Form 10-QSB

U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission

Washington, D.C. 20549

Form 10-QSB

 

x QUARTERLY REPORT UNDER SECTION 13 OR 15 (d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the quarterly period ended June 30, 2006

OR

 

¨ TRANSITION REPORT UNDER SECTION 13 OR 15 (d) OF THE EXCHANGE ACT

For the transition period from                      to                     

Commission File Number 0-11740

MESA LABORATORIES, INC.

(Exact Name of Small Business Issuer as Specified in its Charter)

 

COLORADO   84-0872291
(State or other Jurisdiction of   (I.R.S. Employer
Incorporation or Organization)   Identification No.)
12100 WEST SIXTH AVENUE, LAKEWOOD, COLORADO   80228
(Address of Principal Executive Offices)   (Zip Code)

Issuer’s telephone number, including area code: (303) 987-8000

Check whether the Issuer (1) filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15 (d) of the Exchange Act, during the past 12 months and (2) has been subject to the filing requirements for the past 90 days.    Yes  x    No  ¨.

State the number of shares outstanding of each of the Issuer’s classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date:

There were 3,174,936 shares of the Issuer’s common stock, no par value, outstanding as of June 30, 2006.

 


 

Page 1 of 19


FORM 10-QSB

 

ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

MESA LABORATORIES, INC.

BALANCE SHEETS

(UNAUDITED)

 

     JUNE 30,
2006
   MARCH 31,
2006

ASSETS

     

CURRENT ASSETS

     

Cash and Cash Equivalents

   $ 3,695,000    $ 4,466,000

Short-term Investments

     —        1,245,000

Accounts Receivable, Net

     2,877,000      2,444,000

Inventories, Net

     3,061,000      2,374,000

Prepaid Expenses and Other

     241,000      426,000
             

TOTAL CURRENT ASSETS

     9,874,000      10,955,000

PROPERTY, PLANT & EQUIPMENT, NET

     2,022,000      1,287,000

OTHER ASSETS

     

Goodwill, Intangibles and Other

     8,247,000      4,208,000
             

TOTAL ASSETS

   $ 20,143,000    $ 16,450,000
             

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

     

CURRENT LIABILITIES

     

Accounts Payable

   $ 185,000    $ 290,000

Accrued Salaries & Payroll Taxes

     434,000      782,000

Other Accrued Expenses

     100,000      79,000

Taxes Payable

     306,000      51,000
             

TOTAL CURRENT LIABILITIES

     1,025,000      1,202,000

LONG TERM LIABILITIES

     

Deferred Income Taxes Payable

     329,000      329,000

STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

     

Preferred Stock, No Par Value

     —        —  

Common Stock, No Par Value; authorized 8,000,000 shares; issued and outstanding, 3,174,936 shares (6/30/06) and 2,945,291 shares (3/31/06)

     4,618,000      1,313,000

Retained Earnings

     14,171,000      13,606,000
             

TOTAL STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

     18,789,000      14,919,000
             

TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

   $ 20,143,000    $ 16,450,000
             

 

Page 2 of 19


FORM 10-QSB

 

ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

MESA LABORATORIES, INC.

STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

(UNAUDITED)

 

     Three Months
Ended
June 30, 2006
    Three Months
Ended
June 30, 2005
 

Sales

   $ 3,674,000     $ 2,440,000  
                

Cost of Goods Sold

     1,287,000       902,000  

Selling, General & Administrative

     1,069,000       660,000  

Research and Development

     123,000       89,000  

Other (Income) and Expenses

     (39,000 )     (39,000 )
                
     2,440,000       1,612,000  
                

Earnings Before Income Taxes

     1,234,000       828,000  

Income Taxes

     444,000       288,000  
                

Net Income

   $ 790,000     $ 540,000  
                

Net Income Per Share (Basic)

   $ .26     $ .18  
                

Net Income Per Share (Diluted)

   $ .25     $ .17  
                

Average Common Shares Outstanding (Basic)

     3,095,000       3,038,000  
                

Average Common Shares Outstanding (Diluted)

     3,160,000       3,131,000  
                

 

Page 3 of 19


FORM 10-QSB

 

ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

MESA LABORATORIES, INC.

STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(UNAUDITED)

 

     Three Months
Ended
June 30, 2006
    Three Months
Ended
June 30, 2005
 

Cash Flows From Operating Activities:

    

Net Income

   $ 790,000     $ 540,000  

Depreciation and Amortization

     124,000       23,000  

Stock Based Compensation

     66,000       —    

Change in Assets and Liabilities-

    

(Increase) Decrease in Accounts Receivable

     353,000       452,000  

(Increase) Decrease in Inventories

     (111,000 )     (124,000 )

(Increase) Decrease in Prepaid Expenses

     215,000       138,000  

Increase (Decrease) in Accounts Payable

     (121,000 )     —    

Increase (Decrease) in Accrued Liabilities

     (156,000 )     (41,000 )
                

Net Cash (Used) Provided by Operating Activities

     1,160,000       988,000  
                

Cash Flows From Investing Activities:

    

Short-term Investments Redeemed

     1,245,000       26,000  

Purchase of Business

     (2,729,000 )     —    

Capital Expenditures, Net of Retirements

     (211,000 )     (37,000 )
                

Net Cash (Used) Provided by Investing Activities

     (1,695,000 )     (11,000 )
                

Cash Flows From Financing Activities:

    

Dividends Paid

     (222,000 )     (182,000 )

Treasury Stock Purchases

     (77,000 )     (80,000 )

Proceeds From Stock Options Exercised

     63,000       2,000  
                

Net Cash (Used) Provided by Financing Activities

     (236,000 )     (260,000 )
                

Net Increase (Decrease) In Cash and Cash Equivalents

     (771,000 )     717,000  
                

Cash and Cash Equivalents at Beginning of Period

     4,466,000       4,978,000  
                

Cash and Cash Equivalents at End of Period

   $ 3,695,000     $ 5,695,000  
                

Supplemental disclosure of noncash activity:

On May 4, 2006, the Company issued $3,250,000 of common stock and cash of approximately $2,729,000 for the acquisition of Raven Biological Laboratories, Inc. (See Note E).

 

Page 4 of 19


FORM 10-QSB

 

ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

MESA LABORATORIES, INC.

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

JUNE 30, 2006 AND 2005

 

NOTE A. SUMMARY OF ACCOUNTING POLICIES

The summary of the Issuer’s significant accounting policies are incorporated by reference to the Company’s annual report on Form 10KSB, at March 31, 2006.

The accompanying unaudited condensed financial statements reflect all adjustments which, in the opinion of management, are necessary for a fair presentation of the results of operations, financial position and cash flows. The results of the interim period are not necessarily indicative of the results for the full year.

 

NOTE B. STOCK BASED COMPENSATION

Effective April 1, 2006, we adopted Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 123 (revised 2004), “Share-Based Payment” (SFAS 123(R)) which requires the measurement and recognition of compensation expense for all share-based payment awards made to employees and directors. SFAS 123(R) supersedes our previous accounting under Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 25, Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees (APB 25).

We adopted the modified prospective transition method of applying SFAS 123(R) which requires the application of the standard as of April 1, 2006 and requires us to record compensation cost related to unvested stock options as of April 1, 2006, by recognizing the unamortized grant date fair value of these awards over the remaining service periods of those awards with no change in historical reported earnings. Awards granted after April 1, 2006 are valued at fair value in accordance with the provisions of SFAS 123(R) and recognized on a straight line basis over the service periods of each award. We estimated forfeiture rates for the quarter based on historical experience.

Amounts recognized in the consolidated financial statements related to stock-based compensation are as follows:

 

     Three Months
Ended
June 30, 2006

Total cost of stock-based compensation

   $ 66,000

Amount capitalized in inventory and property and equipment

     —  
      

Amounts charged against income, before income taxes

     66,000

Amount of income tax benefit recognized in earnings

     23,000
      

Amount charged against net income

   $ 43,000
      

Impact on net income per common share:

  

Basic

   $ 0.01

Diluted

   $ 0.01

 

Page 5 of 19


FORM 10-QSB

 

Stock-based compensation expense was reflected as Selling, general and administrative expense in the statement of operations for the first quarter of fiscal 2007.

Prior to the first quarter of fiscal 2007, we accounted for stock-based employee compensation arrangements in accordance with the provisions and related interpretations of APB 25, using the intrinsic-value method. Under the guidelines of APB 25 compensation cost for stock-based employee compensation plans is recognized based on the difference, if any, between the quoted market price of the stock on the date of grant and the amount an employee must pay to acquire the stock. The Company had adopted the disclosure-only provisions for employee stock-based compensation, and therefore, had not recorded compensation cost in its financial statements. Had compensation cost for stock-based compensation been determined consistent with SFAS 123(R), net income and net income per share would have been adjusted to the following pro forma amounts:

 

     Three Months
Ended
June 30, 2005
 

Net income – as reported

   $ 540,000  

Deduct: Total stock-based employee compensation expense determined under fair value based method for all awards, net of related tax effects

     (58,000 )
        

Net income – pro forma

   $ 482,000  
        

Net income per common share – as reported:

  

Basic

   $ 0.18  

Diluted

   $ 0.17  

Net income per common share – pro forma:

  

Basic

   $ 0.16  

Diluted

   $ 0.15  

The fair value of each option grant is estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model (Black-Scholes). We use historical data to estimate the expected price volatility, the expected option life and expected forfeiture rate. The risk-free interest rate is based on the U.S. Treasury yield curve in effect at the time of grant for the estimated life of the option. The dividend yield is calculated based upon the dividend payments made during the prior four quarters as a percent of the average stock price for that period. The following assumptions were used to estimate the fair value of options granted during the first quarter of fiscal 2007 and 2006 using the Black-Scholes model:

 

     Three Months Ended
June 30,
 
     2006     2005  

Stock options:

    

Volatility

   39.2 %   36.0 %

Risk-free interest rate

   4.95-5.16 %   3.73-4.13 %

Expected option life (years)

   5-10     5-10  

Dividend yield

   3.7 %   3.6 %

 

Page 6 of 19


FORM 10-QSB

 

A summary of the option activity for the first three months of fiscal 2007 is as follows:

 

     Number of
Shares
    Weighted-
average
Exercise
Price per
Share
   Weighted-
average
Remaining
Contractual
Term
   Aggregate
Intrinsic
Value

Outstanding at March 31, 2006

   249,470     $ 10.47    5.4   

Options granted

   68,620       14.54    5.4   

Options forfeited

   (12,200 )     10.17    —     

Options expired

   —         —      —     

Options exercised

   (12,850 )     6.31    —     
                        

Outstanding at June 30, 2006

   293,040     $ 11.62    5.3    $ 1,138,000
                        

Exercisable at June 30, 2006

   56,280     $ 8.32    4.0    $ 404,000
                        

The weighted average grant date fair value based on the Black-Scholes model for options granted in the first quarter of fiscal 2007 was $14.54 and $11.96 in the first quarter of fiscal 2006. The Company issues new shares of common stock upon exercise of stock options. The total intrinsic value of options exercised was $52,000 and $29,000 during the first quarters of fiscal 2007 and 2006, respectively.

A summary of the status of our unvested option shares as of June 30, 2006 is as follows:

 

     Number of
Shares
    Weighted-
average
Grant-Date
Fair Value

Unvested at March 31, 2006

   205,720     $ 11.20

Options granted

   68,620     $ 14.54

Options forfeited

   (12,200 )   $ 10.17

Options vested

   (24,380 )   $ 9.29
            

Unvested at June 30, 2006

   237,760     $ 12.40
            

As of June 30, 2006, there was $719,000 of total unrecognized compensation cost related to unvested share-based compensation granted under our plans. That cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 3.4 years. The total fair value of options shares vested was $66,000 and $58,000 for the first quarters of fiscal 2007 and 2006, respectively.

 

NOTE C. NET INCOME PER COMMON SHARE

Basic net income per common share is computed by dividing net income by the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding during the period. Diluted net income per common share is computed using the treasury stock method to compute the weighted average common stock outstanding assuming the conversion of potential dilutive common shares.

 

Page 7 of 19


FORM 10-QSB

 

The following table presents a reconciliation of the denominators used in the computation of net income per common share - basic and net income per common share - diluted for the three month period ended June 30, 2006 and 2005:

 

    

Three Months Ended

June 30,

     2006    2005

Net income available for shareholders

   $ 790,000    $ 540,000

Weighted avg. outstanding shares of common stock

     3,095,000      3,038,000

Dilutive effect of stock options

     65,000      93,000

Common stock and equivalents

     3,160,000      3,131,000

Earnings per share:

     

Basic

   $ .26    $ .18

Diluted

   $ .25    $ .17

For the three months ended June 30, 2006 and 2005, 1,800 shares and no shares, respectively, attributable to outstanding stock options were excluded from the calculation of diluted earnings per share because the exercise prices of the stock options were greater than or equal to the average price of the common shares, and therefore their inclusion would have been anti-dilutive.

 

NOTE D. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

On July 31, 2006 the Company purchased the facility that houses its new Raven operation in Omaha in a related party transaction with the family of its new Board of Directors member, Mr. Robert V. Dwyer, for $1,400,000. This transaction was paid from the Company’s existing cash balance, and we estimate that this transaction should serve to reduce Raven’s operating expenses by approximately $60,000 per year.

 

NOTE E. ACQUISITION OF BUSINESS

On May 4, 2006, the Company acquired all of the issued and outstanding common shares of Raven Biological Laboratories, Inc. (Raven). Raven, a privately held company, is a leading designer and manufacturer of biological indicators and provider of sterilization validation services. Raven’s biological indicators are utilized to provide quality control testing in various sterilization processes, including those in dental offices, hospitals, and medical device and pharmaceutical manufacturers. Raven distributes its products worldwide via direct sales and through distributors. Under the terms of the transaction, Mesa Labs has acquired all of the outstanding shares of Raven for approximately $6,750,000 which was comprised of $3,500,000 cash and 223,243 shares (valued at $3,250,000) of common stock. As part of the acquisition, shareholder notes receivables were redeemed. These amounts along with Raven’s ending cash balances lowered the actual cash expended for this transaction to $2,729,000. All assets and liabilities of Raven were recorded based on their estimated fair values as follows:

 

Page 8 of 19


FORM 10-QSB

 

Raven Biological Laboratories, Inc. net assets acquired:

 

Current assets, including $190,000 in cash

   $ 1,582,000  

Property and equipment

   $ 668,000  

Other Assets

   $ 38,000  

Intangible assets and goodwill

   $ 3,982,000  

Current liabilities

   $ (100,000 )
        
   $ 6,170,000  
        

The purchase price allocation is based on management’s preliminary fair value estimates of assets acquired and liabilities assumed in the Raven acquisition. The Company is in the process of obtaining a valuation from a third party to be used to allocate the purchase price. The Company will adjust its allocation when the valuation is completed.

The results of Raven’s operations have been included in the consolidated financial statements commencing from the acquisition date. The pro forma effect of the acquisition on the combined results of operations as if the acquisition had been completed on April 1, 2006 and 2005 are as follows:

 

     Three Months Ended
June 30,
     2006    2005

Total net sales

   $ 4,025,000    $ 3,611,000

Net income from operations

   $ 1,232,000    $ 945,000

Net income

   $ 816,000    $ 649,000

Net income per common share (Basic)

   $ .26    $ .21

Net income per common share (Diluted)

   $ .26    $ .21

 

Page 9 of 19


FORM 10-QSB

 

ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Overview

Mesa Laboratories, Inc. manufactures and distributes electronic measurement systems and disposables for various niche applications, including renal treatment, food processing, medical sterilization, pharmaceutical processing and other industrial applications. Our Company follows a philosophy of manufacturing a high quality product and providing a high level of on-going service for those products. In order to optimize the performance of our Company and to build the value of the Company for its shareholders, we continually follow the trend of various key financial indicators. A sample of some of the most important of these indicators is presented in the following table.

 

    

Key Financial Indicators

For The Quarters Ended June 30,

 
     2006     2005     2004     2003  

Cash and Investments

   $ 3,695,000     $ 7,573,000     $ 7,127,000     $ 5,580,000  

Trade Receivables

   $ 2,999,000     $ 1,594,000     $ 1,933,000     $ 1,793,000  

Days Sales Outstanding

     60       50       63       68  

Inventory

   $ 3,061,000     $ 2,065,000     $ 2,090,000     $ 2,277,000  

Inventory Turns

     1.9       1.8       1.8       1.4  

Working Capital

   $ 8,849,000     $ 10,407,000     $ 10,492,000     $ 9,245,000  

Current Ratio

     10:1       12:1       14:1       15:1  

Average Return On:

        

Stockholder Investment (1)

     18.7 %     13.9 %     16.0 %     14.3 %

Assets

     17.3 %     12.9 %     15.2 %     13.7 %

Invested Capital (2)

     25.3 %     25.3 %     28.3 %     22.0 %

Net Sales

   $ 3,674,000     $ 2,440,000     $ 2,539,000     $ 2,253,000  

Gross Profit

   $ 2,387,000     $ 1,538,000     $ 1,603,000     $ 1,447,000  

Gross Margin

     65 %     63 %     63 %     64 %

Operating Income

   $ 1,195,000     $ 789,000     $ 946,000     $ 794,000  

Operating Margin

     33 %     32 %     37 %     35 %

Net Profit

   $ 790,000     $ 540,000     $ 625,000     $ 523,000  

Net Profit Margin

     22 %     22 %     25 %     23 %

Earnings Per Diluted Share

   $ .25     $ .17     $ .20     $ .17  

Capital Expenditures(Net)

   $ 211,000     $ 37,000     $ —       $ 2,000  

Head Count

     92.0       50.5       48.5       47.5  

Sales Per Employee (Annualized)

   $ 160,000     $ 193,000     $ 209,000     $ 190,000  

 

Page 10 of 19


FORM 10-QSB

 

(1) Average return on stockholder investment is calculated by dividing total net income by the average of end of period and beginning of year total stockholder’s equity.

 

(2) Average return on invested capital (invested capital = total assets - current liabilities - cash and short-term investments) is calculated by dividing total net income by the average of end of period and beginning of year invested capital.

While we continually try to optimize the overall performance and trends, the table above does highlight various exceptions. These exceptions are usually influenced by a more important need. Most of the indicators above for the period ended June 30, 2006 are showing variation from the trends of the past years. These variances are attributable to the acquisition of Raven Biological Laboratories, Inc., which was completed on May 4, 2006.

Results of Operations

Net Sales

Net sales for the first quarter of fiscal 2007 increased 51 percent from fiscal 2006. In real dollars, net sales of $3,674,000 in fiscal 2007 increased $1,234,000 from $2,440,000 in 2006.

The main contributing factor to increased net sales this quarter was the addition of Raven Biological Laboratories, Inc., which was acquired May 4, 2006. While Raven’s biological indicator products added incremental sales during the quarter, sales of Mesa’s existing products also contributed to the gain growing 18 percent during the quarter when compared to the same period last year.

Our revenues come from two main sources, which include product revenues and parts and service revenues. Parts and service revenues are derived from on-going repair and recalibration or certification of our products. The certification or recalibration of product is usually a key component of the customer’s own quality system and many of our customers operate in regulated industries, such as food processing or medical and pharmaceutical processing. For this reason, these revenues tend to be fairly stable and grow slowly over time. Also, it is important to note that the new Raven products are disposables and thus do not contribute to the Company’s parts and service revenues. During the first quarter of fiscal years 2007 and 2006 our Company had parts and service revenue of $811,000 and $663,000. As a percentage of total revenue, parts and service revenues were 22% in 2007 and 27% in 2006.

The performance of new product sales is dependent on several factors, including general economic conditions in the United States and abroad, capital spending trends and the introduction of new products. Over the past three fiscal years, general economic conditions have been improving, and capital spending has also been increasing. In the past year we have added the new 90XL Dialysate Meter to our medical line of products. In addition, we have added the Raven line of biological indicators as of early May, 2006. For fiscal first quarter 2007 and 2006, product sales for our company were $2,863,000 and $1,777,000.

 

Page 11 of 19


FORM 10-QSB

 

Over the fiscal first quarter, our medical revenues increased 22 percent compared to the prior period. This increase was due to higher sales of meter products and parts and service. As indicated, the company has begun marketing its new 90XL meter. Sales of our other dialysis products continue to enjoy wide spread acceptance with the major dialysis providers in the U.S., and have continued to grow in sales despite the merger activity that has consolidated the number of providers in the domestic market over the last twelve months.

During the fiscal first quarter, sales of the Datatrace brand of products increased 27 percent from the prior year. During the previous fiscal year, the Company began to transition to a direct sales force for these products beginning with the eastern half of the country. This increase in sales effort has led to increasing sales of Datatrace products over the past year. By the end of the second quarter of this new fiscal year we expect to complete this transition in the western U.S.

During the fiscal first quarter, sales of the Nusonics line of ultrasonic fluid measurement systems decreased by 49 percent. Orders for the period actually increased by approximately 12 percent, but the longer lead times to build these products led to the lower sales number this quarter. At this time Nusonics products contribute less than five percent of our total sales.

Cost of Sales

Cost of sales as a percent of net sales during the first fiscal quarter decreased two percent from fiscal 2006 to 35.0 percent. Most of our products enjoy gross margins in excess of 55%. Due to the fact that the dialysis products have sales concentrations to several companies that maintain large chains of treatment centers, the products that are sold to the renal market tend to be slightly more price sensitive than the data logging products. Therefore, shifts in product mix toward higher sales of Datatrace logging products will tend to produce lower cost of good sold expense and higher gross margins while shifts toward higher sales of medical products will normally produce the opposite effect on cost of goods sold expense and gross margins.

Over the current fiscal quarter, our Company experienced a higher growth rate in its Datatrace sales, which led to a decrease in cost of goods sold expense as a percent of sales compared to the prior year period. In addition we experienced higher gross margins than anticipated for our new Raven products. As we integrate these products into our financial systems over the remainder of the fiscal year we expect to see some volatility in our gross margins for these products.

Selling, General and Administrative

General and administrative expenses tend to be fairly fixed and stable from year-to-year. To the greatest extent possible, we work at containing and minimizing these costs. Total administrative costs were $467,000 in the current quarter compared $244,000 for the same quarter last year. In addition to the added costs due to the new Raven operation, the company incurred approximately $80,000 of new amortization costs due to the acquisition of Raven and $66,000 of option compensation due to implementation of a new accounting standard.

 

Page 12 of 19


FORM 10-QSB

 

Our selling and marketing costs tend to be far more variable in relation to sales, although there are various exceptions. Some of these exceptions include the introduction of new products and the mix of international sales to domestic sales. For a product line experiencing introduction of a new product, costs will tend to be higher as a percent of sales due to higher advertising costs and sales training programs. Our Company’s international sales are usually discounted and recorded at the net discounted price, so that a change in mix between international and domestic sales may influence sales and marketing costs. One other major influence on sales and marketing costs is the mix of domestic medical sales to all other domestic sales. Domestic medical sales are made by direct telemarketing representatives, which gives us a lower cost structure, when compared to the independent representative sales channels utilized by our other products.

During the first quarter of fiscal 2006 the company began the process of converting the domestic distribution of its Datatrace products from independent manufacturer representatives to our own direct sales force. This change gave us increased sales effort and better control of the selling effort. To execute this strategy, we added two new direct sales representatives to our staff and converted a sales management position to a field sales representative position.

During the second quarter of fiscal 2007, we expect to complete this transition by creating and hiring two new direct sales positions in the western half of the U.S. We expect these two new positions to increase our selling costs over the remainder of the fiscal year, but expect increased sales to off-set these increases as the year progresses.

In dollars, selling costs were $602,000 in the first fiscal quarter and $416,000 in the same prior year quarter. As a percent of sales, selling cost was 16.4% in the current quarter and 17.0% in the prior year quarter. During the current fiscal quarter, most of the dollar increase in selling expense was due to the addition of Raven selling expenses and the remainder was due to increased cost of selling for Datatrace products due to higher sales volume.

Research and Development

Company sponsored research and development cost was $123,000 during the first fiscal quarter and $89,000 during the previous year period. We are currently trying to execute a strategy of increasing the flow of internally developed products. Currently, we have begun a project to develop a new line of products within our Datatrace family of products. If successfully developed these products would be expected to complement our existing products. Due to this project some minor reorganization of staffing took place during the quarter, which created a one time increase in expense during this quarter.

Net Income

Net income increased 46 percent to $790,000 or $.25 per share on a diluted basis during the quarter from $540,000 or $.17 per share on a diluted basis in the previous year period. The net income increase was due primarily to the increased revenues of existing products, as well as the contribution to sales of the new products acquire from Raven.

 

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FORM 10-QSB

 

Liquidity and Capital Resources

On June 30, 2006, we had cash and short term investments of $3,695,000. In addition, we had other current assets totaling $6,179,000 and total current assets of $9,874,000. Current liabilities of our Company were $1,025,000 which resulted in a current ratio of 10:1.

Our Company has made capital acquisitions during the first fiscal quarter of $211,000. This included a $100,000 deposit associated with the acquisition of the facility that houses our new Raven operation. On July 31, 2006 the Company purchased the facility that houses its new Raven operation in Omaha in a related party transaction with the family of its new Board of Directors member, Mr. Robert V. Dwyer, for $1,400,000. This transaction was paid from the Company’s existing cash balance, and we estimate that this transaction should serve to reduce Raven’s operating expenses by approximately $60,000 per year.

We have instituted a program to repurchase up to 300,000 shares of our outstanding common stock. Under the plan, the shares may be purchased from time to time in the open market at prevailing prices or in negotiated transactions off the market. Shares purchased will be canceled and repurchases will be made with existing cash reserves. We do not maintain a set policy or schedule for our buyback program. Most of our stock buybacks have occurred during periods when the price to earnings multiple has been near historical low points, or during times when selling activity in the stock is out of balance with buying demand.

On November 12, 2003 our Board of Directors instituted a policy of paying regular quarterly dividends. On June 15, 2006, a quarterly dividend of $.07 per common share was paid to shareholders of record on June 1, 2006.

Our Company invests its surplus capital in various interest bearing instruments, including money market funds. All investments are fixed dollar investments with variable rates in order to minimize the risk of principal loss. In some cases, additional guarantees of the investment principal are provided in the form of bank letters of credit.

The Company does not currently maintain a line of credit or any other form of debt. Nor does the Company guarantee the debt of any other entity. The Company has maintained a long history of surplus cash flow from operations. This surplus cash flow has been used in the past to fund acquisitions and stock buybacks and is currently being partially utilized to fund our on-going dividend. If interesting candidates come to our attention, we may chose to pursue new acquisitions.

Contractual Obligations

At June 30, 2006 our only contractual obligations were open purchase orders for routine purchases of supplies and inventory, which would be payable in less than one year. In addition, the company was under contact to purchase the facility that houses its operations in Omaha, Nebraska for $1,400,000, and that transaction was completed on July 31, 2006. Completion of the acquisition of the Omaha facility ended our obligation under the lease on that facility.

 

Page 14 of 19


FORM 10-QSB

 

Forward Looking Statements

All statements other than statements of historical fact included in this annual report regarding our Company’s financial position and operating and strategic initiatives and addressing industry developments are forward-looking statements. Where, in any forward-looking statement, the Company, or its management, expresses an expectation or belief as to future results, such expectation or belief is expressed in good faith and believed to have a reasonable basis, but there can be no assurance that the statement of expectation or belief will result or be achieved or accomplished. Factors which could cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated, include but are not limited to general economic, financial and business conditions; competition in the data logging market; competition in the kidney dialysis market; competition in the fluid measurement market; competition in the biological indicator market; the discontinuance of the practice of dialyzer reuse; the business abilities and judgment of personnel; the impacts of unusual items resulting from ongoing evaluations of business strategies; and changes in business strategy. We do not intend to update these forward looking statements. You are advised to review the “Additional Cautionary Statements” provided in our Company’s most recent Form 10-KSB filing with the SEC for more information about risks that could affect the financial results of Mesa Laboratories, Inc.

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

The preparation of our financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in our financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual results could differ materially from those estimates.

We believe that there are several accounting policies that are critical to understanding the Company’s historical and future performance, as these policies affect the reported amounts of revenue and the more significant areas involving management’s judgments and estimates. These significant accounting policies relate to revenue recognition, research and development costs, valuation of inventory, and valuation of long-lived assets. These policies, and the Company’s procedures related to these policies, are described in detail below.

Revenue Recognition

We sell our products directly through our sales force and through distributors. Revenue from direct sales of our product is recognized upon shipment to the customer. Revenue from ongoing product service and repair is fully recognized upon completion and shipment of serviced product.

Research & Development Costs

Research and development activities consist primarily of new product development and continuing engineering on existing products. Costs related to research and development efforts on existing or potential products are expensed as incurred.

 

Page 15 of 19


FORM 10-QSB

 

Valuation of Inventories

Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market, using the first-in, first-out method (FIFO) to determine cost. The Company’s policy is to periodically evaluate the market value of the inventory and the stage of product life cycle, and record a reserve for any inventory considered slow moving or obsolete.

Valuation of Long-Lived Assets, Goodwill and Intangibles

The Company assesses the realizable value of long-lived assets, goodwill and intangibles for potential impairment at least annually or when events and circumstances warrant such a review. The carrying value of a long-lived asset is considered impaired when the anticipated fair value is less than its carrying value. In assessing the recoverability of our long-lived assets, goodwill and intangibles, we must make assumptions regarding estimated future cash flows and other factors to determine the fair value of the respective assets. In addition, we must make assumptions regarding the useful lives of these assets.

The above listing is not intended to be a comprehensive list of all of our accounting policies. In many cases, the accounting treatment of a particular transaction is specifically dictated by accounting principles, generally accepted in the United States of America, with no need for management’s judgment in their application. There are also areas in which management’s judgment in selecting any viable alternative would not produce a materially different result. See our audited financial statements and notes thereto which begin at “Item 7. Financial Statements” of the Annual Report on Form 10-KSB which contain accounting policies and other disclosures required by accounting principles, generally accepted in the United States of America.

 

ITEM 4. Controls and Procedures

We maintain disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by us in the reports we file or submit under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, is recorded, processed, summarized, and reported, within the time periods specified in the Securities and Exchange Commission’s rules and forms and that such information is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our principal executive and principal financial officers, or persons performing similar functions, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure. Our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer evaluated the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures as of the end of the period covered in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-QSB. Based on that evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of the end of such period.

There have been no changes in the Company’s internal controls over financial reporting during the quarter ended June 30, 2006 identified in connection with the Company’s evaluation that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal controls over financial reporting.

 

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FORM 10-QSB

 

Management currently believes that once it has completed its review of internal controls, as mandated by Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that certain control weaknesses will be identified, including the inability of management to properly segment accounting duties due to the limited size of its accounting staff. Due to the constraints of the Company’s size, management may discover other similar areas of potential control weaknesses as its review and documentation of internal controls proceeds.

PART II-OTHER INFORMATION

 

ITEM 2. Changes in securities, use of proceeds and issuer purchases of equity Securities

We made the following repurchases of our common stock, by month, within the first quarter of the fiscal year covered by this report:

 

      Shares
Purchased
   Avg. Price
Paid
   Total Share Purchased
as Part of Publicly
Announced Plan
   Remaining Shares
to Purchase
Under Plan

April 1-30, 2006

   2,332    $ 14.73    46,185    253,815

May 1-31, 2006

   1,124    $ 14.29    47,309    252,691

June 1-30, 2006

   1,740    $ 15.11    49,049    250,951
                 

Total First Quarter

   5,196    $ 14.76      

On November 7, 2005, the Board of Directors of Mesa Laboratories, Inc. adopted a share repurchase plan which allows for the repurchase of up 300,000 of the company’s common shares. This plan will continue until the maximum is reached or the plan is terminated by further action of the Board.

 

ITEM 6. Exhibits and reports on Form 8-K

 

a) Exhibits:

 

31.1      Certification of Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
31.2      Certification of Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
32.1      Certification of Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
32.2      Certification of Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

 

b) Reports on Form 8-K:

On May 10, 2006, the Registrant filed a Report on Form 8-K, under Items 1.01, 2.01, 3.02, 5.02 and 9.01, reporting the issuance of a press release reporting its acquisition for stock and cash of Raven Biological Laboratories, Inc., and the appointment of Robert V. Dwyer to its Board of Directors.

 

Page 17 of 19


FORM 10-QSB

 

On May 12, 2006, the Registrant filed a Report on Form 8-K, under Item 5.02, reporting the issuance of a press release reporting the appointment of John J. Sullivan, Ph.D. as its President and Chief Operating Officer.

On May 23, 2006, the Registrant filed a Report on Form 8-K, under Item 2.02, reporting the issuance of a press release reporting revenues and earnings for the quarter and twelve months ended March 31, 2006.

 

Page 18 of 19


FORM 10-QSB

 

MESA LABORATORIES, INC.

JUNE 30, 2006

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Issuer has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.

 

MESA LABORATORIES, INC.

(Issuer)

   
DATED: August 14, 2006    

BY:

 

/s/ Luke R. Schmieder

       

Luke R. Schmieder

       

Chief Executive Officer,

Treasurer and Chairman of the Board of Directors

DATED: August 14, 2006    

BY:

 

/s/ Steven W. Peterson

       

Steven W. Peterson

       

Vice President-Finance,

Chief Financial and Accounting Officer and Secretary

 

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