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UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

Form 10-K

 

(Mark One)

 

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

 

FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2017

 

OR

 

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

 

For the transition period from       to      

Commission file number: 0-04041

 

ALLIED MOTION TECHNOLOGIES INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

Colorado
(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)

 

84-0518115
(I.R.S. Employer
Identification No.)

 

 

 

495 Commerce Drive, Amherst, New York
(Address of principal executive offices)

 

14228
(Zip Code)

 

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (716) 242-8634

 

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:  Common Stock, no par value Nasdaq Global Market

 

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:   None

 

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act. Yes o  No x

 

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act. Yes o  No x

 

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

 

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

 

Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of Registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K. o

 

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

 

Large accelerated filer o

Accelerated filer x

Non-accelerated filer o

Smaller reporting company o

 

 

(Do not check if a
smaller reporting company)

Emerging growth company o

 

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. o

 

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

 

The aggregate market value of voting stock held by non-affiliates of the Registrant, computed by reference to the average bid and asked prices of such stock as of the last business day of the Registrant’s most recently completed second fiscal quarter was approximately $185,806,370.

 

Number of shares of the only class of Common Stock outstanding:  9,426,984 as of March 14, 2018

 

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

 

Portions of the Registrant’s Proxy Statement for the 2018 Annual Meeting of Shareholders are incorporated into Part III.

 

 

 



Table of Contents

 

Table of Contents

 

 

 

Page

PART I.

 

 

Item 1.

Business

3

Item 1A.

Risk Factors

7

Item 2.

Properties

15

Item 3.

Legal Proceedings

15

Item 4.

Mine Safety Disclosures

15

 

 

 

PART II.

 

 

Item 5.

Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

16

Item 6.

Selected Financial Data

18

Item 7.

Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

19

Item 7A.

Qualitative and Quantitative Disclosures About Market Risk

30

Item 8.

Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

31

 

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

31

Item 9.

Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants and Financial Disclosure

55

Item 9A.

Controls and Procedures

55

Item 9B.

Other Information

56

 

 

 

PART III.

 

 

Item 10.

Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance

56

Item 11.

Executive Compensation

56

Item 12.

Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters

56

Item 13.

Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence

56

Item 14.

Principal Accountant Fees and Services

56

 

 

 

PART IV.

 

 

Item 15.

Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules

56

 

Signatures

59

 

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Disclosure Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

 

All statements contained herein that are not statements of historical fact constitute “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements include, without limitation, any statement that may predict, forecast, indicate, or imply future results, performance, or achievements, and may contain the word “believe,” “anticipate,” “expect,” “project,” “intend,” “will continue,” “will likely result,” “should” or words or phrases of similar meaning. Forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially from the expected results described in the forward-looking statements. The risks and uncertainties include those associated with: the domestic and foreign general business and economic conditions in the markets we serve, including political and currency risks and adverse changes in local legal and regulatory environments; the introduction of new technologies and the impact of competitive products; the ability to protect the Company’s intellectual property; our ability to sustain, manage or forecast its growth and product acceptance to accurately align capacity with demand; the continued success of our customers and the ability to realize the full amounts reflected in our order backlog as revenue; the loss of significant customers or the enforceability of the Company’s contracts in connection with a merger, acquisition, disposition, bankruptcy, or otherwise; our ability to meet the technical specifications of our customers; the performance of subcontractors or suppliers and the continued availability of parts and components; changes in government regulations; the availability of financing and our access to capital markets, borrowings, or financial transactions to hedge certain risks; the ability to attract and retain qualified personnel who can design new applications and products for the motion industry; the ability to implement our corporate strategies designed for growth and improvement in profits including to identify and consummate favorable acquisitions to support external growth and the development of new technologies; the ability to successfully integrate an acquired business into our business model without substantial costs, delays, or problems; our the ability to control costs, including the establishment and operation of low cost region manufacturing and component sourcing capabilities; and the additional risk factors discussed under “Item 1A. Risk Factors” in Part I of this report. Actual results, events and performance may differ materially. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements as a prediction of actual results. Any forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date on which it is made. New risks and uncertainties arise over time, and it is not possible for us to predict the occurrence of those matters or the manner in which they may affect us. The Company has no obligation or intent to release publicly any revisions to any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise.

 

New risk factors emerge from time to time and it is not possible for management to predict all such risk factors, nor can it assess the impact of all such risk factors on its business or the extent to which any factor, or combination of factors, may cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statements. The Company’s expectations, beliefs and projections are the and are believed to have a reasonable basis; however, the Company makes no assurance that expectations, beliefs or projections will be achieved.

 

PART I

 

All dollar amounts are in thousands except share and per share amounts.

 

Item 1.  Business.

 

Description of the Business

 

Allied Motion Technologies Inc. (“Allied Motion” or the “Company”) is a global company that designs, manufactures and sells precision and specialty motion control components and systems used in a broad range of industries.  Our target markets include Vehicle, Medical, Aerospace & Defense (A&D), and Industrial/Electronics. We are headquartered in Amherst, NY, and have operations in the United States, Canada, Mexico, Europe and Asia. We are known worldwide for our expertise in electro-magnetic, mechanical and electronic motion technology. We sell component and integrated motion control solutions to end customers and original equipment manufacturers (“OEMs”) through our own direct sales force and authorized manufacturers’ representatives and distributors. Our products include brush and brushless DC motors, brushless servo and torque motors, coreless DC motors, integrated brushless motor-drives, gearmotors, gearing, modular digital servo drives, motion controllers, incremental and absolute optical encoders, and other motion control-related products.

Our growth strategy is focused on becoming the motion solution leader in our selected target markets by leveraging our “technology/know how” to develop integrated precision motion solutions.  Our intent is to utilize multiple Allied Motion technologies/products to “change the game” by enhancing and optimizing the operation, performance and efficiency of our

 

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customers’ products and manufacturing equipment.  Our goal is to grow sales with a larger base of customers, new applications and technologies, and increased market share globally and within our targeted markets.

 

We design and develop our products within our Technology Centers and can manufacture these products in various facilities located in the United States, Canada, Mexico, Europe and Asia.  We also operate Allied Motion Solution Centers that apply all Allied Motion products to create integrated motion control solutions for our customers.  We sell our products and solutions globally to a broad spectrum of customers through our own direct sales force and authorized manufacturers’ representatives and distributors.  Our customers include end users and original equipment manufacturers (“OEMs”).

 

Allied Motion was established in 1962 under the laws of Colorado and operates in the United States, Canada, Mexico, Europe and Asia.  We are headquartered in Amherst, New York and the mailing address of our corporate headquarters is 495 Commerce Drive, Suite 3, Amherst, New York 14228.  The telephone number at this location is (716) 242-8634.  Our website is www.alliedmotion.com.  We trade under the ticker symbol “AMOT” on the NASDAQ exchange.

 

Markets and Applications

 

Our products and solutions are applied broadly to support a wide range of applications several served markets.  Examples of applications in these markets that use Allied Motion components and systems include the following:

 

Vehicle:  electronic power steering and drive-by-wire applications to electrically replace, or provide power-assist to, a variety of mechanical linkages, traction / drive systems and pumps, automated and remotely guided power steering systems, various high performance vehicle applications, actuation systems (e.g., lifts, slide-outs, covers, etc.), HVAC systems, solutions to improve energy efficiency of vehicles while idling and alternative fuel systems such as LPG, fuel cell and hybrid vehicles.  Vehicle types include off- and on-road construction and agricultural equipment; trucks, buses, boats, utility, recreational (e.g., RVs, ATVs (all-terrain vehicles)), specialty automotive, automated and remotely guided vehicles, etc.

 

Medical: surgical robots, prosthetics, electric powered surgical hand pieces, programmable pumps to meter and administer infusions associated with chemotherapy, pain control and antibiotics, nuclear imaging systems, radiology equipment, automated pharmacy dispensing equipment, kidney dialysis equipment, respiratory ventilators, heart pumps, and patient handling equipment (e.g., wheel chairs, scooters, stair lifts, patient lifts, transport tables and hospital beds, etc.).

 

Aerospace & Defense:  inertial guided missiles, mid-range smart munitions systems, weapons systems on armed personnel carriers, unmanned vehicles, security and access control, camera systems, door access control, airport screening and scanning devices, etc.

 

Electronics/Industrial:  products are used in the handling, inspection, and testing of components and final products such as PCs, gaming equipment and cell phones, high definition printers, tunable lasers and spectrum analyzers for the fiber optic industry, test and processing equipment for the semiconductor manufacturing industry, factory automation, specialty equipment, material handling equipment, commercial grade floor polishers and cleaners, commercial building equipment such as welders, cable pullers and assembly tools, etc.

 

Organization Structure

 

Allied Motion’s “One Team” approach to the market is realized through the close collaboration of our Sales Organization, Solution Centers, Technology Centers and Production Centers all working together to provide innovative motion solutions and create value for our customers.

 

Allied Motion Sales Organization:  Our sales organization is evolving with the goal of becoming the best sales and service force in our industry.  Through our “One Team” approach for providing motion control solutions and components that best address our customers’ needs, we are broadening the knowledge and skills of our direct sales force, while creating sales and service support in our Solution Centers.  This enables the entire sales organization to be capable of selling globally all products designed, developed and produced by Allied Motion.  Currently, our primary channels to market include our direct sales force and external authorized Sales Representatives, Agents and Distributors that provide field coverage in Asia, Europe, Canada, Israel and the Americas.  While the majority of our sales are directly to OEMs, we are working to expand our market reach through Distribution channels.

 

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Allied Motion Solution Centers:  Allied has Solution Centers in China, Europe and North America that enable the design and sale of individual products as well as integrated motion control systems that utilize multiple Allied Motion products.  In addition to providing sales and applications support, the solution center function may include final assembly, integration and test, as required, to support customers within their geographic region.

 

China Solution Center — Changzhou, China

 

European Solution Center — Stockholm, Sweden

 

North American Solution Center - Amherst, New York, USA

 

Allied Motion Technology Centers:  Allied has Technology Centers in China, Europe and North America that design, develop and support the various products and systems offered by Allied Motion with a focus on specific technologies/products in each individual location.

 

North American Motors:  During 2017, we consolidated all motor design, development and support activities in North America under the umbrella of North American Motors which includes: Dayton, OH:  automotive brushless DC motors, power steering solutions and special purpose motors. Owosso, MI:  fractional horsepower permanent magnet DC and brushless DC motors serving a wide range of original equipment applications. Tulsa, OK: high performance brushless DC motors, including servo motors, frameless motors, torque motors, high speed (60,000 RPM+) slotless motors, high resolution encoders and motor/encoder assemblies.

 

North American Mechatronics:  Under the umbrella of North American Mechatronics, the company designs gearing, mechanical and electronic products and solutions for a wide range of market based and custom engineered solutions.  The locations under the umbrella include: Watertown, NY: gearing solutions in both stand-alone and integrated gearing/motor configurations.  Amherst, NY and Oakville, Ontario:  advanced electronic motion control products and custom solutions including integrated power electronics, digital controls and network communications for motor control and power conversion to support Allied Motion’s broad range of motors.

 

Dordrecht, Netherlands: Designs and develops fractional horsepower BLDC outer rotor motors and traditional BLDC motor part sets with or without integrated electronics and coreless DC motors.

 

Kelheim, Germany: Designs and develops high performance and highly configurable synchronous BLDC servo motor solutions and asynchronous BLDC motors for a wide variety of demanding motion applications. Additionally, trolleys for use in medical environments are designed and produced for customer specific applications.

 

Stockholm, Sweden and Ferndown, UK: Designs and develops high performance electronic controls and platform based integrated steering system solutions for market specific vehicle solutions that may utilize the various technologies and products developed by other Allied Motion locations.

 

Allied Motion Production Centers:  Allied has designated Production Centers in China, Europe and North America that provide additional manufacturing capabilities for the various products and systems offered by Allied Motion with a focus on specific technologies/products in each individual location. In certain cases, products may be produced in multiple locations to better serve our customers within the geographic region in which they are located. Locations include:

 

Changzhou, China

 

Mrakov, Czech Republic

 

Porto, Portugal

 

Reynosa, Mexico

 

Dothan, Alabama, USA

 

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Segment Information

 

We operate in one segment for the design and manufacture of motion control products, marketed to original equipment manufacturers and end users.  Segment information, including sales from external customers, assets by segment, and long-lived assets by geographic area, as set forth in Note 11, Segment Information, of the notes to the consolidated financial statements is contained in Item 8 of this report.

 

Competitive Environment

 

Our products and solutions are sold into a global market with a large and diverse group of competitors that vary by product, geography, industry and application.  We believe the motion control market is highly fragmented with many competitors, some of which are substantially larger and have greater resources than Allied Motion.  We believe our competitive advantages include our electro-magnetic, mechanical and electronic motion control expertise, the breadth of our motor technologies and of our ability to integrate these technologies with our encoders, gearing, power electronics, digital control technologies and network/feedback communications capabilities, as well as our global presence.  Unlike many of our competitors, we are unique in our ability to provide custom-engineered motion control solutions that integrate the products we manufacture such as embedded or external electrical control solutions with our motors.  We compete on technological capabilities, quality, reliability, service responsiveness, delivery speed and price.  Our competitors include Ametek, Fortive Corporation, Parker Hannifin Corporation and other smaller competitors.

 

Availability of Parts and Raw Materials

 

All parts and raw materials used by the Company are in adequate supply.  No significant parts or raw materials are acquired from a single source or for which an alternate source is not also available.

 

Patents, Trademarks, Licenses, Franchises and Concessions

 

We hold a number of patents and trademarks for components manufactured by our various subsidiaries, and we have several patents pending on new products recently developed, which are considered to be of major significance.

 

Working Capital Items

 

We currently maintain inventory levels adequate for our short-term needs based upon present levels of production.  We consider the component parts of our different product lines to be readily available and current suppliers to be reliable and capable of satisfying anticipated needs.

 

Major Customers

 

During 2017, 2016 and 2015, the Company’s total annual revenues increased significantly as a result of both sales to customers of businesses acquired by the Company during that period and from increased sales to a number of existing customers of the Company, with five customers accounting for approximately 33% of the Company’s total revenue during 2017, 35% during 2016 and 40% during 2015.

 

Sales Backlog

 

Backlog as of December 31, 2017 was $100,708 compared with $78,602 as of December 31, 2016.  The time to convert the majority of backlog to sales is approximately three to four months.  Given the short product lead times, we do not believe that the amount of our backlog of orders is a reliable indication of our future sales.  We may on occasion receive multi-year orders from customers for product to be delivered on demand over that time frame.  There can be no assurance that the Company’s backlog from these customers will be converted into revenue.

 

Engineering and Development Activities

 

Our engineering and development (E&D) activities are for the development of new products, enhancement of the functionality, effectiveness and reliability of current products, to redesign products to reduce the cost of manufacturing of products or to expand the types of applications for which our products and solutions can be used.  Our expenditures on engineering and development for the years ended December 31, 2017,2016 and 2015 were $17,542, $16,170, and $14,229, respectively, or 7%

 

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of sales in in 2017 and 2016, and 6% of sales in 2015.  We believe E&D is critical to our success and expect to continue to invest at least at these levels in the future.  Of these expenditures, no material amounts were charged directly to customers, although we do record non-recurring engineering charges to certain customers for custom engineering required to develop products that meet the customer’s specifications.

 

Environmental Issues

 

No significant pollution or other types of hazardous emission result from the Company’s operations and it is not anticipated that our operations will be materially affected by Federal, State or local provisions concerning environmental controls.  Our costs of complying with environmental, health and safety requirements have not been material.

 

We do not believe that existing or pending climate change legislation, regulation, or international treaties or accords are reasonably likely to have a material effect in the foreseeable future on our business or markets that we serve, nor on our results of operations, capital expenditures or financial position.  We will continue to monitor emerging developments in this area.

 

International Operations

 

Our operations outside the United States are conducted through wholly-owned foreign subsidiaries and are located primarily in Europe and Asia.  Our international operations are subject to the usual risks inherent in international trade, including currency fluctuations, local government contracting regulations, local governmental restrictions on foreign investment and repatriation of profits, exchange controls, regulation of the import and distribution of foreign goods, as well as changing economic and social conditions in countries in which our operations are conducted.  The information required by this item is set forth in Note 11, Segment Information, of the notes to consolidated financial statements contained in Item 8 of this report.

 

Employees

 

At December 31, 2017, we employed approximately 1,250 full-time employees worldwide.  Of those, approximately 48% are located in North America, 47% are located in Europe and the balance are located in China and the rest of the world.

 

Available Information

 

The Company maintains a website at www.alliedmotion.com.  We make available, free of charge on or through our website our annual reports on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K, and amendments to those reports as soon as reasonably practicable after we electronically file or furnish such materials to the SEC.

 

We have adopted a Code of Ethics for our chief executive officer and president and senior financial officers regarding their obligations in the conduct of Company affairs.  We have also adopted a Code of Ethics and Business Conduct that is applicable to all directors, officers and employees.  The Codes are available on our website.  We intend to disclose on our website any amendment to, or waiver of, the Codes that would otherwise be required to be disclosed under the rules of the SEC and the Nasdaq Global Market.  A copy of both Codes is also available in print to any stockholder upon written request addressed to Allied Motion Technologies Inc., 495 Commerce Drive, Suite 3, Amherst, NY 14228-2313, Attention: Secretary.

 

Item 1A.  Risk Factors

 

In the ordinary course of our business, we face various strategic, operating, compliance and financial risks.  These risks could have a material impact on our business, reputation, financial condition or results of operations.  Our most significant risks are set forth below and elsewhere in this Report.  These risk factors should be considered in addition to our cautionary comments concerning forward-looking statements in this Report, including statements related to markets for our products and trends in our business that involve a number of risks and uncertainties.

 

Our operating results could fluctuate significantly.

 

Our quarterly and annual operating results are affected by a wide variety of factors that could materially adversely affect revenues and profitability, including:  the timing of customer orders and the deferral or cancellation of orders previously received, the level of orders received which can be shipped in a quarter, fulfilling backlog on a timely basis, competitive

 

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pressures on selling prices, changes in the mix of products sold, the timing of investments in engineering and development, development of and response to new technologies, and delays in new product qualifications.

 

As a result of the foregoing and other factors, we may experience material fluctuations in future operating results on a quarterly or annual basis which could materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition, operating results and stock price.

 

Our growth could suffer if the markets into which we sell our products and services decline, do not grow as anticipated or experience cyclicality.

 

Our growth depends in part on the growth of the markets which we serve.  Any decline or lower than expected growth in our served markets could diminish demand for our products and services, which would adversely affect our financial statements.  Certain of our businesses operate in industries that may experience periodic, cyclical downturns.  Demand for our products and services is also sensitive to changes in customer order patterns, which may be affected by announced price changes, changes in incentive programs, new product introductions and customer inventory levels.  Any of these factors could adversely affect our growth and results of operations in any given period.

 

We could experience a failure of a key information technology system, process or site or a breach of information security, including a cybersecurity breach or failure of one or more key information technology systems, networks, processes, associated sites or service providers.

 

We rely extensively on information technology (“IT”) systems for the storage, processing, and transmission of our electronic, business-related, information assets used in or necessary to conduct business.  We leverage our internal information technology infrastructures, and those of our business partners, to enable, sustain, and support our global business activities. In addition, we rely on networks and services, including internet sites, data hosting and processing facilities and tools and other hardware, software and technical applications and platforms, some of which are managed, hosted, provided and/or used by third-parties or their vendors, to assist in conducting our business. The data we store and process may include customer payment information, personal information concerning our employees, confidential financial information, and other types of sensitive business-related information. In limited instances, we may also come into possession of information related to patients of our physician customers. Numerous and evolving cybersecurity threats pose potential risks to the security of our IT systems, networks and services, as well as the confidentiality, availability and integrity of our data. In addition, the laws and regulations governing security of data on IT systems and otherwise held by companies is evolving, and adding another layer of complexity in the form of new requirements. We have made, and continue to make investments, seeking to address these threats, including monitoring of networks and systems, hiring of experts, employee training and security policies for employees and third-party providers. The techniques used in these attacks change frequently and may be difficult to detect for periods of time and we may face difficulties in anticipating and implementing adequate preventative measures. While the breaches of our IT systems to date have not been material to our business or results of operations, the costs of attempting to protect IT systems and data may increase, and there can be no assurance that these added security efforts will prevent all breaches of our IT systems or thefts of our data. If our IT systems are damaged or cease to function properly, the networks or service providers we rely upon fail to function properly, or we or one of our third-party providers suffer a loss or disclosure of our business or stakeholder information due to any number of causes ranging from catastrophic events or power outages to improper data handling or security breaches and our business continuity plans do not effectively address these failures on a timely basis, we may be exposed to potential disruption in operations, loss of customers, reputational, competitive and business harm as well as significant costs from remediation, litigation and regulatory actions.

 

Our business operations may be adversely affected by new software implementations.

 

We are committed to a multi-year enterprise resource planning system implementation along with the standardization of our business systems.  This endeavor will occupy additional resources, diverting attention from other operational activities, and may cause our information systems to not perform as expected.  While we expect to invest significant resources throughout the planning and project management process, unanticipated delays could occur.

 

If we do not respond to changes in technology, our products may become obsolete and we may experience a loss of customers and lower revenues.

 

We sell our products to customers in several industries that experience rapid technological changes, new product introductions and evolving industry standards.  Without the timely introduction of new products and enhancements, our products and services will likely become technologically obsolete over time and we may lose a significant number of our customers.  Our

 

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product development efforts may be affected by a number of factors, including our ability to anticipate customer needs, allocate our research and development funding, innovate and develop new products, differentiate our offerings and commercialize new technologies, secure intellectual property protection for our product and manufacture products in a cost-effective manner.  We would be harmed if we did not meet customer requirements and expectations.  Our inability, for technological or other reasons, to successfully develop and introduce new and innovative products could result in a loss of customers and lower revenues.

 

We face competition that could harm our business and we may be unable to compete successfully against new entrants and established companies with greater resources.

 

Competition in connection with the manufacturing of our products may intensify in the future.  The market for our technologies is competitive and subject to rapid technological change.  We compete globally on the basis of product performance, customer service, availability, reliability, productivity and price.  Our competitors may be larger and may have greater financial, operational, economies of scale, personnel, sales, technical and marketing resources than us.  Certain of our competitors also may pursue aggressive pricing or product strategies that may cause us to reduce the prices we charge for our original equipment and aftermarket products and services or lose sales.  These actions may lead to reduced revenues, lower margins and/or a decline in market share, any of which may adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.

 

We intend to develop new products and expand into new markets, which may not be successful and could harm our operating results.

 

We intend to expand into new markets and develop new and modified products based on our existing technologies and engineering capabilities, including the continued expansion of our Motion Control Systems.  These efforts have required and will continue to require us to make substantial investments, including significant research, development and engineering expenditures and capital expenditures for new, expanded or improved manufacturing facilities.  Specific risks in connection with expanding into new products and markets include: longer product development cycles, the inability to transfer our quality standards and technology into new products, and the failure of our customers to accept the new or modified products.

 

We may experience difficulties that could delay or prevent the successful development of new products or product enhancements under new and existing contracts, and new products or product enhancements may not be accepted by our customers. In addition, the development expenses we incur may exceed our cost estimates, and new products we develop may not generate sales sufficient to offset our costs. If any of these events occur, our sales and profits could be adversely affected.

 

Our competitiveness depends on successfully executing our growth initiatives and our globalization strategies.

 

We continue to invest in initiatives to support future growth, such as the creation of an effective corporate structure, implementation of our enterprise resource planning system, launch of a new integrated website, implementation of a structured approach to identify target markets, and the expansion of our Allied Systematic Tools.  The failure to achieve our objectives on these initiatives could have an adverse effect on our operating results and financial condition.  Our globalization strategy includes localization of our products and services to be closer to our customers and identified growth opportunities.  Localization of our products and services includes expanding our capabilities, including supply chain and sourcing activities, product design, manufacturing, engineering, marketing and sales and support.  These activities expose us to risks, including those related to political and economic uncertainties, transportation delays, labor market disruptions and challenges to protect our intellectual property.

 

We depend heavily on a limited number of customers, and if we lose any of them or they reduce their business with us, we would lose a substantial portion of our revenues.

 

A significant portion of our revenues and trade receivables are concentrated with a small group of customers.  These customers have a variety of suppliers to choose from and therefore can make substantial demands on us, including demands on product pricing and on contractual terms, often resulting in the allocation of risk to us as the supplier.  Our ability to maintain strong relationships with our principal customers is essential to our future performance.  If we lose a key customer, if any of our key customers reduce their orders of our products or require us to reduce our prices before we are able to reduce costs, if a customer is acquired by one of our competitors or if a key customer suffers financial hardship, our operating results would likely be harmed.

 

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Our inability to adequately enforce and protect our intellectual property or defend against assertions of infringement could prevent or restrict our ability to compete.

 

We rely on patents, trademarks and proprietary knowledge and technology, both internally developed and acquired, in order to maintain a competitive advantage.  Our inability to defend against the unauthorized use of these rights and assets could have an adverse effect on our results of operations and financial condition.  Litigation may be necessary to protect our intellectual property rights or defend against claims of infringement.  This litigation could result in significant costs and divert our management’s focus away from operations.

 

Increased healthcare, pension and other costs under the Company’s benefit plans could adversely affect the Company’s financial condition and results of operations.

 

We provide health benefits to many of its employees and the costs to provide such benefits continue to increase annually.  The amount of any increase or decrease in the cost of Company-sponsored health plans will depend on a number of different factors including new governmental regulations mandating types of coverage and reporting and other requirements.

 

We also sponsor defined benefit pension, defined contribution pension, and other postretirement benefit plans.  Our costs to provide such benefits generally continue to increase annually.  We use actuarial valuations to determine the Company’s benefit obligations for certain benefit plans, which require the use of significant estimates, including the discount rate, expected long-term rate of return on plan assets, mortality rates and the rates of increase in compensation and health care costs.  Changes to these significant estimates could increase the cost of these plans, which could also have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial condition and results of operations.

 

If we are unable to attract and retain qualified personnel, our ability to operate and grow our company will be in jeopardy.

 

We are required to hire and retain skilled employees at all levels of our operations in a market where such qualified employees are in high demand and are subject to receiving competing offers.  We believe that there is, and will continue to be, competition for qualified personnel in our industry, and there is no assurance that we will be able to attract or retain the personnel necessary for the management and development of our business.  The inability to attract or retain employees currently or in the future may have a material adverse effect on our business.

 

Our future success depends in part on the continued service of our engineering and technical personnel and our ability to identify, hire and retain personnel.

 

Our success will depend in large part upon our ability to attract, train, retain and motivate highly skilled employees.  There is currently aggressive competition for employees who have experience in technology and engineering.  We may not be able to continue to attract and retain engineers or other qualified personnel necessary for the development and growth of our business or to replace personnel who may leave our employ in the future.  The failure to retain and recruit key technical personnel could cause additional expense, potentially reduce the efficiency of our operations and could harm our business.

 

We rely on suppliers to provide equipment, components and services, which creates certain risks and uncertainties that may adversely affect our business.

 

Our business requires that we buy equipment, components and services.  Our reliance on suppliers involves certain risks, including poor quality or an insecure supply chain, which could adversely affect the reliability and reputation of our products; changes in the cost of these purchases due to inflation, exchange rates, or other factors; shortages of components, commodities or other materials, which could adversely affect our manufacturing efficiencies and ability to make timely delivery.

 

Any of these uncertainties could adversely affect our profitability and ability to compete.  The effect of unavailability or delivery delays would be more severe if associated with our higher volume and more profitable products.  Even where substitute sources of supply are available, qualifying the alternate suppliers and establishing reliable supplies could cost more or could result in delays and a loss of sales.

 

Our operating results depend in part on our ability to contain or reduce costs.  There is substantial price competition in our industry, and our success and profitability will depend on our ability to maintain a competitive cost and price structure.

 

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Our efforts to maintain and improve profitability depend in part on our ability to reduce the costs of materials, components, supplies and labor, including establishing production capabilities at our low cost regional subcontractors.  While the failure of any single cost containment effort by itself would most likely not significantly impact our results, we cannot give any assurances that we will be successful in implementing cost reductions and maintaining a competitive cost structure.

 

There is substantial price competition in our industry, and our success and profitability will depend on our ability to maintain a competitive cost and price structure.  We may have to reduce prices in the future to remain competitive.  Also, our future profitability will depend in part upon our ability to continue to improve our manufacturing efficiencies and maintain a cost structure that will enable us to offer competitive prices.  Our inability to maintain a competitive cost structure could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

 

Our profits may decline if the price of raw materials continues to rise and we cannot recover the increases from our customers.

 

We use various raw materials, such as copper, steel and zinc, in our manufacturing operations.  The prices of these raw materials have been subject to volatility.  As a result of price increases, we have generally implemented price surcharges to our customers; however, we may be unable to collect surcharges without suffering reductions in unit volume, revenue and operating income.  There can be no assurance that we will be able to fully recover the price increases through surcharges in a timely manner.  We are also subject to risks associated with U.S. and foreign legislation and regulations relating to imports, including quotas, duties, tariffs or taxes, and other charges or restrictions on imports, which could adversely affect our operations and our ability to import products at current or increased levels. We cannot predict whether additional U.S. and foreign customs quotas, duties, tariffs, taxes or other charges or restrictions, requirements as to where raw materials must be purchased, or other restrictions on our imports will be imposed upon the importation of our products in the future or adversely modified, or what effect such actions would have on our costs of operations.

 

We face the challenge of accurately aligning our capacity with our demand.

 

We have experienced capacity constraints and longer lead times for certain products in times of growing demand while we have also experienced idle capacity as economies slow or demand for certain products decline.  Accurately forecasting our expected volumes and appropriately adjusting our capacity have been, and will continue to be, important factors in determining our results of operations.  We cannot guarantee that we will be able to increase manufacturing capacity to a level that meets demand for our products, which could prevent us from meeting increased customer demand and could harm our business.  However, if we overestimate our demand and overbuild our capacity, we may have significantly underutilized assets and we may experience reduced margins.  If we do not accurately align our manufacturing capabilities with demand it could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations.

 

The manufacture of many of our products is a highly exacting and complex process, and if we directly or indirectly encounter problems manufacturing products, our reputation, business and financial statements could suffer.

 

The manufacture of many of our products is an exacting and complex process.  Problems may arise during manufacturing for a variety of reasons, including equipment malfunction, failure to follow specific protocols and procedures, problems with raw materials, natural disasters and environmental factors, and if not discovered before the product is released to market could result in recalls and product liability exposure.  Because of the time required to develop and maintain manufacturing facilities, an alternative manufacturer may not be available on a timely basis to replace such production capacity.  Any of these manufacturing problems could result in significant costs and liability, as well as negative publicity and damage to our reputation that could reduce demand for our products.

 

Quality problems with our products could harm our reputation, erode our competitive advantage and could result in warranty claims and additional costs.

 

Quality is important to us and our customers, and our products are held to high quality and performance standards.  In the event our products fail to meet these standards, our reputation could be harmed, which could damage our competitive advantage, causing us to lose customers and resulting in lower revenues.  We generally allow customers to return defective or damaged products for credit, replacement or exchange.  We generally warrant that our products will meet customer specifications and will be free from defects in materials and workmanship.  We reserve for our exposure to warranty claims based upon recent historical experience and other specific information as it becomes available.  However, these reserves may not be adequate to

 

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cover future warranty claims and additional warranty costs or inventory write-offs may be incurred which could harm our operating results.

 

We may explore additional acquisitions that complement, enhance or expand our business.  We may not be able to complete these transactions, and, if completed, we may experience operational and financial risks in connection with our acquisitions that may materially adversely affect our business, financial condition and operating results.

 

Our future growth may be a function, in part, of acquisitions.  We may have difficulty finding these opportunities, or if we do identify these opportunities, we may not be able to complete the transactions for various reasons including a failure to secure financing.

 

To the extent that we are able to complete the transactions, we will face the operational and financial risks commonly encountered with an acquisition strategy.  These risks include the challenge of integrating acquired businesses while managing the ongoing operations of each business, the challenge of combining the business cultures of each company, and the need to retain key personnel of our existing business and the acquired business.  The process of integrating operations could cause an interruption of, or loss of momentum in, the activities of the acquired business and our existing business.  Members of our senior management may be required to devote considerable amounts of time to the integration process, which will decrease the time they will have to manage our businesses, service existing customers, attract new customers and develop new products.  If our senior management is not able to effectively manage the integration process, or if any significant business activities are interrupted as a result of the integration process, our business could be adversely affected.

 

Future acquisitions could result in debt, dilution, liabilities, increased interest expense, restructuring charges and amortization expenses related to intangible assets.  In addition, any acquired business, technology, service or product could under-perform relative to our expectations and the price that we paid for it, or not perform in accordance with our anticipated timetable.

 

Our international sales and operations are subject to a variety of economic, market and financial risks and costs that could affect our profitability and operating results.

 

We do business around the world and are continuing our strategy of global expansion.  Our international sales are primarily to customers in Europe, Canada and Asia.  In addition, our manufacturing operations, suppliers and employees are located in many places around the world.  The future success of our business depends in large part on growth in our sales in non-U.S. markets.  Our global operations are subject to numerous financial, legal and operating risks, such as political and economic instability; imposition of trade or foreign exchange restrictions, including in the U.S.; trade protection measures such as the imposition of or increase in tariffs and other trade barriers, including in the U.S.; unexpected changes in regulatory requirements, including in the U.S., prevalence of corruption in certain countries; enforcement of contract and intellectual property rights and compliance with existing and future laws, regulations and policies, including those related to tariffs, investments, taxation, trade controls, product content and performance, employment and repatriation of earnings.  In addition, we are affected by changes in foreign currency exchange rates, inflation rates and interest rates.

 

Foreign currency exchange rates may adversely affect our financial statements.

 

Sales and purchases in currencies other than the U.S. dollar expose us to fluctuations in foreign currencies relative to the U.S. dollar and may adversely affect our financial statements.  Increased strength of the U.S. dollar increases the effective price of our products sold in U.S. dollars into other countries, which may require us to lower our prices or adversely affect sales to the extent we do not increase local currency prices.  Decreased strength of the U.S. dollar could adversely affect the cost of materials, products and services we purchase from non-U.S. denominated locations.  Sales and expenses of our non-U.S. businesses are also translated into U.S. dollars for reporting purposes and the strengthening or weakening of the U.S. dollar could result in unfavorable translation effects.  The Company also faces exchange rate risk from its investments in subsidiaries owned and operated in foreign countries.

 

Our international operations expose us to legal and regulatory risks, which could have a material effect on our business.

 

Our profitability and international operations are, and will continue to be, subject to risks relating to changes in foreign legal and regulatory requirements.  In addition, our international operations are governed by various U.S. laws and regulations, including Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA), the U.K. Bribery Act and other foreign anti-bribery laws. The FCPA generally prohibits companies and their intermediaries from making improper payments to foreign government officials for the purpose of obtaining or retaining business. Other countries in which we operate also have anti-bribery laws, some of which

 

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prohibit improper payments to government and non-government persons and entities.  Any alleged or actual violations of these regulations may subject us to government scrutiny, severe criminal or civil sanctions and other liabilities and could negatively affect our business, reputation, operating results and financial condition.

 

We are required to comply with various import laws and export control and economic sanctions laws, which may affect our transactions with certain customers, business partners and other persons and dealings between our employees and subsidiaries.  In certain circumstances, export control and economic sanctions regulations or embargos may prohibit the export of certain products, services and technologies.  In other circumstances, we may be required to obtain an export license before exporting the controlled item.  Compliance with the various import laws that apply to our businesses can restrict our access to, and increase the cost of obtaining, certain products and at times can interrupt our supply of imported inventory.

 

In addition to government regulations regarding sale and export, we are subject to other regulations regarding our products.  For example, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission has adopted disclosure rules for companies that use conflict minerals in their products, with substantial supply chain verification requirements in the event that the materials come from, or could have come from, the Democratic Republic of the Congo or adjoining countries.  These rules and verification requirements impose additional costs on us and on our suppliers, and may limit the sources or increase the cost of materials used in our products.  Further, if we are unable to certify that our products are conflict free, we may face challenges with our customers that could place us at a competitive disadvantage, and our reputation may be harmed.

 

Our indebtedness may limit our operations and our use of our cash flow, and any failure to comply with the covenants that apply to our indebtedness could adversely affect our liquidity and financial statements.

 

Our ability to service our indebtedness depends on our financial performance, which is affected by prevailing economic conditions and financial, business, regulatory and other factors.  Some of these factors are beyond our control.  Our debt level and related debt service obligations can have negative consequences, including requiring us to dedicate significant cash flow from operations to the payment of principal and interest on our debt, which reduces the funds we have available for other purposes such as acquisitions and capital investment; reducing our flexibility in planning for or reacting to changes in our business and market conditions; and exposing us to interest rate risk since a portion of our debt obligations are at variable rates. In addition, certain of our indebtedness will have significant outstanding principal balances on their maturity dates, commonly known as “balloon payments.”  Therefore, we will likely need to refinance at least a portion of our outstanding debt as it matures.  We may incur significantly more debt in the future, particularly to finance acquisitions, and there can be no assurance that our cost of funding will not substantially increase.

 

Our existing credit agreements contain, and any future debt agreements we may enter into may contain, certain financial tests and other covenants that limit our ability to incur indebtedness, acquire other businesses and impose various other restrictions.  If we breach any of the covenants and do not obtain a waiver from the lenders, the outstanding indebtedness could be declared immediately due and payable.  If we are unable to obtain sufficient capital in the future, we may have to curtail our capital expenditures and other expenses.  Any such actions could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and liquidity.

 

Economic and credit market uncertainty could interrupt our access to capital markets, borrowings, or financial transactions to hedge certain risks, which could adversely affect our financial condition.

 

To date, we have been able to access debt and equity financing that has allowed us to make investments in growth opportunities and fund working capital requirements.  In addition, we enter into financial transactions to hedge certain risks, including foreign exchange and interest rate risk.  Our continued access to capital markets, the stability of our lenders and their willingness to support our needs, and the stability of the parties to our financial transactions that hedge risks are essential for us to meet our current and long-term obligations, fund operations, and fund our strategic initiatives.  An interruption in our access to external financing or financial transactions to hedge risk could affect our business prospects and financial condition.

 

We may never realize the full value of our intangible assets, which represent a significant portion of our total assets.

 

These intangible assets consist primarily of goodwill, customer lists, trade names and patented technology arising from our acquisitions.  Goodwill is not amortized, but is tested annually or upon the occurrence of certain events which indicate that the assets may be impaired.  Definite lived intangible assets are amortized over their estimated useful lives and are tested for impairment upon the occurrence of certain events which indicate that the assets may be impaired.  We may not receive the recorded value for our intangible assets if we sell or liquidate our business or assets.  In addition, intangible assets with definite

 

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lives will continue to be amortized.  Amortization expenses relating to these intangible assets will continue to reduce our future earnings.

 

Failure of our internal control over financial reporting could limit our ability to report our financial results accurately and timely or prevent fraud.

 

We believe that effective internal controls are necessary to provide reliable financial reports and to assist in the effective prevention of fraud.  If we are unable to detect or correct any issues in the design or operating effectiveness of internal controls over financial reporting or fail to prevent fraud, current and potential customers and shareholders could lose confidence in our financial reporting, which could harm our business and the trading price of our stock.

 

Unforeseen exposure to additional income tax liabilities may affect our operating results.

 

Our distribution of taxable income is subject to domestic tax and, as a result of our significant manufacturing and sales presence in foreign countries, foreign tax.  Our effective tax rate may be affected by shifts in our mix of earnings in countries with varying statutory tax rates, changes in reinvested foreign earnings, alterations to tax regulations or interpretations and outcomes of any audits performed on previous tax returns.

 

We are subject to a variety of litigation and other legal and regulatory proceedings in the course of our business that could adversely affect our financial statements.

 

We are subject to a variety of litigation and other legal and regulatory proceedings incidental to our business, including claims for damages arising out of the use of products or services and claims relating to intellectual property matters, employment matters, tax matters, commercial disputes, competition and sales and trading practices, environmental matters, personal injury, insurance coverage and acquisition matters, as well as regulatory investigations or enforcement.  We may also become subject to lawsuits as a result of past or future acquisitions or as a result of liabilities retained from, or representations, warranties or indemnities provided in connection with, divested businesses.  These lawsuits may include claims for compensatory damages, punitive and consequential damages and/or injunctive relief.  The defense of these lawsuits may divert our management’s attention, we may incur significant expenses in defending these lawsuits and we may be required to pay damage awards or settlements or become subject to equitable remedies that could adversely affect our operations and financial statements.  Moreover, any insurance or indemnification rights that we may have may be insufficient or unavailable to protect us against such losses.  We estimate loss contingencies and establish reserves based on our assessment where liability is deemed probable and reasonably estimable given the facts and circumstances known to us at a particular point in time.  Subsequent developments may affect our assessment and estimates of the loss contingencies recorded as liabilities.  We cannot guarantee that our liabilities in connection with litigation and other legal and regulatory proceedings will not exceed our estimates or adversely affect our financial statements and reputation.

 

Our business is subject to environmental regulations that could be costly to comply with.

 

Federal, state and local regulations impose various environmental controls on the manufacturing, transportation, storage, use and disposal of batteries and hazardous chemicals and other materials used in, and hazardous waste produced by the manufacturing of our products.  Conditions relating to our historical operations may require expenditures for clean-up in the future and changes in environmental laws and regulations may impose costly compliance requirements on us or otherwise subject us to future liabilities.  Additional or modified regulations relating to the manufacture, transportation, storage, use and disposal of materials used to manufacture our products or restricting disposal or transportation of our products may be imposed that may result in higher costs or lower operating results.  In addition, we cannot predict the effect that additional or modified environmental regulations may have on us or our customers.

 

We face the potential harms of natural disasters, pandemics, acts of war, terrorism, international conflicts or other disruptions to our operations.

 

Natural disasters, pandemics, acts or threats of war or terrorism, international conflicts, political instability, and the actions taken by governments could cause damage to or disrupt our business operations, our suppliers or our customers, and could create economic instability.  Although it is not possible to predict such events or their consequences, these events could decrease demand for our products or make it difficult or impossible for us to deliver products.

 

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Item 2.  Properties.

 

As of December 31, 2017, the Company occupies facilities as follows:

 

Description / Use

 

Location

 

Approximate
Square
Footage

 

Owned
Or Leased

 

Corporate headquarters

 

Amherst, New York

 

6,000

 

Leased

 

Office and manufacturing facility

 

Amherst, New York

 

6,000

 

Leased

 

Office and manufacturing facility

 

Changzhou, China

 

30,000

 

Leased

 

Office and manufacturing facility

 

Changzhou, China

 

40,000

 

Leased

 

Office

 

Dayton, Ohio

 

29,000

 

Owned

 

Office and manufacturing facility

 

Dayton, Ohio

 

25,000

 

Leased

 

Office and manufacturing facility

 

Dordrecht, The Netherlands

 

32,000

 

Leased

 

Office and manufacturing facility

 

Dothan, Alabama

 

88,000

 

Owned

 

Office

 

Ferndown, Great Britain

 

1,000

 

Leased

 

Office and manufacturing facilities (2)

 

Kelheim, Germany

 

154,000

 

Leased

 

Office and manufacturing facility

 

Mrakov, Czech Republic

 

42,000

 

Leased

 

Office and manufacturing facility

 

Owosso, Michigan

 

85,000

 

Owned

 

Office

 

Oakville, Ontario, Canada

 

2,000

 

Leased

 

Office and manufacturing facility

 

Porto, Portugal

 

52,000

 

Owned

 

Office and manufacturing facility

 

Reynosa, Mexico

 

50,000

 

Leased

 

Office and manufacturing facility

 

Stockholm, Sweden

 

20,000

 

Leased

 

Office and manufacturing facility

 

Tulsa, Oklahoma

 

30,000

 

Leased

 

Office and manufacturing facility

 

Watertown, New York

 

107,000

 

Owned

 

 

The Company’s management believes the above-described facilities are adequate to meet the Company’s current and foreseeable needs.  Most of the manufacturing facilities described above are operating at less than full capacity.

 

Item 3.  Legal Proceedings.

 

The Company is involved in certain actions that have arisen out of the ordinary course of business.  Management believes that resolution of the actions will not have a significant adverse effect on the Company’s consolidated financial position or results of operations.

 

Item 4.  Mine Safety Disclosures.

 

Not applicable.

 

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PART II

 

Item 5.  Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities.

 

Allied Motion’s common stock is listed on the Nasdaq Global Market System and trades under the symbol AMOT.  The number of holders of record as reported by the Company’s transfer agent of the Company’s common stock as of the close of business on March 12, 2018 was 293.  The following table sets forth, for the periods indicated, the high and low prices of the Company’s common stock as reported by Nasdaq, and the per share dividends paid by the Company during each quarter.

 

 

 

Price Range

 

 

 

Year ended December 31, 2017

 

High

 

Low

 

Dividends

 

Fourth Quarter

 

$

35.16

 

$

25.34

 

$

0.025

 

Third Quarter

 

$

30.31

 

$

22.78

 

$

0.025

 

Second Quarter

 

$

28.46

 

$

19.89

 

$

0.025

 

First Quarter

 

$

25.19

 

$

19.10

 

$

0.025

 

 

Year ended December 31, 2016

 

High

 

Low

 

Dividends

 

Fourth Quarter

 

$

23.86

 

$

15.54

 

$

0.025

 

Third Quarter

 

$

24.00

 

$

18.16

 

$

0.025

 

Second Quarter

 

$

24.60

 

$

16.85

 

$

0.025

 

First Quarter

 

$

25.93

 

$

15.46

 

$

0.025

 

 

Equity Compensation Plan Information

 

The following table shows the equity compensation plan information of the Company at December 31, 2017:

 

Plan category

 

Number of securities
remaining available for
future issuance under equity
compensation plans

 

Equity compensation plans approved by security holders

 

1,081,911

 

 

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Performance Graph

 

The following performance graph and tables reflect the five year change in the Company’s cumulative total stockholder return on Common Stock as compared with the cumulative total return of the NASDAQ Stock Market Index and the NASDAQ Electrical and Industrial Apparatus Index for a $100 investment made on December 31, 2012, including reinvestment of any dividends.

 

 

 

 

12/31/2012

 

12/31/2013

 

12/31/2014

 

12/31/2015

 

12/31/2016

 

12/31/2017

 

Allied Motion Technologies

 

$

100.00

 

$

191.55

 

$

367.48

 

$

408.23

 

$

335.50

 

$

521.53

 

NASDAQ Composite

 

$

100.00

 

$

140.12

 

$

160.78

 

$

171.97

 

$

187.22

 

$

242.71

 

S&P Electrical Components & Equipment

 

$

100.00

 

$

138.78

 

$

129.13

 

$

109.54

 

$

132.21

 

$

168.31

 

 

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Item 6.  Selected Financial Data.

 

For a more detailed discussion of 2015 through 2017, refer to Item 7, Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations and Item 8, Financial Statements and Supplementary Data of this report.

 

Dollars in thousands, except share data

 

2017

 

2016 (1)

 

2015

 

2014

 

2013 (2)

 

Results from Operations

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Revenues

 

$

252,012

 

$

245,893

 

$

232,434

 

$

249,682

 

$

125,502

 

Net income

 

8,036

 

9,078

 

11,074

 

13,860

 

3,953

 

Diluted earnings per share

 

$

0.87

 

$

1.00

 

$

1.20

 

$

1.51

 

$

0.45

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Year-End Financial Position

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents (3)

 

$

15,590

 

$

15,483

 

$

21,278

 

$

13,113

 

$

8,371

 

Working capital

 

53,358

 

50,987

 

39,931

 

34,828

 

25,037

 

Total assets

 

187,922

 

179,919

 

162,147

 

165,640

 

170,977

 

Short term debt

 

461

 

936

 

9,860

 

7,723

 

14,145

 

Long term debt

 

52,694

 

70,483

 

57,518

 

67,125

 

73,500

 

Shareholders’ equity

 

87,347

 

72,286

 

64,597

 

55,951

 

48,003

 

Shareholders’ equity per common share outstanding

 

$

9.27

 

$

7.71

 

$

6.96

 

$

6.07

 

$

5.28

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Supplemental Financial Data

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Capital expenditures

 

$

6,201

 

$

5,188

 

$

4,730

 

$

4,046

 

$

3,087

 

Depreciation expense

 

7,055

 

6,545

 

4,822

 

4,553

 

2,088

 

Engineering and development

 

17,542

 

16,170

 

14,229

 

13,881

 

7,931

 

Interest expense

 

2,474

 

6,449

 

6,023

 

6,435

 

1,445

 

Intangible amortization

 

3,219

 

3,204

 

2,644

 

2,714

 

825

 

Backlog (4)

 

100,708

 

78,602

 

70,999

 

75,065

 

75,599

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ratios

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net return on sales

 

3.2

%

3.7

%

4.8

%

5.6

%

3.1

%

Return on shareholders’ equity

 

10.1

%

13.3

%

18.4

%

26.7

%

8.8

%

Current ratio

 

2.8

 

3.1

 

2.2

 

2.0

 

1.6

 

Net debt to capitalization (5)

 

30

%

44

%

42

%

52

%

62

%

 


(1) Includes the effect of the Heidrive acquisition in the first quarter of 2016.

 

(2) Includes the effect of the Globe acquisition in the fourth quarter of 2013.

 

(3) Amounts for 2013 exclude restricted cash of  $1,800.

 

(4) Backlog is defined as confirmed orders for which the customer has provided a release and delivery date.

 

(5) Net debt is total debt less cash and cash equivalents.  Capitalization is the sum of net debt and shareholders’ equity.

 

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Item 7.  Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.

 

Overview

 

We are a global company that designs, manufactures and sells precision and specialty motion control components and systems used in a broad range of industries.  Our target markets include Vehicle, Medical, Aerospace & Defense (A&D), and Electronics/Industrial.  We are headquartered in Amherst, NY, and have operations in the United States, Canada, Mexico, Europe and Asia.  We are known worldwide for our expertise in electro-magnetic, mechanical and electronic motion technology. We sell component and integrated motion control solutions to end customers and original equipment manufacturers (“OEMs”) through our own direct sales force and authorized manufacturers’ representatives and distributors. Our products include brush and brushless DC motors, brushless servo and torque motors, coreless DC motors, integrated brushless motor-drives, gearmotors, gearing, modular digital servo drives, motion controllers, incremental and absolute optical encoders, and other motion control-related products.

 

Financial Overview

 

Highlights for our fiscal year ended December 31, 2017, include:

 

·                  Revenue was $252,012 in 2017 compared with $245,893 in 2016.  Growth in medical and industrial/electronics markets were partially offset by softness in the vehicle market.  Sales to U.S. customers were 53% of total sales for the year compared with 54% for 2016, with the balance of sales to customers primarily in Europe, Canada and Asia.

 

·                  Gross profit was $75,679 for 2017, a 3.7% increase from $73,004 million in 2016.  As a percentage of revenue, gross margin improved 30 basis points to 30.0% primarily due to product mix.

 

·                  Operating income was $18,800, or 7.5% of revenue for 2017 compared with $18,883 or 7.7% of revenue, for 2016.

 

·                  Income before income taxes increased by 26%, to $16,136, or 6.4% of revenue for 2017 compared with $12,803 or 5.2% of revenue for 2016.

 

·                  Net income was $8,036, or $0.87 per diluted share, compared with $9,078 million, or $1.00 per diluted share, for 2016.

 

·                  Bookings were $271,941 for 2017 compared with $250,369 million for 2016.  Backlog as of December 31, 2017 was $100,708, an increase from $78,602 million at year end 2016.

 

·                  Cash from operations increased by $11,104 to $25,407 during 2017 from $14,303 in 2016.

 

·                  Our debt, net of cash, decreased by $18,371 to $37,565 at December 31, 2017 from year end 2016.

 

·                  We declared and paid a dividend of $0.025 per share pursuant to our quarterly dividend program during each quarter of 2017.  Dividends to shareholders for 2017 were $0.10 per diluted share, or a dividend payout ratio of 11%, when compared with the earnings per share of $0.87.

 

The Company’s 2017 sales were 2% higher than in the prior year.  Our market position in our medical, industrial/electronics and aerospace and defense markets continue to grow with the addition of Heidrive to our Company portfolio in 2016.  While several applications within our vehicle market were relatively stable, the softness in the off road vehicle industry reduced successes in other markets.  We continue to make excellent progress in our strategic market based multi-product development solutions, which are being well received by our customers during the early stages of the product release cycle.

 

Earnings were $1,042 lower in 2017 compared to the prior year, a reflection of the impact of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act enacted in the fourth quarter of 2017.  Income before income taxes increased by $3,333 to $16,136 in 2017, a 26% change.  The increase is a reflection of increased sales and gross margin growth, focus on cost control, and the reduction in interest expense related to our debt refinance in the fourth quarter of 2016.

 

We continue to take a long-term view of our business and believe that our infrastructure changes and the collaborative organization we are building to advance our multi-product solutions offering is working.  We are confident that our strategy to be a unique, customer-focused, leading supplier of complete precision motion solutions to our target markets will enable us to take market share and gain greater scale over the next five years.

 

Our Strategy

 

Our growth strategy is focused on becoming the motion solution leader in our selected target markets by further developing our

 

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products and services platform to utilize multiple Allied Motion technologies to create increased value solutions for our customers.  Our strategy further defines Allied Motion as being a “technology/know-how” driven company and to be successful, we continue to invest in our areas of excellence.

 

We have set growth targets for our Company and we will align and focus our resources to meet those targets.  First and foremost, we invest in our people as we believe that attracting and retaining the right people is the most important element in our strategy.  We also will continue to invest in applied and design engineering resources.

 

Strategic focus means that we will take action to address the critical issues that we believe are necessary to meet the stated long-term goals and objectives of the Company.  The majority of the critical issues are focused on growth initiatives for the Company.

 

One of these growth initiatives includes product line platform development to meet the emerging needs of our selected target markets.  Our platform development emphasizes a combination of our technologies to create increased value solutions for our customers.  The emphasis with new opportunities has evolved from being an individual component provider to becoming a solutions provider whereby the new opportunities utilize multiple of Allied Motion technologies in a system solution approach.  We believe this approach will allow us to provide increased value to our customers and improved margins for our Company.  Our strong financial condition, along with Allied Systematic Tools (“AST”) continuous improvement initiatives in quality, delivery, and cost allow us to have a positive outlook for the continued long-term growth of our Company.

 

Outlook for 2018

 

In 2018, we will continue to focus on leveraging our resources to expand our business in our served markets.  With strong cash flows and an improved debt position, we will continue to evaluate and pursue strategic acquisitions to enhance our growth opportunities in the future.  In addition, we will continue to execute the ongoing critical issues as defined by our updated strategy, developed in 2017.  The critical issues from that strategy include:

 

1)             Creating an effective corporate structure to leverage the resources and capabilities of the combined entity.

 

2)             Continue implementing our new ERP system to provide the infrastructure necessary to support the planned growth of the Company.  We estimate the ERP system implementation to be largely completed during 2018.

 

3)             Plan and implement a structured approach to identify the requirements of our target markets and to create and implement solutions to ensure we meet the requirements of those markets.

 

4)             Through the continued enhancement and development of our Operational Effectiveness Team, implement AST to drive continuous improvement in all areas of our business.

 

Allied Motion is an applied technology/know-how motion company, and to grow, we will continue to invest in the technical resources to ensure we can move forward with our mantra to “create motion solutions that change the game” and to meet the emerging needs of our customers in our served market segments.  In support of our sales efforts, we have three Solution Centers (United States, Europe and Asia) that are providing the support required to sell multi-technology solutions.  We have a number of new multi-product motion control solution wins that will be ramping up during 2018 and a very active pipeline of new opportunities where our integrated solution capability has provided us with a competitive advantage.  We anticipate that our investment in these key resources will help drive our growth now and in the future and we plan to continue investing in these resources during 2018.  We further expect this shift from a component supplier to a more complete solutions provider, along with the application of AST, to drive margin improvement.

 

Our global production footprint provides us with the opportunity to be a good value proposition and supplier for global companies who require support around the world.  We will continue to evaluate and find areas to leverage our current manufacturing and sales footprint to drive sales and improve efficiencies.

 

Further development and promotion of our parent brand, Allied Motion, will continue in 2018.  A global structure has been defined and we intend to use that to our advantage in the marketplace.

 

Critical Accounting Policies

 

The Company has prepared its financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States, and these statements necessarily include some amounts that are based on informed judgments and estimates of management.  The Company’s significant accounting policies are discussed in Note 1 of Item 8, Financial Statements and

 

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Supplementary Data of this report.  The policies are reviewed on a regular basis.  The Company’s critical accounting policies are subject to judgments and uncertainties which affect the application of such policies.  The Company uses historical experience and all available information to make these judgments and estimates.  As discussed below the Company’s financial position or results of operations may be materially different when reported under different conditions or when using different assumptions in the application of such policies.  In the event estimates or assumptions prove to be different from actual amounts, adjustments are made in subsequent periods to reflect more current information.

 

The Company’s critical accounting policies include:

 

Revenue Recognition

 

The Company derives revenues from the sale of products and services.  See Note 1, Business and Summary of Significant Accounting PoliciesRevenue Recognition” to the Company’s consolidated financial statements for a description of the Company’s revenue recognition policies.  Although most of the Company’s sales agreements contain standard terms and conditions, certain agreements contain non-standard terms and conditions.  As a result, judgment is sometimes required to determine the appropriate accounting.  If the Company’s judgments regarding revenue recognition prove incorrect, the Company’s revenues in particular periods may be adversely affected.

 

See Note 1, Business and Summary of Significant Accounting PoliciesRecently Issued Accounting Pronouncements” to the Company’s consolidated financial statements for a description of the new revenue standard, ASU 2014-09, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers” that will be effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning January 1, 2018.

 

Allowance for Doubtful Accounts

 

The Company maintains allowances for doubtful accounts for estimated losses resulting from the inability of its customers to make required payments.  The allowance is based on historical experience and judgments based on current economic and customer specific factors.  Significant judgments are made by management in connection with establishing the Company’s customers’ ability to pay at the time of shipment.  Despite this assessment, from time to time, the Company’s customers are unable to meet their payment obligations.  The Company continues to monitor customers’ credit worthiness, and use judgment in establishing the estimated amounts of customer receivables which may not be collected.  A significant change in the liquidity or financial position of the Company’s customers could have a material adverse impact on the collectability of accounts receivable and future operating results.

 

See Note 1, “Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies — Accounts Receivable,” of our consolidated financial statements for information regarding trade accounts receivable and the allowance for doubtful accounts.

 

Inventory Valuation

 

Inventories include material, direct labor and related manufacturing overhead, and are stated at the lower of cost or net realizable value determined on a first-in, first-out basis.  We record inventory when we take delivery and title to the product according to the terms of each supply agreement.  The Company monitors and forecasts expected inventory needs based on sales forecasts.  Inventory is written down or written off when it becomes obsolete or when it is deemed excess.  These determinations involve the exercise of significant judgment by management.  If actual market conditions are significantly different from those projected by management, the recorded reserve may be adjusted, and such adjustments may have a significant impact on the Company’s results of operations.  Demand for the Company’s products can fluctuate significantly, and in the past the Company has recorded substantial charges for inventory obsolescence.

 

See Note 1, “Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Inventories,” of our consolidated financial statements for information regarding inventory valuation as well as excess and obsolete inventory provisions.

 

Income Taxes

 

The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 was enacted in the United States on December 22, 2017.   The provisions of the Act significantly revise the U.S. corporate income tax rules and requires companies to record a one-time transition tax on earnings of certain foreign subsidiaries that were previously tax deferred and reduces the US federal corporate tax rate from 35% to 21%.   As of December 31, 2017, the Company has not fully completed the accounting for the tax effects of enactment of the Act, however a reasonable estimate of the tax effects has been recorded in 2017.   The amounts are provisional and subject to

 

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change as the determination of the impact of the income tax effects will require additional analysis of historical records, annual data, further interpretation of regulatory guidance that may be issued and actions the Company may take as a result of the Act.

 

The Company records deferred tax assets and liabilities for the estimated future tax effects of temporary differences between the tax basis of assets and liabilities and amounts recorded in the consolidated financial statements, and for operating loss and tax credit carryforwards.

 

Realization of the recorded deferred tax assets is dependent upon the Company generating sufficient taxable income in the appropriate tax jurisdiction in future years to obtain benefit from the reversal of net deductible temporary differences and from tax credit and operating loss carryforwards.

 

We regularly assess our ability to realize our deferred tax assets.  Assessments of the realization of deferred tax assets require that management consider all available evidence, both positive and negative, and make significant judgments about many factors, including the amount and likelihood of future taxable income.  A valuation allowance is provided to the extent that management deems it more likely than not that the net deferred tax assets will not be realized.  The amount of deferred tax assets considered realizable is subject to adjustment in future periods if estimates of future taxable income are changed.

 

See Note 1, “Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies — Income Taxes,” of our consolidated financial statements for information on how we record current and deferred income taxes, valuation allowances and the realization of uncertain tax positions.

 

See Note 8, “Income Taxes,” of our consolidated financial statements for information regarding income tax expense as well as the valuation of our deferred income taxes.

 

Goodwill

 

As of December 31, 2017, we had $29,531 of goodwill related to various business acquisitions.  We perform impairment tests on goodwill on an annual basis during the fourth quarter of each fiscal year, or on an interim basis if events or circumstances indicate that it is more likely than not that impairment has occurred.  Goodwill is potentially impaired if the carrying value of the reporting unit that contains the goodwill exceeds its estimated fair value.

 

Goodwill is evaluated for impairment by first performing a qualitative assessment to determine whether a quantitative goodwill test is necessary.  If it is determined, based on qualitative factors, that the fair value of the reporting unit may be more likely than not less than carrying amount, or if significant adverse changes in the Company’s future financial performance occur that could materially impact fair value, a quantitative goodwill impairment test would be required.

 

The fair value of our reporting unit is generally determined using a combination of an income approach, which estimates fair value based upon future discounted cash flows and a market approach which uses published market prices for analysis.  We completed our annual goodwill impairment test in the fourth quarter of 2017 and concluded no impairment of goodwill exists, as our goodwill reporting unit had a calculated fair value in excess of carrying value of greater than 25%.

 

Although goodwill is not currently impaired, there can be no assurance that future impairments will not occur.  Significant negative industry or economic trends, disruptions to our business, failure to achieve the revenue and cost synergies expected from our acquisitions, or other unexpected significant changes in the use of certain assets could all have a negative effect on fair values in the future.

 

See Note 1, “Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies — Goodwill,” of our consolidated financial statements for information on how we record goodwill and impairment charges.

 

See Note 3, “Goodwill,” of our consolidated financial statements for information regarding the carrying values of our goodwill.

 

Stock-based Compensation

 

We measure compensation cost arising from the grant of share-based payments to employees at fair value and recognize such cost over the period during which the employee is required to provide service in exchange for the award, usually the vesting period.  Total stock-based compensation expense recognized during the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016, and 2015 was $2,026, $1,893 and $1,744, respectively.

 

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For awards with service conditions, we recognize compensation cost on a straight-line basis over the requisite service/vesting period once the awards have been earned.  For awards with performance conditions, accruals of compensation cost are made based on the probable outcome of the performance conditions.

 

The assumptions used in calculating the fair value of share-based payment awards represent management’s best estimates, but these estimates involve inherent uncertainties and the application of management judgment.  As a result, if circumstances change and we use different assumptions, our stock-based compensation expense could be materially different in the future.  See Note 5, “Stock-Based Compensation Plans,” of our consolidated financial statements for further information regarding our Stock Incentive plans.

 

Impact of Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements

 

In the normal course of business, we evaluate all new accounting pronouncements issued by the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”), Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”), Emerging Issues Task Force (“EITF”) or other authoritative accounting bodies to determine the potential impact they may have on our Consolidated Financial Statements.  See Note 1, “Summary of Significant Accounting Policies” of the notes to consolidated financial statements contained in Item 8 of this report for additional information about these recently issued accounting standards and their potential impact on our financial condition or results of operations.

 

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Operating Results

 

Year 2017 compared to 2016

 

 

 

For the year ended

 

2017 vs. 2016

 

 

 

December 31,

 

Variance

 

(In thousands, except per share data)

 

2017

 

2016

 

$

 

%

 

Revenues

 

$

252,012

 

$

245,893

 

$

6,119

 

2

%

Cost of goods sold

 

176,333

 

172,889

 

3,444

 

2

%

Gross profit

 

75,679

 

73,004

 

2,675

 

4

%

Gross margin

 

30.0

%

29.7

%

 

 

 

 

Operating costs and expenses:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Selling

 

10,979

 

9,986

 

993

 

10

%

General and administrative

 

24,926

 

24,333

 

593

 

2

%

Engineering and development

 

17,542

 

16,170

 

1,372

 

8

%

Business development

 

213

 

428

 

(215

)

(50

)%

Amortization of intangible assets

 

3,219

 

3,204

 

15

 

0

%

Total operating costs and expenses

 

56,879

 

54,121

 

2,758

 

5

%

Operating income

 

18,800

 

18,883

 

(83

)

(0

)%

Interest expense

 

2,474

 

6,449

 

(3,975

)

(62

)%

Other expense (income), net

 

190

 

(369

)

559

 

(151

)%

Total other expense

 

2,664

 

6,080

 

(3,416

)

(56

)%

Income before income taxes

 

16,136

 

12,803

 

3,333

 

26

%

Provision for income taxes

 

(8,100

)

(3,725

)

(4,375

)

117

%

Net income

 

$

8,036

 

$

9,078

 

$

(1,042

)

(11

)%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Effective tax rate

 

50.2

%

29.1

%

21.1

%

73

%

Diluted earnings per share

 

$

0.87

 

$

1.00

 

$

(0.13

)

(13

)%

Bookings

 

$

271,941

 

$

250,369

 

$

21,572

 

9

%

Backlog

 

$

100,708

 

$

78,602

 

$

22,106

 

28

%

 

NET INCOME AND ADJUSTED NET INCOME:  Net income decreased in 2017 primarily as the result of fourth quarter adjustments to the provision for income taxes of $3,133 resulting from the enactment of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act.

 

Adjusted net income for the year ended December 31, 2017, was $11,316.  Adjusted diluted earnings per share for 2017 was $1.22.  Adjusted net income and adjusted diluted earnings per share are non-GAAP measurements.  Adjusted net income for 2017 excludes $3,133 of tax provision resulting from the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act and $213 ($145 net of tax) of business development costs.  2016 excludes $428 ($291 net of tax) of business development costs and $823 ($560 net of tax) of income from insurance recoveries related to a fire at one of our international locations. See information included in “Non — GAAP Measures” below for a reconciliation of net income to Adjusted net income.

 

EBITDA AND ADJUSTED EBITDA: EBITDA was $28,884 for 2017 compared to $29,001 for 2016.  Adjusted EBITDA was $31,123 and $30,499 for 2017 and 2016, respectively.  EBITDA and adjusted EBITDA are non-GAAP measurements.  EBITDA consists of income before interest expense, provision for income taxes, and depreciation and amortization.  Adjusted EBITDA also excludes stock compensation expense and certain other items.  Refer to information included in “Non - GAAP Measures” below for a reconciliation of net income to EBITDA and adjusted EBITDA.

 

REVENUES: During 2017, we experienced growth in all of our markets except for vehicle.  Our sales for 2017 were comprised of 53% to US customers and 47% to customers primarily in Europe, Canada and Asia.  The overall increase in revenue was due to a 1% volume increase and a 1% favorable currency impact.

 

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ORDER BACKLOG:  The increase in bookings in 2017 compared to 2016 is largely due to new business opportunities in both our US and foreign locations along with increased activity from existing customers.  There are increases in orders for all of our markets.

 

GROSS MARGIN:  The 4% increase in gross margin was largely due to increased volume attributable to market growth.

 

SELLING EXPENSES:  Selling expenses increased in 2017 compared to 2016 primarily due to the continued investment in our One Allied sales organization to support future growth.  Selling expenses as a percentage of revenues were 4% for 2017 and 2016.

 

GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES: General and administrative expenses increased in 2017 from 2016 largely due to higher incentive compensation.  As a percentage of revenues, general and administrative expenses were 10% for 2017 and 2016.

 

ENGINEERING AND DEVELOPMENT EXPENSES:  Engineering and development expenses increased by 8.5% in 2017 compared to 2016.  The increase is primarily due to the continuation of a significant development project to meet the future needs of a target market for Allied Motion.  As a percentage of revenues, engineering and development expenses were 7% for both 2017 and 2016.

 

BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT COSTS:  The Company incurred $213 of business development costs during 2017 to evaluate new business opportunities.  In 2016, $428 of business development costs were related to the acquisition of Heidrive and consulting expenses to evaluate new business opportunities.

 

AMORTIZATION OF INTANGIBLE ASSETS:  Amortization of intangible assets were consistent year over year.

 

INCOME TAXES:  The effective income tax rate as a percentage of income before income taxes was 50.2% and 29.1% in 2017 and 2016, respectively.  The effective tax rate in 2017 was significantly impacted by the enactment of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017.  Excluding the impacts due to the Act, the effective tax rate for 2017 was 30.8%, which is lower than the statutory rate primarily due to differences in foreign tax rates and the effect of recording excess tax benefits related to share based payment awards as a discrete item. (See Note 7, “Income Taxes,” from our consolidated financial statements for a reconciliation of the effective tax rate including the impacts of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act).

 

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Operating Results

 

Year 2016 compared to 2015

 

 

 

For the year ended

 

2016 vs. 2015

 

 

 

December 31,

 

Variance

 

(In thousands, except per share data)

 

2016

 

2015

 

$

 

%

 

Revenues

 

$

245,893

 

$

232,434

 

$

13,459

 

6

%

Cost of goods sold

 

172,889

 

163,662

 

9,227

 

6

%

Gross profit

 

73,004

 

68,772

 

4,232

 

6

%

Gross margin

 

29.7

%

29.6

%

 

 

 

 

Operating costs and expenses:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Selling

 

9,986

 

8,149

 

1,837

 

23

%

General and administrative

 

24,333

 

22,251

 

2,082

 

9

%

Engineering and development

 

16,170

 

14,229

 

1,941

 

14

%

Business development

 

428

 

569

 

(141

)

(25

)%

Amortization of intangible assets

 

3,204

 

2,644

 

560

 

21

%

Total operating costs and expenses

 

54,121

 

47,842

 

6,279

 

13

%

Operating income

 

18,883

 

20,930

 

(2,047

)

(10

)%

Interest expense

 

6,449

 

6,023

 

426

 

7

%

Other income

 

(369

)

(514

)

145

 

(28

)%

Total other expense

 

6,080

 

5,509

 

571

 

10

%

Income before income taxes

 

12,803

 

15,421

 

(2,618

)

(17

)%

Provision for income taxes

 

(3,725

)

(4,347

)

622

 

(14

)%

Net income

 

$

9,078

 

$

11,074

 

$

(1,996

)

(18

)%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Effective tax rate

 

29.1

%

28.2

%

0.9

%

3

%

Diluted earnings per share

 

$

1.00

 

$

1.20

 

$

(0.20

)

(17

)%

Bookings

 

$

250,369

 

$

231,940

 

$

18,429

 

8

%

Backlog

 

$

78,602

 

$

70,999

 

$

7,603

 

11

%

 

NET INCOME AND ADJUSTED NET INCOME:  Net income decreased during 2016 reflecting operating expense increases that outpaced the increase in sales.  The increase in expenses was largely attributable to Heidrive, and also included increased development costs, SG&A expenses and additional organizational enhancements.

 

Adjusted net income for the year ended December 31, 2016, was $8,809.  Adjusted diluted earnings per share for 2016 was $0.97.  Adjusted net income and adjusted diluted earnings per share are non-GAAP measurements.  Adjusted net income for 2016 excludes $428 ($291 net of tax) and for 2015 excludes $569 ($387 net of tax) of business development costs.  Adjusted net income for 2016 also excluded $823 ($560 net of tax) of income from insurance recoveries related to a fire at one of our international locations.  See information included in “Non — GAAP Measures” below for a reconciliation of net income to Adjusted net income.

 

EBITDA AND ADJUSTED EBITDA: EBITDA was $29,001 for 2016 compared to $28,910 for 2015.  Adjusted EBITDA was $30,499 and $31,223 for 2016 and 2015, respectively.  EBITDA and adjusted EBITDA are non-GAAP measurements.  EBITDA consists of income before interest expense, provision for income taxes, and depreciation and amortization.  Adjusted EBITDA also excludes stock compensation expense and certain other items.  Refer to information included in “Non - GAAP Measures” below for a reconciliation of net income to EBITDA and adjusted EBITDA.

 

REVENUES: During 2016, we experienced growth in all of our markets except for vehicle.  The 6% increase in sales in 2016 was largely due to the addition of Heidrive.  Our sales for 2016 were comprised of 54% to US customers and 46% to customers

 

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primarily in Europe, Canada and Asia.  The overall increase in revenue was due to increased volume, fluctuations in foreign currency were not a factor.

 

ORDER BACKLOG:  The increase in bookings in 2016 compared to 2015 was largely due to addition of Heidrive.  There were increases in orders for most of our markets outside of vehicle.  There was a decline in orders and backlog reflecting the weakness in our vehicle market caused by generally soft industrial market conditions, a slowdown in the European auto market and product end-of-life wind-downs.

 

GROSS MARGIN:  The 6% increase in gross profit was largely due to increased volume attributable to market growth.  Gross profit was revised in the fourth quarter of 2016 related to the correction of accounting for certain intercompany sales.

 

SELLING EXPENSES:  Selling expenses increased in 2016 compared to 2015 primarily due to the acquisition of Heidrive and continued investment in our One Allied sales organization to support future growth.  Selling expenses as a percentage of revenues were 4% for 2016 and 2015.

 

GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES: General and administrative expenses increased in 2016 from 2015 largely due to the acquisition of Heidrive.  G&A expenses were partially offset by insurance recoveries related to a fire at one of our international locations.  As a percentage of revenues, general and administrative expenses was 10% for 2016 and 2015.

 

ENGINEERING AND DEVELOPMENT EXPENSES:  Engineering and development expenses increased by 14% in 2016 compared to 2015.  The increase was primarily due to the acquisition of Heidrive and the continuation of a significant development project to meet the future needs of a target market for Allied Motion.  As a percentage of revenues, engineering and development expenses were 6% for both 2016 and 2015.

 

BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT COSTS:  The Company incurred $428 of business development costs during 2016 related to the acquisition of Heidrive on January 12, 2016 and consulting expenses to evaluate new business opportunities.

 

AMORTIZATION OF INTANGIBLE ASSETS:  Amortization of intangible assets increased in 2016 compared to 2015 due to the amortization of Heidrive intangible assets.

 

INCOME TAXES: The effective income tax rate as a percentage of income before income taxes was 29.1% and 28.2% in 2016 and 2015, respectively. The effective tax rate for 2016 was lower than the statutory rate primarily due to differences in foreign tax rates and the effect of recording excess tax benefits related to share based payment awards as a discrete item, in accordance with ASU 2016-09 which was adopted during 2016. The effective tax rate for 2015 was lower than the statutory rate primarily due to differences in foreign tax rates and changes in our valuation allowance on foreign net operating losses. The effective rate for 2016 is higher than 2015 primarily related to an increase in the valuation allowance due to an increase in the estimate of net operating losses that will expire unused, offset by the discrete item related to excess tax benefits from share based payment awards.

 

The Company adopted ASU 2016-09 prospectively and ASU 2015-17 retrospectively as of January 1, 2016. These pronouncements impacted the accounting and disclosure for income taxes (See Note 1, “Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies,” — recently adopted accounting pronouncements from our consolidated financial statements).

 

Non-GAAP Measures

 

EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA are provided for information purposes only and are not measures of financial performance under GAAP.

 

Management believes the presentation of these financial measures reflecting non-GAAP adjustments provides important supplemental information in evaluating the operating results of the Company as distinct from results that include items that are not indicative of ongoing operating results; in particular, those charges and credits that are not directly related to operating unit performance, and that are not a helpful measure of the performance of our underlying business particularly in light of their unpredictable nature.  This non-GAAP disclosure has limitations as an analytical tool, should not be viewed as a substitute for net income determined in accordance with GAAP, and should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for analysis of the Company’s results as reported under GAAP, nor is it necessarily comparable to non-GAAP performance measures that may be presented by other companies.  In addition, supplemental presentation should not be construed as an inference that the Company’s future results will be unaffected by similar adjustments to net income determined in accordance with GAAP.

 

The Company believes EBITDA is often a useful measure of the Company’s operating performance and is a significant basis used by the Company’s management to measure the operating performance of the Company’s business because EBITDA

 

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excludes charges for depreciation, amortization and interest expense that have resulted from our debt financings, as well as our provision for income tax expense. EBITDA is frequently used as one of the bases for comparing businesses in the Company’s industry.

 

The Company also believes that Adjusted EBITDA provides helpful information about the operating performance of its business.  Adjusted EBITDA excludes stock compensation expense, as well as certain income or expenses which are not indicative of the ongoing performance of the Company.  EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA do not represent and should not be considered as an alternative to net income, operating income, net cash provided by operating activities or any other measure for determining operating performance or liquidity that is calculated in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles.

 

The Company’s calculation of EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA for 2017, 2016 and 2015 is as follows (in thousands):

 

 

 

For the year ended

 

 

 

December 31,

 

 

 

2017

 

2016

 

2015

 

Net income as reported

 

$

8,036

 

$

9,078

 

$

11,074

 

Interest expense

 

2,474

 

6,449

 

6,023

 

Provision for income tax

 

8,100

 

3,725

 

4,347

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

10,274

 

9,749

 

7,466

 

EBITDA

 

28,884

 

29,001

 

28,910

 

Stock compensation expense

 

2,026

 

1,893

 

1,744

 

Business development costs

 

213

 

428

 

569

 

Insurance recoveries

 

 

(823

)

 

Adjusted EBITDA

 

$

31,123

 

$

30,499

 

$

31,223

 

 

Allied Motion’s management uses Adjusted net income to assess the Company’s consolidated financial and operating performance.  Adjusted net income is provided for informational purposes only and is not a measure of financial performance under generally accepted accounting principles.  This measure helps management make decisions that are expected to facilitate meeting current financial goals as well as achieve optimal financial performance.  Adjusted net income provides management with a measure of financial performance of the Company based on operational factors, including the profitability of assets on an economic basis, net of operating expenses, and the capital costs of the business on a consistent basis as it removes the impact of certain non-routine items from the Company’s operating results.  Adjusted net income is a key metric used by senior management and the Company’s board of directors to review the consolidated financial performance of the business.  This measure adjusts net income determined in accordance with GAAP to reflect changes in financial results associated with the highlighted charges and income items.

 

The Company’s calculation of Adjusted net income and Adjusted diluted earnings per share for years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015 is as follows (in thousands):

 

 

 

For the year ended

 

 

 

December 31,

 

 

 

2017

 

2016

 

2015

 

Net income as reported

 

$

8,036

 

$

9,078

 

$

11,074

 

Non-GAAP adjustments, net of tax

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Impact of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act

 

3,133

 

 

 

Business development costs

 

147

 

291

 

387

 

Insurance recoveries

 

 

(560

)

 

Non-GAAP adjusted net income

 

$

11,316

 

$

8,809

 

$

11,461

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Per Share Amounts

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Non-GAAP adjusted net income per share (diluted)

 

$

1.22

 

$

0.97

 

$

1.24

 

Diluted weighted average common shares

 

9,275

 

9,105

 

9,238

 

 

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Liquidity and Capital Resources

 

The Company’s liquidity position as measured by cash and cash equivalents increased by $107, to a balance of $15,590 at December 31, 2017 from 2016.

 

 

 

Year Ended December 31,

 

2017 vs.
2016

 

December
31,

 

2016 vs.
2015

 

 

 

2017

 

2016

 

$

 

2015

 

$

 

Net cash provided by operating activities

 

$

25,407

 

$

14,303

 

$

11,104

 

$

20,073

 

$

(5,770

)

Net cash used in investing activities

 

(6,201

)

(21,393

)

15,192

 

(4,730

)

(16,663

)

Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities

 

(20,166

)

1,580

 

(21,746

)

(6,095

)

7,675

 

Effect of foreign exchange rates on cash

 

1,067

 

(285

)

1,352

 

(1,083

)

798

 

Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

 

$

107

 

$

(5,795

)

$

5,902

 

$

8,165

 

$

(13,960

)

 

During 2017, the increase in cash provided by operating activities is primarily due to a reduction in working capital needs, primarily for accrued liabilities and accounts payable.

 

During 2016, the decrease in cash provided by operating activities is primarily due to an increase in working capital needs, attributable to Heidrive.  The receivables increase in 2016 reflects a shift for Heidrive from having a factoring arrangement before we acquired them to building up normal receivable balances during the year.

 

During 2017, purchases of property and equipment were higher at $6,201 compared to $5,188 for 2016.  The cash used for investing activities in 2016 reflects the acquisition of Heidrive during the first quarter.  The cash paid for the acquisition was $16,205 net of cash acquired.

 

The significant cash used in financing activities during 2017 reflects the paydown of long-term debt.  The net cash provided by financing activities in 2016 reflects the refinance of our debt on October 28, 2016.  The net proceeds of $76,321 were partially offset by the use of the international revolver of $10,859 (€10,000) to finance the Heidrive acquisition in the first quarter of 2016.

 

During the year ended December 31, 2017, the Company paid dividends of $0.10 per share.  The Company’s working capital, capital expenditure and dividend requirements are expected to be funded from cash provided by operations and amounts available under the Credit Agreement.

 

Contractual Obligations

 

The following table summarizes contractual obligations and borrowings as of December 31, 2017 and the timing and effect that such commitments are expected to have on our liquidity and capital requirements in future periods.  We expect to fund other commitments primarily with operating cash flows generated in the normal course of business.

 

 

 

Payments Due by Period

 

 

 

Total

 

Less Than
1 Year

 

1 - 3 Years

 

3 - 5 Years

 

More Than
5 Years

 

Operating leases

 

$

9,952

 

$

2,915

 

$

3,767

 

$

1,876

 

$

1,394

 

Debt Obligations (1)

 

53,155

 

461

 

 

52,694

 

 

Interest on Debt (2)

 

8,463

 

1,891

 

3,631

 

2,941

 

 

Total

 

$

71,570

 

$

5,267

 

$

7,398

 

$

57,511

 

$

1,394

 

 


(1)                       Amounts represent our debt obligations as of December 31, 2017. 

(2)                       Amounts represent the estimated interest payments based on the balances and applicable interest rates as of December 31, 2017.

 

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Item 7A.  Qualitative and Quantitative Disclosures about Market Risk

 

Foreign Currency

 

The Company has foreign operations in The Netherlands, Sweden, Germany, China, Portugal, Canada, Czech Republic and Mexico, which expose the Company to foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations due to transactions denominated in Euros, Swedish Krona, Chinese Renminbi, Canadian dollar, Czech Krona and Mexican pesos, respectively.  The Company continuously evaluates its foreign currency risk and will take action from time to time in order to best mitigate these risks.  A hypothetical 10% change in the value of the U.S. dollar in relation to our most significant foreign currency exposures would have had an impact of approximately $11,500 on our 2017 sales.  This amount is not indicative of the hypothetical net earnings impact due to partially offsetting impacts on cost of sales and operating expenses in those currencies.  The Company estimates that foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations increased sales in 2017 compared to 2016 by approximately $1,700.

 

The Company translates all assets and liabilities of its foreign operations, where the U.S. dollar is not the functional currency, at the period-end exchange rate and translate sales and expenses at the average exchange rates in effect during the period.  The net effect of these translation adjustments is recorded in the Consolidated Financial Statements as Comprehensive Income.  The translation adjustment was a gain of approximately $6,300 for 2017 and a loss of $2,000 for 2016.  Translation adjustments are not adjusted for income taxes as they relate to permanent investments in our foreign subsidiaries.  Net foreign currency transaction gains and losses included in other income, net amounted to a loss of $396 and a gain of $30 in 2017 and 2016, respectively.  A hypothetical 10% change in the value of the U.S. dollar in relation to our most significant foreign currency net assets would have had an impact of approximately $8,300 and $4,700 on our foreign net assets as of December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively.

 

Interest Rates

 

Interest rates on the Company’s Revolving Facility are based on the LIBOR plus a margin of 1.00% to 2.25% (currently 1.50%) or the Prime Rate plus a margin of 0% to 1.25% (currently 0.50%), in each case depending on the Company’s ratio of total funded indebtedness to Consolidated EBITDA. The Company uses interest rate derivatives to add stability to interest expense and to manage its exposure to interest rate movements. The Company primarily uses interest rate swaps as part of its interest rate risk management strategy. Interest rate swaps designated as cash flow hedges involve the receipt of variable amounts from a counterparty in exchange for the Company making fixed-rate payments over the life of the agreements without exchange of the underlying notional amount. During October 2013, the Company entered into two interest rate swaps with a combined notional of $25,000 (representing 50% of the Term Loan balance at that time) that amortize quarterly to a notional of $6,673 at maturity. The notional amount changes over time as loan payments are made. As a requirement of the debt refinance, one of the swaps was liquidated.   In February 2017, the Company entered into three interest rate swaps with a combined notional of $40,000 that mature in February 2022.

 

As of December 31, 2017, the Company had $52,694 outstanding under the Revolving Facility, of which $44,633 is currently being hedged.  Refer to Note 6 of the Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information about our outstanding debt.  A hypothetical one percentage point (100 basis points) change in the Base Rate on the $8,060 of unhedged floating rate debt outstanding at December 31, 2017 would not have a material impact on its interest expense for 2017.

 

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Item 8.  Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.

 

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

 

To the Shareholders and Board of Directors of

Allied Motion Technologies, Inc. and subsidiaries

Amherst, New York

 

OPINIONS ON THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND INTERNAL CONTROL OVER FINANCIAL REPORTING

 

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Allied Motion Technologies, Inc. and subsidiaries (the “Company”) as of December 31, 2017 and 2016, and the related consolidated statements of income, comprehensive income, stockholders’ equity, and cash flows, for each year in the three year period ended December 31, 2017, and the related notes and schedules (collectively referred to as the “financial statements”). We have also audited the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2017, based on the criteria established in Internal Control   Integrated Framework: (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (“COSO”).

 

In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of December 31, 2017 and 2016, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each year in the three year period ended December 31, 2017, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. Also, in our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2017, based on criteria established in Internal Control   Integrated Framework: (2013) issued by COSO.

 

BASIS FOR OPINIONS

 

The Company’s management is responsible for these financial statements, for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting, and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in the accompanying Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s financial statements and an opinion on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (“PCAOB”) and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.

 

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audits to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud, and whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects.

 

Our audits of the financial statements included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. Our audit of internal control over financial reporting included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, and testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk. Our audits also included performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinions.

 

DEFINITION AND LIMITATIONS OF INTERNAL CONTROL OVER FINANCIAL REPORTING

 

A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (i) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (ii) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the

 

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company; and (iii) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

 

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

 

EKS&H LLP

 

March 15, 2018

Denver, Colorado

 

We have served as the Company’s auditor since 2006.

 

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ALLIED MOTION TECHNOLOGIES INC.

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

 

 

 

December 31,

 

(in thousands except share and per share data)

 

2017

 

2016

 

Assets

 

 

 

 

 

Current assets:

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents

 

$

15,590

 

$

15,483

 

Trade receivables, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $341 and $362 at December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively

 

31,822

 

26,104

 

Inventories

 

32,568

 

31,098

 

Prepaid expenses and other assets

 

3,460

 

3,120

 

Total current assets

 

83,440

 

75,805

 

Property, plant and equipment, net

 

38,403

 

37,474

 

Deferred income taxes

 

14

 

923

 

Intangible assets, net

 

32,073

 

34,252

 

Goodwill

 

29,531

 

27,522

 

Other long-term assets

 

4,461

 

3,943

 

Total assets

 

$

187,922

 

$

179,919

 

Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity

 

 

 

 

 

Current liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

Debt obligations

 

461

 

936

 

Accounts payable

 

15,351

 

13,204

 

Accrued liabilities

 

14,270

 

10,678

 

Total current liabilities

 

30,082

 

24,818

 

Long-term debt

 

52,694

 

70,483

 

Deferred income taxes

 

3,609

 

3,266

 

Pension and post-retirement obligations

 

4,667

 

4,381

 

Other long term liabilities

 

9,523

 

4,685

 

Total liabilities

 

100,575

 

107,633

 

Commitments and contingencies (Note 9)

 

 

 

 

 

Stockholders’ Equity:

 

 

 

 

 

Common stock, no par value, authorized 50,000 shares; 9,427 and 9,374 shares issued and outstanding at December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively

 

31,051

 

29,503

 

Preferred stock, par value $1.00 per share, authorized 5,000 shares;

 

 

 

 

 

no shares issued or outstanding

 

 

 

Retained earnings

 

61,882

 

54,786

 

Accumulated other comprehensive loss

 

(5,586

)

(12,003

)

Total stockholders’ equity

 

87,347

 

72,286

 

Total Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity

 

$

187,922

 

$

179,919

 

 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

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ALLIED MOTION TECHNOLOGIES INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

 

 

 

For the year ended December 31,

 

(In thousands, except per share data)

 

2017

 

2016

 

2015

 

Revenues

 

$

252,012

 

$

245,893

 

$

232,434

 

Cost of goods sold

 

176,333

 

172,889

 

163,662

 

Gross profit

 

75,679

 

73,004

 

68,772

 

Operating costs and expenses:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Selling

 

10,979

 

9,986

 

8,149

 

General and administrative

 

24,926

 

24,333

 

22,251

 

Engineering and development

 

17,542

 

16,170

 

14,229

 

Business development

 

213

 

428

 

569

 

Amortization of intangible assets

 

3,219

 

3,204

 

2,644

 

Total operating costs and expenses

 

56,879

 

54,121

 

47,842

 

Operating income

 

18,800

 

18,883

 

20,930

 

Other expense (income):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest expense

 

2,474

 

6,449

 

6,023

 

Other expense (income), net

 

190

 

(369

)

(514

)

Total other expense (income) , net

 

2,664

 

6,080

 

5,509

 

Income before income taxes

 

16,136

 

12,803

 

15,421

 

Provision for income taxes

 

(8,100

)

(3,725

)

(4,347

)

Net income

 

$

8,036

 

$

9,078

 

$

11,074

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic earnings per share:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Earnings per share

 

$

0.88

 

$

1.01

 

$

1.20

 

Basic weighted average common shares

 

9,153

 

9,011

 

9,228

 

Diluted earnings per share:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Earnings per share

 

$

0.87

 

$

1.00

 

$

1.20

 

Diluted weighted average common shares

 

9,275

 

9,105

 

9,238

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income

 

$

8,036

 

$

9,078

 

$

11,074

 

Other comprehensive income:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Foreign currency translation adjustment

 

6,314

 

(1,989

)

(4,334

)

Change in accumulated loss on derivatives

 

226

 

(3

)

(25

)

Pension adjustments (1)

 

(123

)

(134

)

165

 

Comprehensive income

 

$

14,453

 

$

6,952

 

$

6,880

 

 


(1) Net of tax of $21, ($78) and $114 for the periods ending December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively.

 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

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ALLIED MOTION TECHNOLOGIES INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

 

 

 

Common Stock

 

 

 

Accumulated Other Comprehensive
Income (Loss)

 

 

 

(In thousands)

 

Shares

 

Amount

 

Unamortized
Cost of
Equity
Awards

 

Retained
Earnings

 

Foreign
Currency
Translation
Adjustments

 

Accumulated
income (loss)
on derivatives

 

Pension
Adjustments

 

Total
Stockholders’
Equity

 

Balances, December 31, 2014

 

9,213

 

$

28,453

 

$

(3,324

)

$

36,505

 

$

(4,828

)

$

(2

)

$

(853

)

$

55,951

 

Stock transactions under employee benefit stock plans

 

37

 

1,014

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1,014

 

Issuance of restricted stock, net of forfeitures

 

76

 

2,064

 

(2,040

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

24

 

Stock compensation expense

 

 

 

(7

)

1,751

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1,744

 

Shares withheld for payment of employee payroll taxes

 

(50

)

(1,559

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(1,559

)

Excess tax benefit from stock based compensation arrangements

 

 

 

1,461

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1,461

 

Comprehensive income

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(4,334

)

(25

)

279

 

(4,080

)

Tax effect

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(114

)

(114

)

Net income

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

11,074

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

11,074

 

Dividends to stockholders

 

 

 

11

 

 

 

(929

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

(918

)

Balances, December 31, 2015

 

9,276

 

$

31,437

 

$

(3,613

)

$

46,650

 

$

(9,162

)

$

(27

)

$

(688

)

$

64,597

 

Stock transactions under employee benefit stock plans

 

49

 

839

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

839

 

Issuance of restricted stock, net of forfeitures

 

101

 

1,969

 

(1,968

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1

 

Stock compensation expense

 

 

 

 

 

1,893

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1,893

 

Shares withheld for payment of employee payroll taxes

 

(52

)

(1,054

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(1,054

)

Comprehensive income loss

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(1,989

)

(3

)

(212

)

(2,204

)

Tax effect

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

78

 

78

 

Net income

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

9,078

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

9,078

 

Dividends to stockholders

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(942

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

(942

)

Balances, December 31, 2016

 

9,374

 

$

33,191

 

$

(3,688

)

$

54,786

 

$

(11,151

)

$

(30

)

$

(822

)

$

72,286

 

Stock transactions under employee benefit stock plans

 

28

 

657

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

657

 

Issuance of restricted stock, net of forfeitures

 

88

 

2,138

 

(1,599

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

539

 

Stock compensation expense (1)

 

 

 

 

 

1,865

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1,865

 

Shares withheld for payment of employee payroll taxes

 

(63

)

(1,513

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(1,513

)

Comprehensive income loss

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

6,314

 

226

 

(102

)

6,438

 

Tax effect

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(21

)

(21

)

Net income

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

8,036

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

8,036

 

Dividends to stockholders

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(940

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

(940

)

Balances, December 31, 2017

 

9,427

 

$

34,473

 

$

(3,422

)

$

61,882

 

$

(4,837

)

$

196

 

$

(945

)

$

87,347

 

 


(1) Net of $161 recorded to liability.

 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

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ALLIED MOTION TECHNOLOGIES INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

 

 

 

For the year ended December 31,

 

(In thousands)

 

2017

 

2016

 

2015

 

Cash Flows From Operating Activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income

 

$

8,036

 

$

9,078

 

$

11,074

 

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

10,274

 

9,749

 

7,466

 

Deferred income taxes

 

3,713

 

1,770

 

1,417

 

Excess tax benefit from stock-based payment arrangements

 

 

 

(1,461

)

Provision for doubtful accounts

 

39

 

167

 

333

 

Provision for excess and obsolete inventory

 

480

 

351

 

432

 

Provision for warranty

 

234

 

(138

)

142

 

Write-off of debt issue costs on Prior Credit agreement recorded in interest expense

 

 

1,052

 

 

Debt issue cost amortization recorded in interest expense

 

165

 

380

 

 

Restricted stock compensation

 

2,026

 

1,893

 

1,744

 

Other

 

(756

)

(652

)

216

 

Changes in operating assets and liabilities, excluding changes due to acquisition:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(Increase) decrease in trade receivables, net

 

(4,051

)

(3,719

)

3,655

 

Decrease (increase) in inventories

 

18

 

(928

)

(2,262

)

(Increase) decrease in prepaid expenses and other assets

 

(328

)

69

 

(1,394

)

Increase (decrease) in accounts payable

 

1,277

 

(956

)

(1,874

)

Increase (decrease) in accrued liabilities and other liabilities

 

4,280

 

(3,813

)

585

 

Net cash provided by operating activities

 

25,407

 

14,303

 

20,073

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash Flows From Investing Activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Purchase of property and equipment

 

(6,201

)

(5,188

)

(4,730

)

Consideration paid for acquisition, net of cash acquired

 

 

(16,205

)

 

Net cash used in investing activities

 

(6,201

)

(21,393

)

(4,730

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash Flows From Financing Activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(Repayments) borrowings on lines-of-credit, net

 

(518

)

(5,709

)

383

 

Principal payments of long-term debt

 

(18,389

)

(67,125

)

(6,375

)

Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt

 

 

76,321

 

 

Payment of debt issuance costs

 

 

(745

)

 

Dividends paid to stockholders

 

(959

)

(942

)

(923

)

Shares withheld for payment of employee payroll taxes

 

(1,513

)

(1,054

)

(1,559

)

Excess tax benefit from stock-based payment arrangements

 

 

 

1,461

 

Stock transactions under employee benefit stock plans

 

1,213

 

834

 

918

 

Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities

 

(20,166

)

1,580

 

(6,095

)

Effect of foreign exchange rate changes on cash

 

1,067

 

(285

)

(1,083

)

Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

 

107

 

(5,795

)

8,165

 

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period

 

15,483

 

21,278

 

13,113

 

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period

 

15,590

 

15,483

 

21,278

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net cash paid during the period for:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest

 

$

2,261

 

$

5,048

 

$

5,575

 

Income taxes

 

$

2,087

 

$

1,148

 

$

2,125

 

 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

36



Table of Contents

 

ALLIED MOTION TECHNOLOGIES INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(In thousands, except share and per share data)

 

1.              BUSINESS AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

 

Business

 

Allied Motion Technologies Inc. (Allied Motion or the Company) is engaged in the business of designing, manufacturing and selling motion control solutions, which include integrated system solutions as well as individual motion control products, to a broad spectrum of customers throughout the world primarily for the commercial motor, industrial motion, automotive control, medical, and aerospace and defense markets.

 

Principles of Consolidation

 

The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its wholly-owned subsidiaries.  All significant intercompany accounts and transactions are eliminated in consolidation.

 

For business combinations, we record net assets acquired and liabilities assumed at their estimated fair values.

 

Cash and Cash Equivalents

 

Cash and cash equivalents include instruments which are readily convertible into cash (original maturities of three months or less) and which are not subject to significant risk of changes in interest rates.

 

Accounts Receivable

 

Trade accounts receivable are recorded at the invoiced amount and do not bear interest.  The allowance for doubtful accounts is the Company’s best estimate of the amount of probable credit losses in the Company’s existing accounts receivable; however, changes in circumstances relating to accounts receivable may result in a requirement for additional allowances in the future.  Activity in the allowance for doubtful accounts for 2017, 2016 and 2015 was as follows (in thousands):

 

 

 

December 31,

 

 

 

2017

 

2016

 

2015

 

Beginning balance

 

$

362

 

$

611

 

$

367

 

Additional reserves

 

39

 

167

 

333

 

Writeoffs

 

(61

)

(414

)

(117

)

Effect of foreign currency translation

 

1

 

(2

)

28