FORM 10-Q

 

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C.  20549

 

ý

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

 

For the quarterly period ended November 28, 2004

 

Commission file number 0-12611

 

AULT INCORPORATED

 

MINNESOTA

 

41-0842932

(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)

 

(I.R.S. Employer
Identification No.)

 

 

 

7105 Northland Terrace

Minneapolis, Minnesota 55428-1028

(Address of principal executive offices)

 

Registrant’s telephone number:  (763) 592-1900

 

Indicate by check mark whether registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months, and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.

 

YES   ý                  NO   o   

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an accelerated filer (as defined in Exchange Act Rule 12b-2).

 

YES   o                  NO   ý   

 

Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer’s classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date.

 

Class of Common Stock

 

Outstanding at
January 3, 2005

No par value

 

4,778,955 shares

 

 



 

PART 1. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

ITEM 1 - FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

AULT INCORPORATED & SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

(Dollars in Thousands, Except Share and Per Share Amounts)

 

 

 

(Unaudited)

 

 

 

Three Months Ended

 

Six Months Ended

 

 

 

Nov. 28
2004

 

Nov. 30
2003

 

Nov. 28
2004

 

Nov. 30
2003

 

Net Sales

 

$

11,047

 

$

11,134

 

$

24,186

 

$

21,950

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cost of Goods Sold

 

8,078

 

8,327

 

17,654

 

16,603

 

Gross Profit

 

2,969

 

2,807

 

6,532

 

5,347

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating Expenses:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Marketing

 

1,109

 

985

 

2,081

 

1,939

 

Design Engineering

 

914

 

863

 

1,780

 

1,742

 

General and Administrative

 

1,269

 

1,236

 

2,702

 

2,640

 

Plant Closing Costs

 

 

 

223

 

 

 

321

 

 

 

3,292

 

3,307

 

6,563

 

6,642

 

Operating Loss

 

(323

)

(500

)

(31

)

(1,295

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other Income (Expense):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest Expense

 

(144

)

(139

)

(282

)

(298

)

Other

 

(31

)

(45

)

(24

)

(15

)

 

 

(175

)

(184

)

(306

)

(313

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Loss Before Income Taxes

 

(498

)

(684

)

(337

)

(1,608

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income Tax Expense

 

 

 

 

 

8

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net Loss

 

(498

)

(684

)

(345

)

(1,608

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Redeemable Convertible Preferred Stock Dividends

 

(36

)

(36

)

(72

)

(72

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net Loss Applicable to Common Stockholders

 

$

(534

)

$

(720

)

$

(417

)

$

(1,680

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net Loss Per Share Applicable to Common Stockholders:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic

 

$

(0.11

)

$

(0.15

)

$

(0.09

)

$

(0.36

)

Diluted

 

$

(0.11

)

$

(0.15

)

$

(0.09

)

$

(0.36

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Common and Equivalent Shares Outstanding:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic

 

4,803,318

 

4,673,706

 

4,795,870

 

4,665,659

 

Diluted

 

4,803,318

 

4,673,706

 

4,795,870

 

4,665,659

 

 

SEE NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

2



 

AULT INCORPORATED & SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(Dollars in Thousands)

 

 

 

(Unaudited)

 

 

 

November 28, 2004

 

May 30,
2004

 

Assets:

 

 

 

 

 

Current Assets

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and Cash Equivalents

 

$

1,506

 

$

1,058

 

Trade Receivables, Less Allowance for Doubtful Accounts of $673 at November 28, 2004; $476 at May 30, 2004

 

7,288

 

8,399

 

Inventories

 

8,828

 

8,737

 

Prepaid Expenses and Other

 

1,990

 

1,384

 

Total Current Assets

 

19,612

 

19,578

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other Assets

 

127

 

177

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Property, Equipment and Leasehold Improvements:

 

 

 

 

 

Land

 

1,735

 

1,735

 

Building and Leasehold Improvements

 

6,720

 

6,711

 

Machinery and Equipment

 

6,880

 

7,050

 

Office Furniture

 

1,991

 

1,911

 

E.D.P. Equipment

 

2,189

 

2,009

 

 

 

19,515

 

19,416

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Less Accumulated Depreciation

 

9,193

 

8,743

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

10,322

 

10,673

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total Assets

 

$

30,061

 

$

30,428

 

 

SEE NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

3



 

 

 

(Unaudited)

 

 

 

November 28, 2004

 

May 30,
2004

 

Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity:

 

 

 

 

 

Current Liabilities

 

 

 

 

 

Note Payable to Bank

 

$

4,369

 

$

4,650

 

Current Maturities of Long-Term Debt

 

445

 

460

 

Accounts Payable

 

6,288

 

6,265

 

Accrued Compensation

 

1,553

 

1,165

 

Accrued Commissions

 

211

 

281

 

Other

 

318

 

487

 

Total Current Liabilities

 

13,184

 

13,308

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Long-Term Debt, Less Current Maturities

 

2,219

 

2,313

 

Retirement and Severance Benefits, Less Current Portion

 

288

 

203

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Redeemable Convertible Preferred Stock, No Par Value, 2,074 Shares Issued and Outstanding

 

2,074

 

2,074

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Stockholders’ Equity:

 

 

 

 

 

Preferred Stock, No Par Value, Authorized, 1,000,000 Shares; None Issued.

 

 

 

 

 

Common Shares, No Par Value, Authorized 10,000,000 Shares; Issued and Outstanding 4,778,955 on November 28, 2004; and 4,705,083 on May 30, 2004;

 

21,317

 

21,173

 

Notes Receivable arising from the sale of common stock

 

(45

)

(45

)

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss

 

(831

)

(870

)

Accumulated Deficit

 

(8,145

)

(7,728

)

 

 

12,296

 

12,530

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

$

30,061

 

$

30,428

 

 

SEE NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

4



 

AULT INCORPORATED & SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(Dollars in Thousands)

 

 

 

(Unaudited)

 

 

 

Six Months Ended

 

 

 

November 28, 2004

 

November 30, 2003

 

Cash Flows From Operating Activities:

 

 

 

 

 

Net Loss

 

$

(345

) 

$

(1,608

)

Adjustments to Reconcile Net Loss to Net Cash Used in Operating Activities:

 

 

 

 

 

Depreciation

 

491

 

655

 

Changes in Assets and Liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

(Increase) Decrease In:

 

 

 

 

 

Trade Receivables

 

1,015

 

(906

)

Inventories

 

27

 

248

 

Prepaid and Other Expenses

 

(344

)

195

 

Increase (Decrease) in:

 

 

 

 

 

Accounts Payable

 

(55

)

310

 

Accrued Expenses

 

199

 

350

 

Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities

 

988

 

(756

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash Flows From Investing Activities:

 

 

 

 

 

Purchase of Equipment and Leasehold Improvements

 

(140

)

(236

)

Net Cash Used in Investment Activities

 

(140

)

(236

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash Flows From Financing Activities:

 

 

 

 

 

Net Borrowings (Payments) on Revolving Credit Agreements

 

(373

)

973

 

Proceeds from Issuance of Common Stock

 

72

 

2

 

Principal Payments on Long-Term Borrowings

 

(109

)

(143

)

Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities

 

(410

)

832

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Effect of Foreign Currency Exchange Rate Changes on Cash

 

10

 

1

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Increase (Decrease) in Cash and Cash Equivalents

 

448

 

(159

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and Cash Equivalents at Beginning of Period

 

1,058

 

1,100

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and Cash Equivalents at End of Period

 

$

1,506

 

$

941

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Non-Cash Transaction:

 

 

 

 

 

Issuance of Common Stock to Pay Preferred Stock Dividends

 

72

 

72

 

Trade Receivable Converted to a Note Receivable

 

185

 

 

 

5



 

AULT INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

SECOND QUARTER ENDED NOVEMBER 28, 2004

 

1. Summary of Consolidation Principles

The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Ault Incorporated, its wholly owned subsidiaries, Ault Electronics Shanghai Ltd., Ault International Trade Shanghai Co., Ltd., Ault Xianghe Co. Ltd, and Ault Korea Corporation.  All intercompany transactions have been eliminated.  The foreign currency translation adjustment represents the translation into United States dollars of the Company’s investment in the net assets of its foreign subsidiaries in accordance with the provisions of FASB Statement No. 52.

 

The balance sheet of the Company as of November 28, 2004, and the related statements of operations and cash flows for the three and six months ended November 28, 2004 and November 30, 2003 have been prepared without being audited.  In the opinion of the management, these statements reflect all adjustments (consisting of only normal recurring adjustments) necessary to present fairly the position of Ault Incorporated and subsidiaries as of November 28, 2004 and November 30, 2003, and the results of operations and cash flows for all periods presented.

 

Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America have been condensed or omitted.  Therefore, these statements should be read in conjunction with the financial statements and notes thereto included in the Company’s May 30, 2004 Form 10-K.

 

The results of operations for the interim periods are not necessarily indicative of results that will be realized for the full fiscal year.

 

Management plans – The financial statements have been prepared on a going-concern basis, which contemplates the realization of assets and satisfaction of liabilities in the normal course of business.  The Company sustained net losses applicable to common stockholders of $4,952,667 in fiscal year 2004 and $7,692,073 in fiscal year 2003 and at May 30, 2004 had an accumulated deficit of $7,728,065.  The Company utilized $913,911 of cash for operating activities in fiscal year 2004.  In the first six months of fiscal 2005, the Company has recorded a net loss applicable to common stockholders of $417,000.  The Company has provided $988,000 of cash from operating activities in the first six months of fiscal year 2005.  Future operations will require the Company to borrow additional funds.  The Company has a financing agreement, which includes a $7,000,000 line-of-credit agreement through December 6, 2006.  There was an outstanding balance on this line-of-credit at November 28, 2004 of $1,849,000.  The Company believes it can remain in compliance with covenants in the financing agreement, as amended, through fiscal 2005.

 

Based on available funds, current plans and business conditions management believes that the Company’s available cash, borrowings and amounts generated from operations, will be sufficient to meet the Company’s cash requirements for the next 12 months.  The assumptions underlying this belief include, among other things, that there will be no material adverse developments in the business or market in general.  There can be no assurances however that those assumed events will occur.  If management’s plans are not achieved, there may be further negative effects on the results of operations and cash flows, which could have a material adverse effect on the Company.

 

6



 

2. Stock Compensation

 

The Company’s 1986 and 1996 stock option plan has reserved 600,000 and 1,500,000 common shares, respectively, for issuance under qualified and nonqualified stock options for its key employees and directors.  Option prices are the market value of the stock at the time the option was granted.  Options become exercisable as determined at the date of grant by a committee of the Board of Directors.  Options expire ten years after the date of grant unless an earlier expiration date is set at the time of grant.

 

The Company has adopted the disclosure-only provisions of SFAS No. 123, Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation.  Accordingly, no compensation cost has been recognized for the stock option plan, as all options were issued with exercised prices at or above fair value.  Had compensation cost for the Company’s stock option plans been determined based on the fair value at the grant date for awards in 2004 and 2003 consistent with the provisions of SFAS No. 123, the Company’s net loss and net loss per share would have changed to the pro forma amounts indicated below:

 

Amounts in thousands, except per share amounts

 

 

 

Three Months Ended

 

Six Months Ended

 

 

 

Nov. 28
2004

 

Nov. 30
2003

 

Nov. 28
2004

 

Nov. 30,
2003

 

Net loss applicable to common stockholders:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

as reported

 

$

(534

)

$

(720

)

$

(417

)

$

(1,680

)

pro forma

 

(596

)

(802

)

(530

)

(1,838

)

per share, basic, as reported

 

(0.11

)

(0.15

)

(0.09

)

(0.36

)

per share, diluted, as reported

 

(0.11

)

(0.15

)

(0.09

)

(0.36

)

per share, basic, pro forma

 

(0.12

)

(0.17

)

(0.11

)

(0.39

)

per share, diluted, pro forma

 

(0.12

)

(0.17

)

(0.11

)

(0.39

)

 

3. Inventories

The components of inventory (in thousands) at November 28, 2004 and May 30, 2004 are as follows:

 

 

 

November 28,
2004

 

May 30,
2004

 

Raw Materials

 

$

4,704

 

$

4,601

 

Work-in-process

 

2,270

 

2,000

 

Finished Goods

 

1,854

 

2,136

 

 

 

$

8,828

 

$

8,737

 

 

4. Warranty

 

The Company offers its customers up to a three-year warranty on products.  Warranty expense is determined by calculating the historical relationship between sales and warranty costs and applying the calculation to the current period’s sales. Based on warranty repair costs and the rate of return, the Company periodically reviews and adjusts its warranty accrual. Actual repair costs are offset against the reserve.   The following table shows the fiscal 2005 year-to-date activity for the Company’s warranty accrual (in thousands):

 

 

 

FY 2005

 

FY 2004

 

Beginning Balance

 

$

125

 

$

134

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Charges and Costs Accrued

 

34

 

11

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Less Repair Costs Incurred

 

15

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ending Balance

 

$

144

 

$

145

 

 

7



 

5. Plant Closing

 

On July 17, 2003, the Company announced the consolidation of its manufacturing operations.  The consolidation includes the closing of its Minneapolis production operations, eliminating approximately 40 jobs in assembly, equipment maintenance, procurement and administrative support and the integration of production into Ault’s other manufacturing plants.  Ault’s engineering, documentation, safety certification/reliability, sales, marketing and administrative services will remain at the Minneapolis headquarters facility.  The consolidation was complete in February 2004 with the last payment for related liabilities made in August 2004.

 

A summary of the restructuring activity during the six-month period ending November 28, 2004 is as follows:

 

 

 

Balance at
May 30, 2004

 

Current Period
Plant Closing
Charges

 

Cash
Payments

 

Restructuring
Liabilities at
November 28, 2004

 

Employee termination costs

 

$

15,000

 

$

0

 

$

15,000

 

$

0

 

 

6. Debt

 

The Company has a financing agreement, which includes a $7,000,000 revolving line-of-credit agreement through December 6, 2006.  Interest on advances is at the prime rate plus 2% (prime plus 5% default rate) for fiscal year 2005.  The rate at November 28, 2004 was 7.00% and on November 30, 2003 was 11.00%.  All advances are due on demand and are secured by all assets of the Company.   The Company’s financing agreement contains financial covenants, which require the Company, among other things, to maintain a minimum capital base, and also impose certain limitations on additional capital expenditures and the payment of dividends. At the end of fiscal 2004, the Company’s net worth and income before taxes did not meet the minimum of the credit agreement.  The Company received a waiver and amendment for these covenants.  During the second quarter of fiscal 2005, the Company violated the financing agreement covenants and subsequent to quarter-end received a waiver and an amended agreement with less restrictive covenants.  Following the January 2005 waiver, the Company believes the provisions imposed by this credit agreement are achievable based on the Company’s expected operating results for the next year.  The availability of the line is based on the outstanding receivables of the Company; the amount available at November 30, 2004 was $2,995,000.  There were advances outstanding on the revolving line of credit of $1,849,000 and $1,965,000 at November 28, 2004 and May 30, 2004.  Also, the Company’s Korean subsidiary maintains an unsecured $3,370,000 credit facility agreement to cover bank overdrafts, short-term financing, and export financing at a rate of 6.11%.  Advances outstanding relating to the Korean facility were $2,519,000 and $2,685,000 at November 28, 2004 and May 30, 2004, respectively.

 

Long-term debt (in thousands) including current maturities contain the following:

 

 

 

November 28,
2004

 

May 30,
2004

 

8.05% term loan, due in monthly installments of $28,756, including interest to February 2015, collateralized by the Company’s headquarters building in Minneapolis

 

$

2,374

 

$

2,465

 

5.3% uncollateralized term loan, due in January 2005

 

290

 

290

 

7.94% term loan, paid during 2004

 

 

18

 

Total

 

$

2,664

 

$

2,773

 

Less current maturities

 

445

 

460

 

 

 

$

2,219

 

$

2,313

 

 

8



 

7. Stockholders’ Equity

 

 

 

 

 

Six Months Ended
November 28, 2004

 

 

 

 

 

($000)

 

Total Stockholders’ Equity – May 30, 2004

 

 

 

$

12,530

 

Net Loss

 

$

(345

)

 

 

Net change in Foreign currency translation adjustment

 

39

 

 

 

Comprehensive Income (Loss)

 

 

 

(306

)

Issue 48,875 shares of common stock in accordance with stock purchase plan

 

 

 

72

 

Preferred Stock Dividends Declared

 

 

 

(72

)

Preferred Stock Dividends Paid with Common Stock

 

 

 

72

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total Stockholders’ Equity

 

 

 

$

12,296

 

 

8. Net Loss Per Common Share

 

Basic and diluted earnings per share are presented in accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 128, Earnings per Share.  The Redeemable Convertible Preferred Stock and stock options had no effect on diluted weighted average shares outstanding, as they were anti-dilutive.

 

 

 

Three Months Ended

 

Six Months Ended

 

 

 

November 28,
2004

 

November 30,
2003

 

November 28,
2004

 

November 30,
2003

 

Loss Applicable to Common Shareholders (in thousands)

 

$

(534

) 

$

(720

)

$

(417

) 

$

(1,680

)

Basic – Weighted Average Shares Outstanding

 

4,803,318

 

4,673,706

 

4,795,870

 

4,665,659

 

Diluted – Weighted Average Shares Outstanding

 

4,803,318

 

4,673,706

 

4,795,870

 

4,665,659

 

Basic Loss per Share

 

$

(0.11

)

$

(0.15

)

$

(0.09

)

$

(0.36

)

Diluted Loss per Share

 

$

(0.11

)

$

(0.15

)

$

(0.09

)

$

(0.36

)

 

9. Accounting Pronouncements

 

In December 2004, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued a revision to Statement of Financial Accounting Standards 123 (SFAS 123(R)), Share-Based Payment. The revision requires all entities to recognize compensation expense in an amount equal to the fair value of share-based payments granted to employees. The statement eliminates the alternative method of accounting for employee share-based payments previously available under Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 25. The Statement is effective for the Company beginning in the second quarter of fiscal 2006.  The Company has not completed the process of evaluating the impact that will result from adopting SFAS 123(R).

 

9



 

ITEM 2 -           MANAGEMENT DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITIONS AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

 

CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES

 

The discussion and analysis of the financial condition and results of operations are based on the 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 the Company to make estimates and judgments that affect the reported amount of assets and liabilities, revenues and expenses, and related disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of our financial statements.  Actual results may differ from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions.

 

Critical accounting policies are defined as those involving significant judgments and uncertainties which could potentially result in materially different results under different assumptions and conditions.  Application of these policies is particularly important to the portrayal of the financial condition and results of operations.  The Company believes the accounting policies described below meet these characteristics.  All significant accounting policies are more fully described in the notes to the consolidated financial statements included in the Company’s annual report on Form 10-K.

 

Revenue Recognition – The Company’s policy is to recognize revenue for product sales when title transfers and risk of loss has passed to the customer, which is generally upon acceptance of the product by the overseas freight carrier.  Judgments are required in evaluating the credit worthiness of our customers. Credit is not extended to customers and revenue is not recognized until the Company has determined that the risk of uncollectibility is minimal.

 

Inventory Valuation – Inventory is written down for estimated surplus and discontinued inventory items. The amount of the write-down is determined by analyzing historical and projected sales information, plans for discontinued products and other factors. Changes in sales volumes due to unexpected economic or competitive conditions are among the factors that would result in materially different amounts for this item.

 

Allowance for Doubtful Accounts – An allowance is established for estimated uncollectible accounts receivable. The required allowance is determined by reviewing customer accounts and making estimates of amounts that may be uncollectible. Factors considered in determining the amount of the reserve include the age of the receivable, the financial condition of the customer, general business, economic and political conditions, and other relevant facts and circumstances. Unexpected changes in the aforementioned factors would result in materially different amounts for this item.

 

Product Warranties – The Company’s products are sold with warranty provisions that require it to remedy deficiencies in quality or performance over a specified period of time, 36 months, at no cost to the Company’s customers. The Company’s policy is to establish warranty reserves at levels that represent its estimate of the costs that will be incurred to fulfill those warranty requirements at the time that revenue is recognized. The Company believes that its recorded liabilities are adequate to cover its future cost of materials, and overhead for the servicing of its products sold through that date. If there is an actual product failure, or material or service delivery costs differ from the Company’s estimates, its warranty liability would need to be revised accordingly.

 

Income Taxes – The Company accounts for income taxes in accordance with SFAS No. 109, “Accounting for Income Taxes,” which requires that deferred tax assets and liabilities be recognized using enacted tax rates for the effect of temporary differences between book and tax basis of recorded assets and liabilities.  SFAS 109 also requires that deferred tax assets be reduced by a valuation allowance if it is likely that some portion or the entire deferred tax asset will not be realized.  Based upon prior taxable income and estimates of future taxable income, the Company has determined that it is likely that its net deferred tax asset will not be fully realized in the future.  Thus a full valuation allowance has been established.  If actual taxable income varies from these estimates, the Company may be required to change the valuation allowance against the deferred tax assets resulting in a change in income tax expense (benefit), which will be recorded in the consolidated statement of operations.

 

10



 

MANAGEMENT PLANS

 

In July 2003, Ault announced the decision to consolidate manufacturing operations.  Ault was one of the last power supply companies to maintain manufacturing in the United States.  The decision to consolidate was driven by a goal to return to profitability by the end of the fourth quarter of fiscal 2004 as well as the desire to continue a high level of service to global OEM customers.

 

Last fiscal year was spent on the execution of the consolidation plan.  The first phase of the consolidation went smoothly which included the closing of our US-based production in Minneapolis.  This phase was completed in February 2004.  The Company is benefiting in the following ways:

 

World Class Manufacturing – Ault Xianghe (China) is developing into a world-class facility.  China’s annual volume output has more than tripled due to the transition of many product families from North America over the past year and the transfer of the Power General internal power supplies resulting from the acquisition in fiscal 2003.  Ault has also worked diligently to build a strong infrastructure by enhancing global IT capabilities for purchasing, design engineering and manufacturing.  Ault Xianghe has also achieved ISO certification and had several successful audit visits from top OEM (original equipment manufacturer) customers.

 

Reduced Lead Times – Ault customers across all segments of the electronics industry appear to have one common need — orders with JIT (just-in-time) delivery dates.  This trend prompted the Company to look for ways in all product categories to reduce lead times on top-selling power supplies.  In October, the Company announced a five-week lead-time on its most popular standard products in the switch-mode power supply category.  Most competitors are still averaging 8 weeks.  The Company believes meeting customers’ needs for quick-turn orders will earn Ault more business from current accounts as well as providing a competitive edge in earning new business.

 

Improved Margins - Gross margin has increased several percent over the prior period.  Current year margin increased because of the cost reductions resulting from the transition of US manufacturing as well as increased sales volume from North America and Korea.

 

Sales Review

 

Ault has traditionally been a major power supplier to the OEMs in the telecommunications market.  This market hit bottom in calendar 2002, it is now recovering with several niches performing well.  One of these niches is the Power over Ethernet market.  Dubbed PoE, Power over Ethernet is designed to supply power to any device on a local area network.

 

This technology has a broad range of applications including IP phones, security cameras, RFID tag readers, PDAs, access control systems and smart signs.

 

Ault has developed two single port, midspan power products to meet the needs of PoE users.  The Company has launched initiatives to cost-reduce and re-design its midspan offering in anticipation of the continued growth of Power over Ethernet technology.

 

Ault has also transitioned the China sales team.  There were two significant shifts in strategy: 1) Hire more seasoned salespeople that have contacts and experience in the local electronics market; and 2) focus efforts on Ault’s traditional segments of the communications and medical equipment markets.   Ault is pursuing and closing business for applications in the data communications/telecommunications market that include high-end set-top boxes, routers and video phones.   The future plan includes expanding business with current OEM customers as well as targeting other leaders in the growing communications and medical equipment market segments throughout China.  The intent is to leverage Ault’s global reputation, long history of power supply design success and local presence to win additional business.

 

11



 

The financial statements have been prepared on a going-concern basis, which contemplates the realization of assets and satisfaction of liabilities in the normal course of business.  The Company sustained net losses applicable to common stockholders of $4,952,667 in fiscal year 2004 and $7,692,073 in fiscal year 2003 and at May 30, 2004 had an accumulated deficit of $7,728,065.  The Company utilized $913,911 of cash for operating activities in fiscal year 2004.  In the first six months of fiscal 2005, the Company has recorded a net loss applicable to common stockholders of $417,000.  The Company has provided $988,000 of cash from operating activities in the first six months of fiscal year 2005.  Future operations will require the Company to borrow additional funds.  The Company has a financing agreement, which includes a $7,000,000 line-of-credit agreement through December 6, 2006.  There was an outstanding balance on this line-of-credit at November 28, 2004 of $1,849,000.  The Company believes it can remain in compliance with covenants in the financing agreement, as amended, through fiscal 2005.

 

Based on available funds, current plans and business conditions management believes that the Company’s available cash, borrowings and amounts generated from operations, will be sufficient to meet the Company’s cash requirements for the next 12 months.  The assumptions underlying this belief include, among other things, that there will be no material adverse developments in the business or market in general.  There can be no assurances however that those assumed events will occur.  If management’s plans are not achieved, there may be further negative effects on the results of operations and cash flows, which could have a material adverse effect on the Company.

 

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Second Quarter Ended November 28, 2004

 

 

 

Fiscal

 

Fiscal

 

Favorable / (Unfavorable)

 

($000)

 

2005

 

2004

 

Amount

 

Percent

 

Net Sales

 

$

11,047

 

$

11,134

 

$

(87

)

(1

)%

Operating Loss

 

(323

)

(500

)

177

 

35

%

 

Net sales were $11,047,000 for the second quarter of fiscal 2005 down 1% from $11,134,000 for the second quarter of fiscal 2004.  The decrease is due to lower sales from North America and Europe of $422,000 offset by an increase in sales from Asia Pacific of $336,000.  The North American decrease is primarily from a reduction in orders from customers as they use up inventory.

 

Gross margin for the second quarter was 26.9 percent as a percent of sales, compared with 25.2 percent for the same period last year.  Margins increased primarily due to the closure of manufacturing in the United States.  Transferring the manufacturing to China, reduced production costs by $318,000 offset by higher than normal rework costs of $84,000.  The rework was related to one customer and was completed in the second quarter of 2005.

 

Operating expenses decreased in the second quarter of fiscal 2005 to $3,292,000 from $3,307,000 in the second quarter of fiscal 2004.  The reduction of $223,000 in the second quarter of fiscal 2005 is related to the cost of closing the United States manufacturing in fiscal 2004.  This decrease was offset by additional expenses to increase sales in future periods.  These expenses include additional sales people in China of $45,000, additional travel expense in the United States and Europe of $45,000, and additional freight expense of $34,000.

 

Six Months Ended November 28, 2004

 

 

 

Fiscal

 

Fiscal

 

Favorable / (Unfavorable)

 

($000)

 

2005

 

2004

 

Amount

 

Percent

 

Net Sales

 

$

24,186

 

$

21,950

 

$

2,236

 

10

%

Operating Loss

 

(31

)

(1,295

)

1,264

 

98

%

 

Net sales were $24,186,000 for the first six months of fiscal 2005 up 10% from $21,950,000 for the first six months of fiscal 2004.  The increase is due to the continued activity in North America and Korea, with an increase in sales to existing customers and new customers.

 

12



 

Gross margin for the first six months of fiscal 2005 was 27.0 percent as a percent of sales, compared with 24.4 percent for the same period last year.  Margins increased primarily due to the closure of manufacturing in the United States.  Transferring the manufacturing to China, reduced production costs by $636,000 offset by higher than normal rework costs of $84,000.  The rework was related to one customer and was completed in the second quarter of 2005.

 

Operating expenses decreased in the first six months of fiscal 2005 to $6,563,000 from $6,642,000 in the first six months of fiscal 2004.  The reduction of $321,000 in fiscal 2005 is related to the cost of closing the United States manufacturing in fiscal 2004.  This decrease was offset by additional expenses in fiscal 2005 to increase sales in future periods.  These expenses include additional sales people in China of $45,000, additional travel expense in the United States and Europe of $58,000, and additional freight expense of $40,000.  Also an increase in allowance for doubtful accounts increased operating expenses in fiscal 2005 by $75,000.

 

Order Backlog: The Company’s order backlog at November 28, 2004 totaled $9,777,000 compared to $10,027,000 at May 30, 2004.  The order backlog represents sales for approximately eleven weeks.

 

Non-Operating Income and Expenses: Nonoperating expense is $306,000 for the first six months of fiscal 2005 compared to $313,000 for the same period in fiscal 2004.  The Company incurred interest expenses of $282,000 in the first six months of fiscal 2005 and $298,000 in the same period of fiscal 2004, paid on bank credit facilities and long-term borrowings.

 

Income Tax: The Company had a pre-tax loss of $337,000 for the six-month period in fiscal 2005 on which it accrued $8,000 consolidated income tax expense relating to amounts due for state and foreign taxes.  For the six-month period in fiscal 2004 the Company had a pre-tax loss of $1,608,000 on which no income tax benefit was accrued.  The effective tax rate is 2% for the first two quarters of 2005, and 0% for the same period in fiscal 2004.  In the first two quarters of fiscal 2005 and 2004 the Company did not take a benefit from the losses generated.  A full valuation allowance against deferred tax assets has been recorded because it is likely the Company will be unable to use such losses.

 

Net Loss: The Company reported a basic and diluted per share loss of $0.09 for the first six months of fiscal 2005, based on 4,796,000 outstanding weighted average shares, compared to basic and diluted per share loss of $0.36 for the same period of fiscal 2004, based on 4,666,000 outstanding weighted average shares.

 

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

 

The following table describes the Company’s liquidity and financial position on November 28, 2004, and on May 30, 2004:

 

 

 

November 28,
2004

 

May 30,
2004

 

 

 

($000)

 

($000)

 

Working capital

 

$

6,428

 

$

6,270

 

Cash and cash equivalents

 

1,506

 

1,058

 

Unutilized bank credit facilities

 

6,001

 

5,720

 

 

Current Working Capital Position

 

As of November 28, 2004, the Company had current assets of $19,612,000 and current liabilities of $13,184,000, which amounted to working capital of $6,428,000 and a current ratio of 1.5.  This represents an increase from its working capital of $6,270,000 as of May 30, 2004.  The Company relies on its credit facilities as sources of working capital to support normal growth in revenue, capital expenditures and attainment of profit goals.  The Company has not committed any funds for future capital expenditures as of November 28, 2004.

 

13



 

Cash and Investments: As of November 28, 2004, the Company had cash totaling $1,506,000, compared to $1,058,000 as of May 30, 2004.  This increase in cash was due to normal fluctuations in the timing of payments and receipts.

 

Credit Facilities: The credit arrangement with Wells Fargo Bank is an asset-based credit facility of $7 million, secured by company assets.  At November 28, 2004, there were borrowings against this facility of $1,849,000.  The financing agreement contains financial covenants, which require the Company, among other things, to maintain a minimum capital base, and also impose certain limitations on additional capital expenditures and the payment of dividends. At the end of fiscal 2004, the Company’s net worth and income before taxes did not meet the minimum of the credit agreement.  The Company received a waiver and amendment for this covenant.  At the end of November 2004, the Company’s income before taxes did not meet the minimum of the credit agreement.  Following the January 2005 amendment, the Company believes the provisions imposed by this credit agreement are achievable based on the Company’s expected operating results for the next year.

 

The South Korean credit facility is approximately $3,370,000 of which borrowings at November 28, 2004 totaled $2,519,000.

 

CASH FLOWS FOR FISCAL 2005

 

Operations:  Operations provided $988,000 of cash during the first six months of fiscal 2005 due principally to the following activities:

(a)          The loss, net of depreciation provided $146,000.

(b)         Decreases in trade receivables provided $1,200,000, primarily related to increased collections from the Asia Pacific area.

(c)          Increases in prepaid expenses used $529,000.

 

Investing Activities: Investing activities used net cash of $140,000 principally relating to the purchase of tooling in the Asia facilities.

 

Financing Activities: Financing activities used net cash of $409,000, comprised of  $481,000 payment on debt, and $72,000 of proceeds from the issuance of common stock for the stock purchase plan.

 

Summary:  The Company’s cash and working capital positions are sound and, together with its credit facilities, adequate to support the Company’s strategies for the remainder of fiscal 2005.

 

Information about Products and Services: The Company’s business operations are comprised of one activity the design, manufacture and sale of equipment for converting electric power to a level used by OEMs in data communications/telecommunications and medical markets to charge batteries, and/or power equipment.  The Company supports these power requirements by making available to the OEMs products that have various technical features.  These products are managed as one product segment under the Company’s internal organizational structure and the Company does not consider any financial distinctive measures, including net profitability and segmentation of assets to be meaningful to performance assessment.

 

14



 

Information about Revenue by Geography

 

Geographic distribution of revenue is as follows:

 

 

 

Six Months Ended

 

 

 

November 28,
2004

 

November 30,
2003

 

 

 

($000)

 

($000)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

US

 

$

13,976

 

$

12,400

 

Korea

 

5,740

 

4,751

 

China

 

2,023

 

2,375

 

UK

 

939

 

1,478

 

Canada

 

527

 

397

 

Other Foreign

 

981

 

549

 

Total

 

$

24,186

 

$

21,950

 

 

The Company considers a country to be the geographic source of revenue if it has contractual obligations, including obligation to pay for trade receivable invoices.

 

Impact of Foreign Operations and Currency Changes:

 

The Company will experience normal valuation changes as the Korean and Chinese currency fluctuates.  The effect of translating the Korean and Chinese financial statements resulted in a net asset increase of $39,000 for the six months ended November 28, 2004.

 

Forward Looking Statements

 

From time to time, in reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, in press releases, and in other communications to shareholders or the investing public, the Company may make forward-looking statements concerning possible or anticipated future results of operations or business developments which are typically preceded by the words “believes”, “expects”, “anticipates”, “intends” or similar expressions.  For such forward-looking statements, the Company claims the protection of the safe harbor for forward-looking statements contained in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.  Shareholders and the investing public should understand that such forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause results or developments to differ significantly from those indicated in the forward-looking statements.  Such risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, the overall level of sales by original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) in the telecommunications, data communications, computer peripherals and the medical markets; buying patterns of the Company’s existing and prospective customers; the impact of new products introduced by competitors; delays in new product introductions; higher than expected expense related to sales and new marketing initiatives; availability of adequate supplies of raw materials and components; fuel prices; and other risks affecting the Company’s target markets.

 

Accounting Pronouncements

 

In December 2004, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued a revision to Statement of Financial Accounting Standards 123 (SFAS 123(R)), Share-Based Payment. The revision requires all entities to recognize compensation expense in an amount equal to the fair value of share-based payments granted to employees. The statement eliminates the alternative method of accounting for employee share-based payments previously available under Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 25. The Statement is effective for the Company beginning in the second quarter of fiscal 2006.  The Company has not completed the process of evaluating the impact that will result from adopting SFAS 123(R).

 

15



 

ITEM 3 – QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

 

The Company experiences foreign currency gains and losses, which are reflected in the financial statements, due to the strengthening and weakening of the U.S. dollar against currencies of the Company’s foreign subsidiaries. The Company anticipates that it will continue to have exchange gains or losses in the future.

 

The Company is exposed to certain market risks on the line of credit agreement because of the variable interest rate charged.  Market risk is the potential loss arising from the adverse changes in market rates and prices, such as interest rates.  Market risk is estimated as the potential increase in fair value resulting from a hypothetical one percent increase in interest rates, which assuming an average outstanding debt balance of $5.0 million would result in an annual interest expense increase of approximately $50,000.

 

ITEM 4 – CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

 

(a) Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures.

 

 The Company’s Chief Executive Officer, Frederick M. Green, and Chief Financial Officer, Donald L. Henry, have reviewed the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures within 90 days prior to the filing of this report.  Based upon this review, these officers believe that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures are effective in ensuring that material information related to the Company is made known to them by others within the Company.

 

(b) Changes in Internal Controls.

 

There were no significant changes in the Company’s internal controls or in other factors that could significantly affect these controls during the quarter covered by this report or from the date of the review to the date of this Form 10-Q.

 

16



 

PART II

 

ITEM 1           LEGAL PROCEEDINGS:

 

Not Applicable

 

ITEM 2           CHANGES IN SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS

 

Not Applicable

 

ITEM 3           DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES:

 

Not Applicable

 

ITEM 4           Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders;

 

The following matter was voted upon at the Annual Meeting of Stockholders held on September 28, 2004, and received the votes set forth below:

 

All of the following persons nominated were elected to serve as directors and received the number of votes set opposite their respective names:

 

 

 

For

 

Withheld

 

F. Green

 

4,079,048

 

365,605

 

J. Colwell

 

4,079,048

 

365,605

 

C. Barnett

 

4,079,244

 

365,409

 

J. Kassakian

 

4,079,248

 

365,405

 

B. Chang

 

4,079,244

 

365,409

 

M. Walker

 

4,079,248

 

365,405

 

D. Larkin

 

4,079,244

 

365,409

 

 

The proposal to ratify and approve an amendment to the Company’s 1996 Stock Plan to increase the number of Shares authorized to be issued under such Plan by 300,000 shares to 1,500,000 passed by a vote of 1,722,634 for and 876,710 against.

 

ITEM 5           OTHER INFORMATION

 

Not Applicable.

 

ITEM 6           EXHIBITS AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K

 

(a)           The following exhibits are included herein:

31.1 Certification of CEO Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

31.2 Certification of CFO Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

32.1 Certification of CEO and CFO Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

 

(b)                              Reports on form 8-K

A.  Form 8-K filed September 27, 2004 announcing the first quarter fiscal 2005 financial results.

B.  Form 8-K filed October 1, 2004 announcing the update to the code of ethics.

 

17



 

SIGNATURES

 

 

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

 

 

AULT INCORPORATED

(REGISTRANT)

 

 

 

 

 

 

DATED:

January 10, 2005

 

/ s /Frederick M. Green

 

 

 

 

Frederick M. Green, President

 

 

 

Chief Executive Officer and

 

 

 

Chairman

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

DATED:

January 10, 2005

 

/ s /Donald L. Henry

 

 

 

 

Donald L. Henry

 

 

 

Chief Financial Officer

 

18