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 SEPTEMBER 30, 2010

 

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

Commission File No. 000-24575

 

 

AMERICAN ELECTRIC TECHNOLOGIES, INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

 

 

Florida   59-3410234
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation)   (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)

6410 Long Drive, Houston, TX 77087

(Address of principal executive offices)

(713) 644-8182

(Registrant’s telephone number)

 

 

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

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

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

 

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

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

As of November 8, 2010, the registrant had 7,752,965 shares of its Common Stock outstanding.

 

 

 


Table of Contents

 

AMERICAN ELECTRIC TECHNOLOGIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

FORM 10-Q Index

For the Quarterly Period Ended September 30, 2010

 

         Page  
  Part I. Financial Information   
Item 1.   Financial Statements   
  Condensed Unaudited Consolidated Balance Sheets at September 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009      3   
  Condensed Unaudited Consolidated Statements of Operations for the Nine Months and Three Months ended September 30, 2010 and 2009      4   
  Condensed Unaudited Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Nine Months ended September 30, 2010 and 2009      5   
  Notes to Condensed Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements      6   
Item 2.   Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations      10   
Item 3.   Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk      17   
Item 4.   Controls and Procedures      18   
  Part II. Other Information   
Item 6.   Exhibits      19   
Signatures      20   
Certifications      21   

 

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PART I – FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item  1. Financial Statements

AMERICAN ELECTRIC TECHNOLOGIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets

 

     (Unaudited)
September 30, 2010
     December 31, 2009  

Assets

     

Current assets:

     

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 1,538,614       $ 1,497,305   

Accounts receivable-trade, net of allowance of $524,217 and $438,900, respectively

     9,370,081         10,368,351   

Accounts receivable-other

     293,599         349,094   

Income taxes receivable

     352,040         207,119   

Inventories, net

     3,670,254         3,563,481   

Costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings on uncompleted contracts

     2,289,313         3,750,367   

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

     173,670         327,428   

Due from employees

     29,381         36,282   

Deferred income taxes

     631,229         541,894   
                 

Total current assets

     18,348,181         20,641,321   

Property, plant and equipment, net

     4,872,797         5,193,897   

Other assets, net

     115,830         132,764   

Advances to and investments in joint ventures

     6,874,023         6,447,558   

Deferred tax asset

     1,995,532         1,106,023   
                 

Total assets

   $ 32,206,363       $ 33,521,563   
                 

Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity

     

Current liabilities:

     

Accounts payable

   $ 3,080,885       $ 3,573,477   

Accrued payroll and benefits

     963,505         995,309   

Other accrued expenses

     254,226         244,213   

Billings in excess of costs and estimated earnings on uncompleted contracts

     1,768,943         953,474   

Short-term notes payable

     209,992         134,992   
                 

Total current liabilities

     6,277,551         5,901,465   

Notes payable

     3,267,535         3,375,911   

Deferred compensation

     383,789         330,215   
                 

Total liabilities

     9,928,875         9,607,591   
                 

Stockholders’ equity:

     

Common stock; $0.001 par value, 50,000,000 shares authorized, 7,749,249 and 7,700,875 shares issued and outstanding September 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009, respectively

     7,749         7,701   

Additional paid-in capital

     7,783,153         7,594,491   

Accumulated other comprehensive income

     304,633         237,270   

Retained earnings

     14,181,953         16,074,510   
                 

Total stockholders’ equity

     22,277,488         23,913,972   
                 

Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity

   $ 32,206,363       $ 33,521,563   
                 

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

 

     Nine Months Ended September 30,     Three Months Ended September 30,  
     2010     2009     2010     2009  

Net sales

   $ 28,417,297      $ 40,119,319      $ 10,471,828      $ 11,966,986   

Cost of sales

     27,280,337        35,352,726        9,799,366        10,142,185   
                                

Gross profit

     1,136,960        4,766,593        672,462        1,824,801   

Operating expenses:

        

General and administrative

     3,470,991        3,488,022        1,098,634        1,050,509   

Selling

     1,699,818        1,631,086        531,838        529,836   
                                

Total operating expenses

     5,170,809        5,119,108        1,630,472        1,580,345   
                                

Income (loss) from operations

     (4,033,849     (352,515     (958,010     244,456   

Other income (expense):

        

Equity in income of joint ventures

     1,412,050        1,378,206        489,078        70,515   

Interest expense

     (98,717     (104,536     (39,935     (36,217

Other, net

     (188,778     (100,257     (11,912     (16,269
                                

Total other income

     1,124,555        1,173,413        437,231        18,029   
                                

Income (loss) before income tax expense

     (2,909,294     820,898        (520,779     262,485   
                                

Income tax expense (benefit)

     (1,016,737     289,974        (180,673     92,194   
                                

Net income (loss)

   $ (1,892,557   $ 530,924      $ (340,106   $ 170,291   
                                

Net income (loss) per common share:

        

Basic

   $ (0.24   $ 0.07      $ (0.04   $ 0.02   

Diluted

   $ (0.24   $ 0.07      $ (0.04   $ 0.02   

Weighted-average shares:

        

Basic

     7,737,816        7,686,261        7,749,091        7,695,290   

Diluted

     7,924,659        7,817,911        7,944,068        7,850,610   

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

 

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AMERICAN ELECTRIC TECHNOLOGIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

Unaudited

 

     For the Nine Months Ended September 30,  
     2010     2009  

Cash flows from operating activities:

    

Net income (loss)

   $ (1,892,557   $ 530,924   

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities, net of assets and liabilities acquired:

    

Provisions for bad debt

     85,317        (32,835

Depreciation and amortization

     682,009        767,740   

Gain on sale of property and equipment

     (53,296     (9,144

Provision for obsolete inventory

     178,689        11,969   

Deferred compensation

     196,248        119,319   

Equity income from joint venture

     (1,412,050     (1,378,206

Deferred federal income tax expense (benefit)

     (1,016,737     289,826   

Customer settlement

     100,000        —     

Change in operating assets and liabilities:

    

Accounts receivable (including other)

     975,349        4,605,399   

Income taxes receivable/payable

     (144,919     (28,930

Inventories

     (285,462     259,801   

Costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings on uncompleted contracts

     1,461,054        277,455   

Prepaid expenses and other assets

     153,758        96,601   

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities

     (514,383     (2,508,439

Billings in excess of costs and estimated earnings on uncompleted contracts

     815,469        (2,096,129
                

Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities

     (671,511     905,351   
                

Cash flows from investing activities:

    

Purchases of property, plant and equipment

     (344,729     (552,424

Proceeds from disposal of property, plant and equipment

     54,050        9,144   

Advances to and investments in joint ventures

     (104,610     —     

Dividends received from joint ventures

     1,214,199        1,557,184   
                

Net cash provided by investing activities

     818,910        1,013,904   
                

Cash flows from financing activities:

    

Proceeds from sale of common stock

     27,286        34,907   

Principal payments on short-term notes payable

     (25,000  

Capital lease obligation payment

     (108,376     (102,123

Repayments to revolving credit facility

     —          (1,000,000
                

Net cash used in financing activities

     (106,090     (1,067,216
                

Net increase in cash and cash equivalents

     41,309        852,039   

Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period

     1,497,305        148,598   
                

Cash and cash equivalents, end of period

   $ 1,538,614      $ 1,000,637   
                

Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information:

    

Interest paid

   $ 77,370      $ 104,536   
                

Income taxes paid

   $ 144,921      $ 190,240   
                

Supplemental disclosures of non-cash activities:

    

Reclassification of deferred compensation to paid-in-capital

   $ —        $ 115,766   
                

See the accompanying notes to the condensed unaudited consolidated financial statements

 

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AMERICAN ELECTRIC TECHNOLOGIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Condensed Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements

September 30, 2010

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 September 30, 2010 and for the nine months and 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 include all adjustments which, in the opinion of management, are necessary for a fair presentation of financial position as of September 30, 2010 and results of operations for the nine months and three months ending September 30, 2010. All adjustments are of a normal recurring nature. The results of operations for interim periods are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for a full year. Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in the financial statements prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America have been condensed or omitted. The statements should be read in conjunction with the Company’s financial statements filed on our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2009 which was filed on March 26, 2010.

2. Net Income (loss) per Common Share

Basic earnings per common share is based on the weighted average number of common shares outstanding for the nine months and three months ended September 30, 2010 and 2009. Diluted earnings per share is based on the weighted average number of common shares outstanding, plus the incremental shares that would have been outstanding upon the assumed exercise of all potentially dilutive stock options and other stock units subject to anti-dilution limitations.

3. Recent Accounting Pronouncements

Fair Value Measurements – In January 2010, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued accounting guidance to improve disclosures of fair value measurements. This guidance requires an entity to: (i) disclose separately the amounts of significant transfers in and out of Level 1 (quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities) and Level 2 (other significant observable inputs) fair value measurements and describe the reasons for the transfers and (ii) present separate information for Level 3 (unobservable inputs that are supported by little or no market activity and that are significant) activity pertaining to gross purchases, sales, issuances, and settlements. This update became effective for us in the quarter ended March 31, 2010, except that the disclosure on the roll forward activities for Level 3 fair value measurements will become effective for us with the reporting period beginning January 1, 2011. Other than requiring additional disclosures, adoption of this new guidance did not have a material impact on our financial statements.

Subsequent Events – In May 2009, the FASB issued accounting guidance on subsequent events that establishes standards of accounting for and disclosure of subsequent events. In addition, it requires disclosure of the date through which an entity has evaluated subsequent events and the basis for that date. This new guidance was adopted for our financial statements for the quarterly period ending June 30, 2009. The adoption of this guidance did not have a material impact on our financial statements.

 

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In February 2010, the FASB issued new accounting guidance that amends the May 2009 subsequent events guidance described above to (i) eliminate the requirement for an SEC filer to disclose the date through which it has evaluated subsequent events, (ii) clarify the period through which conduit bond obligors must evaluate subsequent events, and (iii) refine the scope of the disclosure requirements for reissued financial statements. We adopted this new accounting guidance for our financial statements for the quarterly period ended March 31, 2010. The adoption of this guidance did not have a material impact on our financial statements.

4. 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 power services, 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 in the following table because those operations are exclusively involved in TP&S activities. The E&I segment installs electrical equipment for the energy, water, industrial, marine, data center and commercial markets. The AAT segment manufacturers and markets zone cabling products and custom-manufactures formed metal products of varying designs.

Following are selected financial details regarding the Company’s reportable segments:

 

     Nine Months Ended
September 30,
    Three Months Ended
September 30,
 
     2010     2009     2010     2009  

Revenue

        

Technical Products and Services

   $ 14,874,411      $ 23,103,374      $ 5,687,508      $ 5,295,988   

Electrical and Instrumentation Const.

     8,510,893        11,968,293        2,824,374        4,938,990   

American Access Technologies

     5,031,993        5,047,652        1,959,946        1,732,008   
                                

Total

   $ 28,417,297      $ 40,119,319      $ 10,471,828      $ 11,966,986   
                                

Gross Profit (loss)

        

Technical Products and Services

   $ (695,945   $ 4,530,424      $ (66,400   $ 766,491   

Electrical and Instrumentation Const.

     685,087        (410,670     215,152        873,808   

American Access Technologies

     1,147,818        646,839        523,710        184,502   
                                

Total

   $ 1,136,960      $ 4,766,593      $ 672,462      $ 1,824,801   
                                

Income (loss) before income taxes:

        

Technical Products and Services

   $ (1,556,799   $ 3,801,103      $ (281,773   $ 330,939   

Electrical and Instrumentation Const.

     (615,431     (1,406,434     (134,673     464,091   

American Access Technologies

     151,667        (554,992     160,057        (230,205

Corporate and Other Unallocated

     (888,731     (1,018,779     (264,390     (302,340
                                

Total

   $ (2,909,294   $ 820,898      $ (520,779   $ 262,485   
                                

 

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The Company’s management does not separately review and analyze its assets on a segment basis for TP&S and E&I and all assets for the segments are recorded within the corporate segment’s records. 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.

5. Advances to and Investment in Joint Ventures

We have interests in three joint ventures outside of the United States which are accounted for on the equity method:

 

   

M&I Electric Far East, Ltd. (“MIEFE”), in which the Company holds a 49% interest, Oakwell Engineering, Ltd., in Singapore holds a 51% interest, and;

 

   

BOMAY Electric Industries Company, Ltd. (“BOMAY”), in which the Company holds a 40% interest, Baoji Oilfield Machinery Co., Ltd. (a subsidiary of China National Petroleum Corporation), holds a 51% interest, and AA Energies, Inc., holds a 9% interest, and;

 

   

AETI Alliance Group do Brazil Sistemas E Servicos Em Energia LTDA. (“AAG”), in which AETI holds a 49% interest, Five Stars De Macae Servicos De Petroleo LTDA., of Brazil holds a 51% interest.

The carrying value of these equity method investments as of September 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009 were:

 

     2010      2009  

BOMAY

   $ 5,680,887       $ 5,174,451   

MIEFE

     1,088,526         1,273,107   

AAG

     104,610         —     
                 
   $ 6,874,023       $ 6,447,558   
                 

The Company recently entered into a joint venture agreement and holds a 49% interest in a Brazilian company, AAG, which provides electrical products and services to the Brazilian energy industries. During the quarter ended September 30, 2010, the Company advanced $104,610 to the joint venture in accordance with the agreement.

During the quarter ended September 30, 2010, AETI received a dividend from MIEFE of approximately $175,000.

Under the equity method, the Company’s share of the joint ventures’ earnings or losses is recognized in our Statement of Operations as other income (expense) - equity in income of joint ventures. Joint venture income increases the carrying value of the joint ventures and joint venture losses reduce the carrying value. Dividends received from the joint ventures reduce the carrying value.

Each reporting period, the Company evaluates the carrying value of these equity method investments as to whether an impairment adjustment may be necessary. In making this evaluation,

 

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a variety of quantitative and qualitative factors are considered including national and local economic, political and market conditions, industry trends and prospects, liquidity and capital resources and other pertinent factors. Based on the evaluation for the nine-month period ending September 30, 2010, the Company does not believe an impairment adjustment is necessary.

During 2007, the Company’s equity income in the reported results of BOMAY was net of certain expense adjustments totaling approximately $660,000 that were recorded to reflect management’s estimate of warranty costs and management’s estimate of a provision for doubtful accounts for contractual amounts due from BOMAY. In recording these adjustments, a variety of factors were considered by management including local operating conditions, potential warranty costs associated with introduction of new products in the Chinese market and uncertainty regarding the collectability of amounts due from BOMAY arising from certain contractual obligations. Based on the evaluation in the three months ended March 31, 2010, management determined that the reserves are no longer necessary.

This determination was based on a number of changed circumstances including the satisfaction of all past contractual obligations by BOMAY, good historical performance of its manufactured products and positive relationships built with local management that the Company believes have eliminated any collection issues on the contractual obligations. This change in estimate increased the carrying value of the investment by $660,000 and was reflected in our Statement of Operations as other income (expense) – equity in income of joint ventures.

6. Notes Payable

Revolving Credit Agreement

Effective July 1, 2010, the Company amended its revolving credit agreement with JP Morgan Chase Bank, N.A. The bank provides the Company with a revolving credit line not to exceed the lesser of $10,000,000 or the sum of (i) 80% of eligible accounts receivable and (ii) 40% of eligible inventory up to an amount not to exceed $1,000,000, less (iii) $75,000. As of September 30, 2010, $3,000,000 was borrowed under this line of credit.

Borrowings under the agreement bear interest at the 30 day LIBOR rate (0.35% at September 30, 2010) plus 2.75% per annum. The agreement is collateralized by trade accounts receivable, equipment, inventories, and work-in-process. Our subsidiaries are guarantors of the loan. Loans under the agreement must be repaid no later than July 1, 2012.

Terms of the agreement contain covenants which provide for customary restrictions and limitations, the maintenance of certain financial ratios and restriction from paying dividends without prior written consent of the bank. The maximum borrowing amount under the loan shall not exceed $4,000,000 in the event that adjusted net income is less than $1.00 at any time. Adjusted net income is defined as net income from operations plus depreciation and amortization.

As amended, the agreement contains a tangible net worth covenant that requires the Company to maintain a minimum tangible net worth, as defined in the agreement, of $11,350,000.

 

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7. Inventories

Inventories consisted of the following at September 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009:

 

     September 30, 2010     December 31, 2009  

Raw materials

   $ 1,620,921      $ 1,378,765   

Work-in-process

     1,669,681        1,581,008   

Finished goods

     744,121        806,402   

Allowance

     (364,469     (202,694
                

Total inventories

   $ 3,670,254      $ 3,563,481   
                

8. Commitments and Contingencies

The Company completed a $6,700,000 E&I construction contract during the early part of 2010 on which a loss of $1,200,000 was incurred. The loss was largely attributable to cost incurred by the Company as a result of the failure by the fire alarm subcontractor to complete its work and additional costs associated with it. The Company has filed a claim against the general contractor for approximately $1,100,000 associated with this issue. The contractor has not paid $600,000 in contractually owed retention, which is included in accounts receivable-trade in the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheet. As a result of this dispute the general contractor has filed a claim against the Company for $800,000 claiming the Company caused overall project delays. This dispute is expected to be resolved through binding arbitration in April 2011. The Company does not expect the resolution of this matter to result in a material impact to its financial position.

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 2009 Annual Report on Form 10-K filed on March 26, 2010. Historical results and percentage relationships set forth in the statement of operations, including trends that might appear, are not necessarily indicative of future operations.

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

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

These statements, including statements regarding our capital needs, business strategy, expectations and intentions, are subject to numerous risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond our control, including our ability to maintain key products’ sales or effectively react to other risks including those discussed in Part I, Item 1A, Risk Factors, of our 2009 Annual Report on Form 10-K

 

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filed on March 26, 2010. 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 the leading global supplier of custom designed power delivery solutions to the traditional and renewable energy industries. We report our business in three segments: Technical Products and Services (“TP&S”), Electrical and Instrumentation Construction (“E&I”) and American Access Technologies (“AAT”).

TP&S has three main components: power distribution equipment, power conversion equipment and electrical services.

Our power distribution equipment group designs, manufactures, markets and provides products designed to distribute the flow of electricity and protect electrical equipment such as motors, transformers and cables. The main products offered by this group include low and medium voltage ANSI (American National Standards Institute) and IEC (International Electric Code) switchgear for generator control and power distribution applications. We also manufacture complimentary equipment including motor control centers (MCCs), bus duct, and the power control rooms that the power distribution equipment is located within for customer projects.

Our power distribution solutions are primarily sold into the marine vessel and the industrial markets. The company also provides switchgear into power generation applications up to 38,000 volts. We have recently expanded our offerings into the renewable energy marketplace with the introduction of the world’s first switchgear designed for wind farm deployment, which includes our Arc-mitigation technology. Arc-mitigation technology enables power system operators to significantly reduce the risk from arc-flash explosions and the resulting downtime and liability risk.

Our power conversion group provides products that convert AC and DC power using a variety of technologies. We provide analog (Hill Hays) drives, digital SCR drives, AC variable frequency drives (also known as VFDs), inverters, converters, programmable logic control (“PLC”) based automation systems, and human machine interface (“HMI”) systems. Our analog drives, digital SCR drives and AC VFDs are used in a variety of applications including land and offshore drilling, marine propulsion and pipeline applications. The company has recently introduced a line of wind converter products that convert the AC power produced by wind turbine generator to DC, then inverts the power back to AC for delivery to the grid. We have also introduced our Integrated Solar Inversion Station (ISIS) solution – a 1 MW fully integrated solar farm power station designed to integrate all of the power conversion and power distribution equipment with the highest reliability on the market.

Our power distribution and power conversion products are built for application voltages from 480 volts to 40,000 volts and are used in a wide variety of industries. We have the technical expertise to provide these services in compliance with a number of applicable industry standards such as NEMA (“National Electrical Manufacturers Association”), ANSI (“American National Standards

 

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Institute”), IEC (“International Electrotechnical Commission”), ABS (“American Bureau of Shipping”), USCG (“United States Coast Guard”), Lloyd’s Register, a provider of marine certification services, and DNV (“Det Norske Veritas”) standards, a leading certification body/registrar for management systems certification services standards.

Technical services include global start-up and service of AETI power conversion systems, electrical equipment retrofits and upgrades. Our power services group provides electrical infrastructure start-up and commissioning, preventative maintenance, and emergency repair services to industrial, marine and renewable projects globally. Our team of trained technicians maintains substations up to 500KV.

The E&I segment provides a full range of electrical and instrumentation construction and installation services to both land and offshore drilling, the water and wastewater facilities industry, other heavy commercial and industrial markets, and the renewable energy industry. The segment’s services include new construction as well as electrical and instrumentation turnarounds, maintenance, and renovation projects. Applications include installation of switchgear, AC and DC motors, drives, motor controls, lighting systems, high voltage cable, and data centers. Marine based oil and gas services include complete electrical system rig-ups, modifications, start-ups and testing for vessels, drilling rigs, and production modules.

The AAT segment manufactures and markets zone cabling enclosures and manufactures formed metal products. The zone cabling product line provides state-of-the-art flexible cabling and wireless solutions for the high-speed communication networks found throughout office buildings, hospitals, schools, industrial complexes and government buildings. Our patented enclosures mount in ceilings, walls, raised floors, and certain modular furniture to facilitate the routing of telecommunications network cabling, fiber optics and wireless solutions in a streamlined, flexible, and cost effective fashion. AAT also operates a precision sheet metal fabrication and assembly operation and provides services such as precision “CNC” (“Computer Numerical Controlled”) punching, laser cutting, bending, assembling, painting, powder coating and silk screening to a diverse client base including, engineering, technology and electronics companies, primarily in the Southeast.

The Company has facilities and sales offices in Texas, Mississippi and Florida. We have minority interests in joint ventures which have facilities in Singapore, Xian, China, Jakarta, Indonesia and Macae, Rio De Janeiro, Brazil.

CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND ESTIMATES

We have adopted various critical 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 of America 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.

 

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Our critical accounting policies are more fully described in the financial statements filed in our 2009 Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 26, 2010. 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).

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 indirect overhead is apportioned to work-in-process based on direct cost 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.

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

Allowance for Doubtful Accounts - The Company maintains an allowance for doubtful accounts for estimated losses resulting from the inability of our customers to make required payments. The estimate is based on management’s assessment of the collectability of specific customer accounts and includes consideration for credit worthiness and financial condition of those specific customers. We also will review historical experience with the customer, the general economic environment and the aging of our receivables. We record an allowance to reduce receivables to the amount that we reasonably believe to be collectible. Based on our historical collection experience, we currently believe 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. The Company follows accounting guidance in the Codification for accounting policies relating to our use of the percentage-of-completion method, estimating costs and revenue recognition, including the recognition of profit incentives, combining and segmenting contracts, and unapproved change order/claim recognition. Due to the various estimates inherent in contract accounting, actual results could differ from those estimates. 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 the time of shipment is appropriate because the Company’s sales are to recognize revenue once each of the following four criteria have been met: (i) persuasive evidence that an arrangement exists, (ii) delivery has occurred, (iii) the seller’s price to the buyer is fixed and determinable, and (iv) collectability is reasonably assured.

Foreign Currency Gains and Losses - Foreign currency translations are included as a separate component of comprehensive income. We have determined the local currency of our foreign joint

 

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ventures to be the functional currency. The assets and liabilities of our foreign equity investees, denominated in foreign currency, are translated into United States dollars at exchange rates in effect at the consolidated balance sheet date; revenue and expenses are translated at the average exchange rate for the period. Related translation adjustments are reported as comprehensive income (loss) which is a separate component of stockholders’ equity, whereas gains and losses resulting from foreign currency transactions are included in results of operations.

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

Contingencies - We record an estimated loss from a loss contingency when information indicates that it is probable that an asset has been impaired or a liability has been incurred and the amount of loss can be reasonably estimated. Contingencies are often resolved over long time periods, are based on unique facts and circumstances, and are inherently uncertain. We regularly evaluate current information available to us to determine whether such accruals should be adjusted or other disclosures related to contingencies are required. We are a party to a number of legal proceedings in the normal course of our business for which we have made appropriate provisions where we believe an ultimate loss is probable. The ultimate resolution of these matters, individually or in the aggregate is not likely to have a material impact on the Company’s financial position.

Equity in Joint Venture Income - The Company accounts for its investments in the joint ventures using the equity method. Under the equity method, the Company records its pro-rata share of joint venture income or losses and adjusts the basis of its investment accordingly. Dividends received from the joint ventures, if any, are recorded as reductions to the investment balance.

The Company evaluates the carrying value of equity method investments as to whether an impairment adjustment may be necessary. In making this evaluation, a variety of quantitative and qualitative factors are considered including national and local economic, political and market conditions, industry trends and prospects, liquidity and capital resources and other pertinent factors.

THE THREE AND NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2010 AS COMPARED WITH THE THREE AND NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2009

OVERALL RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Consolidated comparison of the three months ended September 30, 2010 and 2009.

Revenue and Gross Profit. Total consolidated net sales decreased $1,495,158 or 12%, to $10,471,828 for the three months ended September 30, 2010 over the comparable period in 2009. The E&I segment accounted for $2,114,616 of the decline in revenue and is attributed to reduced demand for the construction of data centers. This was partially offset by improved sales in the TP&S and AAT segments of $391,520 and $227,938, respectively. The increase in TP&S sales is primarily attributable to renewable energy service projects.

 

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The TP&S segment experienced a negative gross profit of $66,400 for the quarter ended September 30, 2010 as compared to a positive gross profit of $766,491 for the comparable period in 2009 due primarily to a higher proportion of indirect expenses as compared to the sales level for the period. In addition the most recent period was burdened by approximately $200,000 of research and development costs related to the Company’s new solar inverter product. Gross profit for the E&I segment during the third quarter of 2010 was $215,152, a decline of $658,656 over the prior year period, primarily due to reduced sales from data center construction projects. Gross profit for the AAT segment improved by $339,208 or 16% from the comparable prior period as a result of cost reduction measures.

Other Income and Expense. Consolidated net other income increased by $419,203 over the prior year period consisting of equity income from the BOMAY joint venture. Although equity income as compared on a quarterly basis indicates a significant improvement in the venture’s operating results over the prior year, the year-to-date comparison reveals a modest improvement.

Provision for Income Taxes. The income tax benefit for the three month period ending September 30, 2010 was $180,673 as compared to a tax expense of $92,194 for the comparable period in 2009.

Net Income (Loss). Net loss for the three months ended September 30, 2010 was $340,106, as compared to a net income of $170,290 for the prior year period. The decrease in net income is a result of a reduced gross profit of $1,152,338, partially offset by the increase in equity income from joint ventures and the tax benefit in the current quarter.

Backlog. The backlog for the TP&S segment was approximately $6,200,000 as of September 30, 2010, an increase of approximately $200,000 since the end of the second quarter as a result of new orders for products in the marine and drilling market segments. Approximately 75% of this backlog should be realized as revenue during the remainder of the fiscal year.

The backlog for the E&I segment was approximately $6,000,000 as of September 30, 2010, a decrease of $900,000 since the end of the second quarter. Approximately 29% of this backlog should be realized in revenue for the remainder of the fiscal year.

Consolidated comparison of the nine months ended September 30, 2010 and 2009.

Revenue and Gross Profit. Total consolidated net sales for the nine months ended September 30, 2010 were $28,417,297, a decrease of $11,702,022 or 29%, versus the comparable period in 2009. The TP&S segment accounts for the majority of the decrease with sales declining by $8,228,963, reflecting the continued weakness in the traditional marine, drilling and industrial businesses that began in 2009. The TP&S segment reported a negative gross profit of $695,945 for this current period, primarily as a result of a decline in sales and margins. Included in gross profit for this segment is approximately $4,500,000 of indirect operating costs, primarily supervisory and administrative payroll related costs that the Company views as mostly fixed in nature. Also included is a more variable component of labor cost resulting from the reduced manufacturing activity levels. Although the Company will continue to enact cost reduction measures, we believe

 

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that we must maintain our management, technical and operational capabilities in order to maintain a competitive advantage when our traditional markets begin to recover. The benefits of the cost reduction measures that have been taken have been partially masked by an increase in research and development expenditures of approximately $500,000 associated with continued development of the Company’s solar inverter product.

Sales for the E&I segment were $8,510,893, a decrease of $3,457,400, or 29% during the nine months ended September 30, 2010, over the comparable period in 2009, primarily due to approximately $3,000,000 in reduced sales in the data center market. The Company’s departure from the new school construction business accounts for approximately $1,000,000 of decreased sales. This was partially offset by approximately $600,000 of increased sales from our traditional construction markets, primarily water and wastewater facility construction. Gross profit for the E&I segment was $685,087, or 8% during the nine months ended September 30, 2010, as compared to a loss of $410,670, or negative 3%, for the comparable period in 2009. Gross profit for the nine months ended September 30, 2009 included a loss of approximately $1,700,000 related to new school construction projects.

Sales for the AAT segment were $5,031,993 for the nine months ended September 30, 2010, essentially unchanged from the comparable period in 2009. AAT’s results include an improvement in gross profit of $500,979, or 10%, as a result of cost reduction measures.

Selling, General and Administrative Expenses. Total consolidated selling, general and administrative expenses were $5,170,809 during the nine month period ended September 30, 2010, essentially unchanged from the comparable period during 2009.

Other Income and Expense. Consolidated net other income was $1,124,555 for the nine months ended September 30, 2010, as compared to $1,173,413 in 2009, consisting primarily of equity income from joint ventures.

Provision for Income Taxes. Provision for income tax changed from a tax expense of $289,974 for the nine months ended September 30, 2009, to a tax benefit of $1,016,737 for the same period during 2010. The effective tax rate of 35.0% was slightly lower than the prior year rate of 35.3% due to higher deemed foreign tax credits in the current period.

Net Income (Loss). Net loss for the nine months ended September 30, 2010 was $1,892,557, as compared to net income of $530,924 for the prior year period. The decrease in net income is a result of a loss before income taxes partially offset by the tax benefit during the nine month period ended September 30, 2010 as compared to a tax expense in the same period of 2009. The lower income before income taxes is primarily attributable to reduced gross profit of $3,629,633.

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

 

     September 30,
2010
    December 31,
2009
 

Working capital

     12,070,630        14,739,856   

Current ratio

     2.9 to 1        3.5 to 1   

Long-term debt as a percent of total capitalization

     12.8     12.4

Tangible net worth

     15,073,000        16,092,000   

 

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AETI’s long-term debt as of September 30, 2010 was $3,267,535 on which interest payments are current. This amount includes the long-term portion of a capitalized lease obligation.

Sources and Use of Cash

We derive the majority of our operating cash inflow from receipts on the sale of goods and services and cash outflow for the procurement of materials and labor. Accordingly, cash flow is subject to market fluctuations and conditions. A substantial portion of our business, primarily construction and products, is characterized by long-term contracts. Most of our long-term contracts allow for several progress billings that provide us with cash receipts as costs are incurred throughout the project rather than upon contract completion, thereby reducing working capital requirements.

Operating Activities

During the nine months ended September 30, 2010, AETI utilized cash flows from operations of $671,511 as compared to generating cash flows from operations of $905,351 for the same period in 2009. The net cash used from operating activities during the nine month period ended September 30, 2010, is primarily the result of the net loss from operations and changes in operating assets and liabilities. For the same period in 2009, operating cash flows were derived from net income adjusted for depreciation was partially offset by equity income from joint ventures and changes in operating assets and liabilities.

Investing Activities

During the nine months ended September 30, 2010, the Company generated $818,910 in cash from investing activities compared to $1,013,904 in 2009. The decline is attributable to reduced dividends from joint venture investments and advances to joint ventures, partially offset by reduced spending on property and equipment.

Financing Activities

During the nine months ended September 30, 2010, the Company utilized $106,090 in cash from financing activities as compared to the utilization of $1,067,216 for the comparable period in 2009. In 2009, the Company paid down the revolving credit facility by $1,000,000.

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.

ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK.

Interest Rates

Our market risk sensitive items do not subject us to material risk exposures. Our revolving credit facility remains available through July 1, 2012, subject to optional prepayment in accordance with its terms. At September 30, 2010, the Company had $3,000,000 of variable-rate debt outstanding. At this borrowing level, a hypothetical 10 percent increase in interest rates would have had an insignificant unfavorable impact on the Company’s pretax earnings and cash flows. The primary interest rate exposure on floating-rate debt is based on LIBOR (0.35% at September 30, 2010) plus 2.75% per year. The agreement is collateralized by trade accounts receivable, equipment, inventory and work-in-process.

 

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Foreign Currency Transaction Risk

AETI maintains an investment in its Singapore joint venture, MIEFE. 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 the Company’s condensed consolidated balance sheet.

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

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

Commodity Price Risk

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

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

ITEM 4. 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 September 30, 2010. Based on this evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that the disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of September 30, 2010.

No change in internal control over financial reporting occurred during the quarter ended September 30, 2010 that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect internal control over financial reporting.

 

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PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

ITEM 1. LEGAL PROCEDINGS

None.

ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS

There have been no material changes during the period ended September 30, 2010 in the risk factors as set forth in item 1A of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2009.

ITEM 2. UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS

None.

ITEM 3. DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES

None.

ITEM 4. (Removed and Reserved)

ITEM 5. OTHER INFORMATION

None.

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: November 15, 2010

AMERICAN ELECTRIC TECHNOLOGIES, INC.

 

By: /s/ Charles M. Dauber

Charles M. Dauber
President and Chief Executive Officer
(Principal Executive Officer)

By: /s/ Frank R. Pierce

Frank R. Pierce
Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Secretary
(Principal Financial Officer)

 

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