Unassociated Document
 


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

FORM 10-K
 
x
ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF
 
 
THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
 
     
 
For the fiscal year ended October 31, 2011 or
 
     
¨
TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF
 
 
THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
 
 
 
For the transition period from ___________________to__________________
 

Commission file number 1-4604

HEICO CORPORATION
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Florida
65-0341002
(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)
(I.R.S. Employer
Identification No.)
   
3000 Taft Street, Hollywood, Florida
33021
(Address of principal executive offices)
(Zip Code)

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (954) 987-4000

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
 
  Title of each class    Name of each exchange on which registered  
         
 
Common Stock, $.01 par value per share
 
New York Stock Exchange
 
 
Class A Common Stock, $.01 par value per share
 
New York Stock Exchange
 

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:

Rights to Purchase Series B Junior Participating Preferred Stock
Rights to Purchase Series C Junior Participating Preferred Stock
(Title of class)

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

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

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

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

Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K (§229.405 of this chapter) is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of the registrant's knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K. x

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

Large accelerated filer x    Accelerated filer o    Non−accelerated filer o   Smaller reporting company o

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

The aggregate market value of the voting and non-voting common equity held by nonaffiliates of the registrant was $1,563,691,000 based on the closing price of HEICO Common Stock and Class A Common Stock as of April 30, 2011 as reported by the New York Stock Exchange.

The number of shares outstanding of each of the registrant’s classes of common stock as of December 16, 2011:

Common Stock, $.01 par value
17,054,339 shares
Class A Common Stock, $.01 par value
25,034,862 shares

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

Portions of the registrant’s definitive proxy statement for the 2012 Annual Meeting of Shareholders are incorporated by reference into Part III of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
 
 
 

 
 
HEICO CORPORATION
INDEX TO ANNUAL REPORT ON FORM 10-K
 
 
Page
PART I
   
 
Item 1.
Business
1
 
 
Executive Officers of the Registrant
10
 
 
Item 1A.
Risk Factors
11
 
 
Item 1B.
Unresolved Staff Comments
17
 
 
Item 2.
Properties
18
 
 
Item 3.
Legal Proceedings
18
 
 
Item 4.
(Removed and Reserved)
18
 
       
PART II
   
 
Item 5.
Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities
19
 
 
Item 6.
Selected Financial Data
23
 
 
Item 7.
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
25
 
 
Item 7A.
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
40
 
 
Item 8.
Financial Statements and Supplementary Data
41
 
 
Item 9.
Changes in and Disagreements With Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure
79
 
 
Item 9A.
Controls and Procedures
79
 
 
Item 9B.
Other Information
81
 
       
PART III
   
 
Item 10.
Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance
82
 
 
Item 11.
Executive Compensation
82
 
 
Item 12.
Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters
82
 
 
Item 13.
Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence
82
 
 
Item 14.
Principal Accountant Fees and Services
82
 
       
PART IV
   
 
Item 15.
Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules
83
 
     
SIGNATURES
88
 
 
 

 

PART I

Item 1.              BUSINESS

The Company

HEICO Corporation through its subsidiaries (collectively, “HEICO,” “we,” “us,” “our” or the “Company”) believes it is the world’s largest manufacturer of Federal Aviation Administration (“FAA”)-approved jet engine and aircraft component replacement parts, other than the original equipment manufacturers (“OEMs”) and their subcontractors.  HEICO also believes it is a leading manufacturer of various types of electronic equipment for the aviation, defense, space, industrial, medical, telecommunication and electronic industries.

The Company was originally organized in 1957 as a holding company known as HEICO Corporation.  As part of a reorganization completed in 1993, the original holding company (formerly known as HEICO Corporation) was renamed as HEICO Aerospace Corporation and a new holding corporation known as HEICO Corporation was created.  The reorganization did not result in any change in the business of the Company, its consolidated assets or liabilities or the relative interests of its shareholders.

Our business is comprised of two operating segments:

The Flight Support Group.  Our Flight Support Group (“FSG”), consisting of HEICO Aerospace Holdings Corp. (“HEICO Aerospace”) and its subsidiaries, accounted for 70%, 67% and 73% of our net sales in fiscal 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively.  The Flight Support Group uses proprietary technology to design and manufacture jet engine and aircraft component replacement parts for sale at lower prices than those manufactured by OEMs.  These parts are approved by the FAA and are the functional equivalent of parts sold by OEMs.  In addition, the Flight Support Group repairs, overhauls and distributes jet engine and aircraft components, avionics and instruments for domestic and foreign commercial air carriers and aircraft repair companies as well as military and business aircraft operators; and manufactures thermal insulation products and other component parts primarily for aerospace, defense and commercial applications.

The Electronic Technologies Group.  Our Electronic Technologies Group (“ETG”), consisting of HEICO Electronic Technologies Corp. and its subsidiaries, accounted for 30%, 33% and 27% of our net sales in fiscal 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively.  Through our Electronic Technologies Group, which derived approximately 56% of its sales in fiscal 2011 from the sale of products and services to U.S. and foreign military agencies, prime defense contractors and both commercial and defense satellite and spacecraft manufacturers, we design, manufacture and sell various types of electronic, microwave and electro-optical products, including infrared simulation and test equipment, laser rangefinder receivers, electrical power supplies, back-up power supplies, power conversion products, underwater locator beacons, electromagnetic interference and radio frequency interference shielding, high power capacitor charging power supplies, amplifiers, traveling wave tube amplifiers, photodetectors, amplifier modules, microwave power modules, three-dimensional microelectronic and stacked memory products, flash lamp drivers, laser diode drivers, arc lamp power supplies, custom power supply designs, cable assemblies, high voltage power supplies, high voltage interconnection devices and wire, high voltage energy generators, high frequency power delivery systems and high-speed interface products that link devices such as telemetry receivers, digital cameras, high resolution scanners, simulation systems and test systems to almost any computer.
 
 
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HEICO has continuously operated in the aerospace industry for more than 50 years.  Since assuming control in 1990, our current management has achieved significant sales and profit growth through a broadened line of product offerings, an expanded customer base, increased research and development expenditures and the completion of a number of acquisitions.  As a result of internal growth and acquisitions, our net sales from continuing operations have grown from $26.2 million in fiscal 1990 to $764.9 million in fiscal 2011, a compound annual growth rate of approximately 17%.  During the same period, we improved our net income from $2.0 million to $72.8 million, representing a compound annual growth rate of approximately 19%.

Disciplined Acquisition Strategy

Acquisitions have been an important element of our growth strategy over the past twenty-one years, supplementing our organic growth.  Since 1990, we have completed more than 40 acquisitions complementing the niche segments within which we operate of the aviation, defense, space, medical, telecommunication and electronic industries.  We typically target acquisition opportunities that allow us to broaden our product offerings, services and technologies while expanding our customer base and geographic presence.  Even though we have historically pursued an active acquisition policy, our disciplined acquisition strategy involves limiting acquisition candidates to businesses that we believe will continue to grow, offer strong earnings and cash flow potential, and are available at fair prices.
 
 
Flight Support Group

The Flight Support Group, headquartered in Hollywood, Florida, serves a broad spectrum of the aviation industry, including (i) commercial airlines and air cargo carriers; (ii) repair and overhaul facilities; (iii) OEMs; and (iv) U.S. and foreign governments.

The Flight Support Group competes with the leading industry OEMs and, to a lesser extent, with a number of smaller, independent parts distributors.  Historically, the three principal jet engine OEMs, General Electric (including CFM International), Pratt & Whitney and Rolls Royce, have been the sole source of substantially all jet engine replacement parts for their jet engines.  Other OEMs have been the sole source of replacement parts for their aircraft component parts.  While we believe that we currently supply less than 2% of the market for jet engine and aircraft component replacement parts, we have in recent years been adding new products to our line at a rate of approximately 300 to 500 Parts Manufacturer Approvals (“PMA” or “PMAs”) per year.  We currently offer to our customers over 6,000 parts for which PMAs have been received from the FAA.

Jet engine and aircraft component replacement parts can be categorized by their ongoing ability to be repaired and returned to service.  The general categories in which we participate are as follows: (i) rotable; (ii) repairable; and (iii) expendable.  A rotable is a part which is removed periodically as dictated by an operator’s maintenance procedures or on an as needed basis and is typically repaired or overhauled and re-used an indefinite number of times.  An important subset of rotables is “life limited” parts.  A life limited rotable has a designated number of allowable flight hours and/or cycles (one take-off and landing generally constitutes one cycle) after which it is rendered unusable.  A repairable is similar to a rotable except that it can only be repaired a limited number of times before it must be discarded.  An expendable is generally a part which is used and not thereafter repaired for further use.

Jet engine and aircraft component replacement parts are classified within the industry as (i) factory-new; (ii) new surplus; (iii) overhauled; (iv) repairable; and (v) as removed.  A factory-new or new surplus part is one that has never been installed or used.  Factory-new parts are purchased from FAA-approved manufacturers (such as HEICO or OEMs) or their authorized distributors.  New surplus parts are purchased from excess stock of airlines, repair facilities or other redistributors.  An overhauled part is
 
 
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one that has been completely repaired and inspected by a licensed repair facility such as ours.  An aircraft spare part is classified as “repairable” if it can be repaired by a licensed repair facility under applicable regulations.  A part may also be classified as “repairable” if it can be removed by the operator from an aircraft or jet engine while operating under an approved maintenance program and is airworthy and meets any manufacturer or time and cycle restrictions applicable to the part.  A “factory-new,” “new surplus” or “overhauled” part designation indicates that the part can be immediately utilized on an aircraft.  A part in “as removed” or “repairable” condition requires inspection and possibly functional testing, repair or overhaul by a licensed facility prior to being returned to service in an aircraft.

Factory-New Jet Engine and Aircraft Component Replacement Parts.  The Flight Support Group engages in the research and development, design, manufacture and sale of FAA-approved replacement parts that are sold to domestic and foreign commercial air carriers and aircraft repair and overhaul companies.  Our principal competitors are aircraft engine and aircraft component manufacturers.  The Flight Support Group’s factory-new replacement parts include various jet engine and aircraft component replacement parts.  A key element of our growth strategy is the continued design and development of an increasing number of PMA replacement parts in order to further penetrate our existing customer base and obtain new customers.  We select the jet engine and aircraft component replacement parts to design and manufacture through a selection process which analyzes industry information to determine which replacement parts are suitable candidates.

Repair and Overhaul Services.  The Flight Support Group provides repair and overhaul services on selected jet engine and aircraft component parts, as well as on avionics, instruments, composites and flight surfaces of commercial aircraft operated by domestic and foreign commercial airlines.  The Flight Support Group also provides repair and overhaul services including avionics and navigation systems as well as subcomponents and other instruments utilized on military aircraft operated by the United States government and foreign military agencies and for aircraft repair and overhaul companies.  Our repair and overhaul operations require a high level of expertise, advanced technology and sophisticated equipment.  Services include the repair, refurbishment and overhaul of numerous accessories and parts mounted on gas turbine engines and airframes.  Components overhauled include fuel pumps, generators, fuel controls, pneumatic valves, starters and actuators, turbo compressors and constant speed drives, hydraulic pumps, valves and actuators, composite flight controls, electro-mechanical equipment and auxiliary power unit accessories.  Some of the repair and overhaul services provided by the Flight Support Group are proprietary repairs approved by an FAA-qualified designated engineering representative (“DER”).  Such FAA-approved repairs (DER-approved repairs) typically create cost savings or provide engineering flexibility.  The Flight Support Group also provides commercial airlines, regional operators, asset management companies and Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (“MRO”) providers with high quality and cost effective niche accessory component exchange services as an alternative to OEMs’ spares services.

Distribution.  The Flight Support Group distributes FAA-approved parts including hydraulic, pneumatic, mechanical and electro-mechanical components for the commercial, regional and general aviation markets.  The Flight Support Group also is a leading supplier, distributor, and integrator of military aircraft parts and support services primarily to foreign military organizations allied with the United States. 

Manufacture of Specialty Aircraft/Defense Related Parts and Subcontracting for OEMs.  The Flight Support Group manufactures thermal insulation blankets and parts primarily for aerospace, defense and commercial applications.  The Flight Support Group also manufactures specialty components for sale as a subcontractor for aerospace and industrial original equipment manufacturers and the United States government.
 
 
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FAA Approvals and Product Design.  Non-OEM manufacturers of jet engine and aircraft component replacement parts must receive a PMA from the FAA to sell the replacement part.  The PMA approval process includes the submission of sample parts, drawings and testing data to one of the FAA’s Aircraft Certification Offices where the submitted data are analyzed.  We believe that an applicant’s ability to successfully complete the PMA process is limited by several factors, including (i) the agency’s confidence level in the applicant; (ii) the complexity of the part; (iii) the volume of PMAs being filed; and (iv) the resources available to the FAA.  We also believe that companies such as HEICO that have demonstrated their manufacturing capabilities and established favorable track records with the FAA generally receive a faster turnaround time in the processing of PMA applications.  Finally, we believe that the PMA process creates a significant barrier to entry in this market niche through both its technical demands and its limits on the rate at which competitors can bring products to market.

As part of our growth strategy, we have continued to increase our research and development activities.  Research and development expenditures by the Flight Support Group, which were approximately $300,000 in fiscal 1991, increased to approximately $12.9 million in fiscal 2011, $11.8 million in fiscal 2010 and $11.5 million in fiscal 2009.  We believe that our Flight Support Group’s research and development capabilities are a significant component of our historical success and an integral part of our growth strategy.  In recent years, the FAA granted us PMAs for approximately 300 to 500 new parts and approximately 100 to 200 DER-approved repairs per year; however, no assurance can be given that the FAA will continue to grant PMAs or DER-approved repairs or that we will achieve acceptable levels of net sales and gross profits on such parts in the future.

We benefit from our proprietary rights relating to certain design, engineering and manufacturing processes and repair and overhaul procedures.  Customers often rely on us to provide initial and additional components, as well as to redesign, re-engineer, replace or repair and provide overhaul services on such aircraft components at every stage of their useful lives.  In addition, for some products, our unique manufacturing capabilities are required by the customer’s specifications or designs, thereby necessitating reliance on us for production of such designed products.

We have no material patents for the proprietary techniques, including software and manufacturing expertise, we have developed to manufacture jet engine and aircraft component replacement parts and instead, we primarily rely on trade secret protection.  Although our proprietary techniques and software and manufacturing expertise are subject to misappropriation or obsolescence, we believe that we take appropriate measures to prevent misappropriation or obsolescence from occurring by developing new techniques and improving existing methods and processes, which we will continue on an ongoing basis as dictated by the technological needs of our business.

We believe that, based on our competitive pricing, reputation for high quality, short lead time requirements, strong relationships with domestic and foreign commercial air carriers and repair stations (companies that overhaul aircraft engines and/or components), and successful track record of receiving PMAs and DER-approved repairs from the FAA, we are uniquely positioned to continue to increase the products and services offered and gain market share.

Electronic Technologies Group

Our Electronic Technologies Group’s strategy is to design and produce mission-critical subcomponents for smaller, niche markets, but which are utilized in larger systems – systems like targeting, tracking, identification, simulation, testing, communications, lighting, surgical, medical imaging, baggage scanning, telecom and computer systems.  These systems are, in turn, often located on another platform, such as aircraft, satellites, ships, spacecrafts, land vehicles, handheld devices and other platforms.
 
 
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Electro-Optical Infrared Simulation and Test Equipment.  The Electronic Technologies Group believes it is a leading international designer and manufacturer of niche state-of-the-art simulation, testing and calibration equipment used in the development of missile seeking technology, airborne targeting and reconnaissance systems, shipboard targeting and reconnaissance systems, space-based sensors as well as ground vehicle-based systems.  These products include infrared scene projector equipment, such as our MIRAGE IR Scene Simulator, high precision blackbody sources, software and integrated calibration systems.

Simulation equipment allows the U.S. government and allied foreign military to save money on missile testing as it allows infrared-based missiles to be tested on a multi-axis, rotating table instead of requiring the launch of a complete missile.  In addition, several large military prime contractors have elected to purchase such equipment from us instead of maintaining internal staff to do so because we can offer a more cost-effective solution.  Our customers include major U.S. Department of Defense weapons laboratories and defense prime contractors.

Electro-Optical Laser Products.  The Electronic Technologies Group believes it is a leading designer and maker of Laser Rangefinder Receivers and other photodetectors used in airborne, vehicular and handheld targeting systems manufactured by major prime military contractors.  Most of our Rangefinder Receiver product offering consists of complex and patented products which detect reflected light from laser targeting systems and allow the systems to confirm target accuracy and calculate target distances prior to discharging a weapon system.  Some of these products are also used in laser eye surgery systems for tracking ocular movement.

Electro-Optical, Microwave and Other Power Equipment.  The Electronic Technologies Group produces power supplies, amplifiers and flash lamp drivers used in laser systems for military, medical and other applications that are sometimes utilized with our rangefinder receivers.  We also produce emergency back-up power supplies and batteries used on commercial aircraft and business jets for services such as emergency exit lighting, emergency fuel shut-off, power door assists, cockpit voice recorders and flight computers.  We offer custom or standard designs that solve challenging OEM requirements and meet stringent safety and emissions requirements.  Our power electronics products include capacitor charger power supplies, laser diode drivers, arc lamp power supplies and custom power supply designs.

Our microwave products are used in both commercial and military satellites, spacecrafts and in electronic warfare systems.  These products, which include isolators, bias tees, circulators, latching ferrite switches and waveguide adapters, are used in satellites and spacecrafts to control or direct energy according to operator needs.  As satellites are frequently used as sensors for stand-off warfare, we believe this product line further supports our goal of increasing our activity in the stand-off market.  We believe we are a leading supplier of the niche products which we design and manufacture for this market, a market that includes commercial satellites.  Our customers for these products include satellite and spacecraft manufacturers.

Electromagnetic and Radio Interference Shielding.  The Electronic Technologies Group designs and manufactures shielding used to prevent electromagnetic energy and radio frequencies from interfering with other devices, such as computers, telecommunication devices, avionics, weapons systems and other electronic equipment.  Our products include a patented line of shielding applied directly to circuit boards and a line of gasket-type shielding applied to computers and other electronic equipment.  Our customers consist essentially of medical, electronic, telecommunication and defense equipment producers.
 
 
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High-Speed Interface Products.  The Electronic Technologies Group designs and manufactures advanced high-technology, high-speed interface products utilized in homeland security, defense, medical research, astronomical and other applications across numerous industries.

           High Voltage Interconnection Devices.  The Electronic Technologies Group designs and manufactures high and very high voltage interconnection devices, cable assemblies and wire for the medical equipment, defense and other industrial markets.  Among others, our products are utilized in aircraft missile defense, fighter pilot helmet displays, avionic systems, medical applications, wireless communications, and industrial applications including high voltage test equipment and underwater monitoring systems.

High Voltage Advanced Power Electronics.  The Electronic Technologies Group designs and manufactures a patented line of high voltage energy generators for medical, baggage inspection and industrial imaging systems, and offers a patented line of high frequency power delivery systems for the commercial sign industry.  We also produce high voltage power supplies found in satellite communications, CT scanners and in medical and industrial x-ray systems.

Power Conversion Products.  The Electronic Technologies Group designs and provides innovative power conversion products principally serving the high-reliability military, space and commercial avionics end-markets. These high density, low profile and lightweight DC-to-DC converters and electromagnetic interference filters, which include thick film hermetically sealed hybrids, military commercial-off-the-shelf and custom designed and assembled products, have become the primary specified components of their kind on a generation of complex military, space and avionics equipment.

Underwater Locator Beacons.  The Electronic Technologies Group designs and manufactures Underwater Locator Beacons (“ULBs”) used to locate aircraft Cockpit Voice Recorders and Flight Data Recorders, marine ship Voyage Recorders and various other devices which have been submerged under water.  ULBs are required equipment on all U.S. FAA and European Aviation Safety Agency (“EASA”) approved Flight Data and Cockpit Voice Recorders used in aircraft and on similar systems utilized on large marine shipping vessels.

Traveling Wave Tube Amplifiers (“TWTAs”) and Microwave Power Modules (“MPMs”).  The Electronic Technologies Group designs and manufactures TWTAs and MPMs predominately used in radar, electronic warfare, on-board jamming and countermeasure systems in aircraft, ships and detection platforms deployed by U.S. and allied non-U.S. military forces.
 
Three-Dimensional Microelectronic and Stacked Memory Products.  With the acquisition of 3D Plus SA in September 2011, the Electronic Technologies Group designs, manufactures and markets three-dimensional microelectronic and stacked memory products including memories, Point of Load (“POL”) voltage converters and peripherals, industrial memories, and complex System-In-Package (“SiP”) solutions.  The products’ patented designs provide high reliability memory and circuitry in a unique and stacked form which saves space and weight.  These products are principally integrated into larger subsystems equipping satellites and spacecraft and are also utilized in medical equipment.
 
Harsh environment connectivity products and custom molded cable assemblies.  With the acquisition of Switchcraft, Inc. in November 2011, the Electronic Technologies Group designs and manufactures high performance, high reliability and harsh environment electronic connectors and other interconnect products.  These products include connectors, jacks and plugs, cables, patch panels and switches utilized in aviation, broadcast/audio, defense, industrial, medical and other equipment.
 
 
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As part of our growth strategy, we have continued to increase our research and development activities.  Research and development expenditures by the Electronic Technologies Group were $12.5 million in fiscal 2011, $10.9 million in fiscal 2010 and $8.2 million in fiscal 2009.  We believe that our Electronic Technologies Group’s research and development capabilities are a significant component of our historical success and an integral part of our growth strategy.

Financial Information About Operating Segments and Geographic Areas

See Note 15, Operating Segments, of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for financial information by operating segment and by geographic areas.

Distribution, Sales, Marketing and Customers

Each of our operating segments independently conducts distribution, sales and marketing efforts directed at their respective customers and industries and, in some cases, collaborates with other operating divisions and subsidiaries within its group for cross-marketing efforts.  Sales and marketing efforts are conducted primarily by in-house personnel and, to a lesser extent, by independent manufacturers’ representatives.  Generally, the in-house sales personnel receive a base salary plus commission and manufacturers’ representatives receive a commission on sales.

We believe that direct relationships are crucial to establishing and maintaining a strong customer base and, accordingly, our senior management is actively involved in our marketing activities, particularly with established customers.  We are also a member of various trade and business organizations related to the commercial aviation industry, such as the Aerospace Industries Association, which we refer to as AIA, the leading trade association representing the nation’s manufacturers of commercial, military and business aircraft, aircraft engines and related components and equipment.  Due in large part to our established industry presence, we enjoy strong customer relations, name recognition and repeat business.

We sell our products to a broad customer base consisting of domestic and foreign commercial and cargo airlines, repair and overhaul facilities, other aftermarket suppliers of aircraft engine and airframe materials, OEMs, domestic and foreign military units, electronic manufacturing services companies, manufacturers for the defense industry as well as medical, telecommunication, scientific, and industrial companies.  No one customer accounted for sales of 10% or more of total consolidated sales from continuing operations during any of the last three fiscal years.  Net sales to our five largest customers accounted for approximately 17% of total net sales during the year ended October 31, 2011.

Competition

The aerospace product and service industry is characterized by intense competition.  Some of our competitors have substantially greater name recognition, inventories, complementary product and service offerings, financial, marketing and other resources than we do.  As a result, such competitors may be able to respond more quickly to customer requirements than we can.  Moreover, smaller competitors may be in a position to offer more attractive pricing as a result of lower labor costs and other factors.

Our jet engine and aircraft component replacement parts business competes primarily with aircraft engine and aircraft component manufacturers.  The competition is principally based on price and service to the extent that our parts are interchangeable.  With respect to other aerospace products and services sold by the Flight Support Group, we compete with both the leading jet engine OEMs and a large number of machining, fabrication and repair companies, some of which have greater financial and other resources than we do.  Competition is based mainly on price, product performance, service and technical capability.
 
 
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Competition for the repair and overhaul of jet engine and aircraft components comes from three principal sources: OEMs, major commercial airlines and other independent service companies.  Some of these competitors have greater financial and other resources than we do.  Some major commercial airlines own and operate their own service centers and sell repair and overhaul services to other aircraft operators.  Foreign airlines that provide repair and overhaul services typically provide these services for their own aircraft components and for third parties.  OEMs also maintain service centers that provide repair and overhaul services for the components they manufacture.  Other independent service organizations also compete for the repair and overhaul business of other users of aircraft components.  We believe that the principal competitive factors in the repair and overhaul market are quality, turnaround time, overall customer service and price.

Our Electronic Technologies Group competes with several large and small domestic and foreign competitors, some of which have greater financial and other resources than we do.  The markets for our electronic products are niche markets with several competitors with competition based mainly on design, technology, quality, price, service and customer satisfaction.

Raw Materials

We purchase a variety of raw materials, primarily consisting of high temperature alloy sheet metal and castings, forgings, pre-plated metals and electrical components from various vendors.  The materials used by our operations are generally available from a number of sources and in sufficient quantities to meet current requirements subject to normal lead times.

Backlog

Our total backlog of unshipped orders was $224 million as of October 31, 2011 compared to $142 million as of October 31, 2010.  The Flight Support Group’s backlog of unshipped orders was $75 million as of October 31, 2011 as compared to $48 million as of October 31, 2010.  This backlog excludes forecasted shipments for certain contracts of the Flight Support Group pursuant to which customers provide only estimated annual usage and not firm purchase orders.  Our backlogs within the Flight Support Group are typically short-lead in nature with many product orders being received within the month of shipment.  The increase in the Flight Support Group’s backlog is principally related to backlog of the business acquired during fiscal 2011 and increased orders associated with one of our businesses that manufactures specialty products for aerospace, defense and industrial applications.  The Electronic Technologies Group’s backlog of unshipped orders was $149 million as of October 31, 2011 as compared to $94 million as of October 31, 2010.  The increase in the Electronic Technologies Group’s backlog is principally related to a five-year contract worth approximately $50 million to design and manufacture component products by one of our Electronic Technologies Group subsidiaries.  Substantially the entire backlog of orders as of October 31, 2011, excluding most of this contract, is expected to be delivered during fiscal 2012.

Government Regulation

The FAA regulates the manufacture, repair and operation of all aircraft and aircraft parts operated in the United States.  Its regulations are designed to ensure that all aircraft and aviation equipment are continuously maintained in proper condition to ensure safe operation of the aircraft.  Similar rules apply in other countries.  All aircraft must be maintained under a continuous condition monitoring program and must periodically undergo thorough inspection and maintenance.  The inspection, maintenance and repair procedures for the various types of aircraft and equipment are prescribed by regulatory authorities and can be performed only by certified repair facilities utilizing certified technicians.  Certification and conformance is required prior to installation of a part on an aircraft.  Aircraft operators must maintain logs
 
 
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concerning the utilization and condition of aircraft engines, life-limited engine parts and airframes.  In addition, the FAA requires that various maintenance routines be performed on aircraft engines, some engine parts, and airframes at regular intervals based on cycles or flight time.  Engine maintenance must also be performed upon the occurrence of certain events, such as foreign object damage in an aircraft engine or the replacement of life-limited engine parts.  Such maintenance usually requires that an aircraft engine be taken out of service.  Our operations may in the future be subject to new and more stringent regulatory requirements.  In that regard, we closely monitor the FAA and industry trade groups in an attempt to understand how possible future regulations might impact us.  Our businesses which sell defense products directly to the United States Government or for use in systems delivered to the United States Government can be subject to various laws and regulations governing pricing and other factors.

There has been no material adverse effect to our consolidated financial statements as a result of these government regulations.

Environmental Regulation

Our operations are subject to extensive, and frequently changing, federal, state and local environmental laws and substantial related regulation by government agencies, including the Environmental Protection Agency.  Among other matters, these regulatory authorities impose requirements that regulate the operation, handling, transportation and disposal of hazardous materials; protect the health and safety of workers; and require us to obtain and maintain licenses and permits in connection with our operations.  This extensive regulatory framework imposes significant compliance burdens and risks on us.  Notwithstanding these burdens, we believe that we are in material compliance with all federal, state and local laws and regulations governing our operations.

There has been no material adverse effect to our consolidated financial statements as a result of these environmental regulations.

Other Regulation

We are also subject to a variety of other regulations including work-related and community safety laws.  The Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 mandates general requirements for safe workplaces for all employees and established the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (“OSHA”) in the Department of Labor.  In particular, OSHA provides special procedures and measures for the handling of some hazardous and toxic substances.  In addition, specific safety standards have been promulgated for workplaces engaged in the treatment, disposal or storage of hazardous waste.  Requirements under state law, in some circumstances, may mandate additional measures for facilities handling materials specified as extremely dangerous.  We believe that our operations are in material compliance with OSHA’s health and safety requirements.

Insurance

We are a named insured under policies which include the following coverage: (i) product liability, including grounding; (ii) personal property, inventory and business income at our facilities; (iii) general liability coverage; (iv) employee benefit liability; (v) international liability and automobile liability; (vi) umbrella liability coverage; and (vii) various other activities or items subject to certain limits and deductibles.  We believe that our insurance coverage is adequate to insure against the various liability risks of our business.
 
 
9

 

Employees

As of October 31, 2011, we had approximately 2,500 full-time and part-time employees including approximately 1,500 in the Flight Support Group and approximately 1,000 in the Electronic Technologies Group.  None of our employees are represented by a union.  Our management believes that we have good relations with our employees.

Available Information

Our Internet web site address is http://www.heico.com.  We make available free of charge, through the Investors section of our web site, our annual reports on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K and amendments to those reports filed or furnished pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 as soon as reasonably practicable after we electronically file such material with, or furnish it to, the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”).  These materials are also available free of charge on the SEC’s website at http://www.sec.gov.  The information on or obtainable through our web site is not incorporated into this annual report on Form 10-K.

We have adopted a code of ethics that applies to our principal executive officer, principal financial officer, principal accounting officer or controller and other persons performing similar functions.  Our Code of Ethics for Senior Financial Officers and Other Officers is part of our Code of Business Conduct, which is located on our web site at http://www.heico.com.  Any amendments to or waivers from a provision of this code of ethics will be posted on the web site.  Also located on the web site are our Corporate Governance Guidelines, Finance/Audit Committee Charter, Nominating & Corporate Governance Committee Charter, and Compensation Committee Charter.

Copies of the above referenced materials will be made available, free of charge, upon written request to the Corporate Secretary at the Company’s headquarters.

Executive Officers of the Registrant

Our executive officers are elected by the Board of Directors at the first meeting following the annual meeting of shareholders and serve at the discretion of the Board.  The following table sets forth the names, ages of, and positions and offices held by our executive officers as of December 16, 2011:

 
Name
 
Age
 
Position(s)
Director
Since
       
Laurans A. Mendelson
73
Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer
1989
       
Eric A. Mendelson
46
Co-President and Director; President and Chief Executive Officer of HEICO Aerospace Holdings Corp.
1992
       
Victor H. Mendelson
44
Co-President and Director; President and Chief Executive Officer of HEICO Electronic Technologies Corp.
1996
       
Thomas S. Irwin
65
Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
       
William S. Harlow
63
Vice President of Corporate Development
 
 
10

 
 
Laurans A. Mendelson has served as our Chairman of the Board since December 1990.  He has also served as our Chief Executive Officer since February 1990 and served as our President from September 1991 through September 2009.  Mr. Mendelson serves on the Board of Governors of Aerospace Industries Association (“AIA”) in Washington D.C., of which HEICO is a member.  He is also former Chairman of the Board of Trustees, former Chairman of the Executive Committee and a current member of the Society of Mount Sinai Founders of Mount Sinai Medical Center in Miami Beach, Florida.  In addition, Mr. Mendelson is a Trustee Emeritus of Columbia University in The City of New York, where he previously served as Trustee and Chairman of the Trustees’ Audit Committee.  Mr. Mendelson is a Certified Public Accountant.  Laurans Mendelson is the father of Eric Mendelson and Victor Mendelson.

Eric A. Mendelson has served as our Co-President since October 2009 and served as our Executive Vice President from 2001 through September 2009.  He also has served as President and Chief Executive Officer of HEICO Aerospace Holdings Corp., a subsidiary of ours, since its formation in 1997; and President of HEICO Aerospace Corporation since 1993.  Mr. Mendelson is a co-founder, and, since 1987, has been Managing Director of Mendelson International Corporation, a private investment company which is a shareholder of HEICO.  In addition, Mr. Mendelson is a member of the Advisory Board of Trustees of Mount Sinai Medical Center in Miami Beach, Florida and a member of the Board of Trustees of Ransom Everglades School in Coconut Grove, Florida, as well as a member of the Board of Directors of the Columbia College Alumni Association.  Eric Mendelson is the son of Laurans Mendelson and the brother of Victor Mendelson.

Victor H. Mendelson has served as our Co-President since October 2009 and served as our Executive Vice President from 2001 through September 2009.  He also has served as President and Chief Executive Officer of HEICO Electronic Technologies Corp., a subsidiary of ours, since its formation in September 1996.  He served as our General Counsel from 1993 to September 2008 and our Vice President from 1996 to 2001.  In addition, Mr. Mendelson was the Chief Operating Officer of our former MediTek Health Corporation subsidiary from 1995 until its profitable sale in 1996.  Mr. Mendelson is a co-founder, and, since 1987, has been President of Mendelson International Corporation, a private investment company which is a shareholder of HEICO.  He is a member of the Board of Visitors of Columbia College in New York City, a Trustee of St. Thomas University in Miami Gardens, Florida and is President of the Board of Directors of the Florida Grand Opera.  Victor Mendelson is the son of Laurans Mendelson and the brother of Eric Mendelson.

Thomas S. Irwin has served as our Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer since September 1991; our Senior Vice President from 1986 to 1991; and our Vice President and Treasurer from 1982 to 1986.  Mr. Irwin is a Certified Public Accountant.  He is a Trustee of the Greater Hollywood Chamber of Commerce and a member of the Board of Directors of the Greater Fort Lauderdale Alliance/Broward County.

William S. Harlow has served as our Vice President of Corporate Development since 2001 and served as Director of Corporate Development from 1995 to 2001.
 
Item 1A.  RISK FACTORS

           Our business, financial condition, operating results and cash flows can be impacted by a number of factors, many of which are beyond our control, including those set forth below and elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K, any one of which may cause our actual results to differ materially from anticipated results:
 
 
11

 

Our success is highly dependent on the performance of the aviation industry, which could be impacted by lower demand for commercial air travel or airline fleet changes causing lower demand for our goods and services.
 
General global industry and economic conditions that affect the aviation industry also affect our business.  We are subject to macroeconomic cycles and when recessions occur, we may experience reduced orders, payment delays, supply chain disruptions or other factors as a result of the economic challenges faced by our customers, prospective customers and suppliers.  Further, the aviation industry has historically been subject to downward cycles from time to time which reduce the overall demand for jet engine and aircraft component replacement parts and repair and overhaul services, and such downward cycles result in lower sales and greater credit risk.  Demand for commercial air travel can be influenced by airline industry profitability, world trade policies, government-to-government relations, terrorism, disease outbreaks, environmental constraints imposed upon aircraft operations, technological changes and price and other competitive factors.  These global industry and economic conditions may have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
 
We are subject to governmental regulation and our failure to comply with these regulations could cause the government to withdraw or revoke our authorizations and approvals to do business and could subject us to penalties and sanctions that could harm our business.
 
Governmental agencies throughout the world, including the FAA, highly regulate the manufacture, repair and overhaul of aircraft parts and accessories.  We include, with the replacement parts that we sell to our customers, documentation certifying that each part complies with applicable regulatory requirements and meets applicable standards of airworthiness established by the FAA or the equivalent regulatory agencies in other countries.  In addition, our repair and overhaul operations are subject to certification pursuant to regulations established by the FAA.  Specific regulations vary from country to country, although compliance with FAA requirements generally satisfies regulatory requirements in other countries.  The revocation or suspension of any of our material authorizations or approvals would have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.  New and more stringent government regulations, if adopted and enacted, could have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.  In addition, some sales to foreign countries of the equipment manufactured by our Electronic Technologies Group require approval or licensing from the U.S. government.  Denial of export licenses could reduce our sales to those countries and could have a material adverse effect on our business.
 
The retirement of commercial aircraft could reduce our revenues.
 
Our Flight Support Group designs, engineers, manufactures and distributes jet engine and aircraft component replacement parts and also repairs, refurbishes and overhauls jet engine and aircraft components.  If aircraft or engines for which we have replacement parts or supply repair and overhaul services are retired and there are fewer aircraft that require these parts or services, our revenues may decline.
 
Reductions in defense, space or homeland security spending by U.S. and/or foreign customers could reduce our revenues.
 
In fiscal 2011, approximately 56% of the sales of our Electronic Technologies Group were derived from the sale of defense, commercial and defense satellite and spacecraft components and homeland security products.  A decline in defense, space or homeland security budgets or additional restrictions imposed by the U.S. government on sales of products or services to foreign military agencies could lower sales of our products and services.
 
 
12

 
 
We are subject to the risks associated with sales to foreign customers, which could harm our business.
 
We market our products and services in approximately 95 countries, with 34% of our consolidated net sales in fiscal 2011 derived from sales to foreign customers.  We expect that sales to foreign customers will continue to account for a significant portion of our revenues in the foreseeable future.  As a result, we are subject to risks of doing business internationally, including the following:

 
·
Changes in regulatory requirements;
 
·
Fluctuations in currency exchange rates;
 
·
Volatility in foreign political and economic environments;
 
·
Uncertainty of the ability of foreign customers to finance purchases;
 
·
Uncertainties and restrictions concerning the availability of funding credit or guarantees;
 
·
Imposition of taxes, export controls, tariffs, embargoes and other trade restrictions; and
 
·
Compliance with a variety of international laws, as well as U.S. laws affecting the activities of U.S. companies abroad such as the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act.

While the impact of these factors is difficult to predict, any one or more of these factors may have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
 
Intense competition from existing and new competitors may harm our business.
 
We face significant competition in each of our businesses.
 
Flight Support Group
 
 
·
For jet engine and aircraft component replacement parts, we compete with the industry’s leading jet engine and aircraft component OEMs.
 
 
·
For the overhaul and repair of jet engine and aircraft components as well as avionics and navigation systems, we compete with:
 
 
-
major commercial airlines, many of which operate their own maintenance and overhaul units;
 
 
-
OEMs, which manufacture, repair and overhaul their own parts; and
 
 
-
other independent service companies.
 
Electronic Technologies Group
 
 
·
For the design and manufacture of various types of electronic and electro-optical equipment as well as high voltage interconnection devices and high speed interface products, we compete in a fragmented marketplace with a number of companies, some of which are well capitalized.
 
The aviation aftermarket supply industry is highly fragmented, has several highly visible leading companies, and is characterized by intense competition.  Some of our OEM competitors have greater name recognition than HEICO, as well as complementary lines of business and financial, marketing and other resources that HEICO does not have.  In addition, OEMs, aircraft maintenance providers, leasing companies and FAA-certificated repair facilities may attempt to bundle their services and product offerings in the supply industry, thereby significantly increasing industry competition.  Moreover, our smaller competitors may be able to offer more attractive pricing of parts as a result of lower labor costs or
 
 
13

 
 
other factors.  A variety of potential actions by any of our competitors, including a reduction of product prices or the establishment by competitors of long-term relationships with new or existing customers, could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.  Competition typically intensifies during cyclical downturns in the aviation industry, when supply may exceed demand.  We may not be able to continue to compete effectively against present or future competitors, and competitive pressures may have a material and adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
 
Our success is dependent on the development and manufacture of new products, equipment and services.  Our inability to develop, manufacture and introduce new products and services at profitable pricing levels could reduce our sales or sales growth.
 
The aviation, defense, space, medical, telecommunication and electronic industries are constantly undergoing development and change and, accordingly, new products, equipment and methods of repair and overhaul service are likely to be introduced in the future.  In addition to manufacturing electronic and electro-optical equipment and selected aerospace and defense components for OEMs and the U.S. government and repairing jet engine and aircraft components, we re-design sophisticated aircraft replacement parts originally developed by OEMs so that we can offer the replacement parts for sale at substantially lower prices than those manufactured by the OEMs.  Consequently, we devote substantial resources to research and product development.  Technological development poses a number of challenges and risks, including the following:
 
 
·
We may not be able to successfully protect the proprietary interests we have in various aircraft parts, electronic and electro-optical equipment and our repair processes;
 
 
·
As OEMs continue to develop and improve jet engines and aircraft components, we may not be able to re-design and manufacture replacement parts that perform as well as those offered by OEMs or we may not be able to profitably sell our replacement parts at lower prices than the OEMs;
 
 
·
We may need to expend significant capital to:
-      purchase new equipment and machines,
-      train employees in new methods of production and service, and
-      fund the research and development of new products; and
 
 
·
Development by our competitors of patents or methodologies that preclude us from the design and manufacture of aircraft replacement parts or electrical and electro-optical equipment could adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.
 
In addition, we may not be able to successfully develop new products, equipment or methods of repair and overhaul service, and the failure to do so could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
 
We may not be able to effectively execute our acquisition strategy, which could slow our growth.
 
A key element of our strategy is growth through the acquisition of additional companies.  Our acquisition strategy is affected by and poses a number of challenges and risks, including the following:
 
 
·
Availability of suitable acquisition candidates;
 
·
Availability of capital;
 
·
Diversion of management’s attention;
 
 
14

 
 
 
·
Effective integration of the operations and personnel of acquired companies;
 
·
Potential write downs of acquired intangible assets;
 
·
Potential loss of key employees of acquired companies;
 
·
Use of a significant portion of our available cash;
 
·
Significant dilution to our shareholders for acquisitions made utilizing our securities; and
 
·
Consummation of acquisitions on satisfactory terms.

We may not be able to successfully execute our acquisition strategy, and the failure to do so could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
 
The inability to obtain certain components and raw materials from suppliers could harm our business.
 
Our business is affected by the availability and price of the raw materials and component parts that we use to manufacture our products.  Our ability to manage inventory and meet delivery requirements may be constrained by our suppliers’ ability to adjust delivery of long-lead time products during times of volatile demand.  The supply chains for our business could also be disrupted by external events such as natural disasters, extreme weather events, labor disputes, governmental actions and legislative or regulatory changes.  As a result, our suppliers may fail to perform according to specifications when required and we may be unable to identify alternate suppliers or to otherwise mitigate the consequences of their non-performance.  Transitions to new suppliers may result in significant costs and delays, including those related to the required recertification of parts obtained from new suppliers with our customers and/or regulatory agencies.  Our inability to fill our supply needs could jeopardize our ability to fulfill obligations under customer contracts, which could result in reduced revenues and profits, contract penalties or terminations, and damage to customer relationships.  Further, increased costs of such raw materials or components could reduce our profits if we were unable to pass along such price increases to our customers.
 
Product specification costs and requirements could cause an increase to our costs to complete contracts.
 
The costs to meet customer specifications and requirements could result in us having to spend more to design or manufacture products and this could reduce our profit margins on current contracts or those we obtain in the future.
 
We may incur product liability claims that are not fully insured.
 
Our jet engine and aircraft component replacement parts and repair and overhaul services expose our business to potential liabilities for personal injury or death as a result of the failure of an aircraft component that we have designed, manufactured or serviced.  The commercial aviation industry occasionally has catastrophic losses that may exceed policy limits.  An uninsured or partially insured claim, or a claim for which third-party indemnification is not available, could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.  Additionally, insurance coverage costs may become even more expensive in the future.  Our customers typically require us to maintain substantial insurance coverage and our inability to obtain insurance coverage at commercially reasonable rates could have a material adverse effect on our business.
 
 
15

 
 
We may incur environmental liabilities and these liabilities may not be covered by insurance.

Our operations and facilities are subject to a number of federal, state and local environmental laws and regulations, which govern, among other things, the discharge of hazardous materials into the air and water as well as the handling, storage and disposal of hazardous materials.  Pursuant to various environmental laws, a current or previous owner or operator of real property may be liable for the costs of removal or remediation of hazardous materials.  Environmental laws typically impose liability whether or not the owner or operator knew of, or was responsible for, the presence of hazardous materials.  Although management believes that our operations and facilities are in material compliance with environmental laws and regulations, future changes in them or interpretations thereof or the nature of our operations may require us to make significant additional capital expenditures to ensure compliance in the future.

We do not maintain specific environmental liability insurance and the expenses related to these environmental liabilities, if we are required to pay them, could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
 
We may incur damages or disruption to our business caused by natural disasters and other factors that may not be covered by insurance.

Several of our facilities, as a result of their locations, could be subject to a catastrophic loss caused by hurricanes, tornadoes, floods, fire, power loss, telecommunication and information systems failure or similar events.  Our corporate headquarters and facilities located in Florida are particularly susceptible to hurricanes, storms, tornadoes or other natural disasters that could disrupt our operations, delay production and shipments, and result in large expenses to repair or replace the facility or facilities.  Should insurance or other risk transfer mechanisms, such as our existing disaster recovery and business continuity plans, be insufficient to recover all costs, we could experience a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
 
Tax changes could affect our effective tax rate and future profitability.
 
We file income tax returns in the U.S. federal jurisdiction, multiple state jurisdictions and certain jurisdictions outside the U.S.  In fiscal 2011, our effective tax rate was 31.0% of our income before income taxes and noncontrolling interests.  Our future effective tax rate may be adversely affected by a number of factors, including the following:
 
 
·
Changes in available tax credits or tax deductions;
 
·
Changes in tax laws or the interpretation of such tax laws and changes in generally accepted accounting principles;
 
·
The amount of income attributable to noncontrolling interests;
 
·
Changes in the mix of earnings in jurisdictions with differing statutory tax rates;
 
·
Changes in stock option compensation expense;
 
·
Adjustments to estimated taxes upon finalization of various tax returns; and/or
 
·
Resolution of issues arising from tax audits with various tax authorities.

Any significant increase in our future effective tax rates could have a material adverse effect on net income for future periods.
 
 
16

 
 
We may not have the administrative, operational or financial resources to continue to grow the company.
 
We have experienced rapid growth in recent periods and intend to continue to pursue an aggressive growth strategy, both through acquisitions and internal expansion of products and services.  Our growth to date has placed, and could continue to place, significant demands on our administrative, operational and financial resources.  We may not be able to grow effectively or manage our growth successfully, and the failure to do so could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
 
We are dependent on key personnel and the loss of these key personnel could have a material adverse effect on our success.
 
Our success substantially depends on the performance, contributions and expertise of our senior management team led by Laurans A. Mendelson, our Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Eric A. Mendelson, our Co-President, and Victor H. Mendelson, our Co-President.  Technical employees are also critical to our research and product development, as well as our ability to continue to re-design sophisticated products of OEMs in order to sell competing replacement parts at substantially lower prices than those manufactured by the OEMs.  The loss of the services of any of our executive officers or other key employees or our inability to continue to attract or retain the necessary personnel could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
 
Our executive officers and directors have significant influence over our management and direction.
 
As of December 16, 2011, collectively our executive officers and entities controlled by them, our 401(k) Plan and members of the Board of Directors beneficially owned approximately 21% of our outstanding Common Stock and approximately 6% of our outstanding Class A Common Stock.  Accordingly, they will be able to substantially influence the election of the Board of Directors and control our business, policies and affairs, including our position with respect to proposed business combinations and attempted takeovers.
 
Item 1B. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS

None.
 
 
17

 
 
Item 2.    PROPERTIES

We own or lease a number of facilities, which are utilized by our Flight Support Group (“FSG”), Electronic Technologies Group (“ETG”) and corporate office.  As of October 31, 2011, all of the facilities listed below were in good operating condition, well maintained and in regular use.  We believe that our existing facilities are sufficient to meet our operational needs for the foreseeable future.  Summary information on the facilities utilized within the FSG and the ETG to support their principal operating activities is as follows:

Flight Support Group
   
Square Footage
   
Location
 
Leased
   
Owned
 
Description
United States facilities (8 states)
    349,000       177,000  
Manufacturing, engineering and distribution facilities, and corporate headquarters
United States facilities (6 states)
    132,000       127,000  
Repair and overhaul facilities
International facilities (3 countries)
    9,000        
Manufacturing, engineering and distribution facilities
- India, Singapore and United Kingdom
               
 
 
Electronic Technologies Group
   
Square Footage
   
Location
 
Leased
   
Owned
 
Description
United States facilities (9 states)
    230,000       76,000  
Manufacturing and engineering facilities
International facilities (3 countries)
    52,000       35,000  
Manufacturing and engineering facilities
- Canada, France and United Kingdom
                 

Corporate
   
Square Footage
   
Location
 
Leased
   
Owned (1)
 
Description
United States facilities (1 state)
          4,000  
Administrative offices

(1)
Represents the square footage of our corporate offices in Miami, Florida.  The square footage of our corporate headquarters in Hollywood, Florida is included within the square footage under the caption “United States facilities (8 states)” under Flight Support Group.
 
Item 3.       LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

We are involved in various legal actions arising in the normal course of business.  Based upon the Company’s and our legal counsel’s evaluations of any claims or assessments, management is of the opinion that the outcome of these matters will not have a material effect on our results of operations, financial position or cash flows.
 
Item 4.       (REMOVED AND RESERVED)
 
 
18

 

PART II

Item 5.
MARKET FOR REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES

Market Information

Our Class A Common Stock and Common Stock are listed and traded on the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) under the symbols “HEI.A” and “HEI,” respectively.  The following tables set forth, for the periods indicated, the high and low share prices for our Class A Common Stock and our Common Stock as reported on the NYSE, as well as the amount of cash dividends paid per share during such periods.

In March of 2011 and 2010, the Company’s Board of Directors declared a 5-for-4 stock split on both classes of the Company’s common stock.  The stock splits were effected as of April 26, 2011 and April 27, 2010, respectively, in the form of a 25% stock dividend distributed to shareholders of record as of April 15, 2011 and April 16, 2010, respectively.  All applicable share and per share information has been adjusted retrospectively to give effect to the 5-for-4 stock splits.

Class A Common Stock
                   
   
High
   
Low
   
Cash Dividends Per Share
 
Fiscal 2010:
                 
First Quarter
  $ 23.66     $ 19.22     $ .038  
Second Quarter
    28.54       20.93        
Third Quarter
    27.38       20.62       .048  
Fourth Quarter
    29.98       20.19        
                         
Fiscal 2011:
                       
First Quarter
  $ 34.28     $ 28.13     $ .048  
Second Quarter
    36.70       29.90        
Third Quarter
    41.72       33.30       .060  
Fourth Quarter
    40.73       28.06        

As of December 16, 2011, there were 480 holders of record of our Class A Common Stock.

Common Stock
                   
   
High
   
Low
   
Cash Dividends Per Share
 
Fiscal 2010:
                 
First Quarter
  $ 29.58     $ 23.66     $ .038  
Second Quarter
    36.29       26.30        
Third Quarter
    35.69       27.74       .048  
Fourth Quarter
    40.60       27.66        
                         
Fiscal 2011:
                       
First Quarter
  $ 47.20     $ 38.39     $ .048  
Second Quarter
    51.02       41.94        
Third Quarter
    57.98       44.76       .060  
Fourth Quarter
    59.45       40.05        
                         
As of December 16, 2011, there were 513 holders of record of our Common Stock.
 
 
19

 
 
Performance Graphs

The following graph and table compare the total return on $100 invested in HEICO Common Stock and HEICO Class A Common Stock with the total return of $100 invested in the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) Composite Index and the Dow Jones U.S. Aerospace Index for the five-year period from October 31, 2006 through October 31, 2011.  The NYSE Composite Index measures all common stock listed on the NYSE.  The Dow Jones U.S. Aerospace Index is comprised of large companies which make aircraft, major weapons, radar and other defense equipment and systems as well as providers of satellites and spacecrafts used for defense purposes.  The total returns include the reinvestment of cash dividends.
 
Comparison of Five-Year Cumulative Total Return
 
 
   
Cumulative Total Return as of October 31,
       
   
2006
   
2007
   
2008
   
2009
   
2010
   
2011
 
HEICO Common Stock
  $ 100.00     $ 150.36     $ 106.51     $ 105.62     $ 173.34     $ 248.73  
HEICO Class A Common Stock
    100.00       144.83       94.12       103.89       156.91       208.23  
NYSE Composite Index
    100.00       117.51       69.07       76.80       85.62       86.19  
Dow Jones U.S. Aerospace Index
    100.00       132.04       79.51       89.45       122.27       131.29  
 
The following graph and table compare the total return on $100 invested in HEICO Common Stock since October 31, 1990 using the same indices shown on the five-year performance graph above.  October 31, 1990 was the end of the first fiscal year following the date the current executive management team assumed leadership of the Company.  No Class A Common Stock was outstanding as of October 31, 1990.  As with the five-year performance graph, the total returns include the reinvestment of cash dividends.
 
 
20

 
 
Comparison of Twenty One-Year Cumulative Total Return

 
   
Cumulative Total Return as of October 31,
 
   
1990
   
1991
   
1992
   
1993
   
1994
   
1995
   
1996
 
HEICO Common Stock
  $ 100.00     $ 141.49     $ 158.35     $ 173.88     $ 123.41     $ 263.25     $ 430.02  
NYSE Composite Index
    100.00       130.31       138.76       156.09       155.68       186.32       225.37  
Dow Jones U.S. Aerospace Index
    100.00       130.67       122.00       158.36       176.11       252.00       341.65  
 
   
1997
   
1998
   
1999
   
2000
   
2001
   
2002
   
2003
 
HEICO Common Stock
  $ 1,008.31     $ 1,448.99     $ 1,051.61     $ 809.50     $ 1,045.86     $ 670.39     $ 1,067.42  
NYSE Composite Index
    289.55       326.98       376.40       400.81       328.78       284.59       339.15  
Dow Jones U.S. Aerospace Index
    376.36       378.66       295.99       418.32       333.32       343.88       393.19  
                                                         
 
   
2004
   
2005
   
2006
   
2007
   
2008
   
2009
   
2010
 
HEICO Common Stock
  $ 1,366.57     $ 1,674.40     $ 2,846.48     $ 4,208.54     $ 2,872.01     $ 2,984.13     $ 4,722.20  
NYSE Composite Index
    380.91       423.05       499.42       586.87       344.96       383.57       427.61  
Dow Jones U.S. Aerospace Index
    478.49       579.77       757.97       1,000.84       602.66       678.00       926.75  
                                                         
 
   
2011
                                     
HEICO Common Stock
  $ 6,557.88                                                  
NYSE Composite Index
    430.46                                                  
Dow Jones U.S. Aerospace Index
    995.11                                                  
 
Dividend Policy

We have historically paid semi-annual cash dividends on both our Class A Common Stock and Common Stock.  In July 2011, we paid our 66th consecutive semi-annual cash dividend since 1979.  The cash dividend of $.06 per share represents a 25% increase over the prior semi-annual per share amount of $.048.  Effective with this increase, the current annual cash dividend is $.12.  Our Board of Directors presently intends to continue the payment of regular semi-annual cash dividends on both classes of our common stock.  In December 2011, the Board of Directors declared a regular semi-annual cash dividend of $.06 per share payable in January 2012.  Our ability to pay dividends could be affected by future business performance, liquidity, capital needs, alternative investment opportunities and loan covenants under our revolving credit facility.
 
 
21

 
 
Equity Compensation Plan Information

The following table summarizes information about our equity compensation plans as of October 31, 2011:
 
                   
   
Number of Securities
to be Issued Upon
Exercise of
Outstanding Options,
Warrants and Rights
   
Weighted-Average
Exercise Price of
Outstanding Options,
Warrants and Rights
   
Number of Securities
Remaining Available for
Future Issuance Under
Equity Compensation
Plans (Excluding
Securities Reflected in
Column (a))
 
Plan Category
 
(a)
   
(b)
   
(c)
 
                   
Equity compensation plans approved by security holders (1)
    1,726,194     $ 23.96       1,333,215  
                         
Equity compensation plans not approved by security holders (2)
    125,000     $ 4.71        
                         
Total
    1,851,194     $ 22.66       1,333,215  
 
__________________

(1)
Represents aggregated information pertaining to our three equity compensation plans: the 1993 Stock Option Plan, the Non-Qualified Stock Option Plan and the 2002 Stock Option Plan.  See Note 9, Stock Options, of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for further information regarding these plans.

(2)
Represents stock options granted in fiscal 2002 to a former shareholder of a business acquired in fiscal 1999.  Such stock options were fully vested and transferable as of the grant date and expire ten years from the date of grant.  The exercise price of such options was the fair market value as of the date of grant.

Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

The following table provides information about issuer purchases of equity securities during the quarter ended October 31, 2011:
 
               
Total Number of Shares
   
Maximum Number of
 
   
Total Number
   
Average
   
Purchased as Part of
   
Shares that May Yet
 
   
of Shares
   
Price Paid
   
Publicly Announced
   
Be Purchased Under the
 
Period
 
Purchased (1)
   
per Share
   
Plans or Programs
   
Plans or Programs (2)
 
                         
August 1, 2011 - August 31, 2011
                       
Common Stock
                       
Class A Common Stock
                      1,601,160  
September 1, 2011 - September 30, 2011
                         
Common Stock
    6,603     $ 48.63              
Class A Common Stock
    731     $ 34.76             1,601,160  
October 1, 2011 - October 31, 2011
                               
Common Stock
    218,486     $ 53.48              
Class A Common Stock
                      1,601,160  
Total
                               
Common Stock
    225,089     $ 53.34              
Class A Common Stock
    731     $ 34.76             1,601,160  
 
__________________
 
 
22

 

(1)
The shares purchased represent shares tendered by option holders as payment of the exercise price and employee withholding taxes due upon the exercise of non-qualified stock options and did not impact the shares that may be purchased under our existing share repurchase program.

(2)
In 1990, our Board of Directors authorized a share repurchase program, which allows us to repurchase our shares in the open market or in privately negotiated transactions at our discretion, subject to certain restrictions included in our revolving credit agreement.  As of October 31, 2011, the maximum number of shares that may yet be purchased under this program was 1,601,160 of either or both of our Class A Common Stock and our Common Stock.  The repurchase program does not have a fixed termination date.  See Note 8, Shareholders’ Equity, of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for more information.

Recent Sales of Unregistered Securities

There were no unregistered sales of our equity securities during fiscal 2011.
 
Item 6.  SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
 
   
Year ended October 31, (1)
   
   
2011
     
2010
     
2009
     
2008
     
2007
   
   
(in thousands, except per share data)
   
Operating Data:
                                       
Net sales
  $ 764,891       $ 617,020       $ 538,296       $ 582,347       $ 507,924    
Gross profit
    274,441         222,347         181,011         210,495         177,458    
Selling, general and administrative expenses
    136,010         113,174         92,756         104,707         91,444    
Operating income
    138,431   (3)     109,173   (5)     88,255         105,788   (7)     86,014    
Interest expense
    142         508         615         2,314         3,293    
Other income (expense)
    64         390         205         (637 )       95    
Net income attributable to HEICO
    72,820   (3) (4)     54,938   (5)     44,626   (6)     48,511   (7)     39,005   (8)
                                                   
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding: (2)
                                           
Basic
    41,632         41,041         40,945         41,108         40,181    
Diluted
    42,501         42,214         42,225         42,568         42,080    
                                                   
Per Share Data: (2)
                                                 
Net income per share attributable to HEICO shareholders:
                                           
Basic
  $ 1.75   (3) (4)   $ 1.34   (5)   $ 1.09   (6)   $ 1.18   (7)   $ 0.97   (8)
Diluted
    1.71   (3) (4)     1.30   (5)     1.06   (6)     1.14   (7)     0.93   (8)
Cash dividends per share (2)
    .108         .086         .077         .064         .051    
                                                   
Balance Sheet Data (as of October 31):
                                                 
Cash and cash equivalents
  $ 17,500       $ 6,543       $ 7,167       $ 12,562       $ 4,947    
Total assets
    941,069         781,643         732,910         676,542         631,302    
Total debt (including current portion)
    40,158         14,221         55,431         37,601         55,952    
Redeemable noncontrolling interests
    65,430         55,048         56,937         48,736         49,370    
Total shareholders’ equity
    620,154         554,826         490,658         453,002         395,169    
__________________
 
(1)
Results include the results of acquisitions from each respective effective date.  See Note 2, Acquisitions, of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for more information.

(2)
All share and per share information has been adjusted retrospectively to reflect the 5-for-4 stock splits effected in April 2011 and 2010.
 
 
23

 
 
(3)
Operating income was reduced by a net aggregate of $3,837 due to $4,987 in impairment losses related to the write-down of certain intangible assets within the Electronic Technologies Group (“ETG”) to their estimated fair values, partially offset by a $1,150 reduction in the value of contingent consideration related to a prior year acquisition.  Approximately $4,528 of the impairment losses and the reduction in value of contingent consideration were recorded as a component of selling general and administrative expenses, while the remaining impairment losses of $459 were recorded as a component of cost of goods sold, which decreased net income attributable to HEICO by $2,394, or $.06 per basic and diluted share, in aggregate.

(4)
Includes the aggregate tax benefit principally from state income apportionment updates and higher research and development tax credits recognized upon the filing of HEICO’s fiscal 2010 U.S. federal and state tax returns and amendments of certain prior year state tax returns as well as the benefit of an income tax credit, net of expenses, for ten months’ of fiscal 2010 qualified research and development activities recognized in fiscal 2011 upon the retroactive extension in December 2010 of Section 41, “Credit for Increasing Research Activities,” of the Internal Revenue Code, which increased net income attributable to HEICO by $2,832, or $.07 per basic and diluted share, in aggregate.

(5)
Operating income was reduced by an aggregate of $1,438 in impairment losses related to the write-down of certain intangible assets within the ETG to their estimated fair values.  The impairment losses were recorded as a component of selling, general and administrative expenses and decreased net income attributable to HEICO by $889, or $.02 per basic and diluted share.

(6)
Includes a benefit related to a settlement with the Internal Revenue Service concerning the income tax credit claimed by the Company on its U.S. federal filings for qualified research and development activities incurred during fiscal years 2002 through 2005 as well as an aggregate reduction to the related liability for unrecognized tax benefits for fiscal years 2006 through 2008, which increased net income attributable to HEICO by approximately $1,225, or $.03 per basic and diluted share.

(7)
Operating income was reduced by an aggregate of $1,835 in impairment losses related to the write-down of certain intangible assets within the ETG to their estimated fair values.  The impairment losses were recorded as a component of selling, general and administrative expenses and decreased net income attributable to HEICO by $1,140 or $.03 per basic and diluted share.

(8)
Includes the benefit of a tax credit (net of related expenses) for qualified research and development activities recognized for the full fiscal 2006 year pursuant to the retroactive extension in December 2006 of Section 41, “Credit for Increasing Research Activities,” of the Internal Revenue Code, which increased net income by $535, or $.01 per basic and diluted share.
 
 
24

 

Item 7.    MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Overview

Our business is comprised of two operating segments, the Flight Support Group (“FSG”) and the Electronic Technologies Group (“ETG”).

The Flight Support Group consists of HEICO Aerospace Holdings Corp. (“HEICO Aerospace”) and its subsidiaries, which primarily:

 
·
Designs, Manufactures, Repairs, Overhauls and Distributes Jet Engine and Aircraft Component Replacement Parts.  The Flight Support Group designs, manufactures, repairs, overhauls and distributes jet engine and aircraft component replacement parts.  The parts and services are approved by the Federal Aviation Administration (“FAA”).  The Flight Support Group also manufactures and sells specialty parts as a subcontractor for aerospace and industrial original equipment manufacturers and the United States government.  Additionally, the Flight Support Group is a leading supplier, distributor, and integrator of military aircraft parts and support services primarily to foreign military organizations allied with the United States.

The Electronic Technologies Group consists of HEICO Electronic Technologies Corp. (“HEICO Electronic”) and its subsidiaries, which primarily:

 
·
Designs and Manufactures Electronic, Microwave and Electro-Optical Equipment, High-Speed Interface Products, High Voltage Interconnection Devices and High Voltage Advanced Power Electronics.  The Electronic Technologies Group designs, manufactures and sells various types of electronic, microwave and electro-optical equipment and components, including power supplies, laser rangefinder receivers, infrared simulation, calibration and testing equipment; power conversion products serving the high-reliability military, space and commercial avionics end-markets; underwater locator beacons used to locate data and voice recorders utilized on aircraft and marine vessels; electromagnetic interference shielding for commercial and military aircraft operators, traveling wave tube amplifiers and microwave power modules used in radar, electronic warfare, on-board jamming and countermeasure systems, electronics companies and telecommunication equipment suppliers; advanced high-technology interface products that link devices such as telemetry receivers, digital cameras, high resolution scanners, simulation systems and test systems to computers; high voltage energy generators interconnection devices, cable assemblies and wire for the medical equipment, defense and other industrial markets; high frequency power delivery systems for the commercial sign industry; high voltage power supplies found in satellite communications, CT scanners and in medical and industrial x-ray systems; and three-dimensional microelectronic and stacked memory products that are principally integrated into larger subsystems equipping satellites and spacecraft.

Our results of operations during each of the past three fiscal years have been affected by a number of transactions.  This discussion of our financial condition and results of operations should be read in conjunction with the Consolidated Financial Statements and Notes thereto included herein.  All per share information has been adjusted retrospectively to reflect the 5-for-4 stock splits effected in April 2011 and 2010.  See Note 1, Summary of Significant Accounting Policies – Stock Splits, of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information regarding these stock splits.  For further information regarding the acquisitions discussed below, see Note 2, Acquisitions, of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.  Acquisitions are included in our results of operations from the effective dates of acquisition.
 
 
25

 
 
In May 2009, we acquired, through HEICO Electronic, 82.5% of the stock of VPT, Inc. (“VPT”).  VPT is a designer and provider of power conversion products principally serving the defense, space and aviation industries.  The remaining 17.5% continues to be owned by an existing VPT shareholder which is also a supplier to the acquired company.

In October 2009, we acquired, through HEICO Electronic, the business, assets and certain liabilities of the Seacom division of privately-held Dukane Corp. and formed a new subsidiary, Dukane Seacom, Inc. (“Seacom”).  Seacom is a designer and manufacturer of underwater locator beacons used to locate aircraft cockpit voice recorders, flight data recorders, marine ship voyage recorders and various other devices which have been submerged under water.

In February 2010, we acquired, through HEICO Electronic, substantially all of the assets and assumed certain liabilities of dB Control.  dB Control produces high-power devices used in both defense and commercial applications.

In December 2010, we acquired, through HEICO Aerospace, 80.1% of the assets and assumed certain liabilities of Blue Aerospace LLC (“Blue Aerospace”).  Blue Aerospace is a supplier, distributor, and integrator of military aircraft parts and support services primarily to foreign military organizations allied with the United States.  The remaining 19.9% interest continues to be owned by certain members of Blue Aerospace’s management team.

In September 2011, we acquired, through HEICO Electronic, all of the outstanding capital stock of 3D Plus SA (“3D”).  3D is a leading designer and manufacturer of three-dimensional microelectronic and stacked memory products used predominately in satellites and also utilized in medical equipment.

The purchase price of each of the above referenced acquisitions was paid in cash using proceeds from our revolving credit facility and is not material or significant to our consolidated financial statements.  The aggregate cost paid in cash for acquisitions, including additional purchase consideration payments, was $94.7 million, $39.1 million and $59.8 million in fiscal 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively.

In December 2008, we acquired, through HEICO Aerospace, an additional 14% equity interest in one of our subsidiaries, which increased our ownership interest to 72%.  In February 2011, we acquired an additional 8% equity interest in the subsidiary, which increased our ownership interest to 80%.

Critical Accounting Policies

We believe that the following are our most critical accounting policies, some of which require management to make judgments about matters that are inherently uncertain.

Revenue Recognition

Revenue from the sale of products and the rendering of services is recognized when title and risk of loss passes to the customer, which is generally at the time of shipment.  Revenue from certain fixed price contracts for which costs can be dependably estimated is recognized on the percentage-of-completion method, measured by the percentage of costs incurred to date to estimated total costs for each contract.  This method is used because management considers costs incurred to be the best available measure of progress on these contracts.  Variations in actual labor performance, changes to estimated profitability and final contract settlements may result in revisions to cost estimates.  Revisions in cost estimates as contracts progress have the effect of increasing or decreasing profits in the period of revision.  Provisions for estimated losses on uncompleted contracts are made in the period in which such losses are determined.  For fixed price contracts in which costs cannot be dependably estimated, revenue is
 
 
26

 
 
recognized on the completed-contract method.  A contract is considered complete when all significant costs have been incurred or the item has been accepted by the customer.  The percentage of our net sales recognized under the percentage-of-completion method was approximately 1%, 2% and 1% in fiscal 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively.  Changes in estimates pertaining to percentage-of-completion contracts did not have a material or significant effect on net income or net income per share in fiscal 2011, 2010 or 2009.

Valuation of Accounts Receivable

The valuation of accounts receivable requires that we set up an allowance for estimated uncollectible accounts and record a corresponding charge to bad debt expense.  We estimate uncollectible receivables based on such factors as our prior experience, our appraisal of a customer’s ability to pay and economic conditions within and outside of the aviation, defense, space, medical, telecommunication and electronic industries.  Actual bad debt expense could differ from estimates made.

Valuation of Inventory

Inventory is stated at the lower of cost or market, with cost being determined on the first-in, first-out or the average cost basis.  Losses, if any, are recognized fully in the period when identified.

We periodically evaluate the carrying value of inventory, giving consideration to factors such as its physical condition, sales patterns and expected future demand in order to estimate the amount necessary to write down any slow moving, obsolete or damaged inventory.  These estimates could vary significantly from actual amounts based upon future economic conditions, customer inventory levels, or competitive factors that were not foreseen or did not exist when the estimated write-downs were made.

In accordance with industry practice, all inventories are classified as a current asset including portions with long production cycles, some of which may not be realized within one year.

Business Combinations

We adopted new accounting guidance for business combinations effective prospectively for acquisitions consummated on or after November 1, 2009 (the beginning of fiscal 2010).  Under the new guidance, any contingent consideration is recognized as a liability at fair value as of the acquisition date with subsequent fair value adjustments recorded in operations and acquisition costs are generally expensed as incurred.  For acquisitions consummated prior to fiscal 2010, contingent consideration is accounted for as an additional cost of the respective acquired entity when paid and acquisition costs were capitalized as part of the purchase price.

We allocate the purchase price of acquired entities to the underlying tangible and identifiable intangible assets acquired and liabilities assumed based on their estimated fair values, with any excess recorded as goodwill.  Determining the fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed requires management’s judgment and often involves the use of significant estimates and assumptions, including assumptions with respect to future cash inflows and outflows, discount rates, asset lives and market multiples, among other items.  We determine the fair values of such assets, principally intangible assets, generally in consultation with third-party valuation advisors.
 
 
27

 
 
Valuation of Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets

We test goodwill for impairment annually as of October 31, or more frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of goodwill may not be fully recoverable.  In evaluating the recoverability of goodwill, we compare the fair value of each of our reporting units to its carrying value to determine potential impairment.  If the carrying value of a reporting unit exceeds its fair value, the implied fair value of that reporting unit’s goodwill is to be calculated and an impairment loss is recognized in the amount by which the carrying value of the reporting unit’s goodwill exceeds its implied fair value, if any.  The fair values of our reporting units were determined using a weighted average of a market approach and an income approach.  Under the market approach, fair values are estimated using an average of published multiples for the industry sectors in which our reporting units operate.  We calculate fair values under the income approach by taking estimated future cash flows that are based on internal projections and other assumptions deemed reasonable by management and discounting them using our estimated weighted average cost of capital.  Based on the annual goodwill impairment test as of October 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009, we determined there was no impairment of our goodwill.  The fair value of each of our reporting units as of October 31, 2011 significantly exceeded their carrying value.

We test each non-amortizing intangible asset (principally trade names) for impairment annually as of October 31, or more frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate that the asset might be impaired.  To derive the fair value of our trade names, we utilize an income approach, which relies upon management’s assumptions of royalty rates, projected revenues and discount rates.  We also test each amortizing intangible asset for impairment if events or circumstances indicate that the asset might be impaired.  The test consists of determining whether the carrying value of such assets will be recovered through undiscounted expected future cash flows.  If the total of the undiscounted future cash flows is less than the carrying amount of those assets, we recognize an impairment loss based on the excess of the carrying amount over the fair value of the assets.  The determination of fair value requires us to make a number of estimates, assumptions and judgments of such factors as projected revenues and earnings and discount rates.  Based on the intangible impairment tests conducted, we recognized pre-tax impairment losses related to the write-down of certain customer relationships of $4.3 million, $1.1 million and $.2 million during fiscal 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively, the write-down of certain trade names of $.2 million, $.3 million and $.1 million during fiscal 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively, and the write-down of certain intellectual property of $.5 million during fiscal 2011, within the ETG to their estimated fair values.  The impairment losses pertaining to certain customer relationships and trade names were recorded as a component of selling, general and administrative expenses in the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Operations and the impairment losses pertaining to intellectual property were recorded as a component of costs of goods sold.

Assumptions utilized to determine fair value in the goodwill and intangible assets impairment tests are highly judgmental.  If there is a material change in such assumptions or if there is a material change in the conditions or circumstances influencing fair value, we could be required to recognize a material impairment charge.  See Item 1A., Risk Factors, for a list of factors of which any may cause our actual results to differ materially from anticipated results.
 
 
28

 
 
Results of Operations

The following table sets forth the results of our operations, net sales and operating income by segment and the percentage of net sales represented by the respective items in our Consolidated Statements of Operations:

   
Year ended October 31,
 
   
2011
   
2010
   
2009
 
                   
Net sales
  $ 764,891,000     $ 617,020,000     $ 538,296,000  
Cost of sales
    490,450,000       394,673,000       357,285,000  
Selling, general and administrative expenses
    136,010,000       113,174,000       92,756,000  
Total operating costs and expenses
    626,460,000       507,847,000       450,041,000  
Operating income
  $ 138,431,000     $ 109,173,000     $ 88,255,000  
                         
Net sales by segment:
                       
Flight Support Group
  $ 539,563,000     $ 412,337,000     $ 395,423,000  
Electronic Technologies Group
    227,771,000       205,648,000       143,372,000  
Intersegment sales
    (2,443,000 )     (965,000 )     (499,000 )
    $ 764,891,000     $ 617,020,000     $ 538,296,000  
                         
Operating income by segment:
                       
Flight Support Group
  $ 95,001,000     $ 67,896,000     $ 60,003,000  
Electronic Technologies Group
    59,465,000       56,126,000       39,981,000  
Other, primarily corporate
    (16,035,000 )     (14,849,000 )     (11,729,000 )
    $ 138,431,000     $ 109,173,000     $ 88,255,000  
                         
Net sales
    100.0 %     100.0 %     100.0 %
Gross profit
    35.9 %     36.0 %     33.6 %
Selling, general and administrative expenses
    17.8 %     18.3 %     17.2 %
Operating income
    18.1 %     17.7 %     16.4 %
Interest expense
          .1 %     .1 %
Other income
          .1 %      
Income tax expense
    5.6 %     5.9 %     5.2 %
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests
    3.0 %     2.8 %     2.8 %
Net income attributable to HEICO
    9.5 %     8.9 %     8.3 %
 
Comparison of Fiscal 2011 to Fiscal 2010

Net Sales

Our net sales in fiscal 2011 increased by 24% to a record $764.9 million, as compared to net sales of $617.0 million in fiscal 2010.  The increase in net sales reflects an increase of $127.2 million (a 31% increase) to a record $539.6 million in net sales within the FSG as well as an increase of $22.1 million (an 11% increase) to a record $227.8 million in net sales within the ETG.  The net sales increase in the FSG reflects organic growth of approximately 21%, as well as additional net sales of approximately $37 million contributed by the first quarter of fiscal 2011 acquisition of Blue Aerospace.  The organic growth principally reflects higher sales of new products and services and an increase in demand for the FSG’s
 
 
29

 
 
aftermarket replacement parts and repair and overhaul services as a result of increased airline capacity and also reflects higher sales of and demand for the FSG’s industrial products.  The net sales increase in the ETG principally reflects organic growth of approximately 10%.  The organic growth in the ETG reflects continued strength in demand for certain of our defense, aerospace, medical and electronic products.

Our net sales in fiscal 2011 and 2010 by market approximated 60% and 62%, respectively, from the commercial aviation industry, 24% and 23%, respectively, from the defense and space industries, and 16% and 15%, respectively, from other industrial markets including medical, electronics and telecommunications.

Gross Profit and Operating Expenses

Our consolidated gross profit margin was 35.9% in fiscal 2011 as compared to 36.0% in fiscal 2010, principally reflecting higher margins within the FSG due to efficiencies realized through higher sales volumes offset by lower margins within the ETG due to changes in product mix.  Consolidated cost of sales in fiscal 2011 and 2010 includes approximately $25.4 million and $22.7 million, respectively, of new product research and development expenses.

Selling, general and administrative (“SG&A”) expenses were $136.0 million and $113.2 million in fiscal 2011 and 2010, respectively.  The increase in SG&A expenses was mainly due to higher operating costs, principally personnel related, associated with the growth in net sales discussed above as well as the acquired businesses.  SG&A expenses as a percentage of net sales decreased from 18.3% in fiscal 2010 to 17.8% in fiscal 2011.  The decrease as a percentage of net sales principally reflects the impact of higher net sales volumes on the fixed portion of SG&A expenses and controlled corporate spending relative to our net sales growth.

Operating Income

Operating income in fiscal 2011 increased by 27% to a record $138.4 million as compared to operating income of $109.2 million in fiscal 2010.  The increase in operating income reflects a $27.1 million increase (a 40% increase) in operating income of the FSG to a record $95.0 million in fiscal 2011 from $67.9 million in fiscal 2010 and a $3.4 million increase (a 6% increase) to a record $59.5 million in operating income of the ETG in fiscal 2011, up from $56.1 million in fiscal 2010, partially offset by a $1.2 million increase in corporate expenses.  The increase in operating income of both the FSG and ETG in fiscal 2011 principally reflects efficiencies gained from the increased sales volumes.

As a percentage of net sales, our consolidated operating income increased to 18.1% in fiscal 2011 compared to 17.7% in fiscal 2010.  The increase in consolidated operating income as a percentage of net sales principally reflects an increase in the FSG’s operating income as a percentage of net sales to 17.6% in fiscal 2011 from 16.5% in fiscal 2010, partially offset by a decrease in the ETG’s operating income as a percentage of net sales from 27.3% in fiscal 2010 to 26.1% in fiscal 2011.  The increase in operating income as a percentage of net sales for the FSG reflects the higher sales volumes and improved gross profit margins as discussed above.  The decrease in operating income as a percentage of net sales for the ETG principally reflects an aggregate impact of $3.8 million due to impairment losses related to the write-down of certain intangible assets to their estimated fair values of $5.0 million, partially offset by a $1.2 million reduction in the value of contingent consideration related to a prior year acquisition.
 
 
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Interest Expense

Interest expense in fiscal 2011 and 2010 was not material.

Other Income

Other income in fiscal 2011 and 2010 was not material.

Income Tax Expense

Our effective tax rate for fiscal 2011 decreased to 31.0% from 33.7% in fiscal 2010.  The effective tax rate for fiscal 2011 reflects the aggregate benefit from tax related items, which increased net income attributable to HEICO by approximately $2.8 million, or $.07 per diluted share, net of expenses, principally from higher research and development tax credits ($1.7 million), state income apportionment updates ($.9 million) and other prior year tax return to accrual adjustments ($.2 million).  During the first quarter of fiscal 2011, we recognized the benefit of an income tax credit for qualified research and development activities resulting from the retroactive extension in December 2010 of Section 41 of the Internal Revenue Code, “Credit for Increasing Research Activities,” to cover the period from January 1, 2010 to December 31, 2011 and recognized such tax credit for the last ten months of fiscal 2010 in the first quarter of fiscal 2011, which, net of expenses, increased net income attributable to HEICO by approximately $.8 million in fiscal 2011.  During the third quarter of fiscal 2011, the finalization of a study of qualifying fiscal 2010 research and development activities used to prepare our fiscal 2010 U.S. federal and state income tax returns and reduction in the liability for gross unrecognized research and development related tax positions due to both lapses of statutes of limitations and the conclusion of a foreign research and development tax credit audit resulted in an aggregate increase in net income attributable to HEICO of approximately $.8 million, net of expenses, in fiscal 2011.  During the third quarter of fiscal 2011, we filed our fiscal 2010 state tax returns and amended certain prior year state tax returns reflecting a change to the applicable methodology for apportioning income to certain states, which resulted in an increase in net income attributable to HEICO of approximately $.9 million, net of expenses, in fiscal 2011.

For a detailed analysis of the provision for income taxes, see Note 6, Income Taxes, of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

Net Income Attributable to Noncontrolling Interests

Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests relates to the 20% noncontrolling interest held in the FSG and the noncontrolling interests held in certain subsidiaries of the FSG and ETG.  Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests was $22.6 million in fiscal 2011 compared to $17.4 million in fiscal 2010.  The increase in net income attributable to noncontrolling interests in fiscal 2011 compared to fiscal 2010 is principally related to higher earnings of the FSG in which the 20% noncontrolling interest is held as well as the 19.9% noncontrolling interest in the earnings contributed by Blue Aerospace, which was acquired in the first quarter of fiscal 2011.

Net Income Attributable to HEICO

Net income attributable to HEICO was a record $72.8 million, or $1.71 per diluted share, in fiscal 2011 compared to $54.9 million, or $1.30 per diluted share, in fiscal 2010 principally reflecting the increased operating income referenced above.
 
 
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Outlook

During fiscal 2012, we will continue our focus on developing new products and services, further market penetration, additional acquisition opportunities and maintaining our financial strength.  The general overall economic uncertainty may moderate growth in our commercial aviation markets, while we expect overall stable markets for the products of our ETG.  Overall, we are targeting growth in fiscal 2012 full year net sales and net income over fiscal 2011 levels.
 
Comparison of Fiscal 2010 to Fiscal 2009

Net Sales

Net sales in fiscal 2010 increased by 14.6% to a record $617.0 million, as compared to net sales of $538.3 million in fiscal 2009.  The increase in net sales reflects an increase of $62.3 million (a 43.4% increase) to a record $205.6 million in net sales within the ETG and an increase of $16.9 million (a 4.3% increase) to $412.3 million in net sales within the FSG.  The net sales increase in the ETG reflects the additional net sales totaling approximately $40 million contributed by a February 2010 acquisition and two fiscal 2009 acquisitions as well as organic growth of approximately 12%.  The organic growth in the ETG principally reflects strength in customer demand for certain of our medical equipment, defense, electronic and satellite products.  The 4.3% increase in net sales of the FSG, which is entirely organic growth, is primarily attributable to higher net sales of our industrial products as well as higher net sales of our commercial aviation products reflecting the recent capacity growth of our commercial airline customers during the third and fourth quarters.

Our net sales in fiscal 2010 and 2009 by market approximated 62% and 68%, respectively, from the commercial aviation industry, 23% and 20%, respectively, from the defense and space industries, and 15% and 12%, respectively, from other industrial markets including medical, electronics and telecommunications.

Gross Profit and Operating Expenses

Our consolidated gross profit margin increased to 36.0% in fiscal 2010 as compared to 33.6% in fiscal 2009, mainly reflecting higher margins within the FSG principally due to a more favorable product sales mix.  Consolidated cost of sales in fiscal 2010 and 2009 includes approximately $22.7 million and $19.7 million, respectively, of new product research and development expenses.

SG&A expenses were $113.2 million and $92.8 million in fiscal 2010 and fiscal 2009, respectively.  The increase in SG&A expenses is mainly due to the operating costs of the fiscal 2010 and fiscal 2009 acquisitions referenced above, and higher operating costs, principally personnel related, associated with the growth in consolidated net sales.  SG&A expenses as a percentage of net sales increased from 17.2% in 2009 to 18.3% in fiscal 2010 reflecting a higher level of accrued performance awards based on the improved consolidated operating results.

Operating Income

Operating income in fiscal 2010 increased by 23.7% to a record $109.2 million as compared to operating income of $88.3 million in fiscal 2009.  The increase in operating income reflects a $16.1 million increase (a 40.4% increase) to a record $56.1 million in operating income of the ETG in fiscal 2010, up from $40.0 million in fiscal 2009 and a $7.9 million increase (a 13.2% increase) in operating income of the FSG to $67.9 million in fiscal 2010, up from $60.0 million in fiscal 2009, partially offset
 
 
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by a $3.1 million increase in corporate expenses.  The increase in operating income for the ETG in fiscal 2010 reflects the impact of the fiscal 2010 and 2009 acquisitions and organic sales growth.  The increase in operating income for the FSG in fiscal 2010 reflects the aforementioned higher gross profit margins.  The increase in corporate expenses in fiscal 2010 is primarily due to the higher level of accrued performance awards discussed previously.

As a percentage of net sales, our consolidated operating income increased to 17.7% in fiscal 2010, up from 16.4% in fiscal 2009.  The increase in consolidated operating income as a percentage of net sales reflects an increase in the FSG’s operating income as a percentage of net sales to 16.5% in fiscal 2010 from 15.2% in fiscal 2009 resulting primarily from the favorable product mix previously referenced.  The ETG’s operating income as a percentage of net sales was 27.3% in fiscal 2010, compared to 27.9% reported in fiscal 2009, reflecting variations in product mix, including the impact of certain recently acquired businesses.

Interest Expense

Interest expense in fiscal 2010 and 2009 was not material.

Other Income

Other income in fiscal 2010 and 2009 was not material.
 
Income Tax Expense

Our effective tax rate for fiscal 2010 increased to 33.7% from 31.9% in fiscal 2009.  The effective tax rate for fiscal 2009 was lower due to a settlement reached with the Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) pertaining to the income tax credit claimed on HEICO’s U.S. federal filings for qualified research and development activities incurred for fiscal years 2002 through 2005 and a resulting reduction to the related liability for unrecognized tax benefits for fiscal years 2006 through 2008 based on new information obtained during the examination.  In addition, the effective tax rate for fiscal 2010 was higher than fiscal 2009 as the fiscal 2010 tax expense only reflects a credit for qualifying research and development activities through December 31, 2009 due to the expiration of such tax credit and was higher due to an increased effective state income tax rate principally as a result of the previously mentioned fiscal 2010 and 2009 acquisitions.  The Tax Relief, Unemployment Insurance Reauthorization and Job Creation Act of 2010, which was approved December 17, 2010, includes an extension of the research and development tax credit retroactive to December 31, 2009.  No research and development tax credits have been included in the fiscal 2010 results for the periods after December 31, 2009 since the extension of the tax credit was not enacted until fiscal 2011.

For a detailed analysis of the provision for income taxes, see Note 6, Income Taxes, of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

Net Income Attributable to Noncontrolling Interests

Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests relates to the 20% noncontrolling interest held in the FSG and the noncontrolling interests held in certain subsidiaries of the FSG and ETG.  Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests was $17.4 million in fiscal 2010 compared to $15.2 million in fiscal 2009.  The increase in net income attributable to noncontrolling interests in fiscal 2010 compared to fiscal 2009 is related to higher earnings of certain FSG and ETG subsidiaries in which noncontrolling interests exist.
 
 
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Net Income Attributable to HEICO

Net income attributable to HEICO was a record $54.9 million, or $1.30 per diluted share, in fiscal 2010 compared to $44.6 million, or $1.06 per diluted share, in fiscal 2009 reflecting the increased operating income referenced above.  Diluted net income per share attributable to HEICO shareholders in fiscal 2009 included a $.04 per diluted share benefit from the aforementioned favorable IRS settlement.

Inflation

We have generally experienced increases in our costs of labor, materials and services consistent with overall rates of inflation.  The impact of such increases on net income attributable to HEICO has been generally minimized by efforts to lower costs through manufacturing efficiencies and cost reductions.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

Our capitalization was as follows:
 
   
As of October 31,
 
   
2011
   
2010
 
Cash and cash equivalents
  $ 17,500,000     $ 6,543,000  
Total debt (including current portion)
    40,158,000       14,221,000  
Shareholders’ equity
    620,154,000       554,826,000  
Total capitalization (debt plus equity)
    660,312,000       569,047,000  
Total debt to total capitalization
    6 %     2 %
 
In addition to cash and cash equivalents of $17.5 million, we had approximately $262 million of unused availability under the terms of our revolving credit facility as of October 31, 2011.  Our principal uses of cash include acquisitions, capital expenditures, cash dividends and working capital needs.  We finance our activities primarily from our operating activities and financing activities, including borrowings under long-term credit agreements.

Recent Developments

In December 2011, we entered into a $670 million Revolving Credit Agreement (“New Credit Facility”) with a bank syndicate, which matures in December 2016.  Under certain circumstances, the maturity of the New Credit Facility may be extended for two one-year periods.  The New Credit Facility also includes a feature that will allow us to increase the New Credit Facility by $130 million, at our option, to become an $800 million facility through increased commitments from existing lenders or the addition of new lenders.  The New Credit Facility may be used for working capital and general corporate needs of the Company, including capital expenditures and to finance acquisitions.  The New Credit Facility replaced the $300 million Second Amended and Restated Revolving Credit Agreement (see Financing Activities below).

Advances under the New Credit Facility accrue interest at our choice of the “Base Rate” or the London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”) plus applicable margins (based on our ratio of total funded debt to earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization, noncontrolling interests and non-cash charges, or “leverage ratio”).  The Base Rate is the highest of (i) the Prime Rate; (ii) the Federal Funds rate plus .50% per annum; and (iii) the Adjusted LIBO Rate determined on a daily basis for an Interest Period of one month plus 1.00% per annum, as such capitalized terms are defined in the New Credit Facility.  The applicable margins for LIBOR-based borrowings range from .75% to 2.25%.  The
 
 
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applicable margins for Base Rate borrowings range from 0% to 1.25%.  A fee is charged on the amount of the unused commitment ranging from .125% to .35% (depending on our leverage ratio).  The New Credit Facility also includes a $50 million sublimit for borrowings made in foreign currencies, letters of credit and swingline borrowings.  Outstanding principal, accrued and unpaid interest and other amounts payable under the New Credit Facility may be accelerated upon an event of default, as such events are described in the New Credit Facility.  The New Credit Facility is unsecured and contains covenants that require, among other things, the maintenance of a total leverage ratio, a senior leverage ratio and a fixed charge coverage ratio.  In the event our leverage ratio exceeds a specified level, the New Credit Facility would become secured by the capital stock owned in substantially all of our subsidiaries.

In November 2011, we acquired, through HEICO Electronic, Switchcraft, Inc. through the purchase of all the stock of Switchcraft’s parent company, Switchcraft Holdco, Inc.  See Note 18, Subsequent Events, of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information regarding this acquisition.
 
As of December 16, 2011, we had $179.2 million borrowed under the New Credit Facility at an interest rate of 1.5% and unused availability of $489.1 million under the terms of the New Credit Facility.
 
Based on our current outlook, we believe that our net cash provided by operating activities and available borrowings under the New Credit Facility will be sufficient to fund cash requirements for at least the next twelve months.

Operating Activities

Net cash provided by operating activities was $125.5 million in fiscal 2011, principally reflecting net income from consolidated operations of $95.5 million, depreciation and amortization of $18.5 million, impairment losses of certain intangible assets aggregating $5.0 million, an increase in net operating assets of $4.1 million, and stock option compensation expense of $2.6 million.  The $23.8 million increase in net cash provided by operating activities is principally due to a $23.1 million increase in net income from consolidated operations.

Net cash provided by operating activities was $101.7 million in fiscal 2010, principally reflecting net income from consolidated operations of $72.4 million, depreciation and amortization of $17.6 million, a decrease in net operating assets of $6.6 million, a deferred income tax provision of $1.8 million, impairment losses of certain intangible assets aggregating $1.4 million and stock option compensation expense of $1.4 million.  The decrease in net operating assets (current assets used in operating activities net of current liabilities) of $6.6 million primarily reflects higher accrued expenses associated with performance based awards and decreased inventory levels due to continuing efforts to manage inventory levels, while meeting customer delivery requirements, partially offset by increased accounts receivable related to higher net sales in fiscal 2010.

Net cash provided by operating activities was $75.8 million in fiscal 2009, principally reflecting net income from consolidated operations of $59.8 million, depreciation and amortization of $15.0 million, a tax benefit related to stock option exercises of $1.9 million, and a decrease in net operating assets of $2.5 million, partially offset by the presentation of $1.6 million of excess tax benefit from stock option exercises as a financing activity and a deferred income tax benefit of $2.7 million.  The decrease in net operating assets (current assets used in operating activities net of current liabilities) primarily reflects a decrease in accounts receivable due to the timing of cash collections and lower net sales, partially offset by a decrease in accrued expenses, including employee compensation, customer rebates and credits and additional accrued purchase consideration since October 31, 2008.
 
 
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Investing Activities

Net cash used in investing activities during the three-year fiscal period ended October 31, 2011 primarily relates to several acquisitions, including payments of additional contingent purchase consideration, totaling $94.7 million in fiscal 2011, $39.1 million in fiscal 2010, and $59.8 million in fiscal 2009.  Further details on acquisitions may be found at the beginning of this Item 7 under the caption “Overview” and Note 2, Acquisitions, of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.  Capital expenditures aggregated $28.6 million over the last three fiscal years, primarily reflecting the expansion, replacement and betterment of existing production facilities and capabilities, which were generally funded using cash provided by operating activities.

Financing Activities

Net cash used in financing activities was $10.7 million in fiscal 2011, $54.2 million in fiscal 2010 and $11.5 million in fiscal 2009.  During the three-year fiscal period ended October 31, 2011, we borrowed an aggregate $200.0 million under our revolving credit facility principally to fund acquisitions, including $72.0 million in fiscal 2011, $37.0 million in fiscal 2010, and $91.0 million in fiscal 2009.  Further details on acquisitions may be found at the beginning of this Item 7 under the caption “Overview” and Note 2, Acquisitions, of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.  Repayments on the revolving credit facility aggregated $201.0 million over the last three fiscal years, including $50.0 million in fiscal 2011, $78.0 million in fiscal 2010, and $73.0 million in fiscal 2009.  For the three-year fiscal period ended October 31, 2011, we made distributions to noncontrolling interest owners aggregating $34.8 million, acquired certain noncontrolling interests aggregating $19.3 million, redeemed common stock related to stock option exercises aggregating $15.0 million, paid cash dividends aggregating $11.3 million, and made repurchases of our common stock aggregating $8.1 million.  For the three-year fiscal period ended October 31, 2011, we received proceeds from stock option exercises aggregating $5.2 million.  Net cash provided by financing activities also includes the presentation of $6.3 million, $.7 million, and $1.6 million of excess tax benefit from stock option exercises in fiscal 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively.

Borrowings under our revolving credit facility in fiscal 2011, 2010 and 2009 were made under our $300 million Second Amended and Restated Revolving Credit Agreement (“Credit Facility”) with a bank syndicate.  The Credit Facility was available for working capital and general corporate needs of the company, including letters of credit, capital expenditures and to finance acquisitions.  Advances under the Credit Facility accrued interest at our choice of the “Base Rate” or the London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”) plus applicable margins (based on our ratio of total funded debt to earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization, noncontrolling interests and non-cash charges, or “leverage ratio”).  The Base Rate was the higher of (i) the Prime Rate or (ii) the Federal Funds rate plus .50%.  The applicable margins for LIBOR-based borrowings ranged from .625% to 2.25%.  A fee was charged on the amount of the unused commitment ranging from .125% to .35% (depending on our leverage ratio).  The Credit Facility was unsecured and contained covenants that required, among other things, the maintenance of the leverage ratio, a senior leverage ratio and a fixed charge coverage ratio.  As of October 31, 2011, our leverage ratios were significantly below and our fixed charge coverage ratio was significantly above such specified levels.  See Note 5, Long-Term Debt, of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for further information regarding the revolving credit facility.
 
 
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Contractual Obligations

The following table summarizes our contractual obligations as of October 31, 2011:

         
Payments due by fiscal period
 
   
Total
   
2012
      2013 - 2014       2015 - 2016    
Thereafter
 
                                   
Long-term debt obligations (1)
  $ 36,096,000     $ 43,000     $ 36,053,000     $     $  
Capital lease obligation (2)
    5,065,000       455,000       910,000       910,000       2,790,000  
Operating lease obligations (3)
    26,604,000       7,329,000       9,029,000       5,799,000       4,447,000  
Purchase obligations (4) (5) (6)
    37,246,000       20,593,000       16,653,000              
Other long-term liabilities (7) (8)
    261,000       57,000       104,000       38,000       62,000  
                                         
Total contractual obligations
  $ 105,272,000     $ 28,477,000     $ 62,749,000     $ 6,747,000     $ 7,299,000  
__________________

 
(1)
Excludes interest charges on borrowings and the fee on the amount of any unused commitment that we may be obligated to pay under our revolving credit facility as such amounts vary.  Also excludes interest charges associated with notes payable as such amounts are not material.  See Note 5, Long-Term Debt, of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements and “Liquidity and Capital Resources” above for additional information regarding our long-term debt obligations.  As discussed in “Liquidity and Capital Resources,” we entered into a New Credit Facility in December 2011 that matures in December 2016.  Accordingly, the $36,000,000 we had outstanding under our previous revolving credit facility as of October 31, 2011 and shown as due in fiscal 2013 is now due in fiscal 2017.

 
(2)
Inclusive of $1,003,000 in interest charges.  See Note 5, Long-Term Debt, of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information regarding our capital lease obligation.

 
(3)
See Note 16, Commitments and Contingencies – Lease Commitments, of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information regarding our operating lease obligations.

 
(4)
The noncontrolling interest holders of certain subsidiaries have rights (“Put Rights”) that may be exercised on varying dates causing us to purchase their equity interests beginning in fiscal 2012 through fiscal 2018.  The Put Rights provide that cash consideration be paid for their noncontrolling interests (“Redemption Amount”).  As of October 31, 2011, management’s estimate of the aggregate Redemption Amount of all Put Rights that we would be required to pay is approximately $65 million, which is reflected within redeemable noncontrolling interests in our Consolidated Balance Sheet.  Of this amount $7,956,000 and $16,383,000 are included in the table as amounts payable in fiscal 2012 and 2013-2014, respectively, pursuant to past exercises of such Put Rights by the noncontrolling interest holders of certain of our subsidiaries.  As the actual Redemption Amount payable in fiscal 2013 and 2014 is based on a multiple of future earnings, such amount will likely be different.  The remaining Redemption Amounts have been excluded from the table as the timing of such payments is contingent upon the exercise of the Put Rights.

 
(5)
Also includes accrued additional purchase consideration aggregating $11,016,000 payable in fiscal 2012 relating to the acquisition of 3D and a prior year acquisition (see Note 2, Acquisitions, of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements).  The amounts in the table do not include the additional contingent purchase consideration we may have to pay based on future earnings of certain acquired businesses.  As of October 31, 2011, management’s estimate of the aggregate amount of such contingent purchase consideration is approximately $10.1 million, which is payable in fiscal 2012.  Contingent purchase consideration is further discussed in “Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements – Additional Contingent Purchase Consideration” below.

 
(6)
Also includes an aggregate $1,891,000 of commitments for capital expenditures as well as purchase obligations of inventory that extend beyond one year.  All purchase obligations of inventory and supplies in the ordinary course of business (i.e., with deliveries scheduled within the next year) are excluded from the table.
 
 
(7)
Represents payments aggregating $261,000 under our Directors Retirement Plan, for which benefits are presently being paid and excludes $190,000 of payments for which benefit payments have not yet commenced.  Our Directors Retirement Plan’s projected benefit obligation of $353,000 is accrued within other long-term liabilities in our Consolidated Balance Sheet as of October 31, 2011.  See Note 10, Retirement Plans, of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (the plan is unfunded and we pay benefits directly).  The amounts in the table do not include liabilities related to the Leadership Compensation Plan or our other deferred compensation arrangement as they are each fully supported by assets held within
 
 
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  irrevocable trusts.  See Note 3, Selected Financial Statement Information – Other Long-Term Assets and Liabilities, of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for further information about these two deferred compensation plans.
 
 
(8)
The amounts in the table do not include approximately $1,784,000 of our liability for unrecognized tax benefits due to the uncertainty with respect to the timing of future cash flows associated with these unrecognized tax benefits as we are unable to make reasonably reliable estimates of the timing of any cash settlements.  See Note 6, Income Taxes, of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for further information about our liability for unrecognized tax benefits. 

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

Guarantees

We have arranged for a standby letter of credit for $1.5 million to meet the security requirement of our insurance company for potential workers’ compensation claims, which is supported by our revolving credit facility.

Additional Contingent Purchase Consideration

As part of the agreement to acquire a subsidiary by the ETG in fiscal 2009, we may be obligated to pay additional purchase consideration of up to $10.1 million in fiscal 2012 should the subsidiary meet certain earnings objectives during the third year following the acquisition.  Assuming the subsidiary performs over its respective future measurement period at the same earnings levels it performed in the comparable historical measurement period, the aggregate amount of such contingent purchase consideration that we would be required to pay is $10.1 million.  The actual contingent purchase consideration may be different.

The above referenced additional contingent purchase consideration will be accrued when the earnings objectives are met.  Such additional contingent purchase consideration is based on a multiple of earnings above a threshold (subject to a cap in certain cases) and is not contingent upon the former shareholders of the acquired entities remaining employed by us or providing future services to us.  Accordingly, such consideration will be recorded as an additional cost of the respective acquired entity when paid.

As part of the agreement to acquire a subsidiary by the ETG in fiscal 2007, we may have been obligated to pay additional purchase consideration of up to 73 million Canadian dollars in aggregate, which translates to approximately $74 million U.S. dollars based on the October 31, 2011 exchange rate, should the subsidiary have met certain earnings objectives through June 2012.  Assuming the subsidiary performs over the remaining future measurement period at the same earnings levels it performed in the comparable historical measurement period, we would not be required to pay any additional purchase consideration.

For additional information on how we account for contingent consideration associated with acquisitions, see Note 1, Summary of Significant Accounting Policies – Business Combinations, of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

New Accounting Pronouncements

In January 2010, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2010-06, “Improving Disclosures About Fair Value Measurements,” which requires additional disclosures regarding transfers in and out of Level 1 and Level 2 fair value measurements and more detailed information of activity in Level 3 fair value measurements.  We adopted ASU 2010-06 as of the beginning of the second quarter of fiscal 2010, except the additional Level 3
 
 
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disclosures, which are effective in fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2010, or in fiscal 2012 for us.  We will make the additional Level 3 disclosures, if applicable, as of the date of adoption.

In December 2010, the FASB issued ASU 2010-29, “Disclosure of Supplementary Pro Forma Information for Business Combinations.”  Under ASU 2010-29, supplemental pro forma information disclosures pertaining to acquisitions should be presented as if the business combination(s) occurred as of the beginning of the prior annual period when comparative financial statements are presented.  ASU 2010-29 is effective for business combinations consummated in fiscal periods beginning after December 15, 2010.  Early adoption is permitted and we adopted the new guidance on a prospective basis as of December 2010.

In June 2011, the FASB issued ASU 2011-05, “Presentation of Comprehensive Income,” which requires the presentation of total comprehensive income, the components of net income and the components of other comprehensive income in either a single continuous statement of comprehensive income or in two separate, but consecutive statements.  ASU 2011-05 eliminates the option to present other comprehensive income and its components in the statement of shareholders’ equity and requires reclassification adjustments for items that were reclassified from other comprehensive income and net income to be presented on the face of the financial statements.  ASU 2011-05 must be applied retroactively and is effective for fiscal years and interim periods within those years beginning after December 15, 2011, or in the second quarter of fiscal 2012 for us.  We are currently evaluating which presentation option to elect, but the adoption of these provisions will have no effect on our results of operations, financial position or cash flows.

In September 2011, the FASB issued ASU 2011-08, “Testing Goodwill for Impairment,” which is intended to reduce complexity and costs by permitting an entity the option to perform a qualitative evaluation about the likelihood of goodwill impairment in order to determine whether it should calculate the fair value of a reporting unit.  The update also improves previous guidance by expanding upon the examples of events and circumstances that an entity should consider between annual impairment tests in determining whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount.  ASU 2011-08 is effective for annual and interim goodwill impairment tests performed for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2011, or in fiscal 2013 for our annual impairment test.  The adoption of this guidance is not expected to have a material impact on our results of operations, financial position or cash flows.

Forward-Looking Statements

Certain statements in this report constitute “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.  All statements contained herein that are not clearly historical in nature may be forward-looking and the words “anticipate,” “believe,” “expect,” “estimate” and similar expressions are generally intended to identify forward-looking statements.  Any forward-looking statements contained herein, in press releases, written statements or other documents filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission or in communications and discussions with investors and analysts in the normal course of business through meetings, phone calls and conference calls, concerning our operations, economic performance and financial condition are subject to risks, uncertainties and contingencies.  We have based these forward-looking statements on our current expectations and projections about future events.  All forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond our control, which may cause actual results, performance or achievements to differ materially from anticipated results, performance or achievements.  Also, forward-looking statements are based upon management’s estimates of fair values and of future costs, using currently available information.  Therefore, actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied in those statements.  Factors that could cause such differences include:
 
 
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·
Lower demand for commercial air travel or airline fleet changes, which could cause lower demand for our goods and services;

 
·
Product specification costs and requirements, which could cause an increase to our costs to complete contracts;

 
·
Governmental and regulatory demands, export policies and restrictions, reductions in defense, space or homeland security spending by U.S. and/or foreign customers or competition from existing and new competitors, which could reduce our sales;

 
·
Our ability to introduce new products and product pricing levels, which could reduce our sales or sales growth; and

 
·
Our ability to make acquisitions and achieve operating synergies from acquired businesses, customer credit risk, interest and income tax rates and economic conditions within and outside of the aviation, defense, space, medical, telecommunication and electronic industries, which could negatively impact our costs and revenues.

For further information on these and other factors that potentially could materially affect our financial results, see Item 1A, Risk Factors.  We undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except to the extent required by applicable law.
 
Item 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

The primary market risk to which we have exposure is interest rate risk, mainly related to our revolving credit facility, which has variable interest rates.  Interest rate risk associated with our variable rate debt is the potential increase in interest expense from an increase in interest rates.  Based on our aggregate outstanding variable rate debt balance of $36 million as of October 31, 2011, a hypothetical 10% increase in interest rates would not have a material effect on our results of operations, financial position or cash flows.

We maintain a portion of our cash and cash equivalents in financial instruments with original maturities of three months or less.  These financial instruments are subject to interest rate risk and will decline in value if interest rates increase.  Due to the short duration of these financial instruments, a hypothetical 10% increase in interest rates as of October 31, 2011 would not have a material effect on our results of operations, financial position or cash flows.

We are also exposed to foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations on the United States dollar value of our foreign currency denominated transactions, which are principally in Euro, Canadian dollar and British pound sterling.  A hypothetical 10% weakening in the exchange rate of the Euro, Canadian dollar or British pound sterling to the United States dollar as of October 31, 2011 would not have a material effect on our results of operations, financial position or cash flows.
 
 
40

 

Item 8.
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA

HEICO CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
INDEX TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

   
Page
     
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
 
42
     
Consolidated Balance Sheets as of October 31, 2011 and 2010
 
43
     
Consolidated Statements of Operations for the years ended October 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009
 
44
     
Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ Equity and Comprehensive Income for the years ended October 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009
 
45
     
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended October 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009
 
46
     
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
 
47
     
Financial Statement Schedule II, Valuation and Qualifying Accounts for the years ended October 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009
 
87

 
41

 

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

To the Board of Directors and Shareholders of
HEICO Corporation
Hollywood, Florida

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of HEICO Corporation and subsidiaries (the “Company”) as of October 31, 2011 and 2010, and the related consolidated statements of operations, shareholders’ equity and comprehensive income, and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended October 31, 2011.  Our audits also included the financial statement schedule listed in the Index at Item 15.  These financial statements and the financial statement schedule are the responsibility of the Company’s management.  Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the financial statements and the financial statement schedule based on our audits.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States).  Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement.  An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements.  An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation.  We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of HEICO Corporation and subsidiaries as of October 31, 2011 and 2010, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended October 31, 2011, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.  Also, in our opinion, such financial statement schedule, when considered in relation to the basic consolidated financial statements taken as a whole, presents fairly, in all material respects, the information set forth therein.

We have also audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of October 31, 2011, based on the criteria established in Internal Control – Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission and our report dated December 21, 2011 expressed an unqualified opinion on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

/s/ DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP
Certified Public Accountants

Miami, Florida
December 21, 2011
 
 
42

 

HEICO CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

   
As of October 31,
 
   
2011
   
2010
 
ASSETS
Current assets:
           
Cash and cash equivalents
  $ 17,500,000     $ 6,543,000  
Accounts receivable, net
    106,414,000       91,815,000  
Inventories, net
    164,967,000       138,215,000  
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
    5,471,000       3,769,000  
Deferred income taxes
    22,286,000       18,907,000  
Total current assets
    316,638,000       259,249,000  
                 
Property, plant and equipment, net
    67,074,000       59,003,000  
Goodwill
    443,402,000       385,016,000  
Intangible assets, net
    78,157,000       49,487,000  
Deferred income taxes
    2,374,000        
Other assets
    33,424,000       28,888,000  
Total assets
  $ 941,069,000     $ 781,643,000  
                 
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
Current liabilities:
               
Current maturities of long-term debt
  $ 335,000     $ 148,000  
Trade accounts payable
    43,547,000       28,604,000  
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities
    76,376,000       52,101,000  
Income taxes payable
    3,132,000       979,000  
Total current liabilities
    123,390,000       81,832,000  
                 
Long-term debt, net of current maturities
    39,823,000       14,073,000  
Deferred income taxes
    58,899,000       45,308,000  
Other long-term liabilities
    33,373,000       30,556,000  
Total liabilities
    255,485,000       171,769,000  
                 
Commitments and contingencies (Notes 2 and 16)
               
                 
Redeemable noncontrolling interests (Note 12)
    65,430,000       55,048,000  
                 
Shareholders’ equity:
               
Preferred Stock, $.01 par value per share; 10,000,000 shares authorized; 300,000 shares designated as Series B Junior Participating Preferred Stock and 300,000 shares designated as Series C Junior Participating Preferred Stock; none issued
           
Common Stock, $.01 par value per share; 30,000,000 shares authorized; 17,054,339 and 16,407,506 shares issued and outstanding
    171,000       131,000  
Class A Common Stock, $.01 par value per share; 30,000,000 shares authorized; 25,022,688 and 24,829,465 shares issued and outstanding
    250,000       199,000  
Capital in excess of par value
    226,120,000       227,993,000  
Deferred compensation obligation
    522,000        
HEICO stock held by irrevocable trust
    (522,000 )      
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)
    3,033,000       (124,000 )
Retained earnings
    299,497,000       240,913,000  
Total HEICO shareholders’ equity
    529,071,000       469,112,000  
Noncontrolling interests
    91,083,000       85,714,000  
Total shareholders’ equity
    620,154,000       554,826,000  
Total liabilities and equity
  $ 941,069,000     $ 781,643,000  

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

 
43

 

HEICO CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

   
Year ended October 31,
 
   
2011
   
2010
   
2009
 
                   
Net sales
  $ 764,891,000     $ 617,020,000     $ 538,296,000  
                         
Operating costs and expenses:
                       
Cost of sales
    490,450,000       394,673,000       357,285,000  
Selling, general and administrative expenses
    136,010,000       113,174,000       92,756,000  
                         
Total operating costs and expenses
    626,460,000       507,847,000       450,041,000  
                         
Operating income
    138,431,000       109,173,000       88,255,000  
                         
Interest expense
    (142,000 )     (508,000 )     (615,000 )
Other income
    64,000       390,000       205,000  
                         
Income before income taxes and noncontrolling interests
    138,353,000       109,055,000       87,845,000  
                         
Income tax expense
    42,900,000       36,700,000       28,000,000  
                         
Net income from consolidated operations
    95,453,000       72,355,000       59,845,000  
                         
Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests
    22,633,000       17,417,000       15,219,000  
                         
Net income attributable to HEICO
  $ 72,820,000     $ 54,938,000     $ 44,626,000  
                         
Net income per share attributable to HEICO shareholders (Note 13):
                       
Basic
  $ 1.75     $ 1.34     $ 1.09  
Diluted
  $ 1.71     $ 1.30     $ 1.06  
                         
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding:
                       
Basic
    41,632,074       41,040,635       40,944,999  
Diluted
    42,501,252       42,213,538       42,225,049  

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

 
44

 

HEICO CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

          
HEICO Shareholders' Equity
             
                                 
HEICO
                         
                                 
Stock
   
Accumulated
                   
   
Redeemable
         
Class A
   
Capital in
   
Deferred
   
Held by
   
Other
               
Total
 
   
Noncontrolling
   
Common
   
Common
   
Excess of
   
Compensation
   
Irrevocable
   
Comprehensive
   
Retained
   
Noncontrolling
   
Shareholders'
 
   
Interests
   
Stock
   
Stock
   
Par Value
   
Obligation
   
Trust
   
Income (Loss)
   
Earnings
   
Interests
   
Equity
 
                                                             
Balances as of October 31, 2008
  $ 48,736,000     $ 106,000     $ 158,000     $ 229,443,000     $     $     $ (4,819,000 )   $ 156,976,000     $ 71,138,000     $ 453,002,000  
Comprehensive income: