Form 10Q
Table of Contents

 

 

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, DC 20549

 

 

FORM 10-Q

 

 

 

x QUARTERLY REPORT UNDER SECTION 13 OR 15 (D) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 FOR THE QUARTERLY PERIOD ENDED March 31, 2009

 

¨ TRANSITION REPORT UNDER SECTION 13 OR 15 (D) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 FOR THE TRANSITION PERIOD FROM              TO             

Commission File No. 000-24575

 

 

AMERICAN ELECTRIC TECHNOLOGIES INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

 

 

Florida   59-3410234

(State or other jurisdiction

of incorporation)

 

(I.R.S. Employer

Identification No.)

6410 Long Drive, Houston, TX 77087

(Address of principal executive offices)

(713) 644-8182

(Registrant’s telephone number)

 

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant(1)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  ¨

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

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

 

Large accelerated filer   ¨    Accelerated filer   ¨
Non-accelerated filer   ¨    Smaller reporting company   x

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

As of May 7, 2009, the registrant had 7,689,232 shares of its Common Stock outstanding.

 

 

 


Table of Contents

AMERICAN ELECTRIC TECHNOLOGIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

FORM 10-Q Index

For the Quarterly Period Ended March 31, 2009

 

          Page
   Part I. Financial Information   
Item 1.    Financial Statements   
   Condensed Unaudited Consolidated Balance Sheets at March 31, 2009 and December 31, 2008    1
   Condensed Unaudited Consolidated Statements of Operations for the Three Months ended March 31, 2009 and 2008    2
   Condensed Unaudited Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Three Months ended March 31, 2009 and 2008    3
   Notes to Condensed Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements    4
Item 2.    Management’s Discussion and Analysis Of Financial Condition and Results of Operations    8
Item 3.    Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk    15
Item 4T.    Controls and Procedures    15
   Part II. Other Information   
Item 6.    Exhibits    16
Signatures       17
Certifications      


Table of Contents

PART I — FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

Item 1. Financial Statements

AMERICAN ELECTRIC TECHNOLOGIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets

Unaudited

 

     March 31, 2009    December 31, 2008
Assets      

Current assets:

     

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 835,357    $ 148,598

Accounts receivable-trade, net of allowance of $588,059 and $535,433, respectively

     12,939,009      16,290,406

Accounts receivable-other

     322,440      343,644

Income taxes receivable

     52,681      59,754

Inventories, net

     4,268,695      4,387,672

Costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings on uncompleted contracts

     4,873,299      3,481,270

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

     416,941      289,073

Due from employees

     55,988      49,437

Deferred income taxes

     724,923      724,923
             

Total current assets

     24,489,333      25,774,777

Property, plant and equipment, net

     5,545,769      5,604,108

Other assets, net

     154,021      155,340

Advances to and investments in joint ventures

     6,629,170      5,984,236

Deferred tax asset

     1,201,053      1,179,051
             

Total assets

   $ 38,019,346    $ 38,697,512
             
Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity      

Current liabilities:

     

Accounts payable

   $ 6,276,668    $ 6,077,050

Accrued payroll and benefits

     1,118,218      1,546,726

Other accrued expenses

     171,257      368,134

Billings in excess of costs and estimated earnings on uncompleted contracts

     1,596,987      2,887,561

Income tax payable

     352,215      —  

Short-term notes payable

     126,588      126,588
             

Total current liabilities

     9,641,933      11,006,059

Notes payable

     4,487,964      4,521,502

Deferred compensation

     207,491      241,482
             

Total liabilities

     14,337,388      15,769,043

Commitments and contingencies

     

Stockholders’ equity:

     

Common stock; $0.001 par value, 50,000,000 shares authorized, 7,683,531 and 7,665,635 shares issued and outstanding March 31, 2009 and December 31, 2008, respectively

     7,683      7,665

Additional paid-in capital

     7,455,940      7,316,593

Accumulated other comprehensive income

     170,529      207,991

Retained earnings

     16,047,806      15,396,220
             

Total stockholders’ equity

     23,681,958      22,928,469
             

Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity

   $ 38,019,346    $ 38,697,512
             

See the accompanying notes to the condensed unaudited consolidated financial statements.

 

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AMERICAN ELECTRIC TECHNOLOGIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations

Unaudited

 

     For the Three Months Ended
March 31,
 
     2009     2008  

Net sales

   $ 15,978,166     $ 16,977,776  

Cost of sales

     13,750,083       14,747,947  
                

Gross profit

     2,228,083       2,229,829  

Operating expenses:

    

General and administrative

     1,283,573       1,611,963  

Selling

     527,251       540,113  
                

Total operating expenses

     1,810,824       2,152,076  
                

Income from operations

     417,259       77,753  

Other income (expense):

    

Equity in income of joint ventures

     704,398       327,854  

Interest expense

     (34,625 )     (83,282 )

Other, net

     (73,741 )     (1,366 )
                

Total other income (expense)

     596,032       243,206  
                

Income before income tax expense

     1,013,291       320,959  
                

Income tax expense

     361,705       118,754  
                

Net income

   $ 651,586     $ 202,205  
                

Net income per common share:

    

Basic

   $ 0.08     $ 0.03  

Diluted

   $ 0.08     $ 0.03  

Weighted-average shares:

    

Basic

     7,674,406       7,661,241  

Diluted

     7,757,927       7,701,241  

See the accompanying notes to the condensed unaudited consolidated financial statements.

 

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AMERICAN ELECTRIC TECHNOLOGIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

Unaudited

 

     For the Three Months Ended
March 31,
 
     2009     2008  

Cash flows from operating activities:

    

Net income

   $ 651,586     $ 202,205  

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

    

Provisions for bad debt

     52,626       20,493  

Depreciation and amortization

     265,983       257,569  

Gain on sale of property and equipment

     (650 )     (4,176 )

Deferred compensation

     23,792       11,000  

Equity income from joint venture

     (704,398 )     (327,854 )

Change in operating assets and liabilities:

    

Accounts receivable (including other)

     3,313,424       1,593,336  

Income taxes receivable/payable

     359,288       139,808  

Inventories

     118,977       124,205  

Costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings on uncompleted contracts

     (1,392,029 )     (2,185,642 )

Prepaid expenses and other assets

     (127,868 )     39,513  

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities

     (355,992 )     521,920  

Billings in excess of costs and estimated earnings on uncompleted contracts

     (1,290,574 )     489,094  
                

Net cash provided by in operating activities

     914,165       881,471  
                

Cash flows from investing activities:

    

Purchases of property, plant and equipment

     (206,325 )     (110,539 )

Proceeds from disposal of property, plant and equipment

     650       5,054  
                

Net cash used in investing activities

     (205,675 )     (105,485 )
                

Cash flows from financing activities:

    

Proceeds from sale of common stock

     11,807       —    

Capital lease obligation payment

     (33,538 )     —    
                

Net cash used in financing activities

     (21,731 )     —    
                

Net increase in cash and cash equivalents

     686,759       775,986  

Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period

     148,598       593,494  
                

Cash and cash equivalents, end of period

   $ 835,357     $ 1,369,480  
                

Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information:

    

Interest paid

   $ 24,035     $ 89,950  
                

Income taxes paid

   $ 9,490     $ —    
                

Supplemental disclosures of non-cash activities:

    

Assets acquired with direct financing lease

   $ —       $ 724,520  
                

Reclassification of deferred compensation to paid-in-capital

   $ 115,766     $ —    
                

See the accompanying notes to the condensed unaudited consolidated financial statements

 

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AMERICAN ELECTRIC TECHNOLOGIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Condensed Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements

March 31, 2009

1. Basis of Presentation

The accompanying condensed unaudited consolidated financial statements of American Electric Technologies, Inc. and Subsidiaries (“AETI”, “the Company”, “our”, “we”, “us”) as of March 31, 2009 and for the three months then ended have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America for interim financial information and reflect all adjustments which, in the opinion of management, are necessary for a fair presentation of financial position as of March 31, 2009 and results of operations for the three months ending March 31, 2009 and 2008. All adjustments are of a normal recurring nature. The results of operations for interim periods are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for a full year. Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in the financial statements prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America have been condensed or omitted. The statements should be read in conjunction with the Company’s financial statements filed on our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008 which was filed on March 27, 2009.

The accompanying interim consolidated financial statements include the accounts of American Electric Technologies, Inc. and its Subsidiaries. We have eliminated all significant inter-company balances and transactions in consolidation.

Effective January 1, 2008 the Company formed a new wholly owned subsidiary, American Access Technologies, Inc. (“American Access” or “AAT”), through which the AAT segment’s business is conducted.

2. Merger

American Electric Technologies, Inc. is the surviving financial reporting entity from a reverse acquisition of an 80% interest in American Access Technologies, Inc. by the shareholders of M&I Electric Industries, Inc. (“M&I”) on May 15, 2007. Immediately upon the completion of the reverse acquisition, American Access Technologies, Inc. changed its name to American Electric Technologies, Inc.

3. Net Income per Common Share

The Company follows Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No. 128, Earnings per Share, which requires the presentation of both basic and diluted income per share. In accordance with SFAS Statement No. 128, basic earnings per common share is based on the weighted average number of common shares outstanding. Diluted earnings per share is based on the weighted average number of common shares outstanding, plus the incremental shares that would have been outstanding upon the assumed exercise of all potentially dilutive stock options and other stock units subject to anti-dilution limitations.

Basic net income per common share has been computed based upon the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding for the three months ended March 31, 2009 and 2008.

 

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4. Stock-Based Compensation

On February 7, 2009, the Board of Directors approved the grant of 145,000 restricted stock units to members of management and key employees. The valuation date of these grants was February 27, 2009 when the stock had a value of $1.66. The grants will vest 25% on each of the next four anniversary dates. The grants are subject to the substantial achievement of 2009 budgeted performance and other individual metrics. The ultimate number restricted stock units will be determined based on the attainment of certain company and individual performance targets during the 2009 fiscal year.

The annual pretax cost for these grants will approximate $60,000 for each of the next four years based on the assumption that 2009 performance measurements are achieved.

The Company instituted an Employee Stock Purchase Plan in April, 2008 that is non compensatory under the guidelines of SFAS 123R. During the three months ended March 31, 2009, 3,824 shares were issued under this plan. Paid in capital increased during the period by $139,347 primarily due to the Company’s stock based compensation program grants in 2008 and 2009.

5. Recent Accounting Pronouncements

There are no recent financial pronouncements that management expects to have a material impact on the Company’s financial position or results of operations.

6. Segment Information

The Company follows the guidance of SFAS No. 131, Disclosures About Segments of an Enterprise and Related Information, in reporting operating segment information.

Management has organized the Company around products and services and has three reportable segments: Technical Products and Services (“TP&S”), Electrical and Instrumentation Construction (“E&I”) and American Access Technologies (“AAT”). TP&S develops, manufactures, provides and markets switchgear and variable speed drives. The service component of this segment includes retrofitting equipment upgrades, startups, testing and troubleshooting electrical substations, switchgear, drives and control systems. Additionally, joint venture equity income is included in TP&S income before income taxes because their operations are exclusively involved in TP&S activities. The E&I segment installs electrical equipment for the energy, water, industrial, marine and commercial markets. The AAT segment manufacturers and markets zone cabling products and manufactures formed metal products of varying designs.

Following are selected financial details regarding the Company’s reportable segments for the three months ended March 31, 2009 and 2008:

 

     2009     2008  
     Amount     Percent     Amount     Percent  

Revenues

        

Technical Products and Services

   $ 9,657,404     60.44 %   $ 9,266,371     54.58 %

Electrical and Instrumentation Const.

     4,985,682     31.20 %     5,737,196     33.79 %

AAT

     1,335,080     8.36 %     1,974,209     11.63 %
                            

Total

   $ 15,978,166     100.00 %   $ 16,977,776     100.00 %
                            

Gross Profit

        

Technical Products and Services

   $ 2,237,350     23.17 %   $ 1,188,648     12.83 %

Electrical and Instrumentation Const.

     (88,378 )   -1.77 %     549,700     9.58 %

AAT

     79,111     5.93 %     491,481     24.90 %
                            

Total

   $ 2,228,083     13.94 %   $ 2,229,829     13.13 %
                            

Income before Income taxes:

        

Technical Products and Services

   $ 2,128,594     22.04 %   $ 622,159     6.71 %

Electrical and Instrumentation Const.

     (472,720 )   -9.48 %     77,762     1.36 %

AAT

     (308,019 )   -23 %     77,863     3.94 %

Corporate and Other Unallocated

     (334,564 )   -25.06 %     (456,825 )   -23.14 %
                            

Total

   $ 1,013,291     6.34 %   $ 320,959     1.89 %
                            

 

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The Company’s management does not separately review and analyze its assets on a segment basis for TP&S and E&I and all assets for the segments are recorded within the corporate segment’s records. Depreciation expense is apportioned to the segments based on management’s best estimate. Corporate unallocated expenses include compensation costs and other expenses that cannot be meaningfully associated with the individual segments, i.e. except for equity in joint venture income attributable to TP&S, all other costs, expenses and other income have been allocated to the segments based on sales, which management believes is the best available basis to apportion these elements of income and expense to the segments.

Approximately 30% to 35% of TP&S sales are sold into international markets. These sales are made in US dollars and are generally settled prior to shipment or are secured by irrevocable letters of credit; all E&I sales are made in the United States although some services are performed internationally; and all of AAT’s sales are made in the United States.

7. Advances to and Investment in Joint Ventures

Assets held by the Company outside of the United States consist of two joint ventures:

 

   

a 49% interest in M&I Electric Far East, Ltd. (“MIEFE”), a joint venture with Oakwell Engineering, Ltd., in Singapore, and;

 

   

BOMAY Electric Industries Company, Ltd., in which M&I holds a 40% interest with Baoji Oilfield Machinery Co., Ltd. (a subsidiary of China National Petroleum Corporation), holds 51%, and AA Energies, Inc., headquartered in Katy, Texas, holds 9%;

The functional currencies of MIEFE and BOMAY are the Singapore dollar and the Chinese Yuan, respectively.

Equity in income of joint ventures includes $551,392 and $327,854 for the three month periods ending March 31, 2009 and March 31, 2008, respectively, from the China joint venture. Net income from the Singapore joint venture resulted in $153,006 and $-0- in equity income for the quarters ending March 31, 2009 and March 31, 2008, respectively.

The Company reported Comprehensive Income (Loss) of $(37,462) and $113,968 for the three months ending March 31, 2009 and 2008, respectively arising from the translation of the aforementioned investee company balance sheets presented in their functional currencies.

BOMAY declared a dividend in March, 2009 from which AETI received approximately $1.5 million during the second quarter.

8. Costs, Estimated Earnings, and Related Billings on Uncompleted Contracts

The Company reports earnings from firm-price and modified firm price long-term contracts on the percentage-of-completion method. Earnings are recorded based on the ratio of costs incurred to total estimated costs except that the Company has determined that labor incurred provides an improved measure of percentage of completion for its TP&S segment projects. Costs include direct material, direct labor, and job related overhead. Losses expected to be incurred on contracts are charged to operations in the period such losses are determined. A contract is considered complete when all costs except insignificant items have been incurred and the customer has accepted the product or project. Revenue from non-time and material jobs that will be completed within approximately one month is recognized on the completed-contract method. This method is used because these contracts are typically completed in a short period and the financial position and results of operations do not vary materially from those that would result from use of the percentage-of-completion method.

The TP&S segment records revenue from its field and technical service and repair operations on a completed service basis after customer acknowledgement that the service has been completed and accepted. Approximately 10 % of the Company’s consolidated revenues are recorded on this basis. In addition, the TP&S segment sells certain purchased parts and products. These revenues are recorded when the product is shipped and title passes to the customer. Less than 2% of the Company’s consolidated revenues are recorded on this basis. The Company’s AAT segment recognizes revenue when ownership of the manufactured product passes to their customer which generally occurs upon product shipment.

 

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The asset, “Work-in-process,” which is included in inventories, represents the cost of labor, material, and overhead on jobs for which no revenue has been recognized on contracts accounted for under the completed-contract method. For contracts accounted for under the percentage-of-completion method, the asset, “Costs and estimated earnings in excess of billing on uncompleted contracts,” represents revenue recognized in excess of amounts billed and the liability, “Billings in excess of costs and estimated earnings on uncompleted contracts,” represents billings in excess of revenue recognized.

Contract revenue recognition inherently involves estimation, including the contemplated level of effort to accomplish the tasks under the contract, the cost of the effort, and an ongoing assessment of progress toward completing the contract. From time to time, as part of the normal management processes, facts develop that require revisions to estimated total costs or revenues expected. The cumulative impact of any revisions to estimates and the full impact of anticipated losses on contracts accounted for under SOP 81-1 are recognized in the period in which they become known. Projected losses on all other contracts are recognized as the services and materials are provided.

9. Revolving Credit Agreement

Effective June 30, 2008, the Company amended its revolving credit agreement with JP Morgan Chase Bank, N.A. As amended, the bank provides us with a revolving credit line not to exceed $10,000,000 or the sum of 80% of eligible accounts receivable plus 40% of the aggregate amount of eligible inventory, whichever is less. As of March 31, 2009, $4,000,000 was borrowed under this line of credit.

Borrowings under the agreement bear interest at the 30 day LIBOR rate (0.53% at March 31, 2009) plus 1.75% per year. The agreement is collateralized by trade accounts receivable, inventories, and work-in-process. Our M&I and AAT subsidiaries are guarantors of the loan. Loans under the agreement must be repaid no later than June 30, 2010.

The terms of the agreement contain covenants which provide for customary restrictions and limitations, the maintenance of certain financial ratios and a restriction from paying dividends without prior written consent of the bank. At March 31, 2009, we were in compliance with all restrictive covenants.

10. Taxes on Income

Income taxes are accounted for under the asset and liability method. Under this method, deferred tax assets and liabilities are determined based on differences between financial reporting and tax bases of assets and liabilities and are measured using the enacted tax rates and laws that will be in effect when the differences are expected to be reported to the taxing authorities. Deferred tax assets are evaluated annually and a valuation allowance is provided if it is more likely than not that, the deferred tax assets will not give rise to future benefits in the Company’s tax returns. There were no significant changes in the Company’s deferred tax assets and liabilities in the current quarter.

The effective tax rate was 36% and 37% for the three months March 31, 2009 and 2008, respectively, reflecting the Federal statutory rate of 34% and the effect of state and foreign income taxes.

We are subject to income tax in jurisdictions outside the United States, none of which are individually material to our financial position, cash flows, or results of operations.

 

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11. Finance Lease Arrangement

In March, 2008, the Company’s American Access segment entered into a capital lease in order to finance shop equipment and related training expenses. The lease term commenced when the equipment was installed and operational in June, 2008. The lease obligation and capitalized amount at inception were $724,520, the lease term is 60 months and the monthly payments are approximately $14,000 per month. Depreciation expense related to the capitalized lease will approximate $75,000 per year and $18,734 is included in the 2009 results to date.

12. Comprehensive Income (Loss)

The Company incurred a reduction in comprehensive income of $37,462 due to an unrealized translation loss arising primarily from the strengthening of the US dollar against the Singapore dollar.

13. Commitments and Contingencies

The Company is party to a number of lawsuits in the normal course of business that upon resolution are not estimated to have a material impact on its financial position. During the latter part of 2008, the Company performed electrical system repair and refurbishment work at a chemical plant as a result of damage caused by Hurricane Ike. As of March 31, 2009, $1.3 million was owing from the customer, not including reserves. When collection efforts were not successful, in early 2009, the Company filed a mechanic’s lien and a lawsuit to collect the amount owing. Recently, the customer filed a counterclaim in an amount in excess of the account receivable on allegations of defective workmanship and consequential damages. Based on preliminary analysis, the Company believes that it has good and meritorious basis for its claim and that the counterclaim is without merit and accordingly, has made no additional provisions in the interim financial statements for this contingency.

 

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

The following discussion should be read in conjunction with the financial statements and notes thereto included elsewhere in this Form 10-Q and the financial statements in the 2008 Annual Report on Form 10-K filed on March 27, 2009. Historical results and percentage relationships set forth in the statement of operations, including trends that might appear, are not necessarily indicative of future operations.

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

Except for historical and factual information, this document contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements include statements that address activities, events or developments that we expect, believe or anticipate will or may occur in the future, such as predictions of future financial performance. All forward-looking statements are based on assumptions made by us based on our experience and perception of historical trends, current conditions, expected future developments and other factors we believe are appropriate under the circumstances.

 

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These statements, including statements regarding our capital needs, business strategy, expectations and intentions, are subject to numerous risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond our control, including our ability to maintain key products’ sales or effectively react to other risks including those discussed in Part I, Item 1A, Risk Factors, of our 2008 Annual Report on Form 10-K filed on March 27, 2009. We urge you to consider that statements that use the terms “believe,” “do not believe,” “anticipate,” “expect,” “plan,” “estimate,” “intend” and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. No forward-looking statement can be guaranteed, and actual results may differ materially from those projected. We undertake no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

BUSINESS

American Electric Technologies, Inc. is comprised of three segments: Technical Products and Services (“TP&S”), Electrical and Instrumentation Construction (“E&I”) and American Access Technologies (“AAT”). The TP&S segment designs, manufactures, markets and provides products designed to distribute the flow of electricity and protect electrical equipment such as motors, transformers and cables, and also provides variable speed drives to both AC (“alternating current”) and DC (“direct current”) motors. Products offered by this segment include low and medium voltage switchgear, generator control and distribution switchgear, motor control centers, powerhouses, bus duct, variable frequency AC drives, variable speed DC drives, program logic control (“PLC”) based automation systems, human machine interface (“HMI”) and specialty panels. The products are built for application voltages from 480 volts to 38,000 volts and are used in a wide variety of industries. Services provided by TP&S include electrical equipment retrofits, upgrades, startups, testing and troubleshooting of substations, switchgear, drives and control systems.

The E&I segment provides a full range of electrical and instrumentation construction and installation services to both land and marine based markets of the oil and gas industry, the water and wastewater facilities industry and other commercial and industrial markets. The E&I segment provides services on both a fixed-price and a time-and-materials basis. The segment’s services include electrical and instrumentation turnarounds, maintenance, renovation and new construction. Applications include installation of switchgear, AC and DC motors, drives, motor controls, lighting systems and high voltage cable. Marine based oil and gas services include complete electrical system rig-ups, modifications, start-ups and testing for vessels, drilling rigs, and production modules. These services can be manufactured and installed utilizing NEMA (“National Electrical Manufacturers Association”) and ANSI (“American National Standards Institute”) or IEC (“International Electrotechnical Commission”) equipment to meet ABS (“American Bureau of Shipping”), USCG (“United States Coast Guard”), Lloyd’s Register, a provider of marine certification services, and DNV (a leading certification body/registrar for management systems certification services) standards.

The AAT segment manufactures and markets zone cabling enclosures and manufactures formed metals products. The zone cabling product line develops and manufactures patented “zone cabling” and wireless telecommunication enclosures. These enclosures mount in ceilings, walls, raised floors, and certain modular furniture to facilitate the routing of telecommunications network cabling, fiber optics and wireless solutions to the workspace environment. AAT also operates a precision sheet metal fabrication and assembly operation and provides services such as precision “CNC” (“Computer Numerical Controlled”) stamping, bending, assembling, painting, powder coating and silk screening to a diverse client base including, but not limited to, engineering, technology and electronics companies, primarily in the Southeast.

 

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The Company has facilities and sales offices in Texas, Mississippi and Florida. We have minority interests in joint ventures which have facilities in Singapore and Xian, China.

The Company owns the Texas manufacturing and service facility, which is comprised of nine acres and 85,000 square feet under roof; the Florida facility, which is eight and one-half acres with two buildings totaling 67,500 square feet; and the Mississippi facility which is three acres with an 11,000 square foot building. The Company also owns the Houston facility which consists of three acres and 26,000 square feet of office, service and storage space.

CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND ESTIMATES

We have adopted various accounting policies that govern the application of accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America in the preparation of our financial statements. The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the financial statements and accompanying notes. Although these estimates are based on management’s knowledge of current events and actions it may undertake in the future, they may ultimately differ from actual results.

Our significant accounting policies are more fully described in the financial statements filed in our 2008 Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission March 27, 2009. Certain accounting policies involve significant judgments and assumptions by us that have a material impact on the carrying value of certain assets and liabilities. Management believes the following critical accounting policies reflect its most significant estimates and assumptions used in the presentation of our financial statements. We do not have off-balance sheet arrangements, financings, or other relationships with unconsolidated entities or other persons, also known as “special purpose entities” (“SPE”s), nor do we have any “variable interest entities” (“VIE”s), as defined by FASB’s Interpretation No. 46(R), Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities—an interpretation of ARB No. 51.

Inventory Valuation - Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market, with material value determined using an average cost method. Inventory costs for finished goods and work-in-process include direct material, direct labor, production overhead and outside services. TP&S and E&I indirect overhead is apportioned to work in process based on direct labor incurred. AAT production overhead, including indirect labor, is allocated to finished goods and work-in-process based on material consumption which is an estimate that could be subject to change in the near term as additional information is obtained and as our operating environment changes.

Reserve for Obsolete and Slow-Moving Inventory - We regularly review the value of inventory on hand, using specific aging categories, and record a provision for obsolete and slow-moving inventory based on historical usage and estimated future usage. As actual future demand or market conditions may vary from those projected, adjustments to our inventory reserve may be required.

 

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Allowance for Doubtful Accounts - The Company maintains an allowance for doubtful accounts for estimated losses resulting from the inability of our customers to make required payments. The estimate is based on management’s assessment of the collectability of specific customer accounts and includes consideration for credit worthiness and financial condition of those specific customers. We also will review historical experience with the customer, the general economic environment and the aging of our receivables. We record an allowance to reduce receivables to the amount that we reasonably believe to be collectible. Based on our historical collection experience, we currently feel our allowance for doubtful accounts is adequate.

Revenue Recognition - The Company recognizes earnings from both fixed price and modified fixed price contracts. Earnings on certain contracts are recognized on the percentage-of-completion method following the guidelines in the AICPA’s Statement of Position (“SOP”) No. 81-1, Accounting for Performance of Construction Type and Certain Production Type Contracts. The Company recognizes revenue from product sales at the time the product is shipped and title passes to the customer. The Company believes that recognizing revenue at time of shipment is appropriate because the Company’s sales policies meet the four criteria of FASB’s Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 104, Revenue Recognition, which are: (i) persuasive evidence that an arrangement exists, (ii) delivery has occurred, (iii) the seller’s price to the buyer is fixed and determinable, and (iv) collectability is reasonably assured.

Foreign Currency Gains and Losses - Foreign currency translations are included as a separate component of comprehensive income. We have determined the local currency of our foreign joint ventures to be the functional currency. In accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standard No. 52, Foreign Currency Translation, the assets and liabilities of our foreign equity investees, denominated in foreign currency, are translated into United States dollars at exchange rates in effect at the consolidated balance sheet date; revenues and expenses are translated at the average exchange rate for the period. Related translation adjustments are reported as comprehensive income which is a separate component of stockholders’ equity, whereas gains and losses resulting from foreign currency transactions are included in results of operations.

Federal Income Taxes - The asset and liability method is used in accounting for federal income taxes (see Note 10). Under this method, deferred tax assets and liabilities are determined based on differences between financial reporting and tax bases of assets and liabilities and are measured using the enacted tax rates and laws that will be in effect when the differences are expected to reverse. The estimated value of deferred tax assets are reviewed annually and a valuation allowance is provided if it is more likely than not that the deferred tax assets will not give rise to future benefits in our tax returns.

Contingencies - In accordance with SFAS No. 5, Accounting for Contingencies, we record an estimated loss from a loss contingency when information indicates that it is probable that an asset has been impaired or a liability has been incurred and the amount of loss can be reasonably estimated. Contingencies are often resolved over long time periods, are based on unique facts and circumstances, and are inherently uncertain. We regularly evaluate current information available to us to determine whether such accruals should be adjusted or other disclosures related to contingencies are required. We are a party to a number of legal proceedings in the normal course of our business for which we have made appropriate provisions where we believe an ultimate loss is probable. The ultimate resolution of these matters, individually or in the aggregate is not likely to have a material impact on the company’s financial position.

Equity in Joint Venture Income - The Company accounts for its investments in the joint ventures using the equity method. Under the equity method, the Company records its pro-rata share of joint venture income or losses and adjusts the basis of its investment accordingly.

 

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Consolidated comparison of the three months ended March 31, 2009 and 2008 (in thousands).

Revenues and Gross Profit - Total consolidated net sales decreased $999.6 or 5.9%, to $15,978.2 for the three months ended March 31, 2009 over the comparable period in 2008. The decrease occurred due to a $751.5 decline in E&I Construction sales, primarily due reduced new school construction activity and a $639.1 reduction in AAT’s zone cabling sales. These declines were partially offset by a $391.0 net increase in TP&S revenues.

Consolidated cost of sales for the three months ended March 31, 2009 was $13,750.1, a $997.9 decrease, or 6.8%, over the first quarter of 2008. The decline in cost of sales is primarily due to the reduced overall sales referred to above and declines in labor, material and related costs associated with the sales activity. Cost of sales, as a percentage of net sales declined from 86.9% to 86.1% which primarily relates to higher proportion of higher margin TP&S sales.

Consolidated gross profit during the three-month period ended March 31, 2009 was essentially unchanged at $2,228.1 from the prior year period in spite of the reduced sales. This stability is associated with improved sales mix primarily attributable to reduced lower margin E&I Construction sales and increases in TP&S revenues. Consolidated gross profit as a percent of net sales was 13.9% during the three-month period, compared to 13.1% in the prior year and this improvement is related to the overall percentage cost improvement noted above as well as the favorable revenue mix. Gross profit percentages in the TP&S segment increased and AAT and E&I Construction reported declines.

Selling, General and Administrative Expenses - Total consolidated selling, general and administrative expenses were $1,810.8 during the three-month period ended March 31, 2009, a decline of $341.3 from the prior year period. This improvement is principally attributable to reductions in compensation expense of $153.5, lower Sarbanes Oxley compliance costs of $51.0, less recruiting expense of $21.0, lower bad debt provisions of $32.0 and lower performance based compensation of $22.0.

Other Income and Expense - Consolidated other income and expense increased by $352.8 due to the increase of $376.5 in equity in joint venture income, primarily due to increased earnings in Singapore and China of $184 and $173, respectively. Interest expense was lower by $49 due primarily to lower interest rates and a $1 million reduction in average loans outstanding. The 2009 results were negatively impacted by $29 in additional costs related to the Chinese joint venture and the settlement of several legal claims $25.

Provision for Income Taxes - The consolidated income tax expense was substantially increased because of the $692.4 increase in earnings before income taxes as explained above. The slight decline in the effective tax rate to 35.7% from 36.9% is due to an increase in the estimated credits from deemed foreign income taxes because of higher earnings from the Singapore affiliate.

Net Income - Net income for the three months ended March 31, 2009 was $651.6 compared to $202.2 for the prior year period. The increase in net income is primarily attributable to the lower cost of goods sold, a 15.9% improvement in selling, general and administrative expenses, higher other income partially offset by increased taxes on income.

 

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SEGMENT COMPARISON:

Technical Products and Services - The TP&S segment revenues increased $391.0 from $9,266.4 for the first quarter of 2008 to $9,657.4 for the first quarter of 2009. The 4.2% increase in revenues for this segment reflects consistent demand for the company’s products and services. Manufacturing revenues reflected a higher proportion of electrical drive systems than the prior year quarter.

Gross profits for the TP&S segment for the first quarter of 2009 were $2,237.4, an increase of $1,048.8 over the prior year level of $1,188.6 due primarily to the revenue mix impact noted above. The higher proportion of electrical drive system projects caused the gross profit percentage to improve by 10.3% to 23.2%. Gross profits were additionally favorably impacted by a $200.0 recovery of 2008 cost overruns from a marine system project. Technical Products & Services income before taxes for the first quarter of 2009 was $2,128.6, an increase of $1,506.4 over 2008 of $622.2 due to the increased gross profit, improved equity income and reduced corporate overhead allocations.

The backlog for the TP&S segment was approximately $10.1 million as of March 31, 2009, a decline of approximately $4.3 million since December 31, 2008. All of this backlog should be realized in revenues for the remainder of the fiscal year. There is a high degree of uncertainty regarding the demand level for the segment’s products and services during the second half of the fiscal year.

Electrical & Instrumentation Construction - The E&I segment reported sales of $4,985.7 in the first quarter of 2009, a decline of $751.5 over the initial quarter of 2008. The primary reason for the reduced sales was the $2,463.0 decline occasioned by the planned withdrawal from the new school contracting business. Reduced wastewater treatment plant sales ($1,253.0) and marine electrical contracting weakness ($467.0) were offset by increased revenues from mobile data center construction ($1,576.0) and power house projects ($567). The moderation in rate of increase from prior quarters was due to working down the backlog in the new school electrical projects. Increases in the waster water treatment plant business were offset by a decline in the marine market.

Gross profits for the E&I segment during the first quarter of 2009 were a negative $88.4, a $638.1 decline from the prior year. The reduced gross profit is attributable to the $511.0 decrease in gross profits from the new school construction market and reductions occasioned by lower revenues in wastewater treatment plants ($442.5) and marine construction ($83.8). These declines were partially offset by the gross profit improvements due to sales increases in the data center business ($292.2) and power house construction ($127.7). The negative gross profit in this segment is largely attributable to additional costs related to the completion of the final new school construction project. The E&I segment’s loss before taxes for the first quarter of 2009 was $472.7, a decline of $550.5 from 2008. This occurred primarily due to the reduced gross profits explained above partially offset by lower allocated corporate overheads.

The backlog for the E&I segment was approximately $4.8 million as of March 31, 2009, a decrease of $2.3 million since the beginning of the year. The predominance of the backlog should be realized in revenues for the remainder of the fiscal year. The substantial decline in backlog is largely attributable to completion of most of the work in the new school construction market that the company plans to finalize in the near future and weakening conditions in many of the segment’s markets.

American Access Technologies - The American Access segment sales declined $639.1 from the comparable prior year reporting period for this quarter primarily due to a reduction in sales to the zone cabling and value added manufacturing markets. Sales of custom fabrication products partially offset these declines. Gross profits declined by $412.4 due to the decline in sales and a reduced gross profit percentage due to higher manufacturing overheads. Income before income taxes declined $385.9 due to the reduction in gross profits partially offset by lower overall selling, general and administrative overheads. The segment expects some improvement in the prospective quarterly sales levels based on expected increases in its value added manufacturing markets.

 

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LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

As of March 31, 2009, AETI’s cash and cash equivalents were $835.4 compared to $148.6 as of December 31, 2008. As of March 31, 2009, AETI had outstanding borrowings of $4,000 under its revolving credit facility, unchanged from the balance as of December 31, 2008. Net current assets were approximately $14,847.4 and $14,768.8 as of March 31, 2009 and December 31, 2008, respectively. As of March 31, 2009, AETI’s current ratio and long term debt to total capitalization ratios were 2.54 and 15.9%, respectively. The comparable ratios at December 31, 2008 were 2.3% and 19.1%.

AETI’s long term debt as of March 31, 2009 was $4,487.9, on which interest payments are current. This amount includes the long term portion of a capitalized lease obligation described in the financial statement notes. AETI amended its revolving credit facility, effective June 30, 2008 to, amongst other things, increase the line to $10,000 and extend the maturity date to June 30, 2010.

Operating Activities

During the three months ended March 31, 2009, AETI generated cash flows from operations of $914.2 as compared to $881.5 in 2008. Operating cash flow from net income and depreciation was partially offset by the equity income from joint ventures in 2009. Reduced accounts receivable, and inventories and increased income tax payable were partially offset by decreased accounts payable and accrued liabilities and increased prepaid expenses and net milestone billings. The 2008 period can be explained by the same factors except that increased accounts payable and accrued liabilities and prepaid expenses were a source of operating cash flow in the period.

Investing Activities

During the three months ending March 31, 2009, the Company utilized $205.7 in cash from net investing activities compared to utilization of $105.5 in 2008. In 2009, capital expenditures have been $206.3 which is comprised primarily of maintenance capital.

In 2008 the Company invested $110.5 in capital expenditures.

Financing Activities

The Company paid $33.5 in financing costs under a finance lease and received $11.8 in connection with stock purchases under its employee stock purchase plan.

In 2008, AETI did not record any cash flows from financing activities during the first quarter.

The Company believes its existing cash, working capital and unused credit facility combined with operating earnings will be sufficient to meet its working capital needs for the next twelve months.

Outlook for Fiscal 2009

There is a high degree of uncertainty regarding the company’s revenue levels for the second half of the fiscal year and as a result, the primary management focus is on increasing our orders for that period and the following year. As previously reported, the company undertook a series of productivity improvement measures which reduced its breakeven levels and reflected itself in improved margins during the most recent fiscal quarter. Management will continue to monitor the company’s sales levels and cost structure and take additional actions as appropriate to maintain AETI’s strong financial position.

The Company has experienced a pronounced decline in its backlog as a result of market demand occasioned by the recent volatility in the financial and commodity markets. Management cannot predict when demand for its traditional products and services will begin to increase so as a result we will continue to adjust base costs and conserve working capital. The Company believes these actions will sustain its strong financial position. In addition, we will maintain our recent product development activities in alternative energy, value added manufacturing and portable data centers in order to augment the revenues from our traditional markets. Although AAT’s sales levels reflected a recent decline due to the zone cabling market decline, its recent efforts to secure additional value-added fabrication customers are likely to restore the unit to break even sales levels during the second quarter of 2009.

Effects of Inflation

AETI has experienced a high degree of volatility in many of its raw materials including copper, steel and aluminum during the last eighteen months. Most recently, these material costs are generally lower than in 2008 and there are no indications that inflationary pressures will be significant in the foreseeable future. We do not believe that this price volatility has had a significant impact on the company’s operating margins primarily due to relatively short cycle times of the company’s purchasing and project completions.

 

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ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK.

Interest Rates

Our market risk sensitive items do not subject us to material risk exposures. Our revolving credit facility remains available through June 30, 2010, subject to optional prepayment in accordance with its terms. At March 31, 2009, the Company had $4,000,000 of variable-rate debt outstanding. At this borrowing level, a hypothetical 10 percent increase in interest rates would have had an insignificant unfavorable impact on the Company’s pretax earnings and cash flows. The primary interest rate exposure on floating-rate debt is based on LIBOR (0.53% at March 31, 2009) plus 1.75% per year. The agreement is collateralized by trade accounts receivable, inventory and work-in-process.

Foreign Currency Transaction Risk

AETI maintains an investment in its Singapore joint venture, M&I Electric Far East PTE, Ltd. The functional currency of this joint venture is the Singapore dollar. The amount of its investment is translated into United States dollars at the exchange rate in effect at the end of each quarterly reporting period. The resulting translation adjustment is recorded as accumulated other comprehensive income in AETI’s consolidated balance sheet.

The Company has an investment in its Chinese joint venture, BOMAY. The functional currency of this joint venture is the Chinese Yuan. BOMAY’s financial statements are translated into United States dollars at the rate prevailing at the end of each quarterly reporting period and any resulting adjustment will be recorded as accumulated other comprehensive income in the Company’s consolidated balance sheet.

Other than the aforementioned items, the Company does not believe it is exposed to foreign currency exchange risk because all of its sales and purchases are denominated in United States dollars.

Commodity Price Risk

The Company is subject to market risk from fluctuating market prices of certain raw materials. While such materials are typically available from numerous suppliers, commodity raw materials are subject to price fluctuations. We endeavor to recoup these price increases from our customers on an individual contract basis to avoid operating margin erosion. Although historically we have not entered into any contracts to hedge our commodity risk, we may do so in the future.

Commodity price changes can have a material impact on our prospective earnings and cash flows. Copper, steel and aluminum represent a significant element of our material cost. Significant increases in the prices of these materials can reduce our estimated operating margins if we are unable to recover such increases from customer revenues.

 

ITEM 4T. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

An evaluation was carried out under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”) and our Chief Financial Officer (“CFO”), of the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures as of March 31, 2009. Based on this evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that the disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of March 31, 2009.

No change in internal control over financial reporting occurred during the quarter ended March 31, 2009 that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect internal control over financial reporting.

 

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PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

 

ITEM 6. EXHIBITS

(a) Index to Exhibits

 

Exhibit No.

  

Exhibit Description

31.1    Rule 13a-14(a) / 15d-14(a) Certification of Principal Executive Officer.
31.2    Rule 13a-14(a) / 15d-14(a) Certification of Principal Financial Officer.
32.1    Section 1350 Certifications of Principal Executive Officer and Principal Financial Officer.

 

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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.

Date: May 12, 2009

 

AMERICAN ELECTRIC TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
By:  

/s/ ARTHUR G. DAUBER

  Arthur G. Dauber
  Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
  (Principal Executive Officer)
By:  

/s/ JOHN H. UNTEREKER

  John H. Untereker
  Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Secretary
  (Principal Financial Officer)

 

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