form10q_q32013.htm

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

FORM 10-Q

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

For the quarterly period ended June 29, 2013

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

For the transition period from ________________________________ to ________________________________

Commission File Number 1-9789
 

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

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

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

(508) 281-5510
(Registrant's telephone number, including area code)

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

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant 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 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). Yes  x  No o

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

Large accelerated filer o
Accelerated filer o
Non-accelerated filer o
Smaller reporting company x
   
(Do not check if a smaller reporting company)
 

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

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

Class
Outstanding at August 8, 2013
Common stock, par value $.10
3,474,388







 
 

 

SEVCON, INC.
FORM 10-Q
FOR THE QUARTER ENDED JUNE 29, 2013
INDEX

 
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- 1 -

 

PART I.  FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1 Financial Statements

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
Sevcon, Inc. and Subsidiaries
 
 
(in thousands of dollars except per share data)
 
   
June 29,
2013
   
September 30,
2012
 
   
(unaudited)
   
(unaudited)
 
ASSETS
           
Current assets:
           
Cash and cash equivalents
  $ 1,338     $ 2,823  
Trade receivables, net of allowances for doubtful accounts of $30
at June 29, 2013 and $32 at September 30, 2012
    6,286       5,289  
Other receivables
    383       569  
Inventories
    5,820       6,346  
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
    1,535       1,922  
Total current assets
    15,362       16,949  
Property, plant and equipment, at cost:
               
Land and improvements
    21       23  
Buildings and improvements
    698       734  
Equipment
    10,354       10,576  
      11,073       11,333  
Less: accumulated depreciation
    (9,111 )     (9,188 )
Net property, plant and equipment
    1,962       2,145  
Long-term deferred tax assets
    3,880       3,002  
Goodwill
    1,435       1,435  
Other-long term assets
    32       30  
Total assets
  $ 22,671     $ 23,561  
 
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ INVESTMENT
               
Current liabilities:
               
Current portion of long term debt
  $ 1,743     $ 43  
Accounts payable
    3,486       3,198  
Accrued expenses
    1,929       1,803  
Accrued and deferred taxes on income
    133       -  
Total current liabilities
    7,291       5,044  
Liability for pension benefits
    9,496       10,264  
Long term debt
    38       1,774  
Total liabilities
    16,825       17,082  
Stockholders’ equity:
               
Preferred stock, par value $.10 per share - authorized - 1,000,000 shares;
outstanding – none
    -       -  
Common stock, par value $.10 per share - authorized - 8,000,000 shares;
outstanding 3,474,388 shares at June 29, 2013 and 3,475,306 at
September 30, 2012
      347         348  
Premium paid in on common stock
    5,637       5,492  
Retained earnings
    8,546       9,662  
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
    (8,684 )     (9,023 )
Total stockholders’ equity
    5,846       6,479  
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity
  $ 22,671     $ 23,561  

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

 
- 2 -

 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(Unaudited)
Sevcon, Inc. and Subsidiaries

   
(in thousands of dollars except per share data)
 
   
Three months ended
   
Nine months ended
 
 
 
June 29,
2013
   
June 30,
2012
   
June 29,
2013
   
June 30,
2012
 
Net sales
  $ 8,675     $ 8,878     $ 23,332     $ 27,494  
Cost of sales
    (5,438 )     (5,925 )     (14,848 )     (17,937 )
Gross profit
    3,237       2,953       8,484       9,557  
Selling, research and administrative expenses
    (2,944 )     (2,918 )     (9,234 )     (8,575 )
Restructuring charge
    -       -       (605 )     -  
Operating income (loss)
    293       35       (1,355 )     982  
Interest expense
    (28 )     (32 )     (78 )     (122 )
Interest income
    -       -       1       23  
Foreign currency (loss) gain
    (94 )     54       (383 )     175  
Income (loss) before income tax
    171       57       (1,815 )     1,058  
Income tax benefit (provision)
    (47 )     99       699       (148 )
Net income (loss)
    124     $ 156       (1,116 )   $ 910  
Basic income (loss) per share
  $ 0.04     $ 0.05     $ (0.33 )   $ 0.27  
Fully diluted income (loss) per share
  $ 0.04     $ 0.05     $ (0.33 )   $ 0.27  

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)
(Unaudited)
Sevcon, Inc. and Subsidiaries

   
(in thousands of dollars)
 
   
Three months ended
   
Nine months ended
 
   
June 29,
2013
   
June 30,
2012
   
June 29,
2013
   
June 30,
2012
 
Net income (loss)
    124     $ 156       (1,116 )   $ 910  
Foreign currency translation adjustment
    66       (245 )     187       (174 )
Pension liability adjustment, net of tax
    49       65       152       157  
Comprehensive income (loss)
  $ 239     $ (24 )   $ (777 )   $ 893  

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


 
- 3 -

 


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


   
(in thousands of dollars)
 
   
Nine months ended
 
   
June 29,
2013
   
June 30,
2012
 
Cash flow from operating activities:
           
Net (loss) income
  $ (1,116 )   $ 910  
Adjustments to reconcile net (loss) income to net cash (used by) provided by operating activities:
               
Depreciation
    458       446  
Gain on sale of fixed assets
    (3 )     -  
Stock-based compensation
    215       184  
Pension contributions (greater than) less than pension expense
    (44 )     116  
Deferred tax (benefit) provision
    (1,107 )     159  
Increase (decrease) in cash resulting from changes in operating assets andliabilities:
               
Trade and other receivables
    (932 )     (210 )
Inventories
    301       678  
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
    122       16  
Accounts payable
    446       (1,002 )
Accrued expenses
    159       (589 )
Accrued and deferred taxes on income
    408       (266 )
Net cash (used by) provided by operating activities
    (1,093 )     442  
Cash flow used by investing activities:
               
Acquisition of property, plant and equipment
    (383 )     (309 )
Proceeds of sale of fixed assets
    4       -  
Net cash used by investing activities
    (379 )     (309 )
Cash flow used by financing activities:
               
Repayments of long term debt
    (31 )     (29 )
Purchase and retirement of common stock
    (70 )     (69 )
Net cash used by financing activities
    (101 )     (98 )
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash
    88       6  
Net (decrease) increase in cash
    (1,485 )     41  
Beginning balance - cash and cash equivalents
    2,823       1,797  
Ending balance - cash and cash equivalents
  $ 1,338     $ 1,838  
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:
               
Cash paid for income taxes
  $ 22     $ 244  
Cash paid for interest
    78     $ 122  
                 

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


 
- 4 -

 

SEVCON, INC.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements – June 29, 2013

(Unaudited)

(1)
Basis of presentation

Sevcon, Inc. (“Sevcon” or “the Company”) is a Delaware corporation organized on December 22, 1987 to carry on the electronic controls business previously performed by Tech/Ops, Inc. Through wholly-owned subsidiaries located in the United States, the United Kingdom, France, South Korea and Japan, the Company designs and sells, under the Sevcon name, microprocessor based controls for zero emission and hybrid electric vehicles. The controls are used to vary the speed and movement of vehicles, to integrate specialized functions and to prolong the shift life of vehicles’ power source. The Company’s customers are manufacturers of on-road, off-road and industrial vehicles including automobiles, buses, fork lift trucks, aerial lifts, mining vehicles, airport ground support vehicles, utility vehicles, sweepers and other battery powered vehicles. Through another subsidiary located in the United Kingdom, Sevcon, Inc. manufactures special metalized film capacitors that are used as components in the power electronics, signaling and audio equipment markets.

In the opinion of management, the accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements contain all adjustments (consisting of only normally recurring accruals) necessary to present fairly the financial position of Sevcon, Inc. as of June 29, 2013 and the results of operations and cash flows for the nine months ended June 29, 2013. These unaudited interim financial statements should be read in conjunction with the 2012 annual consolidated financial statements and related notes included in the 2012 Sevcon, Inc. Annual Report filed on Form 10-K (the “2012 10-K”). Unless otherwise indicated, each reference to a year means the Company’s fiscal year, which ends on September 30.

The results of operations for the nine month period ended June 29, 2013 are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the full year.

(2)           Summary of significant accounting policies

Other than the new accounting pronouncement as set forth in Note 3 below, there have been no changes since the end of 2012 to the significant accounting policies followed by Sevcon, Inc.

(3)           New accounting pronouncement

In February 2013, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued new guidance which requires disclosure of information about significant reclassification adjustments from accumulated other comprehensive income in a single note or on the face of the financial statements. This guidance became effective for the Company in 2013. Adoption of this standard, which is related to disclosure only, did not have an impact on the company’s consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

(4)           Stock-based compensation plans

Under the Company’s 1996 Equity Incentive Plan (the “Plan”) there were 137,000 shares reserved and available for grant at June 29, 2013.   There were 122,800 shares reserved and available for grant at June 30, 2012.  There were no options granted or exercised in the periods ended June 29, 2013 and June 30, 2012.

Recipients of grants must execute a standard form of non-competition agreement. The plan provides for the grant of Restricted Stock, Restricted Stock Units, Options, and Stock Appreciation Rights (“SARs”). SARs may be awarded either separately, or in relation to options granted, and for the grant of bonus shares. Options granted are exercisable at a price not less than fair market value on the date of grant.



 
- 5 -

 


A summary of option activity for all plans for the nine months ended June 29, 2013 is as follows:

   
 
 
Shares
under
Option
   
 
Weighted average Exercise
Price
   
Weighted average remaining contractual life
(years)
   
 
 
Aggregate
 Intrinsic Value
 
Outstanding at September 30, 2012
  $ 36,000     $ 4.51    
0.6 years
    $ 11,800  
Granted
    -       -       -       -  
Exercised
  $ -       -       -       -  
Cancelled
  $ (31,000 )     4.37       -       -  
Outstanding at June 29, 2013
    5,000     $ 5.40    
0.1 years
    $ -  
Exercisable at June 29, 2013
  $ 4,500     $ 5.40    
0.1 years
    $ -  
Exercisable and expected to vest at June 29, 2013
    4,500     $ 5.40    
0.1 years
    $ -  

The aggregate intrinsic value included in the table above represents the difference between the exercise price of the options and the market price of the Company’s common stock for the options that had exercise prices that were lower than the $4.49 and $3.50 closing market price of the Company’s common stock at June 29, 2013 and September 30, 2012, respectively.

In January 2013, the Company granted 16,800 shares of restricted stock to eight non-employee directors, which will vest on the day before the 2014 annual meeting providing that the grantee remains a director of the Company, or as otherwise determined by the Compensation Committee. The aggregate fair value of the stock measured on the date of grant was $72,000, based on the closing sale price of the stock on the date of grant. Compensation expense is being charged to income on a straight line basis over the twelve month period during which the forfeiture conditions lapse. The charge to income for these restricted stock grants in the first nine months of fiscal 2013 was $30,000 and the subsequent charge will be approximately $18,000 on a quarterly basis.

A summary of restricted stock activity for the nine months ended June 29, 2013 is as follows:

   
Number of shares of Restricted Stock
   
Weighted Average Grant-Date Fair Value
 
Non-vested balance as of September 30, 2012
    144,200     $ 5.22  
Granted
    16,800     $ 4.26  
Vested
    (57,200 )   $ 5.24  
Non-vested balance as of June 29, 2013
    103,800     $ 5.05  

Stock-based compensation expense was $47,000 and $215,000 for the three and nine month periods ended June 29, 2013. In the nine month period ended June 29, 2013, the stock-based compensation expense of $215,000 included $47,000 in respect of the cost of the acceleration of restricted stock awards for one employee who left the Company during the period.  The severance cost for that employee, including the $47,000 accelerated stock-based compensation expense, is included in the restructuring charge outlined in Note 15 below. At June 29, 2013, there was $407,000 of unrecognized compensation expense related to share options and restricted stock granted under the Plan. The Company expects to recognize that cost over a weighted average period of 3.1 years.

 
- 6 -

 

(5)           Cash dividends

The Board of Directors suspended dividends to conserve cash during the global recession that began in 2009 and will consider whether to resume paying dividends as conditions and the Company’s operating results improve.

(6)           Calculation of earnings per share and weighted average shares outstanding

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

(in thousands except per share data)
 
   
Three months ended
   
Nine months ended
 
   
   June 29,
2013
   
June 30,
2012
   
June 29,
2013
   
June 30,
2012
 
Net income (loss)
  $ 124     $ 156     $ (1,116 )   $ 910  
Weighted average shares outstanding – basic
    3,365       3,341       3,356       3,330  
Basic income  (loss) per share
  $ 0.04     $ 0.05     $ (0.33 )   $ 0.27  
Common stock equivalents
    6       69       4       51  
Weighted average shares outstanding – diluted
    3,371       3,410       3,360       3,381  
Diluted income (loss) per share
  $ 0.04     $ 0.05     $ (0.33 )   $ 0.27  
No. of options that are anti-dilutive excluded from calculation of common stock equivalents
    5       36       -       36  



(7)           Segment information

The Company has two reportable segments: electronic controls and capacitors. The electronic controls segment produces microprocessor based control systems for zero emission and hybrid electric vehicles. The capacitors segment produces metalized film capacitors for sale to electronic equipment manufacturers. Each segment has its own management team and sales force and the capacitors segment has its own manufacturing facility.

The significant accounting policies of the segments are the same as those described above and in Note 1 to the Consolidated Financial Statements in the 2012 10-K. Inter-segment revenues are accounted for at current market prices. The Company evaluates the performance of each segment principally based on operating income. The Company does not allocate income taxes, interest income and expense or foreign currency translation gains and losses to segments. Information concerning operations of these businesses is as follows:

 
   
(in thousands of dollars)
 
   
Three months ended June 29, 2013
 
   
                                      Controls
   
                                  Capacitors
   
                                   Corporate
   
                                           Total
 
Sales to external customers
   $ 8,191      $ 484      $ -      $ 8,675  
Inter-segment revenues
    -       -       -       -  
Operating income
    208       29       56       293  
Identifiable assets
    21,072       1,149       450       22,671  


   
Three months ended June 30, 2012
 
   
                                     Controls
   
                                   Capacitors
   
                                    Corporate
   
                                           Total
 
Sales to external customers
  $ 8,488     $ 390     $ -     $ 8,878  
Inter-segment revenues
    -       5       -       5  
Operating income (loss)
    (22 )     (63 )     120       35  
Identifiable assets
    20,854       1,121       173       22,148  
 
- 7 -

 

   
(in thousands of dollars)
 
   
Nine months ended June 29, 2013
 
   
Controls
   
Capacitors
   
Corporate
   
Total
 
Sales to external customers
  $ 21,974     $ 1,358     $ -     $ 23,332  
Inter-segment revenues
    -       6       -       6  
Operating income (loss)
    (1,228 )     8       (135 )     (1,355 )
Identifiable assets
    21,072       1,149       450       22,671  


   
Nine months ended June 30, 2012
 
   
Controls
   
Capacitors
   
Corporate
   
Total
 
Sales to external customers
  $ 26,263     $ 1,231     $ -     $ 27,494  
Inter-segment revenues
    -       19       -       19  
Operating income (loss)
    1,017       (109 )     74       982  
Identifiable assets
    20,854       1,121       173       22,148  

    In the electronic controls segment, revenues derive from the following products and services:

(in thousands of dollars)
 
   
Three months ended
   
Nine months ended
 
   
June 29,
2013
   
June 30,
2012
   
June 29,
2013
   
June 30,
2012
 
Electronic controls for zero emission and hybrid electric vehicles
  $ 5,718     $ 6,683     $ 14,367     $ 19,862  
Accessory and aftermarket products and services
    2,473       1,805       7,607       6,401  
Total electronic controls segment revenues
  $ 8,191     $ 8,488     $ 21,974     $ 26,263  

(8)           Research and development

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

(in thousands of dollars)
 
   
Three months ended
   
Nine months ended
 
   
June 29,
2013
   
June 30,
2012
   
June 29,
2013
   
June 30,
2012
 
Research and development expense, net of grants receivable
  $ 970     $ 948     $ 3,057     $ 2,591  
Percentage of sales
    11.2 %     10.7 %     13.1 %     9.4 %

In 2011, the Company was awarded a research and development grant by the U.K. Technology Strategy Board to lead a collaborative project with Cummins Generator Technologies and Newcastle University in the U.K. to develop an innovative electric drive system for electric vehicles using advanced switched reluctance motor technology. The Company recorded grant income from this Technology Strategy Board project of $30,000 and $36,000, respectively, for the three and nine month periods ended June 29, 2013 associated with research and development expense of $108,000. The Company also recorded grant income of $12,000 in the three and ninth month periods ended June 30, 2012 associated with research and development expense of $35,000 on this project. The grant income in 2013 and 2012 was recorded as a reduction of research and development expense.

In 2010, the Company was awarded a research and development grant by the U.K. Technology Strategy Board, to participate in a consortium of organizations on a project to research and design ultra-efficient systems for electric and hybrid vehicles. The Company recorded grant income from this U.K. Technology Strategy Board project of $37,000 and $147,000 for the three and nine month periods ended June 30, 2012 respectively, associated with research and development expense of $322,000. The Company did not record any income in respect of this Technology Strategy Board grant in the three and ninth month periods ended June 29, 2013. The grant income in 2012 was recorded as a reduction of research and development expense.


 
- 8 -

 

(9)           Employee benefit plans

Sevcon has defined contribution plans covering the majority of its U.S. and U.K. employees in the controls business. There is also a small defined contribution plan covering senior managers in the capacitor business. The Company has frozen U.K. and U.S. defined benefit plans for which no future benefits are being earned by employees.  The following table sets forth the components of the net pension cost for the three and nine month periods ended June 29, 2013 and June 30, 2012, respectively:

   
(in thousands of dollars)
 
   
Three months ended
   
Nine months ended
 
   
June 29,
2013
   
June 30,
2012
   
June 29,
2013
   
June 30,
2012
 
Service cost
  $ -     $ 67     $ -     $ 198  
Interest cost
    309       308       945       958  
Expected return on plan assets
    (286 )     (288 )     (876 )     (858 )
Amortization of net loss
    68       98       208       232  
Amortization of prior service cost
    -       (6 )     -       (18 )
Net periodic benefit cost
  $ 91     $ 179     $ 277     $ 512  
Net cost of defined contribution plans
  $ 103     $ 35     $ 346     $ 125  
Net cost of all employee benefit plans
  $ 194     $ 214     $ 623     $ 637  

The following table sets forth the movement in the liability for pension benefits in the nine month period ended June 29, 2013:

   
(in thousands of dollars)
 
   
June 29,
2013
   
June 30,
2012
 
Liability for pension benefits at beginning of period
  $ 10,264     $ 7,634  
Net periodic benefit cost
    277       512  
Plan contributions
    (321 )     (396 )
Amortization of net loss
    (208 )     (232 )
Amortization of prior service costs
    -       18  
Effect of exchange rate changes
    (516 )     (13 )
Balance at end of period
  $ 9,496     $ 7,523  

Amounts recognized in the balance sheet consist of:

   
(in thousands of dollars)
 
   
June 29,
2013
   
September 30,
2012
 
Non-current liabilities
  $ 9,496     $ 10,264  

Amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive loss consist of:

   
(in thousands of dollars)
 
   
Three months ended
   
Nine months ended
 
   
June 29,
2013
   
June 30,
2012
   
June 29,
2013
   
June 30,
2012
 
Actuarial loss, net of $19,000 and $56,000 tax benefit for the three and nine month periods, respectively (2012 : net of $63,000 tax benefit)
  $  49     $  68     $  152     $  169  
Prior service gain, (2012 : net of $3,000 and $6,000 tax charge for the three and nine month periods, respectively)
      -       (3 )       -       (12 )
    $ 49     $ 65     $ 152     $ 157  



 
- 9 -

 

Sevcon, Inc. contributed $29,000 to its frozen U.S. defined benefit plan in the nine months ended June 29, 2013; it presently anticipates contributing a further $57,000 to fund its U.S. plan in the remainder of fiscal 2013. In addition, employer contributions to the U.K. defined benefit plan were $292,000 in the first nine months and are estimated to total $407,000 in 2013.

The table below presents information about the Company’s pension plan assets measured and recorded at fair value as of June 29, 2013 and indicates the fair value hierarchy of the inputs utilized by the Company to determine the fair values.
(in thousands of dollars)
   
Level 1*
(Quoted prices in active
markets)
   
Level 2**
(Significant observable inputs)
   
 
Level 3***
(Unobservable inputs)
 
Mutual Funds
                 
Standard Life Pension Global Absolute Returns StrategiesFund
    6,107       -       -  
Standard Life U.K. Indexed Linked Fund
    1,580       -       -  
Standard Life Long Corporate Bond Fund
    1,475       -       -  
CF Ruffer Absolute Return Fund
    6,473       -       -  
U.S. Equity Funds and Mutual Funds
    1,388       -       -  
U.S. Fixed Income  Funds
    809       -       -  
                         
Other Types of Investments
                       
Cash
    356       -       -  
Total
    18,188       -       -  

*
Level 1 investments represent mutual funds for which a quoted market price is available on an active market. These investments will primarily hold stocks or bonds, or a combination of stocks and bonds.

**
The Company currently does not have any Level 2 pension plan financial assets.

***
The Company currently does not have any Level 3 pension plan financial assets.

The following estimated benefit payments, which reflect future service, as appropriate, have been or are expected to be paid:

   
(in thousands
of dollars)
 
2013
  $ 390  
2014
    535  
2015
    689  
2016
    757  
2017
    765  
2018 – 2022
    4,252  


 
- 10 -

 

(10)           Inventories

Inventories were comprised of:

   
(in thousands of dollars)
 
   
June 29,
2013
   
September 30,
2012
 
Raw materials
  $ 2,170     $ 2,391  
Work-in-process
    7       76  
Finished goods
    3,643       3,879  
    $ 5,820     $ 6,346  

(11)           Fair value of financial instruments

The Company's financial instruments consist mainly of cash and cash equivalents, short-term investments, accounts receivable and accounts payable. The carrying amount of these financial instruments as of June 29, 2013 approximates fair value due to the short-term nature of these instruments. The fair value of the Company’s long term debt at June 29, 2013 approximated $1,781,000 (the carrying value on the consolidated balance sheet at June 29, 2013) based on recent financial market pricing. The long term debt represents a level 2 liability in accordance with the fair value hierarchy since it is based on significant observable inputs.
 
 

(12)           Accrued expenses

Set out below is an analysis of other accrued expenses at June 29, 2013 and September 30, 2012, which shows separately any items in excess of 5% of total current liabilities:

   
(in thousands of dollars)
 
   
June 29,
2013
   
September 30,
2012
 
Accrued compensation and related costs
  $ 1,074     $ 1,021  
Other accrued expenses
    855       782  
    $ 1,929     $ 1,803  

(13)           Warranty reserves

The movement in warranty reserves was as follows:

   
(in thousands of dollars)
 
   
Three months ended
   
Nine months ended
 
   
June 29,
2013
   
June 30,
2012
   
June 29,
2013
   
June 30,
2012
 
Warranty reserves at beginning of period
  $ 90     $ 88     $ 89     $ 89  
Pre-existing warranty obligations
    (5 )     (8 )     (20 )     (16 )
Other changes to pre-existing warranties
    -       -               (8 )
Foreign currency translation adjustment
    -       (1 )     (1 )     (1 )
Net (decrease) increase  in warranty reserves for products   sold during the period
    40       -       57       15  
Warranty reserves at end of period
  $ 125     $ 79     $ 125     $ 79  

(14)           Debt

At June 29, 2013 the Company had $81,000 outstanding under a U.K. bank loan entered into in April 2010, with a fixed interest rate of 6.8%. The loan, which was entered into by the U.K. metalized film capacitor subsidiary to purchase an item of capital equipment, is denominated in British Pounds. The loan agreement provides for equal monthly installments of $4,000 comprising interest and principal for a five year period commencing in May 2010. Of the total amount outstanding at June 29, 2013, $43,000 is shown in the current liabilities section of the accompanying consolidated balance sheet under current debt, representing the principal element of the loan installments ending on June 30, 2014. Included in other long term liabilities at June 29, 2013, is $38,000 which represents the principal element of the loan installments payable in fiscal years 2014 and 2015. The fair market value of the debt at June 29, 2013 was $81,000.

The Company’s wholly owned subsidiary, Sevcon USA, Inc., has a $3,500,000 secured revolving credit facility with RBS Citizens, National Association for working capital and general corporate purposes. The loan and security agreement will expire on June 14, 2014 when all outstanding principal and unpaid interest will be due and payable in full.  The facility may be paid before maturity in whole or in part at the option of Sevcon USA, Inc., without penalty or premium.  Interest on the loan is payable monthly, and in the third quarter of 2013, was calculated at a margin over LIBOR.  Under the facility, Sevcon USA, Inc. must maintain, on a quarterly basis, a debt to tangible net worth ratio of no more than 2.40:1 and a debt service coverage ratio of no less than 1.25:1 for each rolling twelve-month period.  Upon entering into the revolving credit facility, Sevcon USA, Inc. drew down $1,700,000, which was the total amount outstanding at June 29, 2013.  This $1,700,000 is shown in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet under current portion of long term debt. The carrying value of the debt approximated to fair value based on current published interest rates.

In July 2013, the Company’s U.K. bank renewed the multi-currency overdraft facilities of the Company’s U.K. controls and capacitor subsidiaries. The facilities total $1,400,000 and are secured by real estate owned by those companies. In common with bank overdrafts in Europe, the renewal of the facilities is for a twelve month period although in line with normal practice in Europe, they can be withdrawn on demand by the bank.  Of the $1,400,000 facilities, $342,000 was drawn down at June 29, 2013.  At June 29, 2013, the Company had a positive bank balance of $657,000 with its main bankers, The Royal Bank of Scotland Group, including the $342,000 overdraft facility drawn down in the Company’s U.K. subsidiary.

Annual principal payments on long term debt at June 29, 2013 are as follows:

Fiscal year (in thousands of dollars)
2013
  $ 10  
2014
    1,743  
2015
    28  
Total
  $ 1,781  

(15)           Restructuring charge

In February 2013, the Company announced a limited restructuring program in the controls business segment to reduce operating expense in response to the uncertain economic environment and the resultant lower demand for the Company’s products experienced in the first quarter of 2013. The program, which was completed in March 2013, resulted in the termination of 8 employees across the Company’s operations in the U.S. and the U.K. There was a restructuring charge in the second quarter of fiscal 2013 of $605,000 before taxes, which comprised one-time employee severance costs, associated professional fees, consultant costs and other costs relating to this program.

The following table summarizes the components of the restructuring charge for the period ended June 29, 2013:

   
(in thousands of dollars)
 
Severance and other related costs
  $ 343  
Consultant costs, professional fees and other costs
    262  
Total restructuring charge
  $ 605  

The following table summarizes the liabilities related to the 2013 restructuring program:

               
(in thousands of dollars)
 
   
Balance at October 1, 2012
   
 
Charges
   
 
Payments
   
Balance at June 29, 2013
 
Severance and other related costs
    -       343       (343 )     -  
Consultant costs, professional fees and other costs
    -       262       (216 )     46  
Total
    -       605       (559 )     46  


 
- 11 -

 

(16)           Subsequent events

In preparing these interim consolidated financial statements, the Company has evaluated, for potential recognition or disclosure, events or transactions subsequent to the end of the most recent quarterly period, the issuance date of these financial statements. No material subsequent events were identified that require recognition or disclosure in these financial statements.

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

FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS

Statements in this discussion and analysis about the Company’s anticipated financial results and growth, as well as those about the development of its products and markets, are forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected. Important factors that could cause these statements not to be realized include the risks discussed under “Risk Factors” below and others discussed in this report.

CRITICAL ACCOUNTING ESTIMATES

As of June 29, 2013, there have been no material changes to the critical accounting estimates described in the Company’s 2012 10-K. However, if the continuing worldwide economic troubles continue to have a negative effect on our business, estimates used in future periods may vary materially from those included in the Company’s previous disclosures.

For example:
 
(i)  
if the financial condition of any of the Company's customers deteriorates as a result of further business declines, the Company may be required to increase its estimated allowance for bad debts;
 
(ii)  
if actual future demand is less than previously projected, inventory write-downs may be required; or
 
(iii)  
significant negative industry or economic trends that adversely affect our future revenues and profits, or a reduction of our market capitalization relative to net book value, among other factors, may change the estimated future cash flows or other factors that we use to determine whether or not goodwill has been impaired and lead us to conclude that an impairment charge is required.
 
All of these factors, and others resulting from the current economic situation, may have a material adverse impact on the Company’s results.

 
- 12 -

 

OVERVIEW OF THIRD QUARTER AND FIRST NINE MONTHS

Results of Operations

Three months ended June 29, 2013 and June 30, 2012

The following table compares the results by segment for the three months ended June 29, 2013 with the same period in the prior year. The table shows the effect of currency and volume changes in percentage terms:

   
Three months ended
   
Favorable (unfavorable) % change due to:
 
   
June 29,
2013
   
June 30,
2012
   
Total
   
Currency
   
Volume
 
Sales:
                             
Controls - to external customers
  $ 8,191     $ 8,488       (4 )     (1 )     (3 )
Capacitors - to external customers
    484       390       24       (4 )     28  
Capacitors - inter-segment
    -       5       (100 )     -       (100 )
Capacitors – total
    484       395       23       (4 )     27  
Total sales to external customers
    8,675       8,878       (2 )     (1 )     (1 )
Gross Profit:
                                       
Controls
    3,039       2,840       7       (11 )     18  
Capacitors
    198       113       74       (6 )     80  
Total
    3,237       2,953       10       (10 )     20  
Selling, research and administrative expenses:
                                       
Controls
    (2,831 )     (2,862 )     1       2       (1 )
Capacitors
    (169 )     (176 )     4       3       1  
Unallocated corporate (expense) income
    56       120       53       -       53  
Total
    (2,944 )     (2,918 )     (1 )     2       (3 )
Operating income:
                                       
Controls
    208       (22 )     1,045       (1,158 )     2,203  
Capacitors
    29       (63 )     146       (2 )     148  
Unallocated corporate (expense) income
    56       120       53       -       53  
Total
    293       35       737       (731 )     1,468  
Other income and expense
    (122 )     22       (655 )     (431 )     (224 )
Income before income tax
    171       57       200       (615 )     815  
Income tax (provision) benefit
    (47 )     99       (147 )     (59 )     (88 )
Net  income
  $ 124     $ 156       (21 )     (262 )     241  

Sales in the third quarter of 2013 were $8,675,000 compared to $8,878,000 in the same quarter last year. This decrease was in our controls business segment and reflected lower sales to customers in our four-wheel on-road sector and a continuation of the lower demand from mining customers offset somewhat by increased sales in two-wheel on-road applications and our other traditional markets of aerial work platforms and fork lift trucks. The reduction in sales to our four-wheel on-road customers was limited to one customer. Sales to the mining sector were lower this year to all customers in this sector reflecting weakness in the coal mining sector globally.

In our controls business segment, sales in our third quarter were lower than in the third quarter last year in both Europe and North America, but higher in the Far East. Excluding foreign currency effects, revenues declined 6% in North America, driven almost entirely by lower demand from our mining customers. Sales in Europe were down 16%, reflecting lower shipments to Renault offset by higher shipments to two-wheel on-road customers and our traditional markets, despite the ongoing European recession. Sales were 57% higher in the Far East, where we experienced higher demand in China and Japan. The improvement in sales for construction and on-road applications we experienced in our second quarter continued into the third quarter. Higher demand from customers in the aerial work platform, fork lift truck and four-wheel on-road sectors drove the 57% improvement in sales in the Far East.

In what remains a challenging set of markets globally, we are happy overall with the progress being made in sales to two-wheel on-road applications which continued to improve this quarter. Sales to our traditional markets were less volatile than in the first half of this year. Excluding the decrease in demand from Renault, sales to our remaining four-wheel on-road customers increased in the quarter.

In the capacitor business, sales were 24% higher than in the third quarter last year due mainly to higher demand from railway signaling customers.

Gross profit of $3,237,000 was 37.3% of sales in the third quarter, compared to $2,953,000 or 33.3% of sales in the same quarter last year. The increase in the gross profit percentage compared to the prior year was due to improved sales mix in the controls business.

Selling, research and administrative expense in the third quarter of 2013 was essentially flat with the same period last year, reflecting our continuing focus on product development and engineering this past year. Engineering and research and development expense as a percentage of total sales was 11.2% in the third quarter of fiscal 2013, compared with 10.7% in the same period last year; this reflects both  increased investment in engineering and product development as well as the small year-over-year decline in revenue.

There was operating income for the third quarter of $293,000; this compares with operating income of $35,000 in the same period last year which included $49,000 in U.K. government grant income.

In the third quarter of 2013 there was a foreign currency loss of $94,000 compared to a gain of $54,000 in the same period last year. The Company recorded an interest expense of $28,000 in the quarter compared to an expense of $32,000 in the same period last year.

The Company recorded income before income taxes of $171,000 in the third quarter of 2013 compared to income before income taxes of $57,000 in the same period last year, and an income tax charge of $47,000 compared with an income tax benefit of $99,000, in the same period last year. In December 2012 the U.K. government announced a reduction in the U.K. corporate income tax rate from the present rate of 23% to 21% effective April 1, 2014 and a further reduction to 20% effective April 1, 2015. These tax rate reductions were substantively enacted in U.K. law in July 2013. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of the change in the tax rate will be recognized in income in the Company’s fourth fiscal quarter of 2013.  It is estimated that there will be a charge to income in the fourth quarter to write down the value of the U.K. deferred tax asset from 23% to 21% and 20%, as appropriate, of approximately $350,000.
 
There was net income for the quarter, after income tax, of $124,000 or $0.04 per diluted share, compared to net income after tax of $156,000, or income of $0.05 per diluted share in the same quarter last year.



 
- 13 -

 

Nine months ended June 29, 2013 and June 30, 2012

The following table compares results by segment for the nine months ended June 29, 2013 with the same period in the prior year.  The table shows the effect of currency and volume changes in percentage terms.


   
Nine months ended
   
Favorable (unfavorable) % change due to:
 
   
June 29,
2013
   
June 30,
2012
   
Total
   
Currency
   
Volume
 
Sales:
                             
Controls - to external customers
  $ 21,974     $ 26,263       (16 )     (1 )     (15 )
Capacitors - to external customers
    1,358       1,231       10       (1 )     11  
Capacitors - inter-segment
    6       19       (67 )     (1 )     (66 )
Capacitors - total
    1,364       1,250       9       (1 )     10  
Total sales to external customers
    23,332       27,494       (15 )     (1 )     (14 )
Gross Profit:
                                       
Controls
    8,000       9,155       (13 )     -       (13 )
Capacitors
    484       402       20       (2 )     22  
Total
    8,484       9,557       (11 )     -       (11 )
Selling, research and administrative expenses and restructuring charge:
                                       
Controls
    (9,228 )     (8,138 )     (13 )     1       (14 )
Capacitors
    (476 )     (511 )     7       1       6  
Unallocated corporate (expense)income
    (135 )     74       (282 )     -       (282 )
Total
    (9,839 )     (8,575 )     (15 )     1       (16 )
Operating (loss) income:
                                       
Controls
    (1,228 )     1,017       (221 )     5       (226 )
Capacitors
    8       (109 )     107       (3 )     110  
Unallocated corporate (expense)
income
    (135 )     74       (282 )     -       (282 )
Total
    (1,355 )     982       (238 )     5       (243 )
Other income and expense
    (460 )     76       (705 )     (664 )     (41 )
(Loss) income before income tax
    (1,815 )     1,058       (272 )     (43 )     (229 )
Income tax benefit (provision)
    699       (148 )     572       51       521  
Net (loss) income
  $ (1,116 )   $ 910       (223 )     (42 )     (181 )
                                         

Sales in the nine months ended June 29, 2013 were $23,332,000, a decrease of $4,162,000, or 15%, compared to the same period last year when sales were $27,494,000. Foreign currency exchange rates were similar to last year and had little effect on reported sales.

In our controls business segment, sales were lower than in same period last year in both Europe and North America, but higher in the Far East. Sales in Europe and North America were lower by 27% and 16%, respectively, but sales in the Far East were 13% higher, compared to the same period last year. The Company’s traditional markets for fork lift trucks and mining equipment were 10% and 37% lower, respectively, than the same period last year. Sales for aerial work platform applications were 17% higher year-on-year with strong product demand for applications in the Far East in the second and third quarters. In the on-road vehicle segment, lower sales to Renault in Europe reduced overall demand from this segment by 49%. This reduction was partially offset by higher sales to other on-road OEMs especially manufacturers of two-wheel vehicles where volumes were 26% higher compared to the same period last year.

Volumes shipped in the capacitor business were 10% higher than the same period last year with higher demand from railway signaling customers and audio equipment manufacturers.

Gross profit of $8,484,000 was 36.4% of sales in this period compared to $9,557,000, or 34.8%, in the comparable period in fiscal 2012. Excluding the impact of foreign currency fluctuations, in the controller business, gross profit decreased by $1,142,000, or 13%, compared to the first nine months of fiscal 2012 due to lower volumes shipped; in the capacitor business, gross profit increased by $89,000, or 22%, due to higher customer demand in the first nine months compared to the prior year.

Selling, research and administrative expense, excluding a one-time restructuring charge in the second quarter of $605,000, was $9,234,000 in 2013. This represented an increase of $659,000, or 8%, from the $8,575,000 recorded in the same period last year, which included U.K. government grant income of $159,000 compared to $36,000 of grant income recorded in the first nine months of 2013. The grant income recorded in both 2012 and 2013 reduced research and development expense in the respective periods. Adjusting for the grant income received in each period, the increase in selling, research and administrative expense year-on year was $536,000 or 6%. The higher expense in fiscal 2013 reflects the Company’s continued strong focus on product development and, with it, the addition of engineering staff this past year.  Total selling, research and administrative expense of $9,839,000 for the first nine months of 2013 included the restructuring charge of $605,000 recognized in the second quarter of 2013.

The Company recorded an operating loss in the first nine months of fiscal 2013 of $1,355,000 compared with operating income of $982,000 in the same period last year.

In the first nine months of 2013 there was a foreign currency loss of $383,000 compared to a gain of $175,000 in the same period last year, mainly due to a stronger U.S. Dollar compared to both the British Pound and the Euro in the first nine months of 2013 than in the prior year period.

In the first nine months of 2013 the Company recorded an income tax benefit of $699,000, or 38.5% of the recorded loss before income tax, compared to an income tax charge of $148,000, or 14.0% of income before income tax in the same period in 2012.

The Company recorded a net loss for the first nine months of 2013 of $1,116,000 or $0.33 per diluted share compared to net income of $910,000, or $0.27 per diluted share, in the same period in 2012.

Financial Condition

Cash balances at the end of the third quarter of 2013 were $1,338,000, compared to $2,823,000 on September 30, 2012, a decrease in cash of $1,485,000 in the first nine months of 2013.

In the first nine months of 2013, operating activities used $1,093,000 of cash. Excluding the impact of currency fluctuations, receivables increased by $932,000 which reduced cash during the period. Inventories and prepaid expenses reduced by $301,000 and $122,000, respectively, and accounts payable, accrued expenses and accrued taxes increased by $446,000, $159,000 and $408,000, respectively, all of which increased cash in the period. The number of days sales in receivables decreased in the first nine months of 2013 by one day from 64 days at September 30, 2012 to 63 days at June 29, 2013. Capital expenditures in the first nine months were $383,000. Exchange rate changes increased reported cash by $88,000 in the first nine months of 2013.

The Company had a U.K. bank loan of $81,000, of which $43,000 was short-term and $38,000 long-term debt at June 29, 2013. It has overdraft facilities in the United Kingdom amounting to $1,400,000, of which $342,000 was drawn down as of June 29, 2013.  At June 29, 2013, the Company had a positive bank balance of $657,000 with its main bankers, The Royal Bank of Scotland Group, including the $342,000 overdraft facility drawn down in the Company’s U.K. subsidiary. The overdraft facilities were unused as of September 30, 2012. The overdraft facility of the U.K. capacitor subsidiary is secured by a legal charge over the property owned and occupied by that company. The overdraft facility of the U.K. controls subsidiary is secured by a legal charge over a property owned by that company. Both facilities were renewed in July 2013 for a further period of twelve months but, in line with normal practice in Europe, can be withdrawn on demand by the bank. Management believes that, if these facilities were withdrawn, adequate alternative credit resources would be available. However, this would depend on the Company’s situation and the economic environment at the time. Accordingly, management does not rely on their availability in projecting the adequacy of the Company’s capital resources.

The Company’s wholly owned subsidiary, Sevcon USA, Inc., has a $3,500,000 secured revolving credit facility with RBS Citizens, National Association for working capital and general corporate purposes. The obligations under the revolving credit facility are guaranteed by the Company and are secured by all of the assets of Sevcon USA, Inc. and a pledge of all of the capital stock of Sevcon USA, Inc.  The facility imposes customary limitations on Sevcon USA, Inc.’s ability to, among other things, pay dividends, make distributions, and incur additional indebtedness.  Under the facility, Sevcon USA, Inc. must maintain, on a quarterly basis, a debt to tangible net worth ratio of no more than 2.40:1 and a debt service coverage ratio of no less than 1.25:1 for each rolling twelve-month period.  Upon entering into the revolving credit facility, Sevcon USA, Inc. drew down $1,700,000, which was the total amount outstanding at June 29, 2013. The revolving credit facility will expire on June 14, 2014 when all outstanding principal and unpaid interest will be due and payable in full. As at June 29, 2013, the amount outstanding under this credit facility is shown in the consolidated balance sheet under current portion of long term debt, representing the principal element of the loan payable in the year ending June 30, 2014. The Company has entered into discussions with RBS Citizens, National Association to extend the term of this secured revolving credit facility for a further three year term to June 2017 and hopes to successfully conclude those discussions before the end of the fiscal year.

There were no significant capital expenditure commitments at June 29, 2013. It is estimated that the Company will make contributions to its U.K. and U.S. defined benefit pension plans of approximately $493,000 in fiscal 2013. Should the Company suffer a material reduction in revenues in 2013 this commitment could adversely impact the Company’s financial position. In the opinion of management, the Company’s requirements for working capital to meet projected operational and capital spending in both the short and long term can be met by a combination of existing cash resources, future earnings and existing borrowing facilities in Europe. However, the outlook continues to remain uncertain, given the continuing worldwide economic situation and in particular the low economic growth in Europe and North America and the continuing debt crisis in Europe. Any material reduction in revenues will have a materially adverse impact on the Company’s financial position, which would be exacerbated if any of the Company’s lenders withdraws or reduces available credit. If the Company is unable to generate sufficient cash from operations and if the bank overdraft facilities are withdrawn, the Company would need to raise additional debt or equity capital from other sources to avoid significantly curtailing its business and materially adversely affecting its results.
 
 

Item 3  Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk.

Foreign currency risk

The Company sells to customers throughout the industrialized world. The majority of the Company’s products are manufactured in, or sourced from, the United Kingdom. In the first nine months of 2013, approximately 49% of the Company’s sales were made in U.S. Dollars, 21% were made in British Pounds and 30% were made in Euros. Approximately 80% of the Company’s cost of sales was incurred in British Pounds and Euros. This resulted in the Company’s sales and margins being exposed to fluctuations due to the change in the exchange rates of the U.S. Dollar, the British Pound and the Euro. The Company has trade accounts receivable and accounts payable denominated in both British Pounds and Euros that are exposed to exchange fluctuations.

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

The following table provides information about the Company’s foreign currency accounts receivable, accounts payable and firmly committed sales contracts outstanding as of June 29, 2013. The information is provided in U.S. Dollar amounts, as presented in the Company’s consolidated financial statements. The table presents the amounts at which the Company’s foreign currency accounts receivable, accounts payable and firmly committed sales contracts as of June 29, 2013 are expected to mature based on the exchange rate of the relevant foreign currency to U.S. Dollars at June 29, 2013:

 
- 14 -

 


   
(in thousands of dollars)
 
   
Expected maturity or transaction date
       
   
Fiscal 2013
   
Fiscal 2014
   
Fair Value
 
On balance sheet financial instruments:
                 
In $ U.S. Functional Currency
                 
Accounts receivable in British Pounds
    1,092       -       1,092  
Accounts receivable in Euros
    2,834       -       2,834  
Accounts payable in British Pounds
    999       -       999  
Accounts payable in Euros
    1,909       -       1,909  
Anticipated Transactions
                       
In $ U.S. Functional Currency
                       
Firmly committed sales contracts
                       
In British Pounds
    1,888       455       2,343  
In Euros
    1,629       236       1,865  


Interest Rate Risk

The Company’s policy is to invest surplus funds in instruments with maturities of less than 12 months at both fixed and floating interest rates. This investment portfolio is generally subject to general credit, liquidity, counterparty, market and interest rate risks. If the banking system or the fixed income or credit markets deteriorate or become volatile, the values and liquidity of these investments could be adversely affected. The Company did not have any surplus funds invested as of June 29, 2013.

At June 29, 2013, the Company had $81,000 of interest bearing debt related to a bank loan for the purchase of capital equipment by the Company’s U.K. metalized film capacitor business. The Company also had, at June 29, 2013, a $3,500,000 secured revolving credit facility with RBS Citizens, National Association of which $1,700,000 had been drawn down by the Company’s U.S. controller business, Sevcon USA, Inc., and which was the total amount outstanding at that date. The Company incurs short-term borrowings from time-to-time on its overdraft facilities in Europe at variable interest rates.
 
 

Item 4  Controls and Procedures.

(a)         Evaluation of disclosure controls and procedures. The Company’s principal executive officer and principal financial officer, after evaluating the effectiveness of the Company’s “disclosure controls and procedures” (as defined in the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 Rule 13a-15(e)), have concluded that, as of June 29, 2013, these disclosure controls and procedures were effective.

(b)         Changes in internal control over financial reporting. Our principal executive officer and principal financial officer have identified no change in the Company’s “internal control over financial reporting” (as defined in Securities Exchange Act of 1934 Rule 13a-15(f)) that occurred during the period covered by this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

PART II.   OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1 Legal Proceedings

None.


 
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Item 1A Risk Factors

In addition to the market risk factors set forth in Part I, Item 1A of our 2012 10-K and the considerations set out in Part I, Items 2 and 3 above, the Company believes that the following represent the most significant risk factors for the Company:

Capital markets are cyclical and weakness in the United States and international economies may harm our business.

The Company’s traditional customers are mainly manufacturers of capital goods such as fork lift trucks, aerial lifts and railway signaling equipment. These markets are cyclical and depend heavily on worldwide transportation, shipping and other economic activity. They experienced a significant decline in demand during the recent global recession. Further, as our business has expanded globally, we have become increasingly subject to the risks arising from adverse changes in global economic conditions. While market conditions have appeared to improve since 2010, economic instability remains, particularly in the Eurozone. As a result, current or potential customers may be unable to fund purchases or manufacturing of products, which could cause them to delay, decrease or cancel purchases of our products or not to pay the Company or to delay paying for previously purchased products. In addition, the effect of the crisis on the Company’s banks and other banks may cause the Company to lose its current overdraft facilities and be unable otherwise to obtain financing for operations as needed.

Demand for on-road electric vehicles incorporating our products may not materialize.

The Company has become increasingly involved in developing products for the on-road electric vehicle market. We have relationships with several customers that incorporate our products into their EV products. Our competitors and others are also developing products for other entrants in the EV market, with similar and competing technologies. If our customers’ products or technology are not successful commercially, or if worldwide demand for EVs fails to grow as much as we hope, we may not realize the anticipated demand for our products in the EV market, which may have a material adverse effect on our results of operations.

The Company relies on a small number of key customers for a substantial portion of its revenues.

Ten customers accounted for 45% of the Company’s revenues in the first nine months of 2013 and the largest customer accounted for 9% of revenues. Although we have had business relationships with some of these customers for many years, our relationships with on-road EV customers are newer and, in any event, there are no long-term contractual supply agreements in place with any customer. Accordingly our performance could be adversely affected by the loss of one or more of these key customers.

The Company has substantial sales and operations outside the United States that could be adversely affected by changes in international markets.

A significant portion of our operations is located, and a significant portion of our business comes from, outside the United States. Accordingly, our performance could be adversely affected by economic downturns in Europe or the Far East as well as in the United States. A consequence of significant international business is that a large percentage of our revenues and expenses are denominated in foreign currencies that fluctuate in value versus the U.S. Dollar. Significant fluctuations in foreign exchange rates can and do have a material impact on our financial results, which are reported in U.S. Dollars. Other risks associated with international business include: changing regulatory practices and tariffs; staffing and managing international operations, including complying with local employment laws; longer collection cycles in certain areas; and changes in tax and other laws.

The continuing debt crisis in the Eurozone may have a material adverse effect on our business and operating results, which could adversely affect our stock price.

There continues to be significant uncertainty about the stability of global credit and financial markets in light of the continuing debt crisis in certain European countries.  A default or a withdrawal from the Eurozone by any of the countries involved, or the uncertainty alone, could cause the value of the Euro to deteriorate.  This, or a change to a local currency, would reduce the purchasing power of affected European customers. We are unable to predict the likelihood of any of these events but, if any occurs, our business, financial position and results of operations could be materially and adversely affected.

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

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

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

In the electronic controls segment, the majority of the Company’s finished product is produced in three separate plants in Poland, Mexico and China; these plants are owned by sub-contractors. The capacitor business is located in a single plant in Wales. In the event that any of these plants was to be damaged or destroyed, there is no certainty that the Company would be able to establish alternative facilities in time to meet customer demand. The Company does carry property damage and business interruption insurance but this may not cover certain lost business due to the long-term nature of the relationships with many customers.

Failure to comply with financial covenants in our loan agreement could adversely affect us.

As of June 29, 2013, the Company’s subsidiary in the United States, Sevcon USA, Inc. had $1,700,000 of outstanding indebtedness under a revolving credit facility with RBS Citizens, National Association.  This indebtedness is secured by all of Sevcon USA, Inc.’s assets and a pledge of all the capital stock of Sevcon USA, Inc.  The loan agreement includes financial covenants which require us to maintain compliance with certain financial ratios during the term of the agreement.  See “Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations - Financial Condition”.  Failure to comply with the financial covenants would be an event of default under the loan agreement that would give the lender the right to cease making additional advances, accelerate repayment of all sums due and take action to collect the monies owed to it, including foreclosing on its security interest, which would have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial condition.

Product liability claims may have a material adverse effect.

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

Item 2    Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

 
Shares of common stock reacquired in order to pay the withholding taxes due upon vesting of restricted stock awards during the three months ended June 29, 2013, were as follows:
 
Period
 
Total number of shares purchased
   
Average price paid per share
   
Total number of shares purchased as part of repurchase program
   
Maximum number of shares that may yet be purchased under repurchase programs
 
March 31, 2013 to April 27, 2013
    -       -       -       -  
April 28, 2013 to May 25, 2013
    -       -       -       -  
May 26, 2013 to June 29, 2013
    3,801     $ 4.49       -       -  
Total
    3,801     $ 4.49       -       -  



Item 3    Defaults upon Senior Securities

None.


 
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Item 4    Mine Safety Disclosures

Not Applicable.

Item 5    Other Information

The Company’s 2014 Annual Meeting of Stockholders will be held at 5.00 pm on Tuesday, February 4, 2014.

Item 6    Exhibits

See Exhibit Index immediately preceding the exhibits.


 
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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.

 
SEVCON, INC.
   
   
Date: August 8, 2013
By: /s/ Paul N. Farquhar
 
Paul N. Farquhar
 
Chief Financial Officer (Principal Financial Officer)
 


INDEX OF EXHIBITS

   
Exhibit
Description
 
3.1
Restated Certificate of Incorporation of the registrant (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2 to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed on June 7, 2011).
   
3.2
Amended and Restated By-laws of the registrant (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.3 to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed on June 7, 2011).
   
31.1
Certification of Principal Executive Officer pursuant to section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (filed herewith).
   
31.2
Certification of Principal Financial Officer pursuant to section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (filed herewith).
   
32.1
Certification of Principal Executive Officer and Principal Financial Officer pursuant to section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (filed herewith).
   
101
The following materials formatted in eXtensible Business Reporting Language (XBRL): (i) Consolidated Statements of Operations (ii) Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) (iii) Consolidated Balance Sheets (iv) Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows and (v) Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.  These materials are furnished and not “filed” herewith.





 
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