Form 10-Q
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, 2008

 

¨ 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

(Issuer’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 Exchange Act during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the Issuer 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 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  ¨

   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 8, 2008, the registrant had 7,661,241 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, 2008

 

     Page

Part I. Financial Information

  

Item 1. Financial Statements

  

Condensed Unaudited Consolidated Balance Sheet

   3

Condensed Unaudited Consolidated Statements of Operations

   4

Condensed Unaudited Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity

   5

Condensed Unaudited Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

   6

Notes to Condensed Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements

   7

Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis Of Financial Condition and Results of Operation

   13

Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk

   21

Item 4T. Controls and Procedures

   22

Part II. Other Information

  

Item 6. Exhibits

   22

Signatures

   23

Certifications

   24

 

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Table of Contents

PART I — FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1. Financial Statements

AMERICAN ELECTRIC TECHNOLOGIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets

 

     (Unaudited)     
     March 31, 2008    December 31, 2007
Assets      

Current assets:

     

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 1,369,480    $ 593,494

Accounts receivable-trade, net of allowance of $579,142 and $558,660, respectively

     14,228,774      15,830,379

Accounts receivable-other

     51,270      29,145

Income taxes receivable

     663,388      819,403

Inventories, net

     2,898,882      3,023,087

Costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings on uncompleted contracts

     5,324,707      3,139,065

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

     340,377      401,815

Due from employees

     49,589      61,104

Deferred income taxes

     489,614      473,408
             

Total current assets

     25,416,081      24,370,900

Property, plant and equipment, net

     5,892,741      5,357,526

Other assets, net

     168,033      170,375

Advances to and investments in joint ventures

     4,771,667      4,265,738

Deferred tax asset

     2,109,419      2,173,526
             

Total assets

   $ 38,357,941    $ 36,338,065
             
Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity      

Current liabilities:

     

Accounts payable

   $ 6,356,089    $ 5,397,310

Accrued payroll and benefits

     934,757      1,125,551

Other accrued expenses

     340,813      586,879

Billings in excess of costs and estimated earnings on uncompleted contracts

     3,071,469      2,582,375

Current portion of note payable and capital lease obligation

     624,549      500,000
             

Total current liabilities

     11,327,677      10,192,115

Note payable and capital lease obligation

     5,557,141      5,000,000
             

Total liabilities

     16,884,818      15,192,115
             

Commitments and contingencies

     

Stockholders’ equity:

     

Common stock; $0.001 par value, 50,000,000 shares authorized, 7,661,241 shares issued and outstanding

     7,661      7,661

Additional paid-in capital

     7,305,910      7,294,910

Accumulated other comprehensive income

     217,976      104,008

Retained earnings

     13,941,576      13,739,371
             

Total stockholders’ equity

     21,473,123      21,145,950
             

Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity

   $ 38,357,941    $ 36,338,065
             

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

 

     Three Months Ended March 31,  
     2008     2007  

Net sales

   $ 16,977,776     $ 12,318,260  

Cost of sales

     14,747,947       10,929,856  
                

Gross profit

     2,229,829       1,388,404  

Operating expenses:

    

General and administrative

     1,611,963       750,923  

Selling

     540,113       249,272  
                

Total operating expenses

     2,152,076       1,000,195  
                

Income from operations

     77,753       388,209  
                

Other income (expense):

    

Equity in income of joint ventures

     327,854       —    

Gain on sale of marketable securities

     —         787,051  

Interest expense

     (83,282 )     (11,473 )

Other, net

     (1,366 )     8,506  
                

Total other income (expense)

     243,206       784,084  
                

Income before income tax expense

     320,959       1,172,293  

Income tax expense

     118,754       433,748  
                

Net income

   $ 202,205     $ 738,545  
                

Net income per common share:

    

Basic

   $ 0.03     $ 0.12  

Diluted

   $ 0.03     $ 0.12  

Weighted-average shares:

    

Basic

     7,658,241       6,074,673  

Diluted

     7,666,825       6,074,673  

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 Stockholders’ Equity

Unaudited

 

     Series A
Common
Stock
   Series B
Common
Stock
   Common Stock    Additional
Paid-In
Capital
   Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Income
    Retained
Earnings
   Treasury Stock     Total
Stockholders’
Equity
 
         Shares    Amount            Shares    Amount    

Balance, December 31, 2006

   $ 266,858    $ 250    —      $ —      $ 652,502    $ 383,694     $ 13,149,148    18,248    $ (751,781 )   $ 13,700,671  

Comprehensive income:

                           

Net income

     —        —      —        —        —        —         738,545    —        —         738,545  

Change in unrealized gain on marketable securities

     —        —      —        —        —        (250,028 )     —      —        —         (250,028 )
                                                                     

Total comprehensive income

                              488,517  
                                 

Balance, March 31, 2007

   $ 266,858    $ 250    —      $ —      $ 652,502    $ 133,666     $ 13,887,693    18,248    $ (751,781 )   $ 14,189,188  
                                                                     

Balance, December 31, 2007

   $ —      $ —      7,661,241    $ 7,661    $ 7,294,910    $ 104,008     $ 13,739,371    —        —       $ 21,145,950  

Issuance of non-qualified stock options

     —        —      —        —        11,000      —         —      —        —         11,000  

Comprehensive income:

                           

Net income

     —        —      —        —        —        —         202,205    —        —         202,205  

Translation gain

     —        —      —        —        —        113,968       —      —        —         113,968  
                                                                     

Total comprehensive income

                              316,173  
                                 

Balance, March 31, 2008

   $ —      $ —      7,661,241    $ 7,661    $ 7,305,910    $ 217,976     $ 13,941,576    —        —       $ 21,473,123  
                                                                     

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

 

     Three Months Ended
March 31,
 
     2008     2007  

Cash flows from operating activities:

    

Net income

   $ 202,205     $ 738,545  

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

    

Provisions for bad debt

     20,493       —    

Depreciation and amortization

     257,569       138,087  

Gain on sale of property and equipment

     (4,176 )     (10,715 )

Gain on sale of marketable securities

     —         (787,051 )

Stock option grants

     11,000       —    

Equity income from joint venture

     (327,854 )     —    

Change in operating assets and liabilities:

    

Accounts receivable (including other)

     1,593,336       924,959  

Income taxes receivable/payable

     139,808       (99,655 )

Inventories

     124,205       103,887  

Costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings on uncompleted contracts

     (2,185,642 )     (531,195 )

Prepaid expenses and other assets

     39,513       (52,115 )

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities

     521,920       383,133  

Billings in excess of costs and estimated earnings on uncompleted contracts

     489,094       (502,068 )
                

Net cash provided by operating activities

     881,471       305,812  
                

Cash flows from investing activities:

    

Purchases of property, plant and equipment

     (110,539 )     (236,549 )

Proceeds from disposal of property, plant and equipment

     5,054       10,715  

Proceeds from sale of marketable securities

     —         903,129  

Advances to and investments in joint ventures

     —         (1,032,000 )

Transaction costs related to merger

     —         (156,000 )

Net cash used in investing activities

     (105,485 )     (510,705 )
                

Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents

     775,986       (204,893 )
                

Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period

     593,494       2,031,114  

Cash and cash equivalents, end of period

   $ 1,369,480     $ 1,826,221  
                

Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information:

    

Interest paid

   $ 89,950     $ 11,473  
                

Income taxes paid

   $ —       $ 433,748  
                

Supplemental disclosures of non-cash activities:

    

Assets acquired with direct financing lease

   $ 681,690     $ —    
                

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, 2008

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, 2008 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, 2008 and results of operations for the three months ended March 31, 2008 and 2007. 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 Form 10-K on March 31, 2008.

The accompanying interim consolidated financial statements include the accounts of American Electric Technologies, Inc. and its Subsidiaries as of March 31, 2008. 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 will be 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.

Because the stockholders of M&I were issued approximately 80% of the voting stock of the combined company in the merger, for accounting purposes, AAT was deemed to be the acquired entity in the merger, and the merger was accounted for as a reverse acquisition. Upon completion of the merger, all outstanding shares of M&I stock were exchanged for 6,079,692 shares (as adjusted for a 1-for-5 reverse stock split) of American Access common stock at par value of $0.001. All share and per share disclosures have been retroactively adjusted to reflect the exchange of shares in the merger, and the 1-for-5 reverse split of our common stock on May 15, 2007.

 

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The accompanying financial statements present the historical financial results of M&I. AETI and AAT are Florida corporations and M&I, AETI’s wholly owned subsidiary, a Texas corporation. M&I has a wholly owned subsidiary, South Coast Electric Systems, LLC (“SC”), a Delaware Limited Liability Company, and joint venture interests in Singapore and China.

Our financial statements reflect the historical results of M&I prior to the merger and that of the combined company following the merger, and do not include the historical results of AAT prior to the merger.

On December 1, 2006, American Access had 1,515,549 shares of common stock outstanding (as adjusted for the reverse stock split discussed above). The market price of American Access common stock based on the five-day average of the closing prices of American Access’ common stock around and including the announcement date of the proposed transaction (November 27, 2006 through December 1, 2006, inclusive) was $5.45 per share (as adjusted for the reverse stock split discussed above).

Upon completion of a thorough analysis, and in agreement with the opinions of its financial advisers, management determined that the market price of American Access common stock did not represent fair value of American Access as an entity. Based on the opinion of professional investment advisers, which noted that the shares issued in the merger were not registered under the Securities Exchange Act of 1933 and were restricted securities which could not be sold in the open market without the satisfaction of Rule 144 restrictions, management concluded that it would be appropriate to discount the market price by 18% to determine the fair value of such shares for calculating the purchase price of the merger. The purchase price is based on the fair value of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed as of the closing date of the merger and M&I’s final transaction costs to complete the merger.

The total purchase price of the merger is as follows (in thousands):

 

Fair value of American Access’ outstanding common stock (net of 18% discount)

   $  6,773

Fair value of American Access stock options and warrants

     78

Capitalized transaction costs of M&I

     988
      

Total purchase price

   $ 7,839
      

Consistent with the purchase method of accounting, the total purchase price is allocated to the acquired tangible and intangible assets and assumed liabilities of American Access based on their estimated fair values as of the merger closing date. The purchase price was $7,839, which approximated the fair market value of the assets acquired.

The primary factors M&I considered in its acquisition of American Access include the strategic value of an enhanced portfolio of products and services, access to a workforce with technical expertise and a favorable cost structure, access to an expanded management team and the opportunity to extend operations to a region outside the Gulf coast.

 

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The allocation of the purchase price as of May 15, 2007 for the acquired assets and liabilities of American Access is as follows:

 

Assets acquired:

     

Accounts receivable, net

   $ 1,011,615   

Inventories, net

     1,104,936   

Other current assets

     101,657   

Property and equipment

     2,540,518   

Intangible assets

     48,000   

Customer agreements

     135,000   

Deferred tax assets

     2,858,000   

Other assets

     39,000   
           

Total assets acquired

   $ 7,838,726   
           

Liabilities assumed and consideration paid:

     

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities

   $ 648,610   

Common stock and options issued

     6,850,372   

Net cash transaction costs paid

     339,744   
           

Total purchase price

   $ 7,838,726   
           
     

The following unaudited pro forma information for the three months ended March 31, 2007 presents a summary of our consolidated results of operations as if the merger had been completed on January 1, 2007:

 

     March 31, 2007

Revenue

   $ 14,372,807

Net income

   $ 511,523

Pro forma net income per share, basic and diluted

   $ 0.08

Weighted average shares outstanding:

  

Basic

     6,074,673

Diluted

     6,074,673

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 subject to anti-dilution limitations.

 

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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, 2008 and 2007.

4. Stock-Based Compensation – Stock Options

During the first quarter of 2008, the Company granted officers and employees a total of 83,750 options with a strike price of $4.09 which will vest 25% on each of the next four anniversary dates. In addition, 83,750 restricted stock units were issued which will vest 25% in each of the next four years. The ultimate number of both the stock options and restricted stock units will be determined based on the attainment of certain company and individual performance targets during the 2008 fiscal year. The Company recognized $11,000 compensation expense during the quarter and the annual cost for these grants plan will approximate $130,000 for the next four years.

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.

 

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Following are selected financial details regarding the Company’s reportable segments (in thousands of dollars) for the quarters ending March 31:

 

     2008     2007  

Revenues

         

Technical Products and Services

   9,266,371     54.58 %   7,668,100    62.25 %

Electrical and Instrumentation Const.

   5,737,196     33.79 %   4,650,200    37.75 %

AAT

   1,974,209     11.63 %   —      —    
                       

Total

   16,977,776     100.00 %   12,318,300    100.00 %
                       

Gross Profit

         

Technical Products and Services

   1,188,645     12.83 %   959,200    12.51 %

Electrical and Instrumentation Const.

   549,732     9.58 %   392,200    8.43 %

AAT

   491,481     24.90 %   —      —    
                       

Total

   2,229,859     13.13 %   1,351,400    10.97 %
                       

Income before Income taxes:

         

Technical Products and Services

   622,126     6.71 %   822,000    10.72 %

Electrical and Instrumentation Const.

   77,794     1.36 %   350,300    7.53 %

AAT

   77,863     3.94 %   —      —    

Corporate and Other Unallocated Expenses

   (456,825 )   -23.14 %   —      —    
                       

Total

   320,958     1.89 %   1,172,300    9.52 %
                       

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 35% to 40% 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), which holds 51%, and AA Energies, Inc., headquartered in Katy, Texas, which holds 9%.

 

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

For the three months ended March 31, 2008, and based upon results of operations as reported by the investee companies (translated at average exchange rates during the periods), the Company recognized $327,000 in equity income from its China joint venture. The Company recognized no equity income during 2006 or first quarter 2007 from either joint venture.

As of March 31, 2008 the Company had accounts receivable from these affiliates of approximately $719,000.

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. In 2006, the Company determined that labor incurred provides an improved measure of percentage of completion for its TP&S segment projects. This change in the application of an accounting principle did not have a material cumulative impact on the Company’s financial position or operating results. 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 Company 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 14% of the Company’s consolidated revenues are recorded on this basis. In addition, the Company sells certain purchased parts and products. These revenues are recorded when the product is shipped and title passes to the customer. Less than 1% of the Company’s consolidated revenues are recorded on this basis.

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

 

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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

The Company maintains a revolving credit agreement with a bank. The borrowings are not to exceed the lower of $8,000,000 or the sum of 80% of eligible accounts receivable plus 40% of the aggregate amount of eligible inventory. As of March 31, 2008 $5,000,000 was outstanding. The agreement matures in October 2009. Borrowings under the agreement bear interest at the LIBOR rate (3.70% at March 31, 2008) plus 1.75% per year. The agreement is collateralized by trade accounts receivable, inventories, and work-in-process.

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, 2008, 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 37% for the three months ended March 31, 2008 and 2007, 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.

 

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 2007 Annual Report on Form 10-K filed on March 31, 2008. Historical results and percentage relationships set forth in the statement of operations, including trends that might appear, are not necessarily indicative of future operations.

 

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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. 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 our Annual Report on Form 10K filed on March 31, 2008. 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

 

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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.

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

The Company owns the Texas facility, which is twelve acres with a 101,000 square foot building; 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 Louisiana location is a 400 square foot rented supply facility.

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 2007 Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission March 31, 2008. 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.

 

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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 - Inventories are valued at the lower of cost or market and are reduced by a reserve for excess and potentially obsolete inventories. 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.

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. Those estimates subject to potential change in the near term include allowances for doubtful accounts. 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.

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.

 

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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.

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. The Company’s investment in China, BOMAY, did not commence operation until early 2007 and, therefore, no amounts were reflected for its operating activities until the second quarter of 2007.

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

The reporting period with respect to the operations of the American Access segment for this report consists solely from the date of the merger, May 15, 2007 through March 31, 2008.

Consolidated comparison of the three months ended March 31, 2008 and 2007 (in thousands of dollars).

Revenues and Gross Profit. Total consolidated net sales increased $4,659.5, or 37.8%, to $16,977.8 for the three months ended March 31, 2008 over the comparable period in 2007. The increase occurred due to an expansion in both the E&I Construction and Technical Products and Services segments as well as the inclusion of the AAT segment sales of $1,974.0.

Consolidated cost of sales for the three months ended March 31, 2008 was $14,741.9, a $3,812.0 increase, or 34.9%, over the first quarter of 2007. The increase in cost of sales is primarily due to the inclusion of the AAT segment costs, increases in labor, material and related costs associated with the higher sales activity. The Company enjoyed a gross profit percentage of 13.2% in the most recent quarter, an improvement from the 11.3% level in the comparable prior year quarter. The primary reason for this improvement was the inclusion of AAT’s results in the current quarter. Notwithstanding the improvement, the Company expects its margin percentages to increase 3-4% to its historical levels by the middle of this fiscal year.

Consolidated gross profit during the three-month period ended March 31, 2008 was $2,229.8, an increase of $841.4 over the first quarter of 2007. This increase is related to the additional gross profit of $491.5 occasioned by the inclusion of AAT and the increase sales of TP&S and E&I. Consolidated gross profit as a percent of net sales was 13.2% during the three-month period ended March 31, 2008, compared to 11.3% in the prior year as explained above.

 

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Selling, General and Administrative Expenses. Total consolidated selling, general and administrative expenses were $2,152.1 during the three-month period ended March 31, 2008 an increase of $1,151.8 from the prior year period. This increase is principally attributable to the additional selling and administrative expenses associated with AAT ($409.0), unallocated corporate expenses of $456.8 primarily due to being a public company, increases in selling and management compensation of $233.0 associated with supporting the Company’s growth plans. The Company incurred additional costs of $35.0 in quarter over quarter expense associated with the implementation of its new ERP system as well as $31.0 in added costs due to its Sarbanes-Oxley compliance program.

Other Income and Expense. Consolidated other income and expense was $243.2 for the three month period ended March 31, 2008, a decrease of $540.9 over the prior year period. This decline is primarily due to the sale of marketable securities in the 2007 period that resulted in a gain of $787.1 and an increase in interest expense of $61.8 in the current period due to higher debt levels. These changes were partially offset by the equity in income from the Chinese joint venture of $327.9.

Provision for Income Taxes. The consolidated income tax expense was $314.9 lower than the prior year period due to the reduction in earnings before taxes. The effective tax rate was 37%, essentially unchanged from the prior year.

Net Income. Net income for the three months ended March 31, 2008 was $202.2 compared to $738.5 for the prior year period. The decrease in net income is attributable primarily to the gain on sale of marketable securities in 2007, $787.1, partially offset by lower income tax expense, $314.9. In addition, improved gross profits due to the increased revenues were more than offset by increases in selling, general and administrative expenses to the extent of $304.4.

SEGMENT COMPARISONS

Technical Products and Services. The TP&S segment revenues increased $1,598.3 from $7,668.1 for the first quarter of 2007 to $9,266.4 for the first quarter of 2008. This segment’s business experienced a 20.8% increase due to the continued strength in sales to the global energy markets. Offsetting the weakness in North American drilling activity was substantial strength in marine, pipeline and international drilling sectors.

Gross profits for the TP&S segment for the first quarter of 2008 were $1,188.6, a $229.4 increase from the prior year period due primarily to the revenue impact noted above. The gross profit percentage increased slightly to 12.8% from 12.5% in the earlier year period. The introduction of a liquid cooled alternate current marine drive system negatively impacted the prior year period. TP&S’s income before taxes for the first quarter of 2008 was $622.1 compared to income of $822.0 for 2007. This change is associated with higher selling, general and administrative expenses, the allocation of a portion of the gain on sale of marketable securities in 2007, partially offset by the $327.8 equity in income of the Chinese joint venture in 2008.

 

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Electrical & Instrumentation Construction. The E&I segment reported sales of $5,737.2 in the first quarter of 2008, an increase of $1,087.2 or 23.3%, over the first quarter of 2007. The rate of increase was associated with strengthening in the marine and wastewater treatment plant businesses as well as reducing the backlog in the commercial market segment.

Gross profits for the E&I segment during the first quarter of 2008 were $549.7, a $157.5 increase from the prior year. The improvement in gross profit is attributable to the increase in sales. The E&I segment’s income/(loss) before taxes for the first quarter of 2008 and 2007 was $78.0 and $350.3, respectively. The decline in the current quarter pertains to the allocation of higher selling, general and administrative expenses as well as the apportionment of a gain on marketable securities in 2007 ($297.1).

American Access Technologies. The AAT segment reported sales of $1,974.2, a gross margin of $491.5 and income before taxes of $77.9 in the first quarter of 2008. No results for AAT were included for 2007 prior to its acquisition on May 15, 2007.

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

As of March 31, 2008, AETI’s cash and cash equivalents were $1,369.5 compared to $593.5 as of December 31, 2007. Working capital was $14,088.4 and $14,178.8 as of March 31, 2008 and December 31, 2007, respectively. As of March 31, 2008, AETI’s current ratio and debt to total capitalization ratio were 2.19 and 20.6%, respectively. The comparable ratios at December 31, 2007 were 2.4 and 19.1%.

Long term debt as of March 31, 2008 was $5,557.1, an increase of $557.1 from December 31, 2007 which was utilized to finance a capital expenditure for AAT. Interest payment on all long term indebtedness is current. AETI has an $8,000.0 revolving credit facility, on which there was an outstanding balance of $5,000.0 as of March 31, 2008. The revolving credit facility expires on October 1, 2009.

We believe that we will be able to meet our capital requirements over the next twelve months from operating cash flows, cash on hand and our revolving credit facility.

Operating Activities

During the three months ending March 31, 2008, AETI generated cash flows from operations of $881.5 as compared to $305.8 in 2007. Continued high activity levels caused usage of funds for increases in costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings ($2,185.6). This factor was more than offset by reduced accounts receivable ($1,601.6), increased accounts payable and accrued liabilities ($521.9) and increased billings in excess of costs and estimated earnings ($489.1).

 

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The 2007 period can be explained by the same factors except that billings in excess of costs and estimated earnings declined by $502.1 which primarily accounted for the decline in operating cash flow.

Investing Activities

For the quarter ended March 31, 2008, the Company utilized cash from investing activities of $105. The Company also entered into a $682 capital lease at AAT for shop equipment intended to increase capacity and productivity.

In the comparable quarter in 2007, a $1,032.0 investment was made in the Chinese joint venture, BOMAY. Capital expenditures during the quarter were $236.5 and $156.0 of transaction costs related to the merger were incurred. These items were partially funded by $903.1 in proceeds from the sale of marketable securities.

Financing Activities

In the quarter ended March 31, 2008 the company entered into a $682 capital lease transaction.

In the comparable 2007 period, there were no cash flows from financing activities or non-cash investing and financing activities.

Backlog

The backlog for the TP&S segment was approximately $18 million as of March 31, 2008, which is an increase of $4.0 million compared to December 31, 2007. Approximately 90% of this backlog should be realized in revenues for the remainder of the fiscal year.

The backlog for the E&I segment was approximately $12 million as of March 31, 2008, a decline of $7 million from December 31, 2007. This reduction is consistent with the Company’s intention to reduce its exposure to the new school construction market. Approximately three quarters of this backlog should be realized in revenues over the remainder of the fiscal year.

Outlook for Fiscal 2008

The Company’s revenues reflect an increase over the prior year period although the rate of growth has moderated from the previous several years. The increase in growth is partially attributable to the consolidation of the AAT segment’s operating results as a result of the May 15, 2007 merger. Management expects the increasing trend to continue throughout 2008 based on existing backlogs and bidding activity as well as the AAT merger. The moderation in rate of increase, particularly in the TP&S segment, is associated with the slowdown in drilling activity in North America but this has been more than offset by strength in international markets as well as pipeline and marine activity. Quotation activity has been strong for the most recent six months due to the continued robust global energy market. The quotation activity causes the Company to believe that revenue

 

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trends can continue throughout this fiscal year. The Company expects operating margins to improve from current levels as the substantial increases in personnel and infrastructure cost to support the growth will moderate. AAT experienced a slowdown in sales activity during the latter part of the quarter, but management does not expect this trend will worsen.

AETI has experienced a substantial increase in its working capital needs that it has been able to finance through existing cash balances and utilization of its revolving credit facility. This trend will increase as the Company’s operating levels continue to increase. 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.

Effects of Inflation

AETI has experienced significant price increases in its crucial raw materials, particularly copper, steel aluminum and electrical components since the beginning of 2005. At this point, the Company has been generally successful in recovering these increases from its customers in the form of increased prices. As a result, the Company has not experienced margin erosion due to inflationary pressures. We cannot be assured that the competitive environment will enable us to recover these cost increases in the future.

 

ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK.

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 completed its investment of 16.0 million Yuan (approximately $2.0 million) in its Chinese joint venture, BOMAY, in March, 2007. The functional currency of this joint venture is the Chinese Yuan. BOMAY’s financial statements will be 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. Under the terms of the Equity Joint Venture Contract, the Company was obligated to make a total investment of 16.0 million Yuan (approximately $2.0 million) during the initial two years of the joint venture.

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.

 

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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, 2008. 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, 2008.

No change in internal control over financial reporting occurred during the quarter ended March 31, 2008 that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, internal control over financial reporting.

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 8, 2008

 

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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