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

FORM 10-Q

(MARK ONE)

x
QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 or 15 (d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
 
FOR THE QUARTERLY PERIOD ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2008

OR

o
TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 or 15 (d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
 
COMMISSION FILE NUMBER: 1-11906


MEASUREMENT SPECIALTIES, INC.

(EXACT NAME OF REGISTRANT AS SPECIFIED IN ITS CHARTER)

New Jersey
22-2378738
(STATE OR OTHER JURISDICTION OF
INCORPORATION OR ORGANIZATION)
(I.R.S. EMPLOYER
IDENTIFICATION NO.)
 
1000 LUCAS WAY, HAMPTON, VA 23666
(ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL EXECUTIVE OFFICES) (ZIP CODE)
 
(757) 766-1500
(REGISTRANT’S TELEPHONE NUMBER, INCLUDING AREA CODE)

 (FORMER NAME, FORMER ADDRESS AND FORMER FISCAL YEAR, IF CHANGED SINCE LAST REPORT)
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15 (d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.
Yes x     No o
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer or a non-accelerated filer. See definition of “accelerated filer and large accelerated filer” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):
 
Large accelerated filer o
 
Accelerated filer  x
 
Non-accelerated filer  o
 
Smaller reporting company  o
       
(Do not check if a smaller reporting
company)
   

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

Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer’s classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date: 14,477,438 shares of common stock, no par value per share, as of January 30, 2009.

 
 

 

MEASUREMENT SPECIALTIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
FORM 10-Q
TABLE OF CONTENTS
DECEMBER 31, 2008  
 
PART I.
FINANCIAL INFORMATION
 
3
       
ITEM 1.
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
3
 
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (UNAUDITED)
 
3
 
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (UNAUDITED)
 
4
 
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (UNAUDITED)
 
6
 
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (UNAUDITED)
 
7
 
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)
 
8
       
ITEM 2.
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
 
18
       
ITEM 3.
QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
 
29
       
ITEM 4.
CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
 
31
       
PART II.
OTHER INFORMATION
 
31
       
ITEM 1.
LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
 
31
       
ITEM 1A.
RISK FACTORS
 
31
       
ITEM 6.
EXHIBITS
 
31
       
SIGNATURES
 
32

 
2

 

PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

MEASUREMENT SPECIALTIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS  
(UNAUDITED)
 
   
Three Months Ended
December 31,
   
Nine Months Ended
December 31,
 
(Amounts in thousands, except per share amounts)
 
2008
   
2007
   
2008
   
2007
 
Net sales
  $ 43,299     $ 55,991     $ 161,184     $ 165,604  
Cost of goods sold
    24,379       32,522       91,987       95,888  
Gross profit
    18,920       23,469       69,197       69,716  
Total operating expenses
    16,866       15,949       54,963       48,629  
Operating income
    2,054       7,520       14,234       21,087  
Interest expense, net
    675       946       2,187       3,339  
Foreign currency exchange loss
    351       422       684       863  
Other expense (income)
    161       3       (193 )     (29 )
Income from continuing operations before minority interest and income taxes
    867       6,149       11,556       16,914  
Minority interest, net of income taxes
    106       91       276       252  
Income tax expense (benefit) from continuing operations
    (115 )     1,205       2,830       4,747  
Income from continuing operations
    876       4,853       8,450       11,915  
Discontinued operations:
                               
Income from discontinued operations before income taxes
    -       42       -       98  
Income tax benefit from discontinued operations
    -       (9 )     -       (3 )
Income from discontinued operations
    -       51       -       101  
Net income
  $ 876     $ 4,904     $ 8,450     $ 12,016  
                                 
Net income per common share - Basic:
                               
Income from continuing operations
  $ 0.06     $ 0.33     $ 0.58     $ 0.83  
Income from discontinued operations
    -       0.01       -       0.01  
Net income per common share - Basic
  $ 0.06     $ 0.34     $ 0.58     $ 0.84  
                                 
Net income per common share - Diluted:
                               
Income from continuing operations
  $ 0.06     $ 0.33     $ 0.58     $ 0.82  
Income from discontinued operations
    -       0.01       -       0.01  
Net income per common share - Diluted
  $ 0.06     $ 0.34     $ 0.58     $ 0.83  
                                 
Weighted average shares outstanding - Basic
    14,464       14,357       14,461       14,337  
Weighted average shares outstanding - Diluted
    14,536       14,535       14,545       14,512  
 
See Accompanying Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

 
3

 

MEASUREMENT SPECIALTIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(UNAUDITED)

(Amounts in thousands)
 
December 31, 2008
   
March 31, 2008
 
             
ASSETS
              
             
Current assets:
              
Cash and cash equivalents
  $ 23,197     $ 21,565  
Accounts receivable, trade, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $623 and $696, respectively
    25,945       39,919  
Inventories, net
    47,614       40,286  
Deferred income taxes, net
    4,467       4,299  
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
    4,180       3,760  
Other receivables
    716       1,270  
Due from joint venture partner
    1,664       2,155  
Current portion of promissory note receivable
    283       809  
Total current assets
    108,066       114,063  
                 
Property, plant and equipment, net
    45,915       40,715  
Goodwill
    94,717       95,710  
Acquired intangible assets, net
    26,386       31,766  
Deferred income taxes, net
    2,610       1,769  
Other assets
    1,519       1,592  
Total assets
  $ 279,213     $ 285,615  

See Accompanying Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

 
4

 

MEASUREMENT SPECIALTIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(UNAUDITED)
 
(Amounts in thousands, except share amounts)
 
December 31, 2008
   
March 31, 2008
 
             
LIABILITIES, MINORITY INTEREST AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
 
                
Current liabilities:
           
Current portion of promissory notes payable
  $ 4,734     $ 2,511  
Current portion of long-term debt
    2,348       3,157  
Current portion of capital lease obligation
    717       822  
Accounts payable
    14,947       23,523  
Accrued expenses
    3,163       3,634  
Accrued compensation
    4,750       7,067  
Income taxes payable
    1,714       751  
Other current liabilities
    4,679       3,510  
Total current liabilities
    37,052       44,975  
                 
Revolver
    56,802       58,206  
Promissory notes payable, net of current portion
    4,734       7,535  
Long-term debt, net of current portion
    13,453       15,309  
Capital lease obligation, net of current portion
    157       781  
Other liabilities
    1,230       1,067  
Total liabilities
    113,428       127,873  
                 
Minority interest
    2,563       1,953  
                 
Shareholders' equity:
               
Serial preferred stock; 221,756 shares authorized; none outstanding
    -       -  
Common stock, no par; 25,000,000 shares authorized; 14,477,438 and 14,440,848 shares issued and outstanding, respectively
    -       -  
Additional paid-in capital
    81,247       78,720  
Retained earnings
    70,389       61,939  
Accumulated other comprehensive income
    11,586       15,130  
Total shareholders' equity
    163,222       155,789  
Total liabilities, minority interest and shareholders' equity
  $ 279,213     $ 285,615  
 
See Accompanying Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

 
5

 

MEASUREMENT SPECIALTIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
FOR THE NINE MONTHS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2008 AND 2007
(UNAUDITED)
 
                     
Accumulated
             
         
Additional
         
Other
             
   
Shares of Common
   
paid-in
   
Retained
   
Comprehensive
         
Comprehensive
 
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Stock
   
capital
   
Earnings
   
Income (loss)
   
Total
   
Income
 
Balance,  March 31, 2007
    14,280,364     $ 73,399     $ 45,497     $ 1,741     $ 120,637        
Comprehensive income:
                                             
Net income
            -       12,016       -       12,016     $ 12,016  
Currency translation adjustment
            -       -       6,968       6,968       6,968  
Comprehensive income
            -       -       -       -     $ 18,984  
Non-cash equity based compensation (SFAS 123R)
            2,493       -       -       2,493          
Amounts from exercise of stock options
    143,114       1,568       -       -       1,568          
Balance, December 31, 2007
    14,423,478     $ 77,460     $ 57,513     $ 8,709     $ 143,682          
                                                 
Balance,  March 31, 2008
    14,440,848     $ 78,720     $ 61,939     $ 15,130     $ 155,789          
Comprehensive income:
                                               
Net income
            -       8,450       -       8,450     $ 8,450  
Currency translation adjustment
            -       -       (3,544 )     (3,544 )     (3,544 )
Comprehensive income
            -       -       -       -     $ 4,906  
Non-cash equity based compensation (SFAS 123R)
            2,251       -       -       2,251          
Amounts from exercise of stock options
    36,590       276       -       -       276          
Balance, December 31, 2008
    14,477,438     $ 81,247     $ 70,389     $ 11,586     $ 163,222          

See Accompanying Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

 
6

 

MEASUREMENT SPECIALTIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(UNAUDITED)
 
   
Nine months ended December 31,
 
(Amounts in thousands)
 
2008
   
2007
 
             
Cash flows from operating activities:
           
Net income
  $ 8,450     $ 12,016  
Less:  Income from discontinued operations - Consumer
    -       101  
Income from continuing operations
    8,450       11,915  
                 
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities from continuing operations:
               
Depreciation and amortization
    9,588       6,784  
Loss on sale of assets
    117       93  
Provision for doubtful accounts
    317       84  
Provision for inventory reserve
    111       566  
Provision for warranty
    112       455  
Minority interest
    276       252  
Non-cash equity based compensation (SFAS 123R)
    2,251       2,493  
Deferred income taxes
    (1,532 )     822  
Net change in operating assets and liabilities:
               
Accounts receivable, trade
    12,899       2,099  
Inventories
    (7,513 )     (545 )
Prepaid expenses, other current assets and other receivables
    (26 )     (256 )
Other assets
    671       (238 )
Accounts payable
    (7,599 )     3,008  
Accrued expenses, accrued compensation, other current and other liabilities
    (1,654 )     (2,073 )
Accrued litigation settlement expenses
    -       (1,275 )
Income taxes payable
    1,166       263  
Net cash provided by operating activities from continuing operations
    17,634       24,447  
Cash flows used in investing activities from continuing operations:
               
Purchases of property and equipment
    (11,334 )     (8,473 )
Proceeds from sale of assets
    6       26  
Acquisition of business, net of cash acquired
    -       (22,838 )
Net cash used in investing activities from continuing operations
    (11,328 )     (31,285 )
Cash flows from financing activities from continuing operations:
               
Repayments of long-term debt
    (2,439 )     (2,183 )
Borrowings of short-term debt, revolver and notes payable
    2,500       41,127  
Repayments of short-term debt, revolver, captial leases and notes payable
    (4,487 )     (13,587 )
Payments under deferred acquisition payments
    -       (1,738 )
Minority interest payments
    -       (243 )
Proceeds from exercise of options
    276       1,568  
Net cash used in financing activities from continuing operations
    (4,150 )     24,944  
                 
Net cash provided by operating activities of  discontinued operations
    -       158  
Net cash provided by investing activities of discontinued operations
    540       2,239  
Net cash provided by discontinued operations
    540       2,397  
                 
Net change in cash and cash equivalents
    2,696       20,503  
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash
    (1,064 )     746  
Cash, beginning of year
    21,565       7,709  
Cash, end of period
  $ 23,197     $ 28,958  
                 
Supplemental Cash Flow Information:
               
Cash paid during the period for:
               
Interest
  $ 2,119     $ 3,461  
Income taxes
    1,715       3,278  
Non-cash investing and financing transactions:
               
Promissory note receivable from sale of discontinued operations
    -       8,708  
 
See Accompanying Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

 
7

 
 
MEASUREMENT SPECIALTIES, INC.   AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE THREE AND NINE MONTHS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2008 AND 2007
(UNAUDITED)

(Amounts in thousands, except share and per share amounts)

1. DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS AND BASIS OF PRESENTATION

Interim Financial Statements:  The information presented as of December 31, 2008 and for the three and nine month periods ended December 31, 2008 and 2007 are unaudited, and reflect all adjustments (consisting only of normal recurring adjustments) which the Company considers necessary for the fair presentation of the Company’s financial position as of December 31, 2008, the results of its operations for the three and nine month periods ended December 31, 2008 and 2007, and cash flows for the nine month periods ended December 31, 2008 and 2007. The Company’s March 31, 2008 balance sheet information was derived from the audited consolidated financial statements for the year ended March 31, 2008, which are included as part of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K.

The condensed consolidated financial statements included herein have been prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles and the instructions to Form 10-Q and Rule 10-01 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles have been condensed or omitted. These condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the Company’s audited consolidated financial statements for the year ended March 31, 2008, which are included as part of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Description of Business:  Measurement Specialties, Inc.  (the “Company,” “we,” “us” or “our”) is a leader in the design, development and manufacture of sensors and sensor-based systems for original equipment manufacturers and end users, based on a broad portfolio of proprietary technology. The Company is a multi-national corporation with nine primary manufacturing facilities strategically located in the United States, China, France, Ireland, Germany and Switzerland, enabling the Company to produce and market world-wide a broad range of sensors that use advanced technologies to measure precise ranges of physical characteristics. These sensors are used for automotive, medical, consumer, military/aerospace, and industrial applications. The Company’s sensor products include pressure sensors and transducers, linear/rotary position sensors, piezoelectric polymer film sensors, custom microstructures, load cells, accelerometers, optical sensors, humidity and temperature sensors. The Company's advanced technologies include piezo-resistive silicon sensors, application-specific integrated circuits, micro-electromechanical systems, piezoelectric polymers, foil strain gauges, force balance systems, fluid capacitive devices, linear and rotational variable differential transformers, electromagnetic displacement sensors, hygroscopic capacitive sensors, ultrasonic sensors, optical sensors, negative thermal coefficient (“NTC”) ceramic sensors and mechanical resonators.

2. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Principles of Consolidation:  The condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company, its wholly owned subsidiaries, and its joint venture in Japan. All significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

In accordance with Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Interpretation No. 46R (“FIN 46R”) (revised December 2003), Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities, the Company consolidates its one variable interest entity (“VIE”) for which the Company is the primary beneficiary. With the purchase of YSI Temperature, the Company acquired a 50 percent ownership interest in Nikisso-THERM (“NT”), a joint venture in Japan. This joint venture is included in the condensed consolidated financial statements of the Company at December 31, 2008 and 2007 and March 31, 2008. At December 31, 2008 and March 31, 2008, NT had amounts due from Nikisso, NT joint venture partner, of $1,664  and $2,155, respectively.
 
In accordance with the disclosure requirements of FASB Staff Position (FSP) SFAS No. 140-4 and FIN 46R-8, Disclosures by Public Entities about Transfers of Financial Assets and Interest in Variable Interest Entities, the nature of the Company’s involvement with N-T is not as a sponsor of a qualifying special purpose entity (SPE) for the transfer of financial assets.  N-T is a self-sustaining manufacturer and distributor of temperature based sensor systems in Asian markets.  The assets of N-T are for the operations of the joint venture and the VIE relationship does not expose the Company to risks not considered normal business risks.  The carrying amount and classification of the variable interest entity’s assets and liabilities in the consolidated statement of financial position that are consolidated in accordance with Interpretation 46R are as follows at December 31, 2008:

Assets:
     
Cash
  $ 1,037  
Accounts receivable
    1,413  
Inventory
    684  
Other assets
    116  
Due from joint venture partner
    1,664  
Property and equipment
    204  
Total assets
  $ 5,118  
         
Liabilities:
       
Accounts payable
  $ (268 )
Accrued expenses
    (246 )
Deferred income taxes and other
    (516 )
Total liabilities
  $ (1,030 )
 
Use of Estimates:  The preparation of the condensed consolidated financial statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions which affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Significant items subject to such estimates and assumptions include the carrying amount of property, plant and equipment, acquired intangibles and goodwill, valuation allowances for receivables, inventories and deferred income tax assets, warranties, valuation of derivative financial instruments and stock-based compensation. Actual results could differ from those estimates. There have been no significant changes to the Application of Critical Accounting Policies disclosure contained in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended March 31, 2008.

Reclassifications:  Certain prior year amounts have been reclassified to conform to current year presentation with the separate presentation of foreign currency exchange gains and losses.

Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements:  In September 2006, the FASB issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No. 157, Fair Value Measurements (“SFAS No. 157”).  This new standard provides guidance for using fair value to measure assets and liabilities. SFAS No. 157 applies whenever other standards require (or permit) assets or liabilities to be measured at fair value but does not expand the use of fair value in any new circumstances.

 
8

 

On February 12, 2008, the FASB issued FASB Staff Positions that delayed for one year the applicability of SFAS No. 157’s fair value measurement requirements to certain nonfinancial assets and liabilities, excluded most lease accounting fair-value measurements from SFAS No. 157’s scope,.

The provisions of SFAS No. 157 are effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007, and interim periods within those fiscal years, except for that portion of provisions deferred for one year pursuant to the FASB Staff Positions. Effective April 1, 2008, the Company adopted the applicable provisions of SFAS No. 157, except for that portion of the provisions deferred for one year.  The implementation of the adopted provisions of SFAS No. 157 did not have a material impact on the Company’s financial position or results of operations.  Management is currently evaluating the effect that the adoption of the deferred portions of provision of SFAS No. 157 will have on the Company’s financial statements.

Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements:  On April 25, 2008, the FASB issued FASB Staff Position (FSP) 142-3, Determination of the Useful Life of Intangible Assets, which amends the factors that should be considered in developing renewal or extension assumptions used to determine the useful life of a recognized intangible asset under FASB Statement No. 142, Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets. The intent of this FSP is to improve the consistency between the useful life of a recognized intangible asset under Statement 142 and the period of expected cash flows used to measure the fair value of the asset under FASB Statement No. 141 (revised 2007), Business Combinations, and other U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP).  This FSP is effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2008, and interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption is prohibited.  Management is currently evaluating the effect that the adoption of FSP 142-3 will have on the Company’s financial statements.

In December 2007, the FASB issued FASB Statement No. 141R, Business Combinations (“SFAS No. 141R”) and FASB Statement No. 160, Noncontrolling Interests in Consolidated Financial Statements- an amendment to ARB No. 51 (“SFAS No. 160”). SFAS No. 141R and SFAS No. 160 require most identifiable assets, liabilities, noncontrolling interests, and goodwill acquired in a business combination to be recorded at “full fair value” and require noncontrolling interests (previously referred to as minority interests) to be reported as a component of equity, which changes the accounting for transactions with noncontrolling interest holders. Both Statements are effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within these fiscal years, beginning on or after December 15, 2008, and earlier adoption is prohibited. SFAS No.141R will be applied to business combinations occurring after the effective date. The accounting for contingent consideration under SFAS No. 141R requires the measurement of contingencies at the fair value on the acquisition date. Contingent consideration can be either a liability or equity based, and as such will be accounted for under SFAS No. 150, SFAS No. 133, or EITF 00-19. Subsequent changes to the fair value of the contingent consideration (liability) are recognized in earnings, not to goodwill, and equity classified contingent consideration amounts are not re-measured. SFAS No. 160 will be applied prospectively to all noncontrolling interests, including any that arose before the effective date. The Company is currently evaluating the effect that the adoption of SFAS No. 141R and SFAS No. 160 will have on its results of operations and financial position.

3.   STOCK BASED COMPENSATION AND PER SHARE INFORMATION

The Company accounts for stock-based compensation under SFAS No. 123R (Revised 2004), Share-Based Payment. Stock-based compensation expense for the three months ended December 31, 2008 and 2007 was $727 and $860, respectively, and for the nine months ended December 31, 2008 and 2007 was $2,251 and $2,493, respectively. The estimated fair value of stock options granted during the three and nine months ended December 31, 2008 approximated $1,063 and $1,256, respectively, net of expected forfeitures and is being recognized over their respective vesting periods. During the three and nine months ended December 31, 2008, the Company recognized $49 and $88, respectively, of expense related to these options.

The Company has four share-based compensation plans for which options are currently outstanding.  At the Company’s Annual Shareholders’ meeting on September 16, 2008, the Company’s shareholders approved a new stock-based compensation plan, the 2008 Equity Incentive Plan (“2008 Plan”).  With the adoption of the 2008 Plan, no further options may be granted under the Company’s 2006 Stock Option Plan.  The 2008 Plan permits the granting of incentive stock options, non-qualified stock options, and restricted stock units.  Subject to certain adjustments, the maximum number of shares of common stock that may be issued under the 2008 Plan in connection with awards is 1,400,000 shares.  These plans are administered by the compensation committee of the Board of Directors, which approves grants to individuals eligible to receive awards and determines the number of shares and/or options subject to each award, the terms, conditions, performance measures, and other provisions of the award. The Chief Executive Officer can also grant individual awards up to certain limits as approved by the compensation committee. Awards are generally granted based on the individual’s performance. Terms for stock-option awards include pricing based on the closing price of the Company’s common stock on the award date, and generally vest over three to five year requisite service periods using a graded vesting schedule or subject to performance targets established by the compensation committee. Shares issued under stock option plans are newly issued common stock. Readers should refer to Note 14 of the consolidated financial statements in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2008 for additional information related to the three share-based compensation plans under which options are currently outstanding and the Company’s 2008 Proxy Statement on Schedule 14A for our annual meeting of shareholders filed on July 29, 2008 for additional information related to the 2008 Plan.

 
9

 

During the three and nine months ended December 31, 2008, the Company granted a total of 536,988 and 571,988 stock options, respectively, from the 2006 Stock Option Plan and the 2008 Plan. The Company uses the Black-Scholes-Merton option pricing model to estimate the fair value of stock-based awards with the following assumptions for the indicated period.

   
Three months ended December 31,
   
Nine months ended December 31,
 
   
2008
   
2007
   
2008
   
2007
 
Dividend yield
    -       -       -       -  
Expected Volatility
    48.9 %     37.2 %     47.6 %     37.6 %
Risk-Free Interest Rate
    1.5 %     3.2 %     1.6 %     3.6 %
Expected term after vesting (in years)
    2.0       2.0       2.0       2.0  
Weighted-average grant-date fair value
  $ 1.98     $ 7.93     $ 1.96     $ 8.27  

The assumptions above are based on multiple factors, including historical exercise patterns of employees with respect to exercise and post-vesting employment termination behaviors, expected future exercise patterns for these employees and the historical volatility of our stock price and the stock prices of companies in our peer group (Standard Industrial Classification or “SIC” Code 3823). The expected term of options granted is derived using company-specific, historical exercise information and represents the period of time that options granted are expected to be outstanding. The risk-free interest rate for periods within the contractual life of the option is based on the U.S. Treasury yield curve in effect at the time of grant.

During the nine months ended December 31, 2008, approximately 36,590 stock options were exercised yielding $276 in cash proceeds and no tax benefit recognized as additional paid-in capital. During the nine months ended December 31, 2007, approximately 143,114 stock options were exercised yielding $1,568 in cash proceeds and no tax benefit recognized as additional paid-in capital.

At December 31, 2008, there was $4,269 of unrecognized compensation cost adjusted for estimated forfeitures related to share-based payments, which is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of approximately 1.6 years.

Per Share Information:  Basic per share information is computed based on the weighted average common shares outstanding during each period. Diluted per share information additionally considers the shares that may be issued upon exercise or conversion of stock options and warrants, less the shares that may be repurchased with the funds received from their exercise. Outstanding awards relating to approximately 1,940,376 and 1,249,490 weighted shares were excluded from the calculation for the three months ended December 31, 2008 and 2007, respectively, and approximately 1,860,916 and 1,502,718 weighted shares were excluded from the calculation for the nine months ended December 31, 2008 and 2007, respectively, as the impact of including such awards in the calculation of diluted earnings per share would have had an anti-dilutive effect.
 
The computation of the basic and diluted net income per common share is as follows:
 
   
Net income
(Numerator)
   
Weighted
Average Shares
in thousands
(Denominator)
   
Per-Share
Amount
 
Three months ended December 31, 2008
                                              
Basic per share information
  $ 876       14,464     $ 0.06  
Effect of dilutive securities
    -       72       -  
Diluted per-share information
  $ 876       14,536     $ 0.06  
                         
Three months ended December 31, 2007
                       
Basic per share information
  $ 4,904       14,357     $ 0.34  
Effect of dilutive securities
    -       178       -  
Diluted per-share information
  $ 4,904       14,535     $ 0.34  
                         
Nine months ended December 31, 2008
                       
Basic per share information
  $ 8,450       14,461     $ 0.58  
Effect of dilutive securities
    -       84       -  
Diluted per-share information
  $ 8,450       14,545     $ 0.58  
                         
Nine months ended December 31, 2007
                       
Basic per share information
  $ 12,016       14,337     $ 0.84  
Effect of dilutive securities
    -       175       (0.01 )
Diluted per-share information
  $ 12,016       14,512     $ 0.83  

 
10

 

4. INVENTORIES

Inventories and inventory reserves for slow-moving, obsolete and lower of cost or market exposures at December 31, 2008 and March 31, 2008 are summarized as follows:
 
   
December 31, 2008
   
March 31, 2008
 
Raw Materials
  $ 17,800     $ 17,474  
Work-in-Process
    6,212       6,140  
Finished Goods
    27,134       20,082  
      51,146       43,696  
Inventory Reserves
    (3,532 )     (3,410 )
    $ 47,614     $ 40,286  
 
5. PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT

Property, plant and equipment are stated at cost. Equipment under capital leases is stated at the present value of minimum lease payments.  Property, plant and equipment are summarized as follows:
 
   
December 31, 2008
   
March 31, 2008
 
Useful Life
Production equipment & tooling
  $ 44,627     $ 43,893  
3-10 years
Building and leasehold improvements
    10,407       9,737  
39 years or lesser of useful life or remaining term of lease
Furniture and equipment
    12,185       12,000  
3-10 years
Construction-in-progress
    14,877       8,584    
Total
    82,096       74,214    
Less: accumulated depreciation and amortization
    (36,181 )     (33,499 )  
    $ 45,915     $ 40,715    

Total depreciation was $1,756 and $1,541 for the three months ended December 31, 2008 and 2007, respectively. Total depreciation was $5,610 and $4,505 for the nine months ended December 31, 2008 and 2007, respectively.  Property and equipment included $874 and $1,603 in capital leases at December 31, 2008 and March 31, 2008, respectively. Construction-in-progress at December 31, 2008 and March 31, 2008 includes approximately $10,128 and $7,364, respectively, related to the construction of the new facility in China.
 
6. ACQUISITIONS, GOODWILL IMPAIRMENT TESTING, AND ACQUIRED INTANGIBLES

Acquisitions:  As part of its growth strategy, the Company made twelve acquisitions since June 2004 with total purchase price exceeding $154,000, of which two acquisitions were made during each year ended March 31, 2008 and 2007.  All of these acquisitions have been accounted for as purchases and have resulted in the recognition of goodwill in the Company’s consolidated financial statements. This goodwill arises because the purchase prices for these businesses reflect a number of factors, including the future earnings and cash flow potential of these businesses, and other factors at which similar businesses have been purchased by other acquirers, the competitive nature of the process by which the Company acquired the business, and the complementary strategic fit and resulting synergies these businesses bring to existing operations.
 
Adjustments to decrease goodwill since March 31, 2008 relate to $735 in adjustments to purchase price allocations and $258 in translation adjustments for changes in foreign currency exchange rates. Goodwill balances presented in the condensed consolidated balance sheets of foreign acquisitions are translated at the exchange rate in effect at each balance sheet date; however, opening balance sheets used to calculate goodwill and acquired intangible assets are based on purchase date exchange rates, except for earn-out payments, which are recorded at the exchange rates in effect on the date the earn-out is accrued.  The following briefly describes the Company’s acquisitions from the beginning of fiscal 2007 forward.

YSI:  Effective April 1, 2006, the Company completed the acquisition of all of the capital stock of YSIS Incorporated (“YSI Temperature”), a division of YSI Incorporated, for $14,252 ($14,000 in cash at close and $252 in acquisition costs). YSI Temperature manufactures a range of thermistors for automotive, medical, industrial and consumer goods applications. The transaction was financed with borrowings under the Company’s Amended and Restated Credit Facility (See Note 7). The Company’s final purchase price allocation related to the YSI Temperature acquisition follows: 

Assets:
 
 
 
Cash
 
$
440
 
Accounts receivable
   
3,109
 
Inventory
   
1,672
 
Prepaid assets and other
   
714
 
Property and equipment
   
1,134
 
Acquired intangible assets
   
2,142
 
Goodwill
   
7,588
 
Other
   
303
 
     
17,102
 
Liabilities:
       
Accounts payable
   
(884
)
Accrued compensation
   
(780
)
Deferred income taxes
   
(65
)
Minority interest
   
(1,121
)
     
(2,850
)
Total Purchase Price
 
$
14,252
 

 
11

 

The Company filed with the Internal Revenue Service a 338(h)(10) election for the YSI Temperature acquisition in December 2006, which for tax purposes, provides treatment of the acquisition as an asset purchase with the underlying assets stepped up to the fair value rather than as a stock purchase, and as result of this election, the deferred taxes initially recorded are no longer reflected as part of purchase accounting.

BetaTHERM:  Effective April 1, 2006, the Company completed the acquisition of all of the capital stock of BetaTHERM Group Ltd., a sensor company headquartered in Galway, Ireland (“BetaTHERM”), for $37,248 ($33,741 in cash at closing, $1,787 in deferred acquisition payments which were paid in October 2007, $1,000 in Company shares and $720 in acquisition costs). BetaTHERM manufactures precision thermistors used for temperature sensing in aerospace, biomedical, automotive, industrial and consumer goods applications. BetaTHERM conducts business through operations located in Ireland, Massachusetts and China. The transaction was financed with borrowings under the Company’s Amended and Restated Credit Facility (See Note 7). The Company executed a restructuring of BetaTHERM during the three months ended March 31, 2007, whereby the ownership of BetaTHERM’s U.S. operation was transferred to Measurement Specialties, Inc. from BetaTHERM Ireland. This reorganization was part of the acquisition in that it was a requirement in our Amended and Restated Credit Facility and provided an efficient organizational structure for operational and tax purposes. The Company’s final purchase price allocation related to the BetaTHERM acquisition follows:

Assets:
 
 
 
Cash
 
$
2,388
 
Accounts receivable
   
3,180
 
Inventory
   
2,521
 
Property and equipment
   
3,551
 
Acquired intangible assets
   
8,609
 
Goodwill
   
25,803
 
Other
   
228
 
     
46,280
 
Liabilities:
       
Accounts payable
   
(1,733
)
Accrued expenses
   
(695
)
Taxes payable
   
(805
)
Debt
   
(3,737
)
Deferred income taxes
   
(2,062
)
     
(9,032
)
Total Purchase Price
 
$
37,248
 
 
Visyx:  Effective November 20, 2007, the Company acquired certain assets of Visyx Technologies, Inc. (Visyx”) based in Sunnyvale, California for $1,624 ($1,400 at close, $100 held-back to cover certain expenses, and $124 in acquisition costs). The Seller has the potential to receive up to an additional $2,000 in the form of a contingent payment based on successful commercialization of specified sensors prior to December 31, 2011, and an additional $9,000 earn-out based on a percentage of sales in calendar years 2009, 2010 and 2011. If these earn-out contingencies are resolved and meet established conditions, these amounts will be recorded as an additional element of the cost of the acquisition.  The resolution of these contingencies is not determinable at this time, and accordingly, the Company’s purchase price allocation for Visyx is subject to earn-out payments.  Visyx has a range of sensors that measure fluid properties, including density, viscosity and dielectric constant, for use in heavy truck/off road engines and transmissions, compressors/turbines, refrigeration and air conditioning.  The Company’s final purchase price allocation, except for earn-out contingencies, related to the Visyx acquisition follows:
 
Assets:
     
Accounts receivable
 
$
12
 
Inventory
   
10
 
Acquired intangible assets
   
1,528
 
Goodwill
   
74
 
Total Purchase Price
 
$
1,624
 
         
Cash paid
 
$
1,400
 
Deferred payment
   
100
 
Costs
   
124
 
Total Purchase Price
 
$
1,624
 

 
12

 

Intersema:  Effective December 28, 2007, the Company completed the acquisition of all of the capital stock of Intersema Microsystems S.A. (“Intersema”), a sensor company headquartered in Bevaix, Switzerland, for $40,160 ($31,249 in cash at closing, $8,708 in unsecured Promissory Notes (“Intersema Notes”), and $203 in acquisition costs). The Intersema Notes bear interest of 4.5% per annum and are payable in four equal annual installments beginning December 28, 2008. The selling shareholders have the potential to receive up to an additional $18,946 based on December 31, 2008 exchange rates or 20,000 Swiss francs tied to calendar 2009 earnings growth objectives, and if the contingencies are resolved and meet established conditions, these amounts will be recorded as an additional element of the cost of the acquisition. The resolution of these contingencies is not determinable at this time, and accordingly, the Company’s purchase price allocation for Intersema is subject to earn-out payments.  Intersema is a designer and manufacturer of pressure sensors and modules with low pressure, harsh media and ultra-small package configurations for use in barometric and sub-sea depth measurement markets. The transaction was financed with borrowings under the Company’s Amended Credit Facility (See Note 7).   The Company’s final purchase price allocation, except for earn-out contingencies, related to the Intersema acquisition follows:

Assets:
     
Cash
 
$
10,542
 
Accounts receivable
   
1,162
 
Inventory
   
3,770
 
Other assets
   
619
 
Property and equipment
   
1,811
 
Acquired intangible assets
   
13,773
 
Goodwill
   
13,851
 
     
45,528
 
         
Liabilities:
       
Accounts payable
   
(832
)
Accrued expenses
   
(1,119
)
Deferred income taxes
   
(3,417
)
     
(5,368
)
Total Purchase Price
 
$
40,160
 

During the quarter ended December 31, 2008, the Company recorded an adjustment for $500 to increase inventory balances relating to the Intersema acquisition.  Since purchase accounting for Intersema was finalized, in accordance with SFAS No. 141, Business Combinations (“SFAS No. 141”), during the second quarter of fiscal 2009, and the aforementioned adjustment related directly to the inventory values assigned with purchase accounting, such adjustment was not recorded as a reduction of goodwill, but rather directly to income.  The adjustments resulted in an increase in net income of approximately $372 (net of income taxes) or $0.03 per diluted share.  The adjustment was identified as part of the integration of Intersema into the Company’s information reporting system.  The Company has determined that this adjustment is not material under the guidelines of Staff Accounting Bulletin (“SAB”) Topic No. 108, “Financial Statements – Considering the Effects of Prior Year Misstatements when Quantifying Misstatements in Current Year Financial Statements” (“SAB 108”), which requires the Company to evaluate the adjustment from a quantitative perspective using both the rollover and iron curtain methods, as well as to consider qualitative factors.

Goodwill Impairment Testing:  Goodwill is tested for impairment annually at fiscal year end and more frequently if events and circumstances indicate that the asset might be impaired.  During the quarter ended December 31, 2008, based on a combination of factors, including the current economic environment, our operating results, and a decline in our market capitalization, we concluded that there were sufficient indicators to require the Company to perform an interim goodwill impairment analysis as of December 31, 2008.

The goodwill impairment test is a two step test.  Under the first step, the fair value of the reporting unit is compared to its carrying value (including goodwill).  If the fair value of the reporting unit is less than its carrying value, an indication of goodwill impairment exists for the reporting unit, and the enterprise must perform step two of the impairment test (measurement).  Under step two, an impairment loss would be recognized for any excess of the carrying amount of the reporting unit’s goodwill over the implied fair value.  The implied fair value of goodwill is determined by allocating the fair value of the reporting unit in a manner similar to a purchase price allocation, in accordance with SFAS No. 141.  The residual fair value after this allocation is the implied fair value of the reporting unit goodwill.  Fair value of the reporting unit is determined using a discounted cash flow analysis.

 
13

 
 
We perform our goodwill impairment analysis at one level below the operating segment level, as defined in SFAS No. 142, Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (“SFAS No. 142”).  The Company continues to have one reporting segment, a sensor business, under the guidelines established with SFAS No. 131, Disclosures about Segments of an Enterprise and Related Information (“SFAS No. 131”), because of, among other things, the criteria for aggregation.  However, the goodwill impairment analysis under the requirements of SFAS No. 142 is performed at the reporting unit level.  A reporting unit is the same as, or one level below, an operating segment as defined in SFAS No. 131.  The Company’s reporting units for the purposes of the goodwill impairment analysis are the Company’s three business groups: Pressure/Force (PFG), Position/Piezo/Vibration (PVG), and Humidity/Chemical Gas/ Temperature/Optical (HTG).
 
During the quarter ended December 31, 2008, the Company realigned its operating structure  to facilitate better focus on cross-selling of the differing sensor products and the planned retirement of one of the group vice presidents, as well as other changes within management and to address current business conditions. This resulted in the modification of the three business group structure into one operating segment.   Accordingly, the Company currently has one single reporting unit, and the Company may have one single reporting unit for future goodwill impairment analyses.  Management continually assesses the Company’s operating structure, and this structure could be modified further based on future circumstances and business conditions.
 
The process of evaluating the potential impairment of goodwill is subjective and requires significant judgment at many points during the analysis. To derive the fair value of our reporting units, the Company performed various valuation analyses primarily utilizing the income approach, as well as the market approach. Under the market-based approach, we derived the fair value of our reporting units based on earning multiples of comparable publicly-traded peer companies. Under the income approach, we determined fair value based on estimated future cash flows discounted by an estimated weighted average cost of capital of approximately 12.3%, which is considered the overall level of inherent risk of a reporting unit and the rate of return an outside investor would expect to earn. Although our cash flow forecasts are based on assumptions that are considered reasonable by management and consistent with the plans and estimates we are using to manage the underlying businesses, there is significant judgment in determining the expected future cash flows attributable to these businesses. In addition, the evaluation requires that we make certain judgments in allocating shared assets and liabilities to the balance sheets of those businesses.  While we believe the fair values we have estimated are reasonable, actual performance in the short-term and long-term could be materially different from our forecasts, which could impact future estimates of fair value of our reporting units and may result in impairment of goodwill

As a reasonableness test, the aggregate fair value of the Company’s reporting units is reconciled to the Company’s adjusted market capitalization:  As of December 31, 2008, the fair value of the Company was estimated to be $171.  The Company’s adjusted market capitalization is based on a two week average stock price and a control premium of approximately 63%.  The two week period is considered a reasonable period of time for calculating an overall market capitalization for this analysis  due to, among other factors, the Company’s stock is considered thinly traded.  We also consider a control premium to represent the estimated amount an investor would pay for our equity securities to obtain a controlling interest.  The criteria used to derive the control premium included companies within our peer group (SIC Code 3823 through 3829) for acquisitions greater than $100,000 from 2006 through 2008.

Based on our interim assessment at December 31, 2008, there was no impairment of goodwill and all of our acquisition-related intangible assets were considered recoverable.

Acquired Intangibles:  In connection with all acquisitions, the Company acquired certain identifiable intangible assets, including customer relationships, proprietary technology, patents, trade-names, order backlogs and covenants-not-to-compete. The gross amounts and accumulated amortization, along with the range of amortizable lives, are as follows:
 
         
December 31, 2008
   
March 31, 2008
 
   
Weighted-
Average Life
in years
   
Gross
Amount
   
Accumulated
Amortization
   
Net
   
Gross
Amount
   
Accumulated
Amortization
   
Net
 
Amortizable intangible assets:
                                         
Customer relationships
   
9
    $ 27,109     $ (8,204 )   $ 18,905     $ 28,387     $ (5,950 )   $ 22,437  
Patents
   
15
      4,193       (872 )     3,321       4,391       (714 )     3,677  
Tradenames
   
3
      1,797       (1,384 )     413       1,895       (998 )     897  
Backlog
   
1
      2,545       (2,545 )     -       2,653       (2,067 )     586  
Covenants-not-to-compete
   
3
      962       (924 )     38       970       (910 )     60  
Proprietary technology
   
14
      4,607       (898 )     3,709       4,756       (647 )     4,109  
            $ 41,213     $ (14,827 )   $ 26,386     $ 43,052     $ (11,286 )   $ 31,766  

 
14

 

Amortization expense for the quarter ended December 31, 2008 and 2007 was $1,255 and $732, respectively.  Amortization expense for the nine months ended December 31, 2008 and 2007 was $3,978 and $2,279, respectively.  Estimated annual amortization expense is as follows:

   
Amortization
 
Year
 
Expense
 
2009
  $ 4,189  
2010
    3,776  
2011
    3,409  
2012
    2,931  
2013
    1,998  
Thereafter
    10,083  
    $ 26,386  

Pro forma Financial Data (Unaudited):  The following represents the Company’s pro forma consolidated results of continuing operations for the quarter and nine months ended December 31, 2007, based on final purchase accounting information, assuming the Visyx and Intersema acquisitions occurred as of April 1, 2007, giving effect to purchase accounting adjustments. The pro forma data is for informational purposes only and may not necessarily reflect results of operations had all the acquired companies been operated as part of the Company since April 1, 2007.
 
   
Three months ended
December 31, 2007
   
Nine months ended
December 31, 2007
 
Net sales
  $ 60,638     $ 178,970  
                 
Income from continuing operations
  $ 4,526     $ 10,935  
                 
Income from continuing operations per common share:
               
Basic
  $ 0.32     $ 0.76  
Diluted
  $ 0.31     $ 0.75  

7. LONG-TERM DEBT

To support the financing of the acquisitions of YSI Temperature and BetaTHERM (See Note 6), effective April 1, 2006, the Company entered into an Amended and Restated Credit Agreement (“Amended and Restated Credit Facility”) with General Electric Capital Corporation (“GE”) as agent which, among other things, increased the Company’s existing credit facility from $35,000 to $75,000, consisting of a $55,000 revolving credit facility and a $20,000 term loan, and lowered the applicable London Inter-bank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”) or Index Margin from 4.50% and 2.75%, respectively, to LIBOR and Index Margins of 2.75% and 1.0%, respectively. To support the financing of the acquisition of Intersema (See Note 6), the Company entered into an Amended Credit Agreement (“Amended Credit Facility”) with four banks, with GE as agent, effective December 10, 2007 which, among other things, increased the Company’s existing revolving credit facility from $55,000 to $121,000 and lowered the applicable LIBOR or Index Margin from 2.75% and 1.0%, respectively, to LIBOR and Index Margins of 2.00% and 0.25%, respectively. Interest accrues on the principal amount of the borrowings at a rate based on either LIBOR plus a LIBOR margin, or at the election of the borrower, at an Index Rate (prime based rate) plus an Index Margin. The applicable margins may be adjusted quarterly based on a change in specified financial ratios. Borrowings under the line are subject to certain financial covenants and restrictions on indebtedness, dividend payments, financial guarantees, annual capital expenditures, and other related items. The availability of the revolving credit facility is not based on any borrowing base requirements, but borrowings are limited by certain financial covenants. The term portion of the Amended Credit Facility totaled $20,000 and the term loan portion of our credit facility was not changed with the Amended Credit Facility. The term loan is payable in $500 quarterly installments plus interest through March 1, 2011, with a final payment of $10,500 payable on April 3, 2011. The Company has provided a security interest in substantially all of the Company’s U.S. based assets as collateral for the Amended Credit Facility. The Company is presently in compliance with applicable financial covenants.

As of December 31, 2008, the Company utilized the prime based rate for the term and revolving credit facilities under the Amended Credit Facility. The weighted average interest rate applicable to borrowings under the revolving credit facility was approximately 3.50% at December 31, 2008. As of December 31, 2008, the outstanding borrowings on the revolving credit facility, which is classified as long-term debt, were $56,802, and the Company had an additional $64,198 available under the revolving credit facility. The Company’s borrowing capacity is limited by financial covenant ratios, including earnings ratios, and as such, our borrowing capacity is subject to change.  At December 31, 2008, the Company could borrow an additional $39,000. Commitment fees on the unused balance were equal to .375% per annum of the average amount of unused balances.

Promissory Notes:  In connection with the acquisition of Intersema, the Company issued Swiss franc denominated unsecured promissory notes (“Intersema Notes”) totaling $9,468, of which $4,734 is classified as current at December 31, 2008. The Intersema Notes are payable in four annual installments of approximately $2,367 beginning December 28, 2008 and bear an interest rate of 4.5% per year.  The first payments were to be due on December 28, 2008.  At the payees’ request prior to December 28, 2008, the Company agreed to delay the making of the first payments until January 5, 2009.

 
15

 
 
Long-Term Debt and Promissory Notes:  Below is a summary of the long-term debt and promissory notes outstanding at December 31, 2008 and March 31, 2008:
 
   
December 31,
   
March 31,
 
   
2008
   
2008
 
Prime or LIBOR plus 2.00% or 0.25% five-year term loan with a final installment due on April 3, 2011
  $ 14,500     $ 16,000  
                 
Governmental loans from French agencies at no interest and payable based on R&D expenditures
    573       794  
                 
Term credit facility with six banks at an interest rate of 4% payable through 2010
    728       1,079  
                 
Bonds issued at an interest rate of 3% payable through 2009
    -       553  
                 
Term credit facility with two banks at interest rates of 3.9%-4.0% payable through 2009
    -       40  
      15,801       18,466  
Less current portion of long-term debt
    2,348       3,157  
    $ 13,453     $ 15,309  
4.5% promissory note payable in four equal annual installments through December 28, 2011
  $ 9,468     $ 10,046  
Less current portion of promissory notes payable
    4,734       2,511  
    $ 4,734     $ 7,535  

The annual principal payments of long-term debt and revolver as of December 31, 2008 are as follows:

Year
 
Term
   
Other
   
Subtotal
   
Notes
   
Revolver
   
Total
 
2009
  $ 2,000     $ 348     $ 2,348     $ 4,734       -     $ 7,082  
2010
    2,000       861       2,861       2,367       -       5,228  
2011
    10,500       69       10,569       2,367       56,802       69,738  
2012
    -       18       18       -       -       18  
2013
    -       5       5       -       -       5  
Thereafter
    -       -       -       -       -       -  
Total
  $ 14,500     $ 1,301     $ 15,801     $ 9,468     $ 56,802     $ 82,071  

8. INCOME TAXES:

Income tax expense for interim reporting is based on an estimated overall effective tax rate for the entire fiscal year, in addition to any discrete tax adjustments. The overall estimated effective tax rate is based on expectations and other estimates and involves complex domestic and foreign tax issues, which the Company monitors closely, but which are subject to change.   The current year estimated overall effective tax rate for the first nine months is approximately 26.5%, as compared to the prior year estimated overall effective tax rate of approximately 25.5%.  The current year estimated overall tax rate has been mainly impacted by the increase in the tax rates in China.

The Company’s overall income tax rate (income tax expense from continuing operations divided by income from continuing operations less minority interest) during the nine months ended December 31, 2008 is approximately 24.5%, as compared to 28.5% during the same period last year. The difference between the overall estimated effective tax rate and the overall income tax rate is due to discrete tax adjustments.  The current year overall income tax rate was impacted by one discrete adjustment, and the prior year overall income tax rate was largely impacted by an expense discrete tax adjustment resulting from the enactment of a tax rate change in Germany.

Income taxes during the third quarter of fiscal 2009 decreased $1,320 to an income tax benefit of $115, as compared to $1,205 income tax expense for the third quarter of fiscal 2008.  The fluctuation of income tax expense to income tax benefit is mainly due to the revision of the estimated overall effective tax rate in the third quarter to 26.5% from 28%, as well as the decrease in taxable income.  The decrease in the estimated overall effective tax rate mainly reflects the impact of the overall decrease in business due to the current economic situation, particularly with regard to the tax expense associated with certain foreign based income taxable in the U.S., as well as the shift of taxable earnings to tax jurisdictions with lower tax rates.

During the quarter ended December 31, 2008, the Company recorded a discrete tax credit adjustments totaling approximately $152 related to the refinement of the estimates between the preparation of the prior year tax provision and the filing of the prior year tax returns.

 
16

 

During the quarter ended December 31, 2007, the Company recorded two discrete tax credit adjustments totaling approximately $312. The Company recorded a tax credit adjustment of approximately $137 related to the refinement of the estimates between the preparation of the prior year tax provision and the filing of the prior year tax returns. The Company recorded an additional net non-cash tax credit adjustment of $175 related to the revaluation of the net deferred tax assets for its MEAS China subsidiary due to a tax law change.
 
During the quarter ended September 30, 2007, the Company recorded a discrete non-cash tax adjustment of approximately $997 for the revaluation of the net deferred tax assets in Germany resulting from the decrease in tax rates enacted in 2007. The Company’s combined tax rate in Germany decreased from 39% to 31%, as a result of the German Business Tax Reform 2008, which became effective on August 17, 2007. 

9. SEGMENT AND GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION:
 
The Company continues to have one reporting segment, a sensor business, under the guidelines established with SFAS 131, Disclosures about Segments of an Enterprise and Related Information, because of, among other things, the criteria for aggregation. Geographic information for revenues based on country of sale from which invoiced, and long-lived assets based on country of location, which includes property, plant and equipment, but excludes intangible assets and goodwill, net of related depreciation and amortization follows:

   
For the three months ended December 31,
   
For the nine months ended December 31,
 
   
2008
   
2007
   
2008
   
2007
 
Net Sales:
                       
United States
  $ 22,880     $ 25,533     $ 73,884     $ 80,870  
France
    5,411       7,361       20,727       20,057  
Germany
    3,271       4,782       12,755       14,142  
Ireland
    2,570       3,146       9,559       9,646  
Switzerland
    2,430       -       10,774       -  
China
    6,737       15,169       33,485       40,889  
  Total:
  $ 43,299     $ 55,991     $ 161,184     $ 165,604  

   
December 31, 2008
   
   March 31, 2008   
 
Long Lived Assets:
           
United States
  $ 7,692     $ 6,624  
France
    6,138       6,808  
Germany
    2,440       2,817  
Ireland
    3,660       4,263  
Switzerland
    2,274       2,418  
China
    23,711       17,785  
   Total:
  $ 45,915     $ 40,715  

At December 31, 2008, approximately $7,641 of the Company’s cash is maintained in China, which is subject to certain restrictions on the transfer to another country because of currency control regulations.

10. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES:

Legal Matters:  From time to time, the Company is subject to legal proceedings and claims in the ordinary course of business. The Company currently is not aware of any legal proceedings or claims that the Company believes will have, individually or in the aggregate, a material adverse effect on the Company’s business, financial condition, or operating results.

Acquisition Earn-Outs and Contingent Payments:  In connection with the Visyx acquisition, the Company has a contingent payment obligation of approximately $2,000 based on the commercialization of certain sensors, and a sales performance based earn-out totaling $9,000, none of which was accrued since the respective contingencies were not achieved at December 31, 2008. In connection with the Intersema acquisition, the Company has earnings performance based earn-out obligations totaling $18,946, none of which was accrued since the contingency was not achieved at December 31, 2008.

11. DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS:

The Company has a number of foreign currency exchange contracts to manage exposure to fluctuations of the U.S. dollar relative to the Euro and Chinese RMB (“RMB”). The Euro/U.S. dollar currency contracts have a total notional amount of $4,320 and $3,027 at December 31, 2008 and March 31, 2008, respectively, and the RMB/U.S. dollar contracts have a total notional amount of $15,000 at December 31, 2008.  The exercise dates are through August 31, 2009 at an average exchange rate of $1.39 (Euro to U.S. dollar conversion rate) and $0.148 (RMB to U.S. dollar conversion rate). Since these derivatives are not designated as hedges under SFAS No. 133, Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities, changes in their fair value are recorded in earnings in foreign currency exchange gain or loss, not in accumulated other comprehensive income.  As of December 31, 2008 and March 31, 2008, the fair value of these currency contracts was a liability of $7 and an asset of $34, respectively, and was included in other current assets.

 
17

 

12. DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS:

Effective December 1, 2005, the Company completed the sale to Fervent Group Limited (FGL) of its Consumer Products segment, including its Cayman Island subsidiary, Measurement Limited. FGL is a company controlled by the owners of River Display Limited, the Company’s long time partner and primary supplier of consumer products in Shenzhen, China. Under the terms of the agreement, the Company sold to FGL the Company’s Consumer Division for $8,500 in cash and a two-year non-interest bearing promissory note receivable from FGL. The Company recorded the promissory note receivable net of imputed interest of 5% at $3,800. In addition, the Company could have earned an additional $5,000 if certain performance criteria (sales and margin targets) were met within the first year. The Company recorded $2,156 of the earn-out in fiscal year 2007, because a portion of the earn-out targets were met. This amount is net of imputed interest, payable over eight quarters, and was reported in the 2007 consolidated statement of operations as the gain on disposition of discontinued operations and as net cash provided by investing activities of discontinued operations in the condensed consolidated statement of cash flows. The related receivable is included in the condensed consolidated balance sheet as current portion of promissory note receivable. At December 31, 2008 and March 31, 2008, the promissory notes receivable related to the sale and earn-out of the Consumer business totaled $283 and $809, respectively.

13. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS:

On January 30, 2009, the Company consummated the acquisition of all of the capital stock of RIT SARL (“RIT”), a sensor company headquartered in Fontenay, France, for €4,750.  The total purchase price in U.S. dollars based on the January 30, 2009 exchange rate was approximately $6,216. The selling shareholders have the potential to receive up to an additional €2,000 tied to 2009 and 2010 sales growth objectives, and if the contingencies are resolved and established conditions are met, these amounts will be recorded as an additional element of the cost of the acquisition.  RIT designs and manufactures temperature sensors and probes utilizing NTC, Platinum (Pt) and thermo-couples technologies through wholly-owned subsidiaries in France and China.

On January 30, 2009, the Company consummated the acquisition of all of the capital stock of FGP Instrumentation, GS Sensors and ALS (collectively “FGP”), sensor companies located in Les Clayes-sous-Bois and Druex, France for €5,600.  The total purchase price in U.S. dollars based on the January 30, 2009 exchange rate was approximately $7,328. The selling shareholders have the potential to receive up to an additional €1,400 tied to 2009 sales growth objectives, and if the contingencies are resolved and meet established conditions, these amounts will be recorded as an additional element of the cost of the acquisition.  FGP is a designer and manufacturer of custom force, pressure and vibration sensors for aerospace and test and measurement markets.

The above transactions were funded from a combination of cash and borrowings under the Company’s Amended Credit Facility.
  
ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

(Amounts in thousands, except per share data)

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

INFORMATION RELATING TO FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
 
This report includes forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Certain information included or incorporated by reference in this Quarterly Report may be deemed to be “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the federal securities laws. All statements other than statements of historical fact are statements that could be deemed forward-looking statements, including statements regarding: projections of revenue, margins, expenses, tax provisions (or reversals of tax provisions), earnings or losses from operations, cash flows, synergies or other financial items; cash flows for goodwill impairment testing purposes; plans, strategies and objectives of management for future operations, including statements relating to potential acquisitions, executive compensation and purchase commitments; developments, performance or industry or market rankings relating to products or services; future economic conditions or performance; the outcome of outstanding claims or legal proceedings; assumptions underlying any of the foregoing; and any other statements that address activities, events or developments that Measurement Specialties, Inc. (“MEAS”, the “Company,” “we,” “us,” “our”) intends, expects, projects, believes or anticipates will or may occur in the future. Forward-looking statements may be characterized by terminology such as “forecast,” “believe,” “anticipate,” “should,” “would,” “intend,” “plan,” “will,” “expects,” “estimates,” “projects,” “positioned,” “strategy,” and similar expressions. These statements are based on assumptions and assessments made by our management in light of their experience and perception of historical trends, current conditions, expected future developments and other factors they believe to be appropriate.

 
18

 

Any such forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve a number of risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond our control. Actual results, developments and business decisions may differ materially from those envisaged by such forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of the report, press release, statement, document, webcast or oral discussion in which they are made. Factors that might cause actual results to differ materially from the expected results described in or underlying our forward-looking statements include:
 
·
Conditions in the general economy and in the markets served by us, including reduced demand for products that incorporate our products;
   
·
Conditions in the credit markets, including our ability to raise additional funds or refinance our existing credit facility;
 
·
Competitive factors, such as price pressures and the potential emergence of rival technologies;
 
·
Interruptions of suppliers’ operations or the refusal of our suppliers to provide us with component materials;
 
·
Timely development, market acceptance and warranty performance of new products;
 
·
Changes in product mix, costs and yields and fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates;

·
Uncertainties related to doing business in Europe and China;

·
Legislative initiatives, including tax legislation and other changes in the Company’s tax position;
 
·
Legal proceedings;
 
·
The success of any reorganization or cost control efforts; and

·
The risk factors listed from time to time in the reports we file with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”), including those described under “Item 1A. Risk Factors” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended March 31, 2008.
 
This list is not exhaustive. Except as required under federal securities laws and the rules and regulations promulgated by the SEC, we do not have any intention or obligation to update publicly any forward-looking statements after the filing of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, whether as a result of new information, future events, changes in assumptions or otherwise.

OVERVIEW

Measurement Specialties, Inc. is a leader in the design, development and manufacture of sensors and sensor-based systems for original equipment manufacturers and end users, based on a broad portfolio of proprietary technology. The Company is a multi-national corporation with nine primary manufacturing facilities strategically located in the United States, China, France, Ireland, Germany and Switzerland, enabling the Company to produce and market world-wide a broad range of sensors that use advanced technologies to measure precise ranges of physical characteristics. These sensors are used for automotive, medical, consumer, military/aerospace, and industrial applications. The Company’s sensor products include pressure sensors and transducers, linear/rotary position sensors, piezoelectric polymer film sensors, custom microstructures, load cells, accelerometers, optical sensors, humidity and temperature sensors. The Company's advanced technologies include piezo-resistive silicon sensors, application-specific integrated circuits, micro-electromechanical systems, piezoelectric polymers, foil strain gauges, force balance systems, fluid capacitive devices, linear and rotational variable differential transformers, electromagnetic displacement sensors, hygroscopic capacitive sensors, ultrasonic sensors, optical sensors, negative thermal coefficient ceramic sensors and mechanical resonators.

Effective December 1, 2005, we completed the sale of our Consumer segment, including our Cayman Island subsidiary, Measurement Limited (“ML”), to Fervent Group Limited (“FGL”). FGL is a company controlled by the owners of River Display Limited, our long time partner and primary supplier of consumer products in Shenzhen, China. Accordingly, the related financial statements for the Consumer segment are reported as discontinued operations. All comparisons in Management’s Discussion and Analysis for each of the periods ended December 31, 2008 and 2007, exclude the results of these discontinued operations except as otherwise noted.
 
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
 
Over the past four fiscal years, but excluding the current fiscal period, the Company has grown sales as a result of consistent organic growth and growth through acquisitions.  We have consummated twelve acquisitions since June 2004 with a cumulative purchase price exceeding $154,000, establishing new lines of business and/or expanding our geographic footprint.

 
19

 
 
During our second quarter of fiscal 2009 and continuing into our third quarter, sales growth has been influenced by curtailed spending by several of our top customers in large part due to the overall global economic conditions and tight credit markets.  The current recession is one of the worst recessions in decades, and there is downward economic pressure in most areas of the economy.  Customers tied to passenger and non-passenger vehicle, consumer product, residential/commercial construction, semiconductor, and commercial product markets are all generally reducing forecasts and delaying orders.  As such, the Company’s current growth rate is lower than historical levels and previous estimates.  Accordingly, we have taken decisive action to align our labor workforce with the latest sales projections and we have lowered costs through reductions in headcount, management salaries, and elimination of the Company’s management bonus program and 401(k) match, as well as the curtailment of capital expenditure and implementing other cost control measures.  Additionally, the Company modified the three business group structure into one operating segment, due to, among other factors, better focus on cross-selling of the differing sensor products, the planned retirement of one of the group vice presidents, as well as other changes within management and to address current business conditions.
 
During the quarter ended December 31, 2008, based on a combination of factors, including the current economic environment, our operating results, and a decline in our market capitalization, we concluded that there were sufficient indicators to require the Company to perform an interim goodwill impairment analysis as of December 31, 2008.  Based on our interim assessment at December 31, 2008, there was no impairment of goodwill and all of our acquisition-related intangible assets were considered recoverable.   To derive the fair value of our reporting units, the Company performed various valuation analyses utilizing the income approach. Under the income approach, we determined fair value based on estimated future cash flows discounted by an estimated weighted average cost of capital, which reflected the overall level of inherent risk of a reporting unit and the rate of return an outside investor would expect to earn. Estimated future cash flows were based on our internal projection models, as well as other assumptions deemed reasonable by management.  However, actual performance in the short-term and long-term could be materially different from these forecasts, which could impact future estimates of fair value of our reporting units and may result in impairment of goodwill.

Consistent with our strategy to expand our product portfolio and global footprint, we completed two acquisitions in fiscal 2008. In November 2007, we acquired the assets of Visyx, including novel intellectual property that utilizes a mechanical resonator to measure fluid properties. Under the leadership of our engineering team in Toulouse, France, we have been able to advance the program and introduce production-ready prototypes to the market. While we are very enthusiastic about our progress and the initial customer commitment, we do not anticipate generating material sales until calendar year 2009, and accordingly, the investment being made in this technology negatively influenced operating results in fiscal 2008 and fiscal 2009. In December 2007, we acquired Intersema, a manufacturer of pressure sensors and modules. As a result of front-end loaded amortization, additional interest due to increased debt, significant volatility of exchange rates with the Swiss franc from acquisition date, and specific integration and short term operating issues, Intersema’s operating results underperformed relative to our expectations.

To support the Intersema acquisition and future acquisition opportunities, we expanded our revolving credit facility in December 2007 by $66,000 to $121,000. As a result, we have approximately $64,000 available under the revolving facility which is limited by covenants to $39,000, as well as $23,000 in cash. We expect to continue our acquisition strategy in fiscal 2009 and beyond and we believe our strong liquidity positions us well to capitalize on opportunities that will likely arise as a result of the challenging market conditions.

A core tenet of our strategy is providing customized solutions to our customers.  To cost effectively deliver this service, we have expanded our infrastructure in China considerably.  Today, products generating approximately 60% of our net sales are manufactured in China and nearly 70% of our global employees are in our China operation.  Given our commitment to the region in general, and Shenzhen in particular, and in order to mitigate the continued lease cost escalation in the future and add adequate room for expansion, we made the decision two years ago to lease property in Shenzhen and build a new manufacturing facility and Asian headquarters.  We began construction on a 230,000 square foot facility last March, and completed construction in late calendar 2008.  The total investment in the new facility is approximately $12,000, at the upper end of our initial estimated range when stated in U.S. dollars, largely due to the appreciation of the Chinese renminbi (“RMB”).  In addition to providing a low cost operation from which we can support other regions of the world, we believe our operation in China provides a gateway to drive increased sales in China and Asia.  Our local sales in China, while relatively small today, are expanding at nearly twice the rate of our overall growth rate, and remain a key area of opportunity for the Company.

TRENDS

There are a number of trends that we expect will likely have material effects on the Company in the future, including global economic conditions and the resulting impact on sales, costs, capital spending, changes in foreign currency exchange rates relative to the U.S. dollar, changes in debt levels and interest rates, and shifts in effective tax rates. Additionally, sales and results of operations could be impacted by additional acquisitions, though there is no specific timetable for any such transaction.

Over the past 5 fiscal years, but excluding the current fiscal period, we have enjoyed annual organic sales growth ranging from 12% in fiscal 2008 to as high as 20% in previous years.  Including sales from acquired companies, our compounded annual growth rate from fiscal 2004 to fiscal 2008 was approximately 40%. Factors that influence our organic growth rate from year to year include our market growth with existing applications and successful introduction of new products and applications that allow us to gain market share. In future periods, we expect the sensor market will continue to perform well relative to the overall economy as a result of the increase in sensor content in various products across most end markets.  However, our customers are clearly impacted by macro-economic trends, and current year sales have been largely impacted by sharp reductions in sales to passenger and non-passenger vehicle customers in the US, Europe and Asia. While we believe fiscal 2009 third quarter sales were unusually hard hit as a result of customers reducing inventory levels to match lower anticipated demand, it is not yet clear how much improvement, if any, we will see in the fourth quarter, or whether sales will continue to decline.   Since we are expecting a decrease in sales for the remainder of fiscal 2009, as compared to the prior year, we estimate consolidated net sales for fiscal year 2009 to range from $205 million to $215 million.

 
20

 
Gross margins have trended down over the past several years, largely due to unfavorable product sales mix (both in terms of organic growth and acquired sales) and the impact of the increase in the value of the RMB relative to the U.S. dollar. Growth with Sensata over the past several years, which serves primarily the auto market and carries a lower gross margin than our average, has grown faster than our average growth and therefore contributed to the overall decline in gross margin. Additionally, recent acquisitions have operated with a lower gross margin than our pre-acquisition average, resulting in a decline in the consolidated margin. Finally, given that the Company has more costs than sales denominated in RMB (short RMB position), increases in the RMB relative to the U.S. dollar have resulted in margin erosion.  We have also experienced inflationary increases in certain raw materials, commodities and wages (particularly in China), and while we have generally been successful in offsetting these increases with productivity gains, inflationary pressures remain a risk and concern in fiscal 2009. While the sales in fiscal 2009 will be lower than prior years, we anticipate the mix of sales to improve, in part due to lower proportion of anticipated sales from Sensata. For fiscal 2009, we anticipate our overall average gross margins to be in the range of 41% to 44% as compared to gross margins of 41.8% and 43.7% for fiscal years 2008 and 2007, respectively.

While gross margin has declined over the last several years, Selling, General and Administrative expense (“SG&A”) as a percent of sales has also declined. We have been successful in leveraging our SG&A expense, growing SG&A expense more slowly than our growth in sales. As a percent of sales, SG&A has declined to 26.5% in fiscal 2008, as compared to 28.1% and 32.1% in fiscal 2007 and 2006, respectively. Given fiscal 2009 sales will be lower than in past years, as well as a result of higher investment in new programs that are not yet generating sales (such as our new fluid property sensor), we are expecting SG&A as a percent of sales in fiscal 2009 to increase.

Amortization of acquired intangible assets increased dramatically from fiscal 2004 to fiscal 2008, associated with the acquisitions completed over those periods. Amortization is disproportionately loaded more in the initial year of the acquisition, and therefore amortization expense is higher in the quarters immediately following a transaction, and declines after the first year based on how various intangible assets are valued and amortized. With the acquisition of Intersema and Visyx completed in fiscal 2008, amortization will increase in fiscal 2009 as compared to fiscal 2008 to approximately $5,000.

In addition to the margin exposure as a result of the depreciation of the U.S. dollar due to higher level of costs than sales denominated in RMB, the Company also has foreign currency exchange exposures with balance sheet accounts. When foreign currency exchange rates fluctuate, there is a resulting revaluation of assets and liabilities denominated and accounted for in foreign currencies. Foreign currency exchange (“fx”) expense due to the revaluation of local subsidiary balance sheet accounts with realized fx transactions and unrealized fx translation adjustments has increased sharply in recent years. For example, our Swiss company, Intersema, which uses the Swiss franc as their functional currency, holds cash denominated in foreign currencies (U.S. dollar and Euro). As the Swiss franc appreciates against the U.S. dollar and/or Euro, the cash balances held in those denominations are devalued when stated in terms of Swiss francs. These transaction and translation losses are reflected in our “Foreign Currency Exchange Loss.” Aside from cash, our foreign entities generally hold receivables in foreign currencies, as well as payables. In fiscal 2008, we posted a net expense of $618 in realized and unrealized foreign exchange losses associated with the revaluation of foreign assets held in foreign entities. We would expect to see continued fx expense associated with volatility of foreign currency exchange rates. We continue to evaluate various global hedging strategies in order to manage this exposure.
 
Our overall effective tax rate will continue to fluctuate as a result of the allocation of earnings between various taxing jurisdictions with varying tax rates and with changes in tax rates. However, we expect our overall effective tax rate to generally increase due to more of our total income being generated in Europe and the United States, which are subject to higher effective tax rates than our average and an increase in the China effective tax rate due to changes in the China tax law effective January 1, 2008.
 
The Company expects to continue investing in various capital projects in fiscal 2009. Excluding the investment in the new China facility, capital spending is expected to be comparable to fiscal 2008.

RESULTS OF CONTINUING OPERATIONS

THREE MONTHS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2008 COMPARED TO THREE MONTHS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2007

THE FOLLOWING TABLE SETS FORTH CERTAIN ITEMS FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS IN OUR CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2008 AND 2007, RESPECTIVELY:

 
21

 
 
   
 
Three months ended
December 31 ,
         
Percent
 
   
 
2008
   
2007
   
Change
   
Change
 
Net sales   
  $ 43,299     $ 55,991     $ (12,692 )     (22.7 )
Cost of goods sold  
    24,379       32,522       (8,143 )     (25.0 )
       Gross profit  
    18,920       23,469       (4,549 )     (19.4 )
Operating expenses:  
                               
  Selling, general, and administrative  
    14,884       14,357       527       3.7  
  Non-cash equity based compensation (SFAS 123R)  
    727       860       (133 )     (15.5 )
  Amortization of acquired intangibles  
    1,255       732       523       71.4  
     Total operating expenses  
    16,866       15,949       917       5.7  
        Operating income  
    2,054       7,520       (5,466 )     (72.7 )
Interest expense, net  
    675       946       (271 )     (28.6 )
Foreign currency exchange loss   
    351       422       (71 )     (16.8 )
Other expense   
    161       3       158       5,266.7  
Income from continuing operations before minority interest and income taxes
    867       6,149       (5,282 )     (85.9 )
    Minority interest, net of income taxes  
    106       91       15       16.5  
Income from continuing operations before income taxes  
    761       6,058       (5,297 )     (87.4 )
    Income tax expense due to tax law changes  
    -       174       (174 )     (100.0 )
    Income tax expense (benefit) from continuing operations  
    (115 )     1,031       (1,146 )     (111.2 )
Income tax expense from continuing operations  
    (115 )     1,205       (1,320 )     (109.5 )
Income from continuing operations  
  $ 876     $ 4,853     $ (3,977 )     (81.9 )

Net Sales: Net sales for the quarter decreased 22.7% or $12,692 from $55,991 to $43,299. The overall decrease in sales is due to the current challenging global economic situation.  Organic sales, defined as net sales excluding sales attributed to Visyx and Intersema, which we acquired in fiscal 2008 (the “2008 Acquisitions”), declined $15,122 or 27%.

The current recession is one of the worst recessions in decades, and there is downward economic pressure in most areas of the economy.  As such, third quarter sales were down significantly, driven largely by sharp reductions in sales to passenger and non-passenger vehicle customers in US, Europe and Asia.  The most notable decline was with our largest customer.  While we believe third quarter sales were unusually hard hit as a result of customers reducing inventory levels to match lower anticipated demand, it is not yet clear how much improvement we will see in the fourth quarter or whether sales will continue to decline.  Accordingly, we have taken decisive action to align our labor workforce with the latest sales projections and we have lowered costs through reductions in headcount, management salaries, and elimination of the Company’s management bonus program and 401(k) match, as well as implementing other cost control measures.
 
Gross Margin:  Gross margin (gross profit as a percent of net sales) improved to approximately 43.7% for the quarter ended December 31, 2008 from 41.9% during the quarter ended December 31, 2007. The increase in margin is due to several factors, including product sales mix and certain cost control measures, as well as a favorable inventory adjustment related to Intersema for approximately $500, which is partially offset by the strengthening of the Chinese renminbi (“RMB”) and higher costs resulting from increased prices for certain raw materials. The more favorable product sales mix is largely associated with lower proportion of sales of lower gross margin products. This would include sales to our largest customer, Sensata, which primarily serves the automotive market and carries a lower gross margin than our average.  The average RMB exchange rate relative to the U.S. dollar for the three months ended December 31, 2008 appreciated approximately 7.4% as compared to the same period last year. This translates to approximately $1,376 in annualized margin erosion.

On a continuing basis, our gross margin may vary due to product mix, sales volume, availability of raw materials, foreign currency exchange rates, and other factors.

Operating Expense and Selling, General and Administrative: Overall, total operating expenses increased $917 or 5.7% to $16,866 largely due to costs associated with 2008 Acquisitions. As a percent of net sales, operating expenses increased to 39.0% from 28.5%. The increase in operating expenses as a percent of net sales is due to costs increasing at a higher rate than net sales, which is the resulting impact of lower sales, and higher salaries, amortization and professional fees and other costs directly related to 2008 Acquisitions.

SG&A expenses increased $527 or 3.7% to $14,884 for the three months ended December 31, 2008 from $14,357 for the same period last year. Such increases in SG&A were due primarily to approximately $904 of costs associated with the 2008 Acquisitions (additional salaries, professional fees and other related integration costs), partially offset by the various cost control measures implemented during the quarter ended December 31, 2008, including reductions in headcount and management salaries.  The reversal of the accruals for the bonus compensation plan and the elimination of the Company’s 401(k) match during the quarter ended December 31, 2008 totaled $676.  As a percentage of net sales, SG&A expenses increased to 34.4% from approximately 25.7%.

Stock Option Expense:  Stock option expense decreased $133 to $727 from $860 for the three months ended December 31, 2008 as compared to the three months ended December 31, 2007. The decrease in stock option expense is mainly due to the lower valuation of non-cash equity based compensation under SFAS No. 123R, Share-Based Payments, resulting primarily from the decrease in the Company’s stock price, partially offset by higher volatility and quantity of options issued with the annual grant in fiscal 2009 relative to the annual grant in fiscal 2008.  Total compensation cost related to share based payments not yet recognized totaled $4,269 at December 31, 2008, which is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of approximately 1.6 years.

 
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Amortization of acquired intangibles:  Amortization of acquired intangible assets increased $523 to $1,255 for the three months ended December 31, 2008 as compared to $732 for the three months ended December 31, 2007, which is mainly due to higher amortization expense associated with the 2008 Acquisitions. Amortization expense for intangible assets is higher during the first year after an acquisition because, among other things, the order back-log is fully amortized during the initial year.
 
Interest expense, net: Interest expense decreased $271 to $675 for the three months ended December 31, 2008 from $946 during the three months ended December 31, 2007. The decrease in interest expense is primarily attributable to the decrease in interest rates from about 7.87% last year to approximately 4.41% this year, partially offset by an increase in the average total outstanding debt from an average amount outstanding of $57,012 during the three months ended December 31, 2007 to $71,426 during the three months ended December 31, 2008.

Foreign Currency Exchange Loss:  The decrease in foreign currency exchange loss mainly reflects the decrease in the rate of appreciation of the RMB/U.S. dollar exchange rate as compared to the same period last year.  The Company continues to be impacted by high volatility in foreign currency exchange rates, especially the continued impact to the appreciation of the RMB relative to the U.S. dollar, as well as impact of the appreciation of the U.S. dollar relative to the Euro and Swiss franc.

Other expense and income: Other expense and income consist of various non-operating items, including sales of tooling and other miscellaneous income and expense items.  Other expense and income fluctuated from $3 for the quarter ended December 31, 2007 to $161 for the quarter ended December 31, 2008, mainly due to lower levels of tooling sales and higher level of miscellaneous expenses.

Income Taxes: Income taxes during the third quarter of fiscal 2009 decreased $1,320 to an income tax benefit of $115, as compared to $1,205 income tax expense for the third quarter of fiscal 2008.  The fluctuation of income tax expense to income tax benefit is mainly due to the revision of the estimated overall effective tax rate in the third quarter to 26.5% from 28%, as well as the decrease in taxable income.  The decrease in the estimated overall effective tax rate mainly reflects the impact of the overall decrease in business due to the current economic situation, particularly with regard to the tax expense associated with certain foreign based income taxable in the U.S., as well as the shift of taxable earnings to tax jurisdictions with lower tax rates.  The overall estimated effective tax rate is based on expectations and other estimates and involves complex domestic and foreign tax issues, which the Company monitors closely, but are subject to change.  Last year’s estimated overall effective tax rate was approximately 25.5%, and the increase in the Company’s current overall estimated tax reflects the increase in the tax rates in China and the shift of taxable earnings to tax jurisdictions with higher tax rates.

During the quarter ended December 31, 2008, the Company recorded a discrete tax credit adjustments totaling approximately $152 related to the refinement of the estimates between the preparation of the prior year tax provision and the filing of the prior year tax returns.

During the quarter ended December 31, 2007, the Company recorded two discrete tax credit adjustments totaling approximately $312. The Company recorded a tax credit adjustment of approximately $137 related to the refinement of the estimates between the preparation of the prior year tax provision and the filing of the prior year tax returns. The Company recorded an additional net non-cash tax credit adjustment of $175 related to the revaluation of the net deferred tax assets for its MEAS China subsidiary due to a tax law change.
 
NINE MONTHS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2008 COMPARED TO NINE MONTHS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2007

THE FOLLOWING TABLE SETS FORTH CERTAIN ITEMS FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS IN OUR CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS FOR THE NINE MONTHS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2008 AND 2007, RESPECTIVELY:

 
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Nine months ended
December 31 ,
         
Percent
 
   
 
2008
   
2007
   
Change
   
Change
 
Net sales   
  $ 161,184     $ 165,604     $ (4,420 )     (2.7 )
Cost of goods sold  
    91,987       95,888       (3,901 )     (4.1 )
       Gross profit  
    69,197       69,716       (519 )     (0.7 )
Operating expenses:  
                               
  Selling, general, and administrative  
    48,734       43,857       4,877       11.1  
  Non-cash equity based compensation (SFAS 123R)  
    2,251       2,493       (242 )     (9.7 )
  Amortization of acquired intangibles  
    3,978       2,279       1,699       74.6  
     Total operating expenses  
    54,963       48,629       6,334       13.0  
        Operating income  
    14,234       21,087       (6,853 )     (32.5 )
Interest expense, net  
    2,187       3,339       (1,152 )     (34.5 )
Foreign currency exchange loss  
    684       863       (179 )     (20.7 )
Other income  
    (193 )     (29 )     (164 )     565.5  
Income from continuing operations before minority interest and income taxes
    11,556       16,914       (5,358 )     (31.7 )
    Minority interest, net of income taxes  
    276       252       24       9.5  
Income from continuing operations before income taxes  
    11,280       16,662       (5,382 )     (32.3 )
    Income tax expense due to tax law changes  
    -       1,171       (1,171 )     100.0  
    Income tax expense from continuing operations  
    2,830       3,576       (746 )     (20.9 )
Income tax expense from continuing operations  
    2,830       4,747       (1,917 )     (40.4 )
Income from continuing operations  
  $ 8,450     $ 11,915     (3,465 )     (29.1 )
 
Net Sales: Net sales for the nine months ended December 31, 2008 decreased $4,420 or 2.7% to $161,184 from $165,604, as compared to the corresponding period last year. Organic sales, defined as net sales excluding sales attributed to 2008 Acquisitions, decreased $15,194 or approximately 9.2%.  The overall level of organic sales for fiscal 2009 was expected to be lower than the past few years; however, we have revised our expectation for lower organic sales downward further due primarily to the challenging global economic situation and uncertainty, as well as due to lower sales with the Company’s largest customer.

The current recession is one of the worst recessions in decades, and there is downward economic pressure in most areas of the economy.  As such, sales for the nine months ended were down significantly, driven largely by sharp reductions in sales to passenger and non-passenger vehicle customers in US, Europe and Asia.  The most notable decline was with our largest customer.  While we believe third quarter sales were unusually hard hit as a result of customers reducing inventory levels to match lower anticipated demand, it is not yet clear how much improvement we will see in the fourth quarter or whether sales will continue to decline.  Accordingly, we have taken decisive action to align our labor workforce with the latest sales projections and we have lowered costs through reductions in headcount, management salaries, and elimination of the Company’s management bonus program and 401(k) match, as well as implementing other cost control measures.

Gross Margin:  Gross margin (gross profit as a percent of net sales) increased to approximately 42.9% for the nine months ended December 31, 2008 from 42.1% during the nine months ended December 31, 2007. The improvement in gross margin is due to several factors, including product sales mix and various cost control measures, partially offset by the strengthening of the Chinese RMB. The more favorable product sales mix is largely associated with decreased proportion of sales of lower gross margin products. This would include sales to our largest customer, Sensata, which primarily serves the automotive market and carries a lower gross margin than our average.   During the first part of fiscal 2009, there had also been an adverse impact on margins due to increases in certain costs reflecting the pervasive impact on costs associated with higher prices for certain commodities, especially during the first two quarters of fiscal 2009.  The average Chinese RMB exchange rate relative to the U.S. dollar for the nine months ended December 31, 2008 appreciated approximately 8.8% as compared to the same period last year. This translates to approximately $1,637 in annualized margin erosion.

On a continuing basis, our gross margin may vary due to product mix, sales volume, availability of raw materials, foreign currency exchange rates, and other factors.

Operating Expense and Selling, General and Administrative: Overall, total operating expenses for the nine months ended December 31, 2008 increased $6,334 or 13.0% to $54,963, as compared to the same period last year, largely due to costs associated with 2008 Acquisitions. As a percent of net sales, operating expenses increased to 34.1% from 29.4%. The increase in operating expenses as a percent of net sales is due to costs increasing at a higher rate as compared to net sales, which is the resulting impact of the global economic situation, and added costs directly related to 2008 Acquisitions, including higher salaries, amortization, professional fees and other such integration costs.

SG&A expenses increased $4,877 or 11.1% to $48,734 for the nine months ended December 31, 2008 from $43,857 for the same period last year. As a percentage of net sales, SG&A expenses increased to 30.2% from 26.5%. The largest increases were with wages and professional fees.  Higher wages reflect, among other things, additional salaries with 2008 Acquisitions, and professional fees reflect legal and accountant fees associated with acquisitions, related integration costs, and fiscal year end audit and tax work.  Approximately $3,168 or 65% of the $4,877 increase in SG&A was associated with 2008 Acquisitions.

 
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Partially offsetting the SG&A increases discussed above are the impact of the various cost control measures implemented during the third quarter of fiscal 2009, including reductions in headcount and management salaries, which on an annualized basis are expected to reduce costs by approximately $3,000.  The reversal of the accruals for the bonus compensation plan and the elimination of the Company’s 401(k) match during the quarter ended December 31, 2008 totaled $676.

Stock Option Expense:  Stock option expense decreased $242 to $2,251 from $2,493 for the nine months ended December 31, 2008 compared to the nine months ended December 31, 2007.  The decrease in stock option expense is mainly due to the lower valuation of non-cash equity based compensation under SFAS No. 123R, Share-Based Payments, resulting primarily from the decrease in the Company’s stock price, partially offset by higher volatility and quantity of options issued with the annual grant in fiscal 2009 relative to the annual grant in fiscal 2008.  Total compensation cost related to share based payments not yet recognized totaled $4,269 at December 31, 2008, which is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of approximately 1.6 years.

Amortization of acquired intangibles:  Amortization of acquired intangible assets increased $1,699 to $3,978 for the nine months ended December 31, 2008 as compared to $2,279 for the nine months ended December 31, 2007, which is mainly due to higher amortization expense associated with the 2008 Acquisitions. Amortization expense for intangible assets is higher during the first year after an acquisition because, among other things, the order back-log is fully amortized during the initial year.
 
Interest expense, net: Interest expense decreased $1,152 to $2,187 for the nine months ended December 31, 2008 from $3,339 during the nine months ended December 31, 2007. The decrease in interest expense is primarily attributable to the decrease in average interest rates from 7.7% last year to 4.75% this year, partially offset by an increase in the average total outstanding debt from an average amount outstanding of $57,304 during the nine months ended December 31, 2007 to $72,913 during the nine months ended December 31, 2008.

Foreign Currency Exchange Gain or Loss:  The decrease in foreign currency exchange loss mainly reflects the decrease in rate of appreciation of the RMB/U.S. dollar exchange rate as compared to the same period last year.  The Company continues to be impacted by high volatility in foreign currency exchange rates, especially the continued impact of the appreciation of the RMB relative to the U.S. dollar, as well as the impact of the appreciation of the U.S. dollar relative to the Euro and Swiss franc.

Other expense and income: Other expense and income consist of various non-operating items, including sales of tooling and other miscellaneous income and expense items.  The increase from income of $29 last year to income of $193 mainly reflects approximately $500 of Chinese incentives for foreign investments provided to the Company, partially offset by miscellaneous expense items.

Income Taxes: Total income tax expense during the nine months of fiscal 2009 decreased $1,917 to $2,830 as compared to $4,747 for the first nine months of fiscal 2008.  The decrease in income tax expense is mainly due to the decrease in taxable income for the nine months ended December 31, 2008 and the prior year discrete tax adjustments.  The Company’s overall income tax rate (income tax expense from continuing operations divided by income from continuing operations less minority interest) during the nine months ended December 31, 2008 is approximately 24.5%, as compared to 28.5% during the same period last year. The prior year overall income tax rate was largely impacted by a discrete tax expense adjustment resulting from the enactment of a tax rate change in Germany.

Income tax expense for interim reporting is based on an estimated overall effective tax rate for the entire fiscal year, in addition to any discrete tax adjustments. The overall estimated effective tax rate is based on expectations and other estimates and involves complex domestic and foreign tax issues, which the Company monitors closely, but are subject to change.   The current year estimated overall effective tax rate for the first nine months is approximately 26.5%, as compared to the prior year estimated overall effective tax rate of approximately 25.5%.  The current year estimated overall tax rate has been mainly impacted by the increase in the tax rates in China.

During the quarter ended December 31, 2008, the Company recorded a discrete tax credit adjustments totaling approximately $152 related to the refinement of the estimates between the preparation of the prior year tax provision and the filing of the prior year tax returns.

During the quarter ended December 31, 2007, the Company recorded two discrete tax credit adjustments totaling approximately $312. The Company recorded a tax credit adjustment of approximately $137 related to the refinement of the estimates between the preparation of the prior year tax provision and the filing of the prior year tax returns. The Company recorded an additional net non-cash tax credit adjustment of $175 related to the revaluation of the net deferred tax assets for its MEAS China subsidiary due to a tax law change.
 
During the quarter ended September 30, 2007, the Company recorded a discrete non-cash tax adjustment of approximately $997 for the revaluation of the net deferred tax assets in Germany resulting from a decrease in tax rates enacted in 2007. The Company’s combined tax rate in Germany decreased from 39% to 31%, as a result of the German Business Tax Reform 2008, which became effective on August 17, 2007.  

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

The $1,632 increase in cash balances at December 31, 2008 as compared to March 31, 2008 reflects, among other things, the increase in cash balances for funding the construction of the new China facility. Other factors contributing to the fluctuation in cash balances at December 31, 2008 include overall cash generated from operations and lower net repayments of debt partially offset by purchases of property and equipment. Cash balances are expected to decline as the Company completes the funding of the construction of the new facility in China.

 
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Cash provided from operating activities was $17,634 for the nine months ended December 31, 2008, as compared to $24,447 for the nine months ended December 31, 2007. The $6,813 decrease in operating cash flows reflects, among other factors, decrease in income reflecting the impact of the challenging global economic conditions, increases in inventory levels due to the building of inventory for the anticipated China facility move and the decrease in accounts payables, partially offset by the decrease in receivables reflecting the positive results of continued emphasis on collections of trade receivables.  Accounts payable decreases are mainly a function of the timing of payments and accruals, as well as the overall decrease in sales.  Prior year deferred taxes mainly reflect the discrete adjustment recorded due to the change in German income tax rates, and current year deferred taxes represent certain tax credits.  The prior year operating cash flows also included the $1,275 payment for the settlement of certain litigation.  Other major items positively impacting current operating cash flows were higher depreciation and amortization expense due to acquisitions and capital additions, and higher income tax payable.  We expect to reduce inventory levels in the fourth quarter after the completion of our China facility move and to better align inventory levels with sales.

Net cash used in investing activities was $11,328 for the nine months ended December 31, 2008 as compared to $31,285 for the corresponding period last year. Overall capital spending levels of $11,334 for the nine months ended December 31, 2008 were higher than the $8,473 for the nine months ended December 31, 2007, because of capital expenditures related to the Company’s new facility in China, as well as various capital projects for production equipment.  The prior year investing activity included the acquisition of Intersema, and no such acquisitions were consummated during the nine months ended December 31, 2008.

Net cash used in financing activities for the nine months ended December 31, 2008 was $4,150, as compared to $24,944 provided by financing activities during the same period last year.  The prior year activity mainly represented the financing of the Intersema acquisition, partially offset by some repayments of debt.  The current year activity mostly represents the net repayment of debt, partially offset by borrowings of $2,500.  Proceeds from exercise of options were lower than the prior year because fewer options were exercised due to the decrease in the Company’s stock price.

Long-Term Debt:  To support the financing of the acquisitions of YSI Temperature and BetaTHERM (See Note 6), effective April 1, 2006, the Company entered into an Amended and Restated Credit Agreement (“Amended and Restated Credit Facility”) with General Electric Capital Corporation (“GE”) which, among other things, increased the Company’s existing credit facility from $35,000 to $75,000, consisting of a $55,000 revolving credit facility and a $20,000 term loan, and lowered the applicable London Inter-bank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”) or Index Margin from 4.50% and 2.75%, respectively, to LIBOR and Index Margins of 2.75% and 1.0%, respectively. To support the financing of the acquisition of Intersema (See Note 6), the Company entered into an Amended Credit Agreement (“Amended Credit Facility”) with GE effective December 10, 2007 which, among other things, increased the Company’s existing revolving credit facility from $55,000 to $121,000 and lowered the applicable LIBOR or Index Margin from 2.75% and 1.0%, respectively, to LIBOR and Index Margins of 2.00% and 0.25%, respectively. Interest accrues on the principal amount of the borrowings at a rate based on either LIBOR plus a LIBOR margin, or at the election of the borrower, at an Index Rate (prime based rate) plus an Index Margin. The applicable margins may be adjusted quarterly based on a change in specified financial ratios. Borrowings under the line are subject to certain financial covenants and restrictions on indebtedness, dividend payments, financial guarantees, annual capital expenditures, and other related items. The availability of the revolving credit facility is not based on any borrowing base requirements, but borrowings are limited by certain financial covenants. The term portion of the Amended Credit Facility totaled $20,000 and the term loan portion of our credit facility was not changed with the Amended Credit Facility. The term loan is payable in $500 quarterly installments plus interest through March 1, 2011, with a final payment of $10,500 payable on April 3, 2011. The Company has provided a security interest in substantially all of the Company’s U.S. based assets as collateral for the Amended Credit Facility. The Company is presently in compliance with applicable financial covenants.

As of December 31, 2008, the Company utilized the prime based rate for the term and revolver credit facilities with GE. The weighted average interest rate applicable to borrowings under the revolving credit facility was approximately 3.50% at December 31, 2008. As of December 31, 2008, the outstanding borrowings on the revolver, which is classified as long-term debt, were $56,802, and the Company had an additional $64,198 available under the revolving credit facility. The Company’s borrowing capacity is limited by financial covenant ratios, including earnings ratios, and as such, our borrowing capacity is subject to change.  At December 31, 2008, the Company could borrow an additional $39,000. Commitment fees on the unused balance were equal to .375% per annum of the average amount of unused balances.

In connection with the acquisition of Intersema, the Company issued Swiss franc denominated unsecured promissory notes (“Intersema Notes”) denominated in Swiss francs totaling $9,468, of which $4,734 is classified as current at December 31, 2008. The Intersema Notes are payable in four annual installments of $2,367 beginning December 28, 2008 and bear an interest rate of 4.5% per year.  The first payments were to be due on December 28, 2008.  At the payees’ request prior to December 28, 2008, the Company agreed to delay the making of the first payments until January 5, 2009.

LIQUIDITY:  Management continues to monitor the financial markets and general global economic conditions.  The Company’s credit facility is spread among a group of lenders and management works closely with our lender group.  If further changes in financial markets or other areas of the economy adversely affect the Company, the Company would expect to rely on a combination of available cash and existing committed credit facilities to provide short-term funding.

 
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Management assesses the Company’s liquidity in terms of available cash and our ability to generate cash to fund its operating, investing and financing activities. The Company continues to generate cash from operating activities, and the Company remains in a strong financial position with resources available from availability under existing credit facilities.

At December 31, 2008, we had approximately $23,197 of available cash and $39,000 of borrowing capacity under the revolving credit facility. This cash balance includes cash of $7,641 in China, which is subject to certain restrictions on the transfer to another country because of currency control regulations. We believe the Company’s financial position, generation of cash and the existing credit facility, in addition to the potential to refinance or obtain additional financing will be sufficient to meet funding of day-to-day and material short and long-term commitments for the foreseeable future.
  
ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME:  Accumulated other comprehensive income consists of foreign currency translation adjustments, which relate to the Company’s European and Asian operations and the effects of changes in the exchange rates of the U.S. dollar relative to the Euro, Chinese RMB, Hong Kong dollar, Japanese Yen and Swiss franc.
 
APPLICATION OF CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES:  The preparation of financial statements in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period.   These estimates and assumptions may require significant judgment about matters that are inherently uncertain, and future events are likely to occur that may require management to change them.   Accordingly, management regularly reviews these estimates and assumptions based on historical experience, changes in the business environment and other factors that management believes to be reasonable under the circumstances.   Management discusses the development, selection and disclosures concerning critical accounting policies with the Audit Committee of its Board of Directors.   There have been no significant changes to the Application of Critical Accounting Policies disclosure contained in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended March 31, 2008.
 
GOODWILL IMPAIRMENT TESTING:  Goodwill represents the excess of the aggregate purchase price over the fair value of the net assets acquired in a purchase business combination.  Goodwill is tested for impairment annually at fiscal year end and more frequently if events and circumstances indicate that the asset might be impaired.  During the quarter ended December 31, 2008, based on a combination of factors, including the current economic environment, our operating results, and a decline in our market capitalization, we concluded that there were sufficient indicators to require the Company to perform an interim goodwill impairment analysis as of December 31, 2008.

The goodwill impairment test is a two step test.  Under the first step, the fair value of the reporting unit is compared to its carrying value (including goodwill).  If the fair value of the reporting unit is less than its carrying value, an indication of goodwill impairment exists for the reporting unit, and the enterprise must perform step two of the impairment test (measurement).  Under step two, an impairment loss would be recognized for any excess of the carrying amount of the reporting unit’s goodwill over the implied fair value.  The implied fair value of goodwill is determined by allocating the fair value of the reporting unit in a manner similar to a purchase price allocation, in accordance with SFAS No. 141.  The residual fair value after this allocation is the implied fair value of the reporting unit goodwill.  Fair value of the reporting unit is determined using a discounted cash flow analysis.
 
We perform our goodwill impairment analysis at one level below the operating segment level, as defined in SFAS No. 142, Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (“SFAS No. 142”).  The Company continues to have one reporting segment, a sensor business, under the guidelines established with SFAS No. 131, Disclosures about Segments of an Enterprise and Related Information (“SFAS No. 131”), because of, among other things, the criteria for aggregation.  However, the goodwill impairment analysis under the requirements of SFAS No. 142 is performed at the reporting unit level.  A reporting unit is the same as, or one level below, an operating segment as defined in SFAS No. 131.  The Company’s reporting units for the purposes of the goodwill impairment analysis are the Company’s three business groups: Pressure/Force (PFG), Position/Piezo/Vibration (PVG), and Humidity/Chemical Gas/ Temperature/Optical (HTG).
 
During the quarter ended December 31, 2008, the Company realigned its operating structure to facilitate better focus on cross-selling of the differing sensor products and the planned retirement of one of the group vice presidents, as well as other changes within management and to address current business conditions. This resulted in the modification of the three business group structure into one operating segment.   Accordingly, the Company currently has one single reporting unit, and the Company may have one single reporting unit for future goodwill impairment analyses.  Management continually assesses the Company’s operating structure, and this structure could be modified further based on future circumstances and business conditions.
 
The process of evaluating the potential impairment of goodwill is subjective and requires significant judgment at many points during the analysis. To derive the fair value of our reporting units, the Company performed various valuation analyses primarily utilizing the income approach, as well as the market approach. Under the market-based approach, we derived the fair value of our reporting units based on earning multiples of comparable publicly-traded peer companies. Under the income approach, we determined fair value based on estimated future cash flows discounted by an estimated weighted average cost of capital of approximately 12.3%, which is considered the overall level of inherent risk of a reporting unit and the rate of return an outside investor would expect to earn. Although our cash flow forecasts are based on assumptions that are considered reasonable by management and consistent with the plans and estimates we are using to manage the underlying businesses, there is significant judgment in determining the expected future cash flows attributable to these businesses. In addition, the evaluation requires that we make certain judgments in allocating shared assets and liabilities to the balance sheets of those businesses.  While we believe the fair values we have estimated are reasonable, actual performance in the short-term and long-term could be materially different from our forecasts, which could impact future estimates of fair value of our reporting units and may result in impairment of goodwill.

 
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As a reasonableness test, the aggregate fair value of the Company’s reporting units is reconciled to the Company’s adjusted market capitalization:  As of December 31, 2008, the fair value of the Company was estimated to be $171.  The Company’s adjusted market capitalization is based on a two week average stock price and a control premium of approximately 63%.  The two week period is considered a reasonable period of time for calculating an overall market capitalization for this analysis  due to, among other factors, the Company’s stock is considered thinly traded.  We also consider a control premium to represent the estimated amount an investor would pay for our equity securities to obtain a controlling interest.  The criteria used to derive the control premium included companies within our peer group (SIC Code 3823 through 3829) for acquisitions greater than $100,000 from 2006 through 2008.

Based on our interim assessment at December 31, 2008, there was no impairment of goodwill and all of our acquisition-related intangible assets were considered recoverable.

NEW ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENT:  In September 2006, the FASB issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No. 157, Fair Value Measurements (“SFAS No. 157”).  This new standard provides guidance for using fair value to measure assets and liabilities.  SFAS No. 157 applies whenever other standards require (or permit) assets or liabilities to be measured at fair value but does not expand the use of fair value in any new circumstances.
 
On February 12, 2008, the FASB issued FASB Staff Positions that delayed for one year the applicability of SFAS No. 157’s fair-value measurement requirements to certain nonfinancial assets and liabilities, exclude most lease accounting fair-value measurements from SFAS No. 157’s scope.

The provisions of SFAS No. 157 are effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007, and interim periods within those fiscal years, except for that portion of provisions deferred for one year by the February 12, 2007 FASB Staff Positions. Effective April 1, 2008, the Company adopted the applicable provisions of SFAS No. 157, except for that portion of the provisions deferred for one year.  The implementation of the adopted provisions of SFAS No. 157 did not have a material impact on the Company’s financial position or results of operations.  Management is currently evaluating the effect that the adoption of the deferred portions of provision of SFAS No. 157 will have on the Company’s financial statements.

RECENTLY ISSUED ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENT: On April 25, 2008, the FASB issued FASB Staff Position (FSP) 142-3, Determination of the Useful Life of Intangible Assets, which amends the factors that should be considered in developing renewal or extension assumptions used to determine the useful life of a recognized intangible asset under FASB Statement No. 142, Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets. The intent of this FSP is to improve the consistency between the useful life of a recognized intangible asset under Statement 142 and the period of expected cash flows used to measure the fair value of the asset under FASB Statement No. 141 (revised 2007), Business Combinations, and other U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP).  This FSP is effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2008, and interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption is prohibited.  Management is currently evaluating the effect that the adoption of FSP 142-3 will have on the Company’s financial statements.

In December 2007, the FASB issued FASB Statement No. 141R, Business Combinations (“SFAS No. 141R”) and FASB Statement No. 160, Noncontrolling Interests in Consolidated Financial Statements- an amendment to ARB No. 51 (“SFAS No. 160”). SFAS No. 141R and SFAS No. 160 require most identifiable assets, liabilities, noncontrolling interests, and goodwill acquired in a business combination to be recorded at “full fair value” and require noncontrolling interests (previously referred to as minority interests) to be reported as a component of equity, which changes the accounting for transactions with noncontrolling interest holders. Both Statements are effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within these fiscal years, beginning on or after December 15, 2008, and earlier adoption is prohibited. SFAS No.141R will be applied to business combinations occurring after the effective date. The accounting for contingent consideration under SFAS No. 141R requires the measurement of contingencies at the fair value on the acquisition date. Contingent consideration can be either a liability or equity based, and as such will be accounted for under SFAS No. 150, SFAS No. 133, or EITF 00-19. Subsequent changes to the fair value of the contingent consideration (liability) are recognized in earnings, not to goodwill, and equity classified contingent consideration amounts are not re-measured. SFAS No. 160 will be applied prospectively to all noncontrolling interests, including any that arose before the effective date. The Company is currently evaluating the effect that the adoption of SFAS No. 141R and SFAS No. 160 will have on its results of operations and financial position.

DIVIDENDS:  We have not declared cash dividends on our common equity. The payment of dividends is prohibited under the Amended Credit Facility.
 
At present, there are no material restrictions on the ability of our Hong Kong and European subsidiaries to transfer funds to us in the form of cash dividends, loans, advances, or purchases of materials, products, or services. Chinese laws and regulations, including currency exchange controls, restrict distribution and repatriation of dividends by our China subsidiary. Additionally, there are certain Swiss fiscal restrictions related to the distribution of CHF 10,412 or approximately $9,864 of pre-acquisition retained earnings with Intersema.

 
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SEASONALITY:  As a whole, there is no material seasonality in our sales. However, general economic conditions have an impact on our business and financial results, and certain end-use markets experience certain seasonality. For example, European sales are often lower in summer months and OEM sales are often stronger immediately preceding and following the introduction of new products.

INFLATION:  We compete on the basis of product design, features, and value. Accordingly, our revenues generally have kept pace with inflation, notwithstanding that inflation in the countries where our subsidiaries are located has been consistently higher than inflation in the United States. Increases in labor costs have not had a significant impact on our business because most of our employees are in China, where prevailing labor costs are relatively low. However, we have experienced increases in material costs, such as steel, non-ferrous metals and petroleum-based products, as well as the impact of the appreciation of the RMB relative to the U.S. dollar.

OFF-BALANCE SHEET ARRANGEMENTS:  We do not have any financial partnerships with unconsolidated entities, such as entities often referred to as structured finance, special purpose entities or variable interest entities which are often established for the purpose of facilitating off-balance sheet arrangements or other contractually narrow or limited purposes. Accordingly, we are not exposed to any financing, liquidity, market or credit risk that could arise if we had such relationships.

AGGREGATE CONTRACTUAL OBLIGATIONS:  Estimated annual payments under contractual obligations as of December 31, 2008 are as follows:
 
   
Total
   
1 year
   
2-3 years
   
4-5 years
   
> 5years
 
Long-term debt obligations
  $ 82,071     $ 7,082     $ 74,966     $ 23     $ -  
Interest obligation on long-term debt
    10,909       3,838       6,960       111       -  
Capital lease obligations
    874       717       157       -       -  
Operating lease obligations *
    13,036       4,197       4,829       2,482       1,528  
Other long-term obligations**
    824       624       200       -       -  
Capital additions (China facility)
    2,153       2,153       -       -       -  
Total
  $ 109,867     $ 18,611     $ 87,112     $ 2,616     $ 1,528  

  * - Minimum payments have not been reduced by minimum sublease rentals of $150 per year due in the future under non-cancelable subleases.
** - Other long-term obligations on the Company’s balance sheet under GAAP primarily consist of obligations under warranty polices and tax liabilities. The timing of cash flows associated with these obligations is based upon management’s estimate over the terms of these arrangements and are largely based on historical experience.

Amounts in the above table for other long-term obligations are based on March 31, 2008 balances because there have been no significant changes as of December 31, 2008.  The above table excludes unresolved related earn-out payments.
 
ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

(Amounts in thousands)

Foreign Currency Exchange Risk

We are exposed to a certain level of foreign currency exchange risk. We are exposed to foreign currency transaction and translation losses, which might result from adverse fluctuations in the value of the Euro, Hong Kong dollar, Swiss franc, Japanese yen, and Chinese RMB.
 
Our products are manufactured and marketed worldwide. A substantial portion of our revenues are priced in U.S. dollars. Most of our costs and expenses are priced in U.S. dollars, with the remaining priced in Chinese RMB, Euros, Swiss francs and Japanese yen. Accordingly, the competitiveness of our products relative to products produced locally (in foreign markets) may be affected by the performance of the U.S. dollar compared with that of our foreign customers’ currencies. Geographic information, excluding discontinued operations, for revenues based on country from which invoiced, and long-lived assets based on country of location, which includes property, plant and equipment, but excludes intangible assets and goodwill, net of related depreciation and amortization follows:

 
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For the three months ended December 31,
   
For the nine months ended December 31,
 
   
2008
   
2007
   
2008
   
2007
 
Net Sales:
                       
United States
  $ 22,880     $ 25,533     $ 73,884     $ 80,870  
France
    5,411       7,361       20,727       20,057  
Germany
    3,271       4,782       12,755       14,142  
Ireland
    2,570       3,146       9,559       9,646  
Switzerland
    2,430       -       10,774       -  
China
    6,737       15,169       33,485       40,889  
  Total:
  $ 43,299     $ 55,991     $ 161,184     $ 165,604  
                                 
   
December 31, 2008
   
March 31, 2008
                 
Long Lived Assets:
                               
United States
  $ 7,692     $ 6,624                  
France
    6,138       6,808                  
Germany
    2,440       2,817                  
Ireland
    3,660       4,263                  
Switzerland
    2,274       2,418                  
China
    23,711       17,785                  
   Total:
  $ 45,915     $ 40,715                  

The RMB appreciated by approximately 2.4% during the first nine months of fiscal 2009, and during fiscal 2008, 2007 and 2006, the RMB appreciated approximately 9%, 4% and 3%, respectively. The Chinese government no longer pegs the RMB to the U.S. dollar, but has a currency policy letting the RMB trade in a narrow band against a basket of currencies. The Company has more expenses in RMB than sales (short RMB position), and as such, when the U.S. dollar weakens relative to the RMB, our operating profits decrease. Based on our net exposure of RMB to U.S. dollars for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2008 and forecast information for fiscal 2009, we estimate a negative operating income impact of approximately $186 for every 1% appreciation in RMB against the U.S. dollar (assuming no price increases passed to customers, and no associated cost increases or currency hedging). We continue to consider various alternatives to hedge this exposure, and as described below, during the second quarter of fiscal 2009, the Company entered into a number of forward contracts in an attempt to hedge the Company’s short RMB position.  Additionally, we continue to attempt to manage our RMB exposure to changes in foreign currency exchange through, among other things, pricing and monitoring balance sheet exposures for payables and receivables.

Fluctuations in the value of the Hong Kong dollar have not been significant since October 17, 1983, when the Hong Kong government tied the value of the Hong Kong dollar to that of the U.S. dollar. However, there can be no assurance that the value of the Hong Kong dollar will continue to be tied to that of the U.S. dollar.

The Company’s French and Germany subsidiaries have more sales in Euro than expenses in Euro and the Company’s Swiss subsidiary has more expenses in Swiss franc than sales, and as such, if the U.S. dollar weakens relative to the Euro and Swiss franc, our operating profits increase in France and Germany but decline in Switzerland. Based on the net exposures of Euros and Swiss francs to U.S. dollars for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2008, we estimate a positive operating income impact of $42 and a negative income impact of $30 for every 1% appreciation in Euro and Swiss franc, respectively, relative to the U.S. dollar (assuming no price increases passed to customers, and associated cost increases or currency hedging).
 
The Company has a number of foreign currency exchange contracts in Europe and Asia in an attempt to hedge the Company’s exposure to the Euro and RMB. The Euro/U.S. dollar and RMB/U.S. dollar currency contracts have notional amounts totaling $4,320 and $15,000, respectively, with exercise dates through August 31, 2009 at an average exchange rate of $1.39 (Euro to U.S. dollar conversion rate) and $0.148 (RMB to U.S. dollar conversion rate). Since these derivatives are not designated as hedges under SFAS No. 133, changes in their fair value are recorded in earnings, not in other comprehensive income. As of December 31, 2008 and March 31, 2008, the fair value of these contracts was a liability of  $7 and an asset of $34, respectively.  The fair value of our RMB currency contracts and our results of operations will be adversely affected by a decrease in value of the RMB relative to the U.S. dollar. For example, based on the $15,000 notional amount of these contracts outstanding at December 31, 2008 and current pricing of forward exchange rates of the RMB relative to the U.S. dollar, a 1% depreciation of the RMB would increase foreign currency expense and decrease our pre tax profitability by $150.
 
To manage our exposure to potential foreign currency transaction and translation risks, we may purchase additional foreign currency exchange forward contracts, currency options, or other derivative instruments, provided such instruments may be obtained at suitable prices.

Under our term and revolving credit facilities, we are exposed to a certain level of interest rate risk. Interest on the principal amount of our borrowings under our revolving credit facility accrues at a rate based on either a LIBOR rate plus a LIBOR margin or at an Indexed (prime based) Rate plus an Index Margin. The LIBOR or Index Rate is at our election. Our results will be adversely affected by any increase in interest rates. For example, based on the $71,302 of total debt outstanding under these facilities at December 31, 2008, an annual interest rate increase of 100 basis points would increase interest expense and decrease our pre tax profitability by $713. We do not currently hedge this interest rate exposure.

 
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ITEM 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES.
 
(a) Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
 
The Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer with the participation of management evaluated the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures as of December 31, 2008. The term “disclosure controls and procedures,” as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), means controls and other procedures of a company that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by the company in the reports that it files or submits under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported, within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms. Disclosure controls and procedures include, without limitation, controls and procedures designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by a company in the reports that it files or submits under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to the company’s management, including its principal executive and principal financial officers, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure. Management recognizes that any controls and procedures, no matter how well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable assurance of achieving their objectives and management necessarily applies its judgment in evaluating the cost-benefit relationship of possible controls and procedures. Based on the evaluation of our disclosure controls and procedures as of December 31, 2008, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that, as of such date, our disclosure controls and procedures were effective.

(b) Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
 
During the fiscal quarter ended December 31, 2008, management did not identify any changes in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

Management’s evaluation of our controls and procedures as of December 31, 2008 excluded the evaluation of internal controls for the Company’s joint venture in Japan, Nikisso-THERM (“NT”). NT is an entity consolidated pursuant to FIN 46R. The Company does not have the ability to dictate or modify the controls of NT, and the Company does not have the ability, in practice, to assess those controls.

PART II. OTHER INFORMATION
  
ITEM 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
 
Pending Matters:  From time to time, the Company is subject to legal proceedings and claims in the ordinary course of business. The Company currently is not aware of any legal proceedings or claims that the Company believes will have, individually or in the aggregate, a material adverse effect on the Company’s business, financial condition, or operating results.
 
ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS 
 
While we attempt to identify, manage and mitigate risks and uncertainties associated with our business to the extent practical under the circumstances, some level of risk and uncertainty will always be present.  Item 1A of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended March 31, 2008 describes some of the risks and uncertainties associated with our business.  These risks and uncertainties have the potential to materially affect our results of operations and our financial condition.  We do not believe that there have been any material changes to the risk factors previously disclosed in our Annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended March 31, 2008, except as noted below.

Our business is impacted by worldwide economic cycles, which are difficult to predict.

          The global financial markets have been experiencing extreme disruption in recent months, including, among other things, extreme volatility in security prices, severely diminished liquidity and credit availability, rating downgrades of certain investments and declining valuations of others. These economic developments affect not only our customers’ ability to make capital equipment investments, which directly affects our sales potential, but also affect the credit and liquidity of our customers and our suppliers, which could have an adverse affect on our business. Although we are taking actions to address the effects of the current economic crisis, including implementing cost control and reduction measures, we cannot predict whether these will be sufficient to offset certain of the negative trends that might affect our business. We are unable to predict the likely duration and severity of the current disruption in financial markets, credit availability and adverse economic conditions throughout the world.
 
ITEM 4. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS
 
None.

ITEM 6. EXHIBITS
 
See Exhibit Index.

 
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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.

 
Measurement Specialties, Inc.
(Registrant)
     
Date: February 4, 2009
By:  
/s/ Frank D. Guidone  
 
Frank D. Guidone
President, Chief Executive Officer
(Principal Executive Officer)

Date: February 4, 2009
By:  
/s/ Mark Thomson  
 
Mark Thomson
Chief Financial Officer
(Principal Financial Officer)

 
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EXHIBIT INDEX
 
EXHIBIT
NUMBER
 
DESCRIPTION
     
10.17
 
Fifth Amendment and Waiver to Credit Agreement dated October 24, 2008 by and among Measurement Specialties, Inc., the US Credit Parties signatory thereto, Wachovia Bank, National Association, JPMorgan Chase Bank, NA, Bank of America, N.A., and General Electric Capital Corporation
     
10.18
 
Sixth Amendment and Waiver to Credit Agreement dated January 29, 2009 by and among Measurement Specialties, Inc., the US Credit Parties signatory thereto, Wachovia Bank, National Association, JPMorgan Chase Bank, NA, Bank of America, N.A., and General Electric Capital Corporation
     
31.1
 
Certification of Frank D. Guidone required by Rule 13a-14(a) or Rule 15d-14(a)
     
31.2
 
Certification of Mark Thomson required by Rule 13a-14(a) or Rule 15d-14(a)
     
32.1
 
Certification of Frank D. Guidone and Mark Thomson required by Rule 13a-14(b) or Rule 15d-14(b) and Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, 18 U.S.C. Section 1350

 
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