scx20190630_10k.htm

All references in this Annual Report to “Starrett”, the “Company”, “we”, “our” and “us” mean The L.S. Starrett Company and its subsidiaries.

Founded in 1880 by Laroy S. Starrett and incorporated in 1929, The L.S. Starrett Company (the “Company”) is engaged in the business of manufacturing over 5,000 different products for industrial, professional and consumer markets. The Company has a long history of global manufacturing experience and currently operates 4 major global manufacturing plants. The one domestic location is in Athol, Massachusetts (1880) and the international operations are located in Itu, Brazil (1956), Jedburgh, Scotland (1958) and Suzhou, China (1997). All subsidiaries principally serve the global manufacturing industrial base with concentration in the metalworking, construction, machinery, equipment, aerospace and automotive markets.

The Company offers its broad array of measuring and cutting products to the market through multiple channels of distribution throughout the world. The Company’s products include precision tools, electronic gages, gage blocks, optical vision and laser measuring equipment, custom engineered granite solutions, tape measures, levels, chalk products, squares, band saw blades, hole saws, hacksaw blades, jig saw blades, reciprocating saw blades, M1® lubricant and precision ground flat stock. The Company primarily distributes its precision hand tools, saw and construction products through distributors or resellers both domestically and internationally. Starrett® is brand recognized around the world for precision, quality and innovation.

In accordance with the provisions of Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) 280, Segment Reporting, for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2019 (fiscal 2019), we determined that we have two reportable operating segments (North America and International). Refer to Note 17, Financial Information by Segment & Geographical Area, contained in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in Part II, Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K, for more information on our reportable segments.

The Company’s tools and instruments are sold throughout North America and in over 100 other countries. The largest consumer of these products is the manufacturing industry including metalworking, aerospace, medical, and automotive but other important consumers are marine and farm equipment shops, do-it-yourselfers and tradesmen such as builders, carpenters, plumbers and electricians.

For 139 years, the Company has been a recognized leader in providing measurement and cutting solutions to industry. Measurement tools consist of precision instruments such as micrometers, vernier calipers, height gages, depth gages, electronic gages, dial indicators, steel rules, combination squares, custom, non-contact and in-process gaging such as optical, vision and laser measurement systems. The Company has expanded its product offering in the field of test and measurement equipment, with force measurement and material test equipment. Skilled personnel, superior products, manufacturing expertise, innovation and unmatched service has earned the Company its reputation as the “Best in Class” provider of measuring application solutions for industry. During fiscal 2015, the Company introduced material test systems consisting of hardware and cutting edge software with capacities up to 50KN, in addition to new manual and automated FOV (Field of View) measurement systems. These systems we believe will be attractive to industry to reduce measurement and inspection time and are ideal for quality assurance, inspection labs, manufacturing and research facilities.

The Company’s saw and hand tool product lines enjoy strong global brand recognition and market share. These products encompass a breadth of uses. The Company introduced several new products in the recent past including a new line of hand tools for measuring, marking and layout that include tapes, levels, chalk lines and other products for the building trades. In fiscal 2016 and 2017, the Company introduced new products to its hand tool portfolio to extend its reach into the construction and retail trades. The continued focus on high performance, production band saw applications has resulted in the development of two new ADVANZ carbide tipped products MC5 and MC7 ideal for cutting ferrous materials (MC7) and non-ferrous metals and castings (MC5). These actions are aimed at positioning the Company for global growth in wide band products for production applications.

As one of the premier industrial brands, the Company continues to be focused on every touch point with its customers. To that end, the Company now offers modern, easy-to-use interfaces for distributors and end-users including interactive catalogs and several online applications.

At June 30, 2019, the Company had 1,603 employees, approximately 51% of whom were domestic. This represents a net increase from June 30, 2018 of 31 employees. The headcount change included an increase of 2 domestically and 29 internationally.

None of the Company’s operations are subject to collective bargaining agreements. In general, the Company considers relations with its employees to be excellent. Domestic employees hold shares of Company stock resulting from various stock purchase plans and employee stock ownership plans. The Company believes that this dual role of owner-employee has strengthened employee morale over the years.

The Company competes on the basis of its reputation as the best in class for quality, precision and innovation combined with its commitment to customer service and strong customer relationships. To that end, Starrett is increasingly focusing on providing customer centric solutions. Although the Company is generally operating in highly competitive markets, the Company’s competitive position cannot be determined accurately in the aggregate or by specific market since none of its competitors offer all of the same product lines offered by the Company or serve all of the markets served by the Company.

The Company is one of the largest producers of mechanics’ hand measuring tools and precision instruments. In the United States, there are three major foreign competitors and numerous small companies in the field. As a result, the industry is highly competitive. During fiscal 2019, there were no material changes in the Company’s competitive position. The Company’s products for the building trades, such as tape measures and levels, are under constant margin pressure due to a channel shift to large national home and hardware retailers. The Company has responded to such challenges by expanding its manufacturing operations in China. Certain large customers also offer their own private labels “own brand” that compete with Starrett branded products. These products are often sourced directly from low cost countries.

Saw products encounter competition from several domestic and international sources. The Company’s competitive position varies by market and country. Continued research and development, new patented products and processes, strategic acquisitions and investments and strong customer support have enabled the Company to compete successfully in both general and performance oriented applications.

The operations of the Company’s foreign subsidiaries are consolidated in its financial statements. The subsidiaries located in Brazil, Scotland and China are actively engaged in the manufacturing and distribution of precision measuring tools, saw blades, optical and vision measuring equipment and hand tools. Subsidiaries in Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Mexico, and Singapore are engaged in distribution of the Company’s products. The Company expects its foreign subsidiaries to continue to play a significant role in its overall operations. A summary of the Company’s foreign operations is contained in Note 17 to the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements.

The Company generally fills orders from finished goods inventories on hand. Sales order backlog of the Company at any point in time is not significant, however, as of June 30, 2019 backorders were approximately $6.6 million or $3.4 million below fiscal 2018. Total inventories amounted to $61.8 million at June 30, 2019 and $58.0 million at June 30, 2018.

When appropriate, the Company applies for patent protection on new inventions and currently owns a number of patents. Its patents are considered important in the operation of the business, but no single patent is of material importance when viewed from the standpoint of its overall business. The Company relies on its continuing product research and development efforts, with less dependence on its current patent position. It has for many years maintained engineers and supporting personnel engaged in research, product development and related activities. The expenditures for these activities during fiscal years 2019, 2018, and 2017 were approximately $3.7 million, $3.6 million, and $3.5 million, respectively.

The Company uses trademarks with respect to its products and considers its trademark portfolio to be one of its most valuable assets. All of the Company’s important trademarks are registered and rigorously enforced.

Compliance with federal, state, local, and foreign provisions that have been enacted or adopted regulating the discharge of materials into the environment or otherwise relating to protection of the environment is not expected to have a material effect on the capital expenditures, earnings and competitive position of the Company. Specifically, the Company has taken steps to reduce, control and treat water discharges and air emissions. The Company takes seriously its responsibility to the environment and has embraced renewable energy alternatives and received approval from federal and state regulators in fiscal 2013 to begin using its new hydro – generation facility, an investment in excess of $1.0 million, at its Athol, MA plant to reduce its carbon footprint and energy costs.

Globalization has had a profound impact on product offerings and buying behaviors of industry and consumers in North America and around the world, resulting in the Company revising its strategy to fit this new, highly competitive business environment. The Company continuously evaluates most aspects of its business, aiming for new ideas to set itself apart from its competition.

Our strategic concentration is building a global brand and providing unique customer value propositions through technically supported application solutions for our customers. Our job is to recommend and produce the best suited standard product or to design and build custom solutions. The combination of the right tool for the job with value added service gives us a competitive advantage. The Company continues its focus on lean manufacturing, plant consolidations, global sourcing, new software and hardware technologies, and improved logistics to optimize its value chain.

The execution of these strategic initiatives has expanded the Company’s manufacturing and distribution in developing economies, resulting in international sales revenues totaling 44% of consolidated sales for fiscal 2019.

The Company makes its public filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission “SEC”, including its Annual Report on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, Current Reports on Form 8-K and all exhibits and amendments to these reports, available free of charge at its website, www.starrett.com, as soon as reasonably practicable after the Company files such material with the SEC. Information contained on the Company’s website is not part of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

SAFE HARBOR STATEMENT UNDER THE PRIVATE SECURITIES LITIGATION REFORM ACT OF 1995

This Annual Report on Form 10-K and the Company’s 2019 Annual Report to Stockholders, including the President’s letter, contain forward-looking statements about the Company’s business, competition, sales, gross margins, capital expenditures, foreign operations, plans for reorganization, interest rate sensitivity, debt service, liquidity and capital resources, and other operating and capital requirements. In addition, forward-looking statements may be included in future Company documents and in oral statements by Company representatives to security analysts and investors. The Company is subject to risks that could cause actual events to vary materially from such forward-looking statements, including the following risk factors:

The Company’s results of operations may be materially affected by the conditions in the global economy. These include both world - wide and regional economic conditions and geo-political events. These conditions may affect financial markets, consumer and customer confidence. The Company can provide no assurance that current economic trends will or will not continue.

Technological innovation by competitors could adversely affect financial results.

Although the Company’s strategy includes investment in research and development of new and innovative products to meet technology advances, there can be no assurance that the Company will be successful in competing against new technologies developed by competitors.

International operations and our financial results in those markets may be affected by legal, regulatory, political, currency exchange and other economic risks.

During 2019, revenue from sales outside of the United States was $100.7 million, representing approximately 44% of consolidated sales. In addition, a significant amount of our manufacturing and production operations are located, or our products are sourced from, outside the United States. As a result, our business is subject to risks associated with international operations. These risks include the burdens of complying with foreign laws and regulations, unexpected changes in tariffs, taxes or regulatory requirements, and political unrest and corruption. Regulatory changes could occur in the countries in which we sell, produce or source our products or significantly increase the cost of operating in or obtaining materials originating from certain countries. Restrictions imposed by such changes can have a particular impact on our business when, after we have moved our operations to a particular location, new unfavorable regulations are enacted in that area or favorable regulations currently in effect are changed.

Countries in which our products are manufactured or sold may from time to time impose additional new regulations, or modify existing regulations, including:

In addition, political and economic changes or volatility, geopolitical regional conflicts, terrorist activity, political unrest, civil strife, acts of war, public corruption and other economic or political uncertainties could interrupt and negatively affect our business operations. All of these factors could result in increased costs or decreased revenues and could materially and adversely affect our product sales, financial condition and results of operations.

We are also subject to the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, in addition to the anti-corruption laws of the foreign countries in which we operate. Although we implement policies and procedures designed to promote compliance with these laws, our employees, contractors and agents, as well as those companies to which we outsource certain of our business operations, may take actions in violation of our policies. Any such violation could result in sanctions or other penalties and have an adverse effect on our business, reputation and operating results.

Economic weakness in the industrial manufacturing sector could adversely affect the Company’s financial results.

The market for most of the Company’s products is subject to economic conditions affecting the industrial manufacturing sector, including the level of capital spending by industrial companies and the general movement of manufacturing to low cost foreign countries where the Company does not have a substantial market presence. Accordingly, economic weakness in the industrial manufacturing sector may, and in some cases has, resulted in decreased demand for certain of the Company’s products, which adversely affects sales and performance. Economic weakness in the consumer market will also adversely impact the Company’s performance. In the event that demand for any of the Company’s products declines significantly, the Company could be required to recognize certain costs as well as asset impairment charges on long-lived assets related to those products.

Volatility in the price of energy and raw materials could negatively affect our margins.

Steel is the principal raw material used in the manufacture of the Company’s products. The price of steel has historically fluctuated on a cyclical basis and has often depended on a variety of factors over which the Company has no control. The cost of producing the Company’s products is also sensitive to the price of energy. The selling prices of the Company’s products have not always increased in response to raw material, energy or other cost increases, and the Company is unable to determine to what extent, if any, it will be able to pass future cost increases through to its customers. The Company’s inability to pass increased costs through to its customers could materially and adversely affect its financial condition or results of operations.

The inability to meet expected investment returns and changes to interest rates could have a negative impact on Pension plan assets and liabilities.

Currently, the Company’s U.S. defined benefit pension plan is underfunded primarily due to lower discount rates which increase the Company’s liability. The Company made contributions of $4.4 million in fiscal 2019, and $3.3 million in fiscal 2018 and will be required to make additional contributions in fiscal 2020 of $6.7 million. The Company could be required to provide more funding to the domestic plan in the future. The Company froze the domestic defined benefit pension plan as of December 31, 2016. As a result of this decision, no future benefits will accrue to employees under that plan. The Company’s UK plan, which is also underfunded, required Company contributions of $1.0 million and $1.1 million during fiscal 2019 and 2018, respectively. The Company will be required to make a $1.0 million contribution to its UK pension plan in fiscal 2020.

Acquisitions involve special risks, including the potential assumption of unanticipated liabilities and contingencies, difficulty in assimilating the operations and personnel of the acquired businesses, disruption of the Company’s existing business, dissipation of the Company’s limited management resources, and impairment of relationships with employees and customers of the acquired business as a result of changes in ownership and management. While the Company believes that strategic acquisitions can improve its competitiveness and profitability, the failure to successfully integrate and realize the expected benefits of such acquisitions could have an adverse effect on the Company’s business, financial condition and operating results.

We are subject to certain risks as a result of our financial borrowings. Under the Company’s credit facility with TD Bank, N.A., the Company is required to comply with certain financial covenants, including: 1) funded debt to EBITDA, excluding non-cash and retirement benefit expenses (“maximum leverage”), cannot exceed 2.25 to 1; 2) annual capital expenditures cannot exceed $15.0 million; 3) maintain a Debt Service Coverage Rate of a minimum of 1.25 to 1 and 4) maintain consolidated cash plus liquid investments of not less than $10.0 million at any time. The Company believes that it will be able to service its debt and comply with the financial covenants in future periods; however, it cannot be assured of results of operations or future credit and financial markets conditions. An event of default under the credit facility, if not waived, could prevent additional borrowing and could result in the acceleration of the Company’s debt. As of June 30, 2019, the Company was in compliance with all the covenants. The credit facility expires in April of 2021.

Any inadequacy, interruption, integration failure or security failure with respect to our information technology could harm our ability to effectively operate our business.

The efficient operation of the Company's business is dependent on its information systems, including its ability to operate them effectively and to successfully implement new technologies, systems, controls and adequate disaster recovery systems. In addition, the Company must protect the confidentiality of data of its business, employees, customers and other third parties. The failure of the Company's information systems to perform as designed or its failure to implement and operate them effectively could disrupt the Company's business or subject it to liability and thereby harm its profitability. The Company continues to enhance the applications contained in the Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system as well as improvements to other operating systems.

Failure to comply with laws, rules and regulations could negatively affect our business operations and financial performance.

Our business is subject to federal, state, local and international laws, rules and regulations, such as state and local wage and hour laws, the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, the False Claims Act, the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (“ERISA”), securities laws, import and export laws (including customs regulations) and many others. The complexity of the regulatory environment in which we operate and the related cost of compliance are both increasing due to changes in legal and regulatory requirements, increased enforcement and our ongoing expansion into new markets and new channels. In addition, as a result of operating in multiple countries, we must comply with multiple foreign laws and regulations that may differ substantially from country to country and may conflict with corresponding U.S. laws and regulations. We may also be subject to investigations or audits by governmental authorities and regulatory agencies, which can occur in the ordinary course of business or which can result from increased scrutiny from a particular agency towards an industry, country or practice. If we fail to comply with laws, rules and regulations or the manner in which they are interpreted or applied, we may be subject to government enforcement action, class action litigation or other litigation, damage to our reputation, civil and criminal liability, damages, fines and penalties, and increased cost of regulatory compliance, any of which could adversely affect our results of operations and financial performance.

Our tax rate is dependent upon a number of factors, a change in any of which could impact our future tax rates and net income.

Our future tax rates may be adversely affected by a number of factors, including the enactment of certain tax legislation being considered in the U.S. and other countries; other changes in tax laws or the interpretation of such tax laws; changes in the estimated realization of our net deferred tax assets; the jurisdictions in which profits are determined to be earned and taxed; the repatriation of non-U.S. earnings for which we have not previously provided for U.S. income and non-U.S. withholding taxes; adjustments to estimated taxes upon finalization of various tax returns; increases in expenses that are not deductible for tax purposes, including impairment of goodwill in connection with acquisitions; changes in available tax credits; and the resolution of issues arising from tax audits with various tax authorities. Losses for which no tax benefits can be recorded could materially impact our tax rate and its volatility from one quarter to another. Any significant change in our jurisdictional earnings mix or in the tax laws in those jurisdictions could impact our future tax rates and net income in those periods.

The Company’s principal plant and its corporate headquarters are located in Athol, MA on approximately 15 acres of Company-owned land. The plant consists of 25 buildings, mostly of brick construction of varying dates, with approximately 535,000 square feet.

The Company’s Webber Gage Division in Cleveland, OH, owns and occupies two buildings totaling approximately 50,000 square feet.

The Company-owned facility in Mt. Airy, NC consists of a complex of interconnected buildings totaling approximately 320,000 square feet. It is occupied by the Company’s Saw Division and a distribution center.

The Company’s subsidiary in Itu, Brazil owns and occupies several buildings totaling 209,000 square feet.

The Company’s subsidiary in Jedburgh, Scotland owns and occupies a 175,000 square foot building.

A wholly owned manufacturing subsidiary in The People’s Republic of China leases a 133,000 square foot building in Suzhou and leases a sales office in Shanghai.

The Tru-Stone Division owns and occupies a 106,000 square foot facility in Waite Park, MN.

The Kinemetric Engineering Division occupies an 18,000 square foot leased facility in Laguna Hills, CA.

The Bytewise Division occupies a 22,000 square foot leased facility in Columbus, GA.

In addition, the Company operates warehouses and/or sales-support offices in the U.S., Australia, New Zealand, Mexico, Singapore and Japan.

In the Company’s opinion, all of its property, plant and equipment are in good operating condition, well maintained and adequate for its current and foreseeable needs.

In the ordinary course of business, the Company is involved from time to time in litigation that is not considered material to its financial condition or operations.

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

The Company’s Class A common stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange. Quarterly dividend and high/low closing market price information is presented in the table below. The Company’s Class B common stock is generally nontransferable, except to lineal descendants of stockholders, and thus has no established trading market, but it can be converted into Class A common stock at any time. The Class B common stock was issued on October 5, 1988, and the Company has paid the same dividends thereon as have been paid on the Class A common stock since that date. On June 30, 2019, there were approximately 1,097 registered holders of Class A common stock and approximately 897 registered holders of Class B common stock.

The Company’s dividend policy is subject to periodic review by the Board of Directors. Based upon economic conditions, the Board of Directors decided to suspend its quarterly dividend of $0.10 as of the quarter ended March 31, 2018.

In the fourth quarter of fiscal 2019, there were zero Class A shares and 1,725 Class B shares repurchased.

The following graph sets forth information comparing the cumulative total return to holders of the Company’s Class A common stock based on the market price of the Company’s Class A common stock over the last five fiscal years with (1) the cumulative total return of the Russell 2000 Index (“Russell 2000”) and (2) a peer group index (the “Peer Group”) reflecting the cumulative total returns of certain small cap manufacturing companies as described below. The peer group is comprised of the following companies: Acme United, Q.E.P. Co. Inc., Badger Meter, National Presto Industries, Regal-Beloit Corp., Tennant Company, The Eastern Company and WD-40.

The following selected financial data have been derived from and should be read in conjunction with “Management Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and our Consolidated Financial Statements and notes thereto, included elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Items 7 and 7A- Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations and Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk

L. S. Starrett is a global manufacturing company with diversified product lines, multiple sales channels and broad geographic reach. Our core precision hand tool and saw product lines produced significant revenue and operating profit growth in fiscal 2019. This was a result of cost reductions relative to improved manufacturing processes and systems. The Company’s high-end metrology business experienced flat revenue and lower operating profits due to softening in automotive demand, slower growth in China and increased investments in research and development.

Net sales for fiscal 2019 increased $11.7 million or 5% compared to fiscal 2018. Excluding the effects of foreign currency of $10 million, sales revenue increased $21.7 million or 10%. Unit volume, new products and price increases, represented $13.6, $4.8 and $3.3 million, respectively of the sales growth.

Gross margins increased $5.3 million or 8% from $69.6 million to $74.9 million. As a percent of sales, gross margins increased 0.7%. North America and International increased $1.4 million and $3.9 million, respectively.

Selling, general and administrative expenses decreased $0.3 million from $64.0 million in fiscal 2018 to $63.7 million in fiscal 2019 as a $2.4 million increase in constant currency was offset by a $2.7 currency decline due to a weaker Brazilian Real and British Pound.

Operating income more than doubled, increasing $5.7 million from $5.5 million in fiscal 2018 to $11.2 million in fiscal 2019.

Net sales in North America increased $8.0 million or 6% from $128.4 million in fiscal 2018 to $136.4 million in fiscal 2019, principally due to a $7.3 million or 12% increase in precision hand tools. International sales increased $3.7 million or 4% from $87.9 million in fiscal 2018 to $91.6 million in fiscal 2019 as a recovery from recession in Brazil resulted in a $4.5 million revenue improvement offsetting a $10 million reduction related to foreign currency losses. Excluding the aforementioned foreign currency impacts international sales increased $13.7 million.

Gross margin in North America increased $1.4 million from $39.4 million in fiscal 2018 to $40.8 million in fiscal 2019 primarily due to increased revenue and improved margins for precision hand tools. International gross margins increased $3.9 million from $30.2 million in fiscal 2018 to $34.1 million in fiscal 2019 based upon increased sales and reduced cost in Brazil.

North American selling, general and administrative expenses, including Corporate expenses, increased $1.4 million or 4% principally due to higher selling and incentive pay expenses. International selling, general and administrative expenses decreased $1.7 million or 6% due lower foreign exchange in Brazilian expenses.

Operating profit improved $5.7 million as a result of increased sales revenues and lower costs in both North America and International.

As outlined in Notes 10 and 12 to the Consolidated Financial Statements, pension expense, excluding service cost, was reclassified to Other Income (Expense) for fiscal years 2019, 2018 and 2017. Other expense increased $1.0 million from $0.6 million in fiscal 2018 to an expense of $1.6 million in fiscal 2019 due primarily to income related to an international tax settlement of $1.1 million and the settlement of patent litigation of $0.7 in fiscal 2019.

The income tax rate for fiscal 2019 was 36.7% on pre-tax income of $9.6 million. The tax rate is higher than the U. S. statutory rate as a result of the Global Intangible Low Taxed Income “GILTI” provisions, which became effective in fiscal 2019 as well as changes in the international mix of earnings, particularly in Brazil with a statutory rate of 34%.

The income tax rate for fiscal 2018 was 174.7% on pre-tax income of $4.9 million. This rate compares to a normalized statutory U. S. federal and state rate of 32%. The primary reason for the higher effective tax rate is due to the reduction of the deferred tax asset due to the change in tax rates enacted in the United States.

The Company continues to recognize the benefit of most U.S. deferred tax assets as, after weighing the positive and negative evidence, it believes it is more likely than not that those benefits will be recognized.

Net sales for fiscal 2018 increased $9.3 million or 4% compared to fiscal 2017, with North America posting an increase of $3.8 million or 3% and International growing $5.5 million or 7%. Unit volume and price increases, particularly in Brazil, represented $3.5 million and $4.5 million, respectively of the sales growth. New products, primarily in high-end metrology capital equipment, accounted for an additional $1.5 million in sales, with foreign currency losses of $0.2 million the remainder of the sales change. Gross margins increased $7.0 million or 11% from $62.0 million or 30% of sales in fiscal 2017 to $69.0 million or 32% of sales in fiscal 2018 with North America and International posting increases of $4.5 million and $2.5 million, respectively. Selling, general and administrative expenses increased $2.2 million or 4% from $62.0 million in fiscal 2017 to $64.2 million in fiscal 2018. Restructuring charges related to the saw plant consolidation declined $1.0 million in fiscal 2018 from fiscal 2017. Operating income improved $5.7 million from a $1.0 million loss in fiscal 2017 to a profit of $4.7 million in fiscal 2018.

Net sales in North America increased $3.8 million or 3% from $124.6 million in fiscal 2017 to $128.4 million in fiscal 2018, principally due to gains in high-end metrology capital equipment. International sales increased $5.5 million or 7% from $82.4 million in fiscal 2017 to $87.9 million in fiscal 2018 as all locations, particularly Brazil, posted gains.

Gross margin in North America increased $4.5 million from $34.4 million in fiscal 2017 to $38.9 million in fiscal 2018 primarily due to improvements in precision hand tools and high-end metrology capital equipment. International gross margins increased $2.5 million from $27.6 million in fiscal 2017 to $30.1 million in fiscal 2018 based upon increased sales and reduced cost in Brazil.

North American selling, general and administrative expenses, which includes Corporate expenses, increased $1.5 million or 4% principally due to increased research and development investment in high-end metrology. International selling, general and administrative expenses increased $0.7 million or 3% due to increased sales commissions in Brazil.

Operating profit improved $5.7 million based upon improved operating profits in North America and International and lower Corporate expenses.

Other income (expense) in fiscal 2018 increased $0.6 million compared to fiscal 2017 principally due to favorable tax settlements in Brazil.

The income tax rate for fiscal 2018 was 174.7% on pre-tax income of $4.9 million. This compares to a normalized statutory U.S. federal and state rate of 32%. The primary reason for a higher effective tax rate is due to the reduction of the deferred tax asset due to the change in tax rates enacted in the United States. Before the deferred asset charge, tax expense for fiscal 2018 was 44.7% on pre-tax income of $4.9 million. Excluding the impact of the change in the tax rate applied to deferred tax assets, the effective fiscal 2018 tax rate is higher than the statutory U.S. federal and state rate primarily due to the increase in the valuation allowance recorded against U.S. foreign tax credits and state net operating loss carryforwards which the Company has determined are more likely than not to expire unutilized.

The income tax rate for fiscal 2017 was 35.6% on pre-tax income of $1.5 million. This compares to a normalized statutory U.S. federal and state rate of 38%. The primary reasons for a lower effective tax rate is due to the benefit of earnings in foreign jurisdictions with lower effective tax rates and a one-time tax benefit in Canada which was offset by discrete tax charges including the impact of a tax rate change in the U.K. applied to deferred tax assets.

The Company continues to recognize the benefit of most U.S. deferred tax assets. After weighing the positive and negative evidence, the Company has provided a valuation allowance against certain foreign tax credits and state net operating loss carryforwards that are expected to expire unutilized.

Market risk is the potential change in a financial instrument’s value caused by fluctuations in interest and currency exchange rates, and equity and commodity prices. The Company’s operating activities expose it to risks that are continually monitored, evaluated and managed. Proper management of these risks helps reduce the likelihood of earnings volatility.

The Company does not engage in tracking, market-making or other speculative activities in derivatives markets. The Company does enter into long-term supply contracts with either fixed prices or quantities. The Company engages in an immaterial amount of hedging activity to minimize the impact of foreign currency fluctuations but has no forward currency contracts outstanding at June 30, 2019. Net foreign monetary assets are approximately $12.9 million as of June 30, 2019.

A 10% change in interest rates would not have a significant impact on the aggregate net fair value of the Company’s interest rate sensitive financial instruments or the cash flows or future earnings associated with those financial instruments. A 10% increase in interest rates would not have a material impact on our borrowing costs. See Note 13 Debt to the Consolidated Financial Statements for details concerning the Company’s long-term debt outstanding of $17.5 million.

The Company has a working capital ratio of 3.7 as of June 30, 2019 and 4.3 as of June 30, 2018 as higher accounts receivable and inventory balances were offset by increased accounts payable and accrued expenses. Cash, accounts receivable and inventories represent 94% of current assets in both fiscal 2019 and fiscal 2018. The Company had accounts receivable turnover of 6.6 in fiscal 2019 and 6.8 in fiscal 2018 and an inventory turnover ratio of 2.5 in both fiscal 2019 and in fiscal 2018.

Net cash provided by operations of $8.4 million in fiscal 2019 was principally due a $6.1 net earnings plus add back of non-cash expenses of depreciation and amortization of $7.3 million more than offsetting changes in working capital and pension funding.

The Company posted a $0.8 cash improvement in fiscal 2019 as $8.4 million provided by operations more than offset $7.2 million used in investing activities.

Effects of translation rate changes on cash primarily result from the movement of the U.S. dollar against the British Pound, the Euro and the Brazilian Real. The Company uses a limited number of forward contracts to hedge some of this activity and a natural hedge strategy of paying for foreign purchases in local currency when economically advantageous.

The Company believes it maintains sufficient liquidity and has the resources to fund its operations in the near term. In addition to its cash and short-term investments, the Company has available a $23.0 million line of credit, of which, $0.9 million is reserved for letters of credit and $14.9 million was outstanding as of June 30, 2019.

The Company amended its Loan and Security Agreement, which includes a Line of Credit and a Term Loan, in January 2018 with changes that took effect on April 25, 2018. Borrowings under the Line of Credit may not exceed $23.0 million. The agreement expires on April 30, 2021 and has an interest rate of LIBOR plus 1.5%.

Availability under the Credit Facility is subject to a borrowing base comprised of accounts receivable and inventory. The Company believes that the borrowing base will consistently produce availability under the Credit Facility in excess of $23.0 million. As of July 31, 2019, the Company had borrowings of $14.9 million under the Credit Facility.

The Credit Facility contains financial covenants with respect to leverage, tangible net worth, and interest coverage, and also contains customary affirmative and negative covenants, including limitations on indebtedness, liens, acquisitions, asset dispositions, and fundamental corporate changes, and certain customary events of default. The financial covenants of the amended Loan and Security Agreement are: 1) funded debt to EBITDA, excluding non-cash and retirement benefit expenses (“maximum leverage”), not to exceed 2.25 to 1.0, 2) annual capital expenditures not to exceed $15.0 million, 3) maintain a Debt Service Coverage Rate of a minimum of 1.25 to 1.0 and 4) maintain consolidated cash plus liquid investments of not less than $10.0 million at any time. Upon the occurrence and continuation of an event of default, the lender may terminate the revolving credit commitment and require immediate payment of the entire unpaid principal amount of the Credit Facility. The Company was in compliance with all debt covenants as of June 30, 2019.

The Company does not have any material off-balance sheet arrangements as defined under the Securities and Exchange Commission rules.

The preparation of financial statements and related disclosures in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make judgments, assumptions and estimates that affect the amounts reported in the consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes. Note 2 to the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements describes the significant accounting policies and methods used in the preparation of the consolidated financial statements.

Judgments, assumptions, and estimates are used for, but not limited to, the allowance for doubtful accounts receivable and returned goods; inventory allowances; income tax reserves; long lived assets and goodwill impairment; as well as employee turnover, discount and return rates used to calculate pension obligations.

Future events and their effects cannot be determined with absolute certainty. Therefore, the determination of estimates requires the exercise of judgment. Actual results inevitably will differ from those estimates, and such differences may be material to the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements. The following sections describe the Company’s critical accounting policies.

Revenue Recognition and Accounts Receivable: On July 1, 2018, the Company adopted ASC Topic 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers, and all the related amendments “ASC Topic 606”, using the modified retrospective method. In addition, the Company elected to apply certain of the permitted practical expedients within the revenue recognition guidance and make certain accounting policy elections, including those related to significant financing components, sales taxes and shipping and handling activities. Most of the changes resulting from the adoption of ASC Topic 606 on July 1, 2018 were changes in presentation within the Consolidated Balance Sheet. Therefore, while the Company made adjustments to certain opening balances on its July 1, 2018 Consolidated Balance Sheet, the Company made no adjustment to opening Retained Earnings. The impact of the adoption of ASC Topic 606 has been immaterial to its net income on an ongoing basis; however, adoption did increase the level of disclosures concerning net sales. Results for reporting periods beginning July 1, 2018 are presented under the new guidance, while prior period amounts continue to be reported in accordance with previous guidance without revision.

The core principle of ASC Topic 606 is that an entity recognizes revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods and services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods and services. The application of the FASB’s guidance on revenue recognition requires the Company to recognize as revenue the amount of consideration that the Company expects to receive in exchange for goods and services transferred to our customers. To do this, the Company applies the five-step model prescribed by the FASB, which requires us to: (1) identify the contract with the customer; (2) identify the performance obligations in the contract; (3) determine the transaction price; (4) allocate the transaction price to the performance obligations in the contract; and (5) recognize revenue when, or as, the Company satisfies a performance obligation.

The Company accounts for a contract or purchase order when it has approval and commitment from both parties, the rights of the parties are identified, payment terms are identified, the contract has commercial substance and collectability of consideration is probable. Revenue is recognized when control of the product passes to the customer, which is upon shipment, unless otherwise specified within the customer contract or on the purchase order as delivery, and is recognized at the amount that reflects the consideration the Company expects to receive for the products sold, including various forms of discounts. When revenue is recorded, estimates of returns are made and recorded as a reduction of revenue. Contracts with customers are evaluated to determine if there are separate performance obligations related to timing of product shipment that will be satisfied in different accounting periods. When that is the case, revenue is deferred until each performance obligation is met. No performance obligation related amounts were deferred as of June 30, 2019. Purchase orders are of durations less than one year. As such, the Company applies the practical expedient in ASC paragraph 606-10-50-14 and does not disclose information about remaining performance obligations that have original expected durations of one year or less, for which work has not yet been performed.

Certain taxes assessed by governmental authorities on revenue producing transactions, such as value added taxes, are excluded from revenue and recorded on a net basis. Cooperative advertising payments made to customers are included as advertising expense in selling, general and administrative expense in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.

The allowance for doubtful accounts of $0.7 million at the end of fiscal 2019 compared to $1.3 million at the end of fiscal 2018 is based on our assessment of the collectability of specific customer accounts and the aging of our accounts receivable. While the Company believes that the allowance for doubtful accounts is adequate, if there is a deterioration of a major customer’s credit worthiness, actual write-offs are higher than our previous experience, or actual future returns do not reflect historical trends, the estimates of the recoverability of the amounts due the Company could be adversely affected.

Inventory Valuation: The Company values inventories at the lower of the cost of inventory or net realizable value, with cost determined by either the last-in, first-out "LIFO" method for most U.S. inventories or the first-in, first-out "FIFO" method for all other inventories. The Company establishes reserves for excess, slow moving, and obsolete inventory based on inventory levels, expected product life, and forecasted sales demand. In assessing the ultimate realization of inventories, we are required to make judgments as to future demand requirements compared with inventory levels. Reserve requirements are developed according to our projected demand requirements based on historical demand, competitive factors, and technological and product life cycle changes. It is possible that an increase in our reserve may be required in the future if there is a significant decline in demand for our products and we do not adjust our production schedules accordingly.

Warranty expense: The Company’s warranty obligation is generally one year from shipment to the end user and is affected by product failure rates, material usage, and service delivery costs incurred in correcting a product failure. Historically, the Company has not incurred significant warranty expense and consequently its warranty reserves are not material.

Property Plant and Equipment: The Company accounts for property, plant and equipment (PP&E) at historical cost less accumulated depreciation. PP&E is reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying amount of such an asset may not be recoverable. Such events or circumstances include, but are not limited to, a significant decrease in the fair value of the underlying business or change in utilization of property and equipment.

Recoverability of the net book value of PP&E is determined by comparison of the carrying amount to estimated future undiscounted net cash flows the asset group is expected to generate. Those cash flows may include an estimated salvage value based on a hypothetical sale at the end of the assets' depreciation period. Estimating these cash flows and terminal values requires management to make judgments about the growth in demand for our products, sustainability of gross margins, and our ability to achieve economies of scale. If assets are considered to be impaired, the impairment to be recognized is measured as the amount by which the carrying amount of the long-lived asset exceeds its fair value. No events or circumstances arose in fiscal 2019 which required management to perform an impairment analysis. (See also Note 9 Facility Closure to the Consolidated Financial Statements.)

Depreciation is included in cost of goods sold or selling, general and administrative expenses in the Consolidated Statement of Operations based upon the function or use of the specific asset. Depreciation of equipment used in the manufacturing process is a component of inventory cost and included in costs of goods sold upon sale. Depreciation of equipment used for office and administrative functions is an expense included in selling, general and administrative expenses.

Intangible Assets: Identifiable intangible assets are recorded at cost and are amortized on a straight-line basis over a 5-20 year period. The estimated useful lives of the intangible assets subject to amortization are: 10-15 years for patents, 14-20 years for trademarks and trade names, 5-10 years for completed technology, 8 years for non-compete agreements, 8-16 years for customer relationships and 5 years for software development.

Recoverability of the net book value of intangible assets is determined by comparison of the carrying amount to estimated future undiscounted net cash flows the asset group is expected to generate. Estimating these cash flows requires management to make judgments about the growth in demand for our products, sustainability of gross margins, and our ability to achieve economies of scale. If assets are considered to be impaired, the impairment to be recognized is measured as the amount by which the carrying amount of the long-lived asset exceeds its fair value. No events or circumstances arose in fiscal 2019 which required management to perform an impairment analysis.

Goodwill: Annually, or anytime when events suggest impairment may have occurred, the Company assesses the fair value of its goodwill to determine if the carrying amount of the goodwill is greater than the fair value. An impairment charge would be recognized to the extent the recorded goodwill exceeds the implied fair value of goodwill.

The Company performed a quantitative analysis for its February 1, 2019 annual assessment of goodwill (commonly referred to as “Step One”) evaluation associated with its fiscal 2017 purchase of a private software company. The Company estimated the fair value using an income approach based on the present value of future cash flows. The Company believes this approach yields the most appropriate evidence of fair value. Under the quantitative analysis, the fair value assessment of the goodwill of this reporting unit exceeded the carrying amount as of February 1, 2019. Therefore, no goodwill impairment was determined to exist. If future results significantly vary from current estimates and related projections, the Company may be required to record impairment charges.

The Company performed a qualitative analysis for its October 1, 2018 annual assessment of goodwill (commonly referred to as “Step Zero”) for its Bytewise reporting unit. From a qualitative perspective, in evaluating whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit exceeds its carrying amount, relevant events and circumstances are taken into account, with greater weight assigned to events and circumstances that most affect the fair value or the carrying amounts of its assets. Items that were considered included, but were not limited to, the following: macroeconomic conditions, industry and market conditions, cost factors, overall financial performance and changes in management or key personnel. After assessing these and other factors the Company determined that it was more likely than not that the fair value of this reporting unit exceeded its carrying amount as of October 1, 2018. Therefore, no goodwill impairment was determined to exist. If future results significantly vary from current estimates and related projections, the Company may be required to record impairment charges.

Income Taxes: Accounting for income taxes requires estimates of future benefits and tax liabilities. Due to temporary differences in the timing of recognition of items included in income for accounting and tax purposes, deferred tax assets or liabilities are recorded to reflect the impact arising from these differences on future tax payments. With respect to recorded tax assets, the Company assesses the likelihood that the asset will be realized by evaluating the positive and negative evidence to determine whether realization is more likely than not to occur. Realization of the Company’s deferred tax assets is primarily dependent on future taxable income, the timing and amount of which are uncertain, in part, due to the variable profitability of certain subsidiaries. A valuation allowance is recognized if it is “more likely than not” that some or all of a deferred tax asset will not be realized. In the event that we were to determine that we would not be able to realize our deferred tax assets in the future, an increase in the valuation allowance would be required. In the event we were to determine that we are able to realize our deferred tax assets and a valuation allowance had been recorded against the deferred tax assets, a decrease in the valuation allowance would be required. Should any significant changes in the tax law or the estimate of the necessary valuation allowance occur, the Company would record the impact of the change, which could have a material effect on our financial position or results of operations. (See also Note 11 Income Taxes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.)

Defined Benefit Plans: The Company has two defined benefit pension plans, one for U.S. employees and another for U.K. employees. The Company also has a postretirement medical and life insurance benefit plan for U.S. employees.

On December 21, 2016, the Company amended the U.S. defined benefit pension plan to freeze benefit accruals effective December 31, 2016. Consequently, the Plan is closed to new participants and current participants no longer earn additional benefits after December 31, 2016.

Under our current accounting method, both plans use fair value as the market-related value of plan assets and continue to recognize actuarial gains or losses within the corridor in other comprehensive income but instead of amortizing net actuarial gains or losses in excess of the corridor in future periods, excess gains and losses are recognized in net periodic benefit cost as of the plan measurement date, which is the same as the fiscal year end of the Company. This mark-to market (MTM adjustment) accounting method is a permitted option which results in immediate recognition of excess net actuarial gains and losses in net periodic benefit cost instead of in other comprehensive income. Immediate recognition in net periodic benefit cost could potentially increase the volatility of net periodic benefit cost. The MTM adjustments to net periodic benefit cost for 2019, 2018 and 2017 were $0.3 million, $0.1 million, and $0.2 million, respectively.

Calculation of pension and postretirement medical costs and obligations are dependent on actuarial assumptions. These assumptions include discount rates, healthcare cost trends, inflation, salary growth, long-term return on plan assets, employee turnover rates, retirement rates, mortality and other factors. These assumptions are made based on a combination of external market factors, actual historical experience, long-term trend analysis, and an analysis of the assumptions being used by other companies with similar plans. Significant differences in actual experience or significant changes in assumptions would affect pension and other postretirement benefit costs and obligations. Effective December 31, 2013, the Company terminated eligibility for employees 55-64 years old in the Postretirement Medical Plan. (See also Note 12 Employee Benefit Plans to the Consolidated Financial Statements).

Cost of Goods Sold: The Company includes costs of materials, direct and indirect labor and manufacturing overhead in cost of goods sold. Included in these costs are inbound freight, personnel (manufacturing plants only), receiving costs, internal transferring, employee benefits (including service pension expense), depreciation and inspection costs.

Selling General and Administrative Expenses: The Company includes distribution expenses in selling, general and administrative expenses. Distribution expenses include shipping labor and warehousing costs associated with the storage of finished goods at each manufacturing facility. The Company also includes costs for our dedicated distribution centers as selling expenses. Employee benefits, including service pension expense attributable to personnel not involved in the manufacturing process, are also included in selling, general and administrative expenses.

Estimated interest on debt obligations is based on a standard 10-year loan amortization schedule for the $15.5 million term loan, and the current outstanding balance of the Company's credit line at the current effective interest rate through April 2021 when the current credit line agreement ends. (See Note 13 Debt to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional details).

While our purchase obligations are generally cancellable without penalty, certain vendors charge cancellation fees or minimum restocking charges based on the nature of the product or service. The Company’s Brazilian subsidiary has entered into a long-term, volume-based purchase agreement for electricity. Under this agreement the Company is committed to purchase a minimum monthly amount of energy at a fixed price per kilowatt hour. Cancellation of this contract would incur a significant penalty.

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of The L.S. Starrett Company (a Massachusetts corporation) and subsidiaries (the “Company”) as of June 30, 2019 and 2018, the related consolidated statements of operations, comprehensive income (loss), stockholders’ equity, and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended June 30, 2019, and the related notes and financial statement schedule included under Item 15(a) (collectively referred to as the “financial statements”). In our opinion, the financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of June 30, 2019 and 2018, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended June 30, 2019, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (“PCAOB”), the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of June 30, 2019, based on criteria established in the 2013 Internal Control—Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (“COSO”), and our report dated August 26, 2019 expressed an unqualified opinion.

These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the PCAOB and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

2. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Principles of consolidation: The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of The L. S. Starrett Company and its subsidiaries, all of which are wholly-owned. All intercompany items have been eliminated in consolidation.

Financial instruments and derivatives: The Company’s financial instruments include cash, accounts receivable and debt. The carrying value of cash and accounts receivable approximates fair value because of the short-term nature of these instruments. The carrying value of debt, which is at current market interest rates, also approximates its fair value. The Company’s U.K. subsidiary utilizes forward exchange contracts to reduce currency risk. The notional amounts of contracts outstanding as of both June 30, 2019 and June 30, 2018 were zero.

Accounts receivable: Accounts receivable consist of trade receivables from customers. The expense (income) for bad debts amounted to $(0.1), $0.5, and $0.3 million in fiscal 2019, 2018 and 2017, respectively. In establishing the allowance for doubtful accounts, management considers historical losses, the aging of receivables and existing economic conditions.

Inventories: Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market. “Market” is defined as “net realizable value,” or the estimated selling price in the ordinary course of business, less reasonably predictable costs of completion, disposal, and transportation. Substantially all United States inventories are valued using the last-in-first-out “LIFO” method. All non-U.S. subsidiaries use the first-in-first-out “FIFO” method or the average cost method. LIFO is not a permissible method of inventory costing for tax purposes outside the U.S.

Property Plant and Equipment: The cost of buildings and equipment is depreciated using straight-line and accelerated methods over their estimated useful lives as follows: buildings and building improvements 10 to 50 years, machinery and equipment 3 to 12 years. Leases are capitalized under the criteria set forth in Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) 840, “Leases” which establishes the four criteria of a capital lease. At least one of the four following criteria must be met for a lease to be considered a capital lease: a transfer of ownership of the property to the lessee by the end of the lease term; a bargain purchase option; a lease term that is greater than or equal to 75 percent of the economic life of the leased property; present value of the future minimum lease payments equals or exceeds 90 percent of the fair market value of the leased property. If none of the aforementioned criteria are met, the lease will be treated as an operating lease. Property plant and equipment to be disposed of are reported at the lower of carrying amount or fair value less cost to sell. A gain or loss is recorded, when individual fixed assets are retired or disposed. The construction in progress balances in buildings, building improvements and machinery and equipment at June 30, 2019 and June 30, 2018 were $1.9 million and $1.2 million, respectively. Repairs and maintenance of equipment are expensed as incurred.

Intangible assets: Identifiable intangibles are recorded at cost and are amortized on a straight-line basis over a 5-20 year period. The estimated useful lives of the intangible assets subject to amortization are: 10-15 years for patents, 14-20 years for trademarks and trade names, 5-10 years for completed technology, 8 years for non-compete agreements, 8-16 years for customer relationships and 5 years for software development.

Long-Lived Asset Impairment: Impairment losses are recorded when indicators of impairment, such as plant closures, are present and the undiscounted cash flows estimated to be generated by those assets are less than the carrying amount. The Company continually reviews for such impairment and believes that long-lived assets are being carried at their appropriate value. Long-lived assets are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying amount of such an asset may not be recoverable.

Recoverability of the net book value of long-lived assets is determined by comparison of the carrying amount to estimated future undiscounted net cash flows the asset group is expected to generate. Estimating these cash flows and terminal values requires management to make judgments about the growth in demand for our products, sustainability of gross margins, and our ability to achieve economies of scale. If assets are considered to be impaired, the impairment to be recognized is measured as the amount by which the carrying amount of the long-lived asset exceeds its fair value. No events or circumstances arose in fiscal 2019 and 2018 which required management to perform an impairment analysis.

Goodwill: Goodwill represents costs in excess of fair values assigned to the underlying net assets of acquired businesses. Goodwill is not subject to amortization but is tested for impairment annually and at any time when events suggest impairment may have occurred. The Company annually tests the goodwill of two reporting units associated with the November 2011 acquisition of Bytewise and the February 2017 acquisition of a private software company. Bytewise is tested in October and the software reporting unit is tested in February. As of October 1, 2018, the Company performed a Step-Zero analysis of qualitative factors to determine whether the fair value of the Bytewise business is less than its carrying amount and as a basis for determining whether it was necessary to perform the two-step goodwill impairment test. Based on the Company's analysis of qualitative factors, the Company determined that the fair value of the Bytewise goodwill exceeded its carrying amount, and that no goodwill impairment was determined to exist. As of February 1, 2018, the Company performed an analysis of quantitative factors to determine whether it was more likely than not that the fair value of the acquired software business exceeded its carrying amount. Based on the Company's analysis of quantitative factors, the Company determined that no impairment existed.

Revenue recognition: On July 1, 2018, the Company adopted ASC Topic 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers, and all the related amendments (“ASC Topic 606”), using the modified retrospective method. In addition, the Company elected to apply certain of the permitted practical expedients within the revenue recognition guidance and make certain accounting policy elections, including those related to significant financing components, sales taxes and shipping and handling activities. Most of the changes resulting from the adoption of ASC Topic 606 on July 1, 2018 were changes in presentation within the Consolidated Balance Sheet. Therefore, while the Company made adjustments to certain opening balances on its July 1, 2018 Consolidated Balance Sheet, the Company made no adjustment to opening Retained Earnings. The impact of the adoption of ASC Topic 606 has been immaterial to its net income on an ongoing basis; however, adoption did increase the level of disclosures concerning net sales. Results for reporting periods beginning July 1, 2018 are presented under the new guidance, while prior period amounts continue to be reported in accordance with previous guidance without revision.

Performance Obligations

The Company’s primary source of revenue is derived from the manufacture and distribution of metrology tools and equipment and saw blades and related products sold to distributors. The Company recognizes revenue for sales to our customers when transfer of control of the related good or service has occurred. All of the Company’s revenue was recognized under the point in time approach for the year ended June 30, 2019. Contract terms with certain metrology equipment customers could result in products and services being transferred over time as a result of the customized nature of some of the Company’s products, together with contractual provisions in the customer contracts that provide the Company with an enforceable right to payment for performance completed to date; however, under typical terms, the Company does not have the right to consideration until the time of shipment from its manufacturing facilities or distribution centers, or until the time of delivery to its customers. If certain contracts in the future provide the Company with this enforceable right of payment, the timing of revenue recognition from products transferred to customers over time may be slightly accelerated compared to the Company’s right to consideration at the time of shipment or delivery.

The Company’s typical payment terms vary based on the customer, geographic region, and the type of goods and services in the contract or purchase order. The period of time between invoicing and when payment is due is typically not significant. Amounts billed and due from the Company’s customers are classified as receivables on the Consolidated Balance Sheet. As the Company’s standard payment terms are usually less than one year, the Company has elected the practical expedient under ASC paragraph 606-10-32-18 to not assess whether a contract has a significant financing component.

The Company’s customers take delivery of goods, and they are recognized as revenue at the time of transfer of control to the customer, which is usually at the time of shipment, unless otherwise specified in the customer contract or purchase order. This determination is based on applicable shipping terms, as well as the consideration of other indicators, including timing of when the Company has a present right to payment, when physical possession of products is transferred to customers, when the customer has the significant risks and rewards of ownership of the asset, and any provisions in contracts regarding customer acceptance.

While unit prices are generally fixed, the Company provides variable consideration for certain of our customers, typically in the form of promotional incentives at the time of sale. The Company utilizes the most likely amount consistently to estimate the effect of uncertainty on the amount of variable consideration to which the Company would be entitled. The most likely amount method considers the single most likely amount from a range of possible consideration amounts. The most likely amounts are based upon the contractual terms of the incentives and historical experience with each customer. The Company records estimates for cash discounts, promotional rebates, and other promotional allowances in the period the related revenue is recognized (“Customer Credits”). The provision for Customer Credits is recorded as a reduction from gross sales and reserves for Customer Credits are presented within accrued sales incentives on the Consolidated Balance Sheet. Actual Customer Credits have not differed materially from estimated amounts for each period presented. Amounts billed to customers for shipping and handling are included in net sales and costs associated with shipping and handling are included in cost of sales. The Company has concluded that its estimates of variable consideration are not constrained according to the definition within the new standard. Additionally, the Company applies the practical expedient in ASC paragraph 606-10-25-18B and accounts for shipping and handling activities that occur after the customer has obtained control of a good as a fulfillment activity, rather than a separate performance obligation.

With the adoption of ASC Topic 606, the Company reclassified certain amounts related to variable consideration. Under ASC Topic 606, the Company is required to present a refund liability and a return asset within the Consolidated Balance Sheet, whereas in periods prior to adoption, the Company presented the estimated margin impact of expected returns as a contra-asset within accounts receivable. The changes in the refund liability are reported in net sales, and the changes in the return asset are reported in cost of sales in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. As a result, the balance sheet presentation was adjusted beginning in Fiscal 2019. As of June 30, 2019, the balance of the return asset is $0.1 million and the balance of the refund liability is $0.2 million, and they are presented within prepaid expenses and other current assets and accrued expenses, respectively, on the Consolidated Balance Sheet.

The Company, in general, warrants its products against certain defects in material and workmanship when used as designed, for a period of up to 1 year. The Company does not sell extended warranties.

Contract Balances

Contract assets primarily relate to the Company’s rights to consideration for work completed but not billed at the reporting date on contracts with customers. Contract assets are transferred to receivables when the rights become unconditional. Contract liabilities primarily relate to contracts where advance payments or deposits have been received, but performance obligations have not yet been met, and therefore, revenue has not been recognized. The Company had no contract asset balances, but had contract liability balances of $0.3 million at June 30, 2019.

Allowance for doubtful accounts: The allowance for doubtful accounts of $0.7 million at the end of fiscal 2019 compared to $1.3 million at the end of fiscal 2018 is based on our assessment of the collectability of specific customer accounts and the aging of our accounts receivable. While the Company believes that the allowance for doubtful accounts is adequate, if there is a deterioration of a major customer’s credit worthiness, actual write-offs are higher than our previous experience, or actual future returns do not reflect historical trends, the estimates of the recoverability of the amounts due the Company could be adversely affected.

Advertising costs: The Company’s policy is to generally expense advertising costs as incurred, except catalogs costs, which are deferred until mailed. Advertising costs were expensed as follows: $5.0 million in fiscal 2019, $5.1 million in fiscal 2018 and $5.2 million in fiscal 2017 and are included in selling, general and administrative expenses.

Freight costs: The cost of outbound freight and the cost for inbound freight included in material purchase costs are both included in cost of sales.

Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits: The Company has two defined benefit pension plans, one for U.S. employees and another for U.K. employees. The Company also has defined contribution plans. The Company amended its Postretirement Medical Plan effective December 31, 2013, whereby the Company terminated eligibility for employees under the age of 65.

The Company sponsors funded U.S. and non-U.S. defined benefit pension plans covering the majority of our U.S. and U.K. employees. The Company also sponsors an unfunded postretirement benefit plan that provides health care benefits and life insurance coverage to eligible U.S. retirees. Under the Company’s current accounting method, both pension plans use fair value as the market-related value of plan assets and continue to recognize actuarial gains or losses within the corridor in other comprehensive income (loss) but instead of amortizing net actuarial gains or losses in excess of the corridor in future periods, such excess gains and losses, if any, are recognized in net periodic benefit cost as of the plan measurement date, which is the same as the fiscal year end of the Company. This mark-to-market (MTM adjustment) method is a permitted option which results in immediate recognition of excess net actuarial gains and losses in net periodic benefit cost instead of in other comprehensive income (loss). Such immediate recognition in net periodic benefit cost increases the volatility of net periodic benefit cost. The MTM adjustments to net periodic benefit cost for 2019, 2018 and 2017 were $0.3 million, $0.1 million, and $0.2 million, respectively.

Income taxes: Deferred tax expense results from differences in the timing of certain transactions for financial reporting and tax purposes. Deferred taxes have not been recorded on approximately $67.9 million of undistributed earnings of foreign subsidiaries as of June 30, 2019 and the related unrealized translation adjustments because such amounts are considered permanently invested. In addition, it is possible that remittance taxes, if any, would be reduced by U.S. foreign tax credits to the extent available, after consideration of U.S. Tax Reform and the dividends received deduction. Valuation allowances are recognized if, based on the available evidence, it is more likely than not that some portion of the deferred tax assets will not be realized.

Research and development: Research and development costs are expensed, primarily in selling, general and administrative expenses, and were as follows: $3.7 million in fiscal 2019, $3.6 million in fiscal 2018, and $3.5 million in fiscal 2017.

Earnings per share (EPS): Basic EPS is computed by dividing earnings (loss) available to common shareholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding for the period. Diluted EPS reflects the potential dilution by securities that could share in the earnings. The Company had 68,378, 23,771, and 32,674, of potentially dilutive common shares in fiscal 2019, 2018 and 2017, respectively, resulting from shares issuable under its stock based compensation plans. These additional shares are not used in the diluted EPS calculation in loss years.

Translation of foreign currencies: The financial statements of our foreign subsidiaries, where the local currency is the functional currency, are translated at exchange rates in effect on reporting dates, and income and expense items are translated at average rates or rates in effect on transaction dates as appropriate. The resulting foreign currency translation adjustments are charged or credited directly to the other comprehensive income (loss) as noted in the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss). Net foreign currency gains (losses) are disclosed in Note 10 Other Income and Expense.

Use of accounting estimates: The preparation of the financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the U.S. requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of net sales and expenses during the reporting period. Judgments, assumptions and estimates are used for, but not limited to: the allowances for doubtful accounts receivable and returned goods; inventory allowances; income tax valuation allowances, goodwill, uncertain tax positions and pension obligations. Amounts ultimately realized could differ from those estimates.

Recently Adopted Accounting Standards:

The Company adopted ASU No. 2017-07, Compensation-Retirement Benefits (Topic 715) in FY19: Improving the Presentation of Net Periodic Pension Cost and Net Periodic Postretirement Benefit Cost (NPBC). This update requires that an employer disaggregate the service cost component from the other components of NPBC. In addition, only the service cost component will be eligible for capitalization. The amendments in this update are required to be applied retrospectively for the presentation of the service cost component and the other components of NPBC in the Consolidated Statement of Operations and prospectively, on and after the adoption date, for the capitalization of the service cost component of NPBC in assets. As required by the transition provisions of this update, the following table shows the impact of the adoption on the respective line items in the Consolidated Statement of Operations for 2019 and the reclassifications to the 2018 and 2017 fiscal year Consolidated Statement of Operations to retroactively apply classification of the service cost component and the other components of NPBC:

(Dollars in Thousands)	Increase (Decrease) to Net Income
	FY 2019			FY 2018			FY 2017
Cost of goods sold	$	710		$	582		$	649
Selling, general and administrative expense		220			212			248
Other income (expense) net		(930	)		(794	)		(897	)
	$	-		$	-		$	-

Recently Issued Accounting Standards not yet Adopted:

In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-02, “Leases (Topic 842)”. The Company will adopt the new standard effective July 1, 2019. ASU 2016-2 sets out the principles for the recognition, measurement, presentation and disclosure of leases for both parties to a contract (i.e. lessees and lessors). The new standard requires lessees to apply a dual approach, classifying leases as either finance or operating leases based on the principle of whether or not the lease effectively finances a purchase by the lessee. This classification will determine whether lease expense is recognized based on an effective interest method (finance lease) or on a straight line basis over the term of the lease (operating lease). A lessee is also required to record a right-of-use asset and a lease liability for all leases with a term of greater than 12 months regardless of their classification. Leases with a term of 12 months or less will be accounted for similar to existing guidance for operating leases. The ASU will affect the presentation of lease related expenses on the Consolidated Statement of Operations and Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows and will increase the required disclosures related to leases. In July 2018, the FASB issued ASU No. 2018-10 and No. 2018-11, Leases (ASC 842). ASU 2018-10 provides narrow amendments that clarify how to apply certain aspects of the guidance in ASU 2016-02. ASU 2018-11 provides entities with an option of an additional transition method, by allowing entities to initially apply the new leases standard at the adoption date and recognize a cumulative-effect adjustment to the opening balance of retained earnings in the period of adoption.

The Company elected the available practical expedients on adoption. In preparation for adoption of the standard, the Company has implemented internal controls to enable the preparation of financial information. The standard will have a material impact on the Consolidated Balance Sheets, but will not have a material impact on the Consolidated Statements of Operations. The Company has evaluated the effect of the impact of the adoption of this standard and has determined the adoption will result in the recognition of additional right of use assets and lease liabilities of approximately $6.3 million for operating leases. The Company currently has no finance leases.

In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-13, “Financial Instruments - Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments,” and subsequent amendment to the guidance, ASU 2018-19 in November 2018. The standard significantly changes how entities will measure credit losses for most financial assets and certain other instruments that are not measured at fair value through net income. The standard will replace today’s “incurred loss” approach with an “expected loss” model for instruments measured at amortized cost. The amendment will affect loans, debt securities, trade receivables, net investments in leases, off balance sheet credit exposures, reinsurance receivables, and any other financial assets not excluded from the scope that have the contractual right to receive cash. ASU 2018-19 clarifies that receivables arising from operating leases are accounted for using lease guidance and not as financial instruments. The amendments should be applied on either a prospective transition or modified-retrospective approach depending on the subtopic. This ASU is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2019, and interim periods therein. Early adoption is permitted for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2018, and interim periods therein. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of the adoption of this standard on its consolidated financial statements.

In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-04, "Intangibles-Goodwill and Other (Topic 350): Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment." Under the new guidance, if a reporting unit's carrying value amount exceeds its fair value, an entity will record an impairment charge based on that difference. The impairment charge will be limited to the amount of goodwill allocated to that reporting unit. The standard eliminates the requirement to calculate goodwill impairment using Step 2, which calculates any impairment charge by comparing the implied fair value of goodwill with its carrying amount. The standard does not change the guidance on completing Step 1 of the goodwill impairment test. The amendments in this ASU are effective for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2019 and should be applied prospectively for annual and any interim goodwill impairment tests. Early adoption is permitted for entities for interim or annual goodwill impairment tests performed on testing dates after January 1, 2017. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of the update on our consolidated financial statements.

In February 2018, the FASB issued ASU No. 2018-02, “Income Statement – Reporting Comprehensive Income (Topic 220): Reclassification of Certain Tax Effects from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income”. For deferred tax items recognized in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (AOCI), changes in tax rates can leave amounts “stranded” in AOCI. Under ASU 2018-02, FASB has given companies an option to reclassify the stranded tax effects resulting from the tax law and tax rate changes under the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 from AOCI to retained earnings. This guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018 and requires companies to disclose whether they are or are not opting to reclassify the income tax effects from the new 2017 tax act. The adoption of this standard is not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s financial position and results of operations upon adoption.

In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU No. 2018-13, "Fair Value Measurement ('Topic 820'): Disclosure Framework - Changes to the Disclosure Requirements for Fair Value Measurement." The ASU modifies the disclosure requirements in Topic 820, Fair Value Measurement, by removing certain disclosure requirements related to the fair value hierarchy, modifying existing disclosure requirements related to measurement uncertainty and adding new disclosure requirements, such as disclosing the changes in unrealized gains and losses for the period included in other comprehensive income for recurring Level 3 fair value measurements held at the end of the reporting period and disclosing the range and weighted average of significant unobservable inputs used to develop Level 3 fair value measurements. This ASU is effective for public companies for annual reporting periods and interim periods within those annual periods beginning after December 15, 2019. The Company is currently evaluating the effect, if any, that ASU 2018-13 will have on its consolidated financial statements.

In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU No. 2018-14, "Compensation - Retirement Benefits - Defined Benefit Plans - General (Subtopic 715-20): Disclosure Framework - Changes to the Disclosure Requirements for Defined Benefit Plans." ASU 2018-14 removes certain disclosures that are not considered cost beneficial, clarifies certain required disclosures and added additional disclosures. This ASU is effective for public companies for annual reporting periods and interim periods within those annual periods beginning after December 15, 2020. The amendments in ASU 2018-14 must be applied on a retrospective basis. The Company is currently assessing the effect, if any, that ASU 2018-14 will have on its consolidated financial statements.

4. STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION

Long-Term Incentive Plan

During the quarter ended December 31, 2012, the Company implemented The L.S. Starrett Company 2012 Long-Term Incentive Plan (the “2012 Stock Incentive Plan”), which was adopted by the Board of Directors September 5, 2012 and approved by shareholders October 17, 2012. The 2012 Stock Incentive Plan permits the granting of the following types of awards to officers, other employees and non-employee directors: stock options; restricted stock awards; unrestricted stock awards; stock appreciation rights; stock units including restricted stock units; performance awards; cash-based awards; and awards other than previously described that are convertible or otherwise based on stock. The 2012 Stock Incentive Plan provides for the issuance of up to 500,000 shares of common stock.

Options granted vest in periods ranging from one year to three years and expire ten years after the grant date. Restricted stock units (“RSU”) granted generally vest from one year to three years. Vested restricted stock units will be settled in shares of common stock. As of June 30, 2019, there were 20,000 stock options and 197,002 restricted stock units outstanding. In addition, there were 230,033 shares available for grant under the 2012 Stock Incentive Plan as of June 30, 2019.

For stock option grants, the fair value of each grant is estimated at the date of grant using the Binomial Options pricing model. The Binomial Options pricing model utilizes assumptions related to stock volatility, the risk-free interest rate, the dividend yield and employee exercise behavior. Expected volatilities utilized in the model are based on the historic volatility of the Company’s stock price. The risk free interest rate is derived from the U.S. Treasury yield curve in effect at the time of the grant. The expected life is determined using the average of the vesting period and contractual term of the options (simplified method).

There were no stock options granted during fiscal years 2019, 2018 or 2017.

The weighted average contractual term for stock options outstanding as of June 30, 2019 was 3.5 years. The aggregate intrinsic value of stock options outstanding as of June 30, 2019 was less than $0.1 million. There were 20,000 options exercisable as of June 30, 2019. In recognizing stock compensation expense for the 2012 Stock Incentive Plan management has estimated that there will be no forfeitures of options.

The Company accounts for RSU awards by recognizing the expense of the intrinsic value at the award date ratably over vesting periods generally ranging from one year to three years. The related expense is included in selling, general and administrative expenses. During the year ended June 30, 2019, the Company granted 67,000 RSU awards with fair values of $6.34 per RSU award, and there were no RSU’s forfeited. During the year ended June 30, 2018, the Company granted 62,000 RSU awards with fair values of $7.22 per RSU award. During the year ended June 30, 2017, the Company granted 45,000 RSU awards with fair values of $10.86 per RSU award.

There were 10,800 and 14,400 RSU awards settled in fiscal years 2019 and 2018 respectively. The aggregate intrinsic value of RSU awards outstanding as of June 30, 2019 was $1.3 million. The aggregate intrinsic value of RSU awards outstanding as of June 30, 2018 was $0.9 million. Compensation expense related to the 2012 Stock Incentive Plan was $232,000, $134,000 and $223,000 for fiscal 2019, 2018 and 2017 respectively. As of June 30, 2019, there was $1.7 million of total unrecognized compensation costs related to outstanding stock-based compensation arrangements. Of this cost, $1.4 million relates to performance based RSU grants that are not expected to be awarded. The remaining $0.3 million is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 1.5 years.

Employee Stock Purchase Plan

The Company’s Employee Stock Purchase Plans (ESPP) give eligible employees an opportunity to participate in the success of the Company. The Board of Directors renews each Employee Stock Purchase Plan every five years. Under these plans the purchase price of the optioned stock is 85% of the lower of the market price on the date the option is granted or the date it is exercised. Options become exercisable exactly two years from the date of grant and expire if not exercised on such date. No options were exercisable at fiscal year ends. The Board of Directors last approved an ESPP renewal in 2017. No additional options will be granted under the previous 2012 plan. A summary of option activity is as follows:

	Shares on Options			Weighted Average Exercise Price		Shares Available for Grant
Balance, June 30, 2016		63,915					389,844
Options granted		55,766			7.88		(55,766	)
Options exercised		(10,893	)		8.34		-
Options canceled		(31,503	)				31,503
Balance, June 30, 2017		77,285					365,581
2012 Plan Expired		-					(365,581	)
2017 Plan Authorized		-					500,000
Options granted		63,607			6.35		(63,607	)
Options exercised		(17,561	)		6.69		-
Options canceled		(52,816	)				13,614
Balance, June 30, 2018		70,515					450,007
Options granted		55,227			5.45		(55,227	)
Options exercised		(11,981	)		5.72		-
Options canceled		(26,628	)				18,087
Balance, June 30, 2019		87,133					412,867

The following information relates to outstanding options as of June 30, 2019:

Weighted average remaining life (years)		1.3
Weighted average fair value on grant date of options granted in:
2017	$	2.76
2018		2.23
2019		2.28

The fair value of each option grant was estimated on the date of grant based on the Black-Scholes option pricing model with the following weighted average assumptions: expected stock volatility – 40.69% – 46.85%, risk free interest rate – 2.18% – 2.94%, expected dividend yield - 0% - 1.73% and expected lives - 2 years. Compensation expense of $0.1 million, $0.1 million and $0.2 million has been recorded for fiscal 2019, 2018 and 2017, respectively.

Employee Stock Ownership Plan

On February 5, 2013, the Board of Directors adopted The L.S. Starrett Company 2013 Employee Stock Ownership Plan (the “2013 ESOP”). The purpose of the plan is to supplement existing Company programs through an employer funded individual account plan dedicated to investment in common stock of the Company, thereby encouraging increased ownership of the Company while providing an additional source of retirement income. The plan is intended as an employee stock ownership plan within the meaning of Section 4975 (e) (7) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended. U.S. employees who have completed a year of service as of December 31, 2012 are eligible to participate. There was no compensation expense for the ESOP in 2019, 2018 or 2017.

11. INCOME TAXES

Components of earnings (loss) before income taxes are as follows (in thousands):

	2019		2018		2017
Domestic operations	$	1,507	$	1,351	$	(1,547	)
Foreign operations		8,103		3,514		3,085
	$	9,610	$	4,865	$	1,538

The provision for (benefit from) income taxes consists of the following (in thousands):

	2019			2018			2017
Current:
Federal	$	(106	)	$	(991	)	$	(989	)
Foreign		2,398			2,256			999
State		37			5			39
Deferred:
Federal		1,139			6,772			597
Foreign		(172	)		(396	)		(85	)
State		235			852			(14	)
	$	3,531		$	8,498		$	547

Reconciliations of expected tax expense at the U.S. statutory rate to actual tax expense (benefit) are as follows (in thousands):

	2019			2018			2017
Expected tax expense	$	2,018		$	1,365		$	523
State taxes, net of federal effect		(5	)		-			9
Foreign taxes, net of federal credits		(1,055	)		(1,010	)		(210	)
Change in valuation allowance		1,744			2,074			(107	)
Tax reserve adjustments		(66	)		(38	)		272
Return to provision and other adjustments		(57	)		(72	)		(17	)
Losses not benefited		-			-			123
Tax rate change applied to deferred tax balances		(129	)		6,324			315
Canada real estate gain deduction		-			-			(337	)
Global intangible low taxed income		1,121			-			-
Other permanent items		(40	)		(145	)		(24	)
Actual tax expense	$	3,531		$	8,498		$	547

On December 22, 2017, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act was enacted in the United States. The Act reduces the U.S. federal corporate tax rate from a graduated rate of 35% to a flat rate of 21%, requires companies to pay a one-time transition tax on earnings of certain foreign subsidiaries that were previously tax deferred and creates new taxes on certain foreign sourced earnings. Accounting Standard Codification (“ASC”) 740 requires filers to record the effect of tax law changes in the period enacted. However, the SEC issued Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 118 (“SAB 118”), that permits filers to record provisional amounts during a measurement period ending no later than one year from the date of the Act’s enactment.

During the fiscal year ended June 30, 2018, the Company recognized a provisional tax expense of $6.3 million as a reasonable estimate of the impact of the provisions of the Act, which was included as a component of income tax expense in its Consolidated Statement of Operations. During the fiscal year ended June 30, 2019, the Company has completed the accounting for the tax effects of the enactment of the Act. The Company recorded additional foreign tax credits of ($1.8) million which were offset by a valuation allowance, resulting in a nil adjustment to the provisional tax expense previously recorded.

The Company has incorporated the other impacts of tax reform that became effective for the Company in fiscal 2019 including the provisions related to Global Intangible Low Taxed Income (“GILTI”), Foreign Derived Intangible Income (“FDII”), Base Erosion Anti Abuse Tax (“BEAT”), as well as other provisions, which limit tax deductibility of expenses. For fiscal 2019, the GILTI provisions have the most significant impact to the Company. Under the new law, U.S. taxes are imposed on foreign income in excess of a deemed return on tangible assets of its foreign subsidiaries. In general, this foreign income will effectively be taxed at an additional 10.5% tax rate reduced by any available current year foreign tax credits. The ability to benefit foreign tax credits may be limited under the GILTI rules as a result of the utilization of net operating losses, foreign sourced income and other potential limitations within the foreign tax credit calculation.

The tax rate of 36.7% on pre-tax income of $9.6 million in the year ended June 30, 2019 is higher than the U.S. statutory rate primarily as a result of the GILTI provisions, which became effective in fiscal 2019, as well as changes in the jurisdictional mix of earnings, particularly Brazil with a statutory tax rate of 34%.

The tax rate of 174.7% on pre-tax income of $4.9 million in the year ended June 30, 2018 is higher than the U.S. statutory rate primarily as a result of the impact of the corporate tax rate reduction on the Company’s net deferred tax assets. Excluding the impacts of tax reform, the tax rate of 44.7% for fiscal 2018 is higher than the U.S. statutory rate primarily as a result of an increase in the valuation allowance against foreign tax credits and state net operating loss carryforwards which the Company has determined are more likely than not to expire unutilized.

The tax rate of 35.6% on pre-tax income of $1.5 million in the year ended June 30, 2017 was slightly higher than the U.S. statutory rate since the benefit of earnings in foreign jurisdictions with lower effective tax rates and a one-time tax benefit in Canada was more than offset by discrete tax charges including the impact of a tax rate change from 20% to 17% in the U.K. applied to deferred tax assets which increased tax expense by $0.3 million. As a result of closing and selling the warehouse and product assembly center in Canada, the Canadian subsidiary had cash in excess of its long term needs. Thus, there was a dividend of $2.0 million paid from the Company’s subsidiary in Canada to the U.S. parent company out of the subsidiary’s fiscal 2017 earnings. While the dividend is fully taxable in the U.S., the impact to tax expense was negligible due to the use of foreign tax credits.

Net deferred tax assets at June 30, 2019 are $18.6 million. While these deferred tax assets reflect the tax effect of temporary differences between book and taxable income in all jurisdictions in which the Company has operations, the majority of the assets relate to U.S. operations. U.S. net deferred assets are $22.4 million with a valuation allowance of $6.6 million. The Company has considered the positive and negative evidence to determine the need for a valuation allowance offsetting the deferred tax assets in the U.S. and has concluded that a partial valuation allowance is required against foreign tax credit carryforwards due to the uncertainty of generating sufficient foreign source income to utilize those credits in the future and certain state net operating loss carryforward that will expire in the near future.

Key positive evidence considered include: a) cumulative domestic profitability in 2019 and 2018; b) cost saving plans are being implemented by the Company; c) indefinite federal loss carryforward periods and d) forecasted domestic profits for future years. The negative evidence considered is that fiscal years 2017 showed domestic book and tax losses.

In fiscal 2019, the valuation allowance increased by $1.7 million primarily due to an increase in foreign tax credits that became available as a result of the one-time transition tax on foreign earnings, in excess of the limitation on their use as a result of the Company’s overall domestic loss recapture. In fiscal 2018, the valuation allowance increased by $2.1 million primarily due to an increase in foreign tax credits in excess of the limitation on their use as a result of the Company’s overall domestic loss recapture resulting from the decreased federal tax rate and state net operating losses that will expire unutilized.

Deferred income taxes at June 30, 2019 and 2018 are attributable to the following (in thousands):

	2019			2018
Deferred tax assets (liabilities):
Inventories	$	1,361		$	1,214
Employee benefits (other than pension)		840			700
Book reserves		601			504
Federal NOL, various carryforward periods		66			551
State NOL, various carryforward periods		1,224			1,034
Foreign NOL, various carryforward periods		309			148
Foreign tax credit carryforward, expiring 2023 – 2028		7,329			5,563
Pension benefits		10,289			8,881
Retiree medical benefits		1,778			1,622
Depreciation		(17	)		113
Intangibles		(630	)		(410	)
Federal research and development and AMT credit carryforward		786			638
Other		1,446			1,180
Total deferred tax assets		25,382			21,738
Valuation allowance		(6,743	)		(4,999	)
Net deferred tax asset	$	18,639		$	16,739

The Company is subject to U.S. federal income tax and various state, local and foreign income taxes in numerous jurisdictions. The Company’s domestic and international tax liabilities are subject to the allocation of revenues and expenses in different jurisdictions and the timing of recognizing revenues and expenses. Additionally, the amount of income taxes paid is subject to the Company’s interpretation of applicable tax laws in the jurisdictions in which it files.

Reconciliations of the beginning and ending amount of unrecognized tax benefits are as follows (in thousands):

Balance at June 30, 2016	$	(10,820	)
Increase for tax positions taken during the current period		(813	)
Effect of exchange rate changes		38
Decrease relating to lapse of applicable statute of limitations		7
Balance at June 30, 2017		(11,588	)

Increase for tax positions taken during the current period		(287	)
Increase for tax positions taken during the prior period		(67	)
Effect of exchange rate changes		130
Decrease relating to lapse of applicable statute of limitations		930
Balance at June 30, 2018		(10,882	)

Increase for tax positions taken during the current period		(215	)
Decrease for tax positions taken during the prior period		5
Effect of exchange rate changes		16
Decrease relating to lapse of applicable statute of limitations		137
Balance at June 30, 2019	$	(10,939	)

As of June 30, 2019, 2018 and 2017, the Company has unrecognized tax benefits of $10.9 million, $10.9 million, and $11.6 million, respectively, of which $5.6 million, $5.4 million and $7.3 million, respectively, would favorably impact the effective tax rate if recognized.

The long-term tax obligations as of June 30, 2019, 2018 and 2017 relate primarily to transfer pricing adjustments. The Company has also recorded a non-current tax receivable for $1.7 million and $1.8 million at June 30, 2019 and 2018, respectively, representing the corollary effect of transfer pricing competent authority adjustments.

The Company has identified uncertain tax positions at June 30, 2019 for which it is possible that the total amount of unrecognized tax benefits will decrease within the next twelve months by an immaterial amount. The Company recognizes interest and penalties related to income tax matters in income tax expense and has booked an immaterial amount in fiscal 2019 for interest expense.

The Company’s U.S. federal tax returns for years prior to fiscal 2016 are no longer subject to U.S. federal examination by the Internal Revenue Service; however, tax losses and credits carried forward from earlier years are still subject to review and adjustment. As of June 30, 2019, the Company has resolved all open income tax audits. In international jurisdictions, the years that may be examined vary by country. The Company’s most significant foreign subsidiary in Brazil is subject to audit for the calendar years 2014 through 2018.

The federal tax loss carryforward of $0.3 million has an unlimited carryforward period. The state tax loss carryforwards tax effected benefit of $1.2 million expires at various times beginning in 2021. The Company has state tax credit carryforwards of $0.4 million that expire in the years 2020 through 2034. The foreign tax credit carryforward of $7.3 million expires in the years 2023 through 2028. The research and development tax credit carryforward of $0.8 million expires in the years 2029 through 2039. The foreign tax loss carryforwards of $0.3 million can be carried forward indefinitely.

At June 30, 2019, the estimated amount of total unremitted earnings of foreign subsidiaries is $67.9 million. The Company received a cash dividend from foreign subsidiaries of $2.0 million in fiscal 2017 out of earnings for those years. The Company has no plans to repatriate prior year earnings of its foreign subsidiaries and, accordingly, no estimate of the unrecognized deferred taxes related to these earnings has been made. Cash held in foreign subsidiaries is not available for use in the U.S. without the likely incurrence of U.S. federal and state income and withholding tax consequences.

12. EMPLOYEE BENEFIT AND RETIREMENT PLANS

The Company has two defined benefit pension plans, one for U.S. employees and another for U.K. employees. The UK plan was closed to new entrants in fiscal 2009. The Company has a postretirement medical and life insurance benefit plan for U.S. employees. The Company also has defined contribution plans.

The amendment of the U.S. defined benefit pension plan triggered a pension curtailment which required a re-measurement of the Plan's benefit obligation as of December 31, 2016. The re-measurement resulted in a decrease in the benefit obligation of approximately $6.9 million primarily due to an increase in the discount rate from 3.77% to 4.31%, with an additional $4.2 million decrease resulting from the impact of the curtailment. These reductions in the Plan’s benefit obligation were recorded as other comprehensive income, net of taxes

The Company amended its Postretirement Medical Plan effective December 31, 2013 whereby the Company terminated eligibility for employees ages 55-64. For retirees 65 and older, the Company’s contribution is fixed at $28.50 or $23.00 per month depending upon the plan the retiree has chosen.

The total cost of all such plans for fiscal 2019, 2018 and 2017 was $2.8 million, $2.7 million and $3.9 million, respectively. Included in these amounts are the Company’s contributions to the defined contribution plans amounting to $1.7 million, $1.8 million and $1.3 million in fiscal 2019, 2018 and 2017, respectively.

Under both U.S and U.K. defined benefit plans, benefits are based on years of service and final average earnings. Plan assets consist primarily of investment grade debt obligations, marketable equity securities and shares of the Company’s common stock. The asset allocation of the Company’s domestic pension plan is diversified, consisting primarily of investments in equity and debt securities. The Company seeks a long-term investment return that is reasonable given prevailing capital market expectations. Target allocations are 40% to 70% in equities (including 10% to 20% in Company stock), and 30% to 60% in cash and debt securities.

In fiscal 2020, the Company will use an expected long-term rate of return assumption of 5.0% for the U.S. domestic pension plan, and 2.6% for the U.K. plan. In determining these assumptions, the Company considers the historical returns and expectations for future returns for each asset class as well as the target asset allocation of the pension portfolio as a whole. In fiscal 2019 and 2018, the Company used a discount rate assumption of 4.3% and 3.9% for the U.S. plan and 2.8% and 2.7% for the U.K. plan, respectively. In determining these assumptions, the Company considers published third party data appropriate for the plans.

Other than the discount rate, pension valuation assumptions are generally long-term and not subject to short-term market fluctuations, although they may be adjusted as warranted by structural shifts in economic or demographic outlooks. Long-term assumptions are reviewed annually to ensure they do not produce results inconsistent with current market conditions. The discount rate is adjusted annually based on corporate investment grade (rated AA or better) bond yields, the maturities of which are correlated with the expected timing of future benefit payments, as of the measurement date.

Based upon the actuarial valuations performed on the Company’s defined benefit plans as of June 30, 2019, the U.S. plans will require a $6.7 million contribution in fiscal 2020 and the U.K. plan will require a $1.0 million contribution in fiscal 2020.

The table below sets forth the actual asset allocation for the assets within the Company’s plans.

	2019			2018
Asset category:
Cash equivalents		2	%		1	%
Fixed income		31	%		27	%
Equities		35	%		34	%
Mutual and pooled funds		32	%		38	%
		100	%		100	%

The Company determines its investments strategies based upon the composition of the beneficiaries in its defined benefit plans and the relative time horizons that those beneficiaries are projected to receive payouts from the plans. The Company engages an independent investment firm to manage the U.S. pension assets.

Cash equivalents are held in money market funds.

The Company’s fixed income portfolio includes mutual funds that hold a combination of short-term, investment-grade fixed income securities and a diversified selection of investment-grade, fixed income securities, including corporate securities and U.S. government securities.

The Company invests in equity securities, which are diversified across a spectrum of value and growth in large, medium and small capitalization funds and companies, as appropriate to achieve the objective of a balanced portfolio, optimize the expected returns and minimize volatility in the various asset classes.

Other assets include pooled investment funds whose underlying assets consist primarily of property holdings as well as financial instruments designed to offset the long-term impact of inflation and interest rate fluctuations.

The Company has categorized its financial assets (including its pension plan assets), based on the priority of the inputs to the valuation technique, into a three-level fair value hierarchy as set forth below. If the inputs used to measure the financial instruments fall within different levels of the hierarchy, the categorization is based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement of the instrument.

Financial assets are categorized based on the inputs to the valuation techniques as follows:

Level 1 – Financial assets whose values are based on unadjusted quoted prices for identical assets or liabilities in an active market which the Company has the ability to access at the measurement date.

Level 2 – Financial assets whose value are based on quoted market prices in markets where trading occurs infrequently or whose values are based on quoted prices of instruments with similar attributes in active markets.

Level 3 – Financial assets whose values are based on prices or valuation techniques that require inputs that are both unobservable and significant to the overall fair value measurement. These inputs reflect management’s own view about the assumptions a market participant would use in pricing the asset.

The tables below show the portfolio by valuation category as of June 30, 2019 and June 30, 2018 (in thousands).

June 30, 2019
Asset Category	Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Total		%
Cash Equivalents	$	1,818	$	-	$	-	$	1,818		2	%
Fixed Income		-		38,232		-		38,232		31	%
Equities		41,629		1,482		-		43,111		35	%
Mutual & Pooled Funds		2,362		36,510		-		38,872		32	%
Total	$	45,809	$	76,224	$	-	$	122,033		100	%

June 30, 2018
Asset Category	Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Total		%
Cash Equivalents	$	945	$	-	$	-	$	945		1	%
Fixed Income		-		32,303		-		32,303		27	%
Equities		38,988		1,521		-		40,509		34	%
Mutual & Pooled Funds		8,880		36,056		-		44,936		38	%
Total	$	48,813	$	69,880	$	-	$	118,693		100	%

Included in equity securities at June 30, 2019 and 2018 are shares of the Company’s common stock having a fair value of $4.6 million and $4.8 million, respectively.

U.S. and U.K. Plans Combined:

The status of these defined benefit plans is as follows (in thousands):

	2019			2018			2017
Change in benefit obligation
Benefit obligation at beginning of year	$	159,213		$	169,696		$	175,233
Service cost		-			-			1,405
Interest cost		6,013			6,077			6,246
Plan curtailment		-			-			(4,170	)
Exchange rate changes		(1,697	)		707			(909	)
Benefits paid		(7,217	)		(6,489	)		(6,902	)
Actuarial (gain) loss		13,368			(10,778	)		(1,207	)
Benefit obligation at end of year	$	169,680		$	159,213		$	169,696

Change in plan assets
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year		118,693			117,778			115,015
Actual return on plan assets		6,589			2,545			5,302
Employer contributions		5,413			4,366			5,000
Benefits paid		(7,217	)		(6,489	)		(6,902	)
Exchange rate changes		(1,445	)		493			(637	)
Fair value of plan assets at end of year		122,033			118,693			117,778
Funded status at end of year	$	(47,647	)	$	(40,520	)	$	(51,918	)
Amounts recognized in balance sheet
Current liability	$	(324	)	$	(67	)	$	(63	)
Noncurrent liability		(47,323	)		(40,453	)		(51,855	)
Net amount recognized in balance sheet	$	(47,647	)	$	(40,520	)	$	(51,918	)

Amounts not yet reflected in net periodic benefit costs and included in accumulated other comprehensive loss
Prior service cost	$	-		$	-		$	-
Accumulated loss		(15,590	)		(4,038	)		(12,131	)
Amounts not yet recognized as a component of net periodic benefit cost		(15,590	)		(4,038	)		(12,131	)
Accumulated net periodic benefit cost in excess of contributions		(32,057	)		(36,482	)		(39,787	)
Net amount recognized	$	(47,647	)	$	(40,520	)	$	(51,918	)

Components of net periodic benefit cost
Service cost	$	-		$	-		$	1,405
Interest cost		6,013			6,077			6,246
Expected return on plan assets		(5,129	)		(5,140	)		(5,173	)
Recognized actuarial loss		284			26			107
Net periodic benefit cost	$	1,168		$	963		$	2,585

Estimated amounts that will be amortized from accumulated other comprehensive loss over the next year
Prior service cost	$	-		$	-		$	-
Net loss		(38	)		(28	)		(26	)

Information for pension plans with accumulated benefits in excess of plan assets
Projected benefit obligation	$	169,680		$	159,213		$	169,696
Accumulated benefit obligation	$	169,680		$	159,213		$	169,696
Fair value of assets	$	122,033		$	118,693		$	117,778

U.S. Plan:

The status of the U.S. defined benefit plan is as follows (in thousands):

	2019			2018			2017
Change in benefit obligation
Benefit obligation at beginning of year	$	116,277		$	124,138		$	130,863
Service cost		-			-			1,405
Interest cost		4,854			4,804			4,994
Plan curtailment		-			-			(4,170	)
Benefits paid		(5,565	)		(4,786	)		(5,106	)
Actuarial (gain) loss		10,814			(7,879	)		(3,848	)
Benefit obligation at end of year	$	126,380		$	116,277		$	124,138

Weighted average assumptions – benefit obligation
Discount rate		3.56	%		4.27	%		3.92	%
Rate of compensation increase		n/a			n/a		Varies

Change in plan assets
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	$	82,140		$	81,928		$	81,910
Actual return on plan assets		4,132			1,645			1,079
Employer contributions		4,443			3,353			4,045
Benefits paid		(5,565	)		(4,786	)		(5,106	)
Fair value of plan assets at end of year		85,150			82,140			81,928
Funded status at end of year	$	(41,230	)	$	(34,137	)	$	(42,210	)

Amounts recognized in balance sheet
Current liability	$	(324	)	$	(67	)	$	(63	)
Noncurrent liability		(40,906	)		(34,070	)		(42,147	)
Net amount recognized in balance sheet	$	(41,230	)	$	(34,137	)	$	(42,210	)

Weighted average assumptions – net periodic benefit cost
Discount rate		4.27	%		3.92	%		3.77	%
Rate of compensation increase	Varies			Varies			Varies
Return on plan assets		5.00	%		5.00	%		5.00	%

Amounts not yet reflected in net periodic benefit cost and included in accumulated other comprehensive loss
Prior service cost	$	-		$	-		$	-
Accumulated loss		(13,196	)		(2,731	)		(8,254	)
Amounts not yet recognized as a component of net periodic benefit cost		(13,196	)		(2,731	)		(8,254	)
Accumulated contributions less than net periodic benefit cost		(28,034	)		(31,406	)		(33,956	)
Net amount recognized	$	(41,230	)	$	(34,137	)	$	(42,210	)

Components of net periodic benefit cost
Service cost	$	-		$	-		$	1,405
Interest cost		4,854			4,804			4,994
Expected return on plan assets		(4,067	)		(4,026	)		(4,046	)
Recognized actuarial loss		284			26			107
Net periodic benefit cost	$	1,071		$	804		$	2,460

Estimated amounts that will be amortized from accumulated other comprehensive loss over the next year
Prior service cost	$	-		$	-		$	-
Net loss		(38	)		(28	)		(26	)

Information for plan with accumulated benefits in excess of plan assets
Projected benefit obligation	$	126,380		$	116,277		$	124,138
Accumulated benefit obligation	$	126,380		$	116,277		$	124,138
Fair value of assets	$	85,150		$	82,140		$	81,928

U.K. Plan:

The status of the U.K. defined benefit plan is as follows (in thousands):

	2019			2018			2017
Change in benefit obligation
Benefit obligation at beginning of year	$	42,936		$	45,558		$	44,370
Interest cost		1,159			1,273			1,252
Exchange rate changes		(1,697	)		707			(909	)
Benefits paid		(1,652	)		(1,703	)		(1,796	)
Actuarial (gain) loss		2,554			(2,899	)		2,641
Benefit obligation at end of year	$	43,300		$	42,936		$	45,558

Weighted average assumptions - benefit obligation
Discount rate		2.39	%		2.80	%		2.73	%
Rate of compensation increase		n/a			n/a			n/a

Change in plan assets
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	$	36,553		$	35,850		$	33,105
Actual return on plan assets		2,457			900			4,223
Employer contributions		970			1,013			954
Benefits paid		(1,652	)		(1,703	)		(1,796	)
Exchange rate changes		(1,445	)		493			(636	)
Fair value of plan assets at end of year		36,883			36,553			35,850
Funded status at end of year	$	(6,417	)	$	(6,383	)		(9,708	)
Amounts recognized in balance sheet
Current liability	$	—		$	—		$	—
Noncurrent liability		(6,417	)		(6,383	)		(9,708	)
Net amount recognized in balance sheet	$	(6,417	)	$	(6,383	)	$	(9,708	)

Weighted average assumptions – net periodic benefit cost

Discount rate		2.80	%		2.73	%		3.00	%
Rate of compensation increase		n/a			n/a			n/a
Return on plan assets		2.98	%		3.01	%		3.59	%

Amounts not yet reflected in net periodic benefit costs and included in accumulated other comprehensive loss
Prior service cost	$	—		$	—		$	—
Accumulated loss		(2,394	)		(1,307	)		(3,877	)
Amounts not yet recognized as a component of net periodic benefit cost		(2,394	)		(1,307	)		(3,877	)
Accumulated net periodic benefit cost in excess of contributions		(4,023	)		(5,076	)		(5,831	)
Net amount recognized	$	(6,417	)	$	(6,383	)	$	(9,708	)

Components of net periodic benefit cost
Service cost	$	—		$	—		$	—
Interest cost		1,159			1,273			1,252
Expected return on plan assets		(1,062	)		(1,114	)		(1,127	)
Amortization of net loss		—			—			—
Net periodic benefit cost	$	97		$	159		$	125

Estimated amounts that will be amortized from accumulated other comprehensive loss over the next year	$	—		$	—		$	—

Information for plan with accumulated benefits in excess of plan assets
Projected benefit obligation	$	43,300		$	42,936		$	45,558
Accumulated benefit obligation	$	43,300		$	42,936		$	45,558
Fair value of assets	$	36,883		$	36,553		$	35,850

Postretirement Medical and Life Insurance Benefits:

The status of the U.S. postretirement medical and life insurance benefit plan is as follows (in thousands):

	2019			2018			2017
Change in benefit obligation:
Benefit obligation at beginning of year	$	6,385		$	7,086		$	7,381
Service cost		72			85			85
Interest cost		265			270			269
Benefits paid		(346	)		(388	)		(483	)
Actuarial (gain) loss		554			(668	)		(166	)
Benefit obligation at end of year	$	6,930		$	6,385		$	7,086

Weighted average assumptions: benefit obligations
Discount rate		3.56	%		4.27	%		3.92	%
Rate of compensation increase		2.64	%		2.64	%		2.64	%

Change in plan assets
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	$	—		$	—		$	—
Employer contributions		346			388			483
Benefits paid, net of employee contributions		(346	)		(388	)		(483	)
Fair value of plan assets at end of year		—			—			—

Amounts recognized in balance sheet
Current postretirement benefit obligation	$	(353	)	$	(339	)	$	(370	)
Non-current postretirement benefit obligation		(6,577	)		(6,046	)		(6,716	)
Net amount recognized in balance sheet	$	(6,930	)	$	(6,385	)	$	(7,086	)

Weighted average assumptions – net periodic benefit cost
Discount rate		4.27	%		3.92	%		3.77	%
Rate of compensation increase		2.64	%		2.64	%		2.64	%

Amounts not yet reflected in net periodic benefit cost and included in accumulated other comprehensive loss
Prior service credit	$	2,777		$	3,314		$	3,851
Accumulated gain (loss)		(1,452	)		(928	)		(1,696	)
Amounts not yet recognized as a component of net periodic benefit cost		1,325			2,386			2,155
Net periodic benefit cost in excess of accumulated contributions		(8,255	)		(8,771	)		(9,241	)
Net amount recognized	$	(6,930	)	$	(6,385	)	$	(7,086	)

Components of net periodic benefit cost
Service cost	$	72		$	85		$	85
Interest cost		265			270			269
Amortization of prior service credit		(537	)		(537	)		(673	)
Amortization of accumulated loss		30			99			121
Net periodic benefit cost	$	(170	)	$	(83	)	$	(198	)


Estimated amounts that will be amortized from accumulated other comprehensive loss over the next year
Prior service credit	$	537		$	537		$	537
Net loss		(83	)		(30	)		(99	)
	$	454		$	507		$	438


Healthcare cost trend rate assumed for next year		6.30	%		6.60	%		6.60	%
Rate to which the cost trend rate gradually declines		4.50	%		4.50	%		4.50	%
Year that the rate reaches the rate at which it is assumed to remain	2037			2037			2037

Assumed health care cost trend rates have a significant effect on the amounts reported for the health care plans. A one percentage point change in assumed health care cost trend rates would have the following effects (in thousands):

	1% Increase
	2019		2018		2017
Effect on total of service and interest cost	$	-	$	-	$	-
Effect on postretirement benefit obligation		1		1		2

	1% Decrease
	2019			2018			2017
Effect on total of service and interest cost	$	-		$	-		$	-
Effect on postretirement benefit obligation		(1	)		(1	)		(2	)

Future pension and other benefit payments are as follows (in thousands):

Fiscal Year	Pension		Other Benefits
2020	$	8,006	$	354
2021		8,011		354
2022		8,134		358
2023		8,978		363
2024		8,373		353
2025-2029		53,635		2,228
	$	95,137	$	4,010

17. FINANCIAL INFORMATION BY SEGMENT & GEOGRAPHIC AREA

The Company offers its broad array of measuring and cutting products to the market through multiple channels of distribution throughout the world. The Company’s products include precision tools, electronic gages, gage blocks, optical vision and laser measuring equipment, custom engineered granite solutions, tape measures, levels, chalk products, squares, band saw blades, hole saws, hacksaw blades, jig saw blades, reciprocating saw blades, M1® lubricant and precision ground flat stock. The Company reviews and manages its business geographically and has historically made decisions based on worldwide operations.

The North American segment’s operations include all manufacturing and sales in the United States, Canada and Mexico. The International segment’s operations include all locations outside North America, primarily in Brazil, United Kingdom and China. The chief operating decision maker, who is the Company’s CEO, reviews operations on a geographical basis and decisions about where to invest the Company’s resources are made based on the current results and forecasts of operations in those geographies. Since the markets for the Company’s products are sufficiently different in North America than they are in the rest of the world and in view of the significant impact that currency fluctuation plays outside the United States on the revenue of the Company, the Company’s business review separates North America from operations outside North America. For this reason, the Company is reflecting two operating segments that align with management’s review of operations and decisions to allocate resources.

Segment income is measured for internal reporting purposes by excluding corporate expenses, other income and expense including interest income and interest expense and income taxes. Corporate expenses consist primarily of executive compensation, certain professional fees, and costs associated with the Company’s global headquarters. Financial results for each reportable segment are as follows (in thousands):

	Year Ended June 30, 2019
	North America		International		Unallocated			Total
Sales¹	$	136,387	$	91,635	$	-		$	228,022
Operating income		9,468		8,043		(6,290	)		11,221
Capital expenditures and software development		3,617		3,610		-			7,227
Depreciation and amortization		5,022		2,316		-			7,338
Current assets⁴		41,188		63,205		15,582			119,975
Long-lived assets⁵		35,638		14,168		20,306			70,112

	Year Ended June 30, 2018
	North America		International		Unallocated		Total
Sales²	$	128,442	$	87,886	$	-	$	216,328
Operating income Capital expenditures and software development		3,426		2,336		-		5,762
Depreciation and amortization		4,923		2,588		-		7,511
Current assets⁴		37,546		60,855		14,827		113,228
Long-lived assets⁵		37,489		13,010		18,559		69,058

	Year Ended June 30, 2017
	North America			International			Unallocated			Total
Sales³	$	124,606		$	82,417		$	-		$	207,023
Restructuring charges		(82	)		(906	)		-			(988	)
Operating loss		6,910			393			(7,450	)		(147	)
Capital expenditures and software development		2,765			3,071			-			5,836
Depreciation and amortization		4,551			2,475			-			7,026
Current assets⁴		33,555			61,961			14,607			110,123
Long-lived assets⁵		39,199			14,684			28,659			82,542

¹ Excludes $4,879 of North American segment intercompany sales to the International segment and $16,187 intercompany sales of the International segment to the North American segment.

² Excludes $6,468 of North American segment intercompany sales to the International segment and $14,239 intercompany sales of the International segment to the North American segment.

³ Excludes $7,902 of North American segment intercompany sales to the International segment and $11,677 intercompany sales of the International segment to the North American segment.

⁴ Current assets primarily consist of accounts receivable, inventories and prepaid expenses. Assets not allocated to the segments include cash and cash equivalents.

⁵ Long lived assets consist of property, plant and equipment, net taxes receivable, deferred tax assets, net intangible assets and goodwill.

Geographic information about the Company’s sales and long-lived assets are as follows (in thousands):

Sales
	Year Ended June 30,
	2019		2018		2017
North America
United States	$	127,359	$	119,226	$	115,562
Canada & Mexico		9,028		9,216		9,044
		136,387		128,442		124,606
International
Brazil		54,324		49,726		45,614
United Kingdom		24,042		25,099		24,954
China		7,370		7,323		6,873
Australia & New Zealand		5,899		5,738		4,976
		91,635		87,886		82,417
Total Sales	$	228,022	$	216,328	$	207,023

Long-lived Assets
	Year Ended June 30,
	2019		2018		2017
North America
United States	$	35,594	$	37,437	$	39,131
Canada & Mexico		44		52		68
		35,638		37,489		39,199
International
Brazil		10,067		8,662		10,111
United Kingdom		2,046		1,876		1,976
China		1,944		2,346		2,426
Australia & New Zealand		111		126		171
		14,168		13,010		14,684

Total Long Lived Assets	$	49,806	$	50,499	$	53,883

Item 9 - Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure

Pursuant to Rule 13a-15(b) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, we carried out an evaluation, with the participation of our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined under Rule 13a-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934) as of the end of the period covered by this annual report. Based upon that evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of such date in ensuring that information required to be filed in this annual report was recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time period required by the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission, and that such information is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure. There have been no changes in internal control over financial reporting during the fourth quarter that materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

Management of the Company is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting. The Company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. Internal control over financial reporting includes those written policies and procedures that:

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

Management assessed the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of June 30, 2019. Management based this assessment on criteria established in the 2013 Internal Control – Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). Management’s assessment included an evaluation of the design of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting and testing of the operational effectiveness of its internal control over financial reporting. Management reviewed the results of its assessment with the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors.

Based on our assessment, management concluded that as of June 30, 2019 our internal control over financial reporting was effective based on those criteria.

The Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of June 30, 2019 has been audited by Grant Thornton LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, as stated in their report included herein.

We have audited the internal control over financial reporting of The L.S. Starrett Company (a Massachusetts corporation) and subsidiaries (the “Company”) as of June 30, 2019, based on criteria established in the 2013 Internal Control—Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (“COSO”). In our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of June 30, 2019, based on criteria established in the 2013 Internal Control—Integrated Framework issued by COSO.

We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (“PCAOB”), the consolidated financial statements of the Company as of and for the year ended June 30, 2019, and our report dated August 26, 2019 expressed an unqualified opinion on those financial statements.

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

We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk, and performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.

A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

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

The Company is filing its fiscal 2019 10-K as a non-accelerated flier. A non-accelerated filer is not required to perform Sarbanes Oxley testing of Internal Controls over Financial Reporting. However, the Company has engaged its independent registered public accounting firm to perform an integrated audit.

The information concerning the Directors of the Registrant will be contained immediately under the heading “Election of Directors” and prior to Section A of Part I in the Company’s definitive Proxy Statement for the Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held on October 16, 2019 (the “2019 Proxy Statement”), which will be mailed to stockholders on or about September 10, 2019. The information in that portion of the 2019 Proxy Statement is hereby incorporated by reference.

Douglas A. Starrett has been President of the Company since 1995 and became CEO in 2001.

Francis J. O’Brien was previously Chief Financial Officer at Delta Education, LLC, an elementary school education company, from 2005 to 2009. Prior to Delta Education, he was Chief Financial Officer at StockerYale Corporation, a publicly traded technology company, from 2001 to 2004 and Director of Finance and Business Development at Analogic Corporation, a publicly traded manufacturer of medical and security systems, from 1998 to 2000. Mr. O’Brien served as Corporate Vice President of Finance & Administration for Addison Wesley, a global education company, from 1982 to 1997 and as Senior Manager at Coopers & Lybrand, an international public accounting firm, from 1976 to 1982. Mr. O’Brien holds a BA from the University of Massachusetts and an MBA from Suffolk University and is a Certified Public Accountant.

Anthony M. Aspin was previously Vice President of Sales and retried from the Company on August 1, 2019.

The positions listed above represent their principal occupations and employment during the last five years.

The President and Treasurer hold office until the first meeting of the directors following the next annual meeting of stockholders and until their respective successors are chosen and qualified, and each other officer holds office until the first meeting of directors following the next annual meeting of stockholders, unless a shorter period shall have been specified by the terms of his election or appointment or, in each case, until he sooner dies, resigns, is removed or becomes disqualified.

There have been no events under any bankruptcy act, no criminal proceedings and no judgments or injunctions material to the evaluation of the ability and integrity of any executive officer during the past ten years.

The Company has adopted a Policy on Business Conduct and Ethics (the “Ethics Policy”) applicable to all directors, officers and employees of the Company. The Code is intended to promote honest and ethical conduct, full and accurate reporting, and compliance with laws as well as other matters. The Ethics Policy is available on the Company’s website at www.starrett.com. Stockholders may also obtain free of charge a printed copy of the Ethics Policy by writing to the Clerk of the Company at The L.S. Starrett Company, 121 Crescent Street, Athol, MA 01331. We intend to disclose any future amendments to, or waivers from, the Ethics Policy within four business days of the waiver or amendment through a website posting or by filing a Current Report on Form 8-K with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

The information concerning management remuneration will be contained under the heading “General Information Relating to the Board of Directors and Its Committees,” and in Sections C-H of Part I of the Company’s 2019 Proxy Statement, and is hereby incorporated by reference.

On July 15, 2010, the Company entered into a Change of Control Agreement with Francis J. O’Brien. The terms of Mr. O’Brien’s Agreement are described in section H in the Company’s 2019 Proxy Statement, which is hereby incorporated by reference.

Item 12 - Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters

(a) The following table gives information about the Company’s common stock that may be issued upon the exercise of options, warrants and rights under the Company’s 2017 Employees’ Stock Purchase Plan (“2017 Plan”) as of June 30, 2019. The 2017 Plan was approved by stockholders at the Company’s 2017 annual meeting and shares of Class A or Class B common stock may be issued under the 2017 Plan. Options are not issued under the Company’s Employees’ Stock Purchase Plan that was adopted in 1952.

The information concerning a more than 5% holder of any class of the Company’s voting shares will be contained under the heading “Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners” in Section I of Part I of the Company’s 2019 Proxy Statement, and is hereby incorporated by reference.

The information concerning the beneficial ownership of each class of equity securities by all directors, and all directors and officers of the Company as a group, will be contained under the heading “Security Ownership of Directors and Officers” in Section I of Part I in the Company’s 2019 Proxy Statement. These portions of the 2019 Proxy Statement are hereby incorporated by reference.

(d) The Company knows of no arrangements that may, at a subsequent date, result in a change in control of the Company.

Item 13 - Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence

The information required by this Item 13 will be contained in the Company’s 2019 Proxy Statement, and is hereby incorporated by reference.

The information required by this Item 14 will be contained in the Audit Fee table in Section B of Part I in the Company’s 2019 Proxy Statement. These portions of the Proxy Statement are hereby incorporated by reference.

Consolidated Statements of Operations for each of the years in the three-year period ended June 30, 2019.

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) for each of the years in the three-year period ended June 30, 2019.

Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity for each of the years in the three-year period ended June 30, 2019.

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended June 30, 2019.

2. The following consolidated financial statement schedule of the Company included in this annual report on Form 10-K is filed herewith pursuant to Item 15(c) and appears immediately before the Exhibit Index:

SCHEDULE II – VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS

Schedule II

Valuation and Qualifying Accounts

Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Receivable

(in 000)	Balance at Beginning of Period		Provisions			Charges to Other Accounts			Write-offs			Balance at End of Period

Year Ended June 30, 2019	$	1,277	$	(91	)	$	(5	)	$	(496	)	$	685
Year Ended June 30, 2018		946		539			(71	)		(137	)		1,277
Year Ended June 30, 2017		887		284			(23	)		(202	)		946

Valuation Allowance on Deferred Tax Asset

(in 000)	Balance at Beginning of Period		Provisions		Charges to Other Accounts		Write-offs			Balance at End of Period

Year Ended June 30, 2019	$	4,999	$	1,744	$	-	$	-		$	6,743
Year Ended June 30, 2018		2,922		2,077		-		-			4,999
Year Ended June 30, 2017		5,246		117		1		(2,442	)		2,922

All other financial statement schedules are omitted because they are inapplicable, not required under the instructions, or the information is reflected in the financial statements or notes thereto.

3. See Exhibit Index below. Compensatory plans or arrangements are identified by an “*”.

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) 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.

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the Registrant and in the capacities and on the date indicated:


121 CRESCENT STREET, ATHOL, MASSACHUSETTS	01331
(Address of principal executive offices)	(Zip Code)

Title of each class	Trading Symbol(s)	Name of each exchange on which registered
Class A Common - $1.00 Per Share Par Value	SCX	New York Stock Exchange
Class B Common - $1.00 Per Share Par Value	Not applicable	Not applicable

		Page Number
PART I

ITEM 1.	Business	4-6
ITEM 1A.	Risk Factors	6-8
ITEM 1B.	Unresolved Staff Comments	8
ITEM 2.	Properties	8-9
ITEM 3.	Legal Proceedings	9
ITEM 4.	Mine Safety Disclosures	9

PART II

ITEM 5.	Market for the Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities	9-10
ITEM 6.	Selected Financial Data	10
ITEM 7.	Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations	11-17
ITEM 7A.	Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk	11-17
ITEM 8.	Financial Statements and Supplementary Data	18-48
ITEM 9.	Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure	48
ITEM 9A.	Controls and Procedures	48-50
ITEM 9B.	Other Information	51

PART III

ITEM 10.	Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance	51
ITEM 11.	Executive Compensation	52
ITEM 12.	Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters	52
ITEM 13.	Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence	52
ITEM 14.	Principal Accounting Fees and Services	53

PART IV

ITEM 15.	Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules	53
ITEM 16.	Form 10-K Summary	54
EXHIBIT INDEX		54-55
SIGNATURES		56

Quarter Ended	Dividends		High		Low
September 2017	$	0.10	$	9.22	$	6.85
December 2017		0.10		9.05		7.85
March 2018		-		8.95		6.75
June 2018		-		7.25		5.95
September 2018		-		6.70		5.96
December 2018		-		6.95		4.65
March 2019		-		8.48		5.40
June 2019		-		8.20		6.62

	Years ended June 30 (in $000s except per share data)
	2019		2018			2017		2016			2015
Net sales	$	228,022	$	216,328		$	207,023	$	209,685		$	241,550
Net earnings (loss)		6,079		(3,633	)		991		(14,130	)		5,244
Basic earnings (loss) per share		0.87		(0.52	)		0.14		(2.01	)		0.75
Diluted earnings (loss) per share		0.87		(0.52	)		0.14		(2.01	)		0.75
Long-term debt		17,541		17,307			6,095		17,109			18,552
Total assets		190,087		182,286			192,665		201,598			212,272
Dividends per share		0.00		0.20			0.40		0.40			0.40

	Years ended June 30 ($000)
	2019			2018			2017
Cash provided by operating activities	$	8,397		$	4,055		$	2,888
Cash used in investing activities		(7,227	)		(5,762	)		(3,839	)
Cash (used in) provided by financing activities		(225	)		1,708			(3,911	)

	Fiscal Year (in millions)
	Total		2020			2021- 2022		2023- 2024	Thereafter
Debt obligations	$	21.6	$	4.1	$	17.5	$	-	$	-
Estimated interest on debt obligations		1.4		0.8		0.6		-		-
Operating lease obligations		8.1		2.4		3.3		1.3		1.1
Purchase obligations		15.7		13.6		1.5		0.6		-
Total	$	46.8	$	20.9	$	22.9	$	1.9	$	1.1

Contents:		Page
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm		19
Consolidated Balance Sheets		20
Consolidated Statements of Operations		21
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss)		22
Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity		23
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows		24
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements		25-48

	6/30/19			6/30/18
ASSETS
Current assets:
Cash	$	15,582		$	14,827
Accounts receivable (less allowance for doubtful accounts of $685 and $1,277, respectively)		35,980			33,089
Inventories		61,790			58,039
Prepaid expenses and other current assets		6,623			7,273
Total current assets		119,975			113,228
Property, plant and equipment, net		36,679			36,514
Taxes receivable		1,666			1,820
Deferred tax assets, net		18,639			16,739
Intangible assets, net		8,460			9,317
Goodwill		4,668			4,668
Total assets	$	190,087		$	182,286

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Current liabilities:
Notes payable and current maturities of long-term debt	$	4,065		$	3,655
Accounts payable		12,881			9,836
Accrued expenses		8,699			7,533
Accrued compensation		7,035			5,163
Total current liabilities		32,680			26,187
Other tax obligations		2,587			2,751
Long-term debt, net of current portion		17,541			17,307
Postretirement benefit and pension obligations		53,900			46,499
Other non-current liabilities		-			1,671
Total liabilities		106,708			94,415

Stockholders’ equity:
Class A common stock $1 par (20,000,000 shares authorized; 6,206,525 outstanding at June 30, 2019 and 6,302,356 outstanding at June 30, 2018)		6,207			6,302
Class B common stock $1 par (10,000,000 shares authorized; 689,577 outstanding at June 30, 2019 and 720,447 outstanding at June 30, 2018)		690			720
Additional paid-in capital		55,276			55,641
Retained earnings		80,487			74,368
Accumulated other comprehensive loss		(59,281	)		(49,160	)
Total stockholders’ equity		83,379			87,871
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	$	190,087		$	182,286

	Years Ended
	6/30/19			6/30/18			6/30/17
Net sales	$	228,022		$	216,328		$	207,023
Cost of goods sold		153,081			146,771			144,424
Gross margin		74,941			69,557			62,599
% of net sales		32.9	%		32.2	%		30.2	%

Selling, general and administrative expenses		63,720			64,039			61,758
Restructuring charges		-			-			988
Operating income (loss)		11,221			5,518			(147	)

Other expense, net		(1,611	)		(653	)		(1,404	)
Gain on sale of building		-			-			3,089

Earnings before income taxes		9,610			4,865			1,538
Income tax expense		3,531			8,498			547

Net earnings (loss)	$	6,079		$	(3,633	)	$	991

Basic and diluted earnings (loss) per share	$	0.87		$	(0.52	)	$	0.14

Average outstanding shares used in per share calculations:
Basic		6,957			7,014			7,048
Diluted		7,026			7,014			7,081

Dividends per share	$	0.00		$	0.20		$	0.40

	Common Stock Outstanding						Additional Paid-in			Retained			Accumulated Other Comprehensive
	Class A			Class B			Capital			Earnings			Loss			Total
Balance, June 30, 2016	$	6,250		$	773		$	55,227		$	81,228		$	(51,965	)	$	91,513

Total comprehensive income		-			-			-			991			1,980			2,971
Dividends ($0.40 per share)		-			-			-			(2,817	)		-			(2,817	)
Repurchase of shares		(35	)		(8	)		(343	)		-			-			(386	)
Issuance of stock		23			11			301			-			-			335
Stock-based compensation		16			-			394			-			-			410
Conversion		14			(14	)		-			-			-			-
Balance, June 30, 2017		6,268			762			55,579			79,402			(49,985	)		92,026

Total comprehensive (loss) income		-			-			-			(3,633	)		825			(2,808	)
Dividends ($0.20 per share)		-			-			-			(1,401	)		-			(1,401	)
Repurchase of shares		(58	)		(8	)		(497	)		-			-			(563	)
Issuance of stock		20			20			279			-			-			319
Stock-based compensation		18			-			280			-			-			298
Conversion		54			(54	)		-			-			-			-
Balance, June 30, 2018		6,302			720			55,641			74,368			(49,160	)		87,871

Total comprehensive income (loss)		-			-			-			6,079			(10,081	)		(4,002	)
Transfer of historical translation adjustment		-			-			-			40			(40	)		-
Repurchase of shares		(154	)		(5	)		(791	)		-			-			(950	)
Issuance of stock		-			15			66			-			-			81
Stock-based compensation		19			-			360			-			-			379
Conversion		40			(40	)		-			-			-			-
Balance, June 30, 2019	$	6,207		$	690		$	55,276		$	80,487		$	(59,281	)	$	83,379

Cumulative balance:
Currency translation loss, net of taxes													$	(49,558	)
Pension and postretirement plans, net of taxes														(9,723	)
													$	(59,281	)

Cash	$	509
Accounts receivable		273
Inventories		243
Other current assets		18
Deferred software development costs		2,520
Intangible assets		1,220
Goodwill		1,634
Fixed assets		47
Deferred tax liability		(1,090	)
Accounts payable and current liabilities		(80	)
Purchase Price (1)	$	5,294

	June 30, 2019			June 30, 2018
Raw materials and supplies	$	26,106		$	23,764
Goods in process and finished parts		17,464			18,423
Finished goods		41,500			40,739
		85,070			82,926
LIFO reserve		(23,280	)		(24,887	)
	$	61,790		$	58,039

	June 30, 2019							June 30, 2018
	Cost		Accumulated Amortization			Net		Cost		Accumulated Amortization			Net
Goodwill	$	4,668	$	-		$	4,668	$	4,668	$	-		$	4,668
Identifiable intangible assets		19,885		(11,425	)		8,460		18,533		(9,216	)		9,317

	June 30, 2019			June 30, 2018
Non-compete agreements	$	600		$	600
Trademarks and trade names		2,070			2,070
Completed technology		2,358			2,358
Customer relationships		5,580			5,580
Software development		8,952			7,600
Other intangible assets		325			325
Total		19,885			18,533
Accumulated amortization		(11,425	)		(9,216	)
Total net balance	$	8,460		$	9,317

	As of June 30, 2019
	Cost		Accumulated Depreciation			Net
Land	$	1,210	$	-		$	1,210
Buildings and building improvements		44,772		(30,427	)		14,345
Machinery and equipment		117,386		(96,262	)		21,124
Total	$	163,368	$	(126,689	)	$	36,679

	As of June 30, 2018
	Cost		Accumulated Depreciation			Net
Land	$	1,210	$	-		$	1,210
Buildings and building improvements		44,540		(29,774	)		14,766
Machinery and equipment		117,573		(97,035	)		20,538
Total	$	163,323	$	(126,809	)	$	36,514

Fiscal Year
2020	$	2,005
2021		1,602
2022		1,370
2023		1,016
2024		628
Thereafter		1,839
	$	8,460

Fiscal Year
2020	$	2,434
2021		2,328
2022		943
2023		762
2024		502
Thereafter		1,092
	$	8,061

	June 30, 2019		June 30, 2018
Short-term and current maturities
Loan and Security Agreement	$	1,765	$	1,688
Other		2,300		1,967
Long-term debt
Loan and Security Agreement, net of current portion		17,541		17,307
Total debt	$	21,606	$	20,962

Quarter Ended	Net Sales		Gross Margin		Earnings Before Income Taxes		Net Earnings / (Loss)			Basic and Diluted Earnings / (Loss) Per Share
September 2017	$	51,818	$	16,685	$	640	$	426		$	0.06
December 2017		52,124		16,076		1,097		(6,521	)		(0.93	)
March 2018		54,834		18,217		2,337		1,637			0.23
June 2018		57,552		18,579		791		825			0.12
	$	216,328	$	69,557	$	4,865	$	(3,633	)	$	(0.52	)
September 2018	$	51,901	$	16,659	$	942	$	584		$	0.08
December 2018		56,532		18,548		2,991		1,926			0.27
March 2019		58,498		19,155		3,045		2,088			0.30
June 2019		61,091		20,579		2,632		1,481			0.22
	$	228,022	$	74,941	$	9,610	$	6,079		$	0.87

Name	Age	Held Present Office Since	Position
Douglas A. Starrett	67	2001	President and CEO and Director
Francis J. O’Brien	72	2009	Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer
Anthony M. Aspin	66	2000	Vice President Sales

Plan Category	Number of Securities to be issued Upon Exercise of Outstanding Options, Warrants and Rights (a)		Weighted Average Exercise Price of Outstanding Options, Warrants and Rights (b)		Number of Securities Remaining Available For Future Issuance Under Equity Compen- sation Plans (Ex- cluding Securities Reflected in Column (a) (c)
Equity compensation plans approved by security holders		87,133	$	5.80		412,867
Equity compensation plans not approved by security holders		—		—		—
Total		87,133	$	5.80		412,867

	THE L.S. STARRETT COMPANY (Registrant)

	By: /S/ Francis J. O’Brien
	Francis J. O’Brien Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer (Principal Accounting Officer)
Date: Aug. 26, 2019

By: /S/ Francis J. O’Brien		/S/TERRY A. PIPER
Francis J. O’Brien , Aug. 26, 2019 Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer (Principal Accounting Officer)		Terry A. Piper, Aug. 26, 2019 Director


/S/RICHARD B. KENNEDY		/S/RUSSELL D. CARREKER
Richard B. Kennedy, Aug. 26, 2019		Russell D. Carreker, Aug. 26, 2019
Director		Director

/S/DAVID A. LEMOINE		/S/CHRISTOPHER C. GAHAGAN
David A. Lemoine, Aug. 26, 2019		Christopher C. Gahagan, Aug. 26, 2019
Director		Director