form10kfy2009.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, 2009

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

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 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).
Yes £
 
No  T


Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K 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.  See definition of “accelerated filer and large accelerated filer” 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, 2008 (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 $524,115,147 based on the closing sale price of $43.45 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 1, 2009, there were 12,144,216 shares of the registrant’s common Stock ($1.00 par value) outstanding.


DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

Document
 
Parts Into Which Incorporated
Annual Report to Shareholders for the Fiscal Year Ended 2009 (Annual Report)
 
Parts [I, II, and IV]
Proxy Statement for the Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be held July 14,2009 (Proxy Statement)
 
Part III


 
 

 

AZZ incorporated

YEAR ENDED FEBRUARY 28, 2009
INDEX TO FORM 10-K


PART I
     
1
 
Business
 
1
 
Risk Factors
 
5
 
Unresolved Staff Comments
 
8
 
Properties
 
9
 
Legal Proceedings
 
10
 
Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders
 
10
         
PART II
     
10
 
Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities
 
10
 
Selected Financial Data
 
12
 
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operation
 
12
 
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
 
22
 
Financial Statements and Supplementary Data
 
23
 
Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure
 
23
 
Controls and Procedures
 
23
 
Other Information
 
23
         
PART III
     
24
 
Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance
 
24
 
Executive Compensation
 
24
 
Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters
 
24
 
Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Directors Independence
 
26
 
Principal Accountant Fees and Services
 
26
         
PART IV
     
26
 
Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules
 
26
         
     
27

 
 

 

 Forward Looking Statements

This Annual Report on Form 10-K may contain “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act").  These statements are generally identified by the use of words such as “anticipate,” “expect,” “estimate,” “intend,” “should,” “may,” “believe,” and terms with similar meanings.  Although the Company believes that the current views and expectations reflected in these forward-looking statements are reasonable, those views and expectations, and the related statements, are inherently subject to risks, uncertainties, and other factors, many of which are not under the Company’s control.  Those risks, uncertainties, and other factors could cause the actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements.  Those risks, uncertainties, and factors include, but are not limited to: the level of customer demand for and response to products and services offered by the Company, including demand by the power generation markets, electrical transmission and distribution markets, the general industrial market, and the hot dip galvanizing markets; prices and raw material cost, including the cost of zinc and natural gas, which are used in the hot dip galvanizing process; changes in economic conditions of the various markets the Company serves, both foreign and domestic; customer requested delays of shipments; acquisition opportunities or lack thereof; currency exchange rates, adequacy of financing; and availability of experienced management employees to implement the Company’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 of existing or continued deterioration in economic conditions in the U.S. or the markets in which we operate; and acts of war or terrorism inside the United States or abroad.  The Company expressly disclaims any obligation to release publicly any updates or revisions to these forward-looking statements to reflect any change in its views or expectations. The Company can give no assurances that such forward-looking statements will prove to be correct.


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.

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 customer may resist these escalation clauses.

 
1

 

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 $174.8 million at February 28, 2009, $134.9 million at February 29, 2008, and $120.7 million at February 28, 2007. The majority of the backlog as of February 28, 2009 should be delivered during the next 18 months.  We believe that the contracts and purchase orders included in the backlog are firm.

We employed a total of 815 people in this segment as of February 28, 2009.


Galvanizing Services Segment

The Galvanizing Services Segment provides hot dip galvanizing to the steel fabrication industry through facilities located throughout the South, Midwest 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, 2009, we operated twenty galvanizing plants, which are located in Texas, Louisiana, Alabama, Mississippi, Arkansas, Arizona, Indiana, Illinois, Ohio, Oklahoma and Minnesota.

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 (“OEMs”).  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.

We employed a total of 907 people in this segment as of February 28, 2009.





 
2

 

Executive Officers of the Registrant
 
Name
 
Age
Business Experience for Past Five Years
Position or Office with Registrant or Prior Employer
 
Held Since
       
David H. Dingus
61
President and Chief Executive Officer
2001
       
Dana L. Perry
60
Senior Vice President of Finance, Chief Financial Officer and Secretary
Vice President of Finance, Chief Financial Officer, Asst. Sec.
2004
1992-2004
       
John V. Petro
63
Senior Vice President, Electrical & Industrial Products
Vice President Operations, Electrical & Industrial Products
2006
2001-2006
       
Clement H. Watson
62
Vice President Sales, Electrical Products
2000
       
Jim C. Stricklen
60
Vice President, Business and Manufacturing Systems
Vice President, Assist Connectivity Technology
2004
2001-2003
       
Tim E. Pendley
47
Senior Vice President, Galvanizing Services Segment
Vice President Operations, Galvanizing Services Segment
Division Operations Manager
2009
2004-2009
1999-2004
       
Richard W. Butler
43
Vice President, Corporate Controller
Corporate Controller
2004
1999-2004
       
Ashok E. Kolady
35
Vice President, Business Development
Operation, Marketing, & Business Development, Eaton Corp
Process Improvement Lead, General Motors Corporation
2007
2004-2007
1999-2004
       
John Lincoln
47
Vice President, Galvanizing  Northern Operations
South Central Regional Manager, AGS
Executive Vice President, North American Galvanizing
2009
2006-2009
1999-2006
       
Bryan Stovall
45
Vice President, Galvanizing Southern Operations
SE and TX Coast Region Manager, AGS
SW Region Manager, AGS
2009
2007-2009
2001-2007
       
Bill Estes
44
Vice President – Electrical and Industrial Products
General Manager - CGIT and The Calvert Company
General Manager – CGIT
2009
2004-2009
2001-2004
       
John Petitto
64
Vice President – Electrical and Industrial Products
General Manager – Central Electric Manufacturing Co.
2009
2003-2009
       
Francis D. Quinn
43
Vice President – Human Resources
Vice President – Benefits and Compensation, Americredit Corp.
Assistant Vice President – Benefits, Americredit Corp.
2009
2004-2008
1999-2004

Each executive officer was elected by the Board of Directors to hold office until the next Annual Meeting or until his successor is elected.  There are no family relationships between the Executive Officers of the Company.


 
3

 

Available Information

We are subject to the reporting requirements of 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.

The current worldwide financial crisis and economic downturn may likely affect our customer base and suppliers and could materially affect our backlog and profits.
 
The current worldwide financial crisis has reduced the availability of liquidity and credit, including letters of credit and surety bonds, to fund or support the continuation and expansion of industrial business operations worldwide. Recent financial market conditions have resulted in significant write-downs of asset values by financial institutions, and have caused many financial institutions to seek additional capital, to merge with larger and stronger institutions and, in some cases, to fail. Many lenders and institutional investors have reduced and, in some cases, ceased to provide funding to borrowers. Continued disruption of the credit markets could adversely affect our customers’ or our own letter of credit and surety bonding capacity, which support the continuation and expansion of projects worldwide and could result in contract cancellations or suspensions or project delays. If one or more of our suppliers or subcontractors experiences difficulties that result in a reduction or interruption in supply to us, or they fail to meet any of our manufacturing requirements, our business could be adversely impacted until we are able to secure alternative sources, if any. Furthermore, our ability to expand our business would be limited if, in the future, we are unable to increase our bonding capacity or our credit facility on favorable terms or at all. These disruptions could lead to a lower demand for our services and could materially impact our business, financial condition and results of operations or the trading price of our common stock.

The U.S. government’s proposed plan to address the financial crises may not be effective to stabilize the financial markets or to increase the availability of credit.
 
In response to the financial crises affecting the banking system and financial markets and going concern threats to investment banks and other financial institutions, legislation was enacted that provides the U.S. Treasury the authority to, among other things, purchase mortgage-backed and other securities from financial institutions for the purpose of stabilizing the financial markets. Since enactment of the legislation, the capital markets have continued to experience extreme levels of volatility and the credit markets have not yet shown any significant increase in the availability of credit. There can be no assurance what impact this legislation ultimately will have on the financial markets. If actions taken pursuant to the legislation are not successful in stabilizing the financial markets and increasing the availability of credit, it could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations or the trading price of our common stock.

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.

 
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;
 
·
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; inventory levels; 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 dependence upon 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.

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

 

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.

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 are cancelled that appeared to have a high certainty of going forward at the time they were recorded as new business is taken.  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.


 
7

 

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;
 
·
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 that you can expect 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;
 
·
increase the number or size of projects performed for existing customers;
 
·
hire and retain employees; and
 
·
increase volume utilizing our existing facilities.

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.


Item 1B    Unresolved Staff Comments

There were no unresolved SEC staff comments as of February 28, 2009.


 
8

 

Item 2.          Properties

The following table sets forth information about the Company's principal facilities, owned or leased, on February 28, 2009:

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) 80,900
 
Electrical and Industrial Products
Fulton, Missouri
    -    
(Leased) 126,300
 
Electrical and Industrial Products
Tulsa, Oklahoma
    -    
(Leased) 66,000
 
Electrical and Industrial Products
Greenville, South Carolina
    -    
(Leased) 51,000
 
Electrical and Industrial Products
St. Catharines, Ontario
    4.57       47,500  
Electrical and Industrial Products
Crowley, Texas
    28.5       79,200  
Galvanizing Services
Houston, Texas
    25.2       61,800  
Galvanizing Services
Waskom, Texas
    10.6       30,400  
Galvanizing Services
Beaumont, Texas
    12.9       33,700  
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
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       297,600  
Galvanizing Services
Peoria, Illinois
    -    
(Leased) 66,400
 
Galvanizing Services
Chelsea, Oklahoma
    15       30,700  
Galvanizing Services
Winsted, Minnesota
    10.4       81,200  
Galvanizing Services
Hamilton, Indiana
    49.3       110,700  
Galvanizing Services
Fort Worth, Texas
    -    
(Leased) 27,100
 
Corporate Offices

 

 
9

 

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

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.                 Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders

No matter was submitted to a vote of security holders through the solicitation of proxies or otherwise during the fourth quarter of the fiscal year ended February 28, 2009.
PART II

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 and 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, 2009 and February 29, 2008, all of which have been adjusted to reflect our two-for-one stock split, effected in the form of a stock dividend on May 4, 2007.


   
Quarter Ended
May 31,
   
Quarter Ended
August 31,
   
Quarter Ended
November 30,
   
Quarter Ended
February 28/29,
 
Per Share
 
2008
   
2007
   
2008
   
2007
   
2008
   
2007
   
2009
   
2008
 
High
  $ 39.20     $ 34.62     $ 48.50     $ 41.45     $ 45.14     $ 37.41     $ 28.97     $ 37.50  
Low
  $ 26.15     $ 18.33     $ 30.67     $ 27.14     $ 15.09     $ 24.41     $ 17.67     $ 25.85  
Dividends Declared
    -       -       -       -       -       -       -       -  

The payment of dividends is within the discretion of our Board and will depend on our earnings, capital requirements, operating and financial condition and other factors.  We expect for the foreseeable future to invest substantially all of our earnings in the expansion of our business.

The approximate number of holders of record of our common stock at May 15, 2009 was 467. See Item 12 of this Report for information regarding securities authorized for issuance under equity compensation plans.




 
10

 

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 the Center for Research in Security Prices of The University of Chicago Graduate School of Business.  AZZ is listed on The New York Stock Exchange and 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 27, 2004, 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 27, 2004
 
For Fiscal Year Ended on the Last Day of February
 

 
Stock Chart
 

 

 
Symbol
CRSP Total Returns Index for:
2/04
2/05
2/06
2/07
2/08
2/09
 
AZZ incorporated
100.00
101.25
142.45
253.11
442.65
252.91
 
CRSP Index for NYSE Stock Market (US Companies)
100.00
109.09
120.28
137.25
132.41
  74.11
 ········
CRSP Index for NYSE Stocks (SIC 5000-5099 US Companies)
100.00
119.90
165.92
177.71
165.84
  90.30
 
Wholesale trade - durable goods
           

 


 
11

 

Item 6.                 Selected Financial Data

   
Fiscal Year
 
   
2009 (a)
   
2008
   
2007 (c)
   
2006
   
2005
 
   
(In thousands, except per share amounts)
 
Summary of operations:
                             
Net sales
  $ 412,364     $ 320,193     $ 260,344     $ 187,184     $ 152,428  
Net income
    42,206       27,688       21,604       7,827       4,812  
                                         
Earnings per share:
                                       
Basic earnings per common share(b)
  $ 3.48     $ 2.30     $ 1.86     $ .70     $ .44  
Diluted earnings per common share(b)
    3.43       2.26       1.82       .69       .44  
                                         
Total assets
  $ 354,715     $ 193,319     $ 200,908     $ 141,026     $ 128,635  
Long-term debt
    100,000       -       35,200       14,375       23,875  
Total liabilities
    167,604       47,163       89,759       53,758       53,316  
Shareholders' equity
    187,112       146,157       111,148       87,269       75,319  
Working capital
    123,652       60,299       62,252       27,917       24,839  
                                         
Cash provided by operating activities
  $ 60,196     $ 38,926     $ 6,928     $ 12,794     $ 6,471  
Capital expenditures
    20,009       9,926       10,659       6,602       6,649  
Depreciation & amortization
    14,528       8,199       6,660       5,720       5,653  
Cash dividend per common share
    -       -       -       -       -  
                                         
Weighted average shares outstanding (b)
    12,140       12,013       11,599       11,168       10,888  

(a)
Includes the acquisition of AAA Industries, Inc. on April 1, 2008 and Blenkhorn and Sawle on July 1, 2008.
(b)
Adjusted to reflect a two-for-one stock split, effective in the form of a stock dividend on May 4, 2007.
(c)
Includes the acquisition of Witt Galvanizing, Inc. on November 1, 2006.

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

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 as well as the general industrial market.  As of February 28, 2009, the Galvanizing Services Segment consists of twenty hot dip-galvanizing facilities located throughout the South, Midwest and Southwest United States that provide galvanizing services to the steel fabrication industry. All per share data in this section have been adjusted to reflect our two-for-one stock split effected May 4, 2007. References herein to fiscal years are to the twelve-month periods that end in February of relevant calendar year.  For example, the twelve-month period ended February 28, 2009 is referred to as "fiscal 2009" or "fiscal year 2009."

For the fiscal year-ended February 28, 2009, we recorded revenues of $412.4 million compared to the prior year’s revenues of $320.2 million.  Approximately 55% of our revenues were generated from the Electrical and Industrial Products Segment and approximately 45% were generated from the Galvanizing Services Segment.  Net income for fiscal 2009 was $42.2 million compared to $27.7 million for fiscal 2008. Net income as a percentage of sales was 10.2% for fiscal 2009 as compared to 8.6% for fiscal 2008.  Earnings per share increased by 52% to $3.43 per share for fiscal 2009 compared to $2.26 per share for fiscal 2008, on a diluted basis.


 
12

 

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, specifically 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, 2009 compared with year ended February 29, 2008

Backlog

Our operations ended fiscal 2009 with a backlog of $174.8 million, an increase of 30% as compared to fiscal 2008 backlog of $134.9 million. All ending backlog for fiscal 2009 relates to our Electrical and Industrial Products Segment. Our book-to-ship ratio was 1.06 to 1 for fiscal 2009 as compared to 1.04 to 1 in the prior year. In fiscal 2009, we continued our efforts to improve our market coverage and expand our served markets. New orders were balanced across our power generation, transmission and distribution, and industrial markets. Incoming orders increased 31% for fiscal 2009 as compared to the same period last year.   The fourth quarter backlog while remaining strong was down when compared to the second quarter and third quarter of fiscal 2009.

During the fourth quarter of fiscal 2009, incoming orders were slower than desired due to increased customer deliberation on the release of new orders pertaining to projects that are in process as well as those that are in the planning phase. This combined with increased competitive pressure, particularly on large international orders, has had an impact on our incoming order rate. New orders in the fourth quarter have historically been lower than other quarters  but unlike in prior years, we do not anticipate that our backlog will increase in the first or second quarter of fiscal 2010. We anticipate and remain optimistic that we will see some leveling of our backlog after the second quarter and a modest recovery as we enter into fiscal 2011.

The following table reflects bookings and shipments for fiscal 2009 and 2008.

Backlog Table
(In thousands)
 
Period Ended
     
Period Ended
     
Backlog
2/29/08
  $ 134,876  
2/28/07
  $ 120,666  
Bookings
      439,075         334,403  
Acquired Backlog
      13,244         0  
Shipments
      412,364         320,193  
Backlog
2/28/09
  174,831  
2/29/08
  134,876  
Book to Ship Ratio
      1.06         1.04  


Revenues

Our consolidated revenues for fiscal 2009 increased by $92.2 million or 29%, as compared to fiscal 2008.

The following table reflects the breakdown of revenue by segment:

   
2009
   
2008
 
   
(In thousands)
 
Revenue:
           
Electrical and Industrial Products
  $ 225,797     $ 179,181  
Galvanizing Services
    186,567       141,012  
Total Revenue
  $ 412,364     $ 320,193  


 
13

 

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 2009 of $225.8 million, an increase of 26% above fiscal 2008 results of $179.2 million.  The acquisition of Blenkhorn and Sawle Ltd. on July 1, 2008, combined with a continuation of improved market demand primarily from our high voltage transmission, power generation, utility distribution, and energy infrastructure markets resulted in the increased revenues for the compared years.  Revenues from Blenkhorn and Sawle Ltd. accounted for 18% of the increase for fiscal 2009.

Our Galvanizing Services Segment, which consisted of twenty hot dip galvanizing facilities as of February 28, 2009, generated revenues of $186.6 million, a 32% increase from the prior year’s revenues of $141 million. Volume of steel processed for the fiscal year increased 37%, with 86% attributable to acquisitions of AAA Industries Inc. made on April 1, 2008. Selling price decreased 2% for fiscal 2009 as compared to fiscal 2008. Revenues from by-products accounted for the remaining 3% decrease in revenues.  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:

   
2009
   
2008
 
   
(In thousands)
 
Segment Operating Income:
           
Electrical and Industrial Products
  $ 38,952     $ 29,158  
Galvanizing Services
    53,183       35,087  
Total Segment Operating Income
  $ 92,135     $ 64,245  

Total segment operating income (see Note 11 to Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements) increased $27.9 million to $92.1 million in fiscal 2009 as compared to $64.2 million in fiscal 2008. Consolidated operating margins as a percentage of sales increased to 22% for fiscal 2009 as compared to 20% in fiscal 2008. The Electrical and Industrial Products Segment generated 42% of the operating income for fiscal 2009, while the Galvanizing Services Segment produced the remaining 58%.

Our continuous improvement programs, combined with aggressive marketing programs, have had a positive impact on our operating results for fiscal 2009.  We believe that these efforts as well as the leverage gained from additional volumes and lower commodity costs positively impacted our results for Fiscal 2009.

Operating income for the Electrical and Industrial Products Segment increased $9.8 million or 34% for fiscal 2009, to $39 million as compared to $29.2 million for fiscal 2008. Operating margins for this segment were 17% for fiscal 2009 as compared to 16% for fiscal 2008. Operating margins were favorable for fiscal 2009 due to pricing discipline, improved project management, and favorable costs of key commodities. In addition, favorable market conditions and a strong backlog resulted in higher volumes which contributed to the increase in operating income. 

Operating income for the Galvanizing Service Segment increased $18.1 million for fiscal 2009, to $53.2 million as compared to $35.1 million for the prior year.  Operating margins were 29% for fiscal 2009 as compared to 25% for fiscal 2008.  Margins benefited from lower zinc costs for fiscal 2009 as compared to fiscal 2008.  Margins in our infrastructure work related to electrical and telecommunications, and the petrochemical markets remained strong, while other margins saw deterioration due the domestic economic conditions.  We have seen additional pricing deterioration since the first of calendar 2009 and believe that fiscal 2010 will reflect a continuation of these conditions.  Fortunately our cost structure is benefiting from lower commodity cost which will partially offset the adverse impact of price adjustments.


 
14

 

General Corporate Expense

General corporate expenses were $19.4 million for fiscal 2009 and $18.9 million for fiscal 2008. As a percentage of sales, general corporate expenses were 4.7% for fiscal 2009 as compared to 5.9% in fiscal 2008.

Interest

Interest expense for fiscal 2009 increased 313% or $4.7 million as compared to fiscal 2008.  Interest expense increased due to higher levels of debt resulting from a $100 million Note Purchase Agreement entered into by the Company pursuant to which the Company issued $100 million aggregate principal amount of it’s 6.24% unsecured Notes (as defined below). The increase in debt funded the acquisition of AAA Industries, Inc. on April 1, 2008 and Blenkhorn & Sawle Ltd. on July 1, 2008. Our long-term debt as a percentage of shareholders’ equity ratio was .53 to 1 at the end of fiscal 2009. We had no long-term debt outstanding at the end of fiscal 2008.

Other (Income) Expense

For fiscal 2009 and 2008, 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 37% for fiscal 2009 and fiscal 2008.  On December 15, 2008, the IRS began an audit of our Fiscal 2007 federal income tax return. To date there have been no material issues raised and we do not anticipate any significant adjustments as a result of this audit.

Year ended February 29, 2008 compared with year ended February 28, 2007

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, specifically 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.)

Backlog

Our operations ended fiscal 2008 with a backlog of $134.9 million, an increase of 12% as compared to fiscal 2007 backlog of $120.7 million. All ending backlog relates to our Electrical and Industrial Products Segment. Our book-to-ship ratio was 1.04 to 1 for fiscal 2008 as compared to 1.18 to 1 in the prior year. In fiscal 2008, we continued our efforts to improve our market coverage and expand our served markets. New orders were balanced across our power generation, transmission and distribution, and industrial markets. Incoming orders increased 8% for fiscal 2008 as compared to fiscal 2007.

The following table reflects bookings and shipments for fiscal 2008 and 2007.

Backlog Table
(In thousands)
 
Period Ending
     
Period Ending
     
Backlog
2/28/07
  $ 120,666  
2/28/06
  $ 73,765  
Bookings
      334,403         307,245  
Shipments
      320,193         260,344  
Backlog
2/29/08
  $ 134,876  
2/28/07
  $ 120,666  
Book to Ship Ratio
      1.04         1.18  


 
15

 

Revenues

Our consolidated revenues for fiscal 2008 increased by $59.8 million or 23%, as compared to fiscal 2007.

The following table reflects the breakdown of revenue by segment:

   
2008
   
2007
 
   
(In thousands)
 
Revenue:
           
Electrical and Industrial Products
  $ 179,181     $ 150,250  
Galvanizing Services
    141,012       110,094  
Total Revenue
  $ 320,193     $ 260,344  

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 2008 of $179.2 million, an increase of 19% above fiscal 2007 results of $150.3 million. The increased revenue resulted from a continuation of improved market demand and improved pricing, primarily from our high voltage transmission, power generation and utility distribution market as compared to fiscal 2007.

Our Galvanizing Services Segment, which was comprised of fourteen hot dip galvanizing facilities as of February 29, 2008, generated revenues of $141 million, a 28% increase from the prior year’s revenues of $110 million.  The increased revenue resulted from a 10% improvement in pricing and 18% increase in the pounds of steel produced in fiscal 2008 as compared to fiscal 2007.  Our acquisition of Witt Galvanizing, Inc. on November 1, 2006, accounted for 68% of the increase in the pounds of steel produced. The remaining 32% increase in volume resulted from increased project work, which was spread across all of our served markets. 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:

   
2008
   
2007
 
   
(In thousands)
 
Segment Operating Income:
           
Electrical and Industrial Products
  $ 29,158     $ 21,301  
Galvanizing Services
    35,087       31,945  
Total Segment Operating Income
  $ 64,245     $ 53,246  

Total segment operating income (see Note 11 to Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements) increased $11 million to $64.2 million in fiscal 2008 as compared to $53.2 million in fiscal 2007. Consolidated operating margins as a percentage of sales were 20% for each of fiscal 2008 and fiscal 2007. The Electrical and Industrial Products Segment generated 45% of the operating income for fiscal 2008, while the Galvanizing Services Segment produced the remaining 55%.

Operating income for the Electrical and Industrial Products Segment increased $7.9 million or 37% for fiscal 2008, to $29.2 million as compared to $21.3 million for fiscal 2007. Operating margins for this segment were 16% for fiscal 2008 as compared to 14% for fiscal 2007. Operating margins and profit improvement were attributable to the leverage gained from increased volumes and pricing actions as a result of favorable market conditions.

Operating income for the Galvanizing Service Segment increased $3.1 million for fiscal 2008, to $35.1 million as compared to $31.9 million for the prior year.  The improved operating results reflected improved market conditions, which generated higher revenues. Operating margins were 25% for fiscal 2008 as compared to 29% for fiscal 2007. Operating margins were lower during fiscal 2008 due to higher FIFO inventory costs of zinc as compared to fiscal 2007.

 
16

 

 Due to our First In First Out ("FIFO") cost basis on our zinc inventory, the higher cost for zinc purchased in fiscal 2007 was recognized in fiscal 2008.  While margins were lower for fiscal 2008 as compared to fiscal 2007, favorable market conditions allowed us to maintain margins at levels above our historical margins of 18% to 22%.

General Corporate Expense

General corporate expenses were $18.9 million for fiscal 2008 and $17.2 million for fiscal 2007. As a percentage of sales, general corporate expenses were 5.9% for fiscal 2008 as compared to 6.6% in fiscal 2007. The increased general corporate expense for fiscal 2008 resulted from increased compensation expense and employee profit sharing expense. Compensation expense increased approximately $1.3 million, as compared to the same period in fiscal 2007, related primarily to our stock appreciation rights program. Profit sharing expense increased $.4 million in fiscal 2008 as compared to same period in the prior year.

Interest

Interest expense for fiscal 2008 was $1.5 million, which was relatively unchanged as compared to February 28, 2007. Total obligations under the Credit Agreement (as defined below) were paid in full as of February 29, 2008, a decrease of $35.2 million as compared to fiscal 2007.

Other (Income) Expense

For fiscal 2008 and 2007, 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 37% for fiscal 2008 and fiscal 2007.  Increased benefits in our effective tax rate from the American Jobs Creation Act of 2005 were offset by compensation expense that will not be deductible due to the limitations on deductibility established under Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code.

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, 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, capital improvements, and payment of debt and possible future acquisitions during fiscal 2010.

Our operating activities generated cash flows of approximately $60.2 million, $38.9 million, and $6.9 million during fiscal 2009, 2008, and 2007, respectively.  Cash flow from operations in fiscal 2009 included net income in the amount of $42.2 million, depreciation and amortization in the amount of $14.5 million, and other adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash in the amount of a $7.1 million.  Included in other adjustments were provisions for bad debt, deferred income taxes, gain or loss on the sale of assets and non-cash adjustments. Positive cash flow was recognized due to decreased inventories, revenue in excess of billings, and prepaid expenses in the amount of $2 million, $.7 million, $.1 million, respectively, and increased accrued liabilities and accounts payable in the amounts of $9.5 million, and $.8 million, respectively.  These positive cash flow items were offset by increased accounts receivables in the amount of $16.7 million. Accounts receivable average days outstanding were 51 days for fiscal 2009, as compared to 49 days at fiscal 2008.

Our working capital was $123.7 million at February 28, 2009, as compared to $60.3 million at February 29, 2008.

During fiscal 2009, capital improvements were made in the amount of $20 million, of which $2.5 was related to the fire damage at one of our galvanizing facilities. The breakdown of capital spending by segment for fiscal 2009, 2008, and 2007 can be found in Note 11 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

 
17

 

For fiscal 2009, long-term debt increased by $100 million from the issuance of Notes to fund the acquisition of AAA Industries, Inc. and Blenkhorn and Sawle, Ltd. for an aggregate purchase price of $96.3 million.

We received sales or insurance proceeds for property and equipment in the amount of $3.5 million and proceeds from the exercise of stock options and related tax benefits in the amount of $.1 million. There were no cash dividends declared or paid in fiscal 2009, and no resumption of a cash dividend is currently anticipated.

On May 25, 2006, we entered into the Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement by and among AZZ, Bank of America, N.A. ("Bank of America") and certain other lenders (including Bank of America) (the “Credit Agreement”), which replaced our Amended and Restated Revolving and Term Credit Agreement dated as of November 1, 2001.  The Credit Agreement provides for a $60 million revolving line of credit with one lender, Bank of America, N.A., maturing on May 25, 2011. This is an unsecured revolving credit facility, which we used to refinance outstanding borrowings and is used to provide for working capital needs, capital improvements, future acquisitions, and letter of credit needs. At February 28, 2009, we had no outstanding debt borrowed against the revolving credit facility.  However, we had letters of credit outstanding in the amount of $13.5 million, which left approximately $46.5 million of additional credit available under the revolving credit facility.

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 $69.8 million, representing 80% of net worth at February 28, 2006 plus 75% 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 of at least 2.5:1.0 and d) Capital Expenditures- not to make Capital Expenditures on a consolidated basis in an amount in excess of $22 million for fiscal 2009 and $20 million for future fiscal years. Consents were received from our lenders to complete our acquisitions in fiscal 2009.

The Credit Agreement provides for an applicable margin ranging from .75% to 1.25% over the Eurodollar Rate and Commitment Fees ranging from .175% to .25% depending on our Leverage Ratio.

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 "Notes") due March 31, 2018 through a private placement (the "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.

In connection with the Note Offering, the Company entered into an amendment to our Credit Agreement. The Amendment contains the consent of Bank of America to the Note Offering and amends the Credit Agreement to provide that the Note Offering will not constitute a default under the Credit Agreement.

The 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 – Maintains 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).  In conjunction with the Note Offering, the Credit Agreement was amended to reflect the same financial covenants as the Notes. We were in compliance at February 28, 2009 with all of our debt covenants.

Our current ratio (current assets/current liabilities) was 3.12 to 1 at the end of fiscal 2009, as compared to 2.41 to 1 at the end of fiscal 2008.  Shareholder equity grew 28% during fiscal 2009 to $187.1 million. Long-term debt as a percentage of shareholders’ equity ratio was .53 to 1 at the end of fiscal 2009. We had no long-term debt outstanding at the end of fiscal 2008.


 
18

 
 
We have not experienced a significant impact on our operations from increases in general inflation other than for specific commodities and employee health care costs.  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 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 policy, 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

Leases

The Company leases various facilities under non-cancelable operating leases with an initial term in excess of one year. As of February 28, 2009, the future minimum payments required under these operating leases are summarized in the below table.  Rental expense for real estate and personal property were approximately $4,713,000, $3,132,000, and $2,517,000 for fiscal years ended 2009, 2008 and 2007, respectively, and includes all short-term as well as long-term rental agreements.

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

   
Operating Leases
   
Debt
   
Interest
 
   
(In thousands)
 
2010                
  $ 3,701     $ -     $ 6,240  
2011                
    3,937       -       6,240  
2012                
    3,275       -       6,240  
2013                
    2,811       14,286       5,794  
2014                
    2,690       14,286       4,903  
Thereafter
    14,192       71,428       11,143  
Total                
  $ 30,606     $ 100,000     $ 40,560  

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 contractual agreements partially offset exposure to commodity price swings.

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 course of normal business.

 
19

 

Other

At February 28, 2009, the Company had outstanding letters of credit in the amount of $13.5 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, 2009, a warranty reserve in the amount of $2 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.  It is the policy of management to disclose the amount or range of reasonably possible losses in excess of recorded amounts.  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, 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 of 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, as well as 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 recognize revenue for the Galvanizing Services Segment upon completion of the galvanizing process performed on the customers’ material or shipment of this material. Revenue for the Galvanizing Service Segment is typically recognized 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.

 
20

 

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.

Accounting for Income Taxes - We account for income taxes under the provisions of SFAS No. 109, "Accounting For Income Taxes" ("SFAS No. 109").  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.  SFAS No. 109 also requires that deferred tax assets be 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 FASB Interpretation No. 48, "Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes – an interpretation of FASB No. 109" ("FIN 48"), 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 requirement.

Stock Options and Stock Appreciation Rights - Our employees and directors are periodically granted stock options or Stock Appreciation Rights by the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors. In fiscal 2007, we adopted the provisions of SFAS No. 123R, "Share-Based Payment" ("SFAS No. 123R").  Under the provisions of SFAS No. 123R, 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.

 
21

 

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

In December 2007, the Financial Accounting Standard Board ("FASB") issued SFAS No. 141, (revised 2007), "Business Combinations" ("SFAS No. 141(R)"), which continues the evolution toward fair value reporting and significantly changes the accounting for acquisitions that close when adopted in 2010, both at the acquisition date and in subsequent periods.  SFAS No. 141(R) introduces new accounting concepts and valuation complexities, and many of the changes have the potential to generate greater earnings volatility after an acquisition.  SFAS No. 141(R) applies to acquisitions on or after March 1, 2009 and will impact the Company's reporting prospectively only.

In December 2007, FASB issued SFAS No. 160, "Noncontrolling Interests in Consolidated Statements – an amendment of ARB No. 51" ("SFAS No. 160"), which requires companies to measure an acquisition of noncontrolling (minority) interest at fair value in the equity section of the acquiring entity's balance sheet.  The objective of SFAS No. 160 is to improve the comparability and transparency of financial data as well as to help prevent manipulation of earnings.  The changes introduced by the new standards are likely to affect the planning and execution, as well as the accounting and disclosure, of merger transactions.  The effective date to adopt SFAS No. 160 for us is March 1, 2009 and we do not expect the adoption to have a material effect on our results of operations and financial position.

In September 2006, the FASB issued SFAS No. 157, "Fair Value Measurements" ("SFAS No. 157"), which defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value and expands disclosures about fair value measurements.  The provisions of SFAS No. 157 are effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007.  In February of 2008, the FASB issued FASB Staff position No. 157-2 which delays the effective date of SFAS No. 157 for non-financial assets and liabilities which are not measured at fair value on a recurring basis (at least annually) until fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2008. We are currently in the process of evaluating the impact of the adoption of SFAS no. 157 on our 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 swings.

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 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. To date, we have been successful in passing along the rising cost of zinc without an adverse effect on our results of operations. However, there can be no assurance that either interest rates or commodity prices will not change in excess of the 10% hypothetical amount, 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.
 
 
22

 

Item 8.                 Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.

The Index to our Consolidated Financial Statements is found on page 28.  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.

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

(a) Report of Management Regarding Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

See management’s report on page 29.

(b) BDO Seidman LLP, our independent public accounting firm, has issued an audit report on our internal control over financial reporting which is included on pages 30-31.

(c) 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
 
 
23

 

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 report 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 2009 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 2009 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 2009 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 2009 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 2009 Annual Meeting of Shareholders.

Equity Compensation Plans

The following table provides a summary of information as of February 28, 2009, relating to our equity compensation plans in which our Common Stock is authorized for issuance. All shares and price data have been adjusted to reflect our two-for-one stock split, effected in the form of a share dividend on May 4, 2007.
 
 
24

 

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)
    607,070 (2)   $ 17.87       710,095 (3)
Total
    607,700     $ 17.87       710,095  
     
 
(1)
Consists of the Amended and Restated 2005 Long-Term Incentive Plan, and 2001 Long-Term Incentive Plan..  See Note 9, “Stock Options and Other Shareholder Matters” to our “Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements” for further information.

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

 
(3)
Consists of shares remaining available for future issuance under the Amended and Restated 2005 Long-Term Incentive Plan of 498,951 shares and  2001 Long-Term Incentive Plan of 211,144 shares


Description of Other Plans for the Grant of Equity Compensation

The following are plans under which shares of our Common Stock have been reserved for issuance as compensation to our Independent Directors and Advisory Directors.  The shares covered by those plans are not included in the table above on equity compensation plans because they do not provide for options, warrants or rights. All shares and price data have been adjusted to reflect our two-for-one stock split, effected in the form of a share dividend on May 4, 2007.

1999 Independent Director Share Ownership Plan

On January 19, 1999, the Board of Directors established the 1999 Independent Director Share Ownership Plan (as amended, the “Independent Director Plan”).  Each independent Director (as defined in the Independent Director Plan) was granted 1,000 shares of our Common Stock after each annual meeting of the shareholders, who continued in office, beginning with the 1999 Annual Meeting of Shareholders and continuing until our 2005 Annual Meeting of Shareholders, at which time the number of shares granted increased to 2,000 shares.  At our 2007 Annual Meeting of Shareholders the number of shares granted was determined to be the equivalent of $25,000 of stock, based on the stock price at the close of business on the Annual Meeting date, which equated to 683 shares per director. At our 2008 Annual Meeting of Shareholders the number shares granted was determined to be 1,000 shares.  A total of 100,000 shares were covered by the Independent Director Plan, none of which remain available under the Independent Director Plan.

2000 Advisory Director Share Ownership Plan

On March 28, 2000, the Board of Directors established the 2000 Advisory Director Share Ownership Plan (the “Advisory Director Plan”).  Under that Advisory Director Plan, Advisory Directors (as defined in the Advisory Director Plant) receive a grant of 1,000 shares of Common Stock of the Company after each annual shareholders meeting which they continue in office until they receive a total of 10,000 shares, including shares received while serving as an active member of the Board of Directors.  A total of 20,000 shares were covered by the Advisory Director Plan, of which, 13,000 shares remain available under the Advisory Director Plan at February 28, 2009. The Board has no Advisory Directors at the present time and has no current plans to add Advisory Directors in the future.
 
 
25

 

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

The information required by this Item is incorporated by reference to the section entitled “Certain Relationships and Related Party Transactions” and “Director Independence” set forth in the Proxy Statement for our 2009 Annual Meeting of Shareholders.
 
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 2009 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 28.

 
2.
Financial Statements Schedules
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 28.

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 55, which immediately precedes such exhibits.

 
26

 

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: 5/8/2009
 
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
 
       

 
 
27

 

Index to Consolidated Financial Statements and Schedules


       
Page
1
 
Consolidated Financial Statements
   
         
   
Management’s Report on Internal Controls Over Financial Reporting
 
29
         
     
30-31
         
   
Consolidated Statements of Income for the years ended  February 28, 2009, February 29, 2008, and February 28, 2007
 
32
         
   
Consolidated Balance Sheets as of February 28, 2009 and February 29, 2008
 
33-34
         
   
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended February 28, 2009, February 29, 2008, and February 28, 2007
 
35-36
         
   
Consolidated Statements of Shareholders' Equity for the years ended February 28, 2009, February 29, 2008, and February 28, 2007
 
37
         
     
38-53
         
         
2
     
         
   
Schedule II – Valuation and Qualifying Accounts and Reserves
 
54




 
28

 

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, 2009.  The effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of February 28, 2009, has been audited by BDO Seidman, LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, as stated in their report included herein.  Management’s assessment of and conclusion of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting did not include the internal controls of Blenkhorn & Sawle Ltd., which was acquired on July 1, 2008, and which is included in the consolidated balance sheet of AZZ incorporated as of February 28, 2009, and related consolidated statements of income, shareholders’ equity, and cash flows for the year then ended.  Blenkhorn and Sawle constituted less than 5% of total assets and less than 2% of revenues and net income for the year then ended.  Management did not assess the effectiveness of internal controls over financial reporting of Blenkhorn and Sawle because of the timing of the acquisition, which was completed on July 1, 2008.

 
29

 

 

 
 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, 2009 and February 29, 2008 and the related consolidated statements of income, shareholders’ equity, and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended February 28, 2009. 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, 2009, 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 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, 2009 and February 29, 2008 and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the years in the three year period ended February 28, 2009, 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, 2009, based on the COSO criteria.

 
30

 

In addition, in our opinion, the financial statement schedule, when considered in relation to the basic consolidated financial statements taken as a whole, present fairly, in all material respects, the information set forth therein.

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 Blenkhorn and Sawle which was acquired on July 1, 2008 and which is included in the consolidated balance sheets of AZZ incorporated as of February 28, 2009 and the related consolidated statements of income, shareholders equity, and cash flows for the year ended.  Blenkhorn and Sawle constituted less than 5% of total assets as of February 28, 2009 and less than 2% of revenues and net income respectively, for the year then ended.  Management did not assess the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting of Blenkhorn and Sawle because of the timing of the acquisition which was completed on July 1, 2008.  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 Blenkhorn and Sawle.

As discussed in Note 1 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company has adopted Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) Interpretation No. 48, Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes – An Interpretation of FASB Statement No. 109 effective March 1, 2007.


/s/ BDO Seidman, LLP
 
Dallas, Texas
May 8, 2009


 
31

 



AZZ incorporated
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME


Years ended February 28, 2009, February 29, 2008 and February 28, 2007

   
2009
   
2008
   
2007
 
                   
Net sales                                                                      
 
$
412,364,321
   
$
320,193,104
   
$
260,343,667
 
Costs and expenses:
                       
Cost of sales
   
299,011,807
     
239,651,058
     
193,411,001
 
Selling, general, and administrative
   
43,221,186
     
36,261,642
     
31,948,452
 
Net (gain) loss from sale of or insurance settlement on property, plant and equipment
   
  (1,508,892
)
   
  32,211
     
(586,001
)
Interest expense
   
6,169,723
     
1,494,731
     
1,495,442
 
Other income
   
(1,439,635
)
   
(1,079,431
)
   
(524,973
)
     
345,454,189
     
276,360,211
     
225,743,921
 
                         
Income before income taxes and accounting changes
   
66,910,132
     
43,832,893
     
34,599,746
 
Income tax expense                                                                       
   
24,703,907
     
16,145,304
     
12,910,182
 
                         
Income before cumulative effect of changes in accounting principles
 
$
42,206,225
   
$
27,687,589
   
$
21,689,564
 
                         
Cumulative effect of change in accounting principles (net of tax of $50,667 in 2007)
   
-
     
-
     
( 85,344
 )
                         
Net Income                                                                       
 
$
42,206,225
   
$
27,687,589
   
$
21,604,220
 
                         
Earnings per common share:
                       
Basic earnings per share before effect of change in accounting
 
$
3.48
   
$
2.30
   
$
1.87
 
Cumulative effect of change in accounting
   
-
   
$
-
     
( .01
)
Basic earnings per share after effect of change in accounting
 
$
3.48
   
$
2.30
   
$
1.86
 
                         
Diluted  earnings per share  before effect of change in accounting
 
$
3.43
   
$
2.26
   
$
1.83
 
 Cumulative effect of change in accounting
   
-
   
$
-
     
( .01
)
Diluted  earnings per share  after effect of change in accounting
 
$
3.43
   
$
2.26
   
$
1.82
 
                         
Weighted average number common shares
   
12,140,152
     
12,012,789
     
11,599,428
 
Weighted average number common shares and potentially dilutive common shares
   
12,302,176
     
12,227,212
     
11,838,612
 



See accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements.

 
32

 


AZZ incorporated
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS


February 28, 2009 and February 29, 2008

Assets
 
2009
   
2008
 
             
Current assets:
           
 Cash and cash equivalents
 
$
47,557,711
   
$
2,226,941
 
 Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $900,000 in 2009 and $630,000 in 2008
   
64,763,982
     
 38,901,577
 
 Inventories
   
53,775,800
     
43,426,468
 
 Costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings on uncompleted contracts
   
11,328,287
     
13,044,076
 
 Deferred income tax assets
   
3,588,267
     
4,391,398
 
 Prepaid expenses and other
   
1,009,477
     
1,004,383
 
Total current assets
   
182,023,524
     
102,994,843
 
                 
Property, plant, and equipment, at cost:
               
Land
   
5,293,442
     
2,992,863
 
Buildings and structures
   
57,432,879
     
36,763,402
 
Machinery and equipment
   
71,222,475
     
46,783,600
 
Furniture, fixtures, software and computers
   
11,361,501
     
8,548,747
 
Automotive equipment
   
2,025,855
     
1,871,116
 
Construction in progress
   
2,575,285
     
2,936,578
 
     
149,911,437
     
99,896,306
 
Less accumulated depreciation
   
(62,244,744
)
   
(51,611,396
)
Net property, plant, and equipment
   
87,666,693
     
48,284,910
 
                 
Goodwill
   
66,157,000
     
40,962,104
 
Other assets                                                                                         
   
18,868,230
     
1,077,423
 
                 
Total Assets                                                                                         
 
$
354,715,447
   
$
193,319,280
 
 
See accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements.

 
33

 


AZZ incorporated
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (continued)


February 28, 2009 and February 29, 2008

Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity
 
2009
   
2008
 
             
Current liabilities:
           
Accounts payable
 
$
17,853,171
   
$
16,035,932
 
Income tax payable
   
259,734
     
706,966
 
Accrued salaries and wages
   
5,509,197
     
4,919,804
 
Other accrued liabilities
   
12,293,073
     
6,385,285
 
Customer advance payment
   
13,632,734
     
2,115,330
 
Profit sharing
   
6,070,000
     
3,900,000
 
Billings in excess of costs and estimated earnings on uncompleted contracts
   
2,753,532
     
3,798,179
 
Compensation expense related to stock appreciation rights
   
-
     
4,834,325
 
Total current liabilities
   
58,371,441
     
42,695,821
 
                 
Long-term debt due after one year                                                                                         
   
100,000,000
     
-
 
                 
Deferred income tax liabilities                                                                                         
   
9,232,302
     
4,466,834
 
                 
Commitments and Contingencies
               
                 
Shareholders' equity:
               
Common stock, $1 par value; 25,000,000 shares authorized; 12,609,160 shares issued at February 28, 2009 and February 29, 2008
   
12,609,160
     
12,609,160
 
Capital in excess of par value
   
18,241,664
     
16,369,938
 
Retained earnings
   
161,755,340
     
119,549,115
 
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)
   
(3,198,159
)
   
-
 
Less common stock held in treasury, at cost (464,944 shares at February 28, 2009 and 480,188 shares at February 29, 2008)
   
(2,296,301
)
   
(2,371,588
)
Total shareholders' equity
   
187,111,704
     
146,156,625
 
                 
   
$
354,715,447
   
$
193,319,280
 

See accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements.
 
 
34

 



AZZ incorporated
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

Years ended February 28, 2009, February 29, 2008 and February 28, 2007

   
2009
   
2008
   
2007
 
Cash flows from operating activities:
                 
Net income
 
$
42,206,225
   
$
27,687,589
   
$
21,604,220
 
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
                       
Depreciation
   
12,921,034
     
7,998,899
     
6,478,441
 
Amortization
   
1,606,957
     
199,981
     
181,203
 
Share based compensation expense
   
1,843,318
     
845,346
     
763,957
 
Amortization of deferred borrowing costs
   
281,076
     
13,580
     
155,841
 
Provision for doubtful accounts
   
931,794
     
111,171
     
450,796
 
Deferred income tax expense (benefit)
   
5,568,600
     
(529,264
)
   
(1,127,389
)
Cumulative effect of change in accounting principle
   
-
     
-
     
85,344
 
Net (gain) loss on insurance settlement or sale of property, plant and equipment
   
(1,508,892
)
   
50,914
     
(586,001
)
Effects of changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of business acquisitions:
                       
Accounts receivable
   
(16,653,577
)
   
11,264,808
     
(16,126,028
)
Inventories
   
1,998,318
     
2,060,797
     
(17,413,761
)
Prepaid expenses and other assets
   
43,211
     
999,226
     
(402,038
)
Net change in billings related to costs and estimated earnings on uncompleted contracts
   
671,143
     
(3,027,519
)
   
(6,118,020
 )
Accounts payable
   
755,889
     
(9,280,234
)
   
8,686,064
 
Other accrued liabilities and income taxes
   
9,531,074
     
530,896
     
10,294,892
 
                         
Net cash provided by operating activities
   
60,196,170
     
38,926,190
     
6,927,521
 
                         
Cash flows from investing activities:
                       
Proceeds from the sale or insurance settlement of property, plant and equipment
   
3,529,481
     
219,795
     
749,118
 
Acquisition of subsidiaries, net of cash acquired
   
(96,332,010
)
   
-
     
(13,425,967
)
Purchases of property, plant and equipment
   
(20,008,583
)
   
(9,926,198
)
   
(10,658,561
)
                         
Net cash used in investing activities
   
(112,811,112
)
   
(9,706,403
)
   
(23,335,410
)

See accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements.

 
35

 



AZZ incorporated
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (continued)

Years ended February 28, 2009, February 29, 2008 and February 28, 2007

   
2009
   
2008
   
2007
 
Cash flows from financing activities:
                 
Proceeds from long-term debt
   
100,000,000
     
-
     
-
 
Debt acquisition costs
   
(2,000,000)
     
-
     
-
 
Tax benefits from stock options exercised
   
72,453
     
3,053,649
     
266,096
 
Proceeds from exercise of stock options
   
31,242
     
3,450,413
     
1,260,940
 
Payments on revolving loan
   
-
     
(35,200,000
)
   
(11,640,482
)
Payments on long-term debt
   
-
     
-
     
(12,375,000
)
Proceeds from revolving loan
   
-
     
-
     
39,340,482
 
                         
              Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities
   
98,103,695
     
(28,695,938
)
   
16,852,036
 
                         
              Effect of exchange rate changes on cash
   
(157,983
)
   
-
     
-
 
                         
              Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
   
45,330,770
     
523,849
     
444,147
 
                         
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year
   
2,226,941
     
1,703,092
     
1,258,945
 
                         
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year                                                                            
 
$
47,557,711
   
$
2,226,941
   
$
 1,703,092
 
                         
Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information:
                       
Cash paid during the year for:
                       
           Interest                                                                            
 
$
3,322,618
   
$
1,672,214
   
$
 1,310,138
 
                         
Income taxes
 
$
20,558,538
   
$
13,726,926
   
$
13,849,408
 

See accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements.

 
36

 



AZZ incorporated
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

Years ended February 28, 2009, February 29, 2008 and February 28, 2007

   
Common Stock
   
Capital in
   
Retained
   
Accumulated
Other
   
Treasury
   
Total
 
         
excess of
   
earnings
   
Comprehensive
   
Stock
       
   
Shares
   
Amount
   
par value
         
Income (Loss)
             
Balance at February 28, 2006
   
12,609,160
   
$
12,609,160
   
$
9,608,026
   
$