10-Q 1 tgh12312013-10q.htm 10-Q TGH.12.31.2013-10Q


 

UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
 
FORM 10-Q
 
x      QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
 
For the quarterly period ended December 31, 2013
 
OR
 
o         TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
 
Commission File Number: 001-35159
 
 
THERMON GROUP HOLDINGS, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
 
Delaware
  27-2228185
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)
(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
 
100 Thermon Drive, San Marcos, Texas 78666
(Address of principal executive offices)
 
(512) 396-5801
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. xYes oNo

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§ 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). xYes o No

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

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

As of February 3, 2014, the registrant had 31,834,928 shares of common stock, par value $0.001 per share, outstanding.
 
 
 



THERMON GROUP HOLDINGS, INC.
 
QUARTERLY REPORT
FOR THE QUARTER ENDED December 31, 2013
 
TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
Page
PART I — FINANCIAL INFORMATION
 
 
Thermon Group Holdings, Inc. and its Consolidated Subsidiaries
 
PART II — OTHER INFORMATION
 
EX-31.1
 
EX-31.2
 
EX-32.1
 
EX-32.2
 
 

i


PART I — FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1. Financial Statements
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets
(Dollars in Thousands, except share and per share data)
 
December 31,
2013
 
March 31,
2013
 
(unaudited)
 
 
Assets
 

 
 

Current assets:
 

 
 

Cash and cash equivalents
$
67,340

 
$
43,847

Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $1,151 and $1,141 as of December 31, 2013 and March 31, 2013, respectively
48,616

 
56,123

Inventories, net
40,093

 
34,391

Costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings on uncompleted contracts
4,040

 
3,515

Income taxes receivable
3,281

 
5,287

Prepaid expenses and other current assets
5,204

 
6,203

Deferred income taxes
3,811

 
2,211

Total current assets
172,385

 
151,577

Property, plant and equipment, net
31,465

 
31,211

Goodwill
115,836

 
116,303

Intangible assets, net
123,177

 
131,916

Debt issuance costs, net
1,646

 
4,373

Other long term assets
137

 
143

Total assets
$
444,646

 
$
435,523

Liabilities
 

 
 

Current liabilities:
 

 
 

Accounts payable
$
19,263

 
$
20,370

Accrued liabilities
11,120

 
18,715

Current portion of long term debt
13,500

 
—

Billings in excess of costs and estimated earnings on uncompleted contracts
1,582

 
1,629

Income taxes payable
1,014

 
1,706

Obligations due to settle the CHS Transactions
567

 
3,239

Total current liabilities
47,046

 
45,659

Long-term debt, net of current maturities
111,375

 
118,145

Deferred income taxes
39,865

 
42,599

Other noncurrent liabilities
2,188

 
3,073

Total liabilities
200,474

 
209,476

Shareholders' equity
 
 
 
Common stock: $.001 par value; 150,000,000 authorized; 31,830,428 and 31,307,582 shares issued and outstanding at December 31, 2013 and March  31, 2013, respectively
32

 
31

Preferred stock: $.001 par value; 10,000,000 authorized; no shares issued and outstanding
—

 
—

Additional paid in capital
207,354

 
203,027

Accumulated other comprehensive loss
(3,495
)
 
(1,075
)
Retained earnings
40,281

 
24,064

Total shareholders’ equity
244,172

 
226,047

Total liabilities and shareholders' equity
$
444,646

 
$
435,523

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

1


Thermon Group Holdings, Inc.
 
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Unaudited)
(Dollars in Thousands, except share and per share data)
 
 
 Three Months Ended December 31, 2013
 
 Three Months Ended December 31, 2012
 
 Nine Months Ended December 31, 2013
 
Nine Months Ended December 31, 2012
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Sales
$
71,465

 
$
76,830

 
$
209,848

 
$
212,369

Cost of sales
35,409

 
41,879

 
107,423

 
111,440

Gross profit
36,056

 
34,951

 
102,425

 
100,929

Operating expenses:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Marketing, general and administrative and engineering
15,516

 
16,885

 
49,810

 
47,394

Amortization of intangible assets
2,782

 
2,813

 
8,349

 
8,405

Income from operations
17,758

 
15,253

 
44,266

 
45,130

Other income/(expenses):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest income
66

 
36

 
141

 
93

Interest expense
(1,369
)
 
(3,116
)
 
(8,693
)
 
(12,176
)
Loss on retirement of senior secured notes
—

 
—

 
(15,485
)
 
—

Miscellaneous expense
(118
)
 
(274
)
 
(350
)
 
(137
)
Income before provision for income taxes
16,337

 
11,899

 
19,879

 
32,910

Income tax expense
3,754

 
4,161

 
3,662

 
11,585

Net income
$
12,583

 
$
7,738

 
$
16,217

 
$
21,325

Comprehensive income:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net income
$
12,583

 
$
7,738

 
$
16,217

 
$
21,325

Foreign currency translation adjustment
(3,023
)
 
(180
)
 
(2,510
)
 
(216
)
Derivative valuation, net of tax
256

 
—

 
58

 
—

Comprehensive income
$
9,816

 
$
7,558


$
13,765

 
$
21,109

Income per common share:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Basic
$
0.40

 
$
0.25

 
$
0.51

 
$
0.70

Diluted
0.39

 
0.24

 
0.51

 
0.67

Weighted-average shares used in computing net income per common share:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Basic
31,689,887

 
30,947,064

 
31,506,745

 
30,672,803

Diluted
32,224,559

 
31,871,097

 
32,086,570

 
31,725,724

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

2


Thermon Group Holdings, Inc.
 
Condensed Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows (Unaudited)
(Dollars in Thousands)
 
 
 Nine Months Ended December 31, 2013
 
Nine Months Ended December 31, 2012
Operating activities
 

 
 

Net income
$
16,217

 
$
21,325

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

 
 

Depreciation and amortization
10,633

 
10,306

Amortization of debt costs
4,454

 
3,124

Stock compensation expense
1,572

 
869

Deferred income taxes
(6,021
)
 
(2,975
)
Loss on retirement of senior secured notes
15,485

 
—

Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
 

 
 

Accounts receivable
7,390

 
(5,902
)
Inventories
(5,676
)
 
(2,811
)
Costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings on uncompleted contracts
(588
)
 
(356
)
Other current and noncurrent assets
439

 
371

Accounts payable
(1,099
)
 
8,375

Accrued liabilities and noncurrent liabilities
(7,734
)
 
(6,928
)
Income taxes payable and receivable
1,492

 
746

Net cash provided by operating activities
36,564

 
26,144

Investing activities
 

 
 

Purchases of property, plant and equipment
(2,438
)
 
(5,245
)
Cash paid to settle the CHS Transactions
(2,055
)
 
(203
)
Net cash used in investing activities
(4,493
)
 
(5,448
)
Financing activities
 

 
 

Payments on senior secured notes
(118,145
)
 
(21,000
)
Proceeds from long term debt
135,000

 
—

Payments on long term debt
(10,125
)
 
—

Issuance costs associated with revolving line of credit and long term debt
(1,728
)
 
(248
)
Proceeds from exercise of stock options
2,756

 
4,571

Benefit from excess tax deduction from option exercises
—

 
3,369

Premiums paid on redemptions
(15,485
)
 
(630
)
Lease financing, net
(17
)
 
—

Net cash used in financing activities
(7,744
)
 
(13,938
)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents
(834
)
 
163

Change in cash and cash equivalents
23,493

 
6,921

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
43,847

 
21,468

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
$
67,340

 
$
28,389

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

3


Thermon Group Holdings, Inc.
 
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)
(Dollars in Thousands, Except Share and Per Share Data)
 
1. Basis of Presentation and Accounting Policy Information
On April 30, 2010, a group of investors led by entities affiliated with CHS Capital LLC  (“CHS”) and two other private equity firms (together with CHS, our “former private equity sponsors”) acquired a controlling interest in Thermon Holding Corp. and its subsidiaries from Thermon Holdings, LLC (“Predecessor”) for approximately $321,500 in a transaction that was financed by approximately $129,252 of equity investments by our former private equity sponsors and certain members of our current and former management team (collectively, the “management investors”) and $210,000 of debt raised in an exempt Rule 144A senior secured note offering to qualified institutional investors (collectively, the “CHS Transactions”). The proceeds from the equity investments and debt financing were used both to finance the acquisition and pay related transaction costs. As a result of the CHS Transactions, Thermon Group Holdings, Inc. became the ultimate parent of Thermon Holding Corp. Thermon Group Holdings, Inc. and its direct and indirect subsidiaries are referred to collectively as “we”, “our”, the “Company” or “Successor” herein.  
The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with our audited consolidated financial statements and notes thereto for the year ended March 31, 2013. In our opinion, the accompanying consolidated financial statements reflect all adjustments (consisting only of normal recurring items) considered necessary to present fairly our financial position at December 31, 2013 and March 31, 2013, and the results of our operations for the three and nine months ended December 31, 2013 and 2012. Certain reclassifications have been made to prior period presentation of our geographic operating income to conform to the current period presentation. The reclassifications had no effect on the reported sales or operating income in prior periods.
Use of Estimates
Generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP") requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reported period. While our management has based their assumptions and estimates on the facts and circumstances existing at December 31, 2013, actual results could differ from those estimates and affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities and the corresponding revenues and expenses as of the date of the financial statements.  The operating results for the nine months ended December 31, 2013 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be achieved for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2014. 

Corrections of classification errors in previously reported Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income

During fiscal 2013, we identified a classification error in our condensed consolidated statements of comprehensive income for all previously reported periods. We determined that charges that were invoiced to customers had been recorded as a reduction to cost of sales instead of as additional sales. The result of this error was an understatement of sales and cost of sales of $80 and $1,048 for the three and nine months ended December 31, 2012, respectively. The classification errors had no effect on the reported gross profit, income from operations or net income and also had no effect on the condensed consolidated balance sheet, or the condensed consolidated statement of cash flows.

    












4


Though the correction of the classification errors had no effect on our gross profit, it did result in a slight reduction to our previously reported gross profit as a percentage of revenue as follows below:
 
 
Three Months Ended December 31, 2012
 
Nine Months Ended December 31, 2012
As reported:
 
 
 
 
Sales
 
$
76,750

 
$
211,321

Cost of sales
 
41,799

 
110,392

Gross profit
 
34,951

 
100,929

Gross profit as a percentage of revenue
 
45.5
%
 
47.8
%

 
 
Three Months Ended December 31, 2012
 
Nine Months Ended December 31, 2012
As corrected:
 
 
 
 
Sales
 
$
76,830

 
$
212,369

Cost of sales
 
41,879

 
111,440

Gross profit
 
34,951

 
100,929

Gross profit as a percentage of revenue
 
45.5
%
 
47.5
%
Recent Accounting Pronouncements

Presentation of Comprehensive Income - In February 2013, the Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) ASC Topic 220, "Comprehensive Income," was amended to require an entity to disclose information about the amounts reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income by component. For amounts required to be reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income in their entirety in the same reporting period, the guidance requires entities to present significant amounts by their respective line items of net income, either on the face of the income statement or in the notes to the financial statements. For other amounts that are not required to be reclassified to net income in their entirety, a cross-reference is required to other disclosures that provide additional details about those amounts. These provisions are effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2012. The adoption of this guidance effective April 1, 2013 did not have a material impact on our condensed consolidated financial statements.

Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures - The FASB issued an Accounting Standard Update ("ASU") in December 2011, which requires an entity to disclose information about offsetting and related arrangements to enable users of its financial statements to understand the effect of these arrangements on its financial position. The guidance requires entities to disclose both gross and net information about both instruments and transactions eligible for offset in the balance sheet and instruments and transactions subject to an agreement similar to a master netting arrangement. In January 2013, the FASB amended and clarified the scope of the disclosures to include only derivative instruments, repurchase agreements and securities lending transactions. The provisions for this ASU are effective for annual periods and interim periods within those years beginning on or after January 1, 2013. The adoption of this ASU did not have a material impact on our condensed consolidated financial statements.
2. Fair Value Measurements
Fair Value. We measure fair value based on authoritative accounting guidance, which defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value and expands on required disclosures regarding fair value measurements.
Inputs are referred to as assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability. The uses of inputs in the valuation process are categorized into a three-level fair value hierarchy.
•
Level 1 — uses quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities we have the ability to access.

5


•
Level 2 — uses observable inputs other than quoted prices in Level 1, such as quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets; quoted prices for identical or similar assets and liabilities in markets that are not active; or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data.
•
Level 3 — uses one or more significant inputs that are unobservable and supported by little or no market activity, and that reflect the use of significant management judgment. 
Financial assets and liabilities with carrying amounts approximating fair value include cash, trade accounts receivable, accounts payable, accrued expenses and other current liabilities. The carrying amount of these financial assets and liabilities approximates fair value because of their short maturities.  At December 31, 2013 and March 31, 2013, no assets or liabilities were valued using Level 3 criteria. 
Information about our long-term debt that is not measured at fair value is as follows:
 
December 31, 2013
 
March 31, 2013
 
 
 
Carrying
Value
 
Fair Value
 
Carrying
Value
 
Fair Value
 
Valuation Technique
Financial Liabilities
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 
Long-term debt
$
124,875

 
$
124,875

 
$
118,145

 
$
131,436

 
Level 2 - Market Approach
 
At December 31, 2013, the fair value of our variable rate term loan approximates its carrying value as we pay interest based on the current market rate.  As the quoted price is only available for similar financial assets, the Company concluded the pricing is indirectly observable through dealers and has been classified as Level 2.  Differences between the fair value and the carrying value for the senior secured notes as of March 31, 2013 are primarily due to the instruments' fixed interest rate. Inherently, such instruments are subject to fluctuations in fair value due to movements in interest rates.
Foreign Currency Forward Contracts
We transact business in various foreign currencies and have established a program that primarily utilizes foreign currency forward contracts to offset the risk associated with the effects of certain foreign currency exposures. Under this program, increases or decreases in our foreign currency exposures are offset by gains or losses on the forward contracts to mitigate foreign currency transaction gains or losses. These foreign currency exposures typically arise from intercompany transactions. Our forward contracts generally have terms of 30 days. We do not use forward contracts for trading purposes or designate these forward contracts as hedging instruments pursuant to ASC 815. We adjust the carrying amount of all contracts to their fair value at the end of each reporting period and unrealized gains and losses are included in our results of operations for that period. These gains and losses largely offset gains and losses resulting from settlement of payments received from our foreign operations which are settled in U.S. dollars. The fair value is determined by quoted prices from active foreign currency markets (Level 2 fair value).  The condensed consolidated balance sheets reflect unrealized gains within accounts receivable, net and unrealized losses within accrued liabilities. Our ultimate realized gain or loss with respect to currency fluctuations will depend on the currency exchange rates and other factors in effect as the contracts mature. As of December 31, 2013 and March 31, 2013, the notional amounts of forward contracts we held to buy U.S. Dollars in exchange for other major international currencies were as follows:
Notional amount of foreign currency forward contracts by currency
 
December 31, 2013
 
March 31, 2013
Russian Ruble
$
544

 
$
4,233

Euro
7,077

 
2,510

Canadian Dollar
2,034

 
2,134

South Korean Won
—

 
919

Other
—

 
329

Total notional amounts
$
9,655

 
$
10,125




6


The following table represents the fair value of our foreign currency forward contracts:
 
 
December 31, 2013
 
March 31, 2013
 
 
Fair Value
 
Fair Value
 
 
Assets
Liabilities
 
Assets
Liabilities
Foreign currency forward contracts
 
$
2

$
16

 
$
87

$
32

Foreign currency gains or losses related to our forward contracts in the accompanying condensed consolidated statements of comprehensive income were losses of $144 and $350 for the three and nine months ended December 31, 2013, respectively, and losses of $425 and $164 for the three and nine months ended December 31, 2012, respectively. Gains and losses from our forward contracts were offset by transaction gains or losses incurred with the settlement of transactions denominated in foreign currencies. Our net foreign currency losses were $117 and $353 for the three and nine months ended December 31, 2013, respectively, and losses of $242 and $181 for the three and nine months ended December 31, 2012, respectively.
Interest Rate Swap
On June 13, 2013, the Company entered into an interest rate swap contract to reduce the exposure to interest rate fluctuations associated with its variable rate term loan. Under the agreement we will pay a fixed amount and receive or make payments based on a variable rate. Effective July 1, 2013, the Company designated the interest rate swap contract as a cash flow hedge pursuant to ASC 815. The Company formally documents all relationships between the hedging instrument and hedged item, its risk management objective and strategy, as well as counter-party creditworthiness. At each reporting period our interest rate swap contract is adjusted to fair value based on dealer quotes, which consider forward curves and volatility levels (Level 2 Fair Value). Unrealized gains, representing derivative assets, are reported within accounts receivable, net and unrealized losses, representing derivative liabilities, are reported within accrued liabilities on the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheets. As of December 31, 2013, the fair value of the interest rate swap contract was an unrealized gain of $90. The change in fair value of the derivative instruments is recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income to the extent the derivative instruments are deemed effective. Ineffectiveness is measured based on the changes in fair value of the interest rate swap contract and the change in fair value of the hypothetical derivative and is recognized in earnings in the period in which ineffectiveness is realized. Based on the criteria established by ASC 815, the interest rate swap contract is deemed to be highly effective. Any realized gains or losses resulting from the interest rate swap contract are recognized within interest expense. Gains and losses from our interest rate swap contract are offset by changes in the variable interest rate on our term loan. Since the effective date of our interest rate swap contract, interest expense on outstanding principal was 3.62%. We have hedged 100% of the outstanding principal on our variable rate term loan through its maturity date.
The following table summarizes the aggregate unrealized gain in accumulated other comprehensive loss, and the losses reclassified into earnings for the three and nine months ended December 31, 2013 (amounts in thousands):
 
 Three Months Ended December 31, 2013
 
 Nine Months Ended December 31, 2013
Unrealized gain/(loss) at beginning of the period
$
(304
)
 
$
—

Add: gain/(loss) from change in fair value of cash flow hedge
91

 
(418
)
Less: Loss reclassified to earnings from effective hedge
(303
)
 
(508
)
Unrealized gain at end of the period
$
90

 
$
90

We did not have any interest rate swaps during the three and nine months ended December 31, 2012.

Transfers out of accumulated other comprehensive loss
During the three and nine months ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, there were no transfers out of accumulated other comprehensive loss except for realized losses from our interest rate swap contract presented in the preceding table, which were recorded within interest expense. During the three and nine months ended December 31, 2013, there were no reclassifications out of other comprehensive loss due to hedge ineffectiveness.

7


3. Earnings and Net Income per Common Share
Basic earnings per share ("EPS") per share is computed by dividing net income by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during each period. Diluted net income per share is computed by dividing net income by the weighted average number of common shares and common share equivalents outstanding (if dilutive) during each period. The number of common share equivalents, which includes options and both restricted and performance stock units, is computed using the treasury stock method.  With regard to the performance stock units, we assumed that the target number of shares would be issued within the calculation of diluted net income per common share.
The reconciliations of the denominators used to calculate basic EPS and diluted EPS for the three and nine months ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively, are as follows:
 
 Three Months Ended December 31, 2013
 
 Three Months Ended December 31, 2012
 
 Nine Months Ended December 31, 2013
 
Nine Months Ended December 31, 2012
Basic net income per common share
 

 
 

 
 
 
 
Net income
$
12,583

 
$
7,738

 
$
16,217

 
$
21,325

Weighted-average common shares outstanding
31,689,887

 
30,947,064

 
31,506,745

 
30,672,803

Basic net income per common share
$
0.40

 
$
0.25

 
$
0.51

 
$
0.70

 
 Three Months Ended December 31, 2013
 
 Three Months Ended December 31, 2012
 
 Nine Months Ended December 31, 2013
 
Nine Months Ended December 31, 2012
Diluted net income per common share
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Net income
$
12,583

 
$
7,738

 
$
16,217

 
$
21,325

Weighted-average common shares outstanding
31,689,887

 
30,947,064

 
31,506,745

 
30,672,803

Common share equivalents:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Stock options
473,364

 
868,110

 
543,376

 
1,028,056

Restricted and performance stock units
61,308

 
55,923

 
36,449

 
24,865

Weighted average shares outstanding – dilutive (1)
32,224,559

 
31,871,097

 
32,086,570

 
31,725,724

Diluted net income per common share
$
0.39

 
$
0.24

 
$
0.51

 
$
0.67

(1) 50,307 and 168,211 equity awards were not included in the calculation of diluted net income per common share since they would have had an anti-dilutive effect for the three and nine months ended December 31, 2013, respectively. For the three and nine months ended December 31, 2012 56,532, equity awards were not included in the calculation of diluted net income per common share as they were anti-dilutive.



4. Inventories
Inventories consisted of the following:
 
December 31,
2013
 
March 31,
2013
Raw materials
$
12,532

 
$
10,232

Work in process
3,383

 
1,685

Finished goods
25,411

 
23,550

 
41,326

 
35,467

Valuation reserves
(1,233
)
 
(1,076
)
Inventories, net
$
40,093

 
$
34,391

 

8



5. Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets
The carrying amount of goodwill as of December 31, 2013 is as follows:
 
Amount
Balance as of March 31, 2013
$
116,303

Foreign currency translation impact
(467
)
Balance as of December 31, 2013
$
115,836

The excess purchase price over the fair value of assets acquired is recorded as goodwill. Goodwill is tested for impairment on an annual basis, and between annual tests if indicators of potential impairment exist, using a fair-value-based approach based on the market capitalization of the reporting unit. Our annual impairment test will be performed as of January 1, 2014. At December 31, 2013, there were no indicators of a goodwill impairment.  Goodwill is not deductible for tax purposes.
Other intangible assets consisted of the following:
 
 
Gross Carrying Amount at December 31, 2013
 
Accumulated Amortization
 
Net Carrying Amount at December 31, 2013
 
Gross Carrying Amount at March 31, 2013
 
Accumulated Amortization
 
Net Carrying Amount at March 31, 2013
Trademarks
 
$
47,646

 
$
—

 
$
47,646

 
$
47,693

 
$
—

 
$
47,693

Developed technology
 
10,919

 
(2,062
)
 
8,857

 
10,929

 
(1,659
)
 
9,270

Customer relationships
 
100,825

 
(35,281
)
 
65,544

 
101,355

 
(27,723
)
 
73,632

Backlog
 
10,038

 
(10,038
)
 
—

 
10,167

 
(10,167
)
 
—

Certification
 
498

 
—

 
498

 
498

 
—

 
498

Other
 
1,630

 
(998
)
 
632

 
1,630

 
(807
)
 
823

Total
 
$
171,556

 
$
(48,379
)
 
$
123,177

 
$
172,272

 
$
(40,356
)
 
$
131,916










6. Accrued Liabilities
Accrued current liabilities consisted of the following:

9


 
December 31,
2013
 
March 31,
2013
Accrued employee compensation and related expenses
$
5,772

 
$
8,047

Interest
23

 
4,703

Customer prepayment
1,723

 
2,197

Warranty reserve
687

 
552

Professional fees
1,499

 
1,436

Sales tax payable
704

 
175

Other
712

 
1,605

Total accrued current liabilities
$
11,120

 
$
18,715

7. Related-Party Transactions
Included in our condensed consolidated balance sheets is “Obligations due to settle the CHS Transactions,” which totaled $567 and $3,239 at December 31, 2013 and March 31, 2013, respectively.  These amounts represent amounts due to the Predecessor owners in final settlement of the acquisition by our former private equity sponsors of a controlling interest in us that was completed on April 30, 2010.  During the three and nine months ended December 31, 2013, we paid $1,960 and $2,055, respectively, to the Predecessor owners, and in the three and nine months ended December 31, 2012, we paid $67 and $203, respectively, to the Predecessor owners, in each case reflected in "Obligations due to settle the CHS Transactions". During the three months ended December 31, 2013, we received an income tax refund from the United States Internal Revenue Service which we paid to the Predecessor owners because the refund related to tax periods in which they were in control of the Company. During the three months ended December 31, 2013, our "Obligations due to settle the CHS Transactions" was additionally reduced by $617, of which $42 was withheld for professional fees incurred by the Company in connection with a concluded audit by the United States Internal Revenue Service and the remaining $575 was determined not to be payable to the Predecessor owners of the Company. At December 31, 2013, the remaining $567 outstanding represents remaining encumbered cash to be released as letters of credit expire.

8. Short-Term Revolving Credit Facilities
The Company’s subsidiary in the Netherlands has a revolving credit facility in the amount of Euro 4,000 (equivalent to $5,507 at December 31, 2013). The facility is collateralized by receivables, inventory, equipment, furniture and real estate. No amounts were outstanding under this facility at December 31, 2013 or March 31, 2013.
The Company’s subsidiary in India has a revolving credit facility in the amount of 80,000 Rupees (equivalent to $1,292 at December 31, 2013). The facility is collateralized by receivables, inventory, real estate, a letter of credit and cash. No amounts were outstanding under this facility at December 31, 2013 or March 31, 2013. 
The Company’s subsidiary in Australia has a revolving credit facility in the amount of $325 Australian Dollars (equivalent to $288 at December 31, 2013). The facility is collateralized by real estate. No amounts were outstanding under this facility at December 31, 2013 or March 31, 2013.
The Company’s subsidiary in Japan has a revolving credit facility in the amount of 45,000 Japanese Yen (equivalent to $428 at December 31, 2013).  No amounts were outstanding under this facility at December 31, 2013 or March 31, 2013.
Under the Company’s principal revolving credit facility described below in Note 9, “Long-Term Debt,” there were no outstanding borrowings at either December 31, 2013 or March 31, 2013, respectively. 







10


9. Long-Term Debt
Long-term debt consisted of the following:
 
December 31,
2013
 
March 31,
2013
9.500% Senior Secured Notes, due May 2017
$
—

 
$
118,145

Variable Rate Term Loan, due April 2018
124,875

 
—

 
124,875

 
118,145

Less current portion
(13,500
)
 
—

 
$
111,375

 
$
118,145

 
Revolving Credit Facility and Senior Secured Debt
Credit facility. On April 19, 2013, we entered into an amended and restated credit agreement with a group of lenders in the United States and Canada with JP Morgan Chase Bank, N.A. continuing to serve as lead administrative agent, which provided for (i) a five-year $135,000 senior secured term loan facility and (ii) a five-year $60,000 senior secured revolving credit facility, which we refer to collectively as our "credit facility". The term loan borrowings were used to redeem our outstanding senior secured notes, see "senior secured notes and refinancing under a term loan" below.
Under our credit facility, in no case shall availability exceed commitments thereunder. The credit facility will mature in April 2018. Any credit facility borrowings will bear interest, at our option, at a rate equal to either (i) a base rate determined by reference to the greatest of (a) JPMorgan Chase Bank's prime rate in New York City, (b) the federal funds effective rate in effect on such day plus ½ of 1% and (c) the adjusted LIBOR rate for a one month interest period on such day plus 1%, in each case plus an applicable margin dictated by our leverage ratio, or (ii) the LIBOR rate, plus an applicable margin dictated by our leverage ratio. Borrowings denominated in Canadian Dollars under the Canadian sub-facility bear interest at our option, at a rate equal to either (i) a base rate determined by reference to the greater of (a) JPMorgan Chase Bank, Toronto branch's prime rate and (b) the sum of (x) the yearly interest rate to which the one-month Canadian deposit offered rate is equivalent plus (y) 1.0%, in each case plus an applicable margin dictated by our leverage ratio, or (ii) a Canadian deposit offered rate determined by the sum of (a) the annual rate of interest determined with reference to the arithmetic average of the discount rate quotations of all institutions listed in respect of the relevant period for Canadian dollar-denominated bankers' acceptances plus (b) 0.10% per annum, plus an applicable margin dictated by our leverage ratio. In addition to paying interest on outstanding borrowings under our credit facility, we are currently required to pay a 0.4% per annum commitment fee to the lenders in respect of the unutilized commitments thereunder, which commitment fee could change based on our leverage ratio, and letter of credit fees equal to the LIBOR margin or the Canadian deposit offered rate, as applicable, on the undrawn amount of all outstanding letters of credit, in addition to a 0.125% annual fronting fee. At December 31, 2013, we had no outstanding borrowings under our revolving credit facility. Had there been any outstanding borrowings thereunder, the interest rate would have been 2.69%. As of December 31, 2013, we had $57,287 of capacity available under our revolving credit facility after taking into account the borrowing base, outstanding loan advances and letters of credit. The variable rate term loan bears interest at the LIBOR rate plus an applicable margin dictated by our leverage ratio. As of December 31, 2013, our interest rate was 2.69%. The term loan includes monthly principal payments of $1,125 through March 31, 2016, increasing to $1,688 for the last two years of the loan. The remaining $54,000 is due in April 2018.
Senior secured notes and refinancing under a term loan. On May 20, 2013, we utilized the proceeds from our new variable rate term loan to redeem the remaining $118,145 of aggregate principal amount outstanding of our 9.5% senior secured notes. In conjunction with the redemption, we paid a total of $15,485 in call premiums and expensed the remaining $4,010 of associated deferred debt issuance costs.
Interest rate swap. On June 13, 2013, the Company entered into an interest rate swap to reduce the exposure to interest rate fluctuations associated with its variable rate term loan. Under the agreement we will pay a fixed amount and receive payments based on a variable interest rate. The terms of the interest rate swap are identical to our commitments and obligations under our variable rate term loan. The swap became effective as of July 31, 2013 and fixed the interest rate of the term loan at 3.62%.
Guarantees; security.  The obligations under our credit facility are guaranteed on a senior secured basis by each of our existing and future domestic restricted subsidiaries, including Thermon Industries, Inc., the U.S. borrower under our credit facility. The obligations under our credit facility are secured by a first priority perfected security interest in substantially all of our assets, subject to certain exceptions, permitted liens and encumbrances reasonably acceptable to the administrative agent under our credit facility.

11


Restrictive covenants.  The credit facility contains various restrictive covenants that include restrictions or limitations on our ability to: incur additional indebtedness or issue disqualified capital stock unless certain financial tests are satisfied; pay dividends, redeem subordinated debt or make other restricted payments; make certain investments or acquisitions; issue stock of subsidiaries; grant or permit certain liens on our assets; enter into certain transactions with affiliates; merge, consolidate or transfer substantially all of our assets; incur dividend or other payment restrictions affecting certain of our subsidiaries; transfer or sell assets, including capital stock of our subsidiaries; and change the business we conduct. As of December 31, 2013, we were in compliance with all restrictive covenants of the credit facility.
10. Commitments and Contingencies
At December 31, 2013, the Company had in place letter of credit guarantees and performance bonds securing performance obligations of the Company. These arrangements totaled approximately $16,127. Of this amount, $1,040 is secured by cash deposits at the Company’s financial institutions.  The remaining $15,087 represents a reduction of the available amount of the Company’s short term and long term revolving lines of credit and performance bonds that the Company has secured. Included in prepaid expenses and other current assets at December 31, 2013 and March 31, 2013, was approximately $1,040 and $1,978, respectively, of cash deposits pledged as collateral on performance bonds and letters of credit. Our Indian subsidiary also has $3,845 in customs bonds outstanding to secure the Company's customs duties obligations in India.
The Company is involved in various legal and administrative proceedings that arise from time to time in the ordinary course of doing business. Some of these proceedings may result in fines, penalties or judgments being assessed against us, which may adversely affect our financial results. In addition, from time to time, the Company is involved in various disputes, which may or may not be settled prior to legal proceedings being instituted and which may result in losses in excess of accrued liabilities, if any, relating to such unresolved disputes. As of December 31, 2013, management believes that adequate reserves have been established for any probable losses. Expenses related to litigation reduce operating income. We do not believe that the outcome of any of these proceedings or disputes would have a significant adverse effect on our financial position, long-term results of operations, or cash flows. It is possible, however, that charges related to these matters could be significant to our results of operations or cash flows in any one accounting period. 
The Company has no outstanding legal matters outside of matters arising in the ordinary course of business, except as described below. We can give no assurances we will prevail in any of these matters.

Notice of Tax Dispute with the Canada Revenue Agency. On June 13, 2011, we received notice from the Canada Revenue Agency, which we refer to as the "Agency", advising us that they disagree with the tax treatment we proposed with respect to certain asset transfers that were completed in August 2007 by our Predecessor owners.  During fiscal 2013, we were informed by the Agency that their initial audit was concluded but they intended to make an assessment under Canada's General Anti Avoidance Rule. Under this rule, the Agency may assess a withholding tax on dividends deemed to have been made on loans made to our Canadian subsidiary during 2007. Such assessment could be $3,000 plus penalties and interest. At December 31, 2013, we have not recorded a tax liability reserve due for this matter with the Agency as we consider it more likely than not that our tax position will be fully sustained.  While we intend to vigorously contest any assessment the Agency may make against us in this matter, we expect that any liability will be covered under an indemnity agreement with the Predecessor owners.

Russia Tax Audit. As of December 31, 2013, the Russian tax authority has ongoing tax audits related to our Russian tax returns for the three years ended December 31, 2012.  It is reasonably possible that the Russian tax authority will issue an assessment on these open periods.  We believe that our tax liabilities are fairly stated and properly reflected in our financial statements.  The Russian tax authority has not issued an assessment of tax liability and we have not recorded a contingent liability for any possible assessment, as no loss is reasonably estimable.

11. Stock-Based Compensation Expense
Since the completion of the CHS Transactions on April 30, 2010, the board of directors has adopted and the shareholders have approved two stock option award plans.  The 2010 Thermon Group Holdings, Inc. Restricted Stock and Stock Option Plan (“2010 Plan”) was approved on July 28, 2010.  The 2010 Plan authorized the issuance of 2,767,171 stock options or restricted shares (on a post-stock split basis).  On April 8, 2011, the board of directors approved the Thermon Group Holdings, Inc. 2011 Long-Term Incentive Plan (“2011 LTIP”). The 2011 LTIP made available 2,893,341 shares of the Company’s common stock that may be awarded to employees, directors or non-employee contractor's compensation in the form of stock options, restricted stock awards or restricted stock units. 

12


At December 31, 2013, there were 648,903 options outstanding.  For the three months ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, stock compensation expense was $663, and $475, respectively, and $1,572 and $869 for the nine months ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
During the nine months ended December 31, 2013, we issued various stock compensation awards to our directors and employees. During the nine months ended December 31, 2013, 117,904 restricted stock units were granted to certain of our employees. On August 1, 2013, 17,416 restricted stock awards were issued to our directors and a target amount of 43,554 performance stock units were granted to our named executive officers. The closing price on the date of the grants ranged from $19.48 to $22.02.
The restricted stock units that were issued to our employees have a total fair value of $2,375 as determined by the closing price of our stock on the date of the grants. The awards will be expensed on a straight-line basis over the service period which ranges from 3 to 5 years. At each anniversary of the restricted stock units' grant date, a proportionate number of restricted stock units will become vested for the employees and the shares will become issued and outstanding.
The restricted stock awards issued to our directors have a total fair value of $350 as determined by the closing price of our stock on August 1, 2013 and will be expensed on a straight-line basis over one year. The stock associated with the directors' awards has already been issued and is included in our shares outstanding with voting rights. On the anniversary of the grant date, the restricted stock will fully vest.
The performance stock units issued to our four named executive officers have a total fair value at grant date of $480. The performance indicator for these stock awards is based on the market performance of our stock price as compared to a pre-determined peer group of companies with similar business characteristics as ours. Since the performance indicator is market based, we prepared a Monte Carlo valuation model to calculate the probable outcome of the performance measure to arrive at fair value. We will expense the fair value over three years at each of our fiscal year ends during the performance period, whether or not the market condition is met. At the end of each fiscal year, one-third of the performance units will be evaluated. It will then be determined how many shares will be issued. In each year, the possible number of shares that will be issued ranges from zero to 87,108 in aggregate. Shares that are not awarded in a given year will be forfeited.
12. Income Taxes
Our anticipated annual effective tax rate before discrete events of approximately 26.1% has been applied to our consolidated pre-tax income for the nine month period ended December 31, 2013. After accounting for discrete events including the benefit of $1,047 for the release of a liability for uncertain tax positions and $575 related to the reduction of previously estimated tax benefits that was determined not to be payable to the Predecessor owners, our effective rate was 18.4%. For the nine months ended December 31, 2012, the Company’s provision for income taxes reflects an effective rate of approximately 34.8% and an after discrete event effective rate of 35.2%.
During the nine months ended December 31, 2013, we have adopted a permanent reinvestment position whereby we expect to reinvest our foreign earnings for most of our foreign subsidiaries and do not expect to repatriate future earnings. As a result of this policy change, we will no longer accrue a tax liability in anticipation of future dividends from our foreign subsidiaries. The estimated annual effective tax rate for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2014 reflects the estimated taxable earnings of our various foreign subsidiaries and the applicable local tax rates and after accounting for certain permanent differences, such as nondeductible compensation expenses.
For the three month period ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, the Company recorded tax expense of $3,754 and $4,161 on pre-tax income of $16,337 and $11,899, respectively. For the nine month period ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, the Company recorded tax expense of $3,662 and $11,585 on pre-tax income of $19,879 and $32,910, respectively.
As of December 31, 2013, we have established a long-term liability for uncertain tax positions in the amount of $672. During the nine month period ended December 31, 2013, we concluded an income tax audit with the United States Internal Revenue Service. As a result of this, we released reserves for uncertain tax positions taken on the periods under examination and recorded a related tax benefit of $1,047 for the nine months ended December 31, 2013.  Our remaining unrecognized tax benefits at December 31, 2013 would affect our effective income tax rate if recognized, though the Company does not expect to recognize any tax benefits in the next twelve months.  The Company recognizes related accrued interest and penalties as income tax expense and has accrued $45 for the nine months ended December 31, 2013.
With the conclusion of the audit with the United States Internal Revenue Service, we received a refund of $2,000. This amount related to tax periods associated with our Predecessor owners and was therefore payable as part of "Obligations due to settle the CHS Transactions", see Note 7. Related -Party Transactions. The payment of this refund represented the final

13


transaction tax benefit due to the Predecessor owners. Accordingly, we released $575 of additional estimated tax benefits as a reduction of tax expense that we determined would not be realized and are no longer payable.

As of December 31, 2013, the tax years 2006 through 2013 remain open to examination by the major taxing jurisdictions to which we are subject, except for the United States federal income tax returns, where the federal income tax return for fiscal 2012 and 2013 remain open. The Company's Canadian federal income tax returns are under exam for the Predecessor's tax years ended March 31, 2008, 2009 and 2010. See Note 10. Commitments and Contingencies.
13. Geographic Information
We have defined our operating segments based on geographic regions. These regions share similar economic characteristics, product mix, customers and distribution methods. Accordingly, we have elected to aggregate these geographic regions into a single reportable segment.
Within our one reportable segment, we present additional detail for those countries or regions that generate significant revenue and operating income. For purposes of this note, revenue is attributed to individual countries or regions on the basis of the physical location and jurisdiction of organization of the subsidiary that invoices the material and services.
Total sales and income from operations are classified by major geographic area in which the Company operates are as follows:
 
 Three Months Ended December 31, 2013
 
 Three Months Ended December 31, 2012
 
 Nine Months Ended December 31, 2013
 
Nine Months Ended December 31, 2012
Sales by geographic area:
 

 
 

 
 
 
 
United States
$
22,921

 
$
21,922

 
$
67,759

 
$
61,614

Canada
23,282

 
27,996

 
74,450

 
73,707

Europe
16,824

 
13,703

 
44,317

 
44,586

Asia
8,438

 
13,209

 
23,322

 
32,462

 
$
71,465

 
$
76,830

 
$
209,848

 
$
212,369

Operating income:
 

 
 

 
 
 
 
United States
$
5,306

 
$
3,427

 
$
9,645

 
$
12,706

Canada
8,716

 
10,559

 
26,616

 
25,859

Europe
3,453

 
(343
)
 
7,138

 
3,234

Asia
1,239

 
2,471

 
3,381

 
5,434

Unallocated:
 

 
 

 


 
 
Stock compensation
(663
)
 
(475
)
 
(1,572
)
 
(869
)
Public company costs
(293
)
 
(386
)
 
(942
)
 
(1,234
)
 
$
17,758

 
$
15,253

 
$
44,266

 
$
45,130


14


Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
Introduction and Special Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
Management’s discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations is provided as a supplement to the unaudited interim condensed consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes thereto for the three and nine months ended December 31, 2013 and 2012 to help provide an understanding of our financial condition, changes in our financial condition and results of our operations. In this quarterly report, we refer to the three month periods ended December 31, 2013 and 2012 as Interim 2014 and Interim 2013, respectively, and we refer to the nine month periods ended December 31, 2013 and 2012 as YTD 2014 and YTD 2013, respectively. The following discussion should be read in conjunction with, and is qualified in its entirety by reference to, our unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements and related notes included in Item 1. above.
This quarterly report includes forward-looking statements within the meaning of the U.S. federal securities laws in addition to historical information. These forward-looking statements include, without limitation, statements regarding our industry, business strategy, plans, goals and expectations concerning our market position, future operations, margins, profitability, capital expenditures, liquidity and capital resources and other financial and operating information. When used in this discussion, the words “anticipate,” “assume,” “believe,” “budget,” “continue,” “could,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intend,” “may,” “plan,” “potential,” “predict,” “project,” “will,” “future” and similar terms and phrases are intended to identify forward-looking statements in this quarterly report. 
Forward-looking statements reflect our current expectations regarding future events, results or outcomes. These expectations may or may not be realized. Some of these expectations may be based upon assumptions, data or judgments that prove to be incorrect. In addition, our business and operations involve numerous risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond our control, which could result in our expectations not being realized or otherwise materially affect our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows. These forward-looking statements include but are not limited to statements regarding: (i) our plans to strategically pursue emerging growth opportunities in diverse regions and across industry sectors; (ii) our plans to secure more new facility, or Greenfield, project bids; (iii) our ability to generate more facility maintenance, repair and operations or upgrades or expansions, or MRO/UE, revenue from our existing and future installed base; (iv) our ability to timely deliver backlog; (v) our ability to respond to new market developments and technological advances; (vi) our expectations regarding energy consumption and demand in the future and its impact on our future results of operations; (vii) our plans to develop strategic alliances with major customers and suppliers; (viii) our expectations that our revenues will continue to increase; and (ix) our belief in the sufficiency of our cash flows to meet our needs for the next year. 
Actual events, results and outcomes may differ materially from our expectations due to a variety of factors. Although it is not possible to identify all of these factors, they include, among others, (i) general economic conditions and cyclicality in the markets we serve; (ii) future growth of energy and chemical processing capital investments; (iii) changes in relevant currency exchange rates; (iv) our ability to comply with the complex and dynamic system of laws and regulations applicable to international operations; (v) a material disruption at any of our manufacturing facilities; (vi) our dependence on subcontractors and suppliers; (vii) our ability to obtain standby letters of credit, bank guarantees or performance bonds required to bid on or secure certain customer contracts; (viii) competition from various other sources providing similar heat tracing products and services, or other alternative technologies, to customers; (ix) our ability to attract and retain qualified management and employees, particularly in our overseas markets; (x) our ability to continue to generate sufficient cash flow to satisfy our liquidity needs; (xi) the extent to which federal, state, local and foreign governmental regulation of energy, chemical processing and power generation products and services limits or prohibits the operation of our business; and (xii) other factors discussed in more detail under the caption “Risk Factors” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2013 filed with the SEC on June 10, 2013 and in any subsequent Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q that we may file with the SEC. Any one of these factors or a combination of these factors could materially affect our future results of operations and could influence whether any forward-looking statements contained in this quarterly report ultimately prove to be accurate.
Our forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance, and actual results and future performance may differ materially from those suggested in any forward-looking statements. We do not intend to update these statements unless we are required to do so under applicable securities laws.
Overview
We are one of the largest providers of highly engineered thermal solutions for process industries. For almost 60 years, we have served a diverse base of thousands of customers around the world in attractive and growing markets including energy, chemical processing and power generation. We are a global leader and one of the few thermal solutions providers with a global footprint and a full suite of products and services required to deliver comprehensive solutions to complex projects. We serve

15


our customers locally through a global network of sales and service professionals and distributors in more than 30 countries and through our four manufacturing facilities on three continents. These global capabilities and longstanding relationships with some of the largest multinational energy, chemical processing, power and engineering, procurement and construction companies in the world have enabled us to diversify our revenue streams and opportunistically access high growth markets worldwide. For YTD 2014 and YTD 2013 approximately 67.7% and 71.0%, respectively, of our revenues were generated outside of the United States.
Revenue.  Our revenues are derived from providing customers with a full suite of innovative and reliable heat tracing solutions, including electric and steam heat tracing, tubing bundles, control systems, design optimization, engineering services and installation services. Our sales are primarily to industrial customers for petroleum and chemical plants, oil and gas production facilities and power generation facilities. Demand for industrial heat tracing solutions falls into two categories: (i) new facility construction, which we refer to as Greenfield projects, and (ii) recurring maintenance, repair and operations and facility upgrades or expansions, which we refer to as MRO/UE. Greenfield construction projects often require comprehensive heat tracing solutions. We believe that Greenfield revenue consists of sales revenues by a customer in excess of $1 million for the preceding twelve month period (excluding sales to resellers), and typically includes most orders for projects related to facilities that are new or that are built independent of existing facilities. We refer to sales revenues by a customer of less than $1 million for the preceding twelve month period, which we believe are typically derived from MRO/UE, as MRO/UE revenue. Based on our experience, we believe that $1 million in annual sales is an appropriate threshold for distinguishing between Greenfield revenue and MRO/UE revenue. However, we often sell our products to intermediaries or subcontract our services; accordingly, we have limited visibility into how our products or services may ultimately be used and can provide no assurance that our categorization may accurately reflect the sources of such revenue. Furthermore, our customers do not typically enter into long-term forward maintenance contracts with us. In any given year, certain of our smaller Greenfield projects may generate less than $1 million in annual sales, and certain of our larger plant expansions or upgrades may generate in excess of $1 million in annual sales, though we believe that such exceptions are few in number and insignificant to our overall results of operations.
We believe that our pipeline of planned projects, in addition to our backlog of signed purchase orders, provides us with strong visibility into our future revenue, as historically we have experienced few order cancellations, and the cancellations that have occurred in the past have not been material compared to our total contract volume or total backlog. The small number of order cancellations is attributable in part to the fact that a large portion of our solutions are ordered and installed toward the end of Greenfield project construction. Our backlog at December 31, 2013 was $90.5 million. The timing of recognition of revenue out of backlog is not always certain, as it is subject to a variety of factors that may cause delays, many of which are beyond our control (such as customers’ delivery schedules and levels of capital and maintenance expenditures). When delays occur, the recognition of revenue associated with the delayed project is likewise deferred.
Cost of sales.  Our cost of sales includes primarily the cost of raw material items used in the manufacture of our products, cost of ancillary products that are sourced from external suppliers and construction labor cost. Additional costs of sales include contract engineering cost directly associated with projects, direct labor cost, external sales commissions, and other costs associated with our manufacturing/fabrication operations. The other costs associated with our manufacturing/fabrication operations are mainly indirect production costs, including depreciation, indirect labor costs, and the costs of manufacturing support functions such as logistics and quality assurance. Key raw material costs include polymers, copper, stainless steel, insulating material, and other miscellaneous parts related to products manufactured or assembled as part of our heat tracing solutions. Historically, the costs of our primary raw materials have been stable and readily available from multiple suppliers, and we generally have been successful with passing along raw material cost increases to our customers. Therefore, increases in the cost of key raw materials of our products have not generally affected our gross margins. We cannot provide any assurance, however, that we may be able to pass along such cost increases to our customers in the future, and if we are unable to do so, our results of operations may be adversely affected.
Operating expenses.  Our marketing, general and administrative and engineering expenses are primarily comprised of compensation expense and related costs for sales, marketing, pre-sales engineering and administrative personnel, as well as other sales related expenses and other costs related to research and development, insurance, professional fees, the global integrated business information system, provisions for bad debts and warranty expense.
Key drivers affecting our results of operations.  Our results of operations and financial condition are affected by numerous factors, including those described under the caption “Risk Factors” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC on June 10, 2013 and elsewhere in this quarterly report and those described below:
•
Timing of Greenfield projects.  Our results of operations in recent years have been impacted by the various construction phases of large Greenfield projects. On very large projects, we are typically designated as the heat tracing provider of choice by the project owner. We then engage with multiple contractors to address

16


incorporating various heat tracing solutions throughout the overall project. Our largest Greenfield projects may generate revenue for several quarters. In the early stages of a Greenfield project, our revenues are typically realized from the provision of engineering services. In the middle stages, or the material requirements phase, we typically experience the greatest demand for our heat tracing cable, at which point our revenues tend to accelerate. Revenues tend to decrease gradually in the final stages of a project and are generally derived from installation services and demand for electrical panels and other miscellaneous electronic components used in the final installation of heat tracing cable, which we frequently outsource from third-party manufacturers. Therefore, we typically provide a mix of products and services during each phase of a Greenfield project, and our margins fluctuate accordingly.
•
Cyclicality of end-users’ markets.  Demand for our products and services depends in large part upon the level of capital and maintenance expenditures of our customers and end users, in particular those in the energy, chemical processing and power generation industries, and firms that design and construct facilities for these industries. These customers’ expenditures historically have been cyclical in nature and vulnerable to economic downturns. Greenfield projects, and in particular large Greenfield projects (i.e., new facility construction projects generating in excess of $5 million in annual sales), have been a substantial source of revenue growth in recent years, and Greenfield revenues tend to be more cyclical than MRO/UE revenues. A sustained decrease in capital and maintenance spending or in new facility construction by our customers could have a material adverse effect on the demand for our products and services and our business, financial condition and results of operations.
•
Impact of product mix.  Typically, both Greenfield and MRO/UE customers require our products as well as our engineering and construction services. The level of service and construction needs will affect the profit margin for each type of revenue. We tend to experience lower margins from our design optimization, engineering, installation and maintenance services than we do from sales of our heating cable, tubing bundle and control system products. We also tend to experience lower margins from our outsourced products, such as electrical switch gears and transformers, than we do from our manufactured products. Accordingly, our results of operations are impacted by our mix of products and services.
We estimate that Greenfield and MRO/UE have each made the following contribution as a percentage of revenue in the periods listed:
 
Three Months Ended December 31,
Nine Months Ended December 31,
 
2013

 
2012

2013

 
2012

Greenfield
24
%
 
42
%
35
%
 
43
%
MRO/UE
76
%
 
58
%
65
%
 
57
%
We believe that our analysis of Greenfield and MRO/UE is an important measurement to explain the trends in our business to investors. Greenfield revenue is an indicator of both our ability to successfully compete for new contracts as well as the economic health of the industries we serve. Furthermore, Greenfield revenue is an indicator of potential MRO/UE revenue in future years. 
For MRO/UE orders, the sale of our manufactured products typically represents a higher proportion of the overall revenues associated with such orders than the provision of our services. Greenfield projects, on the other hand, require a higher level of our services than MRO/UE orders. Therefore, we typically realize higher margins from MRO/UE revenues than Greenfield revenues. 
•
Large and growing installed base.  Customers typically use the incumbent heat tracing provider for MRO/UE projects to avoid complications and compatibility problems associated with switching providers. Therefore, with the significant Greenfield activity we have experienced in recent years, our installed base has continued to grow, and we expect that such installed base will continue to generate ongoing high margin MRO/UE revenues. For Interim and YTD 2014, MRO/UE sales comprised approximately 76% and 65% of our consolidated revenues, respectively.
•
Seasonality of MRO/UE revenues.  Revenues realized from MRO/UE orders tend to be less cyclical than Greenfield projects and more consistent quarter over quarter, although MRO/UE revenues are impacted by seasonal factors. MRO/UE revenues are typically highest during the second and third fiscal quarters, as most of our customers perform preventative maintenance prior to the winter season.


17




Results of Operations (Three-month periods ended December 31, 2013 and 2012)
The following table sets forth our consolidated statements of operations data for the three months ended December 31, 2013 and the three months ended December 31, 2012 and indicates the amount of change and percentage change between periods.
 
Three Months Ended
December 31,
 
Increase/
 (Decrease)
 
(dollars in thousands)
 
 
 
 
 
2013
 
2012
 
$
 
%
Consolidated Statements of Operations Data:
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Sales
$
71,465

 
$
76,830

 
$
(5,365
)
 
(7.0
)%
Cost of sales
35,409

 
41,879

 
(6,470
)
 
(15.4
)%
Gross profit
$
36,056

 
$
34,951

 
$
1,105

 
3.2
 %
Gross margin %
50.5
%
 
45.5
%
 
 

 
 

Operating expenses:
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Marketing, general and administrative and engineering
$
14,853

 
$
16,410

 
$
(1,557
)
 
(9.5
)%
Stock compensation expense
663

 
475

 
188

 
39.6
 %
Amortization of intangible assets
2,782

 
2,813

 
(31
)
 
(1.1
)%
Income from operations
$
17,758

 
$
15,253

 
$
2,505

 
16.4
 %
Interest expense, net:
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Interest income
66

 
36

 
30

 
83.3
 %
Interest expense
(1,246
)
 
(2,896
)
 
1,650

 
(57.0
)%
Amortization of debt costs
(123
)
 
(220
)
 
97

 
(44.1
)%
Interest expense, net
(1,303
)
 
(3,080
)
 
1,777

 
(57.7
)%
Miscellaneous expense
(118
)
 
(274
)
 
156

 
(56.9
)%
Income (loss) before provision for income taxes
$
16,337

 
$
11,899

 
$
4,438

 
37.3
 %
Income tax expense (benefit)
3,754

 
4,161

 
(407
)
 
(9.8
)%
Net income (loss)
$
12,583

 
$
7,738

 
$
4,845

 
62.6
 %
__________________________________

Three Months Ended December 31, 2013 (“Interim 2014”) Compared to the Three Months Ended December 31, 2012 (“Interim 2013”)
Revenues. Revenues for Interim 2014 were $71.5 million, compared to $76.8 million for Interim 2013, a decrease of $5.3 million or 7.0%.  The overall decline in revenues is largely attributable to a decline in our Greenfield activity which was 24% of sales in Interim 2014 as compared to 42% in Interim 2013. Historically, Greenfield sales are near 40% of our total sales. Our Greenfield sales are characterized by relative volatility in the magnitude of orders which can cause fluctuations in revenue for comparative periods. Foreign currency negatively impacted revenues by $1.2 million in Interim 2014 based on the difference in the weighted-average foreign exchange rates in effect during Interim 2014 and Interim 2013. The foreign currency impact on revenues was primarily attributable to the depreciation of the Canadian Dollar relative to the U.S. Dollar.
In Interim 2014, we experienced revenue declines in Canada and Asia of $4.7 million and $4.8 million, respectively. In Canada revenues were negatively impacted in Interim 2014 as we experienced delays in material deliveries on a large multi-year Greenfield project which is in the final stages of completion. Within our Asia region, we had several Greenfield projects in Interim 2013 whose revenue was not replaced in Interim 2014. Revenues in Europe increased by $3.1 million, driven by increased demand in the harsher arctic climates, as well as improved macroeconomic conditions across the region. In the

18


United States revenue grew $1.0 million as we continue to see increased demand particularly within the petroleum processing industry along the Gulf Coast. The increased United States demand is largely attributable to upgrade efforts at refineries that are now processing heavy crude oil which needs to be heated throughout the refining process and which is being delivered from hydraulic fracturing drilling sites in the United States and the Canadian oil sands region.
Gross profit and margin. Gross profit totaled $36.1 million in Interim 2014, compared to $35.0 million in Interim 2013, an increase of $1.1 million or 3.2%. The increase in gross profit is attributed to our improved gross margins which were 50.5% and 45.5% in Interim 2014 and Interim 2013, respectively. Our gross margin in Interim 2014 was slightly higher than our expected historical range of 45% to 50%. The gross margin improvement is due to a higher proportion of MRO/UE revenue in Interim 2014 which typically generates higher profit margins than Greenfield sales. MRO/UE sales as a percentage of total revenues were 76% and 58% in Interim 2014 and Interim 2013, respectively. Historically, MRO/UE sales are near 60% of our total sales. In Interim 2014 MRO/UE revenues grew by 22% and Greenfield revenues decreased by 47%, each compared to Interim 2013.
Marketing, general and administrative and engineering.  Marketing, general and administrative and engineering costs (including stock compensation expense) were $15.5 million for Interim 2014, compared to $16.9 million in Interim 2013, a decrease of $1.4 million or 8.1%. Marketing, general and administrative and engineering costs were 21.7% of total revenue in Interim 2014 as compared to 22.0% in Interim 2013. The decrease is primarily due to the decrease in personnel costs of $1.5 million. The decrease in personnel costs was driven by a $1.9 million reduction in our annual incentive expense due to Company performance below the target level for fiscal 2014. This decrease was offset by a $0.4 million increase of personnel cost as we have hired additional sales and engineering personnel in support of sales growth. Stock compensation expense was $0.2 million higher in Interim 2014 due to the awards granted in the second quarter of fiscal 2014, which represents incremental stock compensation expense, and the greater number of outstanding unvested equity awards at the end of Interim 2014.
Amortization of intangible assets. Amortization of intangible assets was $2.8 million in both Interim 2014 and Interim 2013. Intangible asset amortization is subject to foreign currency translation adjustments.  We expect these amounts to be representative of our quarterly expense for amortization of intangible assets for the foreseeable future.
Interest expense, net. Interest expense, net, was $1.3 million in Interim 2014, compared to $3.1 million in Interim 2013, a decrease of $1.8 million. The decrease in interest expense is the result of the reduction in the interest rate on our current and long term debt. In Interim 2013, the interest rate on our senior secured notes was 9.5%. The senior secured notes were redeemed in the first quarter of fiscal 2014 and refinanced with a variable rate term loan whose rate has been fixed at approximately 3.62%, see Note 2, Fair Value Measurements for our discussion of the interest rate swap agreement. We expect our quarterly interest expense to be approximately $1.1 million after accounting for scheduled principal reductions. Amortization of deferred debt issuance costs represents the remaining $0.1 million of interest expense in Interim 2014.
Miscellaneous expense. We incurred $0.1 million and $0.3 million of miscellaneous expense in Interim 2014 and Interim 2013, respectively. In both periods, miscellaneous expense was primarily comprised of losses from our foreign exchange transactions. We incur foreign exchange gains and losses on the settlement of our intercompany transactions. We utilize foreign currency forward contracts to mitigate the risk of foreign exchange gains and losses on these transactions. See Item 3, "Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risks" for further discussion of the foreign currency forward contracts.
Income taxes.  We reported an income tax expense of $3.8 million in Interim 2014 from our pre-tax income of $16.3 million, compared to income tax expense of $4.2 million in Interim 2013 from our pre-tax income of $11.9 million, a decrease of $0.4 million. Our effective tax rates were 23.0% in Interim 2014 and 35.0% in Interim 2013. The decrease from Interim 2013 is due to our adoption of a permanent reinvestment of foreign earnings position during the first quarter of fiscal 2014 which reduced our anticipated annual effective rate before discrete events from 35.0% to 26.1%. In Interim 2014, we recorded an income tax benefit of $0.6 million for the reduction of previously estimated tax benefits that were determined not to be payable to the Predecessor owners. Excluding this discrete tax benefit, our effective tax rate in Interim 2014 would have been 26.1%. Our anticipated annual effective tax rate of approximately 26.1% has been applied to our consolidated pre-tax income in calculating the amount of income tax expense for Interim 2014. This anticipated annual tax rate is established by estimating anticipated tax rates in each of the countries where we earn taxable income as adjusted for known differences as well as our ability to apply any jurisdictional tax losses to prior or future periods.  See Note 12, “Income Taxes”, to our unaudited consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this quarterly report, for further detail on income taxes.
Net income. Our net income was $12.6 million in Interim 2014 as compared to net income of $7.7 million in Interim 2013, an increase of $4.9 million. The increase in net income is the result of the increase of gross profit of $1.1 million due to the higher proportion of higher margin MRO/UE sales as a percentage of total revenues. Marketing, general and administrative

19


and engineering expenses (including stock compensation expense) decreased $1.4 million, primarily due to the reduction of our annual incentive expense. Interest expense, net decreased $1.8 million as a result of our reduced interest rate in Interim 2014. Miscellaneous expense decreased $0.2 million, due to reduced losses on foreign currency transactions. Income tax expense decreased $0.4 million as a result of our permanent reinvestment of foreign earnings position adopted in fiscal 2014 and $0.6 million as a result of a reduction for previously estimated tax benefits that were determined not to be payable to the Predecessor owners.
Results of Operations (Nine-month periods ended December 31, 2013 and 2012)
The following table sets forth our consolidated statements of operations data for the nine months ended December 31, 2013 and the nine months ended December 31, 2012 and indicates the amount of change and percentage change between periods.
 
Nine Months Ended December 31,
 
Increase/
 (Decrease)
 
(dollars in thousands)
 
 
 
 
 
2013
 
2012
 
$
 
%
Consolidated Statements of Operations Data:
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Sales
$
209,848

 
$
212,369

 
$
(2,521
)
 
(1.2
)%
Cost of sales
107,423

 
111,440

 
(4,017
)
 
(3.6
)%
Gross profit
$
102,425

 
$
100,929

 
$
1,496

 
1.5
 %
Gross margin %
48.8
%
 
47.5
%
 
 

 
 

Operating expenses:
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Marketing, general and administrative and engineering
$
48,238

 
$
46,525

 
$
1,713

 
3.7
 %
Stock compensation expense
1,572

 
869

 
703

 
80.9
 %
Amortization of intangible assets
8,349

 
8,405

 
(56
)
 
(0.7
)%
Income from operations
$
44,266

 
$
45,130

 
$
(864
)
 
(1.9
)%
Interest expense, net (1):
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Interest income
141

 
93

 
48

 
51.6
 %
Interest expense
(4,228
)
 
(9,052
)
 
4,824

 
(53.3
)%
Acceleration of unamortized debt cost
(4,010
)
 
(2,318
)
 
(1,692
)
 
73.0
 %
Loss on retirement of debt
(15,485
)
 
—

 
(15,485
)
 
—

Amortization of debt costs
(455
)
 
(806
)
 
351

 
(43.5
)%
Interest expense, net
(24,037
)
 
(12,083
)
 
(11,954
)
 
98.9
 %
Miscellaneous expense
(350
)
 
(137
)
 
(213
)
 
155.5
 %
Income before provision for income taxes
$
19,879

 
$
32,910

 
$
(13,031
)
 
(39.6
)%
Income tax expense (benefit)
3,662

 
11,585

 
(7,923
)
 
(68.4
)%
Net income
$
16,217

 
$
21,325

 
$
(5,108
)
 
(24.0
)%
__________________________________
(1)                                 In both YTD 2014 and YTD 2013, we made redemption payments on our 9.5% senior secured notes, in addition to terminating our prior revolving line of credit in YTD 2013, both of which resulted in the acceleration of the amortization of deferred debt issuances costs. In YTD 2014, the outstanding aggregate principal of our 9.5% senior secured notes were fully redeemed resulting in a $15.5 million loss on retirement of debt, in addition to a $4.0 million acceleration of the amortization of deferred debt issuance costs. We have presented separately these charges in order to facilitate a more meaningful comparison of our deferred debt issuance cost amortization expense in prior and future periods.




20


Nine Months Ended December 31, 2013 (“YTD 2014”) Compared to the Nine Months Ended December 31, 2012 (“YTD 2013”)
Revenues. Revenues for YTD 2014 were $209.8 million, compared to $212.4 million for YTD 2013, a decrease of $2.6 million or 1.2%.  We experienced revenue growth in Canada of $0.7 million for YTD 2014 due to sustained demand in the upstream oil and gas industry during the first six months of fiscal 2014, offset in part by a decrease of revenues in Canada during the Interim 2014 period due to delays in the final stages of a large multi-year Greenfield project. Revenues in the United States grew $6.1 million, driven by increased activity within the petroleum processing industry located around the Gulf coast. This activity is in relation to upgrade efforts at refineries that are now processing heavy crude oil which needs to be heated throughout the refining process and which is being delivered from hydraulic fracturing drilling sites in the United States and the Canadian oil sands region. We experienced revenue declines in Asia and Europe of $9.1 million and $0.3 million, respectively, in YTD 2014 as compared to YTD 2013. The decline in Asia was due to several Greenfield projects that generated significant revenue in YTD 2013 and were not replaced in YTD 2014. The year-over-year decline in Europe is due to the overall economic weakness in the region experienced in the first quarter of fiscal 2014. We believe macroeconomic conditions in the region are beginning to stabilize as we have experienced two consecutive quarters of revenue growth. Foreign currency negatively impacted revenues by $2.7 million in YTD 2014 based on the difference in the weighted-average foreign exchange rates in effect during YTD 2014 and YTD 2013. The foreign currency impact on revenues was primarily attributable to the depreciation of the Canadian Dollar relative to the U.S. Dollar.
Gross profit and margin. Gross profit totaled $102.4 million in YTD 2014, compared to $100.9 million in YTD 2013, an increase of $1.5 million or 1.5%, which is attributable to improved gross margins which increased to 48.8% in YTD 2014 from 47.5% in YTD 2013.  Our gross margins in both periods are within our historical range of expected gross margin which is from 45% to 50%. The increase in gross margin in YTD 2014 is largely attributable to a higher proportion of MRO/UE sales which typically generate higher profit margins than Greenfield sales. As a percentage of total revenues, MRO/UE was 65% and 57% in YTD 2014 and 2013, respectively.
Marketing, general and administrative and engineering.  Marketing, general and administrative and engineering costs (including stock compensation) were $49.8 million for YTD 2014, compared to $47.4 million in YTD 2013, an increase of $2.4 million or 5.1%. As a percentage of total revenue marketing, general and administrative and engineering costs were 23.7% and 22.3% in YTD 2014 and YTD 2013, respectively. Our base level personnel costs increased $1.3 million in YTD 2014. This increase was largely offset by lower annual incentive expense of $1.2 million as we have not met our internal targets. In YTD 2014, building expenses increased $0.9 million, as we added new leases which we did not have in YTD 2013 due to the relocation of our Houston office and opening of a second location in Russia. We have switched vendors for our data communications and as a result have incurred a $0.6 million increase in communication costs related to fees and duplicate services during the transition, which we expect to be completed by the end of fiscal 2014. Stock compensation expense was $0.7 million higher in YTD 2014 due to awards granted in YTD 2014 and YTD 2013, which represents incremental stock compensation expense, and the greater number of outstanding unvested equity awards at the end of YTD 2014.
Amortization of intangible assets. Amortization of intangible assets was $8.3 million and 8.4 million in YTD 2014 and YTD 2013, respectively. Intangible asset amortization is subject to foreign currency translation adjustments.  We expect these amounts to be in line with our estimated expense for amortization of intangible assets for the foreseeable future.
Interest expense. Interest expense, net, was $24.0 million in YTD 2014, compared to $12.1 million in YTD 2013, an increase of $11.9 million. In YTD 2014 we redeemed all $118.1 million of the outstanding aggregate principal amount of our 9.5% senior secured notes. In connection with the redemption, we incurred acceleration of deferred debt issuance costs of $4.0 million and a loss on retirement of debt of $15.5 million, related to call premiums paid with the redemption, both of which are included in interest expense, net. In YTD 2013, we made partial redemptions of our 9.5% senior secured notes with $21.0 million of aggregate principal being redeemed, and negotiated a new revolving line of credit facility. In connection with the YTD 2013 bond redemptions and the termination of the previous revolving line of credit, we incurred acceleration of deferred debt issuance costs of $2.3 million. Interest expense on outstanding principal was $4.2 million and $9.1 million in YTD 2014 and YTD 2013, respectively. The decrease in interest expense on outstanding principal balances is the result of the difference in the interest rate on our redeemed 9.5% senior secured notes and that of our term loan, whose interest rate is fixed at approximately 3.62%. We expect quarterly interest expense to be approximately $1.1 million after accounting for scheduled principal reductions payments.
Miscellaneous expense. Miscellaneous expense was $0.4 million in YTD 2014 compared to miscellaneous expense of $0.1 million in YTD 2013, an increase of $0.3 million. In YTD 2014, the miscellaneous expense was primarily comprised of losses from our foreign exchange transactions. We incur foreign exchange gains and losses on the settlement of our intercompany transactions. We utilize foreign currency forward contracts to mitigate the risk of foreign exchange gains and losses on these transactions. See Item 3. "Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risks" for further discussion

21


of the foreign currency forward contracts. Miscellaneous expense in YTD 2013 primarily consists of a loss on the disposition of property, plant and equipment.
Income taxes.  We reported income tax expense of $3.7 million in YTD 2014 from our pre-tax income of $19.9 million compared to income tax expense of $11.6 million from our pre-tax net income of $32.9 million, a decrease of $7.9 million. Our effective tax rates were 18.4% and 35.2% in YTD 2014 and YTD 2013, respectively. During YTD 2014, we concluded an income tax audit in the United States and, as a result, released certain liabilities for uncertain tax positions in the amount of $1.0 million. In addition, we received an income tax benefit of $0.6 million in YTD 2014 related to estimated tax benefits that were determined not to be payable to the Predecessor owners. Excluding these discrete tax benefits, our effective tax rate in YTD 2014 would have been 26.1%. The decrease in income tax expense from YTD 2013 is attributable to our reduced pre-tax net income in YTD 2014, the adoption of a permanent reinvestment of foreign earnings position during the first quarter of fiscal 2014, and the two aforementioned discrete events. Our anticipated annual effective tax rate of approximately 26.1% has been applied to our consolidated pre-tax income in calculating the amount of income tax expense for YTD 2014. This anticipated annual tax rate is established by estimating anticipated tax rates in each of the countries where we earn taxable income as adjusted for known differences as well as our ability to apply any jurisdictional tax losses to prior or future periods. See Note 12, "Income Taxes", to our unaudited consolidated financial statements for the nine months ended December 31, 2013, included elsewhere in this quarterly report, for further detail on income taxes.
Net income. Net income was $16.2 million in YTD 2014 as compared to $21.3 million in YTD 2013, a decrease of $5.1 million. In YTD 2014, interest expense, net increased $12.0 million which was primarily attributable to the acceleration of debt issuance costs and the loss on retirement of debt related to the redemption of our senior secured notes in YTD 2014. Marketing, general and administrative and engineering expenses including stock compensation increased $2.4 million. These increased expenses were offset by increases in gross profit of $1.5 million and a decrease of income tax expense of $7.9 million. The increase in gross profit is due to higher gross profit as a percent of total revenue in YTD 2014, and the reduction of income tax expense is due to lower pre-tax net income, the adoption of a permanent reinvestment of foreign earnings position, and $1.6 million of income tax benefits from non-recurring discrete events.
Contractual Obligations and Contingencies
Contractual Obligations. The following table summarizes our significant contractual payment obligations as of December 31, 2013 and the effect such obligations are expected to have on our liquidity position assuming all obligations reach maturity.
 
 
 
 
Payment due by period
 
 
 
 
(dollars in thousands)
 
 
TOTAL
 
Less than
1 Year
 
1 -
3 Years
 
3 -
5 Years
 
More than
5 Years
Variable rate term loan(1)
 
$
124,875

 
$
13,500

 
$
32,063

 
$
79,312

 
$
—

Interest payments on variable rate term loan(2)
 
14,717

 
4,355

 
7,171

 
3,191

 
—

Operating lease obligations(3)
 
10,217

 
2,906

 
3,972

 
1,795

 
1,544

Obligations in settlement of the CHS Transactions(4)
 
567

 
567

 
—

 
—

 
—

Raw material supply agreement(5)
 
328

 
328

 
—

 
—

 
—

Information technology services agreements(6)
 
3,686

 
2,145

 
1,539

 
2

 
—

Total
 
$
154,390

 
$
23,801

 
$
44,745

 
$
84,300

 
$
1,544

__________________________________
(1) Consists of monthly principal payments of $1,125 through March 31, 2016; increasing in April 2016 to $1,688 through maturity with a lump-sum payment of $54,000 due at maturity in April 2018.
(2)                       Consists of estimated future interest payments at an interest rate of 3.62%, based on our interest rate swap agreement effective July 31, 2013.
(3)                       We enter into operating leases in the normal course of business. Our operating leases include the leases on certain of our manufacturing and warehouse facilities, in addition to certain offices of our affiliates.
(4)                       Consists of estimated amounts owed to sellers in the CHS Transactions for restricted cash in satisfaction of the post-closing adjustment for remaining encumbered cash to be released as letters of credit expire.

22


(5)                       Represents the future committed supply purchases of nickel alloy tubing, a raw material used in our manufacturing process. We have three months left on our commitment to take delivery of the remaining pieces of nickel alloy tubing, at a fixed price.
(6)                       Represents the future annual service fees associated with certain information technology service agreements with several vendors. 
Contingencies.  We are involved in various legal and administrative proceedings and disputes that arise from time to time in the ordinary course of doing business. Some of these proceedings may result in fines, penalties or judgments being assessed against us, which may or may not be settled prior to legal proceedings being instituted, and which may result in losses in excess of accrued liabilities. For a discussion of contingencies that may adversely affect our results of operations, see Note 10, “Commitments and Contingencies” to our unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements contained elsewhere in this quarterly report. We have considered these proceedings and disputes in determining the necessity of any reserves for losses that are probable and reasonably estimable. Our recorded reserves are based on estimates developed with consideration given to the potential merits of claims or quantification of any performance obligations. In doing so, we take into account our history of claims, the limitations of any insurance coverage, advice from outside counsel, the possible range of outcomes to such claims and obligations and their associated financial impact (if known and reasonably estimable) and management’s strategy with regard to the settlement or defense of such claims and obligations.  While the ultimate outcome of those claims, lawsuits or performance obligations cannot be predicted with certainty, we believe, based on our understanding of the facts of these claims and performance obligations, that adequate provisions have been recorded in the accounts where required. In addition, we do not believe that the outcome of any of these proceedings would have a significant adverse effect on our financial position, long-term results of operations or cash flows. It is possible, however, that charges related to these matters could be significant to our results of operations or cash flows in any one accounting period.

Notice of Tax Dispute with the Canada Revenue Agency. On June 13, 2011, we received notice from the Canada Revenue Agency, which we refer to as the "Agency", advising us that they disagree with the tax treatment we proposed with respect to certain asset transfers that were completed in August 2007 by our Predecessor owners.  During fiscal 2013, we were informed by the Agency that their initial audit was concluded but they intended to make an assessment under Canada's General Anti Avoidance Rule. Under this rule, the Agency may assess a withholding tax on dividends deemed to have been made on loans made to our Canadian subsidiary during 2007. Such assessment could be $3.0 million plus penalties and interest. At December 31, 2013, we have not recorded a tax liability reserve due for this matter with the Agency as we consider it more likely than not that our tax position will be fully sustained.  While we intend to vigorously contest any assessment the Agency may make against us in this matter, we expect that any liability will be covered under an indemnity agreement with the Predecessor owners.

Russia Tax Audit. As of December 31, 2013, the Russian tax authority has ongoing tax audits related to our Russian tax returns for the three years ended December 31, 2012.  It is reasonably possible that the Russian tax authority will issue an assessment on these open periods.  We believe that our tax liabilities are fairly stated and properly reflected in our financial statements.  The Russian tax authority has not issued an assessment of tax liability and we have not recorded a contingent liability for any possible assessment, as no loss is reasonably estimable.
To bid on or secure certain contracts, we are required at times to provide a performance guaranty to our customers in the form of a surety bond, standby letter of credit or foreign bank guaranty. At December 31, 2013, we had in place standby letters of credit, bank guarantees and performance bonds totaling $16.1 million to support our various customer contracts. Our Indian subsidiary also has $3.8 million in customs bonds outstanding to secure the Company's customs duties obligations in India.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Our primary sources of liquidity are cash flows from operations and funds available under our revolving credit facility and other revolving lines of credit. Our primary liquidity needs are to finance our working capital, capital expenditures and debt service needs. 
Cash and cash equivalents.  At December 31, 2013, we had $67.3 million in cash and cash equivalents. We maintain cash and cash equivalents at various financial institutions located in many countries throughout the world. Approximately $21.5 million, or 32% of these amounts were held in domestic accounts with various institutions and approximately $45.8 million, or 68%, of these amounts were held in accounts outside of the United States with various financial institutions. 
Credit facility and senior secured notes. 

23


See Note 9, “Long-Term Debt—Revolving Credit Facility and Senior Secured Debt” to our unaudited interim condensed consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes thereto included above in Item 1. Financial Statements (Unaudited) of this quarterly report for information on our revolving credit facility and senior secured debt, which is hereby incorporated by reference into this Item 2.  At December 31, 2013, we had no borrowings under our revolving line of credit. From time to time, we may choose to utilize our revolving line of credit to fund operations or investments despite having cash available within our consolidated group in light of the cost, timing and other business considerations.
As of December 31, 2013, we had $124.9 million outstanding on our variable rate term loan. The amended and restated credit agreement requires monthly principal payments of $1.1 million through March 31, 2016. Thereafter, monthly principal payments increase to $1.7 million through the remaining term with a lump-sum payment of $54.0 million due at maturity in April 2018.
Repatriation considerations.  A substantial portion of our cash flows are generated by our non-U.S. subsidiaries. In general, when an entity in a foreign jurisdiction repatriates cash to the United States, the amount of such cash is treated as a dividend taxable at current U.S. tax rates. Accordingly, upon the distribution of cash to us from our non-U.S. subsidiaries, we will be subject to U.S. income taxes. Although foreign tax credits may be available to reduce the amount of the additional tax liability, these credits may be limited based on our tax attributes.
During the first quarter of fiscal 2014 and in connection with the refinancing of our senior secured notes, we estimated that domestic U.S. cash flow will be able to service our future debt obligations. We adopted a permanent reinvestment position whereby we expect to reinvest our foreign earnings for most of our foreign subsidiaries and do not expect to repatriate future earnings generated by our foreign operations. As a result of this policy change, we will no longer accrue a tax liability in anticipation of future dividends from our foreign subsidiaries. If we were to repatriate foreign earnings, we would incur additional income tax expense. This policy change resulted in the decrease in our estimated effective tax rate from 35.2% of pretax income in YTD 2013 to an effective rate of 26.1%, before discrete events, for YTD 2014.
Future capital requirements.  Based on our current level of operations, we believe that cash flow from operations and available cash, together with available borrowings under our revolving credit facility, will be adequate to meet our liquidity needs for the next twelve months. We cannot assure you, however, that our business will generate sufficient cash flow from operations or that future borrowing will be available to us in an amount sufficient to enable us to service our indebtedness, including our credit facility borrowings, or to fund our other liquidity needs. In addition, upon the occurrence of certain events, such as a change of control, we could be required to repay or refinance our indebtedness. We cannot assure you that we will be able to refinance any of our indebtedness, including the variable rate term loan or our credit facility, on commercially reasonable terms or at all. 
Net cash provided by operating activities totaled $36.6 million for YTD 2014, compared to $26.1 million provided in YTD 2013, an increase of $10.5 million. Net income was $16.2 million in YTD 2014, whereas YTD 2013 had net income of $21.3 million, a decrease of $5.1 million. The decrease of net income in YTD 2014 was substantially the result of $15.5 million of call premiums paid for the redemption of our senior secured notes, offset by a reduction of income tax expense of $7.9 million. This use of cash incurred with the redemption of our senior secured notes is added back to operating activities and reduced from financing activities to more accurately reflect cash provided by operations in YTD 2014.  When adjusting for the $15.5 million premium on the redemption of our senior secured notes, our net income would have represented an increase of $10.4 million. Non-cash reconciling items such as depreciation and amortization, amortization of debt costs, stock compensation expense and changes in deferred taxes amounted to a source of cash of $10.6 million and $11.3 million in YTD 2014 and YTD 2013, respectively, a decrease of $0.7 million. In YTD 2014, our assets decreased representing a source of cash of $1.6 million and in YTD 2013 our assets increased representing a use of cash of $8.7 million an improvement of $10.3 million over YTD 2013, which was primarily attributable to collections of our outstanding accounts receivable balances, representing a comparative improvement of $13.3 million, offset in part by a $2.9 million comparative increase in cash used to purchase inventory. During YTD 2014, our combined balances of accrued liabilities and payables decreased, representing a use of cash of $8.8 million and in YTD 2013 accrued liabilities and payables increased, representing a source of cash $1.4 million, thereby resulting in a decrease of cash provided by operating activities of $10.2 million in YTD 2014 compared to YTD 2013. The comparative change in our income tax payable balance represented a comparative source of cash of $0.7 million in YTD 2014.
Net cash used in investing activities totaled $4.5 million for YTD 2014, compared to $5.4 million in YTD 2013. In YTD 2014 we purchased $2.4 million of property, plant, and equipment, in addition to paying $2.1 million to our Predecessor owners. The payment to our Predecessor owners primarily related to an income tax refund which was received in YTD 2014. Substantially all of the cash used in investing activities in YTD 2013 related to capital expenditures.

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Net cash used in financing activities totaled $7.7 million used in YTD 2014 and $13.9 million used in YTD 2013 reflecting a decrease in the use of cash of $6.2 million. In YTD 2014, we paid $15.5 million in prepayment call premiums in connection with the $118.1 million redemption of our senior secured notes. This was accomplished by the borrowing of $135.0 million from a group of banks under a term loan. Net financing activities in YTD 2014 are reflective of $10.1 million in principal payments on the term loan. During YTD 2014, we also received $2.8 million from stock option exercises. In YTD 2013, we received net proceeds on stock options exercised of $4.6 million plus a tax benefit of $3.4 million related to the tax deduction for stock option exercises in excess of the GAAP stock based compensation expense. In YTD 2013, we used cash to redeem $21.6 million in aggregate principal of our senior secured notes and related prepayment premiums.
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
As of December 31, 2013, we do not have any off balance sheet arrangements. In addition, we do not have any interest in entities referred to as variable interest entities, which includes special purposes entities and other structured finance entities.
Effect of Inflation
While inflationary increases in certain input costs, such as wages, have an impact on our operating results, inflation has had minimal net impact on our operating results during the last three years, as overall inflation has been offset by increased selling prices and cost reduction actions. We cannot assure you, however, that we will not be affected by general inflation in the future. 


Critical Accounting Polices
See Part I, Item 7, “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2013 for a discussion of the Company’s critical accounting policies and estimates.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
See Note 1, “Basis of Presentation and Accounting Policy Information” to our unaudited interim condensed consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes thereto included above in Item 1. Financial Statements (Unaudited) of this quarterly report for information on recent accounting pronouncements, which is hereby incorporated by reference into this Item 2. 
Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk
Our primary market risk exposures are the effect of fluctuations in foreign exchange rates, interest rates and commodity prices.
Foreign currency risk relating to operations.  We transact business globally and are subject to risks associated with fluctuating foreign exchange rates. Approximately 68% of our YTD 2014 consolidated revenue was generated by sales from our non-U.S. subsidiaries. Our non-U.S. subsidiaries generally sell their products and services in the local currency, but obtain a significant amount of their products from our facilities located in another country, primarily the United States, Canada or Europe. Significant changes in the relevant exchange rates could adversely affect our margins on foreign sales of products. Our non-U.S. subsidiaries incur most of their expenses (other than intercompany expenses) in their local functional currency. These currencies include the Canadian Dollar, Euro, British Pound, Russian Ruble, Australian Dollar, South Korean Won, Chinese Renminbi, Indian Rupee, Mexican Peso and Japanese Yen. 
During YTD 2014, our largest exposures to foreign exchange rates consisted primarily of the Canadian Dollar and the Euro against the U.S. Dollar. The market risk related to the foreign currency exchange rates is measured by estimating the potential impact of a 10% change in the value of the U.S. Dollar relative to the local currency exchange rates. The rates used to perform this analysis were based on a weighted average of the market rates in effect during the relevant period. A 10% appreciation of the U.S. Dollar relative to the Canadian Dollar would result in a decrease in net income of $1.5 million for YTD 2014. Conversely, a 10% depreciation of the U.S. Dollar relative to the Canadian Dollar would result in an increase in net income of $1.9 million for YTD 2014. A 10% appreciation of the U.S. Dollar relative to the Euro would result in a decrease in net income of $0.3 million for YTD 2014. Conversely, a 10% depreciation of the U.S. Dollar relative to the Euro would result in an increase in net income of $0.4 million for YTD 2014.

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The geographic areas outside the United States in which we operate are generally not considered to be highly inflationary. Nonetheless, these foreign operations are sensitive to fluctuations in currency exchange rates arising from, among other things, certain intercompany transactions that are generally denominated in U.S. Dollars rather than their respective functional currencies. The net impact of foreign currency transactions on our condensed consolidated statements of operations were losses of $0.4 million and $0.2 million in YTD 2014 and YTD 2013, respectively. 
As of December 31, 2013, we had approximately $9.7 million in notional forward contracts to purchase U.S. Dollars in exchange for foreign currencies on a pre-determined future date.  These forward contracts were in place to offset in part the foreign currency exchange risk to intercompany payables due from our foreign operations to be settled in U.S. Dollars.  See Note 2, “Fair Value Measurements” to our unaudited interim condensed financial statements and accompanying notes thereto included above in Item 1. Financial Statements (Unaudited) of this quarterly report for further information regarding our foreign currency forward contracts, as described below.
Because our consolidated financial results are reported in U.S. Dollars, and we generate a substantial amount of our sales and earnings in other currencies, the translation of those results into U.S. Dollars can result in a significant decrease in the amount of those sales and earnings. In addition, fluctuations in currencies relative to the U.S. Dollar may make it more difficult to perform period-to-period comparisons of our reported results of operations. For YTD 2014, we estimate that our sales were negatively affected by $2.7 million as compared to foreign exchange translation rates that were in effect in YTD 2013. The negative impact was primarily attributed to the appreciation of the U.S. Dollar relative to the Canadian Dollar. At each balance sheet date, we translate our assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currency to U.S. Dollars.  The balances of our foreign equity accounts are translated at their historical value.  The difference between the current rates and the historical rates are posted to our currency translation account and reflected in the shareholders’ equity section of our condensed consolidated balance sheets. The unrealized effect of foreign currency translation was a loss of $2.5 million in YTD 2014, compared to a loss of $0.2 million in YTD 2013. Currency translation gains or losses are reported as part of comprehensive income or loss which is after net income in the condensed consolidated statements of comprehensive income (unaudited). As discussed above, foreign currency transactions gains and losses are the result of the settlement of payables and receivables in foreign currency. These gains or losses are included in net income or loss as part of miscellaneous income in the condensed consolidated statements of comprehensive income (unaudited).
Interest rate risk and foreign currency risk relating to debt.  The interest rate for the variable rate term loan was 2.69% as of December 31, 2013. During the three months ended June 30, 2013, we entered into an interest rate swap agreement which became effective as of July 31, 2013. Based on the terms of the agreement we expect our interest rate to be fixed at 3.62% for the life of the loan. Borrowings on our revolving credit facility will incur interest expense that is variable in relation to the LIBOR rate. At December 31, 2013, the interest rate on amounts outstanding on our revolving credit facility would have been approximately 2.69%, had there been any borrowings outstanding. During the nine months ended December 31, 2013, we did not draw on our revolving credit facility. Based on historical balances on our revolving credit facility, we do not anticipate that a one percent increase or decrease in our interest rate would have a significant impact on our operations. We cannot provide assurance that historical borrowings will be reflective of our future use of the revolving credit facility.
As of December 31, 2013, we had $124.9 million of outstanding principal on our variable rate LIBOR-based term loan. Based on the outstanding borrowings, a 1% change in the interest rate would result in a $1.2 million increase or decrease in our annual interest expense. Although we cannot provide assurance, we believe that the increase or decrease in interest rates will be largely offset by gains or losses from our variable to fixed interest rate swap.
Commodity price risk.  We use various commodity-based raw materials in our manufacturing processes. Generally, we acquire such components at market prices and do not typically enter into long-term purchase commitments with suppliers or hedging instruments to mitigate commodity price risk. As a result, we are subject to market risks related to changes in commodity prices and supplies of key components of our products. Historically, the costs of our primary raw materials have been stable and readily available from multiple suppliers. Typically, we have been able to pass on raw material cost increases to our customers. We cannot provide any assurance, however, that we may be able to pass along such cost increases to our customers or source sufficient amounts of key components on commercially reasonable terms or at all in the future, and if we are unable to do so, our results of operations may be adversely affected.
Item 4. Controls and Procedures
Controls and Procedures
Disclosure Controls and Procedures
Under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including its Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, we have evaluated the effectiveness of the design and operation of its disclosure controls and procedures

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pursuant to Rule 13a-15(b) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the “Exchange Act”) as of the end of the period covered by this quarterly report. Based on that evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have concluded that, as of the end of the period covered by this quarterly report, these disclosure controls and procedures were effective to provide reasonable assurance that information required to be disclosed in the reports filed or submitted under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms, and that such information is accumulated and communicated to our management to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure. 
Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
There have been no changes in our internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the last fiscal quarter that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting. 
Limitations on Effectiveness of Controls
Our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, does not expect that our disclosure controls and procedures or internal control over financial reporting will prevent all errors and all fraud. A control system, no matter how well conceived and operated, can only provide reasonable, not absolute, assurances that the objectives of the control system are met. The design of a control system reflects resource constraints, and the benefits of controls must be considered relative to their costs. Because there are inherent limitations in all control systems, no evaluation of controls can provide absolute assurance that all control issues and instances of error or fraud, if any, within our company have been or will be detected.
PART II
OTHER INFORMATION
Item 1. Legal Proceedings
There have been no material changes from the legal proceedings previously disclosed in Item 1 of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended March 31, 2013 filed with the SEC on June 10, 2013.

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Item 1A. Risk Factors
There have been no material changes from the risk factors previously disclosed in Item 1A of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2013 filed with the SEC on June 10, 2013.
Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
There were no unregistered sales of our equity securities during the three months ended December 31, 2013. 
Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities
None.
Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures
Not applicable
Item 5. Other Information
None.
Item 6. Exhibits
See Exhibit Index on the page immediately following the signature page hereto for a list of exhibits filed as part of this quarterly report, which Exhibit Index is incorporated herein by reference.

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SIGNATURE
 
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
 
 
THERMON GROUP HOLDINGS, INC. (registrant)
Date: February 6, 2014
By:
 
/s/ Jay Peterson
 
Name:
 
Jay Peterson
 
Title:
 
Chief Financial Officer
(Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)

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EXHIBIT INDEX
 
Exhibit
Number
 
Description
 
 
 
31.1
 
Certification of Rodney Bingham, Chief Executive Officer, pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002*
 
 
 
31.2
 
Certification of Jay Peterson, Chief Financial Officer, pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002*
 
 
 
32.1
 
Certification of Rodney Bingham, Chief Executive Officer, pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002*
 
 
 
32.2
 
Certification of Jay Peterson, Chief Financial Officer, pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002*
 
 
 
101
 
Interactive Data Files Pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T: (i) Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets, (ii) Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income, (iii) Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows, and (iv) Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
 __________________________________

*                                         Filed herewith.



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