335
 
Income taxes
   
(252
)
 
(195
)
 
(605
)
 
(464
)
Net income
 
$
483
 
$
369
 
$
1,139
 
$
871
 
Basic income per share
 
$
.15
 
$
.12
 
$
.36
 
$
.28
 
Fully diluted income per share
 
$
.15
 
$
.12
 
$
.36
 
$
.28
 






CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
(Unaudited)
Tech/Ops Sevcon, Inc. and Subsidiaries

   
(in thousands of dollars)
 
 
 
Three months ended 
Nine months ended
 
   
June 30,
2007 
   
July 1,
2006
   
June 30,
2007
   
July 1,
2006
 
Net income
 
$
483
 
$
369
 
$
1,139
 
$
871
 
Foreign currency translation adjustment
   
193
   
529
   
528
   
418
 
Changes in fair market value of cash flow hedges
   
-
   
14
   
-
   
1
 
Amortization of pension transition items to income
   
11
   
-
   
37
   
-
 
Comprehensive income
 
$
687
 
$
912
 
$
1,704
 
$
1,290
 

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

- 4 -



CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(Unaudited)
Tech/Ops Sevcon, Inc. and Subsidiaries

 
 
(in thousands of dollars) 
 
 
Nine months ended 
 
   
June 30,
2007 
   
July 1,
2006
 
Cash flow from operating activities:
             
Net income
 
$
1,139
 
$
871
 
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash from operating activities:
             
Depreciation and amortization
   
555
   
469
 
Stock-based compensation
   
142
   
134
 
Deferred tax benefit
   
(68
)
 
2
 
Increase (decrease) in cash resulting from changes in operating assets and liabilities:
             
Receivables
   
(2,641
)
 
(626
)
Inventories
   
(1,159
)
 
(1,786
)
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
   
(106
)
 
(281
)
Accounts payable
   
1,855
   
241
 
Accrued expenses
   
46
   
239
 
Accrued and deferred taxes on income
   
532
   
(18
)
Net cash generated from (used by) operating activities
   
295
   
(755
)
Cash flow used by investing activities:
             
Acquisition of property, plant and equipment
   
(783
)
 
(462
)
Net cash used by investing activities
   
(783
)
 
(462
)
Cash flow used by financing activities:
             
Dividends paid
   
(289
)
 
(287
)
Exercise of stock options
   
4
   
9
 
Short-term bank borrowings
   
-
   
426
 
Net cash (used by) generated from financing activities
   
(285
)
 
148
 
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash
   
390
   
269
 
Net decrease in cash
   
(383
)
 
(800
)
Beginning balance - cash and cash equivalents
   
1,290
   
1,130
 
Ending balance - cash and cash equivalents
 
$
907
 
$
330
 
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:
             
Cash paid for income taxes
 
$
266
 
$
619
 
Cash paid for interest
 
$
17
 
$
48
 
Supplemental disclosure of non-cash financing activity:
             
Dividend declared
 
$
97
 
$
96
 

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



- 5 -



TECH/OPS SEVCON, INC.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements - June 30, 2007

(Unaudited)

(1)
Basis of Presentation

In the opinion of management, the accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements contain all adjustments (consisting of only normally recurring accruals) necessary to present fairly the financial position of Tech/Ops Sevcon as of June 30, 2007 and the results of operations and cash flows for the nine months ended June 30, 2007.

The significant accounting policies followed by Tech/Ops Sevcon are set forth in Note 1 to the financial statements in the 2006 Tech/Ops Sevcon, Inc. Annual Report filed on Form 10-K. Other than as set forth below, there have been no changes since the end of fiscal 2006 to the significant accounting policies followed by Tech/Ops Sevcon.

The results of operations for the nine month periods ended June 30, 2007 and July 1, 2006 are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the full year.

(2)    New Accounting Pronouncements

In June 2006 the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Interpretation No. 48 “Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes” (“FIN48”) which will be effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2006. The Company has not yet determined the impact of adopting FIN48 on its consolidated results of operations or financial position but does not anticipate its adoption to have a material impact on either the consolidated results from operations or its financial position.

In September 2006, the FASB issued SFAS No. 158, "Employers’ Accounting for Defined Benefit Pension and Other Postretirement Plans - an amendment of FASB Statements No. 87, 88, 106, and 132(R)." SFAS No. 158 requires an employer to recognize a plan’s overfunded or underfunded status in its balance sheets and recognize the changes in a plan’s funded status in comprehensive income in the year which the changes occur. The Company adopted SFAS No. 158 effective on September 30, 2006. There was no impact on the income statement in either fiscal 2007 or 2006 arising from the adoption of SFAS No. 158.

 (3)    Stock-Based Compensation Plans

Under the Company’s 1996 Equity Incentive Plan (the “Plan”) there were 77,000 shares reserved and available for grant at June 30, 2007. Recipients of grants or options must execute a standard form of non-competition agreement. The plan provides for the grant of Restricted Stock, Restricted Stock Units, Options, and Stock Appreciation Rights (SARs). Stock Appreciation Rights may be awarded either separately, or in relation to options granted, and for the grant of bonus shares. Options granted are exercisable at a price not less than fair market value on the date of grant.

Since the beginning of fiscal 2006 the Company has accounted  for stock based compensation under SFAS 123R “Share-Based Payment,” which defines a fair value based method of accounting for employee stock options or similar equity instruments.

The fair value of each option grant is estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option pricing model. There were no option grants in the first nine months of fiscal 2007 or in fiscal 2006 and therefore no assumptions were made as to risk-free interest rate, expected dividend yield, expected life or expected volatility in fiscal 2007 or fiscal 2006. When options are exercised the Company normally issues new shares.

- 6 -



A summary of option activity for all plans for the nine months ended June 30, 2007 is as follows:

 
 
 
 
   
Options
No. of shares 
   
Weighted average Exercise Price
   
Weighted average remaining contractual life (years
)
 
Aggregate
Intrinsic Value
 
Outstanding at September 30, 2006
   
172,000
 
$
9.35
             
Granted
   
-
                   
Exercised
   
(8,000
)
$
4.37
             
Cancelled
   
(20,000
)
$
14.31
             
Outstanding at June 30, 2007
   
144,000
 
$
8.94
   
2.5 years
 
$
320,000
 
Exercisable at June 30, 2007
   
105,750
 
$
9.66
   
3.1 years
 
$
197,000
 

The aggregate intrinsic value included in the table above represents the difference between the exercise price of the options and the market price of the Company’s common stock for the options that had exercise prices that were lower than the $9.50 market price of the Company’s common stock at June 30, 2007. Options for 8,000 shares were exercised during the nine months ended June 30, 2007. The total intrinsic value of options exercised to-date in fiscal 2007 was $46,000 and the proceeds received on the exercise of these options was $35,000. In the first nine months of the last fiscal year, options for 2,000 shares were exercised with an intrinsic value of $3,000 and proceeds received on exercise of $9,000. At June 30, 2007 there was $66,000 of total unrecognized compensation expense related to options granted under all equity compensation plans. The Company expects to recognize that cost over a weighted average period of 2.8 years.

In fiscal 2006 the Company granted 25,000 shares of restricted stock to three employees which will vest in five equal annual installments and 12,000 shares of restricted stock to six non-employee directors which vested on the day before the 2007 annual meeting.

In January 2007, the Company granted 12,000 shares of restricted stock to six non-employee directors which will vest on the day before the 2008 annual meeting providing that the grantee remains a director of the Company, or as determined by the Compensation Committee. The estimated fair value of the stock on the date of grant was $92,000 based on the fair market value of the stock on date of issue. This unearned compensation is being charged to income on a straight line basis over the twelve month period during which the forfeiture conditions lapse. The charge to income for these director restricted stock grants in the first nine months of fiscal 2007 was $38,000 and the subsequent charge will be approximately $23,000 on a quarterly basis.

In April 2007, the Company granted 2,000 shares of restricted stock to one employee which will vest in full on the third business day after the Company publicly announces its financial results for fiscal 2007 so long as the employee is then employed by the Company or as determined by the Compensation Committee. The estimated fair value of the stock on the date of grant was $17,000 based on the fair market value of stock on the date of issue. This unearned compensation is being charged to income on a straight line basis over the eight month period during which the forfeiture conditions lapse. The charge to income for this employee’s restricted stock grant in the third quarter and first nine months of fiscal 2007 was $4,000 and the subsequent charge will be approximately $6,000 on a quarterly basis.

During the restriction period ownership of unvested shares cannot be transferred. Restricted stock has the same cash dividend and voting rights as other common stock and is considered to be currently issued and outstanding. For the purposes of calculating average issued shares for earnings per share these shares are only considered to be outstanding when the forfeiture conditions lapse and the shares vest.


- 7 -


Restricted stock activity for the nine months ended June 30, 2007 was as follows:

 
 
   
Number of shares of Restricted Stock  
   
Weighted Average Grant-Date Fair Value
 
Non-vested balance as of September 30, 2006
   
65,000
 
$
5.70
 
Granted
   
14,000
 
$
7.77
 
Vested
   
(24,000
)
$
5.72
 
Forfeited
   
-
   
N/A
 
Non-vested balance as of June 30, 2007
   
55,000
 
$
6.22
 

As of June 30, 2007, there was $241,000 of total restricted stock compensation expense related to non-vested awards not yet recognized, which is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 2.3 years.

The stock-based compensation expense was as follows:

 
 
(in thousands of dollars) 
 
 
Three Months ended 
Nine Months ended
 
   
June 30,
2007 
   
July 1,
2006
   
June 30,
2007
   
July 1,
2006
 
Stock option expense under SFAS No. 123R
 
$
6
 
$
13
 
$
27
 
$
36
 
Restricted stock grants:
                         
Employees
   
19
   
14
   
54
   
41
 
Non-employee directors
   
23
   
17
   
61
   
57
 
Total stock based compensation expense
 
$
48
 
$
44
 
$
142
 
$
134
 

(4)    Cash Dividends

On June 12, 2007, the Company declared a quarterly dividend of $.03 per share for the third quarter of fiscal 2007, which was paid on July 12, 2007 to stockholders of record on June 27, 2007. The Company has paid regular quarterly cash dividends since the first quarter of fiscal 1990.

(5)   Calculation of Earnings per Share and Weighted Average Shares Outstanding

Basic and fully diluted earnings per share were calculated as follows:

 
 
(in thousands except per share data) 
 
 
Three Months ended 
Nine Months ended
 
   
June 30,
2007 
   
July 1,
2006
   
June 30,
2007
   
July 1,
2006
 
Net income
 
$
483
 
$
369
 
$
1,139
 
$
871
 
Weighted average shares outstanding - basic
   
3,172
   
3,144
   
3,162
   
3,134
 
Basic income per share
 
$
.15
 
$
.12
 
$
.36
 
$
.28
 
Common stock equivalents
   
53
   
30
   
44
   
22
 
Weighted average shares outstanding - diluted
   
3,225
   
3,174
   
3,206
   
3,156
 
Diluted income per share
 
$
.15
 
$
.12
 
$
.36
 
$
.28
 
No. of options that are anti-dilutive excluded from calculation of common stock equivalents
   
80
   
105
   
100
   
105
 

(6)    Segment information

The Company has two reportable segments: electronic controls and capacitors. The electronic controls segment produces control systems and accessories for battery powered vehicles. The capacitor segment produces electronic components for sale to electronic equipment manufacturers. Each segment has its own management team, manufacturing facilities and sales force.

- 8 -


The significant accounting policies of the segments are the same as those described in note (1) to the 2006 Annual Report filed on Form 10-K. Inter-segment revenues are accounted for at current market prices. The Company evaluates the performance of each segment principally based on operating income. The Company does not allocate income taxes, interest income and expense or foreign currency translation gains and losses to segments. Information concerning operations of these businesses is as follows:
 
 
 
(in thousands of dollars) 
 
 
Three months ended June 30, 2007 
 
   
Controls 
   
Capacitors
   
Corporate
   
Total
 
Sales to external customers
 
$
9,753
 
$
588
 
$
-
 
$
10,341
 
Inter-segment revenues
   
-
   
8
   
-
   
8
 
Operating income
   
963
   
8
   
(189
)
 
782
 
Identifiable assets
   
21,141
   
1,109
   
470
   
22,720
 
 
 
Three months ended July 1, 2006 
 
   
Controls 
   
Capacitors
   
Corporate
   
Total
 
Sales to external customers
 
$
8,901
 
$
412
 
$
-
 
$
9,313
 
Inter-segment revenues
   
-
   
18
   
-
   
18
 
Operating income (loss)
   
726
   
(25
)
 
(117
)
 
584
 
Identifiable assets
   
16,992
   
906
   
582
   
18,480
 
 
 
Nine months ended June 30, 2007 
 
   
Controls 
   
Capacitors
   
Corporate
   
Total
 
Sales to external customers
 
$
27,437
 
$
1,504
 
$
-
 
$
28,941
 
Inter-segment revenues
   
-
   
39
   
-
   
39
 
Operating income (loss)
   
2,211
   
(25
)
 
(302
)
 
1,884
 
Depreciation and amortization
   
507
   
44
   
4
   
555
 
Identifiable assets
   
21,141
   
1,109
   
470
   
22,720
 
Capital expenditures
   
704
   
75
   
4
   
783
 
 
 
Nine months ended July 1, 2006 
 
   
Controls 
   
Capacitors
   
Corporate
   
Total
 
Sales to external customers
 
$
24,503
 
$
1,193
 
$
-
 
$
25,696
 
Inter-segment revenues
   
-
   
53
   
-
   
53
 
Operating income (loss)
   
1,679
   
(43
)
 
(246
)
 
1,390
 
Depreciation and amortization
   
427
   
42
   
-
   
469
 
Identifiable assets
   
16,992
   
906
   
582
   
18,480
 
Capital expenditures
   
396
   
24
   
-
   
420
 

In the controls business segment the revenues were derived from the following products and services.
 
 
 
(in thousands of dollars) 
 
 
Three Months ended 
Nine Months ended
 
   
June 30,
2007 
   
July 1,
2006
   
June 30,
2007
   
July 1,
2006
 
Electronic controllers for battery driven vehicles
 
$
6,710
 
$
6,260
 
$
19,183
 
$
17,291
 
Accessory and aftermarket products and services
   
3,043
   
2,641
   
8,254
   
7,212
 
Total controls segment revenues
 
$
9,753
 
$
8,901
 
$
27,437
 
$
24,503
 

(7)    Research and Development

The cost of research and development programs is charged against income as incurred and was as follows:

 
 
(in thousands of dollars) 
 
 
Three Months ended
Nine Months ended
 
   
June 30,
2007 
   
July 1,
2006
   
June 30,
2007
   
July 1,
2006
 
Research and Development expense
 
$
946
 
$
919
 
$
2,845
 
$
2,701
 
Percentage of sales
   
9.1%
 
 
9.9%
 
 
9.8%
 
 
10.5%
 

- 9 -



(8) Employee Benefit Plans

Tech/Ops Sevcon has defined benefit plans covering the majority of its US and UK employees. There is also a small defined contribution plan. The following table sets forth the components of the net pension cost as defined by SFAS No. 158.

 
 
(in thousands of dollars) 
 
 
Three Months ended 
Nine Months ended
 
   
June 30,
2007 
   
July 1,
2006
   
June 30,
2007
   
July 1,
2006
 
Service cost
 
$
149
 
$
98
 
$
441
 
$
284
 
Interest cost
   
293
   
241
   
863
   
698
 
Expected return on plan assets
   
(290
)
 
(227
)
 
(854
)
 
(656
)
Amortization of transition obligation
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
-
 
Amortization of prior service cost
   
15
   
14
   
44
   
40
 
Recognized net actuarial gain
   
3
   
-
   
9
   
-
 
Net periodic benefit cost
   
170
   
126
   
503
   
366
 
Net cost of defined contribution plans
 
$
11
 
$
9
 
$
33
 
$
25
 

The following table sets forth the movement in the liability for pension benefits in accordance with SFAS No. 158 in the nine months ended June 30, 2007:

 
 
(in thousands of dollars) 
 
 
Nine Months ended 
 
   
June 30,
2007 
   
July 1,
2006
 
Liability for pension benefits at beginning of period
 
$
2,886
 
$
N/A
 
Net periodic benefit cost
   
503
   
N/A
 
Plan contributions
   
(572
)
 
N/A
 
Effect of exchange rate changes
   
147
   
N/A
 
Balance at end of period
 
$
2,964
 
$
N/A
 

Tech/Ops Sevcon contributed $572,000 to its pension plans in the nine months ended June 30, 2007 and presently anticipates contributing a further $193,000 to fund its plans in the remainder of fiscal 2007, for a total contribution of $765,000. In addition employee contributions to the UK plan were $219,000 in the first nine months and are estimated to total $295,000 in fiscal 2007.

The table below sets out the movement in the amounts included in accumulated other comprehensive income that has not yet been recognized as pension costs in the income statement:

 
Unrecognized
transition
obligation
Unrecognized
prior service
cost
Unrecognized
net actuarial
gain (loss)
Deferred
Tax
Total
Balance at September 30, 2006
$1
$2,006
$765
$(849)
$1,923
Amounts recognized in
accumulated other comprehensive
income in the first nine months of
fiscal 2007
 
 
-
 
 
(44)
 
 
(9)
 
 
16
 
 
(37)
Balance at June 30, 2007
$1
$1,962
$756
$(833)
$1,886
Amounts expected to be recognized in the remainder of fiscal 2007
 
-
 
(15)
 
(3)
 
4
 
(14)

- 10 -



(9)   Inventories

Inventories were comprised of:

 
 
(in thousands of dollars) 
 
   
June 30,
2007 
   
September 30,
2006
 
Raw materials
 
$
2,855
 
$
2,195
 
Work-in-process
   
200
   
119
 
Finished goods
   
2,821
   
2,403
 
   
$
5,876
 
$
4,717
 

(10)        Accrued expenses

Set out below is an analysis of other accrued expenses at June 30, 2007 and September 30, 2006 which shows separately any items in excess of 5% of total current liabilities.

 
 
(in thousands of dollars) 
 
   
June 30,
2007 
   
September 30,
2006
 
Accrued compensation and related costs
 
$
1,205
 
$
1,047
 
Warranty reserves
   
470
   
364
 
Other accrued expenses
   
1,072
   
1,290
 
   
$
2,747
 
$
2,701
 

(11)   Warranty reserves

The movement in warranty reserves was as follows:

 
 
(in thousands of dollars) 
 
 
Three Months ended 
Nine Months ended
 
   
June 30,
2007 
   
July 1,
2006
   
June 30,
2007
   
July 1,
2006
 
Warranty reserves at beginning of period
 
$
418
 
$
450
 
$
364
 
$
364
 
Decrease in beginning balance for warranty obligations settled during the period
   
(76
)
 
(81
)
 
(258
)
 
(299
)
Other changes to pre-existing warranties
   
3
   
8
   
13
   
55
 
Net increase in warranty reserves for products sold during the period
   
125
   
145
   
351
   
402
 
Warranty reserves at end of period
 
$
470
 
$
522
 
$
470
 
$
522
 


- 11 -


Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.

FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS

Statements in this discussion and analysis about the Company’s anticipated financial results and growth, as well as those about the development of its products and markets, are forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected. These include the risks discussed under ‘Risk Factors’ below and throughout this Item 2.

NEW ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS

The Company adopted SFAS No. 158 on September 30, 2006. See Note 2 to Consolidated Financial Statements for a more detailed description of this new accounting pronouncement.

In June 2006, the FASB issued FIN48, “Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes”. This interpretation prescribes a recognition threshold and measurement attribute for the financial statement recognition and measurement of a tax position taken or expected to be taken in a tax return. The interpretation also provides guidance on classification, interest and penalties, accounting in interim periods, disclosure and transition. FIN48 will be effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2006. The Company has not yet determined the impact of adopting FIN48 on its consolidated results of operations or financial position but does not anticipate its adoption to have a material impact on either the consolidated results from operations or its financial position.

CRITICAL ACCOUNTING ESTIMATES

As of June 30, 2007 there have been no material changes to the critical accounting estimates described in the Company’s Form 10-K for the year ended September 30, 2006.

Pension Plan Assumptions

The Company’s pension plans are significant relative to the size of the Company. Pension plan assets were $17,590,000 at September 30, 2006 and the total assets of the Company were $18,652,000. Although the plan assets are not included in the assets of the Company, they are 94% of size of the Company’s total assets. In accordance with SFAS No. 158 the funded status of the pension plans (plan assets less the accumulated benefit obligation) is recognized in the Company’s balance sheet as “Liability for pension benefits” which amounted to $2,964,000 at June 30, 2007 compared to $2,886,000 at September 30, 2006.

The Company makes a number of assumptions relating to its pension plans in order to measure the financial position of the plans and the net periodic benefit cost. The most significant assumptions relate to the discount rate, the expected long term return on plan assets and the rate of future compensation increase. If these assumptions prove to be incorrect then the Company may need to record additional expense relating to the pension plans which could have a material effect on the Company’s results of operations.

The table below sets out the approximate impact on the funded status of the Company’s pension plans at September 30, 2006 that the Company estimates would arise from the following respective changes in significant plan assumptions:

Plan Assumption
Change in Assumption
Impact on Funded Status
 (in thousands of dollars)
Change in funded status
Assumptions impacting accumulated benefit obligation:
     
Discount rate
0.1%
$450
16%
Inflation rate
0.1%
380
13%
Salary Increase
0.1%
190
7%
Mortality rate
1 year
500
17%
Assumption impacting plan assets:
     
Return on plan assets
0.1% per year
$18 per year
1% per year


- 12 -



OVERVIEW OF THIRD QUARTER AND FIRST NINE MONTHS

The Company reported net income of $483,000, or $.15 per share, for the third fiscal quarter ended June 30, 2007. Net income increased by 31% from $369,000 in the comparable period last year. Basic and fully diluted net income was $.15 per share, an increase of $.03 per share compared with the third quarter of last year. Sales in the third quarter were $10,341,000, which was 11% ahead of the third quarter last year. Volumes shipped were 6% ahead of the prior year period, augmented by foreign currency fluctuations which caused an increase in reported revenues of $427,000, or 4%.

Operating income for the third quarter was $782,000, an increase of $198,000, or 34%, compared to the third quarter of last year. Foreign currency fluctuations had an adverse impact on operating income of $228,000, or 39%; underlying operating income (defined as operating income net of foreign currency impact) was 73% ahead of last year. Gross profit increased by $239,000 compared to last year due to higher volumes. Operating expense for the third quarter was $41,000 higher than the same period last year, due entirely to foreign currency fluctuations; underlying operating expense was 4% lower than last year.

For the nine month period, revenues were $28,941,000, an increase of $3,245,000, or 13%, compared to last year. Higher volumes accounted for a 7% increase in sales revenues and contributed $711,000 of additional gross profit. The weakness of the US dollar compared to the British Pound and the Euro resulted in a $1,526,000 increase in reported sales, but this reduced operating income by $426,000. Operating expenses, excluding the effect of foreign currency changes, were $209,000 lower than last year. Operating income for the nine month period was $1,884,000, an increase of $494,000, or 36%, compared to last year. For the first nine months of fiscal 2007, net income was $1,139,000, or $.36 per diluted share, compared to $871,000, or $.28 per diluted share last year.

Cash balances decreased by $383,000 in the first nine months of fiscal 2007 to $907,000. Operating activities generated cash of $297,000, mainly due to the increased income arising from the higher volumes shipped in the second and third quarters. Capital expenditures used cash of $783,000 and dividend payments amounted to $289,000. Exchange rate changes increased reported cash by $394,000.


- 13 -


Results of Operations

Three months ended June 30, 2007

The following table compares results by segment for the third quarter of fiscal 2007 with the prior year period and shows the percentage changes in total and split between the currency impact and volume / other changes.

 
    % change due to: 
     
2007
   
2006
   
Total
   
Currency
   
Volume / other
 
Sales:
                               
Controls - to external customers
 
$
9,753
 
$
8,901
   
10%
 
 
4%
 
 
6%
 
Capacitors - to external customers
   
588
   
412
   
43%
 
 
11%
 
 
32%
 
Capacitors - inter-segment
   
8
   
18
   
-56%
 
 
11%
 
 
-67%
 
Capacitors - total
   
596
   
430
   
39%
 
 
11%
 
 
28%
 
Total sales to external customers
   
10,341
   
9,313
   
11%
 
 
5%
 
 
6%
 
Gross Profit:
                               
Controls
   
3,566
   
3,372
   
6%
 
 
-3%
 
 
9%
 
Capacitors
   
225
   
180
   
25%
 
 
11%
 
 
14%
 
Total
   
3,791
   
3,552
   
7%
 
 
-2%
 
 
9%
 
Selling research and administrative expenses:
                               
Controls
   
2,603
   
2,646
   
-2%
 
 
5%
 
 
-7%
 
Capacitors
   
217
   
205
   
6%
 
 
11%
 
 
-5%
 
Unallocated corporate expense
   
189
   
117
   
62%
 
 
0%
 
 
62%
 
Total
   
3,009
   
2,968
   
1%
 
 
5%
 
 
-4%
 
Operating income:
                               
Controls
   
963
   
726
   
33%
 
 
-32%
 
 
65%
 
Capacitors
   
8
   
(25
)
 
132%
 
 
11%
 
 
121%
 
Unallocated corporate expense
   
(189
)
 
(117
)
 
62%
 
 
0%
 
 
62%
 
Total
   
782
   
584
   
34%
 
 
-39%
 
 
73%
 
Other income and expense
   
(47
)
 
(20
)
 
135%
 
 
170%
 
 
-35%
 
Income before income taxes
   
735
   
564
   
30%
 
 
-46%
 
 
76%
 
Income taxes
   
(252
)
 
(195
)
 
29%
 
 
-49%
 
 
78%
 
Net Income
 
$
483
 
$
369
   
31%
 
 
-45%
 
 
76%
 

Sales in the third fiscal quarter ended June 30, 2007 were $10,341,000 compared to $9,313,000 in the same period last year, an increase of $1,028,000, or 11%. Compared to the third quarter of fiscal 2006, the US dollar weakened by 8% compared to the British Pound and by 6% compared to the Euro. These foreign currency fluctuations accounted for a 5% increase in reported sales and volumes were 6% higher than last year. Volumes in the controller business were 6% higher than the same period last year, with gains reported in all business units. The increased revenues in the controls segment were mainly due to broadly-based higher levels of demand across most of the Company’s customer base. In the capacitor business, sales to external customers increased by $176,000, or 43%, compared to the same period last year. Capacitor volumes were 32% up compared to the same period last year mainly due to higher demand in the railway signaling market and increased sales of audio capacitors. Foreign currency fluctuations accounted for a $46,000 increase in reported sales of capacitors.

The gross profit percentage was 36.7% of sales in this period compared with 38.1% in the comparable period in fiscal 2006. Gross profit increased by $239,000 compared to the third quarter of last year. Foreign currency fluctuations reduced reported gross profit by $78,000. Net of the currency impact, gross profit was $317,000 above last year. The increase in gross profit was mainly due to higher volumes.

Selling, research and administrative expenses were $3,009,000, an increase of $41,000 compared to the same period last year. Foreign currency fluctuations increased reported operating expenses by $150,000, or 5%. Therefore, excluding the impact of currency fluctuations, operating expenses for the third quarter were $109,000, or 4% lower than the same period last year.

- 14 -




Operating income for the third quarter was $782,000, an increase of $198,000, or 34%, compared to the same period last year. Foreign currency fluctuations had a negative impact of $228,000 on reported operating income. Excluding the currency impact, operating income for the controller business increased by $469,000, mainly due to higher volumes. In the capacitor business segment there was operating income of $8,000 compared to an operating loss of $25,000 in the third quarter of fiscal 2006.

In the third quarter interest expense was $10,000, a decrease of $3,000 compared to the prior year. There was a foreign currency loss of $40,000 in the third quarter of fiscal 2007 compared to a loss of $8,000 in the same period last year.

Income before income taxes was $735,000 compared to $564,000 in the same period last year, an increase of $171,000, or 30%. Income taxes were 34% of pre-tax income, in line with the same period last year. Net income for the third quarter was $483,000, an increase of $114,000 compared to the same period last year. Basic and fully diluted income per share was $.15 compared to $.12 per share in the third quarter of fiscal 2006.

Nine months ended June 30, 2007

The following table compares the results by segment for the nine months ended June 30, 2007 with the same period in the prior year, and shows the percentage changes in total and split between the currency impact and volume / other changes.

 
 
Nine months ended 
% change due to:
 
   
June 30,
2007 
   
July 1,
2006
   
Total
   
Currency
   
Volume / other
 
Sales:
                               
Controls - to external customers
 
$
27,437
 
$
24,503
   
12%
 
 
6%
 
 
6%
 
Capacitors - to external customers
   
1,504
   
1,193
   
26%
 
 
12%
 
 
14%
 
Capacitors - inter-segment
   
39
   
53
   
-26%
 
 
12%
 
 
-38%
 
Capacitors - total
   
1,543
   
1,246
   
24%
 
 
12%
 
 
12%
 
Total sales to external customers
   
28,941
   
25,696
   
13%
 
 
6%
 
 
7%
 
Gross Profit:
                               
Controls
   
10,223
   
9,385
   
9%
 
 
1%
 
 
8%
 
Capacitors
   
580
   
531
   
9%
 
 
12%
 
 
-3%
 
Total
   
10,803
   
9,916
   
9%
 
 
2%
 
 
7%
 
Selling research and administrative expenses:
                               
Controls
   
8,012
   
7,706
   
4%
 
 
7%
 
 
-3%
 
Capacitors
   
605
   
574
   
5%
 
 
12%
 
 
-7%
 
Unallocated corporate expense
   
302
   
246
   
23%
 
 
0%
 
 
23%
 
Total
   
8,919
   
8,526
   
5%
 
 
7%
 
 
-2%
 
Operating income:
                               
Controls
   
2,211
   
1,679
   
32%
 
 
-25%
 
 
57%
 
Capacitors
   
(25
)
 
(43
)
 
42%
 
 
12%
 
 
30%
 
Unallocated corporate expense
   
(302
)
 
(246
)
 
23%
 
 
0%
 
 
23%
 
Total
   
1,884
   
1,390
   
36%
 
 
-30%
 
 
66%
 
Other income and expense
   
(140
)
 
(55
)
 
155%
 
 
220%
 
 
-65%
 
Income before income taxes
   
1,744
   
1,335
   
31%
 
 
-41%
 
 
72%
 
Income taxes
   
(605
)
 
(464
)
 
30%
 
 
-42%
 
 
72%
 
Net Income
 
$
1,139
 
$
871
   
31%
 
 
-40%
 
 
71%
 


- 15 -


Sales in the nine months ended June 30, 2007 were $28,941,000, an increase of $3,245,000, or 13%, compared to the same period last year when sales were $25,696,000. Foreign currency fluctuations accounted for an increase in reported sales of $1,526,000, or 6%; in addition, volumes were also 7% ahead of the same period last year. The increased volumes were mainly due to broadly-based higher levels of demand across most of the Company’s customer base. Volumes in the controller business were 6% better than in the same period last year, with gains in Europe and the Far East partially offset by marginally lower volumes in the USA. Shipments in the aerial lift market were ahead in foreign markets but lower in the USA, due to unusually high shipment levels in the second quarter of fiscal 2006. Most of the other markets served by the Company recorded higher volumes. In the capacitor business, sales to external customers increased by $311,000 compared to the same period last year. Capacitor volumes in the first nine months were higher by $169,000, or 14%. Foreign currency fluctuations accounted for a $142,000, or 12%, increase in the reported sales of capacitors.

Revenues in the US controller business decreased by 1% compared to the first nine months of last fiscal year. This was mainly due to weak demand in the aerial lift market, partially offset by growth in other markets. Controller volumes in foreign markets were ahead of last year’s first nine months by 11%, mainly due to higher volumes in the aerial lift market.

Gross profit was 37.3% of sales in this period compared to 38.6% in the comparable period in fiscal 2006. Gross profit increased by $887,000 compared to the same period last year. The positive impact of higher volumes was augmented by favorable foreign currency fluctuations which increased reported gross profit by $176,000. In the controller business, gross profit increased by $838,000 compared to the third quarter of fiscal 2006 and, in the capacitor business, gross profit of $580,000 was 9% ahead of last year.

Selling, research and administrative expenses were $8,919,000, an increase of $393,000 compared to the same period last year. Foreign currency fluctuations increased reported operating expenses by $602,000, or 7%. Therefore, excluding the impact of currency fluctuations, operating expenses were $209,000, or 2%, lower than the same period last year.

Operating income for the first nine months of fiscal 2007 was $1,884,000, an increase of $494,000, or 36%, compared to the same period last year. Foreign currency fluctuations resulted in a $426,000 decrease in reported operating income. Excluding the currency impact, operating income for the controller business increased by 57% compared to last year. Higher volumes was the main cause of this increase in operating income. In the capacitor business segment there was an operating loss of $25,000 compared to a $43,000 operating loss in the first nine months of fiscal 2006.

In the first nine months of fiscal 2007 interest expense was $17,000 compared to $48,000 in the same period last year. There was a foreign currency loss of $130,000 in fiscal 2007 compared to a loss of $10,000 in the same period last year, mainly due to the weakness of the US dollar compared to the British Pound and the Euro.

Income before income taxes was $1,744,000 compared to $1,335,000 in the same period last year, an increase of $409,000, or 31%. Income taxes were 35% of pre-tax income, in line with the same period last year. Net income for the nine months ended June 30, 2007 was $1,139,000, an increase of $268,000, or 31%, compared to the same period last year. Basic and fully diluted income per share increased by $.08 per share to $.36 per share compared to $.28 per share in the same period last year.

Financial Condition

The Company has, since January 1990, maintained a program of regular cash dividends. The dividend for the third quarter of fiscal 2007 was paid on July 12, 2007, and amounted to $97,000. Cash balances at the end of the third quarter of 2007 were $907,000 compared to $1,290,000 on September 30, 2006, a decrease in cash of $383,000 in the first nine months of fiscal 2007.

In the first nine months of fiscal 2007, net income was $1,139,000, and operating activities generated $297,000 of cash. There was an increase of $2,641,000 in receivables mainly due to higher volumes in the second and third quarters. The number of days sales in receivables increased in the first nine months of fiscal 2007 from 64 days to 74 days, mainly due to a higher proportion of receivables in Europe.

- 16 -



Inventories increased by $1,159,000 of which $474,000 was due to currency fluctuations and the balance of $685,000 was largely due to higher volumes. Prepaid expense and other current assets increased by $106,000. Accounts payable increased by $1,855,000 mainly due to both higher volumes and foreign currency fluctuations. Accrued expenses of $2,747,000 were in line with the $2,701,000 recorded in the same period last year. Accrued income taxes increased by $532,000. Dividends paid in the first nine months of fiscal 2007 amounted to $289,000. Capital expenditures in the first nine months were $783,000. Exchange rate changes increased reported cash by $394,000 in the first nine months of fiscal 2007.

The Company has no long-term debt but has overdraft facilities in the UK of approximately $2.1 million and of $200,000 in France. At the end of the third quarter the Company had no borrowings against these overdraft facilities. The UK overdraft facilities are secured by all of the Company’s assets in the UK and the French overdraft facilities are unsecured.

Tech/Ops Sevcon's capital resources, in the opinion of management, are adequate for projected operations and capital spending programs. Capital spending programs are not expected to be significantly higher than depreciation over the next twelve months and projected volume growth is not expected to require significant additional cash resources.
 
Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk.

The Company’s operations are sensitive to a number of market factors, any one of which could materially adversely affect its results of operations in any given year. Other risks dealing with contingencies are described in Note 5 to the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements included under Item 8 of the Company’s Form 10-K for the year ended September 30, 2006 and other risks are described under the caption Risk Factors in Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations above.

Foreign currency risk

The Company sells to customers throughout the industrialized world. The majority of the Company’s products are manufactured in the United Kingdom. In the first nine months of fiscal 2007, approximately 37% of the Company’s sales were made in US Dollars, 27% were made in British Pounds and 36% were made in Euros. Approximately 77% of the Company’s cost of sales was incurred in British Pounds. This resulted in the Company’s sales and margins being exposed to fluctuations due to the change in the exchange rates of the US Dollar, the British Pound and the Euro. The Company has trade accounts receivable and accounts payable denominated in both British pounds and Euros which are exposed to exchange fluctuations.

In addition, the translation of the sales and income of foreign subsidiaries into US Dollars is also subject to fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates.

The Company undertakes hedging activities from time-to-time to manage the foreign exchange exposures related to forecasted purchases and sales in foreign currency and the associated foreign currency denominated receivables and payables. The Company does not engage in speculative foreign exchange transactions. Details of this hedging activity and the underlying exposures are set out below.


- 17 -


The following table provides information about the Company’s foreign currency accounts receivable, accounts payable, firmly committed sales contracts and derivative financial instruments outstanding as of June 30, 2007. The information is provided in US Dollar amounts, as presented in the Company’s consolidated financial statements. The table presents the notional amount (at contract exchange rates) and the weighted average contractual foreign currency exchange rates.

 
 
(in thousands of dollars, except average contract rates) 
 
 
Expected maturity or transaction date 
     
 
    FY2007     
FY2008
   
Total
   
Fair Value
 
On balance sheet financial instruments:
                         
In $ US Functional Currency
                         
Accounts receivable in British Pounds
   
1,674
   
-
   
1,674
   
1,674
 
Accounts receivable in Euros
   
4,572
   
-
   
4,572
   
4,572
 
Accounts payable in British Pounds
   
3,080
   
-
   
3,080
   
3,080
 
Accounts payable in Euros
   
424
   
-
   
424
   
424
 
Anticipated Transactions and related derivatives
                         
In $ US Functional Currency
                         
Firmly committed sales contracts
                         
In British Pounds
   
1,705
   
-
   
1,705
   
-
 
In Euros
   
1,562
   
-
   
1,562
   
-
 
Forward exchange agreements
                         
Sell US Dollars for British Pounds
   
1,400
   
-
   
1,400
   
14
 
Average contractual exchange rate
                         
US Dollars = British Pound
   
1.99 = 1
   
-
   
1.99 = 1
   
-
 
Amount recorded as other     comprehensive income
 
$
-
 
$
-
 
$
-
 
$
-
 

Interest Rate Risk

The Company does not currently have any interest bearing debt. The Company does invest surplus funds in instruments with maturities of less than 12 months at both fixed and floating interest rates. The Company incurs short-term borrowings from time-to-time on its overdraft facilities in Europe at variable interest rates. Due to the short-term nature of the Company’s investments at June 30, 2007, the risk arising from changes in interest rates was not material.

Item 4. Controls and Procedures.

(a) Evaluation of disclosure controls and procedures. The Company’s principal executive officer and principal financial officer, after evaluating the effectiveness of the Company’s “disclosure controls and procedures” (as defined in the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 Rule 13a-15(e)) have concluded that, as of June 30, 2007, these disclosure controls and procedures were effective.

(b) Changes in internal control over financial reporting. Our principal executive officer and principal financial officer have identified no change in the Company’s “internal control over financial reporting” (as defined in Securities Exchange Act of 1934 Rule 13a-15(f)) 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, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

- 18 -


PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1A. Risk Factors

In addition to the market risk factors relating to foreign currency and interest rate risk set out in PART 1 Item 3 above, the Company believes that the following represent the most significant risk factors for the Company:

Capital goods markets are cyclical

The Company’s customers are mainly manufacturers of capital goods such as fork lift trucks, aerial lifts and railway signaling equipment. These markets are cyclical and are currently showing modest growth, but demand in these markets could decrease or customers could decide to purchase alternative products. In this event the Company’s sales could decrease below its current break even point and there is no certainty that the Company would be able to decrease overhead expenses to enable it to operate profitably.

Single source materials and sub-contractors may not meet the Company’s needs.

The Company relies on certain suppliers and sub-contractors for all of its requirements for certain components, sub-assemblies and finished products. In the event that such suppliers and sub-contractors are unable or unwilling to continue supplying the Company, or to meet the Company’s cost and quality targets or needs for timely delivery, there is no certainty that the Company would be able to establish alternative sources of supply in time to meet customer demand.

Damage to the Company’s or sub-contractor’s buildings would hurt results.

In the controller business the majority of product is produced in a single plant in England and uses sub-assemblies sourced from a sub-contractor with two plants in Poland. The capacitor business is located in a single plant in Wales. In the event that any of these plants was to be damaged or destroyed, there is no certainty that the Company would be able to establish alternative facilities in time to meet customer demand. The Company does carry property damage and business interruption insurance but this may not cover certain lost business due to the long-term nature of the relationships with many customers.

Product liability claims may have a material adverse effect

The Company’s products are technically complex and are installed and used by third parties. Defects in their design, installation, use or manufacturing may result in product liability claims against the Company. Such claims may result in significant damage awards, and the cost of any such litigation could be material.

Item 6. Exhibits

See Exhibit Index immediately preceding the exhibits.

- 19 -


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.

 
TECH/OPS SEVCON, INC
   
   
Date: August 10, 2007
By: /s/ Paul A. McPartlin
 
Paul A. McPartlin
 
Chief Financial Officer (Principal Financial Officer)
 
Date: August 10, 2007
By: /s/ Paul N. Farquhar
 
Paul N. Farquhar
 
Principal Accounting Officer
   



 
   
Exhibit
Description
   
31.1
Certification of Principal Executive Officer pursuant to section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. Filed herewith.
   
31.2
Certification of Principal Financial Officer pursuant to section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. Filed herewith.
   
32.1
Certification of Principal Executive Officer and Principal Financial Officer pursuant to section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. Furnished herewith.


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