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

FORM 10-Q

(Mark One)
x
Quarterly report pursuant to section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 for the quarterly period ended January 31, 2011 or
¨
Transition report pursuant to section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 for the transition period from _________ to _________.

Commission File No. 0-9143
 
HURCO COMPANIES, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Indiana
 
35-1150732
(State or other jurisdiction of
 
(I.R.S. Employer Identification Number)
incorporation or organization)
   
     
One Technology Way
   
Indianapolis, Indiana
 
46268
(Address of principal executive offices)
 
(Zip code)

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code       (317) 293-5309

Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Sections 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months, and (2) has been subject to the filing requirements for the past 90 days:
Yes x  No ¨

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

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

Large accelerated filer ¨
Accelerated filer x
   
Non-accelerated filer ¨ (Do not check if a smaller reporting company)   
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 x
  
The number of shares of the Registrant's common stock outstanding as of March 1, 2011 was 6,440,851.

 
1

 

HURCO COMPANIES, INC.
January 2011 Form 10-Q Quarterly Report
 
Table of Contents
  
Part I - Financial Information

Item 1.
Financial Statements
     
         
 
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations
Three months ended January 31, 2011 and 2010
    3  
           
 
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets
As of January 31, 2011 and October 31, 2010
    4  
           
 
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
Three months ended January 31, 2011 and 2010
    5  
           
 
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders' Equity
Three months ended January 31, 2011 and 2010
    6  
           
 
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
    7  
           
Item 2.
Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial
Condition and Results of Operations
    15  
           
Item 3.
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
    21  
           
Item 4.
Controls and Procedures
    23  

Part II - Other Information

Item 1.
Legal Proceedings
    24  
           
Item 1A.
Risk Factors
    24  
           
Item 5.
Other Information
    24  
           
Item 6.
Exhibits
    25  
           
Signatures
      26  
 
 
2

 

PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1.
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

HURCO COMPANIES, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(In thousands, except per share data)

   
Three Months Ended
 
   
January 31
 
   
2011
   
2010
 
   
(Unaudited)
 
             
Sales and service fees
  $ 39,680     $ 20,616  
                 
Cost of sales and service
    27,989       16,636  
                 
Gross profit
    11,691       3,980  
                 
Selling, general and administrative expenses
    8,830       6,533  
                 
Operating income (loss)
    2,861       (2,553 )
                 
Interest expense
    5       14  
                 
Interest income
    40       20  
                 
Investment income
    5       5  
                 
Other (income) expense, net
    456       277  
                 
Income (loss) before taxes
    2,445       (2,819 )
                 
Provision (benefit) for income taxes
    899       (983 )
                 
Net income (loss)
  $ 1,546     $ (1,836 )
                 
Income (losses) per common share
               
                 
Basic
  $ .24     $ (0.29 )
Diluted
  $ .24     $ (0.29 )
                 
Weighted average common shares outstanding
               
                 
Basic
    6,441       6,441  
Diluted
    6,463       6,441  

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

 
3

 

HURCO COMPANIES, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(In thousands, except share and per-share data)

   
January 31
2011
   
October 31
2010
 
   
(Unaudited)
   
(Audited)
 
ASSETS
           
Current assets:
           
Cash and cash equivalents
  $ 50,289     $ 48,255  
Accounts receivable, net
    18,073       20,114  
Refundable taxes
    4,731       5,093  
Inventories, net
    59,668       55,866  
Deferred income taxes, net
    2,087       2,467  
Derivative assets
    1,429       905  
Other
    3,847       3,508  
Total current assets
    140,124       136,208  
                 
Non-current assets:
               
Property and equipment:
               
Land
    782       782  
Building
    7,116       7,116  
Machinery and equipment
    15,426       15,095  
Leasehold improvements
    2,256       2,183  
      25,580       25,176  
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization
    (14,066 )     (13,424 )
      11,514       11,752  
Software development costs, less accumulated amortization
    5,862       6,042  
Investments and other assets, net
    6,347       6,344  
    $ 163,847     $ 160,346  
                 
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
               
Current liabilities:
               
Accounts payable
  $ 29,189     $ 30,394  
Accrued expenses and other
    10,053       8,132  
Accrued warranty expenses
    1,669       1,591  
Derivative liabilities
    1,759       2,123  
Total current liabilities
    42,670       42,240  
                 
Non-current liabilities:
               
Deferred income taxes, net
    2,295       2,335  
Deferred credits and other
    1,074       1,031  
Total liabilities
    46,039       45,606  
                 
Shareholders’ equity:
               
Preferred stock: no par value per share, 1,000,000 shares authorized, no shares issued
           
Common stock: no par value, $.10 stated value per share, 13,250,000 shares authorized, 6,440,851 shares issued and outstanding
    644       644  
Additional paid-in capital
    52,215       52,144  
Retained earnings
    65,370       63,824  
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
    (421 )     (1,872 )
Total shareholders’ equity
    117,808       114,740  
    $ 163,847     $ 160,346  

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

 
4

 

HURCO COMPANIES, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(In thousands)

 
   
Three Months Ended
 
   
January 31
 
   
2011
   
2010
 
   
(Unaudited)
 
Cash flows from operating activities:
           
Net income (loss)
  $ 1,546     $ (1,836 )
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by (used for) operating activities:
               
Provision for doubtful accounts
    54       (115 )
Deferred income taxes
    120       (540 )
Equity in (income) loss of affiliates
    5       112  
Depreciation and amortization
    1,067       833  
Foreign currency (gain) loss
    (14 )     2,219  
Unrealized (gain) loss on derivatives
    134       (662 )
Stock-based compensation
    71       19  
Change in assets and liabilities:
               
(Increase) decrease in accounts receivable and refundable taxes
    2,280       1,206  
(Increase) decrease in inventories
    (2,968 )     5,278  
Increase (decrease) in accounts payable
    (1,754 )     (227 )
Increase (decrease) in accrued expenses
    1,917       (731 )
Net change in derivative assets and liabilities
    (457 )     (1,038 )
Other
    356       193  
Net cash provided by (used for) operating activities
    2,357       4,711  
                 
Cash flows from investing activities:
               
Purchase of property and equipment
    (168 )     (182 )
Software development costs
    (373 )     (293 )
Other investments
    (12 )     (9 )
Net cash provided by (used for) investing activities
    (553 )     (484 )
                 
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash
    230       (628 )
                 
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
    2,034       3,599  
                 
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
    48,255       28,782  
                 
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
  $ 50,289     $ 32,381  

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

 
5

 

HURCO COMPANIES, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
For the three months ended January 31, 2011 and 2010
 
 
(In thousands, except
shares issued and outstanding)
 
Common stock
   
 
Additional
         
Accumulated
other
comprehensive
       
   
Shares issued
& outstanding
   
Amount
   
paid-in
capital
   
Retained
earnings
   
income
(loss)
   
Total
 
                                     
Balances, October 31, 2009
    6,440,851     $ 644     $ 52,003     $ 69,568     $ (1,839 )   $ 120,376  
                                                 
Net loss
                      (1,836 )           (1,836 )
                                                 
Translation of foreign currency financial statements
                            (1,031 )     (1,031 )
                                                 
Realized gains on derivative instruments reclassified into operations, net of tax of $11
                                                17           17  
                                                 
Unrealized gains on derivative instruments, net of tax of $295
                            479       479  
                                                 
Comprehensive loss
                                  (2,371 )
                                                 
Stock-based compensation expense
                19                   19  
                                                 
Balances, January 31, 2010 (Unaudited)
    6,440,851     $ 644     $ 52,022     $ 67,732     $ (2,374 )   $ 118,024  
                                                 
Balances, October 31, 2010
    6,440,851     $ 644     $ 52,144     $ 63,824     $ (1,872 )   $ 114,740  
                               
Net income
                      1,546             1,546  
                                                 
Translation of foreign currency financial statements
                            682       682  
                                                 
Realized gains on derivative instruments reclassified into operations, net of tax of $129
                                                220           220  
                                                 
Unrealized gains on derivative instruments, net of tax of $323
                                      549         549  
                                                 
Comprehensive income
                                  2,997  
                                                 
Stock-based compensation expense
                71                   71  
                                                 
Balances, January 31, 2011 (Unaudited)
    6,440,851     $ 644     $ 52,215     $ 65,370     $ (421 )   $ 117,808  
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the condensed consolidated financial statements.
 
 
6

 
 
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)

1.
GENERAL

The unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements include the accounts of Hurco Companies, Inc. and its consolidated subsidiaries.  As used in this report, and unless the context indicates otherwise, the terms “we”, “us”, “our” and similar language refer to Hurco Companies, Inc. and its consolidated subsidiaries. We design and produce computerized machine tools, interactive computer control systems and software for sale through our distribution network to the worldwide metal cutting market. We also provide software options, computer control upgrades, accessories and replacement parts for our products, as well as customer service and training support.

The condensed financial information as of January 31, 2011 and for the three months ended January 31, 2011 and January 31, 2010 is unaudited; however, in our opinion, the interim data includes all adjustments, consisting only of normal recurring adjustments, necessary to present fairly our consolidated financial position, results of operations, changes in shareholders’ equity and cash flows at the end of the interim periods.  We suggest that you read these condensed consolidated financial statements in conjunction with the financial statements and the notes thereto included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended October 31, 2010.

2.
DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS AND HEDGING ACTIVITIES

We are exposed to certain market risks relating to our ongoing business operations, including foreign currency risk, interest rate risk and credit risk.  We manage our exposure to these and other market risks through regular operating and financing activities.  Currently, the only risk that we manage through the use of derivative instruments is foreign currency risk.

We operate on a global basis and are exposed to the risk that our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows could be adversely affected by changes in foreign currency exchange rates.  To reduce the potential effects of foreign exchange rate movements on our net equity investment in one of our foreign subsidiary’s gross profit and net earnings, we enter into derivative financial instruments in the form of foreign exchange forward contracts with a major financial institution.  We are primarily exposed to foreign currency exchange rate risk with respect to transactions and net assets denominated in Euros, Pounds Sterling, Canadian Dollars, South African Rand, Singapore Dollars and New Taiwan Dollars.

We record all derivative instruments as assets or liabilities at fair value.

Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instruments

We enter into foreign currency forward exchange contracts periodically to hedge certain forecasted inter-company sales and purchases denominated in foreign currencies (the Pound Sterling, Euro and New Taiwan Dollar).  The purpose of these instruments is to mitigate the risk that the U.S. Dollar net cash inflows and outflows resulting from sales and purchases denominated in foreign currencies will be adversely affected by changes in exchange rates.  These forward contracts have been designated as cash flow hedge instruments, and are recorded in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets at fair value in Derivative assets and Derivative liabilities.  The effective portion of the gains and losses resulting from the changes in the fair value of these hedge contracts are deferred in Accumulated other comprehensive loss and recognized as an adjustment to Cost of sales and service in the period that the corresponding inventory sold that is the subject of the related hedge contract is recognized, thereby providing an offsetting economic impact against the corresponding change in the U.S. Dollar value of the inter-company sale or purchase being hedged.  The ineffective portion of gains and losses resulting from the changes in the fair value of these hedge contracts is reported in Other (income) expense, net immediately.  We perform quarterly assessments of hedge effectiveness by verifying and documenting the critical terms of the hedge instrument and determining that forecasted transactions have not changed significantly.   We also assess on a quarterly basis whether there have been adverse developments regarding the risk of a counterparty default.

 
7

 

We had forward contracts outstanding as of January 31, 2011, denominated in Euros, Pounds Sterling and New Taiwan Dollars with set maturity dates ranging from February 2011 through January 2012.  The contract amounts, expressed at forward rates in U.S. Dollars at January 31, 2011, were $31.8 million for Euros, $8.9 million for Pounds Sterling and $30.6 million for New Taiwanese Dollars.    At January 31, 2011, we had approximately $330,000 of gains, net of tax, related to cash flow hedges deferred in Accumulated other comprehensive loss.  Of this amount, $89,000 represents unrealized gains, net of tax, related to cash flow hedge instruments that remain subject to currency fluctuation risk.  The majority of these deferred gains will be recorded as an adjustment to Cost of sales and service in periods through January 2012, when the corresponding inventory that is the subject of the related hedge contract is sold, as described above.

We are also exposed to foreign currency exchange risk related to our investment in net assets in foreign countries.   To manage this risk, we have maintained a forward contract with a notional amount of €3.0 million.  We designated this forward contract as a hedge of our net investment in Euro denominated assets.  We selected the forward method under FASB guidance related to the accounting for derivatives instruments and hedging activities. The forward method requires all changes in the fair value of the contract to be reported as a cumulative translation adjustment in Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax, in the same manner as the underlying hedged net assets.  This forward contract matures in November 2011.  At January 31, 2011, we had $216,000 of realized gains and $14,000 of unrealized losses, net of tax, recorded as cumulative translation adjustments in Accumulated other comprehensive loss related to this forward contract.

Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments

We also enter into foreign currency forward exchange contracts to protect against the effects of foreign currency fluctuations on receivables and payables denominated in foreign currencies. These derivative instruments are not designated as hedges under FASB guidance and, as a result, changes in their fair value are reported currently as Other (income) expense, net in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations consistent with the transaction gain or loss on the related receivables and payables denominated in foreign currencies.

We had forward contracts outstanding as of January 31, 2011, in Euros, Pounds Sterling, Canadian Dollars, South African Rand, Singapore Dollars and New Taiwan Dollars with set maturity dates ranging from February 2011 through April 2011.  The amounts of these contracts at forward rates in U.S. Dollars at January 31, 2011 for Euros, Pounds Sterling, Canadian Dollars, South African Rand, New Taiwan Dollars and Singapore Dollars totaled $20.8 million.

 
8

 
 
Fair Value of Derivative Instruments

We recognize the fair value of derivative instruments as assets and liabilities on a gross basis on our Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.  As of January 31, 2011 and October 31, 2010, all derivative instruments were recorded at fair value on the balance sheets as follows (in thousands):

   
2011
 
2010
 
   
Balance sheet
 
Fair
 
Balance sheet
 
Fair
 
Derivatives
 
location
 
value
 
location
 
value
 
                   
Designated as hedging instruments:
                 
Foreign exchange forward contracts
 
Derivative assets
  $ 1,410  
Derivative assets
  $ 872  
Foreign exchange forward contracts
 
Derivative liabilities
  $ 1,292  
Derivative liabilities
  $ 1,778  
                       
Not designated as hedging instruments:                      
Foreign exchange forward contracts
 
Derivative assets
  $ 19  
Derivative assets
  $ 33  
Foreign exchange forward contracts
 
Derivative liabilities
  $ 467  
Derivative liabilities
  $ 345  

Effect of Derivative Instruments on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets and Condensed Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders’ Equity and Operations

Derivative instruments had the following effects on our Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets and Condensed Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders’ Equity and Operations during the three months ended January 31, 2011 and 2010 (in thousands):

Derivatives
 
Amount of gain (loss)
recognized in Other
comprehensive loss
Three months ended January 31,
 
Location of gain
(loss)
reclassified from
Other
comprehensive loss
 
Amount of gain (loss)
reclassified from Other
comprehensive loss
Three months ended January 31,
 
   
2011
   
2010
     
2011
   
2010
 
Designated as hedging instruments:
                         
(Effective portion)
                         
Foreign exchange forward contracts
                         
– Intercompany sales/purchases
  $ 872     $ 774  
Cost of sales and service
  $ 349     $ 28  
Foreign exchange forward contract
                                 
– Net investment
  $ 56     $ 245                    

As a result of the global recession, we closed a number of hedge contracts before maturity due to forecasted reductions in production and sales.  Those contracts closed early were deemed ineffective for financial reporting purposes and, as a result, we recognized a loss of $7,000 for the three months ended January 31, 2011, and a loss of $27,000 for the three months ended January 31, 2010.

   
Location of gain (loss)
 
Amount of gain (loss)
 
Derivatives
 
recognized in operations
Three months ended January 31,,
 
recognized in operations
Three months ended January 31,
 
       
2011
   
2010
 
Not designated as hedging instruments:
               
Foreign exchange forward contracts
 
Other (income) expense, net
  $ 492     $ 880  
 
 
9

 
 
3.
STOCK OPTIONS

In March 2008, we adopted the Hurco Companies, Inc. 2008 Equity Incentive Plan (the “2008 Plan”), which allows us to grant awards of stock options, Stock Appreciation Rights settled in stock (SARs), restricted shares, performance shares and performance units.  The 2008 Plan replaced the 1997 Stock Option and Incentive Plan (the “1997 Plan”) which expired in March 2007.  The Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors has authority to determine the officers, directors and key employees who will be granted awards; designate the number of shares subject to each award; determine the terms and conditions upon which awards will be granted; and prescribe the form and terms of award agreements.  We have granted stock options under both plans which are currently outstanding and restricted shares under the 2008 Plan.  No stock option may be exercised more than ten years after the date of grant or such shorter period as the Compensation Committee may determine at the date of grant.  The total number of shares of our common stock that may be issued as awards under the 2008 Plan is 750,000.  The market value of a share of our common stock, for purposes of the 2008 Plan, is the closing sale price as reported by the Nasdaq Global Select Market on the date in question or, if not a trading day, on the last preceding trading date.

A summary of stock option activity for the three-month period ended January 31, 2011, is as follows:
   
Stock
Options
   
Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price
 
             
Outstanding at October 31, 2010
    115,369     $ 20.66  
                 
Options granted
           
Options exercised
           
Options cancelled
           
                 
Outstanding at January 31, 2011
    115,369     $ 20.66  

Summarized information about outstanding stock options as of January 31, 2011, those are already vested and those that are expected to vest, as well as stock options that are currently exercisable, are as follows:

   
Options already
vested and expected
to vest
   
Options currently
exercisable
 
             
Number of outstanding options
    115,369       61,369  
                 
Weighted average remaining contractual life (years)
    7.76       5.20  
Weighted average exercise price per share
  $ 20.66     $ 24.70  
                 
Intrinsic value of outstanding options
  $ 692,000     $ 190,000  
 
The intrinsic value of an outstanding stock option is calculated as the difference between the stock price as of January 31, 2011 and the exercise price of the option.

On December 22, 2010, the Compensation Committee granted a total of 25,000 shares of restricted stock to our executive officers.  The restricted stock vests in full three years from the date of grant provided the recipient remains employed by us through that date.  The grant date fair value of the restricted stock is based on the closing sales price of our common stock on the grant date which was $23.10 per share.
 
 
10

 
 
A reconciliation of the Company’s restricted stock activity and related information is as follows:
 
   
Number of
Shares
   
Weighted Average
Grant  Date
Fair Value
 
Unvested at October 31, 2010
        $  
Shares granted
    25,000       23.10  
Shares vested
           
Shares cancelled
           
                 
Unvested at January 31, 2011
    25,000     $ 23.10  

During the first three months of fiscal 2011 and 2010, we recorded approximately $71,000 and $19,000, respectively, of stock-based compensation expense related to grants of stock options and restricted stock under the plans.  As of January 31, 2011, there was approximately $975,000 of total unrecognized stock-based compensation cost that we expect to recognize by the end of fiscal 2014.

4.
EARNINGS (LOSSES) PER SHARE
 
Basic earnings (losses) per share is calculated by dividing net income (loss) associated with common shareholders by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted earnings per share assumes the issuance of additional shares of common stock upon exercise of all outstanding stock options and contingently issuable securities if the effect is dilutive, in accordance with the treasury stock method discussed in FASB issued guidance ASC 260-10, “Earnings Per Share”.   The following table presents a reconciliation of our basic and diluted earnings (losses) per share computation:

   
Three months ended
January 31,
 
(in thousands,
 
2011
   
2010
 
except per share amount)
 
Basic
   
Diluted
   
Basic
   
Diluted
 
                         
Net income (loss)
  $ 1,546     $ 1,546     $ (1,836 )   $ (1,836 )
                                 
Weighted average shares outstanding
    6,441       6,441       6,441       6,441  
                                 
Assumed issuances under stock option plans
          22              
      6,441       6,463       6,441       6,441  
                                 
Income (loss) per share
  $ .24     $ .24     $ (0.29 )   $ (0.29 )

5.
ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE

Accounts receivable are net of allowances for doubtful accounts of $550,000 as of January 31, 2011 and $497,000 as of October 31, 2010.
 
 
11

 
  
6.
INVENTORIES

Inventories, priced at the lower of cost (first-in, first-out method) or market, are summarized below (in thousands):

   
January 31, 2011
   
October 31, 2010
 
Purchased parts and sub-assemblies
  $ 16,495     $ 16,137  
Work-in-process
    12,185       13,157  
Finished goods
    30,988       26,572  
    $ 59,668     $ 55,866  
 
7. 
SEGMENT INFORMATION
 
We operate in a single segment: industrial automation systems. We design and produce interactive computer control systems and software and computerized machine tools for sale through our own distribution network to the worldwide metal-working market. We also provide software options, control upgrades, accessories and replacement parts for our products, as well as customer service and training support.

8.
GUARANTEES AND WARRANTIES
 
From time to time, our subsidiaries guarantee third party payment obligations in connection with the sale of machines to customers that use financing.  We follow FASB guidance for accounting for contingencies with respect to these guarantees.   As of January 31, 2011, we had 30 outstanding third party payment guarantees totaling approximately $1.7 million. The terms of these guarantees are consistent with the underlying customer financing terms.  Upon shipment of a machine, the customer has the risk of ownership. The customer does not obtain title, however, until it has paid for the machine.  A retention of title clause allows us to recover the machine if the customer defaults on the financing. We accrue for potential liabilities under these guarantees when we believe a loss is probable and can be estimated.
 
We provide warranties on our products with respect to defects in material and workmanship. The terms of these warranties are generally one year for machines and shorter periods for service parts.  We recognize a reserve with respect to this obligation at the time of product sale, with subsequent warranty claims recorded against the reserve. The amount of the warranty reserve is determined based on historical trend experience and any known warranty issues that could cause future warranty costs to differ from historical experience.  The increased provision in the three months ended January 31, 2011 reflects the increased production and sales occurring in the period as compared to the three months ended January 31, 2010. A reconciliation of the changes in our warranty reserve is as follows (in thousands):

   
Three months ended
 
   
January 31, 2011
   
January 31, 2010
 
Balance, beginning of period
  $ 1,591     $ 1,286  
Provision for warranties during the period
    535       325  
Charges to the reserve
    (485 )     (379 )
Impact of foreign currency translation
    28       2  
Balance, end of period
  $ 1,669     $ 1,234  
 
 
12

 
 
9.
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)

A reconciliation of our net income (loss) to comprehensive income (loss) is as follows (in thousands):
 
   
Three months ended
 
   
January 31,
2011
   
January 31,
2010
 
Net income (loss)
  $ 1,546     $ (1,836 )
Translation of foreign currency financial statements
    682       (1,031 )
Realized gains on derivative instruments reclassified into operations, net of tax
    220       17  
Unrealized gains on derivative instruments, net of tax
    549       479  
Comprehensive income (loss)
  $ 2,997     $ (2,371 )

10.
DEBT AGREEMENTS AND SUBSEQUENT EVENT

We are party to an unsecured domestic credit agreement that provides us with a $15.0 million unsecured revolving credit facility and maximum outstanding letters of credit of $3.0 million.  We also have an uncommitted demand credit facility in Taiwan in the amount of 100.0 million New Taiwan Dollars (approximately $3.0 million) in addition to a £1.0 million revolving credit facility in the United Kingdom and a €1.5 million revolving credit facility in Germany.  The domestic and United Kingdom facilities mature on December 7, 2012.  The revolving credit facility in Germany does not have an expiration date.

On March 7, 2011 we entered into an uncommitted demand credit facility in China in the amount of 20 million Chinese Yuan (approximately $3.0 million) and amended our unsecured domestic credit agreement to accommodate the new facility.  This facility expires on February 24, 2012.

Borrowings under the domestic facility may be used for general corporate purposes and bear interest at a floating rate, based either on LIBOR or the prime rate, plus an applicable margin.  The domestic credit agreement restricts our ability to declare and pay dividends, incur additional indebtedness other than under this facility and make acquisitions whenever we have a cumulative net loss for the most recent four consecutive quarters and for so long thereafter as the cumulative loss continues.  These restrictions are currently in effect as we have a cumulative net loss for the most recent four consecutive quarters.  The domestic credit agreement contains a financial covenant that requires no less than a 1:00 to 1:00 ratio of excess cash (defined as cash minus debt) to an annualized net loss (defined as a net loss for the two most recent consecutive quarters multiplied by two).  After achieving cumulative income for four consecutive quarters we are required to maintain a ratio of 0.5 to 1.0 of total indebtedness to the sum of total indebtedness and net worth.
 
As of January 31, 2011 and October 31, 2010, we had no borrowings outstanding under any of our credit facilities and no outstanding letters of credit.  As of January 31, 2011, we had unutilized credit facilities of $22.1 million available for either direct borrowings or commercial letters of credit.
 
11.
INCOME TAXES
 
Our unrecognized tax benefits were $207,000 as of January 31, 2011 and $196,000 as of October 31, 2010, and in each case included accrued interest.  
 
We recognize accrued interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits as components of our income tax provision.  We believe our unrecognized tax positions meet the minimum statutory threshold to avoid payment of penalties and, therefore, no tax penalties have been estimated.  As of January 31, 2011, the gross amount of interest accrued, reported in Accrued expenses and other, was approximately $20,000, which did not include the federal tax benefit of interest deductions.
 
We file U.S. federal and state income tax returns, as well as tax returns in several foreign jurisdictions.  The statutes of limitations with respect to unrecognized tax benefits will expire between July 2012 and August 2014.
 
 
13

 

12.
FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
The carrying amounts for our trade receivables and payables approximate their fair values.  We also have financial instruments in the form of foreign currency forward exchange contracts as described in Note 2.  The U.S. Dollar equivalent notional amount of these contracts was $93.5 million and $89.1 million at January 31, 2011 and October 31, 2010, respectively.  The fair value of Derivative assets recorded on our Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets at January 31, 2011 and October 31, 2010 was $1.4 million and $905,000, respectively.  The fair value of Derivative liabilities recorded on our Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets at January 31, 2011 and October 31, 2010 was $1.8 million and $2.1 million, respectively.

The future value of our foreign currency forward exchange contracts and the related currency positions are subject to offsetting market risk resulting from foreign currency exchange rate volatility.  The counterparties to these contracts are substantial and creditworthy financial institutions.  We do not consider either the risk of counterparty non-performance or the economic consequences of counterparty non-performance as material risks.

FASB fair value guidance established a three-tier fair value hierarchy, which categorizes the inputs used in measuring fair value.  These tiers include: Level 1, defined as observable inputs, such as quoted prices in active markets; Level 2, defined as inputs other than quoted prices in active markets that are either directly or indirectly observable; and Level 3, defined as unobservable inputs in which little or no market data exist, therefore requiring an entity to develop its own assumptions.

In accordance with this guidance, the following table represents the fair value hierarchy for our financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value as of January 31, 2011 and October 2010 (in thousands):

   
Assets
   
Liabilities
 
   
January 31,
2011
   
October 31,
2010
   
January 31,
2011
   
October 31,
2010
 
                         
Level 1
                       
Deferred Compensation
  $ 723     $ 674     $ -     $ -  
                                 
Level 2
                               
Derivatives
  $ 1,429     $ 905     $ 1,759     $ 2,123  

Included in Level 1 assets are mutual fund investments under a nonqualified deferred compensation plan.  We estimate the fair value of these investments on a recurring basis using market prices which are readily available.   Included as Level 2 fair value measurements are derivative assets and liabilities related to hedged and unhedged gains and losses on foreign currency forward exchange contracts entered into with a third party.  We estimate the fair value of these derivatives on a recurring basis using foreign currency exchange rates obtained from active markets.

During fiscal 2011, we did not have any significant non-recurring measurements of nonfinancial assets and nonfinancial liabilities.

13. EMPLOYEE BENEFITS

We have defined contribution plans that include a majority of our employees, under which our matching contributions are primarily discretionary.  The purpose of these plans is generally to provide additional financial security during retirement by providing employees with an incentive to save throughout their employment.  Our matching contributions to the plans are based on employee contributions or compensation.   From April 1, 2009 to December 31, 2010 we suspended our discretionary contributions to the U.S. plan as a cost reduction measure, however effective January 1, 2011 we reinstated our matching contributions to that plan in an amount equal to 25% of the first 6% of a participant’s annual earnings contributed, up to the maximum permitted by law.
 
 
14

 
 

Item 2.    MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

EXECUTIVE OVERVIEW

Hurco Companies, Inc. is an industrial technology company operating in a single segment.  We design and produce computerized machine tools, featuring our proprietary computer control systems and software, for sale through our own distribution network to the worldwide metal cutting market.  We also provide software options, control upgrades, accessories and replacement parts for our products, as well as customer service and training support.

The following overview is intended to provide a brief explanation of the principal factors that have contributed to our recent financial performance.  This overview is intended to be read in conjunction with the more detailed information included in our unaudited financial statements that appear elsewhere in this report.

Until the recent global recession, we had experienced a period of sustained growth in sales and earnings due to the strong worldwide demand for machine tools, the expansion of our product line to include higher-priced and higher-margin products, increased customer acceptance of our products, and the strength of our selling and manufacturing operations outside the United States.  The recession adversely affected our operational performance and its effects substantially reduced global demand for machine tools in fiscal 2009 and 2010.

The market for machine tools is international in scope.  We have both significant foreign sales and foreign manufacturing operations.  In fiscal 2010, we derived more than 70% of our revenues from foreign markets.  Prior to the start of the recent recession in fiscal 2008, 67% of our revenues were attributable to customers located in Europe where we typically sell the majority of our higher performance VMX series machines.  The percentage of revenues attributable to European sales declined to 58% for the first quarter of fiscal 2010 and further declined to 54% for the first quarter of fiscal 2011, primarily due to the greater increase in North American sales.  We sell our products through more than 100 independent agents and distributors in countries throughout North America, Europe and Asia.  We also have our own direct sales and service organizations in Canada, China, France, Germany, India, Italy, Poland, Singapore, South Africa, South Korea, the United Kingdom and certain parts of the United States.  The vast majority of our machine tools are manufactured to our specifications primarily by our wholly owned subsidiary in Taiwan, Hurco Manufacturing Limited (HML).  Machine castings and components to support HML’s production are manufactured at our facility in Ningbo, China.  We also manufacture machine tools for the Chinese market at the Ningbo plant.

Our sales to foreign customers are denominated, and payments by those customers are made, in the prevailing currencies—primarily the Euro and Pound Sterling—in the countries in which those customers are located. Our product costs are incurred and paid primarily in the New Taiwan Dollar and the U.S. Dollar.  Changes in currency exchange rates may have a material effect on our operating results and consolidated balance sheets as reported under U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles.  For example, when the U.S. Dollar strengthens in value relative to a foreign currency, sales made, and expenses incurred, in that currency when translated to U.S. Dollars for reporting in our financial statements, are lower than would be the case when the U.S. Dollar is weaker.  In the comparison of our period-to-period results, we discuss the effect of currency translation on those results including the increases or decreases in those results as reported in our financial statements (which reflect translation to U.S. Dollars at exchange rates prevailing during the period covered by those financial statements) and also the effect that changes in exchange rates had on those results.

Our high levels of foreign manufacturing and sales also subject us to cash flow risks due to fluctuating currency exchange rates.  We seek to mitigate those risks through the use of various derivative instruments – principally foreign currency forward exchange contracts.

In the first quarter of fiscal 2011, we experienced a significant upturn in our business as orders were 115% higher than in the first quarter of fiscal 2010.  Sales for the first quarter of fiscal 2011 were 92% above those in the first quarter of fiscal 2010.  The significant improvement in sales increased our gross margin for the first quarter of fiscal 2011 to 29%, compared to a gross margin rate of 19% for the first quarter of fiscal 2010.  The increase in gross profit as a percentage of sales was partially offset by the negative impact of a strengthened Taiwanese Dollar in relation to the U.S. Dollar and an increase in the cost of raw materials, particularly metals.  We expect that this cost impact will continue and we will adjust sales prices accordingly.  
 
 
15

 
 
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Three Months Ended January 31, 2011 Compared to Three Months Ended January 31, 2010

Sales and Service Fees.  Sales and service fees for the first quarter of fiscal 2011 were $39.7 million, an increase of $19.1 million, or 92%, from the first quarter of fiscal 2010.  The increase in first quarter revenues was primarily the result of the recent rebound in industrial manufacturing activity following the significant declines in fiscal 2009 and 2010.  The effect of a stronger U.S. Dollar when translating foreign sales to U.S. Dollars for financial reporting purposes had a negative impact of approximately 5%, or $1.1 million, on the period-to-period comparison.

The following tables set forth net sales (in thousands) by geographic region and product category for the first quarter of fiscal 2011 and 2010, respectively:

Net Sales and Service Fees by Geographic Region
 
   
Three months ended January 31,
   
Change
 
   
2011
   
2010
   
Amount
   
%
 
North America
  $ 13,462       34 %   $ 6,101       30 %   $ 7,361       121 %
Europe
    21,279       54 %     12,015       58 %     9,264       77 %
Asia Pacific
    4,939       12 %     2,500       12 %     2,439       98 %
Total
  $ 39,680       100 %   $ 20,616       100 %   $ 19,064       92 %

The increase in sales was primarily driven by higher customer demand in all sales regions.  Unit shipments for the first quarter of fiscal 2011 increased in the North America by 139%, in Europe by 68%, and in the Asia Pacific region by 55% compared to the same period in fiscal 2010.

Net Sales and Service Fees by Product Category
 
   
Three months ended January 31,
   
Change
 
   
2011
   
2010
   
Amount
   
%
 
Computerized Machine Tools
  $ 33,994       86 %   $ 16,890       82 %   $ 17,104       101 %
Service Fees, Parts and Other
    5,686       14 %     3,726       18 %     1,960       53 %
Total
  $ 39,680       100 %   $ 20,616       100 %   $ 19,064       92 %

Unit shipments of computerized machine tools during the first quarter of fiscal 2011 increased by 85% from the corresponding period in fiscal 2010.

Orders. New orders for the first quarter of fiscal 2011 totaled $44.3 million, an increase of $23.7 million, or 115%, from the corresponding period in fiscal 2010.  New orders increased in North America by $7.8 million, or 134%, in Europe by $13.7 million, or 117%, and in the Asia Pacific region by $2.2 million, or 71%.  The impact of currency translation on new orders was consistent with the impact on sales.  New orders, measured in units, increased in North America by 166%, in Europe by 110%, and in the Asia Pacific sales region by 45%.

Gross Profit.  Our gross profit for the first quarter of fiscal 2011 was 29%, compared to 19% for the same period in fiscal 2010.  The increase in gross profit as a percentage of sales was due to the significant increase in production and sales volume and was partially offset by the negative impact of a strengthened Taiwanese Dollar in relation to the U.S. Dollar and an increase in the cost of raw materials, particularly metals.
Operating Expenses.  Selling, general and administrative expenses were $8.8 million for the first quarter of fiscal 2011, an increase of $2.3 million, or 35%, from the first quarter of fiscal 2010. The increase included $594,000 of increased compensation paid to employees who took wage reductions during the economic downturn.  The remainder of the increase primarily related to higher sales commissions and increased sales and marketing expenses.  Despite the dollar increase, selling, general and administrative expenses were 22% of sales and service fees during the first quarter of fiscal 2011 compared to 32% for the first quarter of fiscal 2010.
 
 
16

 
 
Operating Income (Loss).  Operating income for the first quarter of fiscal 2011 was $2.9 million compared to an operating loss of $2.6 million for the prior year period.  The substantial improvement in operating income year-over-year was primarily due to the significant increase in sales and production volume.

Other (Income) Expense, Net.  The increase in other expense of $179,000 was primarily due to net realized and unrealized losses from foreign currency fluctuations on payables and receivables, net of foreign currency forward exchange contracts.

Income Taxes.  Our effective tax rate for the first quarter of fiscal 2011 was 37% in comparison to 35% for the same period in fiscal 2010.  We recorded an income tax provision during the first quarter of fiscal 2011 of approximately $899,000 compared to an income tax benefit of $983,000 for the same period in fiscal 2010, as a result of the increase in operating income quarter over quarter.

Three Months Ended January 31, 2010 Compared to Three Months Ended January 31, 2009

Sales and Service Fees.  Sales and service fees for the first quarter of fiscal 2010 were $20.6 million, a decrease of $7.7 million, or 27%, from the first quarter of fiscal 2009.  The sharp decline in revenues for the fiscal 2010 quarter was primarily the result of the adverse impact of the global economic recession on demand for machine tools.  The effect of a weaker U.S. Dollar when translating foreign sales to U.S. Dollars for financial reporting purposes had a favorable impact of approximately 5%, or $1.3 million, on the period-to-period comparison.

The following tables set forth net sales (in thousands) by geographic region and product category for the first quarter of fiscal 2010 and 2009, respectively:

Net Sales and Service Fees by Geographic Region
 
   
Three months ended January 31,
   
Change
 
   
2010
   
2009
   
Amount
   
%
 
North America
  $ 6,101       30 %   $ 9,636       34 %   $ (3,535 )     (37 )%
Europe
    12,015       58 %     18,060       64 %     (6,045 )     (33 )%
Asia Pacific
    2,500       12 %     611       2 %     1,889       309 %
Total
  $ 20,616       100 %   $ 28,307       100 %   $ (7,691 )     (27 )%

The decrease in sales was primarily driven by lower demand, particularly for higher-priced, high performance vertical machining centers (which are principally marketed in the European sales region), and continued pricing pressures globally.  Unit shipments for the first quarter of fiscal 2010 decreased in the North America by 54% and decreased in Europe by 31%, while unit shipments increased in the Asia Pacific sales region by 571% compared to the same period in fiscal 2009.   The increased sales in the Asia Pacific region during the first quarter of fiscal 2010 were primarily the result of increased demand in Singapore, South Korea and China.

Net Sales and Service Fees by Product Category
 
   
Three months ended January 31,
   
Change
 
   
2010
   
2009
   
Amount
   
%
 
Computerized Machine Tools
  $ 16,890       82 %   $ 23,948       85 %   $ (7,058 )     (29 )%
Service Fees, Parts and Other
    3,726       18 %     4,359       15 %     (633 )     (15 )%
Total
  $ 20,616       100 %   $ 28,307       100 %   $ (7,691 )     (27 )%

Unit shipments of computerized machine tools during the first quarter of fiscal 2010 decreased by 26% from the corresponding period in fiscal 2009.

 
17

 
 
Orders. New order bookings in the first quarter of fiscal 2010 were $20.6 million, a decrease of $3.9 million, or 16%, from the same period in fiscal 2009.  Orders decreased in North America of $2.8 million, or 33%, and decreased in Europe $3.6 million, or 23%, while orders in the Asia Pacific sales region increased $2.5 million, or 413%, compared to the first quarter of fiscal 2009.  During the first quarter of fiscal 2010, large government contracts in Europe were cancelled due to budgetary restraints, reducing our orders and backlog in Europe by approximately $2.0 million, or 11%.  Excluding these order cancellations in Europe, the decrease in total new order bookings for the first quarter of fiscal 2010 was $1.9 million, or 8% on a worldwide basis and $1.6 million, or 10%, in Europe compared to the same period in fiscal 2009.  The impact of currency translation on new orders booked in fiscal 2010 was consistent with its impact on sales.

Gross Profit.  Our gross profit for the first quarter of fiscal 2010 was 19%, compared to 30% for the same period in fiscal 2009.  The decrease in gross profit as a percentage of sales was due to lower sales in Europe of our higher margin, high performance vertical machining centers, as well as the impact of fixed costs on lower sales and production volume, and competitive pricing pressures on a global basis.

Operating Expenses.  Selling, general and administrative expenses were $6.5 million for the first quarter of fiscal 2010, a decrease of $1.5 million, or 19%, from the first quarter of fiscal 2009. The decrease reflected lower sales commissions and the benefit of cost reduction initiatives, partially offset by the unfavorable effect of a weaker U.S. dollar in fiscal 2010 when translating foreign operating expenses to U.S. dollars for financial reporting purposes.

Operating Income (Loss).  The operating loss for the first quarter of fiscal 2010 was $2.6 million compared to operating income of $513,000 for the prior year period.  The reduction in operating income year-over-year was primarily due to the reduction in sales, primarily those for the higher margin, high performance vertical machining centers in the European sales region, the impact of fixed costs on lower sales volume, and competitive pricing pressures on a global basis.

Other (Income) Expense, Net.  The increase in other expense of $204,000 was primarily due to net realized and unrealized losses from foreign currency fluctuations on payables and receivables, net of foreign currency forward exchange contracts and our allocated share of the loss incurred by a Taiwan contract manufacturer in which we have an equity investment.

Income Taxes.  Our effective tax rate for the first quarter of fiscal 2010 was 35% in comparison to 36% for the same period in fiscal 2009.  We recorded a benefit for income taxes during the first quarter of fiscal 2010 of approximately $983,000 compared to a provision of $195,000 for the same period in fiscal 2009, as a result of the decreased operating income year over year.

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

At January 31, 2011, we had cash of $50.3 million, compared to $48.3 million at October 31, 2010.  Approximately 53% of the $50.3 million of cash is denominated in U.S. Dollars.  The balance is held outside the U.S. in the local currencies of our various foreign entities and is subject to fluctuations in currency exchange rates.

Working capital, excluding cash, was $47.2 million at January 31, 2011, compared to $45.7 million at October 31, 2010.  The increase in working capital, excluding cash, was primarily due to an increase in finished goods inventory to meet the higher level of customer demand we are currently experiencing.

Capital expenditures during the first quarter of fiscal 2011 were primarily for implementation of operating systems and software development costs.  We funded these expenditures with cash flow from operations.

At January 31, 2011, we had no debt or borrowings outstanding under any of our bank credit facilities.

Although we have not made any significant acquisitions in the recent past, we continue to receive and review information on businesses and assets, including intellectual property assets, which are available for purchase.  Because we have had a cumulative net loss for four consecutive quarters, our domestic credit agreement has restrictions on us making acquisitions, declaring and paying dividends, and incurring additional indebtedness.  These restrictions will remain in effect as long as this cumulative loss position exists.

 
18

 
 
NEW ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS

We have reviewed all recently issued, but not yet effective, accounting pronouncements and do not believe the future adoption of any such pronouncements may be expected to cause a material impact on our financial condition or the results of its operations.

CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Our accounting policies, which are described in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2010, require management to make significant estimates and assumptions using information available at the time the estimates are made. These estimates and assumptions significantly affect various reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues, and expenses.  If our future experience differs materially from these estimates and assumptions, our results of operations and financial condition would be affected. There were no material changes to our critical accounting policies during the first three months of fiscal 2011.

CONTRACTUAL OBLIGATIONS AND COMMITMENTS

There have been no material changes related to contractual obligations and commitments from the information provided in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2010.

OFF BALANCE SHEET ARRANGEMENTS

From time to time, our subsidiaries guarantee third party payment obligations in connection with the sale of machines to customers that use financing.  We follow FASB guidance for accounting for contingencies with respect to these guarantees.   As of January 31, 2011, we had 30 outstanding third party payment guarantees totaling approximately $1.7 million. The terms of these guarantees are consistent with the underlying customer financing terms. Upon shipment of a machine, the customer has the risk of ownership. The customer does not obtain title, however, until it has paid for the machine.  A retention of title clause allows us to recover the machine if the customer defaults on the financing. We accrue for potential liabilities under these guarantees when we believe a loss is probable and can be estimated.
 
CAUTIONARY STATEMENT CONCERNING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

Certain statements made in this report constitute “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause our actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from those expressed or implied by the statements. These risks, uncertainties and other factors include:

 
·
A recurrent global recession which could reduce overall demand and our customers’ ability to purchase our products and services;
 
·
The cyclical nature of the machine tool industry;
 
·
The risks of our international operations;
 
·
The limited number of our manufacturing sources;
 
·
The effects of changes in currency exchange rates;
 
·
Our dependence on new product development;
 
·
The need to make technological advances;
 
·
Competition with larger companies that have greater financial resources;
 
·
Changes in the prices of raw materials, especially steel and iron products;
 
·
Possible obsolescence of our technology;
 
·
Acquisitions that could disrupt our operations and affect operating results;
 
 
19

 
 
 
·
Impairment of our assets;
 
·
Negative or unforeseen tax consequences;
 
·
The need to protect our intellectual property assets; and
 
·
The effect of the loss of members of senior management and key personnel.

We discuss these and other important risks and uncertainties that may affect our future operation in Part I, Item 1A – Risk Factors in our most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and may update that discussion in Part II, Item 1A – Risk Factors in this report or a Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q we file hereafter.

Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements.  While we believe the assumptions on which the forward-looking statements are based are reasonable, there can be no assurance that these forward-looking statements will prove to be accurate. This cautionary statement is applicable to all forward-looking statements contained in this report.
 
 
20

 
 
Item 3.  QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

Interest Rate Risk

Interest on borrowings on our bank credit agreements are tied to prevailing domestic and foreign interest rates.  At January 31, 2011, there were no outstanding borrowings under our bank credit agreements.

Foreign Currency Exchange Risk

In fiscal 2010, we derived more than 70% of our revenues from foreign markets.  All of our computerized machine tools and computer control systems, as well as certain proprietary service parts, are sourced by our U.S.-based engineering and manufacturing division and re-invoiced to our foreign sales and service subsidiaries, primarily in their functional currencies.

Our products are sourced from foreign suppliers or built to our specifications by either our wholly owned subsidies in Taiwan and China or an affiliated contract manufacturer. Our purchases are predominantly in foreign currencies and in some cases our arrangements with these suppliers include foreign currency risk sharing agreements, which reduce (but do not eliminate) the effects of currency fluctuations on product costs. The predominant portion of the exchange rate risk associated with our product purchases relates to the New Taiwan Dollar.

We enter into foreign currency forward exchange contracts from time to time to hedge the cash flow risk related to forecasted inter-company sales and purchases denominated in, or based on, foreign currencies (primarily the Euro, Pound Sterling, and New Taiwan Dollar). We also enter into foreign currency forward exchange contracts to protect against the effects of foreign currency fluctuations on receivables and payables denominated in foreign currencies. We do not speculate in the financial markets and, therefore, do not enter into these contracts for trading purposes.

Forward contracts for the sale or purchase of foreign currencies as of January 31, 2011, which are designated as cash flow hedges under FASB guidance related to accounting for derivative instruments and hedging activities were as follows:

   
Notional
Amount
   
Weighted
Avg.
   
Contract Amount at
Forward Rates in 
U.S. Dollars
   
Forward Contracts
 
in Foreign
Currency
   
Forward
Rate
   
Contract
Date
   
January 31,
2011
 
Maturity Dates
Sale Contracts:
                         
Euro
    23,295,000       1.3300       30,983,089       31,823,599  
February 2011 – January 2012
Pound Sterling
    5,540,000       1.5534       8,605,996       8,862,625  
February 2011 – January 2012
Purchase Contracts:
                                 
New Taiwan Dollar
    875,000,000       29.83 *     29,333,811       30,572,134  
February 2011 – January 2012

*NT Dollars per U.S. Dollar
 
 
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Forward contracts for the sale or purchase of foreign currencies as of January 31, 2011, which were entered into to protect against the effects of foreign currency fluctuations on receivables and payables and are not designated as hedges under this guidance denominated in foreign currencies, were as follows:

     Notional
Amount in
    Weighted
Avg.
   
Contract Amount at
Forward Rates in 
U.S. Dollars
   
Forward Contracts
 
Foreign
Currency
   
Forward
Rate
   
Contract
Date
   
January 31,
2011
 
Maturity Dates
Sale Contracts:
                         
Euro
    7,449,077       1.3318       9,920,902       10,188,430  
February 2011 – April 2011
Pound Sterling
    884,610       1.5887       1,405,350       1,417,034  
February 2011
Canadian Dollar
    594,275       .9778       581,085       592,232  
April 2011
Singapore Dollar
    1,138,952       .7132       812,261       889,985  
March 2011
South African Rand
    5,985,008       .1394       834,542       822,560  
April 2011
                                   
Purchase Contracts:
                                 
New Taiwan Dollar
    199,934,377       28.81 *     6,939,285       6,902,879  
February 2011 – March 2011

* NT Dollars per U.S. Dollar

We are also exposed to foreign currency exchange risk related to our investment in net assets in foreign countries.   To manage this risk, we have maintained a forward contract with a notional amount of €3.0 million.  We designated this forward contract as a hedge of our net investment in Euro denominated assets.  We selected the forward method under FASB guidance related to the accounting for derivatives instruments and hedging activities. The forward method requires all changes in the fair value of the contract to be reported as a cumulative translation adjustment in Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax, in the same manner as the underlying hedged net assets.  This forward contract matures in November 2011.  At January 31, 2011, we had $216,000 of realized gains and $14,000 of unrealized losses, net of tax, recorded as cumulative translation adjustments in Accumulated other comprehensive loss related to this forward contract.

Forward contracts for the sale or purchase of foreign currencies as of January 31, 2011, which are designated as net investment hedges under this guidance were as follows:

   
Notional
Amount
   
Weighted
Avg.
   
Contract Amount at
Forward Rates in 
U.S. Dollars
   
Forward Contracts
 
in Foreign
Currency
   
Forward
Rate
   
Contract
Date
   
January 31,
2011
 
Maturity Date
Sale Contracts:
                         
Euro
    3,000,000       1.3549       4,064,700       4,087,530  
November 2011
 
 
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Item 4CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

We carried out an evaluation under the supervision and with participation of management, including the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures as of January 31, 2011, pursuant to Rule 13a-15(b) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.  Based upon that evaluation, our management, including the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of the evaluation date.

There were no changes in our internal controls over financial reporting during the quarter ended January 31, 2011 that materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

 
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PART II - OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

We are involved in various claims and lawsuits arising in the normal course of our business.  We believe it is remote that any of these claims will have a material adverse effect on our consolidated financial position or results of operations.

Item 1A. RISK FACTORS

There have been no material changes from the risk factors disclosed in Part I, Item 1A – Risk Factors in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended October 31, 2010.

Item 5.  OTHER INFORMATION

During the period covered by this report, the Audit Committee of our Board of Directors engaged our independent registered public accounting firm to perform non-audit, tax planning services.  This disclosure is made pursuant to Section 10A9(i)(2) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as added by Section 202 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
 
 
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Item 6.
EXHIBITS

 
10.1*
 
Form of Restricted Stock Award Agreement – Employee.
       
 
10.2
 
Form of Restricted Stock Award Agreement – Director.
       
 
31.1
 
Certification by the Chief Executive Officer, pursuant to Rule 13a-15(b) under the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.
       
 
31.2
 
Certification by the Chief Financial Officer, pursuant to Rule 13a-15(b) under the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.
       
 
32.1
 
Certification by the Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
       
 
32.2
 
Certification by the Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
       
 
*
 
The indicated exhibit is a management contract, compensatory plan or arrangement required to be listed by item 601 of Regulation S-K.

 
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SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements 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.

 
HURCO COMPANIES, INC.
     
 
By:
/s/ John G. Oblazney
   
John G. Oblazney
   
Vice President and
   
Chief Financial Officer
     
 
By:
/s/ Sonja K. McClelland
   
Sonja K. McClelland
   
Corporate Controller and
   
Principal Accounting Officer

March 10, 2011

 
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