form10kfye2011.htm




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

FORM 10-K

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

For the fiscal year ended February 28, 2011

OR

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

For the transition period from ____________ to ____________

Commission file number:  1-12777

AZZ incorporated
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
 
AZZ Logo

TEXAS
 
75-0948250
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)
 
(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
     
One Museum Place, Suite 500
   
3100 West Seventh Street
   
Fort Worth, Texas
 
76107
(Address of principal executive offices)
 
(Zip Code)

(817) 810-0095
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

None
(Former name, former address and former fiscal year, if changed since last report)

 
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
 
Title of each class
 
Name of each exchange on which registered
Common Stock, $1.00 par value per share
 
New York Stock Exchange
 
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:  None


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


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

 
 

 

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 T
 
No  £

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 £
 
No  £

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

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

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

As of August 31, 2010 (the last business day of its most recently completed second fiscal quarter), the aggregate market value of the registrant’s common stock held by non-affiliates of the registrant was $524,203,551 based on the closing sale price of $43.78 per share as reported on the New York Stock Exchange (For purposes of determining the above stated amount, only the directors, executive officers and 10% or greater shareholders of the registrant have been deemed affiliates; however, this does not represent a conclusion by the registrant that any or all such persons are affiliates of the registrant).

As of April 30, 2011, there were 12,543,674 shares of the registrant’s common stock ($1.00 par value) outstanding.


DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

Document
 
Parts Into Which Incorporated
Proxy Statement for the Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be held July 12, 2011 (Proxy Statement)
 
Part III


 
 

 

AZZ incorporated

YEAR ENDED FEBRUARY 28, 2011
INDEX TO FORM 10-K


PART I
     
1
 
Business
 
1
 
Risk Factors
 
5
Item 1B.
 
Unresolved Staff Comments
 
10
 
Properties
 
11
 
Legal Proceedings
 
12
Item 4.
 
[Removed and Reserved]
 
12
         
PART II
     
13
 
Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities
 
13
 
Selected Financial Data
 
15
 
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operation
 
15
 
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
 
25
Item 8.
 
Financial Statements and Supplementary Data
 
26
Item 9.
 
Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure
 
26
Item 9A.
 
Controls and Procedures
 
26
Item 9B.
 
Other Information
 
26
         
     
27
Item 10.
 
Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance
 
27
Item 11.
 
Executive Compensation
 
27
Item 12.
 
Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters
 
27
Item 13.
 
Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence
 
28
Item 14.
 
Principal Accountant Fees and Services
 
29
         
     
29
Item 15.
 
Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules
 
29
         
     
30

 
 

 
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Forward Looking Statements

Certain statements herein about our expectations of future events or results constitute forward-looking statements for purposes of the safe harbor provisions of The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. You can identify forward-looking statements by terminology such as, “may,” “should,” “expects,” “plans,” “anticipates,” “believes,” “estimates,” “predicts,” “potential,” “continue,” or the negative of these terms or other comparable terminology. Such forward-looking statements are based on currently available competitive, financial and economic data and management’s views and assumptions regarding future events. Such forward-looking statements are inherently uncertain, and investors must recognize that actual results may differ from those expressed or implied in the forward-looking statements. This Annual Report on Form 10-K may contain forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties including, but not limited to, changes in customer demand and response to products and services offered by AZZ, including demand by the electrical power generation markets, electrical transmission and distribution markets, the industrial markets, and the hot dip galvanizing markets; prices and raw material cost, including zinc and natural gas which are used in the hot dip galvanizing process; changes in the economic conditions of the various markets that AZZ serves, foreign and domestic, customer request delays of shipments, acquisition opportunities, currency exchange rates, adequacy of financing, and availability of experienced management employees to implement AZZ’s growth strategy; a downturn in market conditions in any industry relating to the products we inventory or sell or the services that we provide; the effects and duration of continuing economic recession in the U.S. and other markets in which we operate; and acts of war or terrorism inside the United States or abroad. You are urged to consider these factors carefully in evaluating the forward-looking statements herein and are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements, which are qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement. These statements are based on information as of the date of this Annual Report on Form 10-K and AZZ assumes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise.



PART I

Item 1.                 Business

AZZ incorporated (“AZZ”, the “Company” or “we”) was established in 1956 and incorporated under the laws of the State of Texas. We are an electrical equipment and components manufacturer, serving the global markets of power generation, transmission and distribution, and the general industrial markets, and a leading provider of hot dip galvanizing services to the steel fabrication market nationwide.  We offer products through two distinct business segments, the Electrical and Industrial Products Segment and the Galvanizing Services Segment.


Electrical and Industrial Products Segment

Our Electrical and Industrial Products Segment produces highly engineered specialty electrical products and industrial lighting and tubular products, all of which we market and sell both in domestic and international markets. Our electrical products are designed, manufactured and configured to distribute electrical power to and from generators, transformers, switching devices and other electrical configurations and are supplied to the power generation, transmission and distribution markets and also to the general industrial market.  Our industrial products include industrial lighting and tubular products used for petro-chemical and industrial applications. We provide lighting products to the petroleum and food processing industries, and to other industries with unique lighting challenges.  We also provide tubular products to the petroleum industry.

The markets for our Electrical and Industrial Products Segment are highly competitive and consist of a few large multi-national companies, along with numerous small independent companies.  Competition is based primarily on product quality, range of product line, price and service.  While some of our competitors are much larger and better financed than us, we believe that we can compete favorably with them.

 
1

 

Copper, aluminum and steel are the primary raw materials used by this segment. All of these raw materials are currently readily available.  Because the Electrical and Industrial Products Segment does not commit contractually to minimum volumes, increases in price for these items are normally managed through escalation clauses to the customer's contracts, although during difficult market conditions the customer may resist these escalation clauses.
We sell this segment's products through manufacturers' representatives, distributors, agents and our internal sales force.  We are not dependent on any single customer for this segment, and the loss of any single customer would not have a material adverse effect on our consolidated revenues or net income.

Backlog of orders for the Electrical and Industrial Products Segment was approximately $108.4 million at February 28, 2011, $109.9 million at February 28, 2010, and $174.8 million at February 28, 2009. The majority of the backlog as of February 28, 2011 should be delivered during the next 18 months.  We believe that the contracts and purchase orders included in the backlog are firm.

During the Company’s fiscal year ended February 28, 2011, the Electrical and Industrial Products Segment had international sales of $27.9 million, or 17% of this segment’s total revenues of $162.6 million.  During the fiscal years ended February 28, 2010 and February 28, 2009, the Electrical and Industrial Products Segment had international sales of $43.6 million and $50.0 million, respectively, and international sales comprised approximately 21% and 21%, respectively, of this segment’s total revenues.

We employed a total of 689 people in this segment as of February 28, 2011.

Galvanizing Services Segment

The Galvanizing Services Segment provides hot dip galvanizing to the steel fabrication industry through facilities located throughout the South, Midwest, East Coast and Southwest United States.  Hot dip galvanizing is a metallurgical process in which molten zinc is applied to a customer's material. The zinc bonding renders corrosion protection to fabricated steel for extended periods of up to 50 years.  As of February 28, 2011, we operated thirty-three galvanizing plants, which are located in Alabama, Arkansas, Arizona, Colorado, Indiana, Illinois, Louisiana, Kentucky, Minnesota, Mississippi , Missouri, Ohio, Oklahoma, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia and West Virginia.

Galvanizing is a highly competitive business, and we compete with other galvanizing companies, captive galvanizing facilities operated by manufacturers, and alternate forms of corrosion protection such as paint.  Our galvanizing markets are generally limited to areas within relatively close proximity to our galvanizing plants due to freight cost.

Zinc, the principal raw material used in the galvanizing process, is currently readily available, but has volatile pricing. We manage our exposure to commodity pricing of zinc by utilizing agreements with zinc suppliers that include protective caps and fixed costs contracts to guard against escalating commodity prices.

We typically serve fabricators or manufacturers that provide services to the electrical and telecommunications, bridge and highway, petrochemical and general industrial markets, and numerous original equipment manufacturers. We do not depend on any single customer for our galvanizing services, and the loss of any single customer would not have a material adverse effect on our consolidated revenues or net income.

The backlog of galvanizing orders generally is nominal due to the short time requirement involved in the process.

On August 3, 2010, we completed our acquisition of North American Galvanizing & Coatings, Inc. (“NGA”), a leading provider of corrosion protection for iron and steel components fabricated by its customers.  AZZ gained control of NGA on June 14, 2010 by acquiring approximately 83% of its outstanding capital stock (calculated on a fully diluted basis) through a cash tender offer and caused NGA to be merged with and into an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of AZZ created solely for such acquisition, with NGA as the surviving entity.  Pursuant to the terms of the Agreement and Plan of Merger among AZZ, such subsidiary of AZZ and NGA, upon the completion of this merger each share of the remaining 17% of NGA’s outstanding capital stock (i.e., the shares not held by AZZ) was converted into the right to receive the same per-share cash consideration paid in such tender offer.  This merger resulted in NGA being an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of AZZ. The acquisition was made to complement our existing facilities in this region and to expand our geographic footprint.

 
2

 


We employed a total of 1,267 people in this segment as of February 28, 2011.

The information regarding revenues, profits or losses and total assets for each of the Electrical and Industrial Products Segment and the Galvanizing Services Segment included in the financial statements included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K are incorporated by reference in this Item 1.

In order to maintain permits to operate certain of our facilities, we may need to make future capital expenditures for equipment in order to meet new or existing environmental regulations.

Executive Officers of the Registrant

 
Name
 
Age
Business Experience of Executive Officers for Past Five Years
Position or Office with Registrant or Prior Employer
 
Held Since
       
David H. Dingus
63
President and Chief Executive Officer
2001
       
Dana L. Perry                           
62
Senior Vice President of Finance, Chief Financial Officer and Secretary
2004
       
John V. Petro                           
65
Senior Vice President, Electrical & Industrial Products Segment
Vice President Operations, Electrical & Industrial Products
2006
2001-2006
       
Darren L. Caldwell
44
Vice President, Electrical & Industrial Products Segment
Vice President, Global Service Mfg. and Supply Chain Mgmt., Siemens Corp
General Manager, North American Service, Siemens Corp
2010
2009-2010
2005-2009
       
Tim E. Pendley                           
49
Senior Vice President, Galvanizing Services Segment
Vice President Operations, Galvanizing Services Segment
2009
2004-2009
       
Clement H. Watson
64
Vice President Sales, Electrical Products
2000
       
Jim C. Stricklen                           
62
Vice President, Business and Manufacturing Systems
2004
       
Richard W. Butler
45
Vice President, Corporate Controller
2004
       
Ashok E. Kolady
37
Vice President, Business Development
Operation, Marketing, & Business Development, Eaton Corp.
2007
2004-2007
       
John S. Lincoln                           
49
Vice President, Galvanizing Services- Northern Operations
South Central Region Manager, AGS
Executive Vice President, North American Galvanizing & Coatings, Inc.
2009
2006-2009
1999-2006
       
Bryan L. Stovall                           
47
Vice President, Galvanizing Services- Southern Operations
SE and TX Coast Region Manager, AGS
SW Region Manager, AGS
2009
2007-2009
2001-2007
       
Bill G. Estes                           
46
Vice President, Bus Duct Systems
General Manager - CGIT and The Calvert Company
2009
2004-2009
       
John A. Petitto                           
66
Vice President, Switchgear Systems
General Manager – Central Electric Manufacturing Co.
2009
2003-2009
       
Francis D. Quinn
45
Vice President, Human Resources
Vice President – Benefits and Compensation, Americredit Corp.
2009
2004-2008


 
3

 

Each executive officer was elected by the Board of Directors to hold office until the next Annual Meeting or until his successor is elected.  No executive officer has any family relationships with any other executive officer of the Company.

Available Information

We are subject to the reporting requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), and its rules and regulations.  The Exchange Act requires us to file reports, proxy statements and other information with the SEC.  Copies of these reports, proxy statements and other information can be inspected and copied at:

 
SEC Public Reference Room
 
100 F Street, N.E.
 
Washington, D.C.  20549

You may obtain information on the operation of the Public Reference Room by calling the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330.  You may also obtain copies of any material we have filed with the SEC by mail at prescribed rates from:

 
Public Reference Section
 
Securities and Exchange Commission
 
100 F Street N.E.
 
Washington, D.C.  20549

You may obtain these materials electronically by accessing the SEC’s website on the Internet at:

 
http://www.sec.gov

In addition, we make available, free of charge, on our internet website, our Annual Report on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, Current Reports on Form 8-K, and amendments to these reports filed or furnished pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Exchange Act as soon as reasonably practicable after we electronically file this material with, or furnish it to, the SEC.  You may review these documents, under the heading “Investor Relations,” subheading “SEC Filings,” on our website at:

 
http://www.azz.com

Reports and other information concerning our Company are available for inspection and copying at:

 
New York Stock Exchange
 
20 Broad Street
 
New York, New York  10005

Corporate Governance

Our Company’s Board of Directors (the "Board"), with the assistance of its Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee, has adopted Corporate Governance Guidelines that set forth the Board’s policies regarding corporate governance.

In connection with the Board's responsibility to oversee our legal compliance and conduct, the Board has adopted a Code of Ethics, which applies to the Company’s officers, directors and employees.

The Board has adopted charters for each of its Audit Committee, Compensation Committee and Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee.  You may review the Corporate Governance Guidelines, our Code of Ethics and our Committee charters under the Heading “Investor Relations,” subheading “Corporate Governance,” on our website at:

 
http://www.azz.com
 
4

 

You may also obtain a copy of these documents by mailing a request to:
 
AZZ incorporated
 
Investor Relations
 
One Museum Place, Suite 500
 
3100 West Seventh Street
 
Fort Worth, TX  76107

Item 1A.                        Risk Factors

Our business is subject to a variety of risks, including the risks described below, which we believe are the most significant risks and uncertainties facing our business. However, they are not the only ones facing us. Additional risks and uncertainties not known to us or not described below may also impair our business operations. If any of the following risks actually occur, our business, financial condition and results of operations could be negatively impacted and our future growth could be impacted as well.


Our operations could be adversely impacted by the Macondo well incident, the continuing effects from the U.S. government moratorium on offshore deepwater drilling projects and related new regulations.

 
On April 22, 2010, the drilling rig Deepwater Horizon, which was engaged in deepwater drilling operations in the U.S. Gulf of Mexico, sank after an explosion and fire. The incident resulted in a significant and uncontrolled oil spill off the coast of Louisiana. On May 28, 2010, the U.S. government imposed a six-month moratorium on all offshore deepwater drilling projects. A preliminary injunction was issued blocking enforcement of the moratorium on June 22, 2010, and the U.S. government issued a new moratorium on deepwater drilling on July 12, 2010. On October 12, 2010, the U.S. government lifted the moratorium. The U.S. government has also implemented additional safety and certification requirements applicable to drilling activities in the U.S. Gulf of Mexico, has imposed additional requirements with respect to development and production activities in the U.S. Gulf of Mexico and has delayed the approval of applications to drill in both deepwater and shallow-water areas. In addition, the U.S. government has announced that it intends to require that operators demonstrate their compliance with new regulations before resuming deepwater drilling. We cannot predict when, if at all, operators in the U.S. Gulf of Mexico will be able to satisfy these requirements. At this time, we cannot predict what, if any, impact the Macondo well incident, the continuing effects from the U.S. government moratorium on offshore deepwater drilling projects and related new regulations may have on the regulation of offshore oil and gas exploration and development activity, or what actions may be taken by our customers or other industry participants in response to the incident. Changes in laws or regulations regarding offshore oil and gas exploration and development activities and decisions by customers and other industry participants could reduce demand for our services, which would have a negative impact on our operations.

Our business segments operate in highly competitive markets.

Many of our competitors, primarily in our Electrical and Industrial Products Segment, are significantly larger and have substantially more resources than we do. Competition is based on a number of factors, including price. Certain of our competitors may have lower cost structures and may, therefore, be able to provide their products and services at lower pricing than we are able to provide. We cannot be certain that our competitors will not develop the expertise, experience and resources to provide services that are superior in both price and quality. Similarly, we cannot be certain that we will be able to maintain or enhance our competitive position within our industries, maintain our customer base at current levels or increase our customer base.
 
 
Global warming could impact our business.

In regard to concerns about global warming, global warming could have an adverse impact on the Company, particularly in hurricane prone or low lying areas near the ocean. At this time, the Company is not able to speculate as to the potential timing or impact from potential global warming, however the Company believes that it currently has adequate insurance coverage related to natural disasters at the Company’s sites.
 
5

 

Our business segments are sensitive to economic downturns.
 
If the general level of economic activity deteriorates from current levels, our customers may delay or cancel new projects. If there is a reduction in demand for our products or services, as a result of a downturn in the general economy, there could be a material adverse effect on price levels and the quantity of goods and services purchased, therefore adversely impacting revenues and results from operations. A number of factors, including financing conditions and potential bankruptcies in the industries we serve, could adversely affect our customers and their ability or willingness to fund capital expenditures in the future and pay for past services.

International and political events may adversely affect our Electrical and Industrial Products Segment.

A portion of the revenues from our Electrical and Industrial Products Segment are from international markets. The occurrence of any of the risks described below could have an adverse effect on our consolidated results of operations, cash flows and financial condition:

 
·
political and economic instability, such as currently is occurring in Northern Africa and the Middle East;
 
·
social unrest, acts of terrorism, force majeure, war or other armed conflict;
 
·
inflation;
 
·
currency fluctuation, devaluations and conversion restrictions;
 
·
governmental activities that limit or disrupt markets, restrict payments or limit the movement of funds; and
 
·
trade restrictions and economic embargoes by the United States or other countries.

Fluctuations in the price and supply of raw materials and natural gas for our business segments may adversely affect our operations.

We purchase a wide variety of raw materials for our Electrical and Industrial Products Segment to manufacture our products, including steel, aluminum and copper. Unanticipated increases in raw material requirements or price increases could increase production costs and adversely affect profitability. In our Galvanizing Service Segment, zinc and natural gas represent a large portion of our cost of sales. The prices of zinc and natural gas are highly volatile. The following factors, which are beyond our control, affect the price of raw materials and natural gas for our business segments: supply and demand; freight costs and transportation availability; trade duties and taxes; and labor disputes. We seek to maintain operating margins by attempting to increase the price of our products and services in response to increased costs, but may not be successful in passing these price increases through to our customers.

Our volume of fixed-price contracts for our Electrical and Industrial Products Segment could adversely affect our business.

We currently generate, and expect to continue to generate, a significant portion of our revenues under fixed price contracts. We must estimate the costs of completing a particular project to bid for fixed-price contracts. The actual cost of labor and materials, however, may vary from the costs we originally estimated. Depending on the size of a particular project, variations from estimated cost could have a significant impact on our operating results for any fiscal year.

Our compliance with various governmental regulations and environmental risks may increase our costs and potentially lower demand for our products.

Our business is subject to numerous federal, state, provincial, local and foreign laws and regulations, including regulations, primarily in our Galvanizing Services Segment, with respect to air emissions, storm water runoff and the generation, handling, storage, transportation, treatment, and disposal of waste materials. Although we believe we are substantially in compliance with all applicable laws and regulations, legal requirements are frequently changed and subject to interpretation, and the presently unpredictable ultimate cost of compliance with these requirements could adversely impact our operations. We may be required to make significant expenditures to comply with governmental laws and regulations. Existing laws or regulations, as currently interpreted or reinterpreted in the future, or future laws or regulations, could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations and financial condition.

 
6

 

On December 15, 2009, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (“EPA”) officially published its findings that emissions of carbon dioxide, methane and other “greenhouse gases” present an endangerment to human health and the environment because emissions of such gases are contributing to warming of the Earth’s atmosphere and other climatic changes. These findings by the EPA allow the agency to proceed with the adoption and implementation of regulations that would restrict emissions of greenhouse gases under existing provisions of the federal Clean Air Act. In late September 2009, the EPA had proposed two sets of regulations in anticipation of finalizing its findings that would require a reduction in emissions of greenhouse gases from motor vehicles and that could also lead to the imposition of greenhouse gas emission limitations in Clean Air Act permits for certain stationary sources. In addition, on September 22, 2009, the EPA issued a final rule requiring the reporting of greenhouse gas emissions from specified large greenhouse gas emission sources in the United States beginning in 2011 for emissions occurring in 2010. The adoption and implementation of any regulations over greenhouse gases could require us to incur costs to reduce emissions of greenhouse gases that may be associated with our operations.  Currently the Company does not have any sites that are required to report such emissions under the new EPA climate registry regulation. The Company does not expect the regulation to have a significant impact from a cost or operations perspective, but will continue to monitor proposed legislation and regulation and its impact.
 
 
On June 26, 2009, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the “American Clean Energy and Security Act of 2009,” or “ACESA,” which would establish an economy-wide cap-and-trade program to reduce U.S. emissions of greenhouse gases including carbon dioxide and methane. ACESA would require a 17% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions from 2005 levels by 2020 and just over an 80% reduction of such emissions by 2050. Under this legislation, the EPA would issue a capped and steadily declining number of tradable emissions allowances to certain major sources of greenhouse gas emissions so that such sources could continue to emit greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. These allowances would be expected to escalate significantly in cost over time. The net effect of ACESA will be to impose increasing costs on the combustion of carbon-based fuels such as oil, refined petroleum products, and natural gas. The U.S. Senate has begun work on its own legislation for restricting domestic greenhouse gas emissions and the President Obama Administration has indicated its support of legislation to reduce greenhouse gas emissions through an emission allowance system. Although it is not possible at this time to predict when the Senate may act on climate change legislation or how any bill passed by the Senate would be reconciled with ACESA, any future federal laws or implementing regulations that may be adopted to address greenhouse gas emissions could require us to incur costs to reduce emissions of greenhouse gases that may be associated with our operations.

Our acquisition strategy involves a number of risks.

We intend to pursue growth through the pursuit of opportunities to acquire companies or assets that will enable us to expand our product and service offerings.  We routinely review potential acquisitions.  However, we may be unable to implement this growth strategy if we cannot reach agreement on potential strategic acquisitions on acceptable terms or for other reasons.  Moreover, our acquisition strategy involves certain risks, including:

 
·
difficulties in the integration of operations and systems;
 
·
the termination of relationships by key personnel and customers of the acquired company;
 
·
a failure to add additional employees to handle the increased volume of business;
 
·
additional financial and accounting challenges and complexities in areas such as tax planning, treasury management and financial reporting;
 
·
risks and liabilities from our acquisitions, some of which may not be discovered during our due diligence;
 
·
a disruption of our ongoing business or an inability of our ongoing business to receive sufficient management attention; and
 
·
a failure to realize the cost savings or other financial benefits we anticipated.

Future acquisitions may require us to obtain additional equity or debt financing, which may not be available on attractive terms.


 
7

 

Our use of percentage-of-completion accounting in the Electrical and Industrial Products Segment could result in a reduction or elimination of previously reported profits.

As discussed in “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations-Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates” and in the notes to our consolidated financial statements, a portion of our revenues is recognized on the percentage-of-completion method of accounting.  The percentage-of-completion accounting practice we use results in our recognizing contract revenues and earnings ratably over the contract term in proportion to our incurrence of contract costs.  The earnings or losses recognized on individual contracts are based on estimates of contract revenues, costs and profitability.  Contract losses are recognized in full when determined, and contract profit estimates are adjusted based on ongoing reviews of contract profitability.  Actual collection of contract amounts or change orders could differ from estimated amounts and could result in a reduction or elimination of previously recognized earnings.  In certain circumstances, it is possible that such adjustments could be significant.

We may not be able to fully realize the revenue value reported in our backlog for our Electrical and Industrial Products Segment.

We have a backlog of work in our Electrical and Industrial Products Segment.  Orders included in our backlog are represented by customer purchase orders and contracts, which we believe to be firm.  Backlog develops as a result of new business secured, which represents the revenue value of new project commitments received by us during a given period.  Backlog consists of projects which have either (1) not yet been started or (2) are in progress and are not yet complete.  In the latter case, the revenue value reported in backlog is the remaining value associated with work that has not yet been completed.  From time to time, projects that were recorded as new business are cancelled.  In the event of a project cancellation, we may be reimbursed for certain costs but typically have no contractual right to the total revenue reflected in our backlog.  In addition to being unable to recover certain direct costs, we may also incur additional costs resulting from underutilized assets if projects are cancelled.

Our operating results may vary significantly from quarter to quarter.

Our quarterly results may be materially and adversely affected by:

 
·
the timing and volume of work under new agreements;
 
·
general economic conditions;
 
·
inclement weather, such as that which affected much of the continental United States during our fourth quarter of fiscal 2011;
 
·
the budgetary spending patterns of customers;
 
·
variations in the margins of projects performed during any particular quarter;
 
·
losses experienced in our operations not otherwise covered by insurance;
 
·
a change in the demand or production of our products and our services caused by severe weather conditions;
 
·
a change in the mix of our customers, contracts and business;
 
·
a change in customer delivery schedule;
 
·
increases in design and manufacturing costs; and
 
·
abilities of customers to pay their invoices owed to us.

Accordingly, our operating results in any particular quarter may not be indicative of the results expected for any other quarter or for the entire year.

We may be unsuccessful at generating internal growth.

Our ability to generate internal growth will be affected by, among other factors, our ability to:

 
·
attract new customers, internationally and domestically;
 
·
potential regulatory changes;
 
·
increase the number or size of projects performed for existing customers;
 
·
hire and retain employees; and
 
·
increase volume utilizing our existing facilities.

 
8

 

Many of the factors affecting our ability to generate internal growth may be beyond our control, and we cannot be certain that our strategies will be successful or that we will be able to generate cash flow sufficient to fund our operations and to support internal growth.  If we are unsuccessful, we may not be able to achieve internal growth, expand our operations or grow our business.

The departure of key personnel could disrupt our business.

We depend on the continued efforts of our executive officers and senior management.  We cannot be certain that any individual will continue in such capacity for any particular period of time.  The loss of key personnel, or the inability to hire and retain qualified employees, could negatively impact our ability to manage our business.

Our business requires skilled labor, and we may be unable to attract and retain qualified employees.

Our ability to maintain our productivity and profitability will be limited by our ability to employ, train and retain skilled personnel necessary to meet our requirements.  We may experience shortages of qualified personnel.   We cannot be certain that we will be able to maintain an adequately skilled labor force necessary to operate efficiently and to support our growth strategy or that our labor expense will not increase as a result of shortage in the supply of skilled personnel. Labor shortages or increased labor costs could impair our ability to maintain our business or grow our revenues.

Actual and potential claims, lawsuits, and proceedings could ultimately reduce our profitability and liquidity and weaken our financial condition.

In the future, the Company could be named as a defendant in legal proceedings claiming damages from us in connection with the operation of our business.  Most of the actions against us arise out of the normal course of our performing services or with respect to the equipment we manufacture.  We could potentially be a plaintiff in legal proceedings against customers, in which we seek to recover payments of contractual amounts due to us, as well as claims for increased costs incurred by us.  When appropriate, we establish provisions against certain legal exposures, and we adjust such provisions from time to time according to ongoing developments related to each exposure.  If in the future our assumptions and estimates related to such exposures prove to be inadequate or incorrect, our consolidated results of operations, cash flows and financial condition could be adversely affected.  In addition, claims, lawsuits and proceedings may harm our reputation and possibly divert management resources away from operating our business.

Technological innovations by competitors may make existing products and production methods obsolete.

All of the products manufactured and sold by the Company depend upon the best available technology for success in the marketplace.  The competitive environment is highly sensitive to technological innovation in both segments of our business.  It is possible for our competitors, both foreign and domestic, to develop new products or production methods, which will make current products or methods obsolete or at least hasten their obsolescence.

Catastrophic events could disrupt our business.

The occurrence of catastrophic events ranging from natural disasters such as earthquakes, tsunamis or hurricanes to epidemics such as health epidemics to acts of war and terrorism could disrupt or delay our ability to complete projects and could potentially expose the Company to third-party liability claims.  Such events may or may not be fully covered by our various insurance policies or may be subject to deductibles.  In addition, such events could impact our customers and suppliers, resulting in temporary or long-term delays and/or cancellations of orders or raw materials used in normal business operations.  These situations are outside the Company’s control and could have a significant adverse impact on the results of operations.


 
9

 

We may incur additional healthcare costs arising from federal healthcare reform legislation.

In March 2010, Congress passed, and the President signed, the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. This legislation expands health care coverage to many uninsured individuals and expands coverage to those already insured.  The changes required by this legislation could cause us to incur additional healthcare and other costs, but we do not expect any material short-term impact on our financial results as a result of the legislation and are currently assessing the extent of any long-term impact.

Adoption of new or revised employment and labor laws and regulations could make it easier for our employees to obtain union representation and our business could be adversely impacted.

Other than an immaterial number of employees at three of our indirect wholly-owned subsidiaries, none of our employees are currently represented by unions. However, our employees have the right at any time under the National Labor Relations Act to form or affiliate with a union. If some or all of our workforce were to become unionized and the terms of the collective bargaining agreement were significantly different from our current compensation arrangements, it could increase our costs and adversely impact our profitability. Any changes in regulations, the imposition of new regulations, or the enactment of new legislation could have an adverse impact on our business, to the extent it becomes easier for workers to obtain union representation.

Item 1B. Unresolved Staff Comments

There were no unresolved SEC staff comments as of February 28, 2011.


 
10

 

Item 2.      Properties

The following table sets forth information about the Company's principal facilities, owned or leased, on February 28, 2011:

Location
 
Land/Acres
 
Buildings/Sq. Footage
 
Segment/Occupant
             
Crowley, Texas                                      
 
29.7
 
201,000
 
Electrical and Industrial Products
Houston, Texas                                       
 
5.4
 
61,600
 
Electrical and Industrial Products
Richland, Mississippi                                       
 
6.7
 
58,700
 
Electrical and Industrial Products
Pittsburg, Kansas                                       
 
15.3
 
87,800
 
Electrical and Industrial Products
Medway, Massachusetts                                       
 
-
 
(Leased)  90,900
 
Electrical and Industrial Products
Fulton, Missouri                                       
 
-
 
(Leased) 126,300
 
Electrical and Industrial Products
Tulsa, Oklahoma                                       
 
-
 
(Leased)  66,000
 
Electrical and Industrial Products
St. Catharines, Ontario                                       
 
4.57
 
47,500
 
Electrical and Industrial Products
Beaumont, Texas                                       
 
12.9
 
33,700
 
Galvanizing Services
Crowley, Texas                                       
 
28.5
 
79,200
 
Galvanizing Services
Houston, Texas                                       
 
25.2
 
61,800
 
Galvanizing Services
Houston, Texas                                       
 
23.66
 
128,764
 
Galvanizing Services
Hurst, Texas                                       
 
9.19
 
51.583
 
Galvanizing Services
Waskom, Texas                                       
 
10.6
 
30,400
 
Galvanizing Services
Moss Point, Mississippi                                       
 
13.5
 
16,000
 
Galvanizing Services
Richland, Mississippi                                       
 
5.6
 
22,800
 
Galvanizing Services
Citronelle, Alabama                                       
 
10.8
 
34,000
 
Galvanizing Services
Goodyear, Arizona                                       
 
16.8
 
36,800
 
Galvanizing Services
Prairie Grove, Arkansas                                       
 
11.5
 
34,000
 
Galvanizing Services
Belle Chasse, Louisiana                                       
 
9.5
 
34,000
 
Galvanizing Services
Port Allen, Louisiana                                       
 
22.2
 
48,700
 
Galvanizing Services
Cincinnati, Ohio                                       
 
15
 
81,700
 
Galvanizing Services
Canton, Ohio                                       
 
13.63
 
60.756
 
Galvanizing Services
Hamilton, Indiana                                       
 
49.3
 
110,700
 
Galvanizing Services
Muncie, Indiana                                       
 
6.6
 
50,200
 
Galvanizing Services
Plymouth, Indiana                                       
 
40
 
42,900
 
Galvanizing Services
Joliet, Illinois                                       
 
12
 
113,900
 
Galvanizing Services
Dixon, Illinois                                       
 
21.3
 
59,600
 
Galvanizing Services
Peoria, Illinois                                       
 
7.4
 
42,600
 
Galvanizing Services
Peoria, Illinois                                       
 
-
 
 (Leased) 66,400
 
Galvanizing Services
Winsted, Minnesota                                       
 
10.4
 
81,200
 
Galvanizing Services
Bristol, Virginia                                       
 
3.6
 
38,000
 
Galvanizing Services
Benwood, West Virginia
 
1.83
 
(Leased) 51,000
 
Galvanizing Services
Poca, West Virginia                                       
 
22.0
 
14,300
 
Galvanizing Services
Commerce, Colorado                                       
 
3.85
 
31,940
 
Galvanizing Services
Chelsea, Oklahoma                                       
 
15
 
30,700
 
Galvanizing Services
Tulsa, Oklahoma                                       
 
29.8
 
186,726
 
Galvanizing Services
Port of Catoosa, Oklahoma
 
4.0
 
 (Leased) 42,360
 
Galvanizing Services
Nashville, Tennessee                                       
 
12.00
 
27,055
 
Galvanizing Services
St. Louis, Missouri                                       
 
5.59
 
1,800
 
Galvanizing Services
Kansas City, Missouri                                       
 
3.0
 
(Leased) 18,000
 
Galvanizing Services
Louisville, Kentucky                                       
 
5.90
 
23,007
 
Galvanizing Services
Fort Worth, Texas                                       
 
-
 
(Leased) 41,000
 
Corporate Offices

 

 
11

 

Item 3.                         Legal Proceedings
 

Environmental Proceedings

We are subject to various environmental protection reviews by state and federal government agencies. We cannot presently determine the ultimate liability, if any, that might result from these reviews or additional clean-up and remediation expenses.  However, as a result of an internal analysis and prior clean-up efforts, we believe that the reviews and any required remediation will not have a material impact on the Company. In order to maintain permits to operate certain of our facilities, we may need to make future capital expenditures for equipment in order to meet new or existing environmental regulations.

Other Proceedings

After we announced on April 1, 2010 our proposed acquisition of North American Galvanizing & Coatings, Inc. (“NGA”), several lawsuits (the “Stockholder Complaints”) challenging the transaction were filed seeking to enjoin it or recover unspecified damages from us in respect thereof.  The Stockholder Complaints consisted of lawsuits filed in the Delaware Court of Chancery on April 13, April 16 and May 10, 2010, a lawsuit filed in the County Court for Rogers County, Oklahoma on April 16, 2010 and a lawsuit filed in the District Court for Tulsa County, Oklahoma on April 20, 2010.  On June 7, 2010, along with the other defendants named in the Stockholder Complaints (the “Defendants”), we entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (the “Memorandum of Understanding”) with the plaintiffs in the Stockholder Complaints to settle all components of that litigation in all of the cases.  Subject to approval by the District Court in Rogers County, Oklahoma, the settlement includes (a) certification of a settlement class consisting of all record and beneficial holders of the shares of NGA’s common stock at any time from April 1, 2010 through and including August 3, 2010; (b) certain supplemental disclosures contained in an Amendment No. 1 to the Schedule 14D-9 filed by NGA; (c) certain amendments to the Merger Agreement by and among AZZ, a wholly-owned subsidiary of AZZ and NGA; (d) extension of the expiration date of the tender offer for the shares of NGA’s common stock from June 7, 2010 to June 14, 2010; (e) a release of all claims by class members against all Defendants arising from the tender offer and subsequent merger; (f) orders or judgments of dismissal with prejudice in all cases comprising the litigation; (g) an attorneys’ fee, including expenses for plaintiffs’ counsel, of $500,000; and (h) further terms, all as detailed in the Memorandum of Understanding.  The above summary of the Memorandum of Understanding is qualified in its entirety by reference to the Memorandum of Understanding, which has been filed as Exhibit (a)(5)(A) to the First Amendment to Schedule TO filed by AZZ with the SEC on June 8, 2010 in connection with the tender offer.

The Memorandum of Understanding provides that the Defendants each have denied, and continue to deny, that they have committed, attempted to commit, or aided and abetted the commission of, any violation of law or engaged in any of the wrongful acts alleged in the Stockholder Complaints, and expressly maintain that they have diligently and scrupulously complied with their fiduciary duties and other legal duties and are entering into the Memorandum of Understanding solely to eliminate the burden and expense of continued litigation.  Notwithstanding their belief that the allegations are without merit, in order to eliminate the litigation burden and expense, the Defendants have concluded that it is desirable that the Stockholder Complaints be settled on the terms reflected in the Memorandum of Understanding.  We are continuing to work with the plaintiffs in the Stockholder Complaints to obtain the necessary court approval of the settlement terms described in the Memorandum of Understanding.

We are involved from time to time in various suits and claims arising in the normal course of business. In management’s opinion, the ultimate resolution of these matters will not have a material effect on our financial position or results of operations.

Item 4.                 [Removed and Reserved]


 
12

 

PART II

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

Our common stock, $1.00 par value (“Common Stock”), is traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol  “AZZ”. The following table sets forth the high and low sales prices of our Common Stock on the New York Stock Exchange on a quarterly basis for each of the two fiscal years ended February 28, 2011 and February 28, 2010.

   
Quarter Ended
May 31,
   
Quarter Ended
August 31,
   
Quarter Ended
November 30,
   
Quarter Ended
February 28,
 
Per Share
 
2010
   
2009
   
2010
   
2009
   
2010
   
2009
   
2011
   
2010
 
High                              
 
$
43.01
   
$
34.91
   
$
45.00
   
$
39.78
   
$
43.88
   
$
42.72
   
$
43.46
   
$
36.10
 
Low                              
 
$
31.27
   
$
16.60
   
$
33.67
   
$
30.44
   
$
36.04
   
$
31.72
   
$
39.76
   
$
27.90
 
Dividends Declared
 
$
.25
     
-
   
$
.25
     
-
   
$
.25
     
-
   
$
   .25
      $
   .25
 


The payment of dividends is within the discretion of our Board and is dependent on our earnings, capital requirements, operating and financial condition and other factors.   The total amount paid for dividends during fiscal 2011 was $12.5 million, compared to $3.1 million during fiscal 2010.  We have a debt covenant with our lenders that restricts the amount of annual dividends to not exceed $15 million.
 
The approximate number of holders of record of our Common Stock at May 14, 2010 was 447. See Item 12 of this Report for information regarding securities authorized for issuance under equity compensation plans.


 
13

 

STOCK PRICE PERFORMANCE GRAPH

The following graph illustrates the five-year cumulative total return on investments in our Common Stock, the CRSP Index for NYSE Stock Market (U.S. Companies) and the CRSP Index for NYSE Stocks (SIC 5000-5099 US Companies).  These indices are prepared by Zacks Investment Research, Inc.  AZZ’s Common Stock is listed on The New York Stock Exchange and AZZ is engaged in two industry segments.  The shareholder return shown below is not necessarily indicative of future performance.  Total return, as shown, assumes $100 invested on February 28, 2006, in shares of AZZ Common Stock and each index, all with cash dividends reinvested.  The calculations exclude trading commissions and taxes.

 
Comparison of Five Year-Cumulative Total Returns
 
Value of $100 Invested on February 28, 2006
 
For Fiscal Year Ended on the Last Day of February
 
 
Performance Graph

 
 
 
Symbol
CRSP Total Returns Index for:
    2/06       2/07       2/08       2/09       2/10       2/11  
 
AZZ incorporated
    100.00       177.68       310.74       177.54       277.78       386.55  
 
CRSP Index for NYSE Stock Market (US Companies)
    100.00       114.10       110.07       61.60       95.10       118.01  
 
CRSP Index for NYSE Stocks (SIC 5000-5099 US Companies)
    100.00       109.95       105.32       56.24       100.50       131.90  
                                                   

 
The equity compensation plan information required by this Item is incorporated herein by reference to the section titled “Equity Compensation Plan Information” in Item 12, “Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters.”
 


 
14

 

Item 6.                 Selected Financial Data.

   
Fiscal Year
 
   
2011 (a)
   
2010
   
2009 (b)
   
2008
   
2007 (d)
 
   
(In thousands, except per share amounts)
 
Summary of operations:
                             
Net sales
 
$
380,649
      $
357,030
   
$
412,364
   
$
320,193
   
$
260,344
 
Net income                                                   
   
34,963
     
37,728
     
42,206
     
27,688
     
21,604
 
                                         
Earnings per share:
                                       
Basic earnings per common share
 
$
2.81
      $
3.07
   
$
3.48
   
$
2.30
   
$
1.86
 
Diluted earnings per common share
   
2.77
     
3.02
     
3.43
     
2.26
     
1.82
 
                                         
Total assets                                                     
 
$
566,525
      $
381,961
   
$
354,715
   
$
193,319
   
$
200,908
 
Long-term debt
   
225,000
     
100,000
     
100,000
     
-
     
35,200
 
Total liabilities                                                     
   
310,507
     
154,095
     
167,604
     
47,163
     
89,759
 
Shareholders' equity                                                     
   
256,018
     
227,866
     
187,112
     
146,157
     
111,148
 
Working capital                                                     
   
225,833
     
163,825
     
123,652
     
60,299
     
62,252
 
                                         
Cash provided by operating activities
 
$
42,085
      $
82,588
   
$
60,196
   
$
38,926
   
$
6,928
 
Capital expenditures                                                     
   
16,411
     
12,037
     
20,009
     
9,926
     
10,659
 
Depreciation & amortization                                                     
   
22,166
     
17,426
     
14,528
     
8,199
     
6,660
 
Cash dividend per common share                                                     
   
1.00
     
.25
     
-
     
-
     
-
 
                                         
Weighted average shares outstanding (c)
   
12,461
     
12,283
     
12,140
     
12,013
     
11,599
 

(a)
Includes the acquisition of North American Galvanizing & Coatings, Inc, on June 14, 2010. See Item 7, Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations – Results of Operations – Year ended February 28, 2011 compared to year ended February 28, 2010.
(b)
Includes the acquisition of AAA Industries, Inc. on April 1, 2008 and Blenkhorn and Sawle on July 1, 2008.
(c)
Adjusted to reflect a two-for-one stock split, effective in the form of a stock dividend on May 4, 2007.
(d)
Includes the acquisition of Witt Galvanizing, Inc. on November 1, 2006.


Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operation.

You should read the following discussion together with our consolidated financial statements and the related notes included elsewhere in this Annual  Report on Form 10-K.  This discussion contains forward-looking statements about our business and operations. Our actual results may differ materially from those we currently anticipate as a result of the factors we describe under “Risk Factors” and elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Overview

We operate two distinct business segments, the Electrical and Industrial Products Segment and the Galvanizing Services Segment.  The Electrical and Industrial Products Segment serves the power generation, transmission and distribution markets and the general industrial market.  As of February 28, 2011, the Galvanizing Services Segment consists of thirty-three hot dip-galvanizing facilities located throughout the South, Midwest, East Coast and Southwest United States that provide galvanizing services to the steel fabrication industry. References herein to fiscal years are to the twelve-month periods that end in February of the relevant calendar year.  For example, the twelve-month period ended February 28, 2011 is referred to as "fiscal 2011" or "fiscal year 2011."
 
 
For the fiscal year-ended February 28, 2011, we recorded revenues of $380.6 million compared to the prior year’s revenues of $357.0 million.  Approximately 43% of our revenues were generated from the Electrical and Industrial Products Segment and approximately 57% were generated from the Galvanizing Services Segment.  Net income for fiscal 2011 was $35.0 million compared to $37.7 million for fiscal 2010. Net income as a percentage of sales was 9.2% for fiscal 2011 as compared to 10.6% for fiscal 2010.  Earnings per share decreased by 8% to $2.77 per share for fiscal 2011 compared to $3.02 per share for fiscal 2010, on a diluted basis.

 
15

 


For the fourth quarter of fiscal 2011, our incoming order rate reflected what we believe to be the leveling off of our business cycle, and we are beginning to see modest increases in our inquiry and quotation levels for the Electrical and Industrial Products Segment and modest growth in our Galvanizing Services Segment.  Our book to ship ratio for the fourth quarter of 107% is encouraging considering the fact that our fourth quarter is traditionally our weakest quarter for incoming orders.  While the opportunities are increasing, pricing remains a challenge due to competitive forces and increased cost of commodities.  We believe this will continue through most of fiscal 2012.  Fiscal 2011 results reflect the positive impact and the assimilation of NGA, which we acquired on June 14, 2010.  Organic growth in our Galvanizing Services Segment combined with acquisition growth is most encouraging to us.  The markets for our galvanizing services continue to show improvement.  And we are continuing our efforts to identify additional product and market opportunities in both segments of our business that will add growth and enhance our strategic position.

Results of Operations

Management believes that analyzing our revenue and operating income by segment is the most meaningful way to analyze our results of operations.  Segment operating income consists of net sales less cost of sales, identifiable selling, general and administrative expenses, and other (income) expense items that are specifically identifiable to a segment.  The other (income) expense items included in segment operating income are generally insignificant.  For a reconciliation of segment operating income to pretax income, see Note 11 to Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

Year ended February 28, 2011 compared with year ended February 28, 2010

Backlog

Our operations ended fiscal 2011 with a backlog of $108.4 million, a decrease of 1% as compared to fiscal 2010 ending backlog of $109.9 million. All ending backlog for fiscal 2011 relates to our Electrical and Industrial Products Segment. Our book-to-ship ratio was 1.0 to 1 for fiscal 2011 as compared to .82 to 1 in the prior year. In fiscal 2011, our back log did stabilize but we did not see the recovery that we had anticipated. Incoming orders increased 30% for fiscal 2011 as compared to the same period last year. The incoming orders reflected a continued slower release despite the year over year increase of orders, due to economic and regulatory uncertainty.  While it is difficult to forecast timing of order releases in the market, we anticipate that during the second half of fiscal 2012 we will start to see the rebuilding of our backlog.
 
 
The following table reflects bookings and shipments for fiscal 2011 and 2010.

Backlog Table
(In thousands)

 
Period Ended
     
Period Ended
     
Backlog                                
2/28/10
  $ 109,918  
2/28/09
  $ 174,831  
Bookings                                
      379,110         292,117  
Shipments                                
      380,649         357,030  
Backlog                                
2/28/11
  $ 108,379  
2/28/10
  $ 109,918  
Book to Ship Ratio                                
      1.00         .82  


 
16

 

Revenues

Our consolidated revenues for fiscal 2011 increased by $23.6 million or 6.6%, as compared to fiscal 2010.

The following table reflects the breakdown of revenue by segment:
 
 
   
2011
   
2010
 
   
(In thousands)
 
Revenue:
           
Electrical and Industrial Products                                                                         
  $ 162,600     $ 203,457  
Galvanizing Services                                                                         
    218,049       153,573  
Total Revenue                                                                         
  $ 380,649     $ 357,030  

The Electrical and Industrial Products Segment produces highly engineered specialty products supplied to the power generation, power transmission, power distribution and general industrial markets and lighting and tubular products to the industrial and petroleum markets. The segment recorded revenues for fiscal 2011 of $162.6 million, a decrease of 20% compared to fiscal 2010 revenues of $203.5 million.  The lower revenues reflected reduced demand from the petrochemical and electrical transmission and distribution markets as compared to the same period last year. We do not anticipate an increase in the electrical transmission and distribution market until overall electrical demand increases and/or utilities are able to get regulatory rate increases.

Our Galvanizing Services Segment, which consisted of thirty-three hot dip galvanizing facilities as of February 28, 2011, generated revenues of $218.0 million, a 42% increase from the prior year’s revenues of $153.6 million. Volume of steel processed for the fiscal year increased 40% and selling price increased 2% for fiscal 2011 as compared to fiscal 2010.   As discussed previously, we acquired NGA on June 14, 2010.  Excluding the acquisition of NGA, volumes increased 6% and selling price increased 3%. The improved volumes reflected the overall improvement of the industrial sector of the general economy.  Historically, revenues for this segment have followed closely the condition of the industrial sector of the general economy.

Segment Operating Income

The following table reflects the breakdown of total operating income by segment:
 
 
   
2011
   
2010
 
   
(In thousands)
 
Segment Operating Income:
           
Electrical and Industrial Products                                                                          
  $ 27,072     $ 40,803  
Galvanizing Services                                                                          
    56,965       44,843  
Total Segment Operating Income                                                                          
  $ 84,037     $ 85,646  

Total segment operating income (see Note 11 to Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements) decreased $1.6 million to $84.0 million in fiscal 2011 as compared to $85.6 million in fiscal 2010. Consolidated operating margins as a percentage of sales decreased to 22% for fiscal 2011 as compared to 24% in fiscal 2010. The Electrical and Industrial Products Segment generated 32% of the operating income for fiscal 2011, while the Galvanizing Services Segment produced the remaining 68%.

Operating income for the Electrical and Industrial Products Segment decreased $13.7 million, or 34%, for fiscal 2011, to $27.1 million as compared to $40.8 million for fiscal 2010. Operating margins for this segment were 17% for fiscal 2011 as compared to 20% for fiscal 2010. Operating margins were unfavorable for fiscal 2011 due to the loss of leverage and operational efficiencies resulting in reduced plant utilization combined with less favorable pricing caused by competitive market conditions for the compared periods. Margins for fiscal 2012 will remain depressed due to less favorable market conditions.

 
17

 

Operating income for the Galvanizing Service Segment increased $12.1 million for fiscal 2011 to $57.0 million as compared to $44.8 million for the prior year.  Operating margins were 26% for fiscal 2011 and 29% for fiscal 2010.  Margins were adversely impacted by higher zinc costs for fiscal 2011 and 2010.  Margins for fiscal 2012 are anticipated to be at the same levels as they were in fiscal 2011. The operating income and margins for NGA were $12.2 million and 25%, respectively, for fiscal 2011.
 
 
General Corporate Expense

General corporate expenses were $21.5 million for fiscal 2011 and $18.4 million for fiscal 2010. As a percentage of sales, general corporate expenses were 5.6% for fiscal 2011 as compared to 5.2% in fiscal 2010.  During fiscal 2011, we expensed $1.9 million in acquisition costs related to the NGA acquisition.

Interest
 
 
Interest expense for fiscal 2011 increased 13.1% to $7.7 million as compared to fiscal 2010.  This increase was primarily due to the short term borrowing against our revolving line of credit to partially fund the acquisition of NGA.  In addition, additional interest was incurred on our $125 million unsecured notes that were issued as of January 21, 2011. We had outstanding long term debt of $225 million at the end of fiscal 2011 compared to $100 million at the end of fiscal 2010; the additional long term debt outstanding at the end of fiscal 2011 resulted entirely from the 2011 Note Offering (as described under Liquidity and Capital Resources).   Our long-term debt as a percentage of shareholders’ equity ratio was .88 to 1 at the end of fiscal 2011.

Other (Income) Expense

For fiscal 2011 and 2010, the amounts in other (income) expense (see Note 11 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements) were insignificant.

Provision For Income Taxes

The provision for income taxes reflects an effective tax rate of 36% for fiscal 2011 and 38% for fiscal 2010.  The decrease in the effective tax rate was due to higher benefits under Section 199 of the Internal Revenue Code, domestic production deduction, resulting from differences in the mix of profits for the compared periods.

Year ended February 28, 2010 compared with year ended February 28, 2009

Backlog

Our operations ended fiscal 2010 with a backlog of $109.9 million, a decrease of 37% as compared to fiscal 2009 backlog of $174.8 million. All ending backlog for fiscal 2010 related to our Electrical and Industrial Products Segment. Our book-to-ship ratio was .82 to 1 for fiscal 2010 as compared to 1.06 to 1 in the prior year. Incoming orders decreased 34% for fiscal 2010 as compared to fiscal 2009.  The incoming orders reflected a slower release of orders due to economic and regulatory uncertainty.
 
 
The following table reflects bookings and shipments for fiscal 2010 and 2009.

Backlog Table
(In thousands)

 
Period Ended
     
Period Ended
     
Backlog
2/28/09
  $ 174,831  
2/29/08
  $ 134,876  
Bookings
      292,117         439,075  
Acquired Backlog
      -         13,244  
Shipments
      357,030         412,364  
Backlog
2/28/10
  $ 109,918  
2/28/09
  $ 174,831  
Book to Ship Ratio
      .82         1.06  

 
18

 

Revenues

Our consolidated revenues for fiscal 2010 decreased by $55.3 million or 13.4%, as compared to fiscal 2009.

The following table reflects the breakdown of revenue by segment:
 
 
   
2010
   
2009
 
   
(In thousands)
 
Revenue:
           
Electrical and Industrial Products                                                                         
  $ 203,457     $ 225,797  
Galvanizing Services                                                                         
    153,573       186,567  
Total Revenue                                                                         
  $ 357,030     $ 412,364  

The Electrical and Industrial Products Segment recorded revenues for fiscal 2010 of $203.5 million, a decrease of 10% compared to fiscal 2009 revenues of $225.8 million.  The lower revenues reflected slower incoming orders during fiscal 2010, which resulted in lower revenues in the fourth quarter.  Demand from the industrial and petrochemical markets slowed significantly during fiscal 2010 and was lower compared to the same period in the prior year.  Timing of new projects and release orders for energy infrastructure rebuilds, expansion and upgrades significantly contributed to the lower demand from these markets due to the uncertainty about the economy and future regulatory actions.

Our Galvanizing Services Segment, which consisted of twenty-two hot dip galvanizing facilities as of February 28, 2010, generated revenues of $153.6 million, an 18% decrease from the prior year’s revenues of $186.6 million. Volume of steel processed for the fiscal year decreased 11% and selling price decreased 7% for fiscal 2010 as compared to fiscal 2009. The downturn in revenues was driven by the global recession, which had limited financing for some of our customers and caused some manufacturers to have extended shutdown periods.  Historically, revenues for this segment have followed closely the condition of the industrial sector of the general economy.

Segment Operating Income

The following table reflects the breakdown of total operating income by segment:
 
 
   
2010
   
2009
 
   
(In thousands)
 
Segment Operating Income:
           
Electrical and Industrial Products                                                                          
  $ 40,803     $ 38,952  
Galvanizing Services                                                                          
    44,843       53,183  
Total Segment Operating Income                                                                          
  $ 85,646     $ 92,135  

Total segment operating income (see Note 11 to Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements) decreased $6.5 million to $85.6 million in fiscal 2010 as compared to $92.1 million in fiscal 2009. Consolidated operating margins as a percentage of sales increased to 24% for fiscal 2010 as compared to 22% in fiscal 2009. The Electrical and Industrial Products Segment generated 48% of the operating income for fiscal 2010, while the Galvanizing Services Segment produced the remaining 52%.

Our continuous improvement programs, combined with aggressive marketing programs, had a positive impact on our operating margins for fiscal 2010.  We believe that these efforts and lower commodity costs positively impacted our operating margin for Fiscal 2010.

Operating income for the Electrical and Industrial Products Segment increased $1.9 million, or 5%, for fiscal 2010 to $40.8 million as compared to $39 million for fiscal 2009. Operating margins for this segment were 20% for fiscal 2010 as compared to 17% for fiscal 2009. Operating margins were favorable for fiscal 2010 due to pricing discipline, improved project management, and favorable costs of key commodities.

 
19

 

Operating income for the Galvanizing Service Segment decreased $8.3 million for fiscal 2010, to $44.8 million as compared to $53.2 million for the prior year.  Operating margins were 29% for both fiscal 2010 and 2009.  Margins benefited from lower zinc costs for fiscal 2010 and 2009.

General Corporate Expense

General corporate expenses were $18.4 million for fiscal 2010 and $19.4 million for fiscal 2009. As a percentage of sales, general corporate expenses were 5.2% for fiscal 2010 as compared to 4.7% in fiscal 2009.

Interest

Interest expense for fiscal 2010 increased 10.8% to $6.8 million as compared to fiscal 2009.  This increase was primarily due to our 6.24% unsecured Notes being outstanding for all of fiscal 2010 as compared to such Notes being outstanding during only 11 months of fiscal 2009. We had outstanding long term debt of $100 million at the end of both fiscal 2010 and 2009.   Our long-term debt as a percentage of shareholders’ equity ratio was .44 to 1 at the end of fiscal 2010.

Other (Income) Expense

For fiscal 2010 and 2009, the amounts in other (income) expense (see Note 11 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements) were insignificant.

Provision For Income Taxes

The provision for income taxes reflects an effective tax rate of 38% for fiscal 2010 and 37% for fiscal 2009.  The increase in the effective tax rate was due to higher state income taxes resulting from differences in the mix of profits generated from our operating facilities located in varying tax jurisdictions.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

We have historically met our cash needs through a combination of cash flows from operating activities and bank borrowings. Our cash requirements are generally for operating activities, cash dividend payments, capital improvements, debt repayment, letter of credits and acquisitions. We believe that working capital, funds available under our credit agreement, and funds generated from operations should be sufficient to finance anticipated operational activities, dividends, capital improvements, and payment of debt and possible future acquisitions during fiscal 2012.

Our operating activities generated cash flows of approximately $42.1 million for the fiscal year ended February 28, 2011, and $82.6 million for the prior fiscal year.  Cash flow from operations for the fiscal year ended February 28, 2011, included net income in the amount of $35.0 million, depreciation and amortization in the amount of $22.2 million, and other adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash in the amount of a $.2 million.  Included in other adjustments were provisions for bad debt in the amount of $.2 million, deferred income taxes in the amount of ($3.4 million), gain or loss on the sale of assets in the amount of ($.08 million), and non-cash adjustments in the amount of $3.5 million.  Negative cash flow was recognized due to increased receivables, inventories and revenue in excess of billings in the amount of $1.3 million, $11.3 million and $6.2 million, respectively.  Positive cash flow was recognized due to decreased prepaids and other assets and increased accounts payables and other accrued liabilities in the amount of $.3 million, $2.7 million and $.5 million, respectively.  Accounts receivable average days outstanding were 47 days for the fiscal year ended February 28, 2011, as compared to 53 days for the fiscal year ended February 28, 2010.

Our working capital was $225.8 million at February 28, 2011, as compared to $163.8 million at February 28, 2010.

During fiscal 2011, capital improvements were made in the amount of $16.4 million.  The breakdown of capital spending by segment for fiscal 2011, 2010 and 2009 can be found in Note 11 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

 
20

 

We received sales or insurance proceeds for property and equipment in the amount of $.2 million and proceeds from the exercise of stock options and SARs, and related tax benefits in the amount of $1.3 million. There was a quarterly cash dividend paid throughout fiscal 2011 totaling $12.5 million.

On May 25, 2006, we entered into the Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement (the “Credit Agreement”) by and between AZZ and Bank of America, N.A. ("Bank of America").  The Credit Agreement provides for a $60 million unsecured revolving line of credit with one lender, Bank of America, maturing on May 25, 2011. The facility is used to provide for working capital needs, capital improvements, future acquisitions and letter of credit needs.  On April 29, 2010, we amended the Credit Agreement to provide for an $80 million unsecured revolving line of credit maturing on May 25, 2014, increased the amount of cash dividends the Company is allowed to pay to $15 million annually and increase the basket for AZZ Common Stock repurchases to $40 million over the life of the revolving line of credit.,

The Credit Agreement provides for various financial covenants consisting of a) Minimum Consolidated Net Worth – maintain on a consolidated basis net worth equal to at least the sum of $182.3 million, plus 50% of future net income, b) Maximum Leverage Ratio – maintain on a consolidated basis a Leverage Ratio (as defined in the Credit Agreement) not to exceed 3.25:1.0, c) Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio – maintain on a consolidated basis a Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio (as defined in the Credit Agreement) of at least 1.75:1.0 and d) Capital Expenditures – not to make Capital Expenditures  (as defined in the Credit Agreement) on a consolidated basis in an amount in excess of $30 million.

The Credit Agreement also provides for an applicable margin ranging from 1.00% to 1.75% over the Eurodollar Rate and Commitment Fees ranging from .20% to .30% depending on our Leverage Ratio.

A February 28, 2011 and 2010, we had no outstanding debt against the revolving credit facility.  Also, we had letters of credit outstanding in the amount of $12.3 million, which left approximately $67.7 million of additional credit available under the revolving credit facility.

On March 31, 2008, the Company entered into a Note Purchase Agreement (the "Note Purchase Agreement") pursuant to which the Company issued $100 million aggregate principal amount of its 6.24% unsecured Senior Notes (the "2008 Notes") due March 31, 2018 through a private placement (the "2008 Note Offering").  Pursuant to the Note Purchase Agreement, the Company’s payment obligations with respect to the Notes may be accelerated upon any Event of Default, as defined in the Note Purchase Agreement.

The Company entered into an additional Note Purchase Agreement on January 21, 2011 (the “2011 Agreement”), pursuant to which the Company issued $125 million aggregate principal amount of its 5.42% unsecured Senior Notes (the “2011 Notes”), due in January of 2021, through a private placement (the “2011 Note Offering”).  Pursuant to the 2011 Agreement, the Company’s payment obligations with respect to the 2011 Notes may be accelerated under certain circumstances.  The Company anticipates using the proceeds from the 2011 Note Offering for possible future acquisitions, working capital needs, capital improvements and future cash dividend payments.

In connection with the Note Offering, the Company entered into an amendment to our Credit Agreement. The Amendment contained the consent of Bank of America to the 2011 Note Offering, amended the Credit Agreement to provide that the 2011 Note Offering will not constitute a default under the Credit Agreement and amended the Credit Agreement to reflect the same financial covenants as the 2008 Notes.  In connection with the 2011 Note Offering, the Company obtained the consent of Bank of America to the 2011 Note Offering and the agreement of Bank of America that the 2011 Note Offering will not constitute a default under the Credit Agreement.

The 2008 Notes and the 2011 Notes each provide for various financial covenants of a) Minimum Consolidated Net Worth - Maintain on a consolidated basis net worth equal to at least the sum of $116.9 million plus 50% of future net income; b) Maximum Ratio of Consolidated Indebtedness to Consolidated EBITDA – Maintain a ratio of indebtedness to EBITDA (as defined in Note Purchase Agreement) not to exceed 3.25:1.00;  c) Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio - Maintain on a consolidated basis a Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio (as defined in the Note Purchase Agreement) of at least 2.0:1.0; d) Priority Indebtedness – The Company will not at any time permit aggregate amount of all Priority Indebtedness (as defined in the Note Purchase Agreement) to exceed 10% of Consolidated Net Worth (as defined in the Note Purchase Agreement).

 
21

 

We were in compliance at February 28, 2011 with all of our debt covenants.

Our current ratio (current assets/current liabilities) was 4.88 to 1 at the end of fiscal 2011, as compared to 4.76 to 1 at the end of fiscal 2010.  Shareholder equity grew 12.4% during fiscal 2011 to $256.0 million. At the end of fiscal 2011, we had $225 million in long-term debt outstanding and our long-term debt as a percentage of shareholders’ equity ratio was .88 to 1.

Historically, we have not experienced a significant impact on our operations from increases in general inflation other than for specific commodities.  We have exposure to commodity price increases in both segments of our business, primarily copper, aluminum and steel in the Electrical and Industrial Products Segment, and zinc and natural gas in the Galvanizing Services Segment.  We attempt to minimize these increases through escalation clauses in customer contracts for copper, aluminum and steel, when market conditions allow and through protective caps and fixed contract purchases on zinc.  In addition to these measures, we attempt to recover other cost increases through improvements to our manufacturing process and through increases in prices where competitively feasible. Many economists predict increased inflation in coming years due to U.S. and international monetary policies, and there is no assurance that inflation will not impact our business in the future.


Off Balance Sheet Transactions and Related Matters

There are no off-balance sheet transactions, arrangements, obligations (including contingent obligations) or other relationships of the Company with unconsolidated entities or other persons that have, or may have, a material effect on our financial condition, changes in financial condition, revenues or expenses, results of operations, liquidity, capital expenditures or capital resources.

Contractual Commitments

The following summarizes the Company’s operating leases, debt and interest for the next five years and thereafter.

   
Operating Leases
   
Long-Term Debt
   
Interest
   
Total
 
   
(In thousands)
 
2012
  $ 4,161     $ -     $ 13,015     $ 17,176  
2013
    3,705       14,286       12,569       30,560  
2014
    3,249       14,286       11,678       29,213  
2015
    3,078       14,286       10,786       28,150  
2016
    2,793       14,286       9,895       26,974  
Thereafter
    9,011       167,856       37,887       214,754  
Total
  $ 25,997     $ 225,000     $ 95,830     $ 346,827  

Commodity pricing

The Company manages its exposures to commodity prices through the use of the following:

In the Electrical and Industrial Products Segment, the Company has exposure to commodity pricing for copper, aluminum and steel. Because the Electrical and Industrial Products Segment does not commit contractually to minimum volumes, increases in price for these items are normally managed through escalation clauses to the customer’s contracts, although during difficult market conditions customers may resist these escalation clauses.

In the Galvanizing Services Segment, the Company utilizes contracts with its zinc suppliers that include protective caps  and a fixed cost contract to guard against rising commodity prices. The Company also secures firm pricing for natural gas supplies with individual utilities when possible.  Management believes these agreements partially offset exposure to commodity price escalations.

 
22

 

There are no contracted purchase commitments for any other commodity items including steel, aluminum, natural gas, copper, zinc or any other commodity, except for those entered into under the normal course of business.

Other

At February 28, 2011, the Company had outstanding letters of credit in the amount of $12.3 million.  These letters of credit are issued to a portion of the Company’s customers in our Electrical and Industrial Products Segment to cover any potential warranty costs and in lieu of performance and bid bonds.  In addition, as of February 28, 2011, a warranty reserve in the amount of $2.5 million has been established to offset any future warranty claims.

The Company has been named as a defendant in certain lawsuits in the normal course of business.  In the opinion of management, after consulting with legal counsel, the liabilities, if any, resulting from these matters should not have a material effect on our financial position or results of operations.

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

The preparation of the consolidated financial statements requires us to make estimates that affect the reported value of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses. Our estimates are based on historical experience and various other factors that we believe are reasonable under the circumstances, and form the basis for our conclusions. We continually evaluate the information used to make these estimates as business and economic conditions change. Accounting policies and estimates considered most critical are allowances for doubtful accounts, accruals for contingent liabilities, revenue recognition, impairment of long-lived assets, identifiable intangible assets and goodwill, and accounting for income taxes and stock options and stock appreciation rights. Actual results may differ from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions.  The development and selection of the critical accounting policies and the related disclosures below have been reviewed with the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors. More information regarding significant accounting policies can be found in Note 1 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

Allowance for Doubtful Accounts - The carrying value of our accounts receivable is continually evaluated based on the likelihood of collection. An allowance is maintained for estimated losses resulting from our customers' inability to make required payments. The allowance is determined by historical experience of uncollected accounts, the level of past due accounts, overall level of outstanding accounts receivable, information about specific customers with respect to their inability to make payments and future expectations of conditions that might impact the collectability of accounts receivable. If the financial condition of our customers were to deteriorate, resulting in an impairment of their ability to make payments, additional allowances could be required.

Accruals for Contingent Liabilities - The amounts we record for estimated claims, such as self insurance programs, warranty, environmental and other contingent liabilities, requires us to make judgments regarding the amount of expenses that will ultimately be incurred. We use past history and experience and other specific circumstances surrounding these claims in evaluating the amount of liability that should be recorded. Actual results may be different than what we estimate.

Revenue Recognition - Revenue is recognized for the Electrical and Industrial Products Segment upon transfer of title and risk to customers, or based upon the percentage of completion method of accounting for electrical products built to customer specifications under long term contracts.  We typically recognize revenue for the Galvanizing Service Segment at completion of the service unless we specifically agree with the customer to hold its material for a predetermined period of time after the completion of the galvanizing process and, in that circumstance, we invoice and recognize revenue upon shipment.  Customer advanced payments presented in the balance sheet arise from advanced payments received from our customers prior to shipment of the product and are not related to revenue recognized under the percentage of completion method.  The extent of progress for revenue recognized using the percentage of completion method is measured by the ratio of contract costs incurred to date to total estimated contract costs at completion.  Contract costs include direct labor and material and certain indirect costs.  Selling, general and administrative costs are charged to expense as incurred.  Provisions for estimated losses, if any, on uncompleted contracts are made in the period in which such losses are able to be determined.  The assumptions made in determining the estimated cost could differ from actual performance resulting in a different outcome for profits or losses than anticipated.

 
23

 

Impairment of Long-Lived Assets, Identifiable Intangible Assets and Goodwill - We record impairment losses on long-lived assets, including identifiable intangible assets, when events and circumstances indicate that the assets might be impaired and the undiscounted projected cash flows associated with those assets are less than the carrying amounts of those assets. In those situations, impairment losses on long-lived assets are measured based on the excess of the carrying amount over the asset’s fair value, generally determined based upon discounted estimates of future cash flows. A significant change in events, circumstances or projected cash flows could result in an impairment of long-lived assets, including identifiable intangible assets. An annual impairment test of goodwill is performed in the fourth quarter of each fiscal year.  The test is calculated using the anticipated future cash flows after tax from our operating segments. Based on the present value of the future cash flows, we will determine whether impairment may exist.  A significant change in projected cash flows or cost of capital for future years could result in an impairment of goodwill in future years. Variables impacting future cash flows include, but are not limited to, the level of customer demand for and response to products and services we offer to the power generation market, the electrical transmission and distribution markets, the general industrial market and the hot dip galvanizing market, changes in economic conditions of these various markets, raw material and natural gas costs and availability of experienced labor and management to implement our growth strategies. Our testing concludes goodwill is not reasonably likely to be impaired.

Accounting for Income Taxes - We account for income taxes under the asset and liability method.  The objectives of accounting for income taxes are to recognize the amount of taxes payable or refundable for the current year and deferred tax liabilities and assets for the future tax consequences of events that have been recognized in our financial statements or tax returns.  Deferred tax assets are reduced by a valuation allowance if it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax asset will not be realized. Developing our provision for income taxes requires significant judgment and expertise in deferral and state income tax laws, regulations and strategies, including the determination of deferred tax assets and liabilities and, if necessary, any valuation allowances that may be required for deferred tax assets.  Our judgments and tax strategies are subject to audit by various taxing authorities.

On March 1, 2007, the Company adopted new guidance in accounting for uncertainties in income taxes which prescribes a recognition threshold and measurement attribute for recording in the financial statements uncertain tax positions taken or expected to be taken and provides guidance on derecognition, classification, accounting in interim periods and disclosure requirements.

Stock Options, Stock Appreciation Rights and Restricted Stock Units - Our employees and directors are periodically granted restricted stock units, stock options or stock appreciation rights by the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors. The compensation cost of all employee stock-based compensation awards is measured based on the grant-date fair value of those awards and that cost is recorded as compensation expense over the period during which the employee is required to perform service in exchange for the award (generally over the vesting period of the award).

The valuation of stock based compensation awards is complex in that there are a number of variables included in the calculation of the value of the award:

 
·
Volatility of our stock price
 
·
Expected term of the option
 
·
Expected dividend yield
 
·
Risk-free interest rate over the expected term
 
·
Expected forfeitures

We have elected to use a Black-Scholes pricing model in the valuation of our stock options and stock appreciation rights.

These variables are developed using a combination of our internal data with respect to stock price volatility and exercise behavior of option holders and information from outside sources.  The development of each of these variables requires a significant amount of judgment.  Changes in the values of the above variables would result in different option valuations and, therefore, different amounts of compensation cost.

 
24

 

 
New Accounting Pronouncements

In 2009, the FASB issued a revised standing for accounting and disclosures of revenues related to arrangements with customers to provide multiple products and services at different points in time or over different time periods.  This standard is effective for our fiscal year ending February 29, 2012.  The adoption of this standard is not expected to have a material effect on AZZ’s consolidated financial statements.

Item 7A.                 Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk.

Market risk affecting our operations results primarily from changes in interest rates and commodity prices. We have only limited involvement with derivative financial instruments and are not a party to any leveraged derivatives.

In the Electrical and Industrial Products Segment, we have exposure to commodity pricing for copper, aluminum, and steel.  Increases in price for these items are normally managed through escalation clauses in our customer’s contracts, although during difficult market conditions customers may resist these escalation clauses.  We manage our exposures to commodity prices, primarily zinc used in our Galvanizing Services Segment, by utilizing agreements with zinc suppliers that include protective caps and fixed contracts to guard against escalating commodity prices.  We believe these agreements ensure adequate supplies and partially offset exposure to commodity price escalation.

The Company has exposure to foreign currency exchange related to our Canadian operations.

We do not believe that a hypothetical change of 10% of the interest rate or currency exchange rate that are currently in effect or a change of 10% of commodity prices would have a significantly adverse effect on our results of operations, financial position, or cash flows as long as we are able to pass along the increases in commodity prices to our customers. However, there can be no assurance that either interest rates or commodity prices will not change in excess of the 10% hypothetical amount or that we would be able to pass along rising costs of commodity prices to our customers, which could have an adverse effect on our results of operations, financial position, and cash flows if we are unable to pass along these increases to our customers.

We incurred fixed rate, long-term indebtedness of $125 million in January 2011 through the 2011 Note Offering.  Please see the discussion contained in “Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations-Liquidity and Capital Resources” above for a more detailed description of the 2011 Note Offering.  In anticipation of the 2011 Note Offering, we entered into a treasury lock hedging transaction with Bank of America Merrill Lynch (“BAML”) in order to eliminate the variability of cash flows on the forecasted fixed rate coupon of the debt during the pre-issuance period.  The hedging transaction settled during the Company’s third fiscal quarter of fiscal 2011, and the Company received a payment from BAML in the amount of $834,416 resulting therefrom.  The notional value of the hedge was $75 million and qualified for hedge accounting as a cash flow hedge.  The gain on settlement has been recorded as a component of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income and will be amortized to interest expense over the life of the loan of 10 years.


Item 8.                 Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.

The Index to our Consolidated Financial Statements is found on page 31.  Our Financial Statements and Notes to these Consolidated Financial Statements follow the index.

Item 9.                 Changes In and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure.

None.

Item 9A.                      Controls and Procedures.

 
25

 

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

As required by Exchange Act Rules 13a-15 and 15d-15, an evaluation was conducted under the supervision and with the participation of management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures to ensure that information required to be disclosed by us in our reports filed or submitted under the Exchange Act is (a) accumulated and communicated to our management, including our principal executive and financial officers,  as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure and (b) recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms.  Based upon that evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have concluded that these disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of the end of the period covered by this Annual Report on Form 10-K to ensure that information required to be disclosed by us in the reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act is (1) accumulated and communicated to management, including our principal executive and financial officers, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure and (2) recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified by the SEC’s rules and forms.

Internal Controls Over Financial Reporting

While the Company believes that its existing controls and procedures have been effective to accomplish their objectives, the Company intends to continue to examine, refine and document its controls and procedures and to monitor ongoing developments in this area.

The Report of Management Regarding Internal Control Over Financial Reporting is included on page 32.

BDO USA LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm and our independent auditor, has issued an audit report on our internal controls over financial reporting which is included on pages 33-34.

Changes in Internal Controls Over Financial Reporting

There has not been any change in our internal control over financial reporting during the period covered by this report that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

Item 9B.         Other Information.

None.


 
26

 

PART III

Item 10.                 Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance.

The information required by this item with regard to executive officers is included in Part I, Item 1 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K under the heading "Executive Officers of the Registrant."

Information regarding directors of AZZ required by this Item is incorporated by reference to the section entitled “Election of Directors” set forth in the Proxy Statement for our 2011 Annual Meeting of Shareholders.

The information regarding compliance with Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act required by this Item is incorporated by reference to the section entitled “Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance” set forth in the Proxy Statement for our 2011 Annual Meeting of Shareholders.

Information regarding our audit committee financial experts and code of ethics and business conduct required by this Item is incorporated by reference to the section entitled “Matters Relating to Corporate Governance, Board Structure, Director Compensation and Stock Ownership” set forth in the Proxy Statement for our 2011 Annual Meeting of Shareholders.

No director or nominee for director has any family relationship with any other director or nominee or with any executive officer of our company.

Item 11.                 Executive Compensation.

The information required by this Item is incorporated herein by reference to the section entitled “Executive Compensation” and the section entitled “Matters Relating to Corporate Governance, Board Structure, Director Compensation and Stock Ownership – Fees Paid to Directors” set forth in our Proxy Statement for our 2011 Annual Meeting of Shareholders.

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

The information required by this Item is incorporated herein by reference to the section entitled “Executive Compensation” and the section entitled “Matters Relating to Corporate Governance, Board Structure, Director Compensation and Stock Ownership – Security Ownership of Management” set forth in the Proxy Statement for our 2011 Annual Meeting of Shareholders.

Equity Compensation Plans

The following table provides a summary of information as of February 28, 2011, relating to our equity compensation plans in which our Common Stock is authorized for issuance.


 
27

 

Equity Compensation Plan Information:

   
(a)
               
Number of securities to be issued upon exercise of outstanding options, warrants and rights
   
(b)
 
Weighted average exercise price of outstanding options, warrants and rights
   
(c)
 Number of securities remaining available for future issuance under equity compensation plans (excluding shares reflected in column (a))
 
Equity compensation plans approved by shareholders (1)
     415,759 (2)   $ 28.47       558,083 (3)
Total
    415,759     $ 28.47       558,083  
                         
 
(1)
Consists of the Amended and Restated 2005 Long-Term Incentive Plan, and 2001 Long-Term Incentive Plan.  See Note 9, “Stock Options” to our “Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements” for further information.

 
(2)
The average term of outstanding options and stock appreciation rights is 1.12 years.

 
(3)
Consists of 346,939 shares remaining available for future issuance under the Amended and Restated 2005 Long-Term Incentive Plan and  211,144 shares under the 2001 Long-Term Incentive Plan.


Description of Other Plans for the Grant of Equity Compensation


Long Term Incentive Plans

The description of the 2005 Long Term Incentive Plan and the 2001 Long Term Incentive Plan provided in Note 9 to the financial statements included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K are incorporated by reference under this Item.

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

The information required by this Item is incorporated by reference to the sections entitled “Certain Relationships and Related Party Transactions” and “Director Independence” set forth in the Proxy Statement for our 2011 Annual Meeting of Shareholders.


 
28

 

PART IV

Item 14.    Principal Accountant Fees and Services

Information required by this Item is incorporated by reference to the sections entitled “Other Business – Independent Auditor Fees” and “Other Business – Pre-approval of Non-audit Fees” set forth in our Proxy Statement for our 2011 Annual Meeting of Shareholders.

Item 15.   Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules.

 
A.
Financial Statements

 
1.
The financial statements filed as a part of this report are listed in the “Index to Consolidated Financial Statements” on page 31.

 
2.
Financial Statements Schedule
Schedule II – Valuation and Qualifying Accounts and Reserves filed as a part of this report is listed in the “Index to Consolidated Financial Statements” on page 31.

Schedules and compliance information other than those referred to above have been omitted since the required information is not present or is not present in amounts sufficient to require submission of the schedule, or because the information required is included in the consolidated financial statements and the notes thereto.

 
B.
Exhibits Required by Item 601 of Regulation S-K

A list of the exhibits required by Item 601 of Regulation S-K and filed as part of this report is set forth in the Index to Exhibits beginning on page 60, which immediately precedes such exhibits.

 
29

 

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.

 
AZZ incorporated
 
 
(Registrant)
 


Date: 5/12/2011
 
By: /s/ David H. Dingus
   
David H. Dingus
Principal Executive Officer and Director


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


/s/David H. Dingus
 
/s/ Dana L. Perry
 
David H. Dingus
Principal Executive Officer and Director
 
Dana L. Perry
Principal Financial Officer and Director
 
       
       
/s/Daniel R. Feehan
 
/s/ Richard Butler
 
Daniel R. Feehan
Director
 
Richard Butler
Vice President and Controller, Principal Accounting Officer
 
       
       
/s/Martin C. Bowen
 
/s/Peter A. Hegedus
 
Martin C. Bowen
Director
 
Peter A. Hegedus
Director
 
       
       
/s/Daniel E. Berce
 
/s/Dr. H. Kirk Downey
 
Daniel E. Berce
Director
 
Dr. H. Kirk Downey
Chairman of the Board and Director
 
       
       
/s/Sam Rosen
 
/s/Kevern R. Joyce
 
Sam Rosen
Director
 
Kevern R. Joyce
Director
 
       





 
30

 

Index to Consolidated Financial Statements and Schedules


       
Page
1.
 
Consolidated Financial Statements
   
         
   
Management’s Report on Internal Controls Over Financial Reporting
 
32
         
   
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
 
33-34
         
   
Consolidated Statements of Income for the years ended  February 28, 2011, 2010, and 2009
 
35
         
   
Consolidated Balance Sheets as of February 28, 2011 and 2010
 
36-37
         
   
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended February 28, 2011, 2010, and 2009
 
38-39
         
   
Consolidated Statements of Shareholders' Equity for the years ended February 28, 2011, 2010, and 2009
 
40
         
   
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
 
41-58
         
         
2.
 
Consolidated Financial Statements Schedule
   
         
   
Schedule II – Valuation and Qualifying Accounts and Reserves
 
59




 
31

 

Management’s Report on Internal Controls Over Financial Reporting

Our management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting, as such term is defined in Exchange Act Rule 13a-15(f). Under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, we conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting based on the framework in “Internal Control- Integrated Framework” issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission, "COSO". Based on our evaluation under the framework in COSO, our management concluded that our internal control over financial reporting was effective as of February 28, 2011. The effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of February 28, 2011, has been audited by BDO USA, LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, as stated in their attestation report included herein.  Management did not assess the effectiveness of internal controls over financial reporting of NGA or its subsidiaries because of the timing of the acquisition, which was completed on August 3, 2010.  NGA constituted approximately 24% of total assets as of February 28, 2011 and 13%  and 24% of revenues and net income, respectively, for the year then ended.

 
32

 

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

 
 Board of Directors and Shareholders
 AZZ incorporated
 Fort Worth, Texas

 
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of AZZ incorporated as of February 28, 2011 and 2010 and the related consolidated statements of income, shareholders’ equity, and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended February 28, 2011. Our audits also included the financial statement schedule listed in Item 15 of this Form 10-K. We have also audited AZZ incorporated’s internal control over financial reporting as of February 28, 2011, based on criteria established in Internal Control – Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (the COSO criteria). AZZ incorporated’s management is responsible for these financial statements, financial statement schedule, maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in the accompanying Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting.  Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements, financial statement schedule and to express an opinion on the company’s internal control over financial reporting 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 audits to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements and the schedule are free of material misstatement and whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audits of the financial statements included examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. Our audit of internal control over financial reporting included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists and testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk. Our audits also included performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinions.

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

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

In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of AZZ incorporated as of February 28, 2011 and 2010 and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended February 28, 2011, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.  Also, in our opinion, AZZ incorporated maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of February 28, 2011, based on the COSO criteria.

In addition, in our opinion, the 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.

 
33

 


As indicated in the accompanying Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting management’s assessment of and conclusion on the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting did not include the internal controls of North American Galvanizing and Coatings, Inc. (NGA) whose acquisition was completed on August 3, 2010 and which are included in the consolidated balance sheet of AZZ incorporated as of February 28, 2011 and the related consolidated statements of income, shareholders equity, and cash flows for the year ended.  NGA constituted approximately 24% of total assets as of February 28, 2011 and 13%  and 24% of revenues and net income, respectively, for the year then ended.  Management did not assess the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting of the companies because of the timing of the acquisition.  Our audit of internal control over financial reporting of AZZ incorporated also did not include an evaluation of the internal control over financial reporting of NGA.

As discussed in Note 1 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company adopted ASC 805-10 (formerly Statement of Financial Accounting Standard No. 141(R), Business Combinations) effective March 1, 2009.



Dallas, Texas
May 10, 2011


 
34

 




AZZ incorporated
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME



   
For the years ended
 
   
February 28,
   
February 28,
   
February 28,
 
   
2011
   
2010
   
2009
 
                   
Net sales                                                                      
 
$
380,649,407
   
$
357,030,075
   
$
412,364,321
 
Costs and expenses:
                       
Cost of sales
   
273,006,712
     
247,383,972
     
299,011,807
 
Selling, general, and administrative
   
46,645,119
     
43,417,024
     
43,221,186
 
Net gain from sale of or insurance settlement on property, plant and equipment
   
(75,054
)
   
(93,299
)
   
  (1,508,892
)
Interest expense
   
7,730,556
     
6,838,028
     
6,169,723
 
Other income, net
   
(1,615,942
)
   
(898,902
)
   
(1,439,635
)
     
325,691,391
     
296,646,823
     
345,454,189
 
                         
Income before income taxes
   
54,958,016
     
60,383,252
     
66,910,132
 
Income tax expense                                                                       
   
19,995,375
     
22,655,328
     
24,703,907
 
                         
Net income                                                                       
 
$
34,962,641
   
$
37,727,924
   
$
42,206,225
 
                         
Earnings per common share:
                       
Basic earnings per share
 
$
2.81
   
$
3.07
   
$
3.48
 
                         
Diluted  earnings per share
 
$
2.77
   
$
3.02
   
$
3.43
 
                         
Weighted average number common shares
   
12,461,350
     
12,283,167
     
12,140,152
 
Weighted average number common shares and potentially dilutive common shares
   
12,600,654
     
12,475,817
     
12,302,176
 

See accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements.

 
35

 




AZZ incorporated



   
As of February 28,
 
Assets
 
2011
   
2010
 
             
Current assets:
           
 Cash and cash equivalents
 
$
138,389,837
   
$
110,607,029
 
 Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $720,000 in 2011 and 2010
   
61,945,377
     
39,431,918
 
 Inventories
   
59,552,392
     
40,124,581
 
 Costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings on uncompleted contracts
   
15,880,092
     
10,782,424
 
 Deferred income tax assets
   
7,003,167
     
5,225,379
 
 Prepaid expenses and other
   
1,248,270
     
1,281,605
 
Total current assets
   
284,019,135
     
207,452,936
 
                 
Property, plant, and equipment, at cost:
               
Land
   
12,096,398
     
5,694,013
 
Buildings and structures
   
78,142,939
     
60,292,211
 
Machinery and equipment
   
106,311,040
     
79,971,006
 
Furniture, fixtures, software and computers
   
13,735,200
     
12,336,230
 
Automotive equipment
   
2,058,072
     
2,073,225
 
Construction in progress
   
3,547,498
     
1,306,267
 
     
215,891,147
     
161,672,952
 
Less accumulated depreciation
   
(90,529,512
)
   
(74,308,450
)
Net property, plant, and equipment
   
125,361,635
     
87,364,502
 
                 
Goodwill
   
113,463,436
     
69,420,256
 
Intangibles and other assets                                                                                         
   
43,680,635
     
17,723,464
 
                 
Total Assets                                                                                         
 
$
566,524,841
   
$
381,961,158
 

See accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements.

 
36

 




AZZ incorporated
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Continued)



   
As of February 28,
 
Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity
 
2011
   
2010
 
             
Current liabilities:
           
Accounts payable
 
$
21,713,896
   
$
12,116,783
 
Income tax payable
   
2,838,901
     
246,602
 
Accrued salaries and wages
   
7,038,999
     
4,978,522
 
Other accrued liabilities
   
14,444,720
     
12,393,729
 
Customer advance payment
   
7,308,909
     
7,454,650
 
Profit sharing
   
4,713,445
     
5,216,000
 
Billings in excess of costs and estimated earnings on uncompleted contracts
   
127,360
     
1,221,902
 
Total current liabilities
   
58,186,230
     
43,628,188
 
                 
Long-term debt due after one year                                                                                         
   
225,000,000
     
100,000,000
 
                 
Deferred income tax liabilities                                                                                         
   
27,320,738
     
10,466,932
 
                 
               Total liabilities 
 
$
310,506,968
   
$
154,095,120
 
                 
Commitments and Contingencies
               
                 
Shareholders' equity:
               
Common Stock, $1 par value; 50,000,000 shares authorized; 12,609,160 shares issued at February 28, 2011 and February 28, 2010
   
12,609,160
     
12,609,160
 
Capital in excess of par value
   
24,141,022
     
20,783,366
 
Retained earnings
   
218,889,963
     
196,394,134
 
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)
   
920,063
     
(672,858
)
Less Common Stock held in treasury, at cost (109,804 shares
   at February 28, 2011 and 252,638 shares at February 28, 2010)
   
(542,335
)
   
(1,247,764
)
Total shareholders' equity
   
256,017,873
     
227,866,038
 
                 
   
$
566,524,841
   
$
381,961,158
 

See accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements.



 
37



   
For the years ended
 
   
February 28,
   
February 28,
   
February 28,
 
   
2011
   
2010
   
2009
 
                   
Cash flows from operating activities:
                 
Net income
 
$
34,962,641
   
$
37,727,924
   
$
42,206,225
 
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
                       
Depreciation
   
18,929,017
     
15,603,004
     
12,921,034
 
Amortization
   
3,237,065
     
1,823,491
     
1,606,957
 
Non-cash compensation expense
   
3,146,002
     
2,306,330
     
1,843,318
 
Non-cash interest expense
   
332,424
     
305,394
     
281,076
 
Provision for doubtful accounts
   
228,959
     
40,602
     
931,794
 
Deferred income tax expense (benefit)
   
(3,383,086
)
   
(381,840
)
   
5,568,600
 
Net gain on insurance settlement or sale of property, plant and equipment
   
(75,054
)
   
(93,299
)
   
(1,508,892
)
Effects of changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of business acquisitions:
                       
Accounts receivable
   
(1,268,799
)
   
26,822,381
     
(16,653,577
)
Inventories
   
(11,291,056
)
   
14,662,337
     
1,998,318
 
Prepaid expenses and other assets
   
303,161
     
(241,823)
     
43,211
 
Net change in billings related to costs and estimated earnings on uncompleted contracts
   
(6,192,210
)
   
(985,767
)
   
671,143
 
Accounts payable
   
2,653,172
     
(5,800,477
)
   
755,889
 
Other accrued liabilities and income taxes
   
503,119
     
(9,200,471
)
   
9,531,074
 
                         
Net cash provided by operating activities
   
42,085,355
     
82,587,786
     
60,196,170
 
                         
Cash flows from investing activities:
                       
Proceeds from the sale or insurance settlement of property, plant and equipment
   
235,303
     
423,751
     
3,529,481
 
Acquisition of subsidiaries, net of cash acquired
   
(104,091,416
)
   
(6,899,561
)
   
(96,332,010
)
Purchases of property, plant and equipment
   
(16,410,874
)
   
(12,036,726
)
   
(20,008,583
)
                         
Net cash used in investing activities
   
(120,266,987
)
   
(18,512,536
)
   
(112,811,112
)

See accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements.

 
38

 




AZZ incorporated
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (Continued)



   
For the years ended
 
   
February 28,
   
February 28,
   
February 28,
 
   
2011
   
2010
   
2009
 
Cash flows from financing activities:
                 
Proceeds from long-term debt
   
125,000,000
     
-
     
100,000,000
 
Debt acquisition costs
   
(1,254,002
)
   
-
     
(2,000,000
)
Tax benefits from stock options exercised
   
895,838
     
1,609,125
     
72,453
 
Proceeds from exercise of stock options and stock appreciation rights
   
379,955
     
466,117
     
31,242
 
Proceeds on revolving loan
   
12,000,000
     
-
     
-
 
Payments on revolving loan
   
(12,000,000
)
   
-
     
-
 
Payments on long term debt
   
(7,300,000
)
   
-
     
-
 
Proceeds from settlement of derivative
   
834,416
     
-
     
-
 
Cash dividends paid
   
(12,466,812
)
   
(3,089,130
)
   
-
 
                         
              Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities
   
106,089,395
     
(1,013,888
)
   
98,103,695
 
                         
              Effect of exchange rate changes on cash
   
(124,955
)
   
(12,044
)
   
(157,983
)
                         
              Net increase in cash and cash equivalents
   
27,782,808
     
63,049,318
     
45,330,770
 
                         
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year                                                                            
   
110,607,029
     
47,557,711
     
2,226,941
 
                         
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year                                                                            
 
$
138,389,837
   
$
110,607,029
   
$
47,557,711
 
                         
Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information:
                       
Cash paid during the year for:
                       
           Interest                                                                            
 
$
6,645,354
   
$
6,532,634
   
$
3,322,618
 
                         
Income taxes
 
$
13,849,749
   
$
21,167,656
   
$
20,558,538
 

See accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements.



   
Common Stock
   
Capital in
   
Retained
   
Accumulated
Other
   
Treasury
   
Total
 
         
excess of
   
earnings
   
Comprehensive
   
Stock
       
   
Shares
   
Amount
   
par value
         
Income (Loss)
             
Balance at February 29, 2008
   
12,609,160
   
$
12,609,160
   
$
16,369,938
   
$
119,549,115
   
$
-
   
$
(2,371,588
)
 
$
146,156,625
 
Exercise of stock options
                   
(5,364
                   
36,606
     
31,242
 
Stock compensation
                   
1,804,637
                     
38,681
     
1,843,318
 
Federal income tax deducted on stock options
                   
72,453
                             
72,453
 
Comprehensive income:
Net income
                           
42,206,225
                     
42,206,225
 
Foreign currency translation
                                   
(3,198,159
)
           
(3,198,159
)
Comprehensive income
                                                   
39,008,066
 
Balance at February 28, 2009
   
12,609,160
   
$
12,609,160
   
$
18,241,664
   
$
161,755,340
   
$
(3,198,159
 
$
(2,296,301
)
 
$
187,111,704
 
Exercise of stock options
                   
142,368
                     
323,749
     
466,117
 
Stock compensation
                   
2,271,758
                     
34,572
     
2,306,330
 
Stock issued for SARs
                   
(1,995,438
)
                   
513,101
     
(1,482,337
)
Employee Stock Purchase Plan
                   
513,889
                     
177,115
     
691,004
 
Federal income tax deducted on stock options
                   
1,609,125
                             
1,609,125
 
Cash dividend paid
                           
(3,089,130
)
                   
(3,089,130
)
Comprehensive income:
Net income
                           
37,727,924
                     
37,727,924
 
Foreign currency translation
                                   
2,525,301
             
2,525,301
 
Comprehensive income
                                                   
40,253,225
 
Balance at February 28, 2010
   
12,609,160
   
$
12,609,160
   
$
20,783,366
   
$
196,394,134
   
$
(672,858
)
 
$
(1,247,764
)
 
$
227,866,038
 
Exercise of stock options
                   
146,241
                     
233,714
     
379,955
 
Stock compensation
                   
3,111,430
                     
34,572
     
3,146,002
 
Stock issued for SARs
                   
(1,316,946
)
                   
310,344
     
(1,006,602
)
Employee Stock Purchase Plan
                   
521,093
                     
126,799
     
647,892
 
Federal income tax deducted on stock options
                   
895,838
                             
895,838
 
Cash dividend paid
                           
(12,466,812
)
                   
(12,466,812
)
Comprehensive income:
Net income
                           
34,962,641
                     
34,962,641
 
Foreign currency translation
                                   
1,055,071
             
1,055,071
 
Interest rate swap, net of ($292,046) of income tax
                                   
537,850
             
537,850
 
Comprehensive income
                                                   
36,555,562
 
Balance at February 28, 2011
   
12,609,160
   
$
12,609,160
   
$
24,141,022
   
$
218,889,963
   
$
920,063
   
$
(542,335
)
 
$
256,017,873
 

See accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements.

 
40

 




AZZ incorporated
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)


1.       Summary of significant accounting policies

Organization—AZZ incorporated (the “Company” “AZZ” or “We”) operates primarily in the United States of America and Canada. Information about the Company’s operations by segment is included in Note 11 to the consolidated financial statements.

Basis of consolidation—The consolidated financial statements were prepared in accordance with the accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America and include the accounts of the Company and its wholly owned subsidiaries. All significant inter-company accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

Use of estimates—The preparation of the financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period.  Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Concentrations of credit risk—Financial instruments that potentially subject the Company to significant concentrations of credit risk consist principally of cash and cash equivalents and trade accounts receivable.

The Company maintains cash and cash equivalents with various financial institutions. These financial institutions are located throughout the United States and Company policy is designed to limit exposure to any one institution. The Company performs periodic evaluations of the relative credit standing of those financial institutions that are considered in the Company’s banking relationships. The Company has not experienced any losses in such accounts and believes it is not exposed to any significant credit risk related to cash and cash equivalents.  The majority of cash equivalents are invested in Treasury Funds or FDIC Guaranteed Liquidity programs.
 
    Concentrations of credit risk with respect to trade accounts receivable are limited due to the Company’s diversity by virtue of two operating segments, the number of customers, and the absence of a concentration of trade accounts receivable in a small number of customers. The Company performs continuous evaluations of the collectability of trade accounts receivable and allowance for doubtful accounts based upon historical losses, economic conditions and customer specific events.  After all collection efforts are exhausted and an account is deemed uncollectible, it is written off against the allowance for doubtful accounts. The Company’s net credit losses in 2011, 2010 and 2009 were approximately $327,000, $231,000 and $662,000, respectively. Collateral is usually not required from customers as a condition of sale.
 
Revenue recognition—The Company recognizes revenue for the Electrical and Industrial Products Segment  upon transfer of title and risk to customer or based upon the percentage-of-completion method of accounting for electrical products built to customer specifications under long-term contracts. We typically recognize revenue for the Galvanizing Services Segment at completion of the service unless we specifically agree with the customer to hold its material for a predetermined period of time after the completion of the galvanizing process and, in that circumstance, we invoice and recognize revenue upon shipment. Customer advanced payments presented in the balance sheet arise from advanced payments received from our customers prior to shipment of the product and are not related to revenue recognized under the percentage of completion method.  The extent of progress for revenue recognized using the percentage of completion method is measured by the ratio of contract costs incurred to date to total estimated contract costs at completion. Contract costs include direct labor and material and certain indirect costs. Selling, general and administrative costs are charged to expense as incurred.
 
Provisions for estimated losses, if any, on uncompleted contracts are made in the period in which such losses are able to be determined.  The assumptions made in determining the estimated cost could differ from actual performance resulting in a different outcome for profits or losses than anticipated.

 
41

 




AZZ incorporated
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)


Cash and cash equivalents—For purposes of reporting cash flows, cash and cash equivalents include cash on hand, deposits with banks and all highly liquid investments with an original maturity of three months or less.

Inventories—Cost is determined principally using a weighted-average method for the Electrical and Industrial Products Segment and the first-in-first-out (FIFO) method for the Galvanizing Services Segment.

Property, plant and equipment—For financial reporting purposes, depreciation is computed using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the related assets as follows:

Buildings and structures                                                        
10-25 years
Machinery and equipment                                                        
3-15 years
Furniture and fixtures                                                        
3-15 years
Automotive equipment                                                        
3 years

Maintenance and repairs are charged to expense as incurred; renewals and betterments that significantly extend the useful life of the asset are capitalized.

Long-lived assets, intangible assets and goodwill—Purchased intangible assets included on the balance sheet as other assets are comprised of customer lists, backlogs and non-compete agreements. Such intangible assets are being amortized using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets ranging from two to fifteen years.  The Company records impairment losses on long-lived assets, including identifiable intangible assets, when events and circumstances indicate that the assets might be impaired and the undiscounted projected cash flows associated with those assets are less than their carrying amount.  In those situations, impairment loss on a long-lived asset is measured based on the excess of the carrying amount of the asset over the asset's fair value.  For goodwill, the Company performs an annual impairment test on December 31st each year or as indicators are present.  The test is calculated using the anticipated future cash flows after tax from our operating segments.  Based on the present value of the future cash flows, we determine whether impairment may exist.  A significant change in projected cash flows or cost of capital for future years could result in an impairment of goodwill in future years.  Variables impacting future cash flows include, but are not limited to, the level of customer demand for and response to products and services we offer to the power generation market, the electrical transmission and distribution markets, the general industrial market and the hot dip galvanizing market; changes in economic conditions of these various markets; raw material and natural gas costs and availability of experienced labor and management to implement our growth strategies.

Debt issue costs—Debt issue costs, included in other assets, are amortized using the effective interest rate method over the term of the debt.

Income taxes—Income tax expense is based on the asset and liability method. Under this method of accounting, deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized based on differences between financial accounting and income tax basis of assets and liabilities using presently enacted tax rates and laws.

Stock-based compensation—The Company has granted stock options, stock appreciation rights or restricted stock units for a fixed number of shares to employees and directors. A discussion of stock-based compensation can be found in Note 9 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

Financial instruments —The Company’s financial instruments consist of cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, accounts payable and long-term debt. The fair values of financial instruments approximate the amount of their carrying value.

    Derivative financial instruments—From time to time, the Company uses derivatives to manage interest rate risk. The Company’s policy is to use derivatives for risk management purposes only, which includes maintaining the ratio between the Company’s fixed and floating rate debt obligations that management deems appropriate, and prohibits entering into such contracts for trading purposes. The Company enters into derivatives only with counterparties (primarily financial institutions) which have substantial financial wherewithal to minimize credit risk. As the result of the recent global financial crisis, a number of financial institutions have failed or required government assistance, and counterparties considered substantial may develop credit risk. The amount of gains or losses from the use of derivative financial instruments has not been and is not expected to be material to the Company’s consolidated financial statements. As of February 28, 2011, the Company had no derivative financial instruments.

 
42

 




AZZ incorporated
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

 
Warranty reserves—Within other accrued liabilities, a reserve has been established to provide for the estimated future cost of warranties on a portion of the Company’s delivered products.  Management periodically reviews the reserves, and adjustments are made accordingly. A provision for warranty on products is made on the basis of the Company’s historical experience and identified warranty issues. Warranties cover such factors as non-conformance to specifications and defects in material and workmanship.

The following is a roll-forward of amounts accrued for warranties:

   
(In thousands)
 
Balance at February 29, 2008                                                        
 
$
1,732
 
Warranty costs incurred                                                        
   
(1,454
)
Additions charged to income                                                        
   
1,737
 
Balance at February 28, 2009                                                        
 
$
2,015
 
Warranty costs incurred                                                        
   
(2,130
)
Additions charged to income                                                        
   
2,912
 
Balance at February 28, 2010                                                        
 
$
2,797
 
Warranty costs incurred                                                        
   
(2,821)
 
Additions charged to income                                                        
   
2,510
 
Balance at February 28, 2011                                                        
 
$
2,486
 

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) is defined as the change in equity of a business enterprise during a period from transactions and other events and circumstances from non-owner sources and includes all changes in equity during a period except those resulting from investments by owners and distributions to owners.

On January 21, 2011, we entered into an additional Note Purchase Agreement, (the “2011 Agreement”) and incurred fixed rate, long-term indebtedness of $125 million in relation to the 2011 Agreement.  See note 10 to the consolidated financial statements.  In anticipation of the 2011 Note Offering, we entered into a treasury lock hedging transaction with Bank of America Merrill Lynch (“BAML) in order to eliminate the variability of cash flows on the forecasted fixed rate coupon of the debt during the pre-issuance period.  The hedging transaction settled during the Company’s third fiscal quarter of fiscal 2011, and the Company received a payment from BAML in the amount of $834,416 resulting therefrom.  The notional value of the hedge was $75 million and qualified for hedge accounting as a cash flow hedge.  The gain on the settlement has been recorded as a component of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income and will be amortized to interest expense over the life of the 10 year loan.  Amortization for interest expense was recorded in the amount of $4,520 for fiscal 2011.

Accumulated other comprehensive income also includes foreign currency translation adjustments from our Canadian subsidiary, Blenkhorn and Sawle (B&S).

Foreign Currency Translation—The local currency is the functional currency for the Company’s B&S subsidiary located in Canada.  B&S’s assets and liabilities are translated into United States dollars at exchange rates existing at the balance sheet date, and revenues and expenses are translated at weighted-average exchange rates. The foreign currency translation adjustment is recorded as a separate component of shareholders’ equity and is included in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss). 

 
43

 




AZZ incorporated
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

Recent Accounting Pronouncement—In March 2009, the Company adopted ASC 805-10 (formerly SFAS 141R), “Business Combinations,”  which continues the evolution toward fair value reporting and significantly changes the accounting for acquisitions, both at acquisition date and in subsequent periods.   In April 2009, the FASB amended the guidance to clarify the accounting for assets acquired and liabilities assumed arising from contingencies.  The new guidance retains the fundamental principles of purchase method of accounting for business combinations, however, it requires several changes in the way assets and liabilities are recognized in an acquisition.  All assets acquired and liabilities assumed excluding contingent consideration, are recognized at the acquisition date fair value with limited exceptions.  Acquisition related costs, including due diligence fees, are required to be expensed.  New accounting concepts and valuation complexities are introduced and many of the changes have the potential to generate greater earnings volatility after acquisition. We applied the new accounting requirements to our most recent acquisitions on July 31, 2009 of Zinc Partners LLC and Pilot Galvanizing, Inc. and on June 14, 2010 of North American Galvanizing and Coatings, Inc. (NGA) and the total acquisition expense were $0.3 million and $1.9 million, respectively.

New Accounting Pronouncements—In 2009, the FASB issued a revised standard for accounting and disclosures of revenues related to arrangements with customers to provide multiple products and services at different points in time or over different time periods. This standard is effective for the Company’s fiscal year ending February 29, 2012. The adoption of this standard is not expected to have a material effect on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

2.
Inventories

Inventories consist of the following:

   
2011
   
2010
 
   
(In thousands)
 
Raw materials                                                                                            
 
$
42,745
   
$
23,356
 
Work-in-process                                                                                            
   
12,452
     
11,542
 
Finished goods                                                                                            
   
4,355
     
5,227
 
   
$
59,552
   
$
40,125
 

3.
Costs and estimated earnings on uncompleted contracts

Costs and estimated earnings on uncompleted contracts consist of the following:

   
2011
   
2010
 
   
(In thousands)
 
Costs incurred on uncompleted contracts                                                                                            
 
$
70,835
   
$
83,169
 
Estimated earnings                                                                                            
   
49,375
     
53,876
 
     
120,210
     
137,045
 
Less billings to date                                                                                            
   
104,457
     
127,485
 
   
$
15,753
   
$
9,560
 

The amounts noted above are included in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet under the following captions:

   
2011
   
2010
 
   
(In thousands)
 
Cost and estimated earnings in excess of billings on uncompleted contracts
 
$
15,880
   
$
10,782
 
Billings in excess of costs and estimated earnings on uncompleted contracts
   
(127)
     
(1,222
)
   
$
15,753
   
$
9,560
 


 
44

 




AZZ incorporated
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)


4.
Other accrued liabilities

Other accrued liabilities consist of the following:

   
2011
   
2010
 
   
(In thousands)
 
Accrued interest                                                                        
 
$
3,353
   
$
2,600
 
Tenant improvements                                                                        
   
1,699
     
1,938
 
Accrued warranty                                                                        
   
2,486
     
2,797
 
Commissions                                                                        
   
1,510
     
1,737
 
Group medical insurance                                                                        
   
1,198
     
1,009
 
Other                                                                        
   
4,199
     
2,313
 
   
$
14,445
   
$
12,394
 

5.
Employee benefit plans

The Company has a trustee profit sharing plan and 401(k) plan covering substantially all of its employees. Under the provisions of the plan, the Company contributes amounts as authorized by the Board of Directors. Total contributions to the profit sharing plan, which included the Company’s 401(k) matching, were $6,118,000 for 2011, $6,711,000 for 2010 and $7,435,000 for 2009.

6.
Income taxes

Deferred federal and state income taxes reflect the net tax effects of temporary differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities for financial accounting purposes and the amounts used for income tax purposes. Significant components of the Company’s net deferred income tax liability are as follows:

   
2011
 
2010
 
   
(In thousands)
 
Deferred income tax assets:
         
Employee related items
 
$
2,643
 
$
1,686
 
Inventories
   
690
   
334
 
Accrued warranty
   
932
   
1,049
 
Accounts receivable
   
271
   
269
 
Other
   
2,467
   
1,887
 
Total deferred income tax assets                                                                      
 
$
7,003
 
$
5,225
 
               
Deferred income tax liabilities:
             
Depreciation methods and property basis differences
 
$
(11,570
)
$
(5,842
)
Other assets and tax-deductible goodwill
   
(15,751
)
 
(4,625
)
Total deferred income tax liabilities                                                                      
   
(27,321
)
 
(10,467
)
Net deferred income tax liabilities                                                                      
 
$
(20,318
)
$
(5,242
)


 
45

 




AZZ incorporated
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)


 
The provision for income taxes consists of:

   
2011
   
2010
   
2009
 
   
(In thousands)
 
Federal:
                 
   Current                                                              
 
$
21,057
   
$
19,306
   
$
16,363
 
   Deferred                                                              
   
(3,439
)
   
(118
)
   
5,264
 
State:
                       
   Current                                                              
   
2,346
     
3,743
     
2,725
 
   Deferred                                                              
   
(178
)
   
(8
)
   
400
 
Foreign
                       
    Current                                                              
           
-
     
70
 
    Deferred                                                              
   
209
     
(268
)
   
(118
)
   
$
19,995
   
$
22,655
   
$
24,704
 

A reconciliation from the federal statutory income tax rate to the effective income tax rate is as follows:

   
2011
   
2010
   
2009
 
                   
Statutory federal income tax rate
   
35.0
%
   
35.0
%
   
35.0
%
Expenses not deductible for tax purposes
   
1.5
     
.2
     
.2
 
State income taxes, net of federal income tax benefit
   
2.7
     
3.7
     
3.2
 
Benefit of Section 199 of the Code, manufacturing deduction
   
(3.7
)
   
(1.8
)
   
(1.6
)
Other
   
.9
     
.4
     
.1
 
Effective income tax rate
   
36.4
%
   
37.5
%
   
36.9
%

7.
Intangible assets and goodwill

Goodwill is not amortized but is subject to annual impairment tests.  Other intangible assets continue to be amortized over their useful lives.

Changes in goodwill by segment during the year are as follows:

Segment
 
March 1, 2010
   
Acquisitions
   
Foreign Exchange Translation
   
February 28, 2011
 
   
(In thousands)
 
Galvanizing services                                                 
 
$
26,863
   
$
43,108
   
$
-
   
$
69,971
 
Electrical & industrial products
   
42,557
     
-
     
935
     
43,492
 
Total                                                 
 
$
69,420
   
$
43,108
   
$
935
   
$
113,463
 

Segment
 
March 1, 2009
   
Acquisitions
   
Foreign Exchange Translation
   
February 28, 2010
 
   
(In thousands)
 
Galvanizing services                                                 
 
$
25,584
   
$
1,279
   
$
-
   
$
26,863
 
Electrical & industrial products
   
40,573
     
-
     
1,984
     
42,557
 
Total                                                 
 
$
66,157
   
$
1,279
   
$
1,984
   
$
69,420
 


 
46

 




AZZ incorporated
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)



Segment
 
March 1, 2008
   
Acquisitions
   
Foreign Exchange Translation
   
February 28, 2010
 
   
(In thousands)
 
Galvanizing services                                                 
 
$
9,966
   
$
15,618
   
$
-
   
$
25,584
 
Electrical & industrial products
   
30,996
     
12,062
     
(2,485
)
   
40,573
 
Total                                                 
 
$
40,962
   
$
27,680
   
$
(2,485
)
 
$
66,157
 


The Company completes its annual impairment analysis of goodwill on December 31st of each year.  As a result the Company determined that there was no impairment of goodwill. There have been no impairment charges of goodwill through February 28, 2011.

Intangible assets consisted of the following:

   
2011
   
2010
 
   
(In thousands)
 
Amortizable intangible assets
               
   Customer related intangibles                                                                              
 
$
42,475
   
$
15,675
 
   Non-compete agreements                                                                              
   
2,983
     
2,983
 
   Trademarks                                                                              
   
2,110
     
853
 
   Certifications                                                                              
   
267
     
247
 
   Backlog                                                                              
   
965
     
892
 
     
48,800
     
20,650
 
Less accumulated amortization                                                                              
   
7,812
     
4,491
 
   
$
40,988
   
$
16,159
 

Accumulated amortization related to customer related intangibles and non-compete agreements were $4,298,000 and $2,134,000, respectively, at February 28, 2011, and $1,854,000 and $1,722,000, respectively, at February 28, 2010.

The Company recorded amortization expenses for Fiscal 2011, 2010 and 2009 in the amount of $3,237,000, $1,823,000 and $1,607,000, respectively.  The following table projects the estimated amortization expense for the five succeeding fiscal years and thereafter.

(In thousands)
 
2012                                             
 
$
3,676
 
2013                                             
   
3,671
 
2014                                             
   
3,294
 
2015                                             
   
3,264
 
2016                                             
   
3,264
 
Thereafter                                             
   
23,819
 
Total                                             
 
$
40,988
 


 
47

 




AZZ incorporated
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)


8.
Earnings per share

Basic earnings per share is based on the weighted average number of shares outstanding during each year. Diluted earnings per share were similarly computed but have been adjusted for the dilutive effect of the weighted average number of stock options, stock appreciation rights and restricted stock units outstanding.

The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted earnings per share:
 
   
2011
   
2010
   
2009
 
   
(In thousands, except share and per share amounts)
 
Numerator:
                 
   Net income for basic and diluted earnings per common share
 
$
34,963
   
$
37,728  
   
$
42,206  
 
 
                       
Denominator:
                       
   Denominator for basic earnings per  common share - weighted-average shares
   
12,461,350
     
12,283,167
     
12,140,152
 
                         
Effect of dilutive securities:
                       
   Stock compensation award                                                                  
   
139,304
     
192,650
     
162,024
 
                         
   Denominator for diluted earnings per common share - adjusted weighted-average shares
   
12,600,654
     
12,475,817  
     
12,302,176  
 
                         
Earnings per share basic and diluted:
                       
    Basic earnings per common share                                                                  
 
$
2.81
   
$
3.07
   
$
3.48
 
    Diluted earnings per common share                                                                  
 
$
2.77
   
$
3.02
   
$
3.43
 


Stock options or Stock Appreciation Rights for which the exercise price was greater than the average market price of common shares were not included in the computation of diluted earnings per share as the effect would be anti-dilutive. At the end of fiscal years 2011, 2010 and 2009, there were none, 121,170, and 131,690 stock options and stock appreciation rights, respectively, outstanding with exercise prices greater than the average market price of common shares.

9.
Stock compensation

During fiscal 2002, the Company adopted the AZZ incorporated 2001 Long-Term Incentive Plan (“2001 Plan and, together with the 2001 Plan, the “Plans””) and during fiscal 2006, it adopted the AZZ incorporated 2005 Long Term Plan (as subsequently amended and restated, the “2005 Plan”).  The purpose of both Plans is to promote the growth and prosperity of the Company by permitting the Company to grant to its employees, directors and advisors various types of Restricted Stock awards and options to purchase Common Stock of the Company. The maximum number of shares that may be issued under the 2001 Plan is 1,500,000 shares and under the 2005 Plan is 1,000,000 shares.

In conjunction with the adoption of the 2001 Plan, all options still available for issuance under pre-existing option plans were terminated. At February 28, 2011, 11,746 vested options were outstanding under the 2001 Plan and exercisable at prices ranging from $4.22 to $12.12 per share. Options under the 2001 Plan vest from immediately upon issuance to ratably over a period of three to five years and expire at various dates through March 2013. There were no new options or Stock Appreciation Rights granted under the 2001 plan during fiscal 2011.
 
 

 
48

 




AZZ incorporated
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)


On June 1, 2006, 234,160 stock appreciation rights (“Stock Appreciation Rights” or “SARs”) were issued under the 2005 Plan with an exercise price of $11.55. As of February 28, 2011, none of these SARs were outstanding.  These awards qualify for equity treatment. These SARs have a three year cliff vesting schedule, but may vest early if accelerated vesting provisions in the plan are met. The weighted average fair value of SARs granted on June 1, 2006 was determined to be $2.915 based on the following assumptions: risk-free interest rate of 5%, no dividend yield, expected volatility of 27.81% and expected life of 3 years.  Compensation expenses related to the June 1, 2006 grant were $0, $19,000 and $120,000 for fiscal 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively. None of these SARs were outstanding as of February 28, 2011.
 
 
On March 1, 2007, 147,740 Stock Appreciation Rights were awarded under the 2005 Plan with an exercise price of $19.88. These Stock Appreciation Rights have a three year cliff vesting schedule, but may vest early if accelerated vesting provisions in the plan are met and qualify for equity treatment. The weighted average fair value of SARs granted on March 1, 2007, was determined to be $5.54 based on the following assumptions: risk-free interest rate of 5%, no dividend yield, expected volatility of 29.52% and expected life of 3 years.  As of February 28, 2011, none of these SARs were outstanding.  Compensation expense related to the March 1, 2007 grants were $0, $103,000 and $202,000 for fiscal 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively.

On March 1, 2008, 131,690 Stock Appreciation Rights were awarded under the 2005 Plan with an exercise price of $35.88. These Stock Appreciation Rights have a three year cliff vesting schedule, but may vest early if accelerated vesting provisions in the plan are met and qualify for equity treatment. The weighted average fair value of SARs awarded on March 1, 2008, was determined to be $11.80 based on the following assumptions: risk-free interest rate of 5%, dividend yield of 0.0%, expected volatility of 41.81% and expected life of 3 years.  As of February 28, 2011, 123,060 of these SARs were outstanding after giving effect to the forfeiture of 6,740 SARs and the exercise of 1,890 SARs due to the accelerated vesting of a retired employee. Compensation expense related to the March 1, 2008 SAR grants was recognized in the amount of $235,000, $234,000 and $1,091,000, respectively for fiscal 2011, fiscal 2010 and fiscal 2009. We had unrecognized cost of $1,000 related to the March 1, 2008 SAR grants as of February 28, 2011.

On September 1, 2008, we adopted the AZZ incorporated Employee Stock Purchase Plan (the “Plan”). The purpose of the Plan is to allow employees of the Company to purchase Common Stock of the Company through accumulated payroll deductions. Offerings under the Plan have a duration of 24 months.  On the first day of an offering period (the “Enrollment Date”), the participant is granted the option to purchase shares on each exercise date during the offering period up to 10% of the participant’s compensation at the lower of 85% of the fair market value of a share of Common Stock on the Enrollment Date or 85% of the fair market value of a share of Common Stock on the Exercise Date.  The participant’s right to purchase Common Stock in the Plan is restricted to no more than $25,000 per calendar year, and the participant may not purchase more than 5,000 shares under the Plan during any offering period.  Participants may terminate their interest in a given offering, or a given exercise period, by withdrawing all, but not less than all, of the accumulated payroll deductions of the account at any time prior to the end of the offering period.

We estimated the shares to be issued on the first enrollment at September 1, 2008 to be 36,100 shares after forfeitures. The weighted average fair value of these shares was determined to be $14.69 based on the following assumptions:  risk-free interest rate of 2%, dividend yield of 0.0%, expected volatility of 50.40% and expected life of 2 years.  Compensation expenses in the amount of $133,000, $265,000 and $103,000 were recognized during fiscal 2011, 2010, and 2009, respectively.  As of February 28, 2011, we had no unrecognized costs related to the first issuance under the Plan. In accordance with the Plan, we issued 20,822, 9,097, 7,245 and 7,584 shares on March 1, 2009, September 1, 2009, March 1, 2010 and September 1, 2010, respectively, to the enrolled employees.

On March 1, 2009, the date of the second offering, the estimated shares to be issued were 14,019 after forfeitures. The weighted average fair value of these shares was determined to be $7.33 based on the following assumptions:  risk-free interest rate of 3%, dividend yield of 0.0%, expected volatility of 50.40% and expected life of 2 years. Compensation expenses relating to the second issuance under the Plan in the amount of $51,000, $51,000 and $0 were recognized during fiscal 2011, 2010, and 2009, respectively. In accordance with the Plan, we issued 5,943, 4,175 and 4,139 shares on September 1, 2009, March 1, 2010 and September 1, 2010, respectively.  As of February 28, 2011, we had no unrecognized costs related to the second issuance under the Plan.

 
49

 




AZZ incorporated
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)



On September 1, 2009, the date of the third offering, the estimated shares to be issued were 3,523 after estimated forfeitures. The weighted average fair value of these shares was determined to be $15.31 based on the following assumptions:  risk-free interest rate of 3.25%, dividend yield of 0.0%, expected volatility of 54.52% and expected life of 2 years.  Compensation expense related to the third issuance under the Plan in the amount of $27,000 and $13,000 was recognized during fiscal 2011 and 2010, respectively.  As of February 28, 2011, we had unrecognized costs of $13,000 related to the third issuance under the Plan. In accordance with the Plan, 991 and 793 shares were issued on March 1, 2010 and September 1, 2010, respectively, to the enrolled employees.

On March 1, 2010, the date of the fourth offering, the estimated shares to be issued were 2,715 after estimated forfeitures. The weighted average fair value of these shares was determined to be $15.19 based on the following assumptions:  risk-free interest rate of 3.87%, dividend yield of 2.96%, expected volatility of 67.65% and expected life of 2 years. Compensation expense related to the fourth issuance under the Plan in the amount of $21,000 was recognized during fiscal 2011.  In accordance with the Plan we issued 747 shares on September 1, 2010, to the enrolled employees.  As of February 28, 2011, we had unrecognized costs of $21,000 related to the fourth issuance under of the Plan.

On September 1, 2010, the date of the fifth offering, the estimated shares to be issued were 47,078 after estimated forfeitures. The weighted average fair value of these shares was determined to be $15.76 based on the following assumptions:  risk-free interest rate of 2.59%, dividend yield of 2.43%, expected volatility of 52.11% and expected life of 2 years.  Compensation expense related to the fifth issuance under the Plan in the amount of $185,000 was recognized during fiscal 2011.  As of February 28, 2011, we had unrecognized costs of $556,000 related to the fifth issuance under the Plan.

On March 1, 2009, 31,666 shares of Restricted Stock Units were issued to our key employees under the 2005 Plan. The Restricted Stock Unit awards have a three year cliff vesting schedule, but may vest early under accelerated vesting provisions in the 2005 Plan. The market value of a share of our Common Stock was $18.12 on the date the Company granted the Restricted Stock Units. Compensation expense related to these Restricted Stock Units in the amount of $75,000 and $423,000 was recognized during fiscal 2011 and 2010, respectively. The amount of unrecognized cost related to these Restricted Stock Units at February 28, 2011 was $75,000.

On March 1, 2009, we awarded 163,233 Stock Appreciation Rights under the 2005 Plan with an exercise price of $18.12. The weighted average fair value of the SARs awarded on March 1, 2009, was determined to be $8.08 based on the following assumptions: risk-free interest rate of 3%, dividend yield of 0.0%, expected volatility of 46.89% and expected life of 5 years.  As of February 28, 2011, 119,557 SARs were outstanding after giving effect to the forfeiture of 1,661 SARs and the exercise of 42,015 SARs.  Compensation expense related to the March 1, 2009 SAR grants in the amount of $175,000 and $969,000 was recognized during fiscal 2011 and 2010, respectively.  As of February 28, 2011, we had unrecognized cost of $175,000 related to the March 1, 2009 SAR grants.

On March 1, 2010, 150,382 Stock Appreciation Rights were awarded under the 2005 Plan with an exercise price of $31.67. The weighted average fair value of SARs awarded on March 1, 2010, was determined to be $12.31 based on the following assumptions: risk-free interest rate of 3.61%, dividend yield of 3.16%, expected volatility of 53.31% and expected life of 5 years.  Compensation expense related to the March 1, 2010 SAR grants in the amount of $1,360,000 was recognized during the year ended February 28, 2011.  As of February 28, 2011, we had unrecognized cost of $490,000 related to the March 1, 2010 SAR grants.

On March 1, 2010, we issued 22,906 shares of Restricted Stock to our key employees under the 2005 Plan. The market value of a share of our Common Stock was $31.67 on the date of grant. Compensation expense related to the March 1, 2010 Restricted Stock grants in the amount of $535,000 was recognized during fiscal 2011. The amount of unrecognized cost at February 28, 2011 was $190,000 related to the March 1, 2010 Restricted Stock grants.

 
50

 




AZZ incorporated
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)



On June 1, 2010, we issued 1,887 shares of Restricted Stock to a key employee under the 2005 Plan. The market value of a share of our Common Stock was $40.01 on the date of grant. Compensation expense related to the June 1, 2010 Restricted Stock grants in the amount of $19,000 was recognized during the year ended February 28, 2011. The amount of unrecognized cost at February 28, 2011 was $57,000 related to the June 1, 2010 Restricted Stock grants.

On June 1, 2010, we awarded 11,014 Stock Appreciation Rights to a key employee under the 2005 Plan with an exercise price of $40.01. The weighted average fair value of SARs awarded on June 1, 2010, was determined to be $15.70 based on the following assumptions: risk-free interest rate of 2.20%, dividend yield of 2.50%, expected volatility of 53.32% and expected life of 5 years.  Compensation expense related to the June 1, 2010 SARs grant in the amount of $43,000 was recognized during the year ended February 28, 2011. As of February 28, 2011, we had unrecognized cost of $130,000 related to the June 1, 2010 SARs grant.

During each of fiscal 2011, 2010 and 2009, the Company granted each of its seven independent directors 1,000 shares of the Company’s Common Stock, respectively.  Stock compensation expense was recognized with regard to these grants in the amount of $286,000, $226,000 and $317,000 for fiscal 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively.

A summary of the Company’s stock option and equity settled Stock Appreciation Rights activity and related information is as follows:

   
2011
   
2010
   
2009
 
   
Options/ SAR’s
   
Weighted Average Exercise Price
   
Options/ SAR’s
   
Weighted Average Exercise Price
   
Options
   
Weighted Average Exercise Price
 
Outstanding at beginning of year
   
475,141
   
$
21.86
     
607,070
   
$
17.87
     
 485,292
   
$
12.78
 
Granted                                    
   
161,396
     
32.24
     
163,233
     
18.12
     
131,690
     
35.80
 
Exercised                                    
   
(216,697
)
   
16.95
     
(288,422
)
   
11.02
     
(9,912
)
   
6.89
 
Forfeited                                    
   
(4,081
)
   
19.17
     
(6,740
)
   
35.88
     
0
     
N/A
 
Outstanding at end of year
   
415,759
   
$
28.47
     
475,141
   
$
21.86
     
607,070
   
$
17.87
 
                                                 
Exercisable at end of year
   
243,698
   
$
27.20
     
290,760
   
$
20.32
     
 414,350
   
$
16.24
 
                                                 
Weighted average fair value for the fiscal year indicated of options and SARs granted during such year
         
$
12.54
           
$
8.08
           
$
11.80
 


The aggregate intrinsic value of the equity settled Stock Appreciation Rights and stock options for the outstanding shares/Stock Appreciation Rights and exercisable shares/Stock Appreciation Rights at February 28, 2011 were $5.9 million and $3.8 million, respectively.

The following table summarizes additional information about stock options and Stock Appreciation Rights outstanding at February 28, 2011.


 
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AZZ incorporated
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)



 
Range of
Exercise Prices
   
Total Shares/ SAR’s
   
Weighted Average Remaining Life
   
Weighted Average Exercise Price
   
Shares / SAR’s Currently Exercisable
   
Weighted Average Exercise Price
 
                                 
$ 4.22 - $5.54       7,746       2.08     $ 4.22       7,746     $ 4.22  
$ 7.70 - $8.80       4,000       1.33     $ 7.70       4,000     $ 7.70  
$ 18.12 - $29.97       121,447       0.99     $ 18.30       77,406     $ 18.12  
$ 31.67 - $40.01       282,556       1.15     $ 33.80       154,546     $ 33.41  
$ 4.22 - $40.01       415,759       1.12     $ 28.47       243,698     $ 27.20  

As of February 28, 2011, the Company has approximately 558,083 shares reserved for future issuance under its various stock plans.

10.        Long-term debt

Long-term debt consists of the following:
 
2011
   
2010
 
   
(In thousands)
 
Senior Note, due in balloon payment in January 2021
 
$
125,000
     
-
 
Senior Note, due in annual installments of $14,285,714 beginning in March 2012 through March 2018
 
$
100,000
   
$
100,000
 
Revolving line of credit with bank
   
-
     
-
 
   
$
225,000
   
$
100,000
 
Less amount due within one year
   
-
     
-
 
   
$
225,000
   
$
100,000
 
 
 

On May 25, 2006, we entered into the Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement (the “Credit Agreement”) by and between AZZ and Bank of America, N.A. ("Bank of America"). The Credit Agreement provides for a $60 million unsecured revolving line of credit, maturing on May 25, 2011. The facility is used to provide for working capital needs, capital improvements, debt repayment, future acquisitions and letter of credit needs.  On April 29, 2010, we amended the Credit Agreement to provide for an $80 million unsecured revolving line of credit maturing on May 25, 2014, increase the amount of cash dividends the Company is allowed to pay to $15 million annually and increase the basket for AZZ common stock repurchases to $40 million over the life of the Credit Agreement.

The Credit Agreement provides for various financial covenants consisting of a) Minimum Consolidated Net Worth–Maintain on a consolidated basis net worth equal to at least the sum of $182.3 million plus 50% of future net income, b) Maximum Leverage Ratio–Maintain on a consolidated basis a Leverage Ratio (as defined in the Credit Agreement) not to exceed 3.25:1.0, c) Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio– Maintain on a consolidated basis a Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio (as defined in the Credit Agreement) of at least 1.75:1.0 and d) Capital Expenditures–Not to make Capital Expenditures (as defined in the Credit Agreement) on a consolidated basis in an amount in excess of $30 million.

The Credit Agreement also provides for an applicable margin ranging from 1.00% to 1.75% over the Eurodollar Rate and Commitment Fees ranging from .20% to .30% depending on our Leverage Ratio.

At February 28, 2011 and 2010, we had no outstanding debt against the revolving credit facility.   As of February 28, 2011, we had letters of credit outstanding in the amount of $12.3 million, which left approximately $67.7 million of additional credit available under the Credit Agreement.

 
52

 




AZZ incorporated
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)


On March 31, 2008, the Company entered into a Note Purchase Agreement (the "Note Purchase Agreement") pursuant to which the Company issued $100 million aggregate principal amount of its 6.24% unsecured Senior Notes (“2008 Notes”) due March 31, 2018 through a private placement (the "2008 Note Offering"). These 2008 Notes are for 10 years with interest only paid semi annually for the first 4 years and then principal payments of $14.3 million paid each year starting on March 31, 2012 plus applicable interest paid each quarter. Pursuant to the Note Purchase Agreement, the Company’s payment obligations with respect to the 2008 Notes may be accelerated upon any Event of Default, as defined in the Note Purchase Agreement.

The Company entered into an additional Note Purchase Agreement on January 21, 2011 (the “2011 Agreement”), pursuant to which the Company issued $125 million aggregate principal amount of its 5.42% unsecured Senior Notes (the “2011 Notes”), due in January of 2021, through a private placement (the “2011 Note Offering”).  Pursuant to the 2011 Agreement, the Company’s payment obligations with respect to the 2011 Notes could be accelerated under certain circumstances.  The Company anticipates using the proceeds from the 2011 Note Offering for possible future acquisitions, working capital needs, capital improvements, debt repayment and future cash dividend payments.

In connection with the 2008 Note Offering the Company entered into an amendment to our Credit Agreement. The Second Amendment contained the consent of Bank of America to the 2008 Note Offering, amended the Credit Agreement to provide that the 2008 Note Offering will not constitute a default under the Credit Agreement and amended Credit Agreement to reflect the same financial covenants as the 2008 Notes.  In connection with the 2011 Note Offering, the Company obtained the consent of Bank of America to the 2011 Note Offering and the agreement of Bank of America that the 2011 Note Offering will not constitute a default under the Credit Agreement.

The 2008 Notes and 2011 Notes provide for various financial covenants of a) Minimum Consolidated Net Worth - Maintain on a consolidated basis net worth equal to at least the sum of $116.9 million plus 50% of future net income; b) Maximum Ratio of Consolidated Indebtedness to Consolidated EBITDA - Maintain a ratio of indebtedness to EBITDA (as defined in Note Purchase Agreement) not to exceed 3.25:1.00;  c) Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio – Maintain on a consolidated basis a Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio (as defined in Note Purchase Agreement) of at least 2.0:1.0; d) Priority Indebtedness – The Company will not at any time permit aggregate amount of all Priority Indebtedness (as defined in Note Purchase Agreement) to exceed 10% of Consolidated Net Worth (as defined in Note Purchase Agreement).

As of February 28, 2011, the Company is in compliance with all of its debt covenants.
 
 
Maturities of long-term debt are as follows:

(In thousands)
 
2012                                         
 
$
-
 
2013                                         
   
14,286
 
2014                                         
   
14,286
 
2015                                         
   
14,286
 
2016                                         
   
14,286
 
Thereafter                                         
   
167,856
 
Total                                         
 
$
225,000
 


11.       Operating segments

The Company has two reportable segments: (1) Electrical and Industrial Products and (2) Galvanizing Services. The Electrical and Industrial Products Segment provides highly engineered specialty components to the power generation transmission and distribution market and to the industrial market. The Galvanizing Services Segment provides hot dip galvanizing services to the steel fabrication industry through facilities located throughout the South, Midwest, East Coast and Southwest of the United States. Hot dip galvanizing is a metallurgical process by which molten zinc is applied to a customer’s material. The zinc bonding renders a corrosive resistant coating enhancing the life of the material for up to fifty years.

 
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AZZ incorporated
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)



Information regarding operations and assets by segment is as follows:

   
2011
   
2010
   
2009
 
Net sales:
 
(In thousands)
 
Electrical and Industrial Products
 
$
162,600
   
$
203,457
   
$
225,797
 
Galvanizing Services
   
218,049
     
153,573
     
186,567
 
   
$
380,649
   
$
357,030
   
$
412,364
 
Segment Operating income (a):
                       
Electrical and Industrial Products
 
$
27,072
   
$
40,803
   
$
38,952
 
Galvanizing Services
   
56,965
     
44,843
     
53,183
 
Total Segment Operating Income
   
84,037
     
85,646
     
92,135
 
                         
General corporate expenses  (b)
   
21,492
     
18,447
     
19,441
 
Interest expense
   
7,731
     
6,838
     
6,170
 
Other (income) expense, net (c)
   
(144
)
   
(22
)
   
(386
)
             
25,263
     
25,225
 
Income before income taxes
 
$
54,958
   
$
60,383
   
$
66,910
 
                         
Depreciation and amortization:
                       
Electrical and Industrial Products
 
$
3,396
   
$
3,725
   
$
3,116
 
Galvanizing Services
   
17,004
     
12,163
     
10,280
 
Corporate
   
1,766
     
1,539
     
1,176
 
   
$
22,166
   
$
17,427
   
$
14,572
 
                         
Expenditures for acquisitions, net of cash, and property, plant and equipment:
                       
Electrical and Industrial Products
 
$
1,282
   
$
2,311
   
$
20,339
 
Galvanizing Services
   
117,746
     
15,486
     
92,811
 
Corporate
   
1,474
     
1,139
     
3,248
 
   
$
120,502
   
$
18,936
   
$
116,398
 
Total assets:
                       
Electrical and Industrial Products
 
$
136,381
   
$
119,689
   
$
159,334
 
Galvanizing Services
   
277,366
     
139,228
     
138,826
 
Corporate
   
152,778
     
123,044
     
56,555
 
   
$
566,525
   
$
381,961
   
$
354,715
 
                         
Goodwill:
                       
Electrical and Industrial Products
 
$
69,971
   
$
42,557
   
$
40,574
 
Galvanizing Services
   
43,492
     
26,863
     
25,583
 
   
$
113,463
   
$
69,420
   
$
66,157
 

 
(a)
Segment operating income consists of net sales less cost of sales, specifically identifiable selling, general and administrative expenses and other income and expense items that are specifically identifiable to a segment.
 
(b)
General Corporate Expense consists of selling, general and administrative expenses that are not specifically identifiable to a segment.
 
(c)
Other (income) expense, net includes gains and losses on sale of property, plant and equipment and other (income) expenses not specifically identifiable to a segment.


 
54

 




AZZ incorporated
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)


12.
Commitments and contingencies

Leases

The Company leases various facilities under non-cancelable operating leases with initial terms in excess of one year. As of February 28, 2011, the future minimum payments required under these operating leases are summarized in the below table.  Rental expense for real estate and personal property was approximately $6,671,000, $5,823,000 and $4,713,000 for fiscal years 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively, and includes all short-term as well as long-term rental agreements.

The following summarizes the Company’s operating leases for the next five years and thereafter.

       
   
(In thousands)
 
2012                      
  $ 4,161  
2013                      
    3,705  
2014                      
    3,249  
2015                      
    3,078  
2016                      
    2,793  
Thereafter                      
    9,011  
Total                      
  $ 25,997  

Commodity pricing

The Company manages its exposures to commodity prices through the use of the following:

In the Electrical and Industrial Products Segment, the Company has exposure to commodity pricing for copper, aluminum and steel. Because the Electrical and Industrial Products Segment does not commit contractually to minimum volumes, increases in price for these items are normally managed through escalation clauses in customer contracts, although during continuing difficult market conditions these escalation clauses may not be obtainable.

In the Galvanizing Services Segment, the Company utilizes contracts with our zinc suppliers that include protective caps to guard against rising zinc prices.  The Company also secures firm pricing for natural gas supplies with individual utilities when possible.  There is no contracted volume purchase commitments associated with the natural gas or zinc agreements.  Management believes these agreements ensure adequate supplies and partially offset exposure to commodity price escalation.

Other

At February 28, 2011, the Company had outstanding letters of credit in the amount of $12.3 million.  These letters of credit are issued to customers in our Electrical and Industrial Products Segment to cover any potential warranty costs and in lieu of performance and bid bonds.  In addition, as of February 28, 2011, a warranty reserve in the amount of $2.5 million has been established to offset any future warranty claims.

The Company has been named as a defendant in certain lawsuits in the normal course in business.  In the opinion of management, after consulting with legal counsel, the liabilities, if any, resulting from these matters should not have a material effect on our financial position or results of operations.


 
55

 




AZZ incorporated
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)


13.
Quarterly financial information, Unaudited (in thousands, except per share amounts)

   
Quarter ended
 
   
May 31, 2010
   
August 31, 2010
   
November 30, 2010
   
February 28, 2011
 
Net sales                                             
  $ 77,475     $ 99,591     $ 102,898     $ 100,686  
Gross profit                                             
    23,563       29,053       27,645       27,383  
Net income                                             
    6,373       9,647       9,718       9,225  
Basic earnings per common share
    .51       .77       .78       .74  
Diluted earnings per common share
    .51       .77       .77       .73  


   
Quarter ended
 
   
May 31, 2009
   
August 31, 2009
   
November 30, 2009
   
February 28, 2010
 
Net sales                                             
  $ 95,492     $ 95,157     $ 81,518     $ 84,863  
Gross profit                                             
    29,688       30,614       25,713       23,631  
Net income                                             
    9,900       11,119       8,743       7,966  
Basic earnings per common share
    .81       .91       .71       .64  
Diluted earnings per common share
    .80       .89       .70       .64  
       

14.
Acquisitions
 
 
On August 3, 2010, we completed our acquisition of North American Galvanizing & Coatings, Inc. (“NGA”), a leading provider of corrosion protection for iron and steel components fabricated by its customers.  AZZ gained control of NGA on June 14, 2010 by acquiring approximately 83% of its outstanding capital stock (calculated on a fully diluted basis) through a cash tender offer and caused NGA to be merged with and into an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of AZZ created solely for such acquisition, with NGA as the surviving entity.  Pursuant to the terms of the Agreement and Plan of Merger among AZZ, such subsidiary of AZZ and NGA, upon the completion of this merger each share of the remaining 17% of NGA’s outstanding capital stock (i.e., the shares not held by AZZ) was converted into the right to receive the same per-share cash consideration paid in such tender offer.  This merger resulted in NGA being an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of AZZ.  The total cash purchase price for NGA was $132 million ($104 million net of cash acquired on hand at NGA of $28 million). The acquisition was funded from our cash on hand and our existing credit facility. As of February 28, 2011, we have expensed $1.9 million in acquisition costs related to the NGA acquisition.  Acquisition costs are included in selling, general and administrative expenses.  This acquisition is included in the Galvanizing Services Segment.  The acquisition was made to complement our existing facilities in this region and to expand our geographic footprint.

Under the acquisition method of accounting, the total purchase price was allocated to NGA’s net tangible and intangible assets based on their estimated fair values as of June 14, 2010, the date on which AZZ acquired control of NGA through the acquisition of approximately 83% of NGA’s outstanding capital stock (calculated on a fully diluted basis).  The excess of the purchase price over the net tangible and intangible assets are recorded as goodwill.  The following table summarizes the estimated fair value of the assets acquired and liabilities of NGA assumed at the date of acquisition:


 
56

 




AZZ incorporated
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)



 
 
($ in thousands)
 
Current Assets                                                       
 
$
58,176
 
Property and Equipment                                                       
   
40,552
 
Intangible Assets                                                       
   
28,000
 
Goodwill                                                       
   
43,109
 
Other Assets                                                       
   
2,950
 
     Total Assets Acquired                                                       
   
172,787
 
Current Liabilities                                                       
   
(11,670
)
Long Term Liabilities                                                       
   
(28,673
)
     Net Assets Acquired                                                       
 
$
132,444
 


All of the $28.0 million of intangible assets acquired are assigned to customer related intangibles and other. The goodwill recorded in connection with the acquisition is primarily attributable to a larger geographic footprint and also synergies expected to arise.  These intangible assets are being amortized and have a weighted average life of 12.4 years.  Goodwill of $43.1 million arising from the acquisition has been allocated to the Galvanizing Services Segment and will not be deductible for income tax purposes. Total revenues and earnings of NGA reflected in the current year are $49.7 million and $12.2 million, respectively.

The following consolidated pro forma information assumes that the acquisition of NGA took place on March 1, 2009 for the income statements for the years ended 2011 and 2010.

   
February 28, 2011
   
February 28, 2010
 
   
(In thousands, except per share amounts)
 
             
Net Sales
  $ 399,560     $ 434,113  
                 
Net Income
  $ 38,637     $ 49,692  
                 
Earnings Per Common Share:
               
Basic Earnings Per Share
  $ 3.10     $ 4.05  
Diluted Earnings Per Share
  $ 3.07     $ 3.98  


On March 31, 2008, AZZ acquired substantially all of the assets of AAA Industries, Inc. The purchase price of the transaction was approximately $81.6 million. The purchased assets included six galvanizing plants (three plants located in Illinois, one plant located in Indiana, one plant located in Minnesota and one plant located in Oklahoma) and related equipment and supplies. This acquisition is included in the Galvanizing Services Segment.  The acquisition was made to compliment our existing facilities in this region and to expand our geographic footprint.


 
57

 

The following table summarizes the estimated fair value of the assets acquired and liabilities of AAA Industries, Inc. assumed at the date of acquisition:

 
 
($ in thousands)
 
Current Assets                                                       
 
$
18,061
 
Property and Equipment                                                       
   
32,879
 
Intangible Assets                                                       
   
16,070
 
Goodwill                                                       
   
15,618
 
     Total Assets Acquired                                                       
   
82,628
 
Current Liabilities                                                       
   
(1,053
)
     Net Assets Acquired                                                       
 
$
81,575
 


Of the $16.1 million of intangible assets acquired, $1.8 million and $14.3 million are assigned to non-compete agreements and customer related intangibles and other, respectively. The goodwill assigned to other represents the expected synergies from the merger of operations and intangible assets that do not qualify for separation recognition.  These intangible assets are being amortized and have a weighted average life of 13.8 years. As of March 31, 2008 goodwill of $15.6 million arising from the acquisition has been allocated to the Galvanizing Services Segment and will be deductible for income tax purposes.

The following consolidated pro forma information assumes that the acquisition of AAA Industries, Inc. took place on March 1, 2008 for the income statements for the year ended 2009.

   
February 28, 2009
 
(In thousands, except per share amounts)
 
       
Net Sales                                                          
  $ 416,914  
         
Net Income                                                          
  $ 42,237  
         
Earnings Per Common Share:
       
Basic Earnings Per Share                                                          
  $ 3.48  
Diluted Earnings Per Share                                                          
  $ 3.43  

On July 31, 2009, AZZ acquired substantially all of the assets related to Pilot Galvanizing, Inc. in Poca, West Virginia, and Zinc Partners, LLC in Bristol, Virginia. The acquisition is a part of the stated AZZ strategy to continue the geographic expansion of our served market in order to provide a basis for continued growth of the Galvanizing Services Segment of the Company.

On July 1, 2008, we acquired substantially all of the assets of Blenkhorn and Sawle, Ltd., headquartered in St. Catharines, Ontario, Canada.  The purchase price was approximately $14.9 million in cash plus assumption of certain current liabilities. Goodwill recognized in connection with the transaction was $12.1 million and is expected to be deductible for tax purposes. Intangible assets recognized were $2 million including customer lists and trademarks.  Blenkhorn and Sawle has been a premier supplier of electrical equipment since 1948.  As a custom turn-key solutions provider and certified professional engineering house, they have supplied products to the major utility companies, and to the oil and gas, mining, industrial and nuclear power industries in Canada.  This acquisition is included in our Electrical and Industrial Products Segment.  The acquisition was made to obtain a local manufacturer of electrical products to expand our served markets to include the Canadian Utility market.



 
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Schedule II
AZZ incorporated

Valuation and Qualifying Accounts and Reserves
(In thousands)


         
Year Ended
       
   
February 28, 2011
   
February 28, 2010
   
February 28, 2009
 
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts
                 
                   
Balance at Beginning of year                                                                   
 
$
720
   
$
900
   
$
630
 
    Balance acquired by acquisition                                                                   
   
97
     
10
     
-
 
    Additions charged or credited to income
   
229
     
41
     
932
 
    Balances written off, net of recoveries                                                                   
   
(327
)
   
(231
)
   
(662
)
    Effect of exchange rate
   
1
     
-
     
-
 
Balance at end of year                                                                   
 
$
720
   
$
720
   
$
900
 




 
59

 

Index to Exhibits as Required By Item 601 of Regulation S-K.

3(1)
Articles of Incorporation, and all amendments thereto (incorporated by reference to the Annual Report on Form 10-K filed by Registrant for the fiscal year ended February 28, 1981).
3(2)
Articles of Amendment to the Article of Incorporation of the Registrant dated June 30, 1988  (incorporated by reference to the Annual Report on Form 10-K filed by Registrant for the fiscal year ended February 29, 2000).
3(3)
Articles of Amendment to the Articles of Incorporation of the Registrant dated October 25, 1999  (incorporated by reference to the Annual Report on Form 10-K filed by Registrant for the fiscal year ended February 29, 2000).
3(4)
Articles of Amendment to the Articles of Incorporation dated July 17, 2000 (incorporated by reference to the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed by Registrant for the quarter ended August 31, 2000).
3(5)
Amended and Restated Bylaws of AZZ incorporated (incorporated by reference to the Exhibit 3(1) to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed by the Registrant on November 27, 2007).
3(6)
Amended and Restated Bylaws of AZZ incorporated (incorporated by reference to the Exhibit 3(1) to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed by the Registrant on April 3, 2009).
4
Form of Stock Certificate for the Company’s $1.00 par value Common Stock (incorporated by reference to the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed by Registrant August 31, 2000).
10(1)
Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement with Bank of America, N.A., dated May 25, 2006 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10(1) of the Current Report on Form 8-K filed by the Registrant on May 26, 2006).
10(2)
First Amendment to Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement with Bank of America, N.A., dated February 28, 2007 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10(1) of the Current Report on Form 8-K filed by the Registrant on March 1, 2007).
10(3)
Second Amendment and Consent to Second Amendment and Restated Credit Agreement dated March 31, 2008, by and between AZZ incorporated and Bank of America, N.A. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10(3) of the Current Report on Form 8-K filed by the registrant on April 2, 2008).
10(4)
Note Purchase Agreement dated March 31, 2008, by and among AZZ incorporated and the purchasers listed therein (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10(1) of the Current Report on Form 8-K filed by the registrant on April 2, 2008).
10(6)
Asset Purchase Agreement executed and delivered on June 26, 2008 and made to be effective as of June 30, 2008, by and among AZZ incorporated, AZZ Blenkhorn & Sawle Limited, Blenkhorn and Sawle Limited, and Chriscot Holdings Limited (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the Current Report on Form 8-K filed by the registrant on July 2, 2008).
10(7)
AZZ incorporated Amended and Restated 2005 Long-Term Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Appendix A of the Proxy Statement for the 2008 Annual Shareholders Meeting).
10(8)
AZZ incorporated Employee Stock Purchase Plan (incorporated by reference to Appendix B of the Proxy Statement for the 2008 Annual Shareholders Meeting).
10(9)
1999 Independent Director Share Ownership Plan as Approved on January 19, 1999 and As Amended on September 22, 1999 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10(22) of the Annual Report on Form 10-K filed by Registrant for the fiscal year ended February 28, 2001).
10(11)
AZZ incorporated 2001 Long-Term Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit A of the Proxy Statement for the 2001 Annual Shareholders Meeting).
10(12)
AZZ incorporated 2005 Management Incentive Bonus Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10(20) to the Annual Report on Form 10-K filed by the registrant for the fiscal year ended February 28, 2002).
10(13)
2002 Plan for the Annual Grant of Stock Options to Independent Directors of AZZ incorporated (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10(27) to the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed by the registrant for the quarter ended August 31, 2002).
10(14)
AZZ incorporated Fiscal Year 2005 Stock Appreciation Rights Plan for Directors (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10(53) to the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed by the Registrant for the quarter ended August 31, 2004).
10(15)
AZZ incorporated Fiscal Year 2005 Stock Appreciation Rights Plan for Key Employees (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10(54) to the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed by the Registrant for the quarter ended August 31, 2004).
10(16)
AZZ incorporated 2005 Independent Director Compensation Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed by the Registrant on July 14, 2005).
10(17)
Agreement and Plan of Merger by and among AZZ incorporated, Big Kettle Merger Sub, Inc. and North American Galvanizing and Coatings, Inc. dated as of March 31, 2010 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2(1) to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed by the registrant on April 1, 2010).
10(18)
Stockholders Agreement by and among AZZ incorporated, Big Kettle Merger Sub, Inc. and certain stockholders of North American Galvanizing and Coatings, Inc. dated as of March 31, 2010 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2(1) to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed by the registrant on April 1, 2010).
10(19)
Fifth Amendment to Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement with Bank of America, N.A., dated April 29, 2010 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10(1) of the Current Report on Form 8-K filed by the registrant on April 30, 2010).
10(20)
Memorandum of Understanding dated June 7, 2010 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit (a)(5)(A) to the Tender Offer Statement on Schedule TO filed by the registrant on June 7, 2010).
10(21)
Employment Agreement by and between AZZ incorporated and David H. Dingus, dated as of February 2001 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10(13) of the Annual Report on Form 10-K filed by the registrant on May 24, 2002).
10(22)
Amendment No. One to Employment Agreement by and between AZZ incorporated and David H. Dingus, dated as of March 27, 2002 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10(14) of the Annual Report on Form 10-K filed by the registrant on May 24, 2002).
10(23)
Amendment No. Two to Employment Agreement by and between AZZ incorporated and David H. Dingus, dated as of May 15, 2003 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10(33) of the Annual Report on Form 10-K filed by the registrant on May 27, 2003).
10(24)
Employment Agreement by and between AZZ incorporated and Dana L. Perry, dated as of March 1, 2001 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10(15) of the Annual Report on Form 10-K filed by the registrant on May 24, 2002).
10(25)
Amendment No. One to Employment Agreement by and between AZZ incorporated and Dana L. Perry, dated as of March 27, 2002 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10(16) of the Annual Report on Form 10-K filed by the registrant on May 24, 2002).
10(26)
Amendment No. Two to Employment Agreement by and between AZZ incorporated and Dana L. Perry, dated as of May 15, 2003 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10(34) of the Annual Report on Form 10-K filed by the registrant on May 27, 2003).
10(27)
Change in Control Agreement by and between AZZ incorporated and David H. Dingus, dated as of December 18, 2001 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10(19) of the Annual Report on Form 10-K filed by the registrant on May 24, 2002).
10(28)
Change in Control Agreement by and between AZZ incorporated and Dana L. Perry, dated as of January 28, 2002.  Filed Herewith.
10(29)
Form of Change in Control Agreement entered into by AZZ incorporated and certain officers thereof (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10(18) of the Annual Report on Form 10-K filed by the registrant on May 24, 2002).
10(30)
Note Purchase Agreement, dated as of January 20, 2011, by and among AZZ incorporated and the purchasers identified therein (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the Current Report on Form 8-K filed by the registrant on January 21, 2011).
11
Computation of Per Share Earnings (see Note 8 to the Consolidated Financial Statements). Filed Herewith.
14
Code of Ethics.  The Company’s Code of Business Conduct and Ethics may be accessed via the Company’s Website at www.azz.com.
Subsidiaries of Registrant. Filed Herewith.
Consent of BDO Seidman LLP. Filed Herewith.
Chief Executive Officer Certificate pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 dated May 12, 2011. Filed Herewith.
Chief Financial Officer Certificate pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 dated May 12, 2011. Filed Herewith.
Chief Executive Officer Certificate pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 dated May 12, 2011. Filed Herewith.
Chief Financial Officer Certificate pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 dated May 12, 2011. Filed Herewith.

 
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