10-K 1 hdng-12312015x10k.htm 10-K 10-K
 
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-K

(Mark One)
ý
ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2015

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: 000-15760
 
Hardinge Inc.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter) 
New York
 
16-0470200
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)
 
(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
 
 
 
One Hardinge Drive
Elmira, NY
 
14902
(Address of principal executive offices)
 
(Zip Code)

(607) 734-2281
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act: NONE
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:
Title of each class
 
Name of each exchange on which registered
Common Stock, $0.01 par value per share
 
NASDAQ Global Select Market
 
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act.     oYes  ýNo
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act.     oYes  ýNo
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.                                      ýYes  oNo  
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).                      ýYes  oNo
Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K (§229.405 of this chapter) is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of 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.                                  o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
Large accelerated filer o
 
Accelerated filer x
Non-accelerated filer o (Do not check if a smaller reporting company)
 
Smaller reporting company o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).     oYes  ýNo
The aggregate market value of the voting stock held by non-affiliates of the registrant as of June 30, 2015 was $122.6 million, based on the closing price of common stock on the NASDAQ Global Select Market on June 30, 2015.
As of March 4, 2016 there were 12,855,879 shares of common stock of the registrant outstanding.
 DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE
Portions of Hardinge Inc.’s Proxy Statement for its 2016 Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be filed with the Commission are incorporated by reference to Part III of this Form 10-K.
 



HARDINGE INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
 
PAGE
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Certifications
 


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PART I

Item 1. Business.

General

Hardinge Inc.'s principal executive office is located within Chemung County at One Hardinge Drive, Elmira, New York 14902-1507. Unless otherwise mentioned or unless the context requires otherwise, all references to "Hardinge," "we," "us," "our," "the Company" or similar references mean Hardinge Inc. and its subsidiaries.

Our website, www.hardinge.com, provides links to all of the Company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. A copy of this annual report on Form 10-K and our other annual, quarterly, current reports, and amendments thereto filed with SEC are available on the website or can be obtained free of charge by contacting the Investor Relations Department at our principal executive office. Alternatively, such reports may be accessed at the Internet address of the SEC, which is www.sec.gov, or at the SEC's Public Reference Room at 100 F Street, NE, Washington, DC 20549. Information about the operation of the SEC's Public Reference Room may be obtained by calling the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330.

We are a global designer, manufacturer and distributor of machine tools, specializing in precision computer numerically controlled metalcutting machines and workholding technology solutions. The Company has the following direct and indirect wholly owned subsidiaries:
North America:
 
 
Canadian Hardinge Machine Tools, Ltd.
 
Toronto, Canada
Forkardt Inc.
 
Traverse City, Michigan
Hardinge Technology Systems, Inc.
 
Elmira, New York
Usach Technologies Inc.
 
Elgin, Illinois
Europe:
 
 
Forkardt Deutschland GmbH
 
Erkrath, Germany
Forkardt SAS
 
Noisy le Sec, France
Hardinge GmbH
 
Krefeld, Germany
Hardinge Holdings GmbH
 
St. Gallen, Switzerland
Hardinge Holdings B.V.
 
Amsterdam, Netherlands
Hardinge Machine Tools B.V.
 
Raamsdonksveer, Netherlands
Jones & Shipman Hardinge Limited
 
Leicester, England
Jones & Shipman SARL
 
Bron, France
L. Kellenberger & Co., AG
 
St. Gallen, Switzerland
Asia and Other:
 
 
Forkardt India LLP
 
Hyderabad, India
Forkardt Precision Machinery (Shanghai) Co., Ltd.
 
Shanghai, People's Republic of China
Hardinge China Limited
 
Hong Kong, People's Republic of China
Hardinge Machine (Shanghai) Co., Ltd.
 
Shanghai, People's Republic of China
Hardinge Machine Tools B.V., Taiwan Branch
 
Nan Tou City, Taiwan, Republic of China
Hardinge Precision Machinery (Jiaxing) Company, Limited
 
Jiaxing, People's Republic of China
Hardinge Taiwan Precision Machinery Limited
 
Nan Tou City, Taiwan, Republic of China
    
We have manufacturing facilities located in China, Switzerland, Taiwan, Germany, France, India, the United Kingdom ("U.K.") and the United States ("U.S."). We manufacture the majority of the products we sell.


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Products

We supply high precision computer controlled metalcutting turning machines, grinding machines, machining centers, and repair parts related to those machines. The Company also engineers and supplies high precision, standard and specialty workholding devices, and other machine tool accessories. We believe our products are known for accuracy, reliability, durability and value.

Segments

The Company has two unique business segments: Metalcutting Machine Solutions ("MMS") and Aftermarket Tooling and Accessories ("ATA").

Metalcutting Machine Solutions (MMS)

This segment includes operations related to grinding, turning, and milling, as discussed below, and related repair parts. The products are considered to be capital goods with sales prices ranging from approximately forty thousand dollars for some standard products to around two million dollars for specialized grinding machines or other specialty built turnkey systems of multiple machines. Sales are subject to economic cycles and, because they are most often purchased to add manufacturing capacity, the cycles can be severe with customers delaying purchases during down cycles and then aggressively requiring machine deliveries during up cycles. Machines are purchased to a lesser extent during down cycles as our customers are looking for productivity improvements or they have new products that require new machining capabilities.

We have been a manufacturer of industrial-use high precision and general precision turning machine tools since 1890. Turning machines, or lathes, are power-driven machines used to remove material from either bar stock or a rough-formed part by moving multiple cutting tools against the surface of a part rotating at very high speeds in a spindle mechanism. The multi-directional movement of the cutting tools allows the part to be shaped to the desired dimensions. On parts produced by our machines, those dimensions are often measured in millionths of an inch. We consider Hardinge to be a leader in the field of producing machines capable of consistently and cost-effectively producing parts to very close dimensions.

Grinding is a machining process in which a part's surface is shaped to closer tolerances with a rotating abrasive wheel or tool when compared with other available metalcutting technologies. Grinding machines can be used to finish parts of various shapes and sizes. The grinding machines of our Kellenberger subsidiary are used to grind the inside and outside diameters of cylindrical parts. Such grinding machines are typically used to provide a more exact finish on a part that has been partially completed on a lathe. The Kellenberger grinding machines are generally purchased by the same type of customers as other Hardinge equipment and further our ability to be a primary source for our customers.

Our Kellenberger precision grinding technology is complemented by our Hauser, Tschudin, Jones & Shipman, Usach, and Voumard grinding brands. Hauser machines are jig grinders used to make demanding contour components, primarily for tool and mold-making applications. Tschudin product technology is focused on the specialized grinding of cylindrical parts when the customer requires high volume production. Our Tschudin machines are generally equipped with automatic loading and unloading mechanisms for the part being machined. These loading and unloading mechanisms significantly reduce the level of involvement a machine operator has to perform in the production process. Our Jones & Shipman brand represents a line of high-quality grinding (surface, creep feed, and cylindrical) machines. These super-abrasive machines and machining systems are used by a diverse range of industries. Usach and Voumard machines are high quality internal diameter cylindrical grinding systems used in production and job shop environments.

Machining centers are designed to remove material from stationary, prismatic or box-like parts of various shapes with rotating tools that are capable of milling, drilling, tapping, reaming and routing. Machining centers have mechanisms that automatically change tools based on commands from a built-in computer control without the assistance of an operator. Machining centers are generally purchased by the same customers who purchase other Hardinge equipment. We supply a broad line of machining centers under our Bridgeport brand name addressing a range of sizes, speeds, and powers.

Our machines are generally computer controlled and use commands from an integrated computer to control the movement of cutting tools, grinding wheels, part positioning, and in the case of turning and grinding machines, the rotation speeds of the part being shaped. The computer control enables the operator to program operations such as part rotation, tooling selection, and tooling movement for a specific part and then stores that program in memory for future use. The machines are able to produce parts while left unattended when connected to automatic bar-feeding, robotics equipment, or other material handling devices designed to supply raw materials and remove machined parts from the machine.


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New products are critical to our growth plans. We gain access to new products through internal product development, acquisitions, joint ventures, license agreements, and partnerships. Products are introduced each year to both broaden our product offering, to take advantage of new technologies available to us, and to replace older models nearing the end of their respective product life cycles. These technologies generally allow our machines to run at higher speeds and with more power, thus increasing their efficiency. Customers routinely replace old machines with newer machines that can produce parts faster and with less time to set up the machine when converting from one type of part to another. Generally, our machines can be used to produce parts from all of the standard ferrous and non-ferrous metals, as well as plastics, composites, and exotic materials.

We focus on products and solutions for companies making parts from hard to machine materials with hard to sustain close tolerances and hard to achieve surface finishes that may be hard to hold in the machine. We believe that with our high precision and super precision lathes, our grinding machines, and our rugged machining centers, combined with our accessory products and our technical expertise, we are uniquely qualified to be the supplier of choice for customers manufacturing to demanding specifications.

Multiple options are available on many of our machines, which allows customers to customize their machines to their specific operating performance and cost objectives. We produce machines for stock with popular option combinations for immediate delivery, as well as design and produce machines to specific customer requirements. In addition to our machines, we provide the necessary tooling, accessories, and support services to assist customers in maximizing their return on investment.

The sale of repair parts is important to our business. Certain parts on machines wear out, fail, or need to be replaced due to misuse over time. Customers will buy parts from us throughout the life of the machine, which typically extends over many years. There are thousands of machines in operation in the world for which we provide those repair parts and in many cases the parts are available exclusively from us.

We offer various warranties on our equipment and consider post-sale support to be a critical element of our business. Warranties on machines typically extend for twelve months after purchase. Services provided include operation and maintenance training, in-field maintenance, and in-field repair. We offer these post sales support services on a paid basis throughout the life of the machine. In territories covered by distributors, this support and service is offered through the distributor.

Aftermarket Tooling and Accessories (ATA)

This segment includes products that are purchased by manufacturers throughout the lives of their machines. The selling prices of these units are relatively low per piece with prices ranging from fifty dollars on high volume collets to fifty thousand dollars or more for specialty chucks. While considered to be consumable, these products are more durable in nature, with replacement due to wear over time. Our products are used on all types and brands of machine tools, not limited to our own. Sales levels are affected by manufacturing cycles, but not to the severity of the capital goods lines. While customers may not purchase large dollar machines during a down cycle, their factories are operating with their existing equipment and therefore accessories are still needed as they wear out or they are needed for a change in production requirements.

The two primary product groups in ATA are collets and chucks. Collets are cone-shaped metal sleeves used for holding circular or rod like pieces in a lathe or other machine that provide effective part holding and accurate part location during machining operations. Chucks are a specialized clamping device used to hold an object with radial symmetry, especially a cylindrical object. It is most commonly used to hold a rotating work piece. Some of our specialty chucks can also hold irregularly shaped objects that lack radial symmetry. While our products are known for accuracy and durability, they are consumable in nature.

 In May of 2013, the Company acquired Forkardt, a global provider of specialty chucks. Forkardt is based in Traverse City, Michigan with operations in the United States, Europe, and Asia that provide unique solutions for demanding workholding applications. This acquisition positions Hardinge as one of the largest manufacturers of rotating workholding solutions in the world. In December of 2013, we divested the Forkardt Swiss operations due to potential customer conflicts.

We offer an extensive line of workholding and toolholding solutions that are available in tens of thousands of shapes and sizes to meet unique customer application needs. These solutions can be used on virtually all types and brands of metalcutting machines, as well as non-traditional uses in many industrial applications. The Company continues to explore opportunities to expand this business organically and through acquisitions.


5


Sales, Markets and Distribution

We sell our products in most of the industrialized countries of the world through a combination of distributors, agents, and manufacturers' representatives. In certain areas of China, France, Germany, India, North America, and the United Kingdom, we have also used a direct sales force for portions of our product lines. Generally, our distributors have an exclusive right to sell our products in a defined geographic area. Our distributors operate as independent businesses and purchase products from us at discounted prices for their customers, while agents and representatives sell products on our behalf and receive commissions on sales. Our discount schedule is adjusted to reflect the level of pre and post sales support offered by our distributors. Our direct sales personnel earn a fixed salary plus commission. Sales through distributors are made only on standard commercial open account terms or through letters of credit. Distributors generally take title to products upon shipment from our facilities and do not have any special return privileges.

 Our standard ATA products are sold through direct telephone orders and via our web site at www.shophardinge.com. Custom or special solutions are sold through direct sales and agents. In most cases, we are able to package and ship in-stock tooling, accessories, and repair parts within 24 hours of receiving orders. We can package and ship items with heavy demand within a few hours. In other parts of the world, these products are sold on either a direct sales basis or through distributor arrangements.

We promote recognition of our products in the marketplace through advertising in trade publications, web presences, email newsletters, and participation in industry trade shows. In addition, we market our non-machine products and capabilities through publication of general catalogs and other targeted catalogs, which we distribute to existing and prospective customers. We have a considerable presence on the internet at www.hardinge.com and www.forkardt.com, where customers can obtain information about our products and place orders for accessories, tooling, knee mill products and repair parts.

A substantial portion of our end use customers are small and medium-sized independent job shops, which in turn sell machined parts to their industrial customers. Industries directly and indirectly served by us include aerospace, automotive, computer, communications, consumer-electronics, construction equipment, defense, energy, farm equipment, medical equipment, recreational equipment, and transportation.

No single customer or related group of customers accounted for more than 5% of our consolidated sales in 2015 or 2014. While valuing our relationship with each customer, we do not believe that the loss of any single customer, or any few customers, would have an adverse material effect on our business.

Competitive Conditions

In our industry, the barriers to entry for competition vary based on the level of product performance required. For the products with the highest performance in terms of accuracy and productivity, the barriers are generally technical in nature. For basic products, often the barriers are not technical; they are tied to product availability, competitive price position, and an effective distribution model that offers the pre and post sales support required by customers. Another significant barrier in the global machine tool industry is the high level of working capital that is required to operate the business.

We compete in various sectors of the machine tool market within the products of turning, milling, grinding, tooling and accessories. We compete with multiple companies in each market sector we serve. The primary competitive factors in the marketplace for our machine tools are reliability, price, delivery time, service, and technological characteristics. Our management considers our segment of the industry to be extremely competitive. There are many manufacturers of machine tools in the world. They can be categorized by the size of material their products can machine and the precision level their products can achieve. For our high precision, multi-tasking turning and milling equipment, competition comes primarily from companies such as DMG Mori Seiki, Mazak, and Okuma. Competition in our more standard turning and milling equipment comes, in part, from those companies as well as Doosan, which is based in South Korea, and Haas which is based in the U.S., as well as many Taiwanese companies. Our internal and outer diameter (ID/OD) cylindrical grinding machines compete primarily with Studer, a Swiss company as well as Toyoda and Shigiya, which are based in Japan. Our Hauser jig grinding machines compete primarily with Moore Tool, which is based in the U.S., and some Japanese suppliers. Our surface grinding machines compete with Okamoto in Japan and Chevalier in Taiwan. Our ATA products compete with many smaller companies.


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The overall number of our competitors providing product solutions serving our target markets may increase. Also, the overall composition of companies with which we compete may change as we broaden our product offerings and the geographic markets we serve. As we expand into new market areas, we will face competition not only from our existing competitors but from other competitors as well, including existing companies with strong technological, marketing and sales positions in those markets. In addition, several of our competitors may have greater resources, including financial, technical, and engineering resources, than we do.

Sources and Availability of Components

Our machines within the MMS segment are produced around the world. We produce certain of our lathes, knee mills, and related products at our Elmira, New York plant. The Kellenberger and Voumard grinding machines and related products are manufactured at our St. Gallen, Switzerland plant and Hauser and Tschudin products are produced at our Biel, Switzerland facility. The Jones & Shipman grinding machines are manufactured at our Leicester, England plant. The Usach grinding machines are manufactured at our Elgin, Illinois plant. We produce machining centers and lathes at our Hardinge Taiwan facility in Nan Tou, Taiwan and our Hardinge Precision Machinery (Jiaxing) Company, Ltd. facility in Jiaxing, China. The Company's Forkardt and Hardinge branded ATA segment products and solutions are engineered and produced in our plants located in Traverse City, Michigan, Elmira, New York, Reutlingen, Germany, Noisy le Sec, France, Hyderabad, India and Shanghai, China. We manufacture products from various raw materials, including cast iron, sheet metal, and bar steel. We purchase a number of components, sub-assemblies and assemblies from outside suppliers, including the computer and electronic components for our computer controlled lathes, grinding machines, and machining centers. There are multiple suppliers for virtually all of our raw material, components, sub-assemblies and assemblies and historically, we have not experienced a serious supply interruption. However, in 2011, because of the increase in demand driven by early 2011 worldwide order activity, producers of bearings, ball screws, and linear guides had difficulty meeting the rise in demand. Similar demand increase in the future could impact our production schedules.

A major component of our computer controlled machines is the computer and related electronics package. We purchase these components from Fanuc Limited, a Japanese electronics company, Heidenhain, a German control supplier, Mitsubishi Electric, a Japanese electronics company, or from Siemens, another German control manufacturer. While we believe that design changes could be made to our machines to allow sourcing from several other existing suppliers, and we occasionally do so for special orders, a disruption in the supply of the computer controls from one of our suppliers could cause us to experience a substantial disruption of our operations, depending on the circumstances at the time. We purchase parts from these suppliers under normal trade terms. There are no agreements with these suppliers to purchase minimum volumes per year.

Research and Development

Our ongoing research and development program involves creating new products, modifying existing products to meet market demands, and redesigning existing products, both to add new functionality and to reduce the cost of manufacturing. The research and development departments throughout the world are staffed with experienced design engineers with varying levels of education, ranging from technical to doctoral degrees.

The worldwide cost of research and development, all of which has been charged to cost of goods sold, amounted to $14.5 million, $13.9 million and $12.5 million, in 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively.

Patents

Although we hold several patents with respect to certain of our products, we do not believe that our business is dependent to any material extent upon any single patent or group of patents.

Seasonal Trends and Working Capital Requirements

Hardinge's business and that of the machine tool industry in general, is cyclical. It is not subject to significant seasonal trends. However, our quarterly results are subject to fluctuation based on the timing of our shipments of machine tools, which are largely dependent upon customer delivery requirements. Given that a large percentage of our sales are from Asia, the impact of plant shutdowns in that region by us and our customers due to the celebration of the Lunar New Year holiday may impact the first quarter sales, income from operations, and net income, and result in the first quarter being the lowest quarter of the year.


7


The ability to deliver products within a short period of time is an important competitive criterion. We must have inventory on hand to meet customers' delivery expectations, which for standard machines typically range from immediate to eight weeks delivery. Meeting this requirement is especially difficult with some of our products, where delivery is extended due to time associated with shipping on ocean-going vessels, depending on the location of the customer. This creates a need to have inventory of finished machines available in our major markets to serve our customers in a timely manner.

We deliver many of our machine products within one to two months after the order. Some orders, especially multiple machine orders, are delivered on a turnkey basis with the machine or group of machines configured to make certain parts for the customer. This type of order often includes the addition of material handling equipment, tooling and specific programming. In those cases, the customer usually observes and inspects the parts being made on the machine at our facility before it is shipped and the timing of the sale is dependent upon the customer's schedule and acceptance. Lead time for these types of orders, especially grinding machines, can range from six to eight months. Therefore, sales from quarter-to-quarter can vary depending upon the timing of those customers' acceptances and the significance of those orders.

We feel it is important, where practical, to provide readily available accessories and replacement parts for the machines we sell and we carry inventory at levels sufficient to meet these customer requirements.

Governmental Regulations

We believe that our current operations and our current uses of property, plant and equipment conform in all material respects to applicable laws and regulations in the various countries in which we conduct business.

Governmental Contracts

No material portion of our business is subject to government contracts.

Environmental Matters

Our operations are subject to extensive federal, state, local and foreign laws and regulations relating to environmental matters. Certain environmental laws can impose joint and several liability for releases or threatened releases of hazardous substances upon certain statutorily defined parties regardless of fault or the lawfulness of the original activity or disposal. Hazardous substances and adverse environmental effects have been identified with respect to real property we own and on adjacent parcels of real property.

In particular, our Elmira, NY manufacturing facility is located within the Kentucky Avenue Wellfield on the National Priorities List of hazardous waste sites designated for cleanup by the United States Environmental Protection Agency ("EPA") because of groundwater contamination. The Kentucky Avenue Wellfield Site (the "Site") encompasses an area which includes sections of the Town of Horseheads and the Village of Elmira Heights in Chemung County, NY. In February 2006, the Company received a Special Notice Concerning a Remedial Investigation/Feasibility Study ("RI/FS") for the Koppers Pond (the "Pond") portion of the Site. The EPA documented the release and threatened release of hazardous substances into the environment at the Site, including releases into and in the vicinity of the Pond. The hazardous substances, including metals and polychlorinated biphenyls, have been detected in sediments in the Pond.

Until receipt of this Special Notice in February 2006, the Company had never been named as a potentially responsible party ("PRP") at the Site nor had the Company received any requests for information from the EPA concerning the Site. Environmental sampling on our property within this Site under supervision of regulatory authorities had identified off-site sources for such groundwater contamination and sediment contamination in the Pond, and found no evidence that our operations or property have contributed or are contributing to the contamination. We have notified all appropriate insurance carriers and are actively cooperating with them, but whether coverage will be available has not yet been determined and possible insurance recovery cannot now be estimated with any degree of certainty.

A substantial portion of the Pond is located on our property. The Company, along with Beazer East, Inc., the Village of Horseheads, the Town of Horseheads, the County of Chemung, CBS Corporation and Toshiba America, Inc., (collectively, the "PRPs"), agreed to voluntarily participate in the RI/FS by signing an Administrative Settlement Agreement and Order of Consent on September 29, 2006. On September 29, 2006, the Director of Emergency and Remedial Response Division of the EPA, Region II, approved and executed the Agreement on behalf of the EPA. The PRPs also signed a PRP Member Agreement, agreeing to share the costs associated with the RI/FS study on a per capita basis.


8


The EPA approved the RI/FS Work Plan in May of 2008. In July of 2012 the PRPs submitted a Remedial Investigation (RI) to respond to EPA issues raised in the initial draft RI. In January 2016, the PRPs submitted a draft Feasibility Study (FS), also to respond to issues raised by the EPA about previous drafts of the FS.

The recent draft FS identified alternative remedial actions with estimated life-cycle costs ranging from $0.9 million to $5.0 million. The Company’s portion of the potential costs is estimated to range from $0.1 million to $0.7 million. Based on the current estimated costs of the various remedial alternatives now under consideration by the EPA, a reserve of $0.3 million has been recorded for the Company’s share of remediation expenses at the Pond as of December 31, 2015. This reserve is reported as an Accrued expenses on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.

We believe, based upon information currently available that, except as described in the preceding paragraphs, we will not have material liabilities for environmental remediation. Though the foregoing reflects the Company's current assessment as it relates to environmental remediation obligations, it is possible that future remedial requirements or changes in the enforcement of existing laws and regulations, which are subject to extensive regulatory discretion, will result in material liabilities to the Company.

Employees

As of December 31, 2015, Hardinge Inc. employed 1,496 persons, 468 of whom were located in the United States. Management believes that relations with our employees are good.

Foreign Operations and Export Sales

Information related to foreign and domestic operations and sales is included in Note 18. "Segment Information" to the Consolidated Financial Statements contained in this Annual Report. Our strategy has been to diversify our sales and operations geographically so that the impact of economic trends in different regions can be balanced.

The risks associated with conducting business on an international basis are discussed further in Item 1A. "Risk Factors".

Item 1A. Risk Factors.

Risk Factors That May Impact Future Results

Current and potential shareholders should carefully consider the risks described below. These are the risks and uncertainties we believe are most important for shareholders to consider. Additional risks and uncertainties not presently known to us, which we currently deem immaterial or which are similar to those faced by other companies in our industry or business in general, may also impair our business operations. Any of these factors, many of which are beyond our control, could materially adversely affect our business, financial condition, operating results, cash flow, and stock price.

Risks Relating to Our Industry

Changes in general economic conditions and the cyclical nature of our business could harm our operating results.

Our business is cyclical in nature, following the strength and weakness of the manufacturing economies in the geographic markets we serve. As a result of this cyclicality, we have experienced, and in the future we can be expected to experience, significant fluctuations in sales and operating income, which may affect our business, operating results, financial condition and the market price of our common shares.

The following factors, among others, significantly influence demand for our products:

Fluctuations in capacity at both original equipment manufacturers and job shops;
The availability of skilled machinists;
The need to replace machines that have reached the end of their useful life;
The need to replace older machines with new technology that increases productivity, reduces general manufacturing costs, and machines parts in a new way;
The evolution of end-use products requiring machining to more specific tolerances;
Our customers' use of new materials requiring machining by different processes;
General economic and manufacturing industry expansions and contractions; and

9


Changes in manufacturing capabilities in developing regions.

Our business is highly competitive, and increased competition could reduce our sales, earnings and profitability.

The markets in which our machines and other products are sold are extremely competitive and highly fragmented. In marketing our products, we compete primarily with other businesses on quality, reliability, price, value, delivery time, service, and technological characteristics. We compete with a number of U.S., European, and Asian competitors, many of which are larger, have greater financial and other resources, and are supported by governmental or financial institution subsidies. Increased competition could force us to lower our prices or to offer additional product features or services at a higher cost to us, which could reduce our earnings.

The greater financial resources or the lower amount of debt of certain of our competitors may enable them to commit larger amounts of capital in response to changing market conditions. Certain competitors may also have the ability to develop product innovations that could put us at a disadvantage. If we are unable to compete successfully against other manufacturers in our marketplace, we could lose customers, and our sales may decline. There can also be no assurance that customers will continue to regard our products favorably, that we will be able to develop new products that appeal to customers, that we will be able to improve or maintain our profit margins on sales to our customers, or that we will be able to continue to compete successfully in our core markets. While we believe our product lines compete effectively in their markets, we may not continue to do so.

Our competitive position and prospects for growth may be diminished if we are unable to develop and introduce new and enhanced products on a timely basis that are accepted in the market.

The machine tool industry is subject to technological change, rapidly evolving industry standards, changing customer requirements, and improvements in and expansion of product offerings, especially with respect to computer-controlled products. Our ability to anticipate changes in technology, industry standards, customer requirements and product offerings by competitors, and to develop and introduce new and enhanced products on a timely basis that are accepted in the market, will be significant factors in our ability to compete and grow. Moreover, if technologies or standards used in our products become obsolete or fail to gain widespread commercial acceptance, our business would be materially adversely affected. Developments by our competitors or others may render our products or technologies obsolete or noncompetitive. Failure to effectively introduce new products or product enhancements on a timely basis could materially adversely affect our business, operating results, and financial condition.

Risks Relating to Our Operations

Our business, financial condition, and results of operations could be adversely affected by the political and economic conditions of the countries in which we conduct business and other factors related to our international operations.

We manufacture a substantial portion of our products overseas and sell our products throughout the world. In 2015, approximately 70% of our products were manufactured in countries outside of North America and approximately 66% of our products were sold in countries outside of North America. In addition, a majority of our employees are located outside of the United States. Multiple factors relating to our international operations and to particular countries in which we operate could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations, and cash flows. These factors include:

A prolonged world-wide economic downturn or economic uncertainty in our principal international markets including Asia and Europe;
Changes in political, regulatory, legal, or economic conditions;
Restrictive governmental actions, such as restrictions on the transfer or repatriation of funds and foreign investments and trade protection measures, including export duties and quotas, customs duties and tariffs, or trade barriers erected by either the United States or other countries where we do business;
Disruptions of capital and trading markets;
Changes in import or export licensing requirements;
Transportation delays;
Civil disturbances or political instability;
Geopolitical turmoil, including terrorism or war;
Currency restrictions and exchange rate fluctuations;
Changes in labor standards;
Limitations on our ability under local laws to protect our intellectual property;
Nationalization and expropriation; and

10


Changes in domestic and foreign tax laws.

Prices of some raw materials, especially steel and iron, fluctuate, which can adversely affect our sales, costs, and profitability.

We manufacture products with a relatively high iron casting or steel content, commodities for which worldwide prices fluctuate. The availability of, and prices for, these and other raw materials are subject to volatility due to worldwide supply and demand forces, speculative actions, inventory levels, exchange rates, production costs, and anticipated or perceived shortages. In some cases, raw material cost increases can be passed on to customers in the form of price increases; in other cases, they cannot. If raw material prices increase and we are not able to charge our customers higher prices to compensate, it would adversely affect our business, results of operations and financial condition.

We rely on a limited number of suppliers to obtain certain components, sub-assemblies, assemblies and products. Delays in deliveries from or the loss of any of these suppliers may cause us to incur additional costs, result in delays in manufacturing and delivering our products or cause us to carry excess or obsolete inventory.

Some components, sub-assemblies, or assemblies we use in the manufacturing of our products are purchased from a limited number of suppliers. Our purchases from these suppliers are generally not made pursuant to long-term contracts and are subject to additional risks associated with purchasing products internationally, including risks associated with potential import restrictions and exchange rate fluctuations, as well as changes in tax laws, tariffs, and freight rates. Although we believe that our relationships with these suppliers are good, there can be no assurance that we will be able to obtain these products from these suppliers on satisfactory terms indefinitely. The present economic environment could also pose the risk of one of these key suppliers going out of business, or cause delays in delivery times of critical components as business conditions rebound and demand increases.

We believe that design changes could be made to our machines to allow sourcing of components, sub-assemblies, assemblies or products from several other suppliers; however, a disruption in the supply from any of our suppliers could cause us to experience a material adverse effect on our operations.

We rely in part on independent distributors and the loss of these distributors could adversely affect our business.

In addition to our direct sales force, we depend on the services of independent distributors and agents to sell our products and provide service and aftermarket support to our customers. We support an extensive distributor and agent network worldwide. In 2015, approximately 30% of our sales were through distributors. No distributor accounted for more than 5% of our consolidated sales in 2015. Rather than serving as passive conduits for delivery of product, many of our distributors are active participants in the sale and support of our products. Many of the distributors with whom we transact business offer competitive products and services to our customers. In addition, the distribution agreements we have are typically cancelable by the distributor after a relatively short notice period. The loss of a substantial number of our distributors or an increase in the distributors' sales of our competitors' products to our customers could reduce our sales and profits.

If we are unable to attract and retain skilled employees to work at our manufacturing facilities our operations and growth prospects would be adversely impacted.

We conduct substantially all of our manufacturing operations in less densely populated urban areas which, in many cases, may represent a relatively small market for skilled labor force. Our continued success depends on our ability to attract and retain a skilled labor force at these locations. If we are not able to attract and retain the personnel we require, we may be unable to develop, manufacture, and market our products, or to expand our operations in a manner that best exploits market opportunities and capitalizes on our investment in our business. Failure to achieve these objectives would materially adversely affect our business, operating results and financial condition.

We could face potential product liability claims relating to products we manufacture, which could result in commitments of significant time and expense to defend these claims and to pay material amounts in damages or settlement.

We face a business risk of exposure to product liability claims in the event that the use of our products is alleged to have resulted in injury or other adverse effects. We currently maintain product liability insurance coverage; however, such insurance does not cover all types of damages that could be assessed against us in a product liability claim and the coverage amounts are subject to certain limitations under the applicable policies. We may not be able to obtain product liability insurance on acceptable terms in the future. Product liability claims can be expensive to defend and can divert the attention of management and other personnel for long periods of time, regardless of the ultimate outcome. An unsuccessful product liability

11


defense could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations or prospects. In addition, we believe our business depends on the strong brand reputation we have developed. In the event that our reputation is damaged, we may face difficulty in maintaining our pricing positions with respect to some of our products, which would reduce our sales and profitability.

We are subject to environmental laws that could impose significant costs on us and the failure to comply with such laws could subject us to sanctions and material fines and expenses.

Our operations are subject to extensive federal, state, local and foreign laws and regulations relating to environmental matters. Certain environmental laws can impose joint and several liability for releases or threatened releases of hazardous substances upon certain statutorily defined parties regardless of fault or the lawfulness of the original activity or disposal. Hazardous substances and adverse environmental effects have been identified with respect to real property we own and on adjacent parcels of real property.

We believe, based upon information currently available that, except with respect to the environmental matter concerning the Kentucky Avenue Wellfield Site as described in Part I Item 1. "Business - Environmental Matters", we will not have material liabilities for environmental remediation. Though the foregoing reflects the Company's current assessment as it relates to environmental remediation obligations, it is possible that future remedial requirements or changes in the enforcement of existing laws and regulations, which are subject to extensive regulatory discretion, will result in material liabilities to the Company.

Risks Relating to Our Customers

Our customers' activity levels and spending for our products and services have been impacted by global economic conditions, especially deterioration in the credit markets.

For many of our customers, the purchase of our machines represents a significant capital expenditure. For others, the purchase of our machines is a part of a larger improvement or expansion of manufacturing capability. For all, the purchase represents a long term commitment of capital raised by incurrence of debt, issuance of equity or use of cash flow from operations. Global economic and financial difficulties across the world in recent years have been well documented. Governments in Europe, Asia and the U.S. subsequently intervened in an effort to improve economic conditions. These interventions may have reduced the overall impact of the crisis, but also created instability, uncertainty and doubt. During this period, many of our customers experienced uncertain cash flows and reduced access to credit and equity markets, all of which made commitment to larger long term capital projects difficult. While global conditions appear to have improved, similar conditions in the future could negatively impact our operating results.

We rely on estimated forecasts of our customers' needs and inaccuracies in such forecasts could adversely affect our business.

We generally sell our products pursuant to individual purchase orders instead of long-term purchase commitments. Therefore, we rely on estimated demand forecasts, based upon input from our customers and the general economic environment, to determine how much material to purchase and product to manufacture. Because our sales are based on purchase orders, our customers may cancel, delay, or otherwise modify their purchase commitments with little or no consequence to them and with little or no notice to us. For these reasons, we generally have limited visibility regarding our customers' actual product needs. The quantities or timing required by our customers for our products could vary significantly. Whether in response to changes affecting the industry or a customer's specific business pressures, any cancellation, delay, or other modification in our customers' orders could significantly reduce our revenue, causing our operating results to fluctuate from period to period and make it more difficult for us to predict our revenue. In the event of a cancellation or reduction of a customer order, we may not have enough time to reduce inventory purchases or our workforce to minimize the effect of the lost revenue on our business. Order cancellations typically average approximately 2% of sales. Cancellations could vary significantly during times of global economic uncertainty.

Major changes in the economic situation of our customer base could require us to write off significant portion of our receivables from customers.

In difficult economic periods, our customers lose work and find it difficult if not impossible to pay for products purchased from us. Although appropriate credit reviews are done at the time of sale, rapidly changing economic conditions can have sudden impacts on customers' ability to pay. We run the risk of bad debt with customers on open account. If we write off

12


significant parts of our customer accounts receivable because of unforeseen changes in their business condition, it would adversely affect our results of operations, financial condition, and cash flows.

Risks Relating to Our Securities

Anti-takeover provisions in our charter documents and under New York law may discourage a third party from acquiring us.

Certain provisions of our certificate of incorporation and bylaws may have the effect of discouraging a third party from making a proposal to acquire us and, as a result, may inhibit a change in control of the Company under circumstances that could give the shareholders the opportunity to realize a premium over the then-prevailing market price of our common shares. These include:

Staggered Board of Directors. Our certificate of incorporation and bylaws provide that our Board of Directors, currently consisting of eight members, is divided into three classes of directors, with each class consisting of two or three directors, and with the classes serving staggered three-year terms. This classification of the directors has the effect of making it more difficult for shareholders, including those holding a majority of our outstanding shares, to force an immediate change in the composition of our Board of Directors.

Removal of Directors and Filling of Vacancies. Our certificate of incorporation provides that a member of our Board of Directors may be removed only for cause and upon the affirmative vote of the holders of 75% of the securities entitled to vote at an election of directors. Newly created directorships and Board of Director vacancies resulting from retirement, death, removal or other causes may be filled only by a majority vote of the then remaining directors. Accordingly, it is more difficult for shareholders, including those holding a majority of our outstanding shares, to force an immediate change in the composition of our Board of Directors.

Supermajority Voting Provisions for Certain Business Combinations. Our certificate of incorporation requires the affirmative vote of at least 75% of all of the securities entitled to vote and at least 75% of shareholders who are not Major Shareholders (defined as 10% beneficial holders) in order to effect certain mergers, sales of assets or other business combinations involving the Company. These provisions could have the effect of delaying, deferring or preventing a change of control of the Company.

In addition, as a New York corporation we are subject to provisions of the New York Business Corporation Law which may make it more difficult for a third party to acquire and exercise control over us pursuant to a tender offer or request or invitation for tenders. These provisions could have the effect of deterring or delaying changes in incumbent management, proxy contests or changes in control.

Our certificate of incorporation authorizes the issuance of shares of blank check preferred stock.

Our certificate of incorporation provides that our Board of Directors is authorized to issue from time to time, without further stockholder approval, up to 2,000,000 shares of preferred stock (the Board of Directors has already designated 250,000 of such shares of preferred stock as Series A Preferred Stock) in one or more series and to fix and designate the rights, preferences, privileges and restrictions of the preferred stock, including dividend rights, conversion rights, voting rights, redemption rights and terms of redemption and liquidation preferences. Such shares of preferred stock could have preferences over our common stock with respect to dividends and liquidation rights. Our issuance of preferred stock may have the effect of delaying or preventing a change in control. Our issuance of preferred stock could decrease the amount of earnings and assets available for distribution to the holders of common stock or could adversely affect the rights and powers, including voting rights, of the holders of common stock. The issuance of preferred stock could have the effect of decreasing the market price of our common stock.

Our shareholders may experience further dilution as a result of future equity offerings or issuances.

In order to raise additional capital or pursue strategic transactions, we may in the future offer, issue or sell additional shares of our common stock or other equity securities. Our shareholders may experience significant dilution as a result of future equity offerings or issuances. Investors purchasing shares or other securities in the future could have rights superior to existing shareholders.

In addition, we have filed a registration statement with the Securities and Exchange Commission, allowing us to offer, from time to time and at any time, up to $100.0 million of equity securities (including common or preferred shares), subject to

13


market conditions and other factors. The 1.0 million shares sold under the controlled equity offering are the only equity securities sold pursuant to such registration statement thus far. Accordingly, we may, from time to time and at any time, seek to offer and sell our equity securities, including sales of shares of common stock, based upon market conditions and other factors.

The announcement that our Board of Directors, together with our management team is exploring strategic alternatives to enhance shareholder value could adversely affect our business, financial condition, and results of operations.
Our announcement that our Board of Directors, together with our management team is exploring strategic alternatives to enhance shareholder value, including, among other things, a possible sale, merger or other form of business combination or strategic transaction, could disrupt our business and create uncertainty about our prospects as a stand-alone entity. This could have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition, and results of operations, regardless of whether a strategic transaction is completed. These risks to our business include:

diversion of significant management time and resources towards the investigation or completion of a strategic transaction;
difficulties developing and maintaining relationships with customers and other business partners; and
impairment of our ability to attract and retain key personnel and other employees.

In addition, there can be no assurance whether or when any strategic transaction will be undertaken or thereafter consummated, and, even if a transaction is consummated, there can be no assurance as to whether or to what degree such a transaction will be successful in maximizing value to our stockholders.

Item 1B. Unresolved Staff Comments.

None.

Item 2. Properties.

Pertinent information concerning the principal properties of the Company and its subsidiaries is as follows:

Owned Properties:
Location
 
Type of Facility
 
Acreage (Land)
Square Footage
(Building)
Horseheads, New York
 
Manufacturing, Engineering, Turnkey Systems, Marketing, Sales, Demonstration, Service, and Administration
 
80 acres
515,000 sq. ft.
Jiaxing, China
 
Manufacturing, Engineering, Demonstration, and Administration (Buildings and improvements are owned by the Company; land is under 50-year lease expiring in November 2060)
 
7 acres
223,179 sq. ft
St. Gallen, Switzerland
 
Manufacturing, Engineering, Turnkey Systems, Marketing, Sales, Demonstration, Service, and Administration
 
8 acres
162,924 sq. ft.
Nan Tou City, Taiwan
 
Manufacturing, Engineering, Marketing, Sales, Demonstration, Service, and Administration
 
3 acres
123,204 sq. ft.
Romanshorn, Switzerland
 
Manufacturing
 
2 acres
42,324 sq. ft.
Biel, Switzerland
 
Manufacturing, Engineering, Service, and Turnkey Systems
 
4 acres
41,500 sq. ft.
Traverse City, Michigan
 
Manufacturing, Engineering, Marketing, Sales, Service, and Administration
 
2.4 acres
38,800 sq. ft.


14


Leased Properties:
Location
 
Type of Facility
 
Square Footage
 
Lease
Expiration
Date
Leicester, England
 
Manufacturing, Sales, Marketing, Engineering, Turnkey Systems, Demonstration, Service, and Administration
 
55,000 sq. ft.
 
3/31/19
Erkrath, Germany
 
Sales, Service, Administration, Engineering, and Marketing
 
45,025 sq. ft.
 
10/30/16
Reutlingen, Germany
 
Manufacturing and Engineering
 
39,547 sq. ft.
 
8/31/19
Shanghai, China
 
Marketing, Engineering, Turnkey Systems, Sales, Service, Demonstration, and Administration
 
38,820 sq. ft.
 
5/31/18
Elgin, Illinois
 
Manufacturing, Sales, Marketing, Engineering, Turnkey Systems, Demonstration, Service, and Administration
 
34,000 sq. ft.
 
12/31/17
Krefeld, Germany
 
Sales, Turnkey Systems, Service, Demonstration, and Administration
 
14,402 sq. ft.
 
3/31/20
Hyderabad, India
 
Manufacturing, Engineering, Marketing, Sales, Service, and Administration
 
10,000 sq. ft.
 
9/30/16
Biel, Switzerland
 
Manufacturing, Sales, Engineering, Turnkey Systems, Service, and Administration
 
7,995 sq. ft.
 
6/30/16
Noisy le Sec, France
 
Manufacturing, Engineering, Marketing, Sales, Administration, and Service
 
7,320 sq. ft.
 
12/31/19
St. Gallen, Switzerland
 
Manufacturing
 
7,136 sq. ft.
 
12/31/19
Shanghai, China
 
Sales, Service, Engineering, and Administration
 
6,949 sq. ft.
 
10/31/17
Bron, France
 
Marketing, Sales, Administration, and Service
 
2,680 sq. ft.
 
4/1/23

Item 3. Legal Proceedings.
 
The Company is from time to time involved in routine litigation incidental to its operations. None of the litigation in which we are currently involved, individually or in the aggregate, is anticipated to be material to our financial condition, results of operations, or cash flows.
 
Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures.
 
Not Applicable.
 

15


PART II

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

The following table reflects the highest and lowest values at which our common stock traded in each quarter of the last two years. Our common stock trades on the NASDAQ Global Select Market under the symbol "HDNG". The table also includes dividends per share, by quarter:
 
2015
 
2014
 
Values
 
Values
 
High
 
Low
 
Dividends
 
High
 
Low
 
Dividends
Quarter Ended
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

March 31,
$
12.05

 
$
10.78

 
$
0.02

 
$
14.86

 
$
12.86

 
$
0.02

June 30,
11.69

 
9.38

 
0.02

 
14.66

 
11.40

 
0.02

September 30,
10.83

 
8.13

 
0.02

 
13.00

 
10.75

 
0.02

December 31,
10.15

 
7.97

 
0.02

 
12.59

 
9.77

 
0.02

    
At March 4, 2016, there were 222 shareholders of record of our common stock.

Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

None.

Performance Graph

The graph below compares the five-year cumulative total return for Hardinge Inc. common stock with the comparable returns for the NASDAQ Stock Market (U.S.) Index and a group of 15 peer issuers. The companies included in our peer group were selected based on comparability to Hardinge with respect to market capitalization, sales, manufactured products and international presence. Our peer group includes Altra Holding, Inc., Cohu, Inc., Columbus McKinnon Corporation, Dynamic Materials Corporation, Electro Scientific Industries Inc., Global Power Equipment Group Inc., Hurco Companies Inc., Kadant Inc., Nanometrics Inc., Newport Corporation, NN, Inc., Rudolph Technologies, Inc., Sifco Industries Inc., Transcat Inc., and Twin Disc Inc. We removed PMFG Inc. from the peer group as it is no longer a publicly traded company. Cumulative total return represents the change in stock price and the amount of dividends received during the indicated period, assuming reinvestment of dividends. The graph assumes an investment of $100 on December 31, 2010. The stock performance shown in the graph is included in response to SEC requirements and is not intended to forecast or to be indicative of future performance.


16


COMPARISON OF 5 YEAR CUMULATIVE TOTAL RETURN*
Among Hardinge Inc., the NASDAQ Composite Index,
and a Peer Group


____________________
*$100 invested on 12/31/10 in stock or index, including reinvestment of dividends.

Fiscal year ended December 31,
2010
 
2011
 
2012
 
2013
 
2014
 
2015
Hardinge Inc. 
$
100.00

 
$
83.15

 
$
103.54

 
$
151.60

 
$
125.68

 
$
99.02

NASDAQ Composite
100.00

 
99.17

 
116.48

 
163.21

 
187.27

 
200.31

Peer Group
100.00

 
92.32

 
87.93

 
119.72

 
112.82

 
91.39


17


Item 6. Selected Financial Data.

The following selected financial data is derived from the audited consolidated financial statements of the Company. The data should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements, related notes and other information included herein (amounts in thousands except per share data):
 
2015
 
2014
 
2013
 
2012
 
2011
STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS DATA:
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Sales
$
315,249

 
$
311,633

 
$
329,459

 
$
334,413

 
$
341,573

Cost of sales
224,851

 
224,755

 
236,220

 
237,576

 
250,545

Gross profit
90,398

 
86,878

 
93,239

 
96,837

 
91,028

Selling, general and administrative expenses
81,271

 
81,045

 
79,533

 
76,196

 
73,599

Restructuring charges (1)
3,558

 

 

 

 

Impairment charges(2)

 
5,766

 
6,239

 

 

Other expense, net
632

 
514

 
471

 
559

 
832

Operating income (loss)
4,937

 
(447
)
 
6,996

 
20,082

 
16,597

Interest expense, net
499

 
678

 
1,064

 
741

 
238

Income (loss) from continuing operations before
   income taxes
4,438

 
(1,125
)
 
5,932

 
19,341

 
16,359

Income taxes
1,828

 
1,233

 
1,537

 
1,486

 
4,373

Income (loss) from continuing operations
2,610

 
(2,358
)
 
4,395

 
17,855

 
11,986

Gain from disposal of discontinued operation, and
   income from discontinued operations, net of tax(3)

 
218

 
5,532

 

 

Net income (loss)
$
2,610

 
$
(2,140
)
 
$
9,927

 
$
17,855

 
$
11,986

PER SHARE DATA:
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Basic earnings (loss) per share:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Continuing operations
$
0.20

 
$
(0.19
)
 
$
0.37

 
$
1.53

 
$
1.03

Discontinued operations

 
0.02

 
0.47

 

 

Basic earnings (loss) per share
$
0.20

 
$
(0.17
)
 
$
0.84


$
1.53

 
$
1.03

Weighted average basic shares outstanding
12,776

 
12,661

 
11,801

 
11,557

 
11,463

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Diluted earnings (loss) per share:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Continuing operations
$
0.20

 
$
(0.19
)
 
$
0.37

 
$
1.53

 
$
1.02

Discontinued operations

 
0.02

 
0.46

 

 

Diluted earnings (loss) per share
$
0.20

 
$
(0.17
)
 
$
0.83

 
$
1.53

 
$
1.02

Weighted average diluted shares outstanding
12,872

 
12,661

 
11,891

 
11,596

 
11,548

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Cash dividends declared per share
$
0.08

 
$
0.08

 
$
0.08

 
$
0.08

 
$
0.05

BALANCE SHEET DATA:
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Working capital
$
129,248

 
$
134,338

 
$
128,069

 
$
128,069

 
$
126,851

Total assets
311,300

 
311,320

 
325,654

 
325,654

 
311,669

Total debt
11,771

 
16,225

 
19,989

 
19,989

 
21,537

Shareholders' equity
161,105

 
169,596

 
161,207

 
161,207

 
147,023

____________________
(1)  
On August 4, 2015, the Company's Board of Directors approved a strategic restructuring program with the goals of streamlining the Company's cost structure, increasing operational efficiencies and improving shareholder returns. The restructuring charges incurred in 2015 is $3.6 million.




18



(2)  
2014 and 2013 results include non-cash charges of $5.8 million and $6.2 million, respectively, for impairment of goodwill and other intangible assets. $5.8 million and $5.1 million in 2014 and 2013, respectively, was related to the impairment in the value of goodwill and the trade name associated with the purchase of Usach, and $1.1 million in 2013 was related to the impairment of the Forkardt trade name as a result of the Forkardt Swiss business divestiture.
(3)  
On December 31, 2013, the Company divested its Forkardt Operations in Switzerland for CHF 5.6 million, net of cash sold ($6.3 million equivalent), resulting in a gain of $4.9 million. In March 2014, the Company recognized $0.2 million of additional consideration as a result of final working capital adjustments.

Item 7.  Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.
 
Overview. We supply high precision computer controlled metalcutting turning machines, grinding machines, vertical machining centers, and repair parts related to those machines. The Company also engineers and supplies high precision, standard and specialty workholding devices, and other machine tool accessories. We believe our products are known for accuracy, reliability, durability and value. We are geographically diversified with manufacturing facilities in China, France, Germany, India, Switzerland, Taiwan, the United States (“U.S.”), and the United Kingdom (“U.K.”), with sales to most industrialized countries. Approximately 66% of our 2015 sales were to customers outside of North America, 70% of our 2015 products sold were manufactured outside of North America, and 69% of our employees in 2015 were employed outside of North America.
 
Metrics on machine tool market activity monitored by our management include world machine tool shipments, as reported annually by Gardner Publications in the Metalworking Insiders Report, and metal-cutting machine orders, as reported by the Association of Manufacturing Technology, the primary industry group for U.S. machine tool manufacturers. Other closely followed U.S. market indicators are tracked to determine activity levels in U.S. manufacturing plants that are prospective customers for our products. One such measurement is the Purchasing Managers Index, as reported by the Institute for Supply Management. Another measurement is capacity utilization of U.S. manufacturing plants, as reported by the Federal Reserve Board. Similar information regarding machine tool shipments and economic indicators in foreign countries is published by trade associations, government agencies, and economic services in those countries.
 
Non-machine sales, which include collets, chucks, accessories, repair parts and service revenue, accounted for approximately 32% of overall sales in 2015 and are an important part of our business due to an installed base of thousands of machines, and the growing needs demanded by specialty workholding applications. In the past, sales of these products and services have not fluctuated on a year-to-year basis as significantly as the sales of our machines have from time to time, but demand for these products and services typically track the direction of the related machine metrics.
 
Other key performance indicators are geographic distribution of net sales (“sales”) and net orders (“orders”), gross profit as a percent of sales, income from operations, working capital changes, and debt level trends. In an industry where constant product technology development has led to an average model life of three to five years, effectiveness of technological innovation and development of new products are also key performance indicators.
 
We are exposed to financial market risk resulting from changes in interest and foreign currency rates. Global economic conditions and related disruptions within the financial markets have also increased our exposure to the possible liquidity and credit risks of our counterparties. We believe we have sufficient liquidity to fund our foreseeable business needs, including cash and cash equivalents, cash flows from operations, our bank financing arrangements, and equity financing arrangements.
 
We monitor the third-party depository institutions that hold our cash and cash equivalents. Our emphasis is primarily on safety of principal. Our cash and cash equivalents are diversified among counterparties to minimize exposure to any one of these entities.
 
We are subject to credit risks relating to the ability of counterparties of hedging transactions to meet their contractual payment obligations. The risks related to creditworthiness and non-performance has been considered in the fair value measurements of our foreign currency forward exchange contracts.
 
We expect that some of our customers and vendors may experience difficulty in maintaining the liquidity required to buy inventory or raw materials. We continue to monitor our customers’ financial condition in order to mitigate the risk associated with our ability to collect on our accounts receivable.
 

19


Foreign currency exchange rate changes can be significant to reported results for several reasons. Our primary competitors, particularly for the most technologically advanced products, are now largely manufacturers in Japan, Germany, Switzerland, Korea, and Taiwan, which causes the worldwide valuation of their respective currencies to be central to competitive pricing in all of our markets. The major functional currencies of our subsidiaries are the British Pound Sterling (“GBP”), Chinese Renminbi (“CNY”), Euro (“EUR”), New Taiwanese Dollar (“TWD”), and Swiss Franc (“CHF”). Under US GAAP, results of foreign subsidiaries are translated into U.S. Dollars (“USD”) at the average exchange rate during the periods presented. Period-to-period changes in the exchange rate between their local currency and the USD may affect comparative data significantly. We also purchase computer controls and other components from suppliers throughout the world, with purchase costs reflecting currency changes.

Results of Operations
 
Presented below is summarized selected financial data for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014 (in thousands): 
 
2015
 
% of Sales
 
2014
 
% of Sales
 
$
Change
 
%
Change
Sales
$
315,249

 


 
$
311,633

 
 
 
$
3,616

 
1.2
 %
Gross profit
90,398

 
28.7
%
 
86,878

 
27.9
 %
 
3,520

 
4.1
 %
Selling, general and administrative expenses
81,271

 
25.8
%
 
81,045

 
26.0
 %
 
226

 
0.3
 %
Restructuring charges
3,558

 
 
 

 
 
 
3,558

 
NM
Impairment charges

 


 
5,766

 
 
 
(5,766
)
 
NM
Other expense, net
632

 
 
 
514

 
 
 
118

 
23.0
 %
Income (loss) from operations
4,937

 
1.6
%
 
(447
)
 
(0.1
)%
 
5,384

 
1,204.5
 %
Interest expense, net
499

 
 
 
678

 
 
 
(179
)
 
(26.4
)%
Income (loss) from continuing operations before
   income taxes
4,438

 


 
(1,125
)
 
 
 
5,563

 
494.5
 %
Income taxes
1,828

 
 
 
1,233

 
 
 
595

 
48.3
 %
Net income (loss) from continuing operations
2,610

 
0.8
%
 
(2,358
)
 
(0.8
)%
 
4,968

 
210.7
 %
Gain from disposal of discontinued operation and
   income from discontinued operations, net of tax

 
 
 
218

 
 
 
(218
)
 
NM
Net income (loss)
$
2,610

 
0.8
%
 
$
(2,140
)
 
(0.7
)%
 
$
4,750

 
222.0
 %
NM--not meaningful

Sales. The table below summarizes sales by each corresponding geographical region for the year ended December 31, 2015 compared to the year ended December 31, 2014 (in thousands):
 
 
2015
 
2014
 
Change
 
$
 
%
 
$
 
%
 
$
 
%
Sales to customers in:
North America
$
108,470

 
34.4
%
 
$
100,894

 
32.3
%
 
$
7,576

 
7.5
 %
Europe
97,269

 
30.9
%
 
103,063

 
33.1
%
 
(5,794
)
 
(5.6
)%
Asia
109,510

 
34.7
%
 
107,676

 
34.6
%
 
1,834

 
1.7
 %
Total
$
315,249

 
100.0
%
 
$
311,633

 
100.0
%
 
$
3,616

 
1.2
 %

Sales for the year ended December 31, 2015 were $315.2 million, an increase of $3.6 million, or 1.2% when compared to the prior year. Unfavorable foreign currency translation had an impact of $11.4 million. Excluding the impact of foreign currency translation, sales would have increased $15.0 million or 5% over the prior year. The leading cause of the increase was improved demand for grinding machines and new product introductions.
 

20


North America sales were $108.5 million and $100.9 million, respectively, for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014, an increase of $7.6 million, or 7.5%. The current year increase is driven by higher levels of grinding sales driven by order backlog from the beginning of 2015 and new product introductions.
 
Europe sales were $97.3 million and $103.1 million for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively, a decrease of $5.8 million, or 5.6%. This decline was influenced by the impact of $9.3 million of unfavorable foreign currency translation, excluding that effect, sales would have grown by $3.5 million, or 3%. This increase was driven by higher demand for grinding machines.
 
Asia sales were $109.5 million and $107.7 million for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively, an increase of $1.8 million, or 1.7%. Foreign currency translation had an unfavorable impact of $2.1 million, which was more than offset by strong grinding sales in the region. Excluding the translation effect, sales grew by $3.9 million or 4%. Demand from customers in China is the key driver of the performance of the machine tool industry, and while recent machine tool industry data from China is reporting a current year decline in demand, Hardinge has been able to maintain sales volume levels in the primary customer segments that it serves.

Sales of machines accounted for approximately 68% of the consolidated sales for the year ended December 31, 2015, compared to 66% in 2014. Sales of non-machine products and services, primarily consisting of collets, chucks, accessories, repair parts, and service revenue, accounted for 32% of the consolidated sales for the year ended December 31, 2015, compared to 34% in 2014
 
Gross Profit. Gross profit was $90.4 million, or 28.7% of sales for the year ended December 31, 2015, compared to $86.9 million, or 27.9% of sales in 2014. The increase in gross margin was primarily a result of higher production levels in the Company’s grinding facilities, which resulted in higher factory absorption, as well as an improved mix of grinding machines. This was partially offset by $0.8 million for the integration of the Voumard product lines, which was acquired in September 2014, and a first quarter inventory valuation adjustment of approximately $0.7 million.
 
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses. Selling, general and administrative (“SG&A”) expenses were $81.3 million, or 25.8% of net sales for the year ended December 31, 2015, an increase of $0.2 million or 0.3%, compared to $81.0 million, or 26.0% of net sales for the year ended December 31, 2014. SG&A for the year ended December 31, 2015 included $0.8 million of incremental professional fees associated with the Company's previously announced strategic review process, $0.8 million of additional SG&A from our Voumard acquisition and $0.4 million for the expansion of the Company’s Forkardt businesses in India and China, which was partially offset by $3.8 million from the favorable impact of foreign currency translation.
 
Restructuring. The Company recorded $3.6 million in charges related to severance payments and a voluntary retirement plan associated with the announcement of a closure plan for a facility in Germany and a factory overhead reduction initiative in the Elmira, New York facility.

Impairment ChargesThe Company did not record any impairment charges in 2015. In 2014, the Company recorded a non-cash impairment charge of $5.8 million to reduce the value of goodwill and the trade name associated with the purchase of Usach. As a result of the charges in 2014, all of the goodwill related to the Usach acquisition has been written off.

Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations Before Income TaxesAs a result of the foregoing, net income from continuing operations was $4.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2015, compared to net loss from continuing operations of $1.1 million in 2014.

Income Taxes. The provision for income taxes was $1.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2015, compared to $1.2 million in 2014. The effective tax rates were 41.2% for the year ended December 31, 2015, compared to (109.6)% in 2014, which differ from the U.S. statutory rate primarily due to the mix of earnings by country and by the non-recognition of tax benefits for certain entities in a loss position for which a full valuation allowance has been recorded.

We continually assess all available positive and negative evidence in accordance with ASC Topic 740 to evaluate whether deferred tax assets are realizable. To the extent that it is more likely than not that all or a portion of our deferred tax assets in a particular jurisdiction will not be realized, a valuation allowance is recorded. We currently maintain a valuation allowance against all or a portion of our deferred tax assets in the U.S., Canada, U.K., Germany, and the Netherlands.



21


Gain from Disposal of Discontinued Operation and Income from Discontinued Operations, net of tax. The Company did not record any gains or losses in 2015 related to Discontinued Operations. In March 2014, the Company recognized $0.2 million of additional consideration as a result of final working capital adjustments associated with the sale of our Forkardt Swiss business in December 2013. Net income associated with the Forkardt Swiss business was $0.2 million, net of tax, for the year ended December 31, 2014.

Net Income (Loss). As a result of the foregoing, net income for the year ended December 31, 2015 was $2.6 million, or 0.8% of net sales, compared to net loss of $2.1 million, or (0.7)% of net sales in 2014. Both basic and diluted income per share for the year ended December 31, 2015 were $0.20, compared to basic and diluted loss per share of $0.17 in 2014.

Business Segment Information — Comparison of the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014
 
Metalcutting Machine Solutions Segment (MMS) (in thousands):
 
Year Ended 
 December 31,
 
 
 
 
 
2015
 
2014
 
$ Change
 
% Change
Sales
$
250,854

 
$
243,199

 
$
7,655

 
3.1
%
Segment income
7,365

 
3,950

 
3,415

 
86.5
%
 
 MMS sales increased by $7.7 million, or 3.1% in the year ended December 31, 2015 when compared with 2014. The primary driver was strong grinding sales in all markets, partially offset by $8.4 million of unfavorable foreign currency translation.

Segment income was $7.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2015, or $3.4 million above 2014 performance. The main factor contributing to the increase in segment income was the impact of higher sales volumes, combined with higher production levels due to increased machine demand that resulted in higher absorption of factory costs. This increase was partially offset by $0.3 million of restructuring charges related to overhead reductions in the Elmira, New York operations.

Aftermarket Tooling and Accessories Segment (ATA) (in thousands):
 
Year Ended 
 December 31,
 
 
 
 
 
2015
 
2014
 
$ Change
 
% Change
Sales
$
65,128

 
$
68,788

 
$
(3,660
)
 
(5.3
)%
Segment income
3,372

 
6,708

 
(3,336
)
 
(49.7
)%
 
 ATA sales for the year ended December 31, 2015 were $65.1 million, a decrease of $3.7 million when compared to 2014. The primary driver in the decline in sales was foreign currency translation which had an unfavorable impact of $3.0 million, combined with market softness in North America and Europe.

Segment income for the year ended December 31, 2015 was $3.4 million, a 49.7% decrease from 2014. The decline in income was driven by restructuring charges of $3.3 million related to overhead reduction in the Elmira, New York operations and the closure of a facility in Germany which we expect to be completed by the middle of 2016. In addition, the business recorded a $0.7 million unfavorable inventory valuation adjustment in one of its European facilities. Excluding the restructuring charges and inventory adjustment, segment income would have been $7.4 million or 10% higher than 2014.


22


Segment Summary For the Year Ended December 31, 2015 (in thousands):
 
Year Ended December 31, 2015
 
MMS
 
ATA
 
Inter-Segment
Eliminations
 
Total
Sales
$
250,854

 
$
65,128

 
$
(733
)
 
$
315,249

Segment income
7,365

 
3,372

 
 

 
10,737

Unallocated corporate expense
 

 
 

 
 

 
(5,800
)
Interest expense, net
 

 
 

 
 

 
(499
)
Income from continuing operations, before income taxes
 
 
 
 
 
 
$
4,438


Comparison of the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013

Presented below is summarized selected financial data for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 (in thousands): 
 
2014
 
% of Sales
 
2013
 
% of Sales
 
$
Change
 
%
Change
Sales
$
311,633

 
 
 
$
329,459

 
 
 
$
(17,826
)
 
(5.4
)%
Gross profit
86,878

 
27.9
 %
 
93,239

 
28.3
%
 
(6,361
)
 
(6.8
)%
Selling, general and administrative expenses
81,045

 
26.0
 %
 
79,533

 
24.1
%
 
1,512

 
1.9
 %
Impairment charges
5,766

 
 
 
6,239

 
 
 
(473
)
 
(7.6
)%
Other expense, net
514

 
 
 
471

 
 
 
43

 
9.1
 %
(Loss) income from operations
(447
)
 
(0.1
)%
 
6,996

 
2.1
%
 
(7,443
)
 
(106.4
)%
Interest expense, net
678

 
 
 
1,064

 
 
 
(386
)
 
(36.3
)%
(Loss) income from continuing operations before
   income taxes
(1,125
)
 
 
 
5,932

 
 
 
(7,057
)
 
(119.0
)%
Income taxes
1,233

 
 
 
1,537

 
 
 
(304
)
 
(19.8
)%
Net (loss) income from continuing operations
(2,358
)
 
(0.8
)%
 
4,395

 
1.3
%
 
(6,753
)
 
(153.7
)%
Gain from disposal of discontinued operation and
   income from discontinued operations, net of tax
218

 
 
 
5,532

 
 
 
(5,314
)
 
(96.1
)%
Net (loss) income
$
(2,140
)
 
(0.7
)%
 
$
9,927

 
3.0
%
 
$
(12,067
)
 
(121.6
)%

Sales. The table below summarizes sales by each corresponding geographical region for the year ended December 31, 2014 compared to the year ended December 31, 2013 (in thousands):
 
 
2014
 
2013
 
Change
 
$
 
%
 
$
 
%
 
$
 
%
Sales to customers in:
North America
$
100,894

 
32.3
%
 
$
109,457

 
33.2
%
 
$
(8,563
)
 
(7.8
)%
Europe
103,063

 
33.1
%
 
100,126

 
30.4
%
 
2,937

 
2.9
 %
Asia
107,676

 
34.6
%
 
119,876

 
36.4
%
 
(12,200
)
 
(10.2
)%
Total
$
311,633

 
100.0
%
 
$
329,459

 
100.0
%
 
$
(17,826
)
 
(5.4
)%

Sales for the year ended December 31, 2014 were $311.6 million, a decrease of $17.8 million, or 5.4% when compared to the prior year. The leading cause of the overall decline in sales as compared to the prior year was primarily a result of lower sales volume at Usach of $17.9 million, due to the unusually strong shipments in 2013 that resulted from the significant backlog acquired at the end of 2012, combined with an overall decline in sales of the Company's other machine solutions of $15.4 million. These decreases were offset in part by the full year impact of the acquisition of Forkardt, which contributed $15.3 million in incremental sales during the year ended December 31, 2014. 
 

23


North America sales were $100.9 million and $109.5 million, respectively, for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, a decrease of $8.6 million, or 7.8%. As indicated previously, the decrease was driven by the reduction in Usach sales of $8.2 million, combined with reduced sales levels of the Company’s other grinding machines of $7.7 million, partially offset by the full year impact of the acquisition of Forkardt, which contributed $6.2 million in incremental sales during the year ended December 31, 2014.
 
Europe sales were $103.1 million and $100.1 million for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively, an increase of $2.9 million, or 2.9%. The full year impact of the acquisition of Forkardt contributed $7.7 million in incremental sales, offset by lower turning and milling machine sales of $5.3 million in 2014.
 
Asia sales were $107.7 million and $119.9 million for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively, a decrease of $12.2 million, or 10.2%. This decrease was primarily due to the decrease in Usach sales of $9.7 million, combined with an overall decrease in other grinding machine sales of $1.9 million, along with an unfavorable impact from currency exchange rate fluctuations of $1.1 million. The full year impact of the acquisition of Forkardt partially offset the overall decrease in sales, contributing $1.4 million in incremental sales. Demand from customers in China was the key driver of the performance of the machine tool industry, and while recent machine tool industry data from China reported a decline in demand, Hardinge was able to maintain sales volume levels in the primary customer segments that it serves.
 
Sales of machines accounted for approximately 66% of the consolidated sales for the year ended December 31, 2014, compared to 72% in 2013. Sales of non-machine products and services, primarily consisting of collets, chucks, accessories, repair parts, and service revenue, accounted for 34% of the consolidated sales for the year ended December 31, 2014, compared to 28% in 2013. The increase in the portion of non-machine sales over total sales during the year ended December 31, 2014 when compared to 2013 was primarily driven by sales activity from the acquired Forkardt business.
 
Gross Profit. Gross profit was $86.9 million, or 27.9% of sales for the year ended December 31, 2014, compared to $93.2 million, or 28.3% of sales in 2013. The decline in gross margin was primarily a result of lower production levels in the Company’s grinding facilities, which resulted in lower factory absorption.
 
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses. Selling, general and administrative (“SG&A”) expenses were $81.0 million, or 26.0% of net sales for the year ended December 31, 2014, an increase of $1.5 million or 1.9%, compared to $79.5 million, or 24.1% of net sales for the year ended December 31, 2013. SG&A for the year ended December 31, 2014 included $4.3 million of incremental SG&A expense from our Forkardt acquisition, offset in part by the impact of $2.2 million of acquisition related expenses included in the prior year, $0.6 million of additional SG&A from our Voumard acquisition, and $0.4 million of unfavorable impact from changes in currency exchange rates. Excluding the impact of the acquisitions and foreign currency rate fluctuations, SG&A decreased by $1.6 million compared to 2013, primarily as a result of charges recorded in 2013 related to the change in our sales distribution in the United Kingdom, for which there are no correlated charges in 2014.

Impairment Charges. An impairment charge to goodwill of $4.8 million and the Usach trade name of $0.9 million was recorded in the third quarter of 2014 as a result of impairment indicators being present in our Usach reporting unit. In 2013, we recorded a non-cash impairment charge of $5.1 million to reduce the value of goodwill and the trade name associated with the purchase of Usach. As a result of these charges in 2014 and 2013, all of the goodwill related to the Usach acquisition has been written off. In addition, in conjunction with the divestiture of the Forkardt Swiss business in 2013, we recorded a $1.1 million non-cash charge associated with the Forkardt trade name.

(Loss) Income from Continuing Operations Before Income Taxes. As a result of the foregoing, net loss from continuing operations was $1.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2014, compared to net income from continuing operations of $5.9 million in 2013.
 
Income Taxes. The provision for income taxes was $1.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2014, compared to $1.5 million in 2013. The effective tax rates were (109.6)% for the year ended December 31, 2014, compared to 25.9% in 2013, which differ from the U.S. statutory rate primarily due to the mix of earnings by country and by the non-recognition of tax benefits for certain entities in a loss position for which a full valuation allowance has been recorded. The effective tax rate was influenced by the previously aforementioned impairment charges.
 
We continually assess all available positive and negative evidence in accordance with ASC Topic 740 to evaluate whether deferred tax assets are realizable. To the extent that it is more likely than not that all or a portion of our deferred tax assets in a particular jurisdiction will not be realized, a valuation allowance is recorded. We currently maintain a valuation allowance against all or a portion of our deferred tax assets in the U.S., Canada, U.K., Germany, and the Netherlands.

24


 
Gain from Disposal of Discontinued Operation and Income from Discontinued Operations, net of tax. On December 31, 2013, we sold our Forkardt Swiss business for CHF 5.6 million, net of cash sold ($6.3 million equivalent) and recognized a gain of $4.9 million. In March 2014, the Company recognized $0.2 million of additional consideration as a result of final working capital adjustments associated with the sale of our Forkardt Swiss business. Net income associated with the Forkardt Swiss business was $0.6 million, net of tax, for the year ended December 31, 2013.

Net (Loss) Income. As a result of the foregoing, net loss for the year ended December 31, 2014 was $2.1 million, or 0.7% of net sales, compared to net income of $9.9 million, or 3.0% of net sales in 2013. Both basic and diluted loss per share for the year ended December 31, 2014 were $0.17, compared to basic earnings per share of $0.84 and diluted earnings per share of $0.83 in 2013.

Business Segment Information — Comparison of the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013
 
Metalcutting Machine Solutions Segment (MMS) (in thousands):
 
Year Ended 
 December 31,
 
 
 
 
 
2014
 
2013
 
$ Change
 
% Change
Sales
$
243,199

 
$
278,377

 
$
(35,178
)
 
(12.6
)%
Segment income
3,950

 
16,338

 
(12,388
)
 
(75.8
)%
 
MMS sales declined by $35.2 million, or 12.6% in the year ended December 31, 2014 when compared with 2013. The primary driver was the previously lower sales volume at Usach of $17.9 million, due to the unusually strong shipments in 2013 that resulted from the significant backlog acquired at the end of 2012, combined with lower levels of machine sales throughout the world due to economic uncertainty, which impacted levels of capital investment made in our major markets.
 
Segment income was $4.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2014, or $12.4 million below 2013 performance. The main factor contributing to the decline in segment income was the impact of lower sales volumes, combined with lower production levels due to lower machine demand that resulted in under absorption of factory costs.
 
Aftermarket Tooling and Accessories Segment (ATA) (in thousands):
 
Year Ended 
 December 31,
 
 
 
 
 
2014
 
2013
 
$ Change
 
% Change
Sales
$
68,788

 
$
51,553

 
$
17,235

 
33.4
%
Segment income
6,708

 
5,689

 
1,019

 
17.9
%
 
ATA sales for the year ended December 31, 2014 were $68.8 million, an increase of $17.2 million when compared to 2013. Virtually all of the additional sales were generated from the full year impact of the acquired Forkardt business in May of 2013.
 
Segment income for the year ended December 31, 2014 was $6.7 million, a 17.9% increase over 2013. The additional income was driven by the incremental Forkardt sales volume, offset in part by lower productivity in Germany, which resulted in lower profitability.


25


Segment Summary For the Year Ended December 31, 2014 (in thousands):
 
Year Ended December 31, 2014
 
MMS
 
ATA
 
Inter-Segment
Eliminations
 
Total
Sales
$
243,199

 
$
68,788

 
$
(354
)
 
$
311,633

Segment income
3,950

 
6,708

 
 

 
10,658

Unallocated corporate expense
 

 
 

 
 

 
(5,540
)
Acquisition related inventory step-up charge
 
 
 
 
 
 
(86
)
Acquisition related expenses
 
 
 
 
 
 
(178
)
Impairment charges
 
 
 
 
 
 
(5,766
)
Interest expense, net
 

 
 

 
 

 
(678
)
Other unallocated income
 

 
 

 
 

 
465

Loss from continuing operations, before income taxes
 
 
 
 
 
 
$
(1,125
)

Liquidity and Capital Resources

The Company's principal capital requirements are to fund its operations, including working capital, to purchase and fund improvements to its facilities, machines and equipment, and to fund acquisitions.

At December 31, 2015, cash and cash equivalents were $32.8 million, compared to $16.3 million at December 31, 2014. The current ratio at December 31, 2015 was 2.57:1 compared to 2.91:1 at December 31, 2014.

At December 31, 2015 and 2014, total debt outstanding, including notes payable, was $11.8 million and $16.2 million, respectively.

Summary of Cash Flows for the Year Ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013:
 
Summary of cash flow data (in thousands):

 
 
Year Ended December 31,
 
 
2015
 
2014
 
2013
Net cash provided by operating activities
 
$
26,727

 
$
3,179

 
$
25,828

Net cash used in investing activities
 
$
(4,141
)
 
$
(8,500
)
 
$
(31,687
)
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities
 
$
(5,702
)
 
$
(12,130
)
 
$
13,740


Cash Flows from Operating Activities:

During the year ended December 31, 2015, we generated $26.7 million net cash from operating activities. The net cash generated was driven by a net income (as adjusted for depreciation and amortization expense), an increase in customer deposits driven by the timing of fulfillment of customer orders, a decrease in customer receivables resulting from collection activities, and an increase in accrued expenses due to third party commissions payable and restructuring expenses.

During the year ended December 31, 2014, we generated $3.2 million net cash from operating activities. The net cash generated was driven by a net loss (as adjusted for depreciation and amortization expense and impairment loss), an increase in accounts payable due to timing of purchases and payment activity, and decreases in other assets. These cash inflows were offset in part by an increase in customer receivables due to the timing of sales and collection activity, a decrease in accrued expenses, primarily as a result of lower accrued commissions and bonuses as a result of lower current year sales, a decrease in customer deposits due to timing of shipments and new orders received, and an increase in inventories based on orders and associated production levels.

During the year ended December 31, 2013, we generated $25.8 million net cash in operating activities. The generation of net cash was primarily driven by a decrease in inventory levels, combined with net income, as adjusted for impairment charges and depreciation and amortization expense. The cash inflow was offset in part by a decrease in accrued expenses and

26


accounts payable, primarily as a result of slowing business activities as a result of lower order levels, and a decrease in customer deposits, driven by the fulfillment of customer orders.

Cash Used in Investing Activities:

Net cash used in investing activities was $4.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2015. The primary uses of cash was for capital expenditures for, general maintenance and replacement capital during the year.

Net cash used in investing activities was $8.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2014. The primary uses of cash was for the acquisitions of Forkardt India and Voumard totaling $5.7 million, combined with capital expenditures during the year of $3.2 million, which were made primarily for maintenance capital purchases. These cash outflows were offset in part by additional consideration of $0.2 million received during the current year as a result of the final working capital adjustments on the sale of the Forkardt Switzerland operations, and proceeds from the sale of fixed assets made during the ordinary course of business of $0.2 million.

Net cash used in investing activities was $31.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2013. In May of 2013, we used $34.3 million net cash to acquire Forkardt. In addition, we used $3.9 million in cash for capital expenditures, which were made primarily for maintenance capital purchases. These cash outflows were offset in part by $6.3 million in proceeds generated from Forkardt Swiss business divestiture.

Cash Used in Financing Activities:

Net cash flow used by financing activities was $5.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2015. Cash used was primarily attributable to $4.5 million of scheduled payments on long-term debt and $1.0 million of dividends paid to shareholders.

Net cash flow used by financing activities was $12.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2014. Cash used was primarily attributable to $9.3 million of payments on long-term debt due to the mandatory principal payments in connection with the at-the-market stock offering program, pay down of debt with a portion of the proceeds from the sale of the Forkardt Switzerland operations, and normal scheduled payment activity, combined with a $7.5 million payment of contingent consideration in connection with the Usach acquisition, and year-to-date dividends paid of $1.0 million. These cash outflows were offset in part by $5.7 million of proceeds from sale of common stock in connection with the at-the-market stock offering sales agreement entered into on August 9, 2013.

During the year ended December 31, 2013, net cash provided by financing activities was $13.7 million. Cash provided by financing activities was primarily due to $33.8 million in term loan proceeds used to partially fund the acquisition of Forkardt, as well as additional borrowings under our existing credit facilities to align financing activities to current working capital needs. Additionally, we received $8.9 million of proceeds from sale of common stock in connection with the at-the-market stock offering sales agreement entered into on August 9, 2013. These cash inflows were partially offset by payments on long-term debt of $15.7 million, and net payments on notes payable of $11.3 million.

Credit Facilities and Financing Arrangements:

We maintain financing arrangements with several financial institutions. These financing arrangements are in the form of long term loans, credit facilities, and lines of credit. The credit facilities allow the Company to borrow up to $77.2 million at December 31, 2015, of which $54.1 million can be borrowed for working capital needs. As of December 31, 2015, $69.8 million was available for borrowing under these arrangements of which $53.2 million was available for working capital needs. Total consolidated borrowings outstanding were $11.8 million at December 31, 2015 and $16.2 million at December 31, 2014. Details of these financing arrangements are discussed below.

Long-term Debt

In May 2006, Hardinge Taiwan Precision Machinery Limited, an indirectly wholly-owned subsidiary in Taiwan, entered into a mortgage loan with a local bank. The principal amount of the loan is 180.0 million New Taiwanese Dollars ("TWD") ($5.7 million equivalent). The loan, which matures in June 2016, is secured by real property owned and requires quarterly principal payment in the amount of TWD 4.5 million ($0.1 million equivalent). The loan interest rate, 1.75% at December 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, is based on the bank's one year fixed savings rate plus 0.4%. The principal amount outstanding was TWD 9.0 million ($0.3 million equivalent) at December 31, 2015 and TWD $27.0 million ($0.9 million equivalent) at December 31, 2014.

27



In May 2013, the Company and Hardinge Holdings GmbH, a direct wholly-owned subsidiary, entered into a term loan agreement with a bank pursuant to which the bank provided a $23.0 million secured term loan facility for the acquisition of Forkardt. The agreement, which matures in April 2018, calls for scheduled annual principal repayments of $2.1 million, $2.1 million, and $1.0 million in 2016, 2017, and 2018 respectively. In October 2013, the term loan agreement was amended. The amendment reduced mandatory principal payments associated with the sale of the Company's common stock under the stock offering program as described in Note 13. "Shareholders' Equity" of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements set forth in Item 8 of this Form 10-K from 75% of net proceeds to 25% of net proceeds. This amendment was retroactive for all sales of common stock under this stock offering program. The Company made principal payments of $2.1 million in 2014 with stock offering proceeds. The interest rate on the term loan is determined from a pricing grid with the London Interbank Offered Rate ("LIBOR") and base rate options based on the Company's leverage ratio and was 2.56% and 2.44% at December 31, 2015 and 2014 respectively. LIBOR is the average interest rate estimated by leading banks in London that they would be charged when borrowing from other banks. The principal amount outstanding at December 31, 2015 and 2014 was $5.1 million and $6.8 million, respectively.

In November 2013, the Company and Hardinge Holdings GmbH entered into a replacement term note agreement with the same bank pursuant to which the bank converted $10.8 million of the outstanding principal on the term loan to CHF 3.8 million ($3.8 million equivalent) and EUR 5.0 million ($5.4 million equivalent) borrowings. The agreement calls for scheduled annual principal repayments in CHF and EUR. The remaining scheduled annual principal repayments in CHF is CHF 0.6 million ($0.6 million equivalent) in 2016. The scheduled annual principal repayments in EUR are as follows: EUR 0.9 million ($1.0 million equivalent) in 2016 and 2017, and EUR 1.9 million ($2.0 million equivalent) in 2018. The interest rate on the CHF and EUR portion of the term loan is determined from a pricing grid with the Swiss franc LIBOR ("CHF LIBOR") or the Euro Interbank Offered Rate ("EURIBOR") and base rate options based on the Company's leverage ratio and was 2.25% and 2.18% at December 31, 2015, respectively. The interest rate on the CHF and EUR portion of the term loan was 2.27% and 2.46% at December 31, 2014, respectively. The principal amounts outstanding at December 31, 2015 were CHF 0.6 million ($0.6 million equivalent), and EUR 3.7 million ($4.0 million equivalent). The principal amounts outstanding at December 31, 2014 were CHF 1.2 million ($1.2 million equivalent), and EUR 4.4 million ($5.3 million equivalent).

The term loan is secured by (i) liens on all of the Company's U.S. assets (exclusive of real property); (ii) a pledge of 65% of the Company's investment in Hardinge Holdings GmbH; (iii) a negative pledge on the Company's headquarters in Elmira, New York; (iv) liens on all of the personal property assets of Usach, Forkardt Inc. (Formerly Cherry Acquisition Corporation) and Hardinge Technology Systems Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary and owner of the real property comprising the Company's world headquarters in Elmira, New York ("Technology"); and (v) negative pledges on the intellectual property of the Revolving Credit Borrowers and Technology.

The loan agreement contains financial covenants requiring a minimum fixed charge coverage ratio of not less than 1.15 to 1.00 (tested quarterly on a rolling four-quarter basis), a maximum consolidated total leverage ratio of 3.00 to 1.00 (tested quarterly on a rolling four-quarter basis), and maximum annual consolidated capital expenditures of $10.0 million. The loan agreement also contains such other representations, affirmative and negative covenants, prepayment provisions and events of default that are customary for these types of transactions. At December 31, 2015, the Company was in compliance with the covenants under the loan agreement.

In July 2013, Hardinge Holdings GmbH, a direct wholly-owned subsidiary, and Kellenberger & Co. AG, an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company, entered into a credit facility agreement with a bank whereby the bank made available a CHF 2.6 million ($2.6 million equivalent) mortgage loan facility. This facility is to be used by Kellenberger and replaces an existing mortgage loan that Kellenberger maintained with the same bank. Interest on the facility accrues at a fixed rate of 2.50% per annum. Principal payments of CHF 0.2 million ($0.2 million equivalent) are due in June and December in each year of the term, with the remaining outstanding balance of principal and accrued interest due in full at the final maturity in December 2016. The principal amount outstanding was CHF 1.8 million ($1.8 million equivalent) at December 31, 2015, and CHF 2.1 million ($2.1 million equivalent) at December 31, 2014.

The terms of the credit facility contains customary representations, affirmative, negative and financial covenants and events of default. The credit facility is secured by a mortgage on the subsidiary's facility in Romanshorn, Switzerland. The facility is subject to a minimum equity covenant requirement whereby the economic equity of the subsidiary must be at least 35% of the subsidiary's total assets on its balance sheet. At December 31, 2015, the Company was in compliance with the covenants under the loan agreement.

Foreign Credit Facilities


28


In December 2012, Hardinge Jiaxing entered into a secured credit facility with a local bank. This facility provided up to CNY 34.2 million ($5.3 million equivalent) or its equivalent in other currencies for working capital and letter of credit purposes. In January 2014, Hardinge Jiaxing amended this facility, which increased the total availability under the facility to CNY 59.0 million ($9.1 million equivalent) or its equivalent in other currencies. This facility was subsequently amended in December 31, 2015, which changed the total availability under the facility to CNY 20.0 million ($3.1 million equivalent) or its equivalent in other currencies and expires on December, 2016. Borrowings available for working capital purposes were CNY 20.0 million ($3.1 million equivalent). Borrowings under the credit facility are secured by real property owned by the subsidiary. The interest rate on the credit facility is based on the basic interest rate as published by the People's Bank of China, plus a 10% mark-up, amounting to 4.79% and 6.16% at December 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively. There was no principal amount outstanding under this facility at December 31, 2015 or December 31, 2014.

In July 2013, Hardinge Machine Tools B.V., Taiwan Branch, an indirectly wholly-owned subsidiary in Taiwan, entered into a new unsecured credit facility, which was renewed in June 2014 and subsequently in June 2015. This facility, which expires in June 2016, provides up to $12.0 million, or its equivalent in other currencies, for working capital and export business purposes. This credit facility's interest is subject to change by the lender based on market conditions, carries no commitment fees on unused funds. The facility's interest rate was a variable rate at December 31, 2015 and 1.44% at December 31, 2014. There were no principal amounts outstanding under this facility at December 31, 2015 or December 31, 2014.

In September 2014, Hardinge Machine (Shanghai) Co., Ltd., an indirectly wholly-owned subsidiary in China, entered into a credit facility. This facility was renewed and amended in September 2015, provides up to CNY 30.0 million ($4.6 million equivalent) for letters of guarantee and expires in August 2016. Individual letters of guarantee issued under this facility require a cash deposit at the bank of 30% of the letter’s face value. The total issued letters of guarantee at December 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014 had a face value of CNY 0.6 million (approximately $0.1 million) and CNY 0.7 million (approximately 0.1 million ), respectively.

In July 2015, Hardinge Machine (Shanghai) Co., Ltd. entered into a new credit facility, which expires in July 2016. This facility provides up to CNY 10.0 million ($1.5 million equivalent) for letters of guarantee. Individual letter of guarantee issued under this facility are collateralized by the subsidiary's notes receivable for 100%of letter's face value. There were no letters of guarantee issued at December 31, 2015.

In July 2013, Hardinge Holdings GmbH, a direct wholly-owned subsidiary, and Kellenberger, an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary, entered into a credit facility agreement with a bank whereby the bank made available a CHF 18.0 million ($18.0 million equivalent) multi-currency revolving working capital facility. This facility matures in July 2018.

The facility is to be used by Hardinge Holdings GmbH and its subsidiaries (the "Holdings Group") for general corporate and working capital purposes, including standby letters of credit and standby letters of guarantee. In addition to Swiss Francs, loan proceeds available under the facility can be drawn upon in Euros, British Pounds Sterling and United States Dollars. Under the terms of the facility, the maximum amount of borrowings available to the Holdings Group (on an aggregate basis) for working capital purposes shall not exceed CHF 8.0 million ($8.0 million equivalent) or its equivalent in Optional Currencies, as applicable. The interest rate on the borrowings drawn in the form of fixed term advances (excluding Euro-based fixed term advances) is calculated based on the applicable LIBOR. With respect to fixed term advances in Euros, the interest rate on borrowings is calculated based on the applicable EURIBOR, plus an applicable margin, (initially set at 2.25% per annum) that is determined by the bank based on the financial performance of the Holdings Group. At December 31, 2015 and 2014, there were no outstanding borrowings on this facility. The total issued letters of guarantee on this facility at December 31, 2015 had a face value of $5.4 million. The letters were issued in various currencies.

The terms of the credit facilities contain customary representations, affirmative, negative and financial covenants and events of default. The credit facilities are secured by mortgage notes in an aggregate amount of CHF 9.2 million ($9.2 million equivalent) on two buildings owned by Kellenberger. In addition to the mortgage notes provided by Kellenberger, Holdings Group serves as a guarantor with respect to this facility. The facility is also subject to a minimum equity covenant requirement whereby the equity of both the Holdings Group and Kellenberger must be at least 35% of the subsidiary's balance sheet total assets. At December 31, 2015, the Company was in compliance with the covenants under the loan agreement.

Kellenberger also maintains a credit agreement with another bank. This agreement, entered into in October 2009, provides a credit facility of up to CHF 7.0 million ($7.0 million equivalent) for guarantees, documentary credit and margin cover for foreign exchange trades and of which up to CHF 3.0 million ($3.0 million equivalent) is available for working capital purposes. The facility is secured by the subsidiary's certain real property up to CHF 3.0 million ($3.0 million equivalent). This agreement was amended in August 2010. The amendment increased the total funds available under the facility to CHF 9.0 million ($9.0 million equivalent), increased the funds available for working capital purposes to CHF 5.0 million ($5.0 million

29


equivalent) and increased the secured amounts to CHF 4.0 million ($4.0 million equivalent). The agreement was again amended in May 2013 and reverted to the terms in place prior to the August 2010 amendment. The interest rate, currently at LIBOR plus 2.50% for a 90-day borrowing, is determined by the bank based on the prevailing money and capital market conditions and the bank's assessment of the subsidiary. This facility is subject to annual renewal and carries no commitment fees on unused funds. At December 31, 2015 and 2014, there were no borrowings outstanding under this facility. There were no issued letters of guarantee on this facility at December 31, 2015.

The above credit facility is subject to a minimum equity covenant requirement where the minimum equity for the subsidiary must be at least 35% of its balance sheet total assets. At December 31, 2015, the Company was in compliance with the required covenant.

In January 2014, Hardinge China Limited, an indirectly wholly-owned subsidiary in China, entered into a revised credit facility with a local bank. This facility, which expired in August 2015, provided up to $2.0 million for letters of guarantee. This facility was amended in October 2015, which increased the letter of guarantee amount to $3.0 million and it expires in August 2016. The facility requires Hardinge China Limited to maintain net worth of at least RMB 22.0 million. The total issued letters of guarantee at December 31, 2015 had a face value of CNY 6.0 million ($0.9 million equivalent).

Domestic Credit Facilities

In December 2009, the Company entered into a $10.0 million revolving credit facility with a bank. This facility was subject to an annual renewal requirement. In December 2011, the Company modified the existing facility and increased the facility from $10.0 million to $25.0 million, reduced the interest rate from the daily one-month LIBOR plus 5.00% per annum to daily one-month LIBOR plus 3.50% per annum, and extended the maturity date of the facility from March 31, 2012 to March 31, 2013. In December 2012, the maturity date of the facility was extended to March 31, 2014 and the interest rate was reduced from the daily one-month LIBOR plus 3.50% per annum to daily one-month LIBOR plus 2.75% per annum. In May 2013, the Company, Usach, and Forkardt amended and restated the existing $25.0 million revolving credit agreement. The amendment added Usach and Forkardt as additional borrowers and extended the maturity of the credit facility from March 2014 to April 2018. The interest rate on the term loan is determined from a pricing grid with LIBOR and base rate options, based on the Company's leverage ratio and was 2.50% and 2.44% at December 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014 respectively.

This credit facility is secured by substantially all of the Company's U.S. assets (exclusive of real property), a negative pledge on its worldwide headquarters in Elmira, NY, and a pledge of 65% of their investment in Hardinge Holdings GmbH. The credit facility is guaranteed by one of the Company's wholly-owned subsidiaries, which is the owner of the real property comprising the Company's world headquarters. The credit facility does not include any financial covenants. There were no borrowings outstanding under this facility at December 31, 2015 and 2014.

We have a $3.0 million unsecured short-term line of credit from a bank with interest based on the prime rate with a floor of 5.0% and a ceiling of 16.0%. The agreement is negotiated annually, requires no commitment fee and is payable on demand. There were no borrowings outstanding under this line of credit at December 31, 2015 and 2014.

We maintain a standby letter of credit for potential liabilities pertaining to self-insured workers compensation exposure. It renews annually. The amount of the letter of credit was $0.7 million at December 31, 2015 and $0.8 million at December 31, 2014. It expires in March 2016. In total, there were various outstanding letters of credit totaling $7.4 million and $8.7 million at December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively.

We lease space for some of our manufacturing, sales and service operations with lease terms up to 8 years and use certain office equipment and automobiles under lease agreements expiring at various dates. Rent expense under these leases totaled $2.7 million, $3.0 million and $3.2 million during the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014, and 2013, respectively.

The following table shows our future commitments in effect as of December 31, 2015 (in thousands):
    
 
2016
 
2017
 
2018
 
2019
 
2020
 
Thereafter
 
Total
Long-term debt
$
5,692

 
$
3,023

 
$
3,056

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$
11,771

Operating lease obligations
2,043

 
1,490

 
883

 
437

 
40

 
62

 
4,955

Purchase commitments
23,617

 
38

 

 

 

 

 
23,655

Standby letters of credit
7,286

 
77

 

 

 

 

 
7,363

Total
$
38,638

 
$
4,628

 
$
3,939

 
$
437

 
$
40

 
$
62

 
$
47,744

    

30



We have not included the liabilities for uncertain tax positions in the above table as we cannot make a reliable estimate of the period of cash settlement. We have not included pension obligations in the above table as we cannot make a reliable estimate of the timing of employer contributions. For the year ended December 31, 2016, the expected Company contributions to be paid to the qualified domestic plan are $1.6 million and the expected Company contributions to the foreign defined benefit pension plans are $2.5 million.

We believe that the current available funds and credit facilities, along with internally generated funds from operations, will provide sufficient financial resources for ongoing operations throughout 2016.

Off Balance Sheet Arrangements

We do not have any off balance sheet arrangements.

Change in Accounting Policy

During the quarter ended June 30, 2014, we voluntarily changed the date of the annual goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets impairment testing from the last day of the fiscal year to the first day of the fourth quarter. This voluntary change is preferable under the circumstances as it provides additional time to complete the annual goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible asset impairment testing in advance of year-end reporting. The voluntary change in accounting policy related to the annual testing date will not delay, accelerate or avoid an impairment charge. This change was not applied retrospectively, as doing so would require the use of significant estimates and assumptions that include hindsight. Accordingly, the change was applied prospectively.

Discussion of Critical Accounting Policies

The preparation of our financial statements requires the application of a number of accounting policies, which are described in the notes to the financial statements. These policies require the use of assumptions or estimates, which, if interpreted differently under different conditions or circumstances, could result in material changes to the reported results. Following is a discussion of those accounting policies that were reviewed with our audit committee, and which we feel are most susceptible to such interpretation.

Accounts Receivable. We assess the collectability of our trade accounts receivable using a combination of methods. We review large individual accounts for evidence of circumstances that suggest a collection problem might exist. Such situations include, but are not limited to, the customer's past history of payments, its current financial condition as evidenced by credit ratings, financial statements or other sources, and recent collection activities. We provide a reserve for losses based on current payment trends in the economies where we hold concentrations of receivables and provide a reserve for what we believe to be the most likely risk of collectability. In order to make these allowances, we rely on assumptions regarding economic conditions, equipment resale values, and the likelihood that previous performance will be indicative of future results.

Inventories. We use a number of assumptions and estimates in determining the value of our inventory. An allowance is provided for the value of inventory quantities of specific items that are deemed to be excessive based on an annual review of past usage and anticipated future usage. While we feel this is the most appropriate methodology for determining excess quantities, the possibility exists that customers will change their buying habits in the future should their own requirements change. Changes in metalcutting technology can render certain products obsolete or reduce their market value. We continually evaluate changes in technology and adjust our products and inventory carrying values accordingly, either by write-off or by price reductions. Changes in market conditions and realizable selling prices for our machines could reduce the value of our inventory. We continually evaluate the carrying value of our machine inventory against the estimated selling price, less related costs to sell and adjust our inventory carrying values accordingly. However, the possibility exists that a future technological development, currently unanticipated, might affect the marketability of specific products produced by the Company.

We include in the cost of our inventories a component to cover the estimated cost of manufacturing overhead activities associated with production of our products.

We believe that being able to offer immediate delivery on many of our products is critical to our competitive success. Likewise, we believe that maintaining an inventory of service parts, with a particular emphasis on purchased parts, is especially important to support our policy of maintaining serviceability of our products. Consequently, we maintain significant inventories of repair parts on many of our machine models, some of which are no longer in production. Our ability to accurately determine which parts are needed to maintain this serviceability is critical to our success in managing this element of our business.

31



Goodwill Impairment Testing. We review goodwill for impairment at least annually or when indicators of impairment are present. These events or circumstances could include a significant long-term adverse change in the business climate, poor indicators of operating performance, or a sale or disposition of a significant portion of a reporting unit.

We test goodwill at the reporting unit level, which is one level below our operating segments. We identify our reporting units by assessing whether the components of our operating segments constitute businesses for which discrete financial information is available and segment management regularly reviews the operating results of those components. We also aggregate components that have similar economic characteristics into single reporting units (for example, similar products and/or services, similar long-term financial results, product processes, classes of customers, etc.). We have three reporting units, only one of which currently has goodwill. Our ATA reporting unit had goodwill totaling $6.6 million as of December 31, 2015.

When we evaluate the potential for goodwill impairment, we assess a range of qualitative factors including, but not limited to, macroeconomic conditions, industry conditions, the competitive environment, changes in the market for our products and services, regulatory and political developments, entity specific factors such as strategy and changes in key personnel and overall financial performance. If, after completing this assessment, it is determined that it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying value, we proceed to a two-step impairment test.

Our annual goodwill impairment review was performed as of October 1, 2015. As a result of this assessment we determined that the fair value of our reporting units that have goodwill exceeded the carrying value.

Net Deferred Tax Assets. We regularly review the recent results and projected future results of our operations, as well as other relevant factors, to reconfirm the likelihood that existing deferred tax assets in each tax jurisdiction would be fully recoverable.

Retirement Plans. We sponsor various defined benefit pension plans, defined contribution plans, and one postretirement benefit plan, all as described in Note 14. "Employee Benefits" to the Consolidated Financial Statements set forth in Item 8 of this Form 10-K. The calculation of our plan expenses and liabilities require the use of a number of critical accounting estimates. Changes in the assumptions can result in different plan expense and liability amounts, and actual experience can differ from the assumptions. We believe that the most critical assumptions are the discount rate and the expected rate of return on plan assets.

We annually review the discount rate to be used for retirement plan liabilities. In the U.S., we use bond pricing models based on high grade U.S. corporate bonds constructed to match the projected liability benefit payments. We discounted our future plan liabilities for our U.S. plan using rates of 4.75% and 4.28% at our plan measurement dates of December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively. We discounted our future plan liabilities for our foreign plans using rates appropriate for each country, which resulted in blended rates of 1.21% and 1.43% at their measurement dates of December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively. A change in the discount rate can have a significant effect on retirement plan obligations. For example, a decrease of one percent would increase U.S. pension obligations by approximately $13.5 million. Conversely, an increase of one percent would decrease U.S. pension obligations by approximately $11.2 million. A decrease of one percent in the discount rate would increase the Swiss pension obligations by approximately $19.1 million. Conversely, an increase of one percent would decrease the Swiss pension obligations by approximately $15.6 million.

A change in the discount rate can also have an effect on retirement plan expense. For example, a decrease of one percent would increase U.S. pension expense by less than $0.8 million. Conversely, an increase of one percent would decrease U.S. pension expense by less than $0.8 million. A decrease of one percent would increase the Swiss pension expense by approximately $0.9 million. Conversely, an increase of one percent would decrease the Swiss pension expense by approximately $0.9 million.

The expected rate of return on plan assets varies based on the investment mix of each particular plan and reflects the long-term average rate of return expected on funds invested or to be invested in each pension plan to provide for the benefits included in the pension liability. We review our expected rate of return annually based upon information available to us at that time, including the current level of expected returns on risk free investments (primarily government bonds in each market), the historical level of the risk premium associated with the other asset classes in which the portfolio is invested, and the expectations for future returns of each asset class. The expected return for each asset class is then weighted based on the asset allocation to develop the expected long-term rate of return on assets assumption. For our domestic plans, the expected rate of return during fiscal 2016 is 7.50%, which is the same rate used for fiscal 2015. For our foreign plans, we used rates of return appropriate for each country which resulted in a blended expected rate of return of 3.91% for fiscal 2016, compared to 3.95% for fiscal 2015. A change in the expected return on plan assets can also have a significant effect on retirement plan expense.

32


For example, a decrease of one percent would increase U.S. pension expense by approximately $0.8 million. Conversely, an increase of one percent would decrease U.S. pension expense by approximately $0.8 million. A decrease of one percent would increase the Swiss pension expense by approximately $0.9 million. Conversely, an increase of one percent would decrease the Swiss pension expense by approximately $0.9 million.

Accounting Guidance Not Yet Adopted

We are currently assessing the financial impact to our consolidated financial statements of accounting guidance not yet adopted. For further information on accounting guidance not yet adopted, refer to Note 20. "New Accounting Standards" to the Consolidated Financial Statements set forth in Item 8 of this 10-K.
 
Certain statements in this report, other than purely historical information, including estimates, projections, statements relating to our business plans, objectives and expected operating results, and the assumptions upon which those statements are based, are “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. These forward-looking statements generally are identified by the words “believes,” “project,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “estimates,” “intends,” “strategy,” “plan,” “may,” “will,” “would,” “will be,” “will continue,” “will likely result,” and similar expressions. Forward-looking statements are based on current expectations and assumptions that are subject to risks and uncertainties which may cause actual results to differ materially from the forward-looking statements. Accordingly, there can be no assurance that our expectations will be realized. Such statements are based upon information known to management at this time. The Company cautions that such statements necessarily involve uncertainties and risk and deal with matters beyond the Company’s ability to control, and in many cases the Company cannot predict what factors would cause actual results to differ materially from those indicated. Among the many factors that could cause actual results to differ from those set forth in the forward-looking statements are fluctuations in the machine tool business cycles, changes in general economic conditions in the U.S. or internationally, the mix of products sold and the profit margins thereon, the relative success of the Company’s entry into new product and geographic markets, the Company’s ability to manage its operating costs, actions taken by customers such as order cancellations or reduced bookings by customers or distributors, competitors’ actions such as price discounting or new product introductions, governmental regulations and environmental matters, changes in the availability and cost of materials and supplies, the implementation of new technologies and currency fluctuations. Any forward-looking statement should be considered in light of these factors. The Company undertakes no obligation to revise its forward-looking statements if unanticipated events alter their accuracy.

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

The information required by this item is incorporated herein by reference to the section entitled "Overview" in Item 7. "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations", of this Form 10-K.
 

33


Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

The Board of Directors and Shareholders of
Hardinge Inc. and Subsidiaries

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Hardinge Inc. and Subsidiaries as of December 31, 2015 and 2014, and the related consolidated statements of operations, comprehensive (loss) income, shareholders' equity, and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2015. Our audits also included the financial statement schedule listed in the Index at Item 15(a). These financial statements and schedule are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements and schedule based on our audits.

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

In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of Hardinge Inc. and Subsidiaries at December 31, 2015 and 2014, and the consolidated results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2015, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. Also, in our opinion, the related financial statement schedule, when considered in relation to the basic financial statements taken as a whole, presents fairly in all material respects the information set forth therein.

We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), Hardinge Inc. and Subsidiaries' internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2015, based on criteria established in Internal Control-Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (1992 framework) and our report dated March 10, 2016 expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.


/s/ Ernst & Young LLP

Buffalo, New York
March 10, 2016


34


HARDINGE INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(in thousands, except share and per share data)
 
December 31,
2015
 
December 31,
2014
Assets
 

 
 

Cash and cash equivalents
$
32,774

 
$
16,293

Restricted cash
2,192

 
3,151

Accounts receivable, net
56,945

 
62,877

Inventories, net
110,232

 
111,821

Other current assets
9,385

 
10,545

Total current assets
211,528

 
204,687

 
 
 
 
Property, plant and equipment, net
62,025

 
65,874

Goodwill
6,620

 
6,698

Other intangible assets, net
28,018

 
30,217

Other non-current assets
3,109

 
3,844

Total non-current assets
99,772

 
106,633

Total assets
$
311,300

 
$
311,320

 
 
 
 
Liabilities and shareholders’ equity
 

 
 

Accounts payable
$
24,696

 
$
25,592

Accrued expenses
27,964

 
25,071

Customer deposits
19,845

 
12,736

Accrued income taxes
1,919

 
646

Deferred income taxes
2,164

 
2,332

Current portion of long-term debt
5,692

 
3,972

Total current liabilities
82,280

 
70,349

 
 
 
 
Long-term debt
6,079

 
12,253

Pension and postretirement liabilities
57,322

 
53,119

Deferred income taxes
1,121

 
2,516

Other liabilities
3,393

 
3,487

Total non-current liabilities
67,915

 
71,375

Commitments and contingencies (see Note 12)


 


Common stock ($0.01 par value, 20,000,000 authorized; 12,856,716 issued and
12,838,227 outstanding as of December 31, 2015, and 12,825,468 issued and
12,821,768 outstanding as of December 31, 2014)
128

 
128

Additional paid-in capital
120,524

 
120,538

Retained earnings
89,368

 
87,777

Treasury shares (at cost, 18,489 as of December 31, 2015, and 3,700 as of
December 31, 2014)
(202
)
 
(46
)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
(48,713
)
 
(38,801
)
Total shareholders’ equity
161,105

 
169,596

Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity
$
311,300

 
$
311,320

 
See accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements.


35


HARDINGE INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(in thousands, except per share data)
 
 
Year Ended December 31,
 
2015
 
2014
 
2013
Sales
$
315,249

 
$
311,633

 
$
329,459

Cost of sales
224,851

 
224,755

 
236,220

Gross profit
90,398

 
86,878

 
93,239

 
 
 
 
 
 
Selling, general and administrative expenses
81,271

 
81,045

 
79,533

Restructuring charges
3,558

 

 

Impairment charges

 
5,766

 
6,239

Other expense, net
632

 
514

 
471

Income (loss) from operations
4,937

 
(447
)
 
6,996

 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest expense
655

 
737

 
1,128

Interest income
(156
)
 
(59
)
 
(64
)
Income (loss) from continuing operations before
income taxes
4,438

 
(1,125
)
 
5,932

Income taxes
1,828

 
1,233

 
1,537

Net income (loss) from continuing operations
2,610

 
(2,358
)
 
4,395

 
 
 
 
 
 
Gain from disposal of discontinued operation, net of tax

 
218

 
4,890

Income from discontinued operations, net of tax

 

 
642

 
 
 
 
 
 
Net income (loss)
$
2,610

 
$
(2,140
)
 
$
9,927

 
 
 
 
 
 
Per share data:
 

 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Basic earnings (loss) per share:
 

 
 

 
 
Continuing operations
$
0.20

 
$
(0.19
)
 
$
0.37

Disposal of discontinued operation

 
0.02

 
0.41

Discontinued operations

 

 
0.06

Basic earnings (loss) per share
$
0.20

 
$
(0.17
)
 
$
0.84

 
 
 
 
 
 
Diluted earnings (loss) per share:
 

 
 

 
 
Continuing operations
$
0.20

 
$
(0.19
)
 
$
0.37

Disposal of discontinued operation

 
0.02

 
0.41

Discontinued operations

 

 
0.05

Diluted earnings (loss) per share
$
0.20

 
$
(0.17
)
 
$
0.83

 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash dividends declared per share:
$
0.08

 
$
0.08

 
$
0.08

 
See accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements.


36


HARDINGE INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE (LOSS) INCOME
(in thousands)
 
 
Year Ended December 31,
 
2015
 
2014
 
2013
Net income (loss)
$
2,610

 
$
(2,140
)
 
$
9,927

Other comprehensive (loss) income:
 

 
 

 
 
Foreign currency translation adjustments
(4,598
)
 
(11,893
)
 
1,939

Retirement plans related adjustments
(5,945
)
 
(26,163
)
 
23,689

Unrealized (loss) gain on cash flow hedges

 
(281
)
 
77

Other comprehensive (loss) income before tax
(10,543
)
 
(38,337
)
 
25,705

Income tax (benefit) expense
(631
)
 
(955
)
 
1,615

Other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax
(9,912
)
 
(37,382
)
 
24,090

Total comprehensive (loss) income
$
(7,302
)
 
$
(39,522
)
 
$
34,017

 
See accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements.


37


HARDINGE INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(in thousands)
 
Year Ended December 31,
 
2015
 
2014
 
2013
Operating activities
 

 
 
 
 
Net income (loss)
$
2,610

 
$
(2,140
)
 
$
9,927

Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by operating activities:
 

 
 

 
 
Impairment charge

 
5,766

 
6,239

Depreciation and amortization
8,509

 
9,847

 
9,560

Debt issuance costs amortization
38

 
42

 
83

Deferred income taxes
(768
)
 
446

 
(390
)
Gain on sale of assets
(26
)
 
(82
)
 
(62
)
Gain on sale of business

 
(218
)
 
(4,890
)
Gain on purchase of business

 
(462
)
 

Unrealized foreign currency transaction loss
404

 
350

 
(2,397
)
Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of businesses acquired:
 

 
 

 
 

Accounts receivable
3,942

 
(7,860
)
 
(68
)
Restricted cash
827

 
973

 
1,490

Inventories
(1,442
)
 
(1,303
)
 
20,259

Other assets
1,245

 
682

 
173

Accounts payable
450

 
2,211

 
(4,083
)
Customer deposits
7,762

 
(1,783
)
 
(899
)
Accrued expenses
3,250

 
(3,281
)
 
(9,123
)
Accrued pension and postretirement liabilities
(74
)
 
(9
)
 
9

Net cash provided by operating activities
26,727

 
3,179

 
25,828

 
 
 
 
 
 
Investing activities
 

 
 

 
 
Acquisition of businesses, net of cash acquired

 
(5,683
)
 
(34,250
)
Capital expenditures
(4,210
)
 
(3,186
)
 
(3,871
)
Proceeds from disposal of business

 
218

 
6,255

Proceeds from sales of assets
69

 
151

 
179

Net cash used in investing activities
(4,141
)
 
(8,500
)
 
(31,687
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
Financing activities
 

 
 

 
 
Payment of contingent consideration

 
(7,500
)
 
(299
)
Proceeds from short-term notes payable to bank
32,502

 
21,143

 
47,733

Repayments of short-term notes payable to bank
(32,502
)
 
(21,143
)
 
(59,025
)
Proceeds from long-term debt

 

 
33,821

Repayments of long-term debt
(4,464
)
 
(9,296
)
 
(15,743
)
Debt issuance costs

 

 
(687
)
Dividends paid
(1,037
)
 
(1,012
)
 
(944
)
Net proceeds from sales of common stock

 
5,678

 
8,884

Purchases of treasury stock
(201
)
 

 

Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities
(5,702
)
 
(12,130
)
 
13,740

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash
(403
)
 
(978
)
 
(14
)
Net increase (decrease) in cash
16,481

 
(18,429
)
 
7,867

 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
16,293

 
34,722

 
26,855

 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
$
32,774

 
16,293

 
$
34,722

See accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements.

38


HARDINGE INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
(in thousands)

 
Common Stock
 
Additional Paid-in Capital
 
Retained Earnings
 
Treasury Stock
 
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
 
Total Shareholders' Equity
Balance at December 31, 2012
$
125

 
$
114,072

 
$
81,961

 
$
(9,442
)
 
$
(25,509
)
 
$
161,207

Net income

 

 
9,927

 

 

 
9,927

Other comprehensive loss, net of
tax

 

 

 

 
24,090

 
24,090

Dividends declared

 

 
(951
)
 

 

 
(951
)
Shares issued pursuant to long-term
incentive plan

 
(530
)
 

 
530

 

 

Common shares issued

 
838

 

 
8,040

 

 
8,878

Amortization (long-term incentive
plan)

 
621

 

 

 

 
621

Net issuance of treasury stock

 
(50
)
 

 
66

 

 
16

Balance at December 31, 2013
125

 
114,951

 
90,937

 
(806
)
 
(1,419
)
 
203,788

Net Loss

 

 
(2,140
)
 

 

 
(2,140
)
Other comprehensive income, net of
tax

 

 

 

 
(37,382
)
 
(37,382
)
Dividends declared

 

 
(1,020
)
 

 

 
(1,020
)
Shares issued pursuant to long-term
incentive plan

 
101

 

 
220

 

 
321

Shares exercised pursuant to long-
term incentive plan

 
18

 

 

 

 
18

Shares forfeited pursuant to long-
term incentive plan

 
(39
)
 

 
(46
)
 

 
(85
)
Common shares issued
3

 
4,941

 

 
586

 

 
5,530

Amortization (long-term incentive
plan)

 
414

 

 

 

 
414

Net issuance of treasury stock

 
152

 

 

 

 
152

Balance at December 31, 2014
128

 
120,538

 
87,777

 
(46
)
 
(38,801
)
 
169,596

Net Income

 

 
2,610

 

 

 
2,610

Other comprehensive loss, net of
tax

 

 

 

 
(9,912
)
 
(9,912
)
Dividends declared

 

 
(1,019
)
 

 

 
(1,019
)
Shares forfeited pursuant to long-
term incentive plan

 
(7
)
 

 
(18
)
 

 
(25
)
Common shares issued

 
257

 

 

 

 
257

Amortization (long-term incentive
plan)

 
(260
)
 

 

 

 
(260
)
Net issuance of treasury stock

 
(4
)
 

 
(138
)
 

 
(142
)
Balance at December 31, 2015
$
128

 
$
120,524

 
$
89,368

 
$
(202
)
 
$
(48,713
)
 
$
161,105


See accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements.



39


HARDINGE INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
DECEMBER 31, 2015


NOTE 1.  SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND BASIS OF PRESENTATION

Nature of Business

Hardinge Inc. ("Hardinge" or "the Company") is a machine tool manufacturer, which designs and manufactures computer-numerically controlled cutting lathes, machining centers, grinding machines, collets, chucks, index fixtures and other industrial products. Products are sold to customers in North America, Europe and Asia. A substantial portion of sales are to small and medium-sized independent job shops, which in turn sell machined parts to their industrial customers. Industries directly and indirectly served by the Company include: aerospace, automotive, communications, computer, construction equipment, defense, energy, farm equipment, medical equipment, recreational equipment and transportation.

The Company operates through two reportable segments, Metalcutting Machine Solutions (“MMS”) and Aftermarket Tooling and Accessories (“ATA”). The MMS segment includes high precision computer controlled metalcutting turning machines, vertical machining centers, horizontal machining centers, grinding machines, and repair parts related to those machines. The ATA segment includes products, primarily collets and chucks that are purchased by manufacturers throughout the lives of their Hardinge or other branded machines.

Principles of Consolidation

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its wholly owned subsidiaries. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions are eliminated in consolidation.

Reclassifications

Certain prior year amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current year presentation.

Use of Estimates

The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the Unites States of America ("US GAAP") which requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements, and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Cash Equivalents

Cash equivalents are highly liquid financial instruments with an original maturity of three months or less at the date of purchase.

Restricted Cash

Occasionally, the Company is required to maintain cash deposits with certain banks with respect to contractual obligations as collateral for customer deposits. Additionally, restricted cash includes amounts due under mandatory principal reduction provisions associated with certain term debt agreements. As of December 31, 2015 and 2014, the amount of restricted cash was approximately $2.2 million and $3.2 million, respectively.

Accounts Receivable

The financial condition of the Company's customers is performed periodically through credit reviews. No collateral is required for sales made on open account terms. Letters of credit from major banks back the majority of sales in the Asian region. Concentrations of credit risk with respect to accounts receivable are generally limited due to the large number of customers comprising the customer base. Trade accounts receivable are considered to be past due when in excess of 30 days past terms, and charge off uncollectible balances when all collection efforts have been exhausted.

40


HARDINGE INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
DECEMBER 31, 2015


The Company maintains an allowance for doubtful accounts for estimated losses resulting from the inability of customers to make required payments. The allowance for doubtful accounts was $0.9 million and $1.1 million at December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively. If the financial condition of customers were to deteriorate, resulting in an impairment of their ability to make payments, additional allowances would result in additional expense to the Company.

Other Current Assets

Other current assets consist of prepaid insurance, prepaid real estate taxes, prepaid software license agreements, prepaid income taxes and deposits on certain inventory purchases. When applicable, prepayments are expensed on a straight-line basis over the corresponding life of the underlying asset.

Inventories

Inventories are stated at the lower of cost (computed in accordance with the first-in, first-out method) or market. Elements of cost include raw materials, purchased components, labor and overhead.

The Company will assess the valuation of inventory balances, and reduce the carrying value of those inventories that are obsolete or in excess of forecasted usage to their estimated net realizable value. The net realizable value of such inventories is estimated based on analyses and assumptions including, but not limited to, historical usage, future demand and market requirements. The carrying value of inventory is also compared to the estimated selling price less costs to sell and inventory carrying value will be adjusted accordingly. Reductions to the carrying value of inventories are recorded in cost of goods sold. If future demand for products is less favorable than forecasts, inventories may need to be reduced, which would result in additional expense.

Property, Plant and Equipment

Property, plant and equipment are recorded at cost. Major additions, renewals or improvements that extend the useful lives of assets are capitalized. Maintenance and repairs are expensed to operations as incurred. Depreciation expense is computed using the straight-line and accelerated methods, generally over the following estimated useful lives of the assets (in years):
Buildings
40
Machinery
12
Patterns, tools, jigs and furniture and fixtures
10
Office and computer equipment
5

Goodwill and Intangible Assets

In accordance with Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") Accounting Standard Update ("ASU") Topic 350, Intangibles-Goodwill and Other ("ASC 350"), goodwill and intangible assets with indefinite lives are not amortized but are tested for impairment annually or when events indicate that an impairment could exist. Goodwill impairment is deemed to exist if the carrying value of a reporting unit exceeds its estimated fair value. The reporting units are determined based upon whether discrete financial information is available and reviewed regularly, whether those units constitute a business, and the extent of economic similarities between those reporting units for purposes of aggregation. The reporting units identified under ASC 350-20-35-33 are at the component level, or one level below the reporting segment level as defined under ASC 280-10-50-10 "Segment Reporting-Disclosure." The Company has three reporting units.


41


HARDINGE INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
DECEMBER 31, 2015

During the quarter ended June 30, 2014, the Company voluntarily changed the date of the annual goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets impairment testing from the last day of the fiscal year to the first day of the fourth quarter. This voluntary change is preferable under the circumstances as it provides the Company with additional time to complete the annual goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible asset impairment testing in advance of year-end reporting. The voluntary change in accounting principle related to the annual testing date will not delay, accelerate or avoid an impairment charge. This change was not applied retrospectively, as doing so would require the use of significant estimates and assumptions that include hindsight. Accordingly, the change was applied prospectively.

Goodwill is evaluated for potential impairment by assessing a range of qualitative factors including, but not limited to, macroeconomic conditions, industry conditions, the competitive environment, changes in the market for the Company's products and services, regulatory and political developments, entity specific factors such as strategy and changes in key personnel and overall financial performance. If it is determined after completing this assessment that it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying value, a step-two impairment test is performed.

In accordance with ASC 350-20-35-3, the measurement of impairment of goodwill consists of two steps. In the first step, the fair value of each reporting unit is compared to its carrying value. As part of the impairment analysis, the fair value of each of its reporting units with goodwill is determined using the income approach and market approach. If the carrying value of the reporting unit exceeds its fair value, the second step of the analysis is performed to determine the amount of the impairment.

Intangible assets with indefinite lives are assessed for impairment using an income approach. If the carrying value of the indefinite lived intangible asset exceeds its fair value, an impairment charge is recognized for such excess.

Future impairment indicators, such as declines in forecasted cash flows, may cause additional significant impairment charges. Impairment charges could be based on such factors as the Company's stock price, forecasted cash flows, assumptions used, control premiums or other variables.

Impairment of Long-Lived Assets

Long-lived assets are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. To assess whether impairment exists, undiscounted cash flows are used to measure any impairment loss using discounted cash flows. Assets to be held for sale are reported at the lower of their carrying amount or fair value less costs to sell and are no longer depreciated.

Accrued Expenses

Accrued expenses include $10.5 million and $8.0 million in compensation related expenses at December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively, as well as $7.2 million and $5.4 million of commissions payable.

Income Taxes

Deferred income tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the income tax consequences attributable to operating loss carryforwards, tax credit carryforwards, and differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases. Deferred income tax assets and liabilities are measured using the enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which temporary differences are expected to be reversed.

A valuation allowance is established when it is more likely than not that all or a portion of deferred tax assets are not expected to be realized. The Company assesses all available positive and negative evidence to determine whether a valuation allowance is needed. Positive and negative evidence to be considered includes scheduled reversals of deferred tax liabilities, projected future taxable income, tax-planning strategies, and results of recent operations. Supporting a conclusion that a valuation allowance is not necessary is difficult when there is negative evidence such as cumulative losses in recent years.


42


HARDINGE INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
DECEMBER 31, 2015

A full valuation allowance is maintained on the tax benefits of the U.S. net deferred tax assets and it is expected that a full valuation allowance on future tax benefits will be recorded until an appropriate level of profitability in the U.S. is sustained. A valuation allowance is also maintained on the U.K., German, Dutch, and Canadian deferred tax assets related to tax loss carryforwards in those jurisdictions, as well as all other deferred tax assets of those entities.

The calculation of the tax liabilities requires significant judgment, the use of estimates and the interpretation and application of complex tax laws. The provision for income taxes reflects a combination of income earned and taxed in the U.S. and the various states, as well as federal and provincial jurisdictions in Switzerland, U.K., Canada, Germany, France, the Netherlands, China, Taiwan, and India. Jurisdictional tax law changes, increases or decreases in permanent differences between book and tax items, accruals or adjustments of accruals for tax contingencies or valuation allowances, and the change in the mix of earnings from these taxing jurisdictions all affect the overall effective tax rate.

The Company accounts for uncertain tax positions using a more likely than not recognition threshold in accordance with ASC 740. The evaluation of uncertain tax positions is based on factors including, but not limited to, changes in tax law, the measurement of tax positions taken or expected to be taken in tax returns, the effective settlement of matters subject to audit, new audit activity and changes in facts or circumstances related to a tax position. Interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions are included as a component of income tax expense.

Revenue Recognition

Revenue from product sales is generally recognized upon shipment, provided persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, the sales price is fixed or determinable, collectability is reasonably assured, and the title and risk of loss have passed to the customer. Sales are recorded net of discounts, customer sales incentives and returns. Discounts and customer sales incentives are typically negotiated as part of the sales terms at the time of sale and are recorded as a reduction of revenue. The Company does not routinely permit customers to return machines. In the rare case that a machine return is permitted, a restocking fee is typically charged. Returns of spare parts and workholding products are limited to a period of 90 days subsequent to purchase, excluding special orders which are not eligible for return. An estimate of returns, which is not significant, is recorded as a reduction of revenue and is based on historical experience. Transfer of ownership and risk of loss are generally not contingent upon contractual customer acceptance. Prior to shipment, each machine is tested to ensure the machine's compliance with standard operating specifications as listed in the promotional literature. On an exception basis, where larger multiple machine installations are delivered which require run-offs and customer acceptance at their facility, revenue is recognized in the period of customer acceptance.

Sales Tax/VAT

Taxes assessed by different governmental authorities are collected and remitted that are both imposed on and concurrent with revenue producing transactions between the Company and its customers. These taxes may include sales, use and value-added taxes. The collection of these taxes is reported on a net basis (excluded from revenues).

Shipping and Handling Costs

Shipping and handling costs are recorded as part of cost of goods sold.

Warranties

The Company offers warranties for products sold. The specific terms and conditions of those warranties vary depending upon the product sold and the country in which the product was sold. A basic limited warranty is generally provided for a period of one to two years. The costs that may be incurred are estimated under the basic limited warranty, based largely upon actual warranty repair cost history and record a liability for such costs when that product revenue is recognized. The resulting accrual balance is reviewed during the year. Factors that affect the warranty liability include the number of installed units, historical and anticipated rates of warranty claims, and cost per claim.


43


HARDINGE INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
DECEMBER 31, 2015

Extended warranties for some of the Company's products are also sold. These extended warranties usually cover a one year to two year period that begins after the basic warranty expires. Revenue from extended warranties are deferred and recognized on a straight-line basis across the term of the warranty contract.

These liabilities are reported in "Accrued expenses" in the Consolidated Balance Sheets.

Research and Development Costs

The costs associated with research and development programs for new products and significant product improvements are expensed as incurred as a component of cost of goods sold. Research and development expenses totaled $14.5 million, $13.9 million and $12.5 million in 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively.

Foreign Currency Translation and Re-measurement

The functional currency of the Company's foreign subsidiaries is their local currency. Net assets are translated at month end exchange rates while income, expense and cash flow items are translated at average exchange rates for the applicable period. Translation adjustments are recorded within accumulated other comprehensive income (loss). Gains and losses resulting from foreign currency denominated transactions are included as a component of "Other expense, net" in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.

Fair Value of Financial Instruments

Financial instruments consist primarily of cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, notes receivable, accounts payable, notes payable, long-term debt and foreign currency forwards. See Note 3. "Fair Value of Financial Instruments" for additional disclosure.

Derivative Financial Instruments

As a multinational company, the results of operations and financial condition are exposed to market risk from changes in foreign currency exchange rates. To manage this risk, derivative instruments are entered into, namely in the form of foreign currency forwards. These derivative instruments are held to hedge economic exposures, such as fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates on balance sheet exposures of both trade and intercompany assets and liabilities. This exposure is hedged with contracts settling in less than one year. These derivatives do not qualify for hedge accounting treatment. Gains or losses resulting from the changes in the fair value of these hedging contracts are recognized immediately in earnings. There are some forward contracts to hedge certain customer orders and vendor firm commitments. These contracts are typically for less than one year, and have maturity dates in alignment with the contractual payment requirements. These derivatives qualify for hedge accounting treatment and are designated as cash flow hedges. Unrealized gains or losses resulting from the changes in the fair value of these hedging contracts are charged to other comprehensive income (loss). Gains or losses on any ineffective portion of the contracts are recognized in earnings.

Stock-Based Compensation

Stock-based compensation is accounted for based on the estimated fair value of the award as of the grant date and recognized as expense over the requisite service period.

Earnings Per Share

Basic earnings per common share is computed by dividing net income (loss) available to common shareholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding for the period. Diluted earnings per common share are calculated by adjusting the weighted average outstanding shares to assume conversion of all potentially dilutive stock options.


44


HARDINGE INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
DECEMBER 31, 2015

NOTE 2.  ACQUISITIONS

Acquisition of Voumard

On September 22, 2014, Hardinge Inc., along with its indirect wholly-owned subsidiaries Hardinge GmbH and L. Kellenberger & Co., AG acquired certain assets and assumed certain liabilities associated with a product line of grinding machine systems and applications marketed and sold under the Voumard brand from Peter Wolters GmbH. The purchase price was EUR 1.7 million (approximately $2.2 million), before taking into account customary purchase price adjustments. The acquisition of Voumard expands the Company's product offerings to include internal diameter ("ID") cylindrical grinding solutions, which are a complement to the existing grinding product lines offered by the Company. The acquisition was funded with cash and has been included in the MMS business segment. Voumard is a global leader in the ID grinding market with an installed base of over 9,000 machine solutions serving more than 2,500 customers around the world. The results of operations of Voumard have been included in the consolidated financial statements from the date of acquisition. Acquisition related costs of $0.1 million were incurred related to the acquisition of the Voumard business for the year ended December 31, 2014 and reported in "Selling, general and administrative expenses" in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.

In accordance with the acquisition method of accounting, the acquired net assets were recorded at fair value at the date of acquisition. The identifiable intangible assets acquired, which primarily consists of drawings of $0.1 million, were valued using a cost approach. The fair values of the acquired assets and liabilities exceeded the purchase price of Voumard, resulting in a gain on the purchase of $0.5 million. The values of assets acquired and liabilities assumed were finalized during the third quarter 2015, resulting in no valuation adjustments.

The following table summarizes the fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed in the Voumard acquisition at the date of acquisition (in thousands):
 
September 22, 2014
Assets Acquired
 
Inventories
$
2,984

Property, plant and equipment
259

Drawings, customer lists, and other intangible assets
131

Total assets acquired
3,374

Liabilities Assumed
 
Warranties
600

Deferred tax liability
162

Net assets acquired
2,612

Total purchase price
2,150

Bargain purchase gain
$
(462
)
 

45


HARDINGE INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
DECEMBER 31, 2015

Acquisition of Forkardt
 
On May 9, 2013, Forkardt, Inc. (“Forkardt”, formerly Cherry Acquisition Corporation) and Hardinge Holdings GmbH, direct wholly owned subsidiaries of the Company, and Hardinge GmbH, an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company, acquired the Forkardt operations from Illinois Tool Works for $34.3 million, net of cash acquired. The acquisition of Forkardt strengthens and expands the Company’s leadership position in specialty workholding solutions around the world. The acquisition, which was funded through $24.3 million in bank debt and $10.0 million in cash, has been included in the ATA business segment. Forkardt is a leading global provider of high-precision, specialty workholding devices with headquarters in Traverse City, Michigan. Forkardt has operations in the U.S., France, Germany, and India. The results of operations of Forkardt have been included in the consolidated financial statements from the date of acquisition. Acquisition related costs of $2.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2013 were incurred and reported in "Selling, general and administrative expenses" in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.
The purchase price was allocated to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed based on their fair values. The identifiable intangible assets acquired, which primarily consist of customer relationships of $4.3 million, trade name of $5.3 million and technical know-how of $5.0 million were valued using an income approach. The weighted average life of the acquired identifiable intangible assets subject to amortization was estimated at 17.3 years at the time of acquisition. The excess purchase price over the fair value of the assets acquired and the liabilities assumed was recorded as goodwill, of which $2.4 million is deductible for tax purposes.
    
All purchase accounting adjustments were finalized in May 2014. The final allocation of purchase price to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed is as follows (in thousands):
 
May 9, 2013
Assets Acquired
 
Accounts receivable
$
5,521

Inventories
5,357

Other current assets
1,257

Property, plant and equipment
6,271

Other non-current assets
105

Trade name, customer list, and other intangible assets
14,614

Total assets acquired
33,125

Liabilities Assumed
 
Accounts payable and other current liabilities
3,413

Other non-current liabilities
1,278

Net assets acquired
28,434

Total purchase price
34,250

Goodwill
$
5,816



46


HARDINGE INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
DECEMBER 31, 2015

Disposal of Forkardt Switzerland operations
 
On December 31, 2013, the Company divested its Forkardt operations in Switzerland for CHF 5.6 million, net of cash sold ($6.3 million equivalent). The sale was subject to working capital adjustments. The Forkardt Swiss business had net assets of $1.2 million as of the sale date. In March 2014, the Company recognized $0.2 million of additional consideration as a result of final working capital adjustments, which is included in the "Gain from disposal of discontinued operation, net of tax" line in the Statement of Operations for the year ended December 31, 2014.

Acquisition of Forkardt India

On April 2, 2014, the Company acquired the Forkardt India operations, which had an immaterial impact to the consolidated financial statements.

Supplemental Pro Forma Information
 
The following table illustrates the unaudited pro forma effect on the Company’s consolidated operating results for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, as if the Forkardt acquisition and related financing occurred on January 1, 2012 and the Voumard acquisition had occurred on January 1, 2013 (in thousands, except per share data):
 
Year Ended 
 December 31,
 
2014
 
2013
Sales
$
318,061

 
$
359,973

Net (loss) income from continuing operations(1)
(7,402
)
 
5,406

Diluted (loss) earnings per share from continuing operations
$
(0.58
)
 
$
0.45

____________________
(1) 
The pro forma results above include abbreviated financial results for Voumard, consisting of revenues and direct expenses for that product line. During the year ended December 31, 2014, but prior to its acquisition by the Company, the Voumard business incurred $4.9 million in restructuring charges, which included inventory write-offs, headcount reductions and other related costs. These amounts are included in the pro forma information presented above.
 
The above unaudited pro forma financial information is presented for informational purposes only and does not purport to represent what the results of operations would have been had the acquisition been completed on the date assumed, nor is it necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected in future periods. Pro forma adjustments exclude cost savings from any synergies resulting from the acquisition.


47


HARDINGE INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
DECEMBER 31, 2015

NOTE 3.  FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

Fair value is defined as the price that would be received upon sale of an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. Depending on the nature of the asset or liability, various techniques and assumptions can be used to estimate fair value. The following presents the fair value hierarchy definitions utilized by the Company:
Level 1
Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets and liabilities.
 
 
 
Level 2
Observable inputs other than quoted prices in active markets for similar assets and liabilities.
 
 
 
Level 3
Inputs for which significant valuation assumptions are unobservable in a market and therefore value is based on the best available data, some of which is internally developed and considers risk premiums that a market participant would require.
    
The following table presents the carrying amount, fair values, and classification level within the fair value hierarchy of financial instruments measured or disclosed at fair value on a recurring basis (in thousands):
 
December 31, 2015
 
December 31, 2014
 
Level of Fair Value Hierarchy
 
Carrying Amount
 
Fair Value
 
Carrying Amount
 
Fair Value
 
Assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents
$
32,774

 
$
32,774

 
$
16,293

 
$
16,293

 
Level 1
Restricted cash
2,192

 
2,192

 
3,151

 
3,151

 
Level 1
Foreign currency forward contracts
163

 
163

 
307

 
307

 
Level 2
Liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Variable interest rate debt
11,771

 
11,771

 
16,225

 
16,225

 
Level 2
Foreign currency forward contracts
418

 
418

 
629

 
629

 
Level 2
 
The fair value of cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash are based on the fair values of identical assets in active markets. Due to the short period to maturity or the nature of the underlying liability, the fair value of variable interest rate debt approximates their respective carrying amounts. The fair value of foreign currency forward contracts is measured based on observable market inputs such as spot and forward rates. Based on the Company’s continued ability to enter into forward contracts, the markets for the fair value instruments are considered to be active. As of December 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, there were no significant transfers in and/or out of Level 1 and Level 2.



48


HARDINGE INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
DECEMBER 31, 2015

The following table presents the fair value on the Consolidated Balance Sheets of the foreign currency forward contracts (in thousands):
 
December 31,
2015
 
December 31,
2014
Foreign currency forwards designated as hedges:
 

 
 

Other current assets
$
114

 
$
237

Accrued expenses
(196
)
 
(385
)
Foreign currency forwards not designated as hedges:
 

 
 

Other current assets
49

 
70

Accrued expenses
(222
)
 
(244
)
Foreign currency forwards, net
$
(255
)
 
$
(322
)

As described in Note 2. "Acquisitions", the Company completed acquisitions in 2014 and 2013. The fair value measurements for the acquired intangible assets were calculated using discounted cash flow analysis which rely upon significant unobservable Level 3 inputs which include the following:
Unobservable inputs
 
Range
Discount rate
 
19.0
%
-
22.0%
Royalty rate
 
2.0
%
-
3.0%
Long term growth rate
 
3.0%

The Company applied fair value principles during the goodwill impairment tests performed annually. Step one of the goodwill impairment test consisted of determining a fair value for each of the Company's reporting units. The fair value for the Company's reporting units cannot be determined using readily available quoted Level 1 or Level 2 inputs that are observable or available from active markets. Therefore, the Company used valuation models to estimate the fair values of its reporting units, which use Level 3 inputs. To estimate the fair values of reporting units, the Company uses significant estimates and judgmental factors. The key estimates and factors used in the valuation models include revenue growth rates and profit margins based on internal forecasts, terminal value, WACC, and earnings multiples. As a result of the goodwill impairment test performed during 2014 and 2013, the Company recognized goodwill impairment charges (See Note 7. "Goodwill and Intangible Assets" for more information regarding the Company's goodwill impairment tests).

During 2014, the Company also recognized impairments to intangible assets associated with trade names. The impairment charges were calculated by determining the fair value of these assets. The fair value measurements were calculated using discounted cash flow analysis, which rely upon unobservable inputs classified as Level 3 inputs. The key estimates and factors used in the valuation models, for which the Company used significant estimates and judgmental factors, include revenue growth rates based on internal forecasts, royalty rates and discounts rates (See Note 7. "Goodwill and Intangible Assets" for more information regarding the impairment of intangible assets).


49


HARDINGE INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
DECEMBER 31, 2015

Pension Plan Assets

The fair values and classification of the defined benefit plan assets is as follows (in thousands):
    
 
December 31, 2015
 
Total
 
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Level 3
Growth funds(1)
$
37,472

 
$
37,472

 
$

 
$

Income funds(2)
23,401

 
23,401

 

 

Growth and income funds(3)
83,247

 

 
83,247

 

Hedge funds(4)
27,071

 

 

 
27,071

Real estate funds
3,246

 
769

 
2,477

 

Other assets
1,514

 
582

 
932

 

Cash and cash equivalents
4,056

 
4,056

 

 

Total
$
180,007

 
$
66,280

 
$
86,656

 
$
27,071

     
 
December 31, 2014
 
Total
 
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Level 3
Growth funds(1)
$
43,676

 
$
43,676

 
$

 
$

Income funds(2)
25,800

 
25,800

 

 

Growth and income funds(3)
81,301

 

 
81,301

 

Hedge funds(4)
27,820

 

 

 
27,820

Real estate funds
3,100

 
707

 
2,393

 

Other assets
1,401

 
602

 
799

 

Cash and cash equivalents
2,883

 
2,883

 

 

Total
$
185,981

 
$
73,668

 
$
84,493

 
$
27,820

____________________
(1)    Growth funds represent a type of fund containing a diversified portfolio of domestic and international equities with a goal of capital appreciation.

(2)    Income funds represent a type of fund with an emphasis on current income as opposed to capital appreciation. Such funds may contain a variety of domestic and international government and corporate debt obligations, preferred stock, money market instruments and dividend-paying stocks.

(3)    Growth and income funds represent a type of fund containing a combination of growth and income securities.

(4)    Hedge funds represent a managed portfolio of investments that use advanced investment strategies such as leveraged, long, short and derivative positions in both domestic and international markets with the goal of generating high returns. These funds are subject to quarterly redemptions and advanced notification requirements, as well as the right to delay redemption until sufficient fund liquidity exists.


50


HARDINGE INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
DECEMBER 31, 2015

A summary of the changes in the fair value of the defined benefit plans assets classified within Level 3 of the valuation hierarchy is as follows (in thousands):
    
 
Year Ended 
 December 31,
 
2015
 
2014
Balance at beginning of year
$
27,820

 
$
25,624

Purchases
1,750

 
1,500

Sales and settlements
(2,300
)
 
(420
)
Unrealized (losses) gains
(199
)
 
1,117

Realized (losses)

 
(1
)
Balance at end of year
$
27,071

 
$
27,820


Most of the defined benefit pension plan's Level 1 assets are debt and equity investments that are traded in active markets, either domestically or internationally. They are measured at fair value using closing prices from active markets. The Level 2 assets are typically investments in pooled funds, which are measured based on the value of their underlying assets that are publicly traded with observable values. The fair value of the Level 3 plan assets are measured by compiling the portfolio holdings and independently valuing the securities in those portfolios.

NOTE 4.  INVENTORIES
 
Net inventories consist of the following (in thousands):
 
December 31,
2015
 
December 31,
2014
Raw materials and purchased components
$
34,438

 
$
36,717

Work-in-process
33,682

 
28,504

Finished products
42,112

 
46,600

Inventories, net
$
110,232

 
$
111,821


NOTE 5. DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS
 
Foreign currency forward contracts are utilized to mitigate the impact of currency fluctuations on assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies as well as on forecasted transactions denominated in foreign currencies. These contracts are considered derivative instruments and are recognized as either assets or liabilities and measured at fair value. Generally these contracts have a term of less than one year and are considered derivative instruments. The valuations of these derivatives are measured at fair value using internal models based on observable market inputs such as spot and forward rates, and are recorded as either assets or liabilities. A group of highly rated domestic and international banks are used in order to mitigate counterparty risk on the forward contracts.

For contracts that are designated and qualify as cash flow hedges, the gain or loss on the contracts is reported as a component of other comprehensive income (“OCI”) and reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (“AOCI”) into the “Sales” or “Cost of sales” line item on the Consolidated Statements of Operations when the underlying hedged transaction affects earnings, or “Other expense, net” when the hedging relationship is deemed to be ineffective. As of December 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, the notional amounts of the derivative financial instruments designated to qualify for cash flow hedges were $27.4 million and $24.8 million, respectively. The Company expects approximately $0.2 million of net losses, net of income tax effect, to be reclassified from AOCI to earnings within the next 12 months. 

As of December 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, the notional amounts of the derivative financial instruments not qualifying or otherwise designated as hedges were $38.5 million and $38.3 million, respectively. For the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014, losses of $0.8 million and $0.8 million, respectively, were recorded related to this type of derivative financial instruments. For contracts that are not designated as hedges, the gain or loss on the contracts are recognized in current earnings in the “Other expense, net” line item in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.

51


HARDINGE INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
DECEMBER 31, 2015

 
NOTE 6.  PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT
 
Property, plant and equipment consists of the following (in thousands): 
 
December 31,
2015
 
December 31,
2014
Land, buildings and improvements
$
82,201

 
$
83,119

Machinery, equipment and fixtures
79,176

 
78,003

Office furniture, equipment and vehicles
22,689

 
22,265

Construction in progress
238

 
399

 
184,304

 
183,786

Accumulated depreciation
(122,279
)
 
(117,912
)
Property, plant and equipment, net
$
62,025

 
$
65,874


Depreciation expense was $7.0 million, $7.7 million, and $7.4 million for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively.

NOTE 7.  GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS
 
Detail and activity of goodwill by segment is presented below (in thousands):
    
 
MMS
 
ATA
 
Total
Goodwill
$
32,434

 
$
5,154

 
$
37,588

Accumulated impairment losses
(27,586
)
 

 
(27,586
)
Balance at December 31, 2013
4,848

 
5,154

 
10,002

 
 
 
 
 
 
Acquisition of Forkardt India

 
1,626

 
1,626

Impairment loss
(4,848
)
 

 
(4,848
)
Currency translation adjustments

 
(82
)
 
(82
)
 
(4,848
)
 
1,544

 
(3,304
)
 
 
 
 
 


Goodwill
32,434

 
6,698

 
39,132

Accumulated impairment losses
(32,434
)
 

 
(32,434
)
Balance at December 31, 2014

 
6,698

 
6,698

 
 
 
 
 
 
Currency translation adjustments

 
(78
)
 
(78
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
Goodwill
32,434

 
6,620

 
39,054

Accumulated impairment losses
(32,434
)
 

 
(32,434
)
Balance at December 31, 2015
$

 
$
6,620

 
$
6,620

    
Goodwill is reviewed for possible impairment at least annually or more frequently upon the occurrence of an event or when circumstances indicate that a reporting unit's carrying amount is greater than its fair value.

Based on lower than expected performance in the Usach reporting unit during 2014, combined with a downward revision in the anticipated future results, the Company determined that there were indicators of an impairment of that reporting unit during the third quarter of 2014. Accordingly, a calculation of the fair value was performed using the expected present value of future cash flows, recent industry transaction multiples and using estimates, judgments and assumptions that management believed were appropriate in the circumstances, which resulted in the carrying amount of the Usach reporting unit exceeding its fair value. Accordingly, a goodwill impairment charge of $4.8 million was recognized in the "Impairment charges" caption in the Consolidated Statements of Operations in that reporting unit during the third quarter of 2014, resulting

52


HARDINGE INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
DECEMBER 31, 2015

in the entire MMS goodwill balance to be written off. Subsequently, the Company performed the annual impairment analysis for the ATA reporting unit, which resulted in the fair value exceeding the carrying value. The Company performed further analysis of the reporting units' long-lived assets and determined that impairments of these assets were not present. The estimates and judgments used in the assessment included multiples of EBITDA, the weighted average cost of capital and the terminal growth rate.

As part of the annual impairment test as of December 31, 2013, it was determined that the carrying value of the Company's Usach reporting unit exceeded its fair value. As a result, a calculation of the fair value was performed, and an impairment charge of $3.8 million was recognized in the "Impairment charges" caption in the Consolidated Statements of Operations for the year ended December 31, 2013. The Company performed further analysis of the reporting units' long-lived assets and determined that impairments of these assets were not present.

The major components of intangible assets other than goodwill are as follows (in thousands):
    
 
December 31,
2015
 
December 31,
2014
Gross amortizable intangible assets:
 

 
 

Technical know-how
$
12,956

 
$
12,984

Customer lists
9,011

 
9,047

Land rights
2,672

 
2,796

Patents, trade names, drawings, and other
4,393

 
4,345

Total gross amortizable intangible assets
29,032

 
29,172

 
 
 
 
Accumulated amortization:
 

 
 

Technical know-how
(6,833
)
 
(5,730
)
Customer lists
(1,315
)
 
(871
)
Land rights
(271
)
 
(228
)
Patents, trade names, drawings, and other
(3,406
)
 
(3,227
)
Total accumulated amortization
(11,825
)
 
(10,056
)
Amortizable intangible assets, net
17,207

 
19,116

 
 
 
 
Indefinite lived intangible assets:
 

 
 

Trade names
10,811

 
11,101

 





Intangible assets other than goodwill, net
$
28,018

 
$
30,217


Amortization expense related to the definite-lived intangible assets are as follows (in thousands):
 
Year Ended December 31,
 
2015
 
2014
 
2013
Amortization expense
$
1,804

 
$
1,810

 
$
1,553


    









53


HARDINGE INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
DECEMBER 31, 2015


Estimated amortization expense for each of the five succeeding fiscal years and thereafter is as follows (in thousands):
Fiscal Year
 
Future Estimated Amortization
2016
 
$
1,280

2017
 
1,241

2018
 
1,084

2019
 
1,067

2020
 
1,023

Thereafter
 
11,512

As a result of interim impairment indicators present in the third quarter of 2014, it was determined that the fair value of the Company's Usach trade name was less than the carrying value, resulting in an impairment charge of $0.9 million, which was recognized in the "Impairment charges" caption in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. Additionally, in the fourth quarter of 2014, the Company concluded that the Usach trade name no longer has an indefinite life based on management plans surrounding the future use of the Usach name. Accordingly, an analysis was performed to assess the remaining useful life of this trade name, and the remaining balance is being amortized on a straight-line basis over a period of 18.25 years. The Company performed an annual impairment test of its indefinite lived intangible assets as of October 1, 2014. The fair value of the indefinite lived intangible assets were calculated using a discounted cash flow analysis, and resulted in the fair value exceeding the carrying value.
As a result of the December 31, 2013 impairment test, it was determined that the fair value of the Company's Usach trade name and Forkardt trade name were less than their carrying values, resulting in impairment charges of $1.3 million and $1.1 million, respectively, which were recognized in the "Impairment charges" caption in the Consolidated Statements of Operations for the year ended December 31, 2013.
See Note 3. "Fair Value of Financial Instruments" for a discussion of the fair value measures used in determining these impairment charges.

NOTE 8.  FINANCING ARRANGEMENTS

Financing arrangements are maintained with several financial institutions. These financing arrangements are in the form of long term loans, credit facilities, and lines of credit. The credit facilities allow the Company to borrow up to $77.2 million at December 31, 2015, of which $54.1 million can be borrowed for working capital needs. As of December 31, 2015, $69.8 million was available for borrowing under these arrangements of which $53.2 million was available for working capital needs. Total consolidated borrowings outstanding were $11.8 million at December 31, 2015 and $16.2 million at December 31, 2014. Details of these financing arrangements are discussed below.


54


HARDINGE INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
DECEMBER 31, 2015

Long-term Debt

Long-term debt consists of (in thousands):
 
December 31,
 
2015
 
2014
Mortgage loans
$
2,070

 
$
2,965

Term loans
9,701

 
13,260

Total long-term debt
$
11,771

 
$
16,225

Current portion
(5,692
)
 
(3,972
)
Total long-term debt, less current portion
$
6,079

 
$
12,253

    
    
The annual maturities of long-term debt for each of the years after December 31, 2015, are as follows (in thousands):
Year
 
Amount
2016
 
$
5,692

2017
 
3,023

2018
 
3,056

 
 
$
11,771


In May 2006, Hardinge Taiwan Precision Machinery Limited, an indirectly wholly-owned subsidiary in Taiwan, entered into a mortgage loan with a local bank. The principal amount of the loan is 180.0 million New Taiwanese Dollars ("TWD") ($5.7 million equivalent). The loan, which matures in June 2016, is secured by real property owned and requires quarterly principal payment in the amount of TWD 4.5 million ($0.1 million equivalent). The loan interest rate, 1.75% at December 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, is based on the bank's one year fixed savings rate plus 0.4%. The principal amount outstanding was TWD 9.0 million ($0.3 million equivalent) at December 31, 2015 and TWD 27.0 million ($0.9 million equivalent) at December 31, 2014.

In May 2013, the Company and Hardinge Holdings GmbH, a direct wholly-owned subsidiary, entered into a term loan agreement with a bank pursuant to which the bank provided a $23.0 million secured term loan facility for the acquisition of Forkardt. The agreement, which matures in April 2018, calls for scheduled annual principal repayments of $2.1 million, $2.1 million, and $1.0 million in 2016, 2017, and 2018, respectively. In October 2013, the term loan agreement was amended. The amendment reduced mandatory principal payments associated with the sale of the Company's common stock under the stock offering program as described in Note 13. "Shareholders' Equity" from 75% of net proceeds to 25% of net proceeds. This amendment was retroactive for all sales of common stock under this stock offering program. The Company made principal payments of $2.1 million in 2014 with stock offering proceeds. The interest rate on the term loan is determined from a pricing grid with the London Interbank Offered Rate ("LIBOR") and base rate options based on the Company's leverage ratio and was 2.56% and 2.44% at December 31, 2015 and 2014 respectively. LIBOR is the average interest rate estimated by leading banks in London that they would be charged when borrowing from other banks. The principal amount outstanding at December 31, 2015 and 2014 was $5.1 million and $6.8 million, respectively.
    
In November 2013, the Company and Hardinge Holdings GmbH entered into a replacement term note agreement with the same bank pursuant to which the bank converted $10.8 million of the outstanding principal on the term loan to CHF 3.8 million ($3.8 million equivalent) and EUR 5.0 million ($5.4 million equivalent) borrowings. The agreement calls for scheduled annual principal repayments in CHF and EUR. The remaining scheduled annual principal repayments in CHF is CHF 0.6 million ($0.6 million equivalent) in 2016. The scheduled annual principal repayments in EUR are as follows: EUR 0.9 million ($1.0 million equivalent) in 2016 and 2017, and EUR 1.9 million ($2.0 million equivalent) in 2018. The interest rate on the CHF and EUR portion of the term loan is determined from a pricing grid with the Swiss franc LIBOR ("CHF LIBOR") or the Euro Interbank Offered Rate ("EURIBOR") and base rate options based on the Company's leverage ratio and was 2.25% and 2.18% at December 31, 2015, respectively. The interest rate on the CHF and EUR portion of the term loan was 2.27% and 2.46% at December 31, 2014, respectively. The principal amounts outstanding at December 31, 2015 were CHF 0.6 million

55


HARDINGE INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
DECEMBER 31, 2015

($0.6 million equivalent), and EUR 3.7 million ($4.0 million equivalent). The principal amounts outstanding at December 31, 2014 were CHF 1.2 million ($1.2 million equivalent), and EUR 4.4 million ($5.3 million equivalent).

The term loan is secured by (i) liens on all of the Company's U.S. assets (exclusive of real property); (ii) a pledge of 65% of the Company's investment in Hardinge Holdings GmbH; (iii) a negative pledge on the Company's headquarters in Elmira, New York; (iv) liens on all of the personal property assets of Usach, Forkardt Inc. (Formerly Cherry Acquisition Corporation) and Hardinge Technology Systems Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary and owner of the real property comprising the Company's world headquarters in Elmira, New York ("Technology"); and (v) negative pledges on the intellectual property of the Revolving Credit Borrowers and Technology.

The loan agreement contains financial covenants requiring a minimum fixed charge coverage ratio of not less than 1.15 to 1.00 (tested quarterly on a rolling four-quarter basis), a maximum consolidated total leverage ratio of 3.00 to 1.00 (tested quarterly on a rolling four-quarter basis), and maximum annual consolidated capital expenditures of $10.0 million. The loan agreement also contains such other representations, affirmative and negative covenants, prepayment provisions and events of default that are customary for these types of transactions. At December 31, 2015, the Company was in compliance with the covenants under the loan agreement.

In July 2013, Hardinge Holdings GmbH, a direct wholly-owned subsidiary, and Kellenberger & Co. AG, an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company, entered into a credit facility agreement with a bank whereby the bank made available a CHF 2.6 million ($2.6 million equivalent) mortgage loan facility. This facility is to be used by Kellenberger and replaces an existing mortgage loan that Kellenberger maintained with the same bank. Interest on the facility accrues at a fixed rate of 2.50% per annum. Principal payments of CHF 0.2 million ($0.2 million equivalent) are due in June and December in each year of the term, with the remaining outstanding balance of principal and accrued interest due in full at the final maturity in December 2016. The principal amount outstanding was CHF 1.8 million ($1.8 million equivalent) at December 31, 2015, and CHF 2.1 million ($2.1 million equivalent) at December 31, 2014.

The terms of the credit facility contains customary representations, affirmative, negative and financial covenants and events of default. The credit facility is secured by a mortgage on the subsidiary's facility in Romanshorn, Switzerland. The facility is subject to a minimum equity covenant requirement whereby the economic equity of the subsidiary must be at least 35% of the subsidiary's total assets on its balance sheet. At December 31, 2015, the Company was in compliance with the covenants under the loan agreement.

Foreign Credit Facilities

In December 2012, Hardinge Jiaxing entered into a secured credit facility with a local bank. This facility provided up to CNY 34.2 million ($5.3 million equivalent) or its equivalent in other currencies for working capital and letter of credit purposes. In January 2014, Hardinge Jiaxing amended this facility, which increased the total availability under the facility to CNY 59.0 million ($9.1 million equivalent) or its equivalent in other currencies. This facility was subsequently amended in December 2015, which changed the total availability under the facility to CNY 20.0 million ($3.1 million equivalent) or its equivalent in other currencies and expires in December, 2016. Borrowings available for working capital purposes were CNY 20.0 million ($3.1 million equivalent). Borrowings under the credit facility are secured by real property owned by the subsidiary. The interest rate on the credit facility is based on the basic interest rate as published by the People's Bank of China, plus a 10% mark-up, amounting to 4.79% and 6.16% at December 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively. There was no principal amount outstanding under this facility at December 31, 2015 or December 31, 2014.

In July 2013, Hardinge Machine Tools B.V., Taiwan Branch, an indirectly wholly-owned subsidiary in Taiwan, entered into a new unsecured credit facility, which was renewed in June 2014 and subsequently in June 2015. This facility, which expires in June 2016, provides up to $12.0 million, or its equivalent in other currencies, for working capital and export business purposes. This credit facility's interest is subject to change by the lender based on market conditions, carries no commitment fees on unused funds. The facility's interest rate was a variable rate at December 31, 2015 and 1.44% at December 31, 2014. There were no principal amounts outstanding under this facility at December 31, 2015 or December 31, 2014.

In September 2014, Hardinge Machine (Shanghai) Co., Ltd., an indirectly wholly-owned subsidiary in China, entered into a credit facility. This facility was renewed and amended in September 2015, provides up to CNY 30.0 million ($4.6 million

56


HARDINGE INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
DECEMBER 31, 2015

equivalent) for letters of guarantee and expires in August 2016. Individual letters of guarantee issued under this facility require a cash deposit at the bank of 30% of the letter’s face value. The total issued letters of guarantee at December 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014 had a face value of CNY 0.6 million (approximately $0.1 million) and CNY 0.7 million (approximately 0.1 million ), respectively.

In July 2015, Hardinge Machine (Shanghai) Co., Ltd. entered into a new credit facility, which expires in July 2016. This facility provides up to CNY 10.0 million ($1.5 million equivalent) for letters of guarantee. Individual letter of guarantee issued under this facility are collateralized by the subsidiary's notes receivable for 100% of letter's face value. There were no letters of guarantee issued at December 31, 2015.

In July 2013, Hardinge Holdings GmbH, a direct wholly-owned subsidiary, and Kellenberger, an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary, entered into a credit facility agreement with a bank whereby the bank made available a CHF 18.0 million ($18.0 million equivalent) multi-currency revolving working capital facility. This facility matures in July 2018.

The facility is to be used by Hardinge Holdings GmbH and its subsidiaries (the "Holdings Group") for general corporate and working capital purposes, including standby letters of credit and standby letters of guarantee. In addition to Swiss Francs, loan proceeds available under the facility can be drawn upon in Euros, British Pounds Sterling and United States Dollars. Under the terms of the facility, the maximum amount of borrowings available to the Holdings Group (on an aggregate basis) for working capital purposes shall not exceed CHF 8.0 million ($8.0 million equivalent) or its equivalent in Optional Currencies, as applicable. The interest rate on the borrowings drawn in the form of fixed term advances (excluding Euro-based fixed term advances) is calculated based on the applicable LIBOR. With respect to fixed term advances in Euros, the interest rate on borrowings is calculated based on the applicable EURIBOR, plus an applicable margin, (initially set at 2.25% per annum) that is determined by the bank based on the financial performance of the Holdings Group. At December 31, 2015 and 2014, there were no outstanding borrowings on this facility. The total issued letters of guarantee on this facility at December 31, 2015 had a face value of $5.4 million. The letters were issued in various currencies.

The terms of the credit facilities contain customary representations, affirmative, negative and financial covenants and events of default. The credit facilities are secured by mortgage notes in an aggregate amount of CHF 9.2 million ($9.2 million equivalent) on two buildings owned by Kellenberger. In addition to the mortgage notes provided by Kellenberger, Holdings Group serves as a guarantor with respect to this facility. The facility is also subject to a minimum equity covenant requirement whereby the equity of both the Holdings Group and Kellenberger must be at least 35% of the subsidiary's balance sheet total assets. At December 31, 2015, the Company was in compliance with the covenants under the loan agreement.

Kellenberger also maintains a credit agreement with another bank. This agreement, entered into in October 2009, provides a credit facility of up to CHF 7.0 million ($7.0 million equivalent) for guarantees, documentary credit and margin cover for foreign exchange trades and of which up to CHF 3.0 million ($3.0 million equivalent) is available for working capital purposes. The facility is secured by the subsidiary's certain real property up to CHF 3.0 million ($3.0 million equivalent). This agreement was amended in August 2010. The amendment increased the total funds available under the facility to CHF 9.0 million ($9.0 million equivalent), increased the funds available for working capital purposes to CHF 5.0 million ($5.0 million equivalent) and increased the secured amounts to CHF 4.0 million ($4.0 million equivalent). The agreement was again amended in May 2013 and reverted to the terms in place prior to the August 2010 amendment. The interest rate, currently at LIBOR plus 2.50% for a 90-day borrowing, is determined by the bank based on the prevailing money and capital market conditions and the bank's assessment of the subsidiary. This facility is subject to annual renewal and carries no commitment fees on unused funds. At December 31, 2015 and 2014, there were no borrowings outstanding under this facility. There were no issued letters of guarantee on this facility at December 31, 2015.

The above credit facility is subject to a minimum equity covenant requirement where the minimum equity for the subsidiary must be at least 35% of its balance sheet total assets. At December 31, 2015, the Company was in compliance with the required covenant.

In January 2014, Hardinge China Limited, an indirectly wholly-owned subsidiary in China, entered into a revised credit facility with a local bank. This facility, which expired in August 2015, provided up to $2.0 million for letters of guarantee. This facility was amended in October 2015, which increased the letter of guarantee amount to $3.0 million and it

57


HARDINGE INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
DECEMBER 31, 2015

expires in August 2016. The facility requires Hardinge China Limited to maintain net worth of at least RMB 22.0 million. The total issued letters of guarantee at December 31, 2015 had a face value of CNY 6.0 million ($0.9 million equivalent).

Domestic Credit Facilities

In December 2009, the Company entered into a $10.0 million revolving credit facility with a bank. This facility was subject to an annual renewal requirement. In December 2011, the Company modified the existing facility and increased the facility from $10.0 million to $25.0 million, reduced the interest rate from the daily one-month LIBOR plus 5.00% per annum to daily one-month LIBOR plus 3.50% per annum, and extended the maturity date of the facility from March 31, 2012 to March 31, 2013. In December 2012, the maturity date of the facility was extended to March 31, 2014 and the interest rate was reduced from the daily one-month LIBOR plus 3.50% per annum to daily one-month LIBOR plus 2.75% per annum. In May 2013, the Company, Usach, and Forkardt amended and restated the existing $25.0 million revolving credit agreement. The amendment added Usach and Forkardt as additional borrowers and extended the maturity of the credit facility from March 2014 to April 2018. The interest rate on the term loan is determined from a pricing grid with LIBOR and base rate options, based on the Company's leverage ratio and was 2.50% and 2.44% at December 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014 respectively.

This credit facility is secured by substantially all of the Company's U.S. assets (exclusive of real property), a negative pledge on its worldwide headquarters in Elmira, NY, and a pledge of 65% of their investment in Hardinge Holdings GmbH. The credit facility is guaranteed by one of the Company's wholly-owned subsidiaries, which is the owner of the real property comprising the Company's world headquarters. The credit facility does not include any financial covenants. There were no borrowings outstanding under this facility at December 31, 2015 and 2014.

The Company has a $3.0 million unsecured short-term line of credit from a bank with interest based on the prime rate with a floor of 5.0% and a ceiling of 16.0%. The agreement is negotiated annually, requires no commitment fee and is payable on demand. There were no borrowings outstanding under this line of credit at December 31, 2015 and 2014.

The Company maintains a standby letter of credit for potential liabilities pertaining to self-insured workers compensation exposure. It renews annually. The amount of the letter of credit was $0.7 million at December 31, 2015 and $0.8 million at December 31, 2014. It expires in March 2016. In total, there were various outstanding letters of credit totaling $7.4 million and $8.7 million at December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively.

Interest paid in 2015, 2014 and 2013 totaled $0.3 million, $0.8 million and $1.0 million respectively.


NOTE 9.  RESTRUCTURING CHARGES
 
On August 4, 2015, the Company's Board of Directors approved a strategic restructuring program (the "Program") with the goals of streamlining the Company's cost structure, increasing operational efficiencies and improving shareholder returns. This Program consists of the consolidation of certain facilities and restructuring of certain business units and is expected to generate annual pre-tax savings in the range of approximately $4.5 million once the Program is fully implemented. Virtually all of the costs are expected to result in cash expenditures. The Program is expected to be substantially completed during the first half of 2016.

    










58


HARDINGE INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
DECEMBER 31, 2015

Restructuring charges are included in the "Restructuring charges" line item in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. The table below presents the total costs expected to be incurred in connection with the Program, the amount of costs that have been recognized during the twelve months ended December 31, 2015 and the cumulative costs recognized to date by the Program (in thousands):
 
Total Costs Expected to be Incurred
 
 
 Cost Recognized for the Year Ended December 31, 2015
 
Cumulative Costs Recognized to Date
MMS Segment:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Employee termination costs
$
255

 
 
$
255

 
$
255

Total MMS Segment
255

 
 
255

 
255

ATA Segment:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Employee termination costs
3,358

 
 
3,045

 
3,045

Facility exit costs
605

 
 

 

Other related costs
274

 
 
258

 
258

Total ATA Segment
4,237

 
 
3,303

 
3,303

Total:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Employee termination costs
3,613

 
 
3,300

 
3,300

Facility exit costs
605

 
 

 

Other related costs
274

 
 
258

 
258

Total Company
$
4,492

 
 
$
3,558

 
$
3,558

        
The amounts accrued associated with the Program are included in "Accrued expenses" and "Pension and postretirement liabilities" in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. A rollforward of the accrued restructuring costs is presented below (in thousands):
 
Segment
 
Total
 
MMS
 
ATA
 
Balance at December 31, 2014
$

 
$

 
$

Restructuring charges:
 
 
 
 
 
Employee termination costs
255

 
3,045

 
3,300

Other related costs

 
258

 
258

Total restructuring charges
255

 
3,303

 
3,558

 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash expenditures
(85
)
 
(2,036
)
 
(2,121
)
Other adjustments to accrual
(3
)
 
(5
)
 
(8
)
Foreign currency translation adjustment

 
(20
)
 
(20
)
Balance at December 31, 2015
$
167

 
$
1,242

 
$
1,409



59


HARDINGE INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
DECEMBER 31, 2015

NOTE 10.  WARRANTIES
 
A reconciliation of the changes in the product warranty accrual, which is included in accrued expenses, is as follows (in thousands):
 
December 31,
 
2015
 
2014
Balance at beginning of year
$
3,891

 
$
3,449

Warranties issued
2,863

 
2,734

Warranty settlement costs
(2,741
)
 
(2,476
)
Changes in accruals for pre-existing warranties
(157
)
 
(161
)
Other adjustments(1)

 
600

Currency translation adjustments
(54
)
 
(255
)
Balance at end of year
$
3,802

 
$
3,891

____________________
(1) 
Represents the warranty liabilities assumed in connection with the Voumard acquisition in 2014 . Refer to Note 2. "Acquisitions" for details.

NOTE 11.  INCOME TAXES

The Company's pre-tax income (loss) from continuing operations for domestic and foreign sources is as follows (in thousands):
 
Year Ended December 31,
 
2015
 
2014
 
2013
Domestic
$
1,675

 
$
(7,230
)
 
$
(950
)
Foreign
2,763

 
6,105

 
6,882

Total
$
4,438

 
$
(1,125
)
 
$
5,932


Significant components of income tax expense attributable to continuing operations are as follows (in thousands):
 
Year Ended December 31,
 
2015
 
2014
 
2013
Current:
 

 
 

 
 

State
$
9

 
$
47

 
$
(2
)
Foreign
1,851

 
740

 
1,929

Total current
1,860

 
787

 
1,927

 
 
 
 
 
 
Deferred:
 

 
 

 
 

Federal
155

 
(386
)
 
(410
)
Foreign
(187
)
 
832

 
20

Total deferred
(32
)
 
446

 
(390
)
Total income tax expense
$
1,828

 
$
1,233

 
$
1,537


    






60


HARDINGE INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
DECEMBER 31, 2015

The following is a reconciliation of income tax expense computed at the United States statutory rate to amounts shown in the Consolidated Statements of Operations:

 
2015
 
2014
 
2013
Federal income taxes at statutory rate
35.0
 %
 
35.0
 %
 
35.0
 %
Taxes on foreign income which differ from the U.S. statutory rate
(1.8
)
 
13.9

 
(2.1
)
Effect of change in the enacted rate
(2.6
)
 

 
3.1

Change in valuation allowance
(2.3
)
 
158.4

 
(63.4
)
U.S. taxation of international operations
6.2

 
(170.1
)
 
12.0

Change in estimated liabilities
1.8

 
26.8

 
0.1

Non-deductible items
4.8

 
(170.9
)
 
41.3

State and local income taxes
0.1

 
(2.7
)
 
(0.1
)
 
41.2
 %
 
(109.6
)%
 
25.9
 %

Significant components of the Company's deferred tax assets and liabilities are as follows (in thousands):

 
December 31,
 
2015
 
2014
Deferred tax assets:
 

 
 

Federal, state, and foreign net operating losses
$
18,713

 
$
21,301

Postretirement benefits
608

 
655

Deferred employee benefits
1,924

 
2,450

Accrued pension
15,738

 
14,861

Inventory valuation
3,067

 
3,445

Foreign tax credit carryforwards
7,847

 
5,030

Other
2,804

 
3,155

 
50,701

 
50,897

Less valuation allowance
(43,663
)
 
(44,789
)
Total deferred tax assets
7,038

 
6,108

 
 
 
 
Deferred tax liabilities:
 

 
 

Tax over book depreciation
(3,662
)
 
(3,997
)
Inventory valuation
(2,006
)
 
(2,103
)
Intangible assets
(1,637
)
 
(1,672
)
Other
(391
)
 
(477
)
Total deferred tax liabilities
(7,696
)
 
(8,249
)
Net deferred tax liabilities
$
(658
)
 
$
(2,141
)

Current deferred tax assets of $2.1 million and $2.2 million for 2015 and 2014, respectively, are reported in "Other current assets" in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Non-current deferred tax assets of $0.5 million for 2015 and 2014 are reported in "Other non-current assets" in the Consolidated Balance Sheets.

61


HARDINGE INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
DECEMBER 31, 2015

    
In 2015, the valuation allowance decreased by $1.1 million, of which $1.0 million was due to operational results and $0.1 million of valuation allowance was recorded in other comprehensive income (loss).
    
In 2014, the valuation allowance decreased by $4.5 million. The valuation allowance decreased by $10.1 million due to operational results and a decrease in state tax credits in the U.S. In New York State, corporate tax reform enacted in March 2014 changed the tax rate of a qualified manufacturing company such as Hardinge to 0%. As a result, Hardinge determined that it was unlikely to recognize any of the $6.9 million of New York State Investment Credit carryovers, and therefore wrote off the deferred tax asset for the carryovers. A corresponding decrease in the valuation allowance of $6.9 million was recorded, since the deferred tax asset on the carryover had a valuation allowance against it. This decrease was offset by $5.6 million of valuation allowance recorded in other comprehensive income (loss).

At December 31, 2015, there were U.S. federal and state net operating loss carryforwards of $26.3 million and $35.1 million, respectively, which expire from 2028 through 2031. If certain substantial changes in the Company's ownership occur, there would be an annual limitation on the amount of the carryforwards that can be utilized. The U.S. net operating loss includes approximately $2.2 million of the net operating loss carryforwards for which a benefit will be recorded in "Additional paid-in capital" in the Consolidated Balance Sheets when realized. There are Foreign Tax Credit Carryforwards of $7.8 million which expire between 2020 and 2025. There also are foreign net operating loss carryforwards of $40.3 million, of which $2.7 million will expire between 2018 through 2034, and of which $37.6 million have no expiration date.

At the end of 2015, the undistributed earnings of the Company's foreign subsidiaries, which amounted to approximately $68.4 million, are considered to be indefinitely reinvested and, accordingly, no provision for taxes has been provided thereon. Given the complexities of the foreign tax credit calculations, it is not practicable to compute the tax liability that would be due upon distribution of those earnings in the form of dividends or liquidation or sale of the foreign subsidiaries.

A reconciliation of the beginning and ending amount of uncertain tax positions is as follows (in thousands):
 
December 31,
 
2015
 
2014
 
2013
Balance at beginning of year
$
2,342

 
$
2,743

 
$
2,514

Additions for acquired subsidiaries

 

 
267

Additions for tax positions related to the current year
282

 
182

 

Additions for tax positions of prior years
263

 
430

 
150

Reductions for tax positions of prior years

 
(393
)
 

Reductions for tax positions related to the current year

 

 
(57
)
Reductions due to lapse of applicable statutes of limitation
(582
)
 
(620
)
 
(131
)
Balance at end of year
$
2,305

 
$
2,342

 
$
2,743


If recognized, essentially all of the uncertain tax positions and related interest at December 31, 2015 would be recorded as a benefit to income tax expense on the Consolidated Statements of Operations. It is reasonably possible that certain of the uncertain tax positions pertaining to the foreign operations may change within the next 12 months due to audit settlements and statute of limitations expirations. The estimated change in uncertain tax positions for these items is estimated to be up to $1.5 million.

Interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions are recorded as income tax expense in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. Accrued interest related to the uncertain tax positions was $0.1 million and $0.4 million at December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively. Accrued penalties related to uncertain tax positions were $0.0 million and $0.1 million at 2015 and 2014, respectively. The accrued interest and penalties are reported in other liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.

The tax years 2012, 2013, 2014, and 2015 remain open to examination by the U.S. federal taxing authorities. The tax years 2010 through 2015 remain open to examination by the U.S. state taxing authorities. For other major jurisdictions

62


HARDINGE INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
DECEMBER 31, 2015

(Switzerland, U.K., Taiwan, India, Germany, Netherlands and China); the tax years between 2008 and 2015 generally remain open to routine examination by foreign taxing authorities, depending on the jurisdiction.

Net taxes paid in 2015, 2014 and 2013 totaled $1.5 million, $1.9 million and $5.2 million, respectively.

NOTE 12.  COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
 
The Company is a defendant in various lawsuits as a result of normal operations and in the ordinary course of business. Management believes the outcome of these lawsuits will not have a material effect on the financial position or results of operations.
 
The Company’s operations are subject to extensive federal, state, local and foreign laws and regulations relating to environmental matters. Certain environmental laws can impose joint and several liability for releases or threatened releases of hazardous substances upon certain statutorily defined parties regardless of fault or the lawfulness of the original activity or disposal. Hazardous substances and adverse environmental effects have been identified with respect to real property owned by the Company, and on adjacent parcels of real property.
 
In particular, the Elmira, NY manufacturing facility is located within the Kentucky Avenue Wellfield on the National Priorities List of hazardous waste sites designated for cleanup by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (“EPA”) because of groundwater contamination. The Kentucky Avenue Wellfield Site (the “Site”) encompasses an area which includes sections of the Town of Horseheads and the Village of Elmira Heights in Chemung County, NY. In February 2006, the Company received a Special Notice Concerning a Remedial Investigation/Feasibility Study (“RI/FS”) for the Koppers Pond (the “Pond”) portion of the Site. The EPA documented the release and threatened release of hazardous substances into the environment at the Site, including releases into and in the vicinity of the Pond. The hazardous substances, including metals and polychlorinated biphenyls, have been detected in sediments in the Pond.
 
Until receipt of this Special Notice in February 2006, the Company had never been named as a potentially responsible party (“PRP”) at the Site nor had the Company received any requests for information from the EPA concerning the Site. Environmental sampling on the Company’s property within this Site under supervision of regulatory authorities had identified off-site sources for such groundwater contamination and sediment contamination in the Pond, and found no evidence that the Company’s operations or property have contributed or are contributing to the contamination. All appropriate insurance carriers have been notified, and the Company is actively cooperating with them, but whether coverage will be available has not yet been determined and possible insurance recovery cannot be estimated with any degree of certainty at this time.
 
A substantial portion of the Pond is located on the Company’s property. The Company, along with Beazer East, Inc., the Village of Horseheads, the Town of Horseheads, the County of Chemung, CBS Corporation and Toshiba America, Inc., (collectively, the "PRPs"), agreed to voluntarily participate in the RI/FS by signing an Administrative Settlement Agreement and Order of Consent on September 29, 2006. On September 29, 2006, the Director of Emergency and Remedial Response Division of the EPA, Region II, approved and executed the Agreement on behalf of the EPA. The PRPs also signed a PRP Member Agreement, agreeing to share the costs associated with the RI/FS study on a per capita basis.
 
The EPA approved the RI/FS Work Plan in May of 2008. In July of 2012 the PRPs submitted a Remedial Investigation (RI) to respond to EPA issues raised in the initial draft RI. In January 2016, the PRPs submitted a draft Feasibility Study (FS), also to respond to issues raised by the EPA about previous drafts of the FS.

The recent draft FS identified alternative remedial actions with estimated life-cycle costs ranging from $0.9 million to $5.0 million.The Company’s portion of the potential costs is estimated to range from $0.1 million to $0.7 million. Based on the current estimated costs of the various remedial alternatives now under consideration by the EPA, a reserve of $0.3 million has been recorded for the Company’s share of remediation expenses at the Pond as of December 31, 2015. This reserve is reported as an Accrued expenses on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.
.
Based upon information currently available, except as described in the preceding paragraphs, the Company does not have material liabilities for environmental remediation. Though the foregoing reflects the Company’s current assessment as it relates to environmental remediation obligations, it is possible that future remedial requirements or changes in the enforcement

63


HARDINGE INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
DECEMBER 31, 2015

of existing laws and regulations, which are subject to extensive regulatory discretion, will result in material liabilities to the Company.

The Company leases space for some of the manufacturing, sales and service operations with remaining lease terms of up to 8 years and use certain office equipment and automobiles under lease agreements expiring at various dates. Rent expense under these leases totaled $2.7 million, $3.0 million and $3.2 million, during the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014, and 2013, respectively.

At December 31, 2015, future minimum payments under non-cancelable operating leases are as follows (in thousands):
Year
 
Amount
2016
 
$
2,043

2017
 
1,490

2018
 
883

2019
 
437

2020
 
40

Thereafter
 
62

Total
 
$
4,955

    
The Company has entered into written employment contracts with its executive officers. The current effective term of the employment agreements is one year and the agreements contain an automatic, successive one year extension unless either party provides the other with two months prior notice of termination. In the case of a change in control, as defined in the employment contracts, the term of each officer's employment will be automatically extended for a period of two years following the date of the change in control. These employment contracts also provide for severance payments in the event of specified termination of employment, the amount of which is increased upon certain termination events to the extent such events occur within twelve months following a change in control.

NOTE 13.  SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY

The Company's common stock has a par value of $0.01 per share. The common stock outstanding activity for each of the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014, and 2013 was as follows (in shares):
 
Common Stock
 
2015
 
2014
 
2013
Balance at beginning of year
12,821,768

 
12,397,867

 
11,732,714

Shares issued under stock offering program

 
403,863

 
610,389

Shares distributed/exercised
36,464

 
23,738

 
79,530

Shares purchased
(18,605
)
 

 
(24,766
)
Shares forfeited
(1,400
)
 
(3,700
)
 

Balance at end of year
12,838,227

 
12,821,768

 
12,397,867

    
On August 9, 2013, the Company entered into a sales agreement (the “Agreement”) with an independent sales agent (“Agent”), under which the Company may, from time to time, sell shares of its common stock, par value $0.01 per share (the “Shares”), having an aggregate offering price of up to $25.0 million through the Agent. Under the Agreement, the Agent may sell the Shares by methods deemed to be an “at-the-market” offering as defined in Rule 415 promulgated under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, including sales made directly on the NASDAQ Global Select Market, on any other existing trading market for the common stock or to or through a market maker. In addition, with the prior consent of the Company, the Agent may sell the common stock by any other method permitted by law, including in privately negotiated transactions.
 
The Agreement will terminate upon the earlier of (i) sale of the Shares under the Agreement having an aggregate offering price of $25.0 million and (ii) the termination of the Agreement as permitted therein. The Agreement may be

64


HARDINGE INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
DECEMBER 31, 2015

terminated by the Agent or the Company at any time upon 10 days notice to the other party, or by the Agent at any time in certain circumstances, including the occurrence of a material adverse change in the Company. The Company's Board of Directors authorized this program for a period of one year ending August 8, 2014.
     
As of December 31, 2014, 1,014,252 Shares had been sold under the Agreement for aggregated net proceeds of $14.6 million, of which 663,276 of the shares sold were issued from treasury. 

NOTE 14.  EMPLOYEE BENEFITS
 
Pension and Postretirement Plans

The Company provides a qualified defined benefit pension plan covering all eligible domestic employees hired before March 1, 2004. The plan bases benefits upon both years of service and earnings through June 15, 2009. The policy is to fund at least an amount necessary to satisfy the minimum funding requirements of ERISA. For the foreign plans, contributions are made on a monthly basis and are governed by their governmental regulations. Each foreign plan requires employer contributions. Additionally, one of the Swiss plans requires employee contributions. In 2010, the accrual of benefits under the domestic plan and one of the foreign plans were permanently frozen.

Domestic employees hired on or after March 1, 2004 have retirement benefits under the 401(k) defined contribution plan. After the completion of one year of service, the Company will contribute 4% of an employee's pay and will further match 25% of the first 4% that the employee contributes. For employees participating in the domestic 401(k) plan, the Company made contributions of $2.0 million, $1.8 million, and $1.6 million in 2015, 2014, and 2013, respectively. In conjunction with the permanent freeze of benefit accruals under the domestic defined benefit pension plan, employees that were actively participating in the domestic defined benefit pension plan became eligible to receive company contributions in the 401(k) plan. Additionally, upon reaching age 50, employees who were age 40 or older as of January 1, 2011 and were participants in the domestic defined benefit pension plan are provided enhanced employer contributions in the 401(k) plan to compensate for the loss of future benefit accruals under the defined benefit pension plan. The Company recognized $2.0 million, $2.0 million, and $1.8 million of expense for the domestic defined contribution plan in 2015, 2014, and 2013, respectively. Employees may contribute additional funds to the plan for which there is no required company match. All employer and employee contributions are invested at the direction of the employees in a number of investment alternatives, one being Hardinge Inc. common stock.

In 2015, as a result of a voluntary early retirement program that provided a temporary enhancement under the qualified domestic pension plan, a $0.2 million special termination benefit was recognized in the net period benefit cost. In 2014, as a result of significant lump sum benefits paid out of the Switzerland Pensionskasse L. Kellenberger Plan, a $0.8 million settlement charge was recognized in the net periodic benefit cost. This was offset by a $0.4 million curtailment gain, which was recognized as a result of a significant portion of the active population terminating employment.

As a result of the acquisition of the Forkardt operations from Illinois Tool Works in May 2013, the benefit obligations of the Forkardt defined benefit and postretirement medical plans were assumed. These obligations included a Termination Indemnity Plan in France and a Postretirement Medical Plan in the U.S.

The Company provides a contributory retiree health plan covering all eligible domestic employees who retire on or after age 65 with at least 10 years of service (the years of service requirement does not apply to individuals hired before 1993). Employees who elect early retirement on or after reaching age 55 are eligible for the medical coverage if they have 15 years of service at retirement. Benefit obligations and funding policies are at the discretion of management. Increases in the cost of the retiree health plan are paid by the participants. The Company also provides a non-contributory life insurance plan to individuals who retire on or after age 65 (or on or after age 55 if they have 15 years of service at retirement). Because the amount of liability relative to this plan is insignificant, it is combined with the health plan for purposes of this disclosure.

The discount rate for determining benefit obligations in the postretirement benefits plans was 4.69% and 4.23% at December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively. The change in the discount rate decreased the accumulated postretirement benefit obligation as of December 31, 2015 by $0.1 million.


65


HARDINGE INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
DECEMBER 31, 2015

A summary of the pension and postretirement benefits plans' funded status and amounts recognized in the Consolidated Balance Sheets is as follows (in thousands):
 
Pension Benefits
 
Postretirement
Benefits
 
December 31,
 
December 31,
 
2015
 
2014
 
2015
 
2014
Change in benefit obligation :
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Benefit obligation at beginning of year
$
235,433

 
$
216,306

 
$
1,806

 
$
1,769

Service cost
1,953

 
1,421

 
12

 
11

Interest cost
6,676

 
8,426

 
74

 
87

Plan participants' contributions
1,516

 
1,501

 
338

 
326

Actuarial loss (gain)
(610
)
 
34,840

 
(100
)
 
10

Foreign currency impact
(2,197
)
 
(11,792
)
 

 

Benefits and administrative expenses paid
(8,619
)
 
(11,985
)
 
(447
)
 
(397
)
Settlements
(37
)
 
(3,284
)
 

 

Special termination benefits
235

 

 

 

Benefit obligation at end of year
234,350

 
235,433

 
1,683

 
1,806

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Change in plan assets:
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year
185,981

 
193,429

 

 

Actual return on plan assets
(597
)
 
14,688

 

 

Employer contributions
3,362

 
2,644

 
109

 
71

Plan participants' contributions
1,516

 
1,501

 
338

 
326

Foreign currency impact
(1,599
)
 
(11,012
)
 

 

Benefits and administrative expenses paid
(8,619
)
 
(11,985
)
 
(447
)
 
(397
)
Settlements
(37
)
 
(3,284
)
 

 

Fair value of plan assets at end of year
180,007

 
185,981

 

 

Funded status of plans
$
(54,343
)
 
$
(49,452
)
 
$
(1,683
)
 
$
(1,806
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Amounts recognized in the Consolidated Balance Sheets consist of:
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Non-current assets
$
1,638

 
$
2,318

 
$

 
$

Current liabilities
(264
)
 
(253
)
 
(112
)
 
(112
)
Non-current liabilities
(55,717
)
 
(51,517
)
 
(1,571
)
 
(1,694
)
Net amount recognized
$
(54,343
)
 
$
(49,452
)
 
$
(1,683
)
 
$
(1,806
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Amounts recognized in Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Loss)
  consists of:
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Net actuarial (loss) gain
$
(80,641
)
 
$
(75,220
)
 
$
706

 
$
657

Transition asset
249

 
500

 

 

Prior service credit
1,804

 
2,126

 

 

Accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income
(78,588
)
 
(72,594
)
 
706

 
657

Accumulated contributions in excess (deficit) of net periodic benefit cost
24,245

 
23,142

 
(2,389
)
 
(2,463
)
Net deficit recognized in Consolidated Balance Sheets
$
(54,343
)
 
$
(49,452
)
 
$
(1,683
)
 
$
(1,806
)
    

66


HARDINGE INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
DECEMBER 31, 2015

The projected benefit obligations for the foreign pension plans included in the amounts above were $120.3 million and $114.1 million at December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively. The plan assets for the foreign pension plans included above were $104.1 million and $102.6 million at December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively.

The accumulated benefit obligations for the foreign and domestic pension plans were $230.2 million and $231.4 million at December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively.

The following information is presented for pension plans where the projected benefit obligations exceeded the fair value of plan assets (in thousands):
 
Pension Benefits
 
December 31,
 
2015
 
2014
Projected benefit obligations
$
226,012

 
$
228,138

Fair value of plan assets
170,032

 
176,367

Excess of projected benefit obligations over plan assets
$
55,980

 
$
51,771

    
The following information is presented for pension plans where the accumulated benefit obligations exceeded the fair value of plan assets (in thousands):
 
Pension Benefits
 
December 31,
 
2015
 
2014
Accumulated benefit obligations
$
222,173

 
$
223,921

Fair value of plan assets
170,032

 
175,766

Excess of accumulated benefit obligations over plan assets
$
52,141

 
$
48,155


A summary of the components of net periodic benefit cost for the Company, which includes an executive supplemental pension plan, is presented below (in thousands):
 
Pension Benefits
 
Postretirement Benefits
 
Year Ended December 31,
 
Year Ended December 31,
 
2015
 
2014
 
2013
 
2015
 
2014
 
2013
Service cost
$
1,953

 
$
1,421

 
$
1,401

 
$
12

 
$
11

 
$
18

Interest cost
6,676

 
8,426

 
7,380

 
74

 
87

 
92

Expected return on plan assets
(9,555
)
 
(9,892
)
 
(9,464
)
 

 

 

Amortization of prior service credit
(318
)
 
(399
)
 
(393
)
 

 

 
(254
)
Amortization of transition asset
(258
)
 
(276
)
 
(272
)
 

 

 

Settlement loss
16

 
810

 
229

 

 

 

Special termination benefits
235

 

 

 

 

 

Curtailment gain

 
(409
)
 

 

 

 

Amortization of loss (gain)
3,273

 
1,719

 
3,223

 
(51
)
 
(57
)
 
(5
)
Net periodic benefit cost (income)
$
2,022

 
$
1,400

 
$
2,104

 
$
35

 
$
41

 
$
(149
)


67


HARDINGE INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
DECEMBER 31, 2015

A summary of the changes in pension and postretirement benefits recognized in other comprehensive (income) loss is presented below (in thousands):
 
Pension Benefits
 
Postretirement Benefits
 
Year Ended December 31,
 
Year Ended December 31,
 
2015
 
2014
 
2013
 
2015
 
2014
 
2013
Net loss (gain) arising during year
$
9,543

 
$
30,044

 
$
(20,977
)
 
$
(100
)
 
$
10

 
$
(452
)
Amortization of transition asset
258

 
286

 
272

 

 

 

Amortization of prior service credit
318

 
808

 
393

 

 

 
254

Other gain

 

 

 

 

 

Amortization of (gain) loss
(3,289
)
 
(2,539
)
 
(3,452
)
 
51

 
57

 
5

Foreign currency exchange impact
(835
)
 
(2,503
)
 
268

 

 

 

Total recognized in other comprehensive
   (income) loss
5,995

 
26,096

 
(23,496
)
 
(49
)
 
67

 
(193
)
Net recognized in net periodic benefit cost and
   other comprehensive (income) loss
$
8,017

 
$
27,496

 
$
(21,392
)
 
$
(14
)
 
$
108

 
$
(342
)
    
The net periodic benefit cost for the foreign pension plans included in the amounts above was $0.6 million, $0.7 million, and $1.4 million, for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014, and 2013, respectively.

The Company expects to recognize $3.8 million of net loss, $0.2 million of net transition assets and $0.3 million of net prior service credit as components of net periodic benefit cost in 2016 for the defined benefit pension plans. The Company expects to recognize $0.1 million of net gain as a component of net periodic benefit cost for the postretirement benefits plans in 2016.
 
Actuarial assumptions used to determine pension costs and other postretirement benefit costs include:
 
Pension Benefits
 
Postretirement Benefits
 
2015
 
2014
 
2013
 
2015
 
2014
 
2013
Assumptions at January 1
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
 

For the domestic plans:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
 

Discount rate
4.28
%
 
5.24
%
 
4.31
%
 
4.23
%
 
5.13
%
 
4.21
%
Expected return on plan assets
7.50
%
 
7.50
%
 
7.75
%
 
N/A

 
N/A

 
N/A

For the foreign plans:
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Weighted average discount rate
1.21
%
 
1.43
%
 
2.75
%
 
 

 
 

 
 

Weighted average expected return on plan assets
3.95
%
 
3.91
%
 
3.91
%
 
 

 
 

 
 

Weighted average rate of compensation increase
1.52
%
 
1.76
%
 
1.76
%
 
 

 
 

 
 

    
Actuarial assumptions used to determine pension obligations and other postretirement benefit obligations include:
 
Pension Benefits
 
Postretirement
Benefits
 
2015
 
2014
 
2015
 
2014
Assumptions at December 31
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
For the domestic plans:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Discount rate
4.75
%
 
4.28
%
 
4.69
%
 
4.23
%
For the foreign pension plans:
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Weighted average discount rate
1.21
%
 
1.43
%
 
 

 
 

Weighted average rate of compensation increase
1.52
%
 
1.76
%
 
 

 
 

    

68


HARDINGE INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
DECEMBER 31, 2015

For the domestic and foreign plans (except for the Taiwan plan), discount rates used to determine the benefit obligations are based on the yields on high grade corporate bonds in each market with maturities matching the projected benefit payments. The discount rate for the Taiwan plan is based on the yield on long-dated government bonds plus a spread. To develop the expected long-term rate of return on assets assumption, for the domestic and foreign plans, management considers the current level of expected returns on least risk investments (primarily government bonds) in each market, the historical level of the risk premium associated with the other asset classes in which the portfolio is invested, and the expectations for future returns of each asset class. The expected return for each asset class was then weighted based on the asset allocation to develop the expected long-term rate of return on assets assumption. The market-related value of assets for the U.S. qualified defined benefit pension plan recognizes asset losses and gains over a five-year period, which the Company believes is consistent with the long-term nature of the pension obligations.

Investment Policies and Strategies

For the qualified domestic defined benefit pension plan, the plan targets an asset allocation of approximately 55% equity securities, 36% debt securities and 9% other. For the foreign defined benefit pension plans, the plans target blended asset allocation of 37% equity securities, 45% debt securities and 18% other.

Given the relatively long horizon of the aggregate obligation, the investment strategy is to improve and maintain the funded status of the domestic and foreign plans over time without exposure to excessive asset value volatility. This risk is managed primarily by maintaining actual asset allocations between equity and fixed income securities for the plans within a specified range of its target asset allocation. In addition, the Company ensures that diversification across various investment subcategories within each plan are also maintained within specified ranges.

The domestic and foreign pension assets are managed by outside investment managers and held in trust by third-party custodians. The selection and oversight of these outside service providers is the responsibility of management, investment committees, plan trustees and their advisors. The selection of specific securities is at the discretion of the investment manager and is subject to the provisions set forth by written investment management agreements, related policy guidelines and applicable governmental regulations regarding permissible investments and risk control practices.

Contributions

The Company's funding policy is to contribute to the defined benefit pension plans when pension laws and economics either require or encourage funding. The expected Company contributions to be paid during the year ended December 31, 2016 to the qualified domestic plan are $1.6 million. The expected Company contributions to be paid during the year ending December 31, 2016 to the foreign defined benefit pension plans are $2.5 million. Additionally, one of the Switzerland plans requires employee contributions.




69


HARDINGE INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
DECEMBER 31, 2015

Estimated Future Benefit Payments

The following benefit payments, which reflect expected future service, as appropriate, are expected to be paid (in thousands):
Year
 
Pension Benefits
 
Postretirement Benefits
2016
 
$
9,467

 
$
112

2017
 
10,299

 
118

2018
 
10,925

 
122

2019
 
11,626

 
128

2020
 
11,166

 
129

Thereafter
 
60,759

 
551


Foreign Operations

The Company has employees in certain foreign countries that are covered by defined contribution retirement plans and other employee benefit plans. Related obligations and costs charged to operations for these plans are not material. The foreign entities with defined benefit pension plans are included in the consolidated pension plans described earlier within this footnote.

NOTE 15.  STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION

On May 3, 2011, the Company's shareholders approved the 2011 Incentive Stock Plan (the "Plan"), which was amended on May 6, 2014. The Plan's purpose is to enhance the profitability and value of the Company for the benefit of its shareholders by attracting, retaining, and motivating officers and other key employees who make important contributions to the success of the Company. The Plan initially reserved 750,000 shares of the Company's common stock (as such amount may be adjusted in accordance with the terms of the Plan, the "Authorized Plan Amount") to be issued for grants of several different types of incentives including incentive stock options, non-qualified stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock incentives, and performance share incentives. Any shares of common stock granted under options or stock appreciation rights prior to May 6, 2014 shall be counted against the Authorized Plan Amount on a one-for-one basis and any shares of common stock granted as awards other than options or stock appreciation rights shall be counted against the Authorized Plan Amount as two (2) shares of common stock for every one (1) share of common stock subject to such award. On May 6, 2014, the Company's Board of Directors approved an amendment to the plan to (a) increase the number of shares available for the plan to 1,500,000, and (b) change the ratio of shares of common stock granted as awards other than options or stock appreciation rights to be counted against the Authorized Plan Amount as 1.75 shares of common stock for every one (1) share of common stock subject to such award. Authorized and issued shares of common stock or previously issued shares of common stock purchased by the Company for purposes of the Plan may be issued under the Plan.

Stock-based compensation to employees is recorded in "Selling, general and administrative expenses" in the Consolidated Statements of Operations based on the fair value at the grant date of the award. These non-cash compensation costs were included in the "Depreciation and amortization" amounts in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows.

A summary of stock-based compensation expense is as follows (in thousands):
 
Year Ended December 31,
 
2015
 
2014
 
2013
Restricted stock/unit awards
$
322

 
$
409

 
$
363

Performance share incentives
(608
)
 
(80
)
 
258

Total stock-based compensation expense
$
(286
)
 
$
329

 
$
621


Restricted stock/unit awards, performance share incentives and stock options are the only award types currently outstanding. Restricted stock/unit awards and performance share incentives are discussed below. Stock option activity is not significant.

70


HARDINGE INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
DECEMBER 31, 2015


Restricted Stock/Unit Awards

Restricted stock/units (the "RSA") are awarded to employees. RSAs vest at the end of the service period and are subject to forfeiture as well as transfer restrictions. During the vesting period, the RSAs are held by the Company and the recipients are entitled to exercise rights pertaining to such shares, including the right to vote such shares. The RSAs are valued based on the closing market price of the Company's common stock on the date of the grant. The deferred compensation is being amortized on a straight-line basis over four years for all outstanding RSAs.

All outstanding RSAs are unvested. A summary of the RSA activity is as follows (in shares):
 
Year Ended December 31,
 
2015
 
2014
 
2013
RSAs outstanding at beginning of year
160,175

 
165,875

 
212,340

Awarded

 

 
45,375

Vested
(50,000
)
 

 
(91,840
)
Canceled or forfeited
(4,300
)
 
(5,700
)
 

RSAs outstanding at end of year
105,875

 
160,175

 
165,875

 
 
 
 
 
 
Unamortized deferred compensation cost (in millions)
$
0.3

 
$
0.7

 
$
1.2

Expected weighted-average recognition period for unrecognized compensation
   cost (in years)
1.20

 
1.64

 
2.64


Performance Share Incentives

Performance share incentives ("PSI") are awarded to certain employees. PSIs are expressed as shares of the Company's common stock. They are earned only if the Company meets specific performance targets over the specified performance period. During this period, PSI recipients have no voting rights. When dividends are declared, such dividends are deemed to be paid to the recipients. The Company withholds and accumulates the deemed dividends until such point that the PSIs are earned. If the PSIs are not earned, the accrued dividends are forfeited. The payment of PSIs can be in cash, or in the Company's common stock, or a combination of the two, at the discretion of the Company. The PSIs were first awarded to employees in 2011. The PSIs are valued based on the closing market price of the Company's common stock on the date of the grant. The deferred compensation is being recognized into earnings based on the passage of time and achievement of performance targets.

A summary of the PSI activity is as follows (in shares):
 
Year Ended December 31,
 
2015
 
2014
 
2013
PSIs outstanding at beginning of year
105,875

 
105,875

 
102,500

Awarded

 

 
3,375

Canceled or forfeited

 

 

PSIs outstanding at end of year
105,875

 
105,875

 
105,875

 
 
 
 
 
 
Unamortized deferred compensation cost (in millions)
$
1.2

 
$
0.6

 
$
0.5

Expected weighted-average recognition period for unrecognized compensation
   cost (in years)
1.16

 
2.16

 
3.16


    

71


HARDINGE INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
DECEMBER 31, 2015

NOTE 16.  CHANGES IN ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE LOSS
 
Changes in AOCI by component for 2015, 2014 and 2013 are as follows (in thousands):
 
Year Ended December 31, 2015
 
Foreign
currency
translation
adjustments
 
Retirement
plans related
adjustments
 
Unrealized
gain (loss) on
cash flow
hedges
 
Accumulated
other
comprehensive
loss
Beginning balance, net of tax
$
25,913

 
$
(64,570
)
 
$
(144
)
 
$
(38,801
)
Other comprehensive loss before reclassifications
(4,598
)
 
(8,607
)
 
(212
)
 
(13,417
)
Less loss reclassified from AOCI

 
(2,662
)
 
(212
)
 
(2,874
)
Net other comprehensive loss
(4,598
)
 
(5,945
)
 

 
(10,543
)
Income tax expense (benefit)
786

 
(1,415
)
 
(2
)
 
(631
)
Ending balance, net of tax
$
20,529

 
$
(69,100
)
 
$
(142
)
 
$
(48,713
)
 
Year Ended December 31, 2014
 
Foreign
currency
translation
adjustments
 
Retirement
plans related
adjustments
 
Unrealized
gain (loss) on
cash flow
hedges
 
Accumulated
other
comprehensive
loss
Beginning balance, net of tax
$
38,663

 
$
(40,213
)
 
$
131

 
$
(1,419
)
Other comprehensive loss before reclassifications
(11,893
)
 
(27,551
)
 
(132
)
 
(39,576
)
Less (loss) income reclassified from AOCI

 
(1,388
)
 
149

 
(1,239
)
Net other comprehensive loss
(11,893
)
 
(26,163
)
 
(281
)
 
(38,337
)
Income tax expense (benefit)
857

 
(1,806
)
 
(6
)
 
(955
)
Ending balance, net of tax
$
25,913

 
$
(64,570
)
 
$
(144
)
 
$
(38,801
)
 
Year Ended December 31, 2013
 
Foreign
currency
translation
adjustments
 
Retirement
plans related
adjustments
 
Unrealized
gain (loss) on
cash flow
hedges
 
Accumulated
other
comprehensive
loss
Beginning balance, net of tax
$
36,830

 
$
(62,375
)
 
$
36

 
$
(25,509
)
Other comprehensive income before
reclassifications
1,939

 
21,161

 
83

 
23,183

Less (loss) income reclassified from AOCI

 
(2,528
)
 
6

 
(2,522
)
Net other comprehensive income
1,939

 
23,689

 
77

 
25,705

Income tax expense (benefit)
106

 
1,527

 
(18
)
 
1,615

Ending balance, net of tax
$
38,663

 
$
(40,213
)
 
$
131

 
$
(1,419
)


72


HARDINGE INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
DECEMBER 31, 2015

Details about reclassification out of AOCI for the 2015, 2014, and 2013 are as follows (in thousands):
 
 
Year Ended December 31,
 
Affected line item on the Consolidated Statements of Operations
Details of AOCI components
 
2015
 
2014
 
2013
 
Unrealized (loss) gain on cash flow hedges: 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
$
(120
)
 
$
43

 
$
20

 
Sales
 
 
(92
)
 
106

 
(14
)
 
Other expense, net
 
 
(212
)
 
149

 
6

 
Total before tax
 
 
36

 
(8
)
 
(1
)
 
Tax (expense) benefit
 
 
$
(176
)
 
$
141

 
$
5

 
Net of tax
Retirement plans related adjustments:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Amortization of prior service credit
 
$
318

 
$
399

 
$
647

 
(a)
Amortization of transition asset
 
258

 
276

 
272

 
(a)
Amortization of actuarial loss
 
(3,238
)
 
(2,063
)
 
(3,447
)
 
(a)
 
 
(2,662
)
 
(1,388
)
 
(2,528
)
 
Total before tax
 
 
187

 
65

 
221

 
Tax benefit
 
 
$
(2,475
)
 
$
(1,323
)
 
$
(2,307
)
 
Net of tax
 
____________________
(a)  These AOCI components are included in the computation of net period pension and post retirement costs. See Note 14. "Employee Benefits" for details.
 
NOTE 17.  EARNINGS (LOSS) PER SHARE
 
Basic earnings (loss) per share is computed using the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding during the period. For diluted earnings (loss) per share, the weighted average number of shares includes common stock equivalents related to stock options and restricted stock. The following table presents the basis of the earnings (loss) per share computation (in thousands):
 
 
Year Ended December 31,
 
2015
 
2014
 
2013
Numerator for basic and diluted earnings (loss) per share:
 
 
 
 
 
Income (loss) from continuing operations
$
2,610

 
$
(2,358
)
 
$
4,395

Gain from disposal of discontinued operation, net of tax

 
218

 
4,890

Income from discontinued operations, net of tax

 

 
642

Net Income (loss) applicable to common shareholders
$
2,610

 
$
(2,140
)
 
$
9,927

 
 
 
 
 
 
Denominator:
 
 
 
 
 
Denominator for basic earnings (loss) per share — weighted
   average shares
12,776

 
12,661

 
11,801

Assumed exercise of stock options
21

 

 
28

Assumed satisfaction of restricted stock conditions
75

 

 
62

Denominator for diluted earnings (loss) per share — adjusted
   weighted average shares
12,872

 
12,661

 
11,891

 
For the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, there were 15,995 shares, 39,752 shares, and 52,125 shares, respectively, of certain stock-based compensation awards excluded from the calculation of diluted earnings per share, as they were anti-dilutive.




73


HARDINGE INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
DECEMBER 31, 2015

NOTE 18. SEGMENT INFORMATION
 
The Company operates through segments for which separate financial information is available, and for which operating results are evaluated regularly by the Company's chief operating decision maker in determining resource allocation and assessing performance. In 2013, the Company changed its reportable business segment from one reportable segment to two reportable segments, Metalcutting Machine Solutions ("MMS") and Aftermarket Tooling and Accessories ("ATA"). The Company has recast its segment information disclosure for all periods presented to conform to this segment presentation.
    
Metalcutting Machine Solutions (MMS)

This segment includes operations related to grinding, turning, and milling, as discussed below, and related repair parts. The products are considered to be capital goods with sales prices ranging from approximately forty thousand dollars for some high volume products to around two million dollars for some lower volume grinding machines or other specialty built turnkey systems of multiple machines. Sales are subject to economic cycles and, because they are most often purchased to add manufacturing capacity, the cycles can be severe with customers delaying purchases during down cycles and then aggressively requiring machine deliveries during up cycles. Machines are purchased to a lesser extent during down cycles as customers are looking for productivity improvements or they have new products that require new machining capabilities.

The Company engineers and sells high precision computer controlled metalcutting turning machines, vertical machining centers, horizontal machining centers, grinding machines, and repair parts related to those machines.

Turning Machines or lathes are power-driven machines used to remove material from either bar stock or a rough-formed part by moving multiple cutting tools against the surface of a part rotating at very high speeds in a spindle mechanism. The multi-directional movement of the cutting tools allows the part to be shaped to the desired dimensions. On parts produced by Hardinge machines, those dimensions are often measured in millionths of an inch. Management considers Hardinge to be a leader in the field of producing machines capable of consistently and cost-effectively producing parts to very close dimensions.

Machining centers are designed to remove material from stationary, prismatic or box-like parts of various shapes with rotating tools that are capable of milling, drilling, tapping, reaming and routing. Machining centers have mechanisms that automatically change tools based on commands from a built-in computer control without the assistance of an operator. Machining centers are generally purchased by the same customers who purchase other Hardinge equipment. The Company supplies a broad line of machining centers under the Bridgeport brand name addressing a range of sizes, speeds, and powers.

Grinding machines are used in a machining process in which a part's surface is shaped to closer tolerances with a rotating abrasive wheel or tool. Grinding machines can be used to finish parts of various shapes and sizes. The Kellenberger and Usach grinding machines are used to grind the inside and outside diameters of cylindrical parts. Such grinding machines are typically used to provide a more exact finish on a part that has been partially completed on a lathe. The Hauser jig grinding machines are used to make demanding contour components, primarily for tool and mold-making applications. The Jones & Shipman brand represents a line of high quality grinders (surface, creepfeed, and cylindrical) machines used by a wide range of industries. Voumard machines are high quality internal diameter cylindrical grinding systems.

Aftermarket Tooling and Accessories (ATA)

This segment includes products that are purchased by manufacturers throughout the lives of their machines. The prices of units are relatively low per piece with prices ranging from fifty dollars on high volume collets to fifty thousand dollars or more for specialty chucks, and they typically are considered to be a fairly consumable, but durable, product. The Company's products are used on all types and brands of machine tools, not limited to Hardinge Brand. Sales levels are affected by manufacturing cycles, but not to the severity of the capital goods lines. While customers may not purchase large dollar machines during a down cycle, their factories are operating with their existing equipment and accessories are still needed as they wear out or they are needed for a change in production requirements.


74


HARDINGE INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
DECEMBER 31, 2015

The two primary product groups are collets and chucks. Collets are cone-shaped metal sleeves used for holding circular or rod like pieces in a lathe or other machine that provide effective part holding and accurate part location during machining operations. Chucks are a specialized clamping device used to hold an object with radial symmetry, especially a cylindrical object. It is most commonly used to hold a rotating tool or a rotating work piece. Some of the specialty chucks can also hold irregularly shaped objects that lack radial symmetry. While the Company's products are known for accuracy and durability, they are consumable in nature.

Segment income is measured for internal reporting purposes by excluding corporate expenses, acquisition related charges, impairment charges, interest income, interest expense, and income taxes. Corporate expenses consist primarily of executive employment costs, certain professional fees, and costs associated with the Company’s global headquarters. Financial results for each reportable segment are as follows (in thousands):
 
Year Ended December 31, 2015
 
MMS
 
ATA
 
Inter-Segment
Eliminations
 
Total
Sales
$
250,854

 
$
65,128

 
$
(733
)
 
$
315,249

Depreciation and amortization
6,497

 
2,285

 
 

 
8,782

Segment income
7,365

 
3,372

 
 

 
10,737

Capital expenditures
3,186

 
1,009

 
 

 
4,195

Segment assets(1)
226,265

 
48,069

 
 

 
274,334

 
Year Ended December 31, 2014
 
MMS
 
ATA
 
Inter-Segment
Eliminations
 
Total
Sales
$
243,199

 
$
68,788

 
$
(354
)
 
$
311,633

Depreciation and amortization
6,952

 
2,545

 
 

 
9,497

Segment income
3,950

 
6,708

 
 

 
10,658

Capital expenditures
2,088

 
1,098

 
 

 
3,186

Segment assets(1)
238,462

 
51,838

 
 

 
290,300

 
Year Ended December 31, 2013
 
MMS
 
ATA
 
Inter-Segment
Eliminations
 
Total
Sales
$
278,377

 
$
51,553

 
$
(471
)
 
$
329,459

Depreciation and amortization
6,897

 
1,985

 
 

 
8,882

Segment income
16,338

 
5,689

 
 

 
22,027

Capital expenditures
2,603

 
1,268

 
 

 
3,871

Segment assets(1)
253,173

 
46,082

 
 

 
299,255

____________________
(1) 
Segment assets primarily consist of restricted cash, accounts receivable, inventories, prepaid and other assets, property, plant and equipment, and intangible assets. Unallocated assets primarily include, cash and cash equivalents, corporate property, plant and equipment, deferred income taxes, and other non-current assets.
 

75


HARDINGE INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
DECEMBER 31, 2015

A reconciliation of segment income to consolidated (loss) income from operations before income taxes for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014, and 2013 are as follows (in thousands):
 
Year Ended December 31,
 
2015
 
2014
 
2013
Segment income
$
10,737

 
$
10,658

 
$
22,027

Unallocated corporate expense
(5,800
)
 
(5,540
)
 
(4,563
)
Acquisition related inventory step-up charge

 
(86
)
 
(1,927
)
Acquisition related expenses

 
(178
)
 
(2,154
)
Impairment charges

 
(5,766
)
 
(6,239
)
Interest expense, net
(499
)
 
(678
)
 
(1,064
)
Other unallocated income (expense)

 
465

 
(148
)
Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes
$
4,438

 
$
(1,125
)
 
$
5,932

 
A reconciliation of segment assets to consolidated total assets follows (in thousands):
 
December 31,
2015
 
December 31,
2014
 
December 31,
2013
Total segment assets
$
274,334

 
$
290,300

 
$
299,255

Unallocated assets
36,966

 
21,020

 
44,928

Total assets
$
311,300

 
$
311,320

 
$
344,183


Unallocated assets include cash of $32.8 million, $16.3 million and $34.7 million at December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively.

There is no single customer who accounted for more than 6% of the consolidated sales in 2015, 2014 or 2013. Products are sold throughout the world and sales are attributed to countries based on the country where the products are shipped to. Information concerning the principal geographic areas is follows (in thousands):
 
2015
 
2014
 
2013
 
Sales
 
Long-lived
Assets (1)
 
Sales
 
Long-lived
Assets (1)
 
Sales
 
Long-lived
Assets (1)
North America
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

United States
$
103,650

 
$
37,607

 
$
94,420

 
$
39,656

 
$
105,764

 
$
49,270

Other
4,820

 

 
6,474

 

 
3,693

 

Total North America
108,470

 
37,607

 
100,894

 
39,656

 
109,457

 
49,270

Europe
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

England
12,780

 
555

 
13,848

 
604

 
21,090

 
645

Germany
34,830

 
1,388

 
46,543

 
1,741

 
40,277

 
1,943

Switzerland
7,613

 
30,322

 
6,834

 
31,524

 
6,063

 
37,055

Other
42,046

 
74

 
35,838

 
107

 
32,696

 
143

Total Europe
97,269

 
32,339

 
103,063

 
33,976

 
100,126

 
39,786

Asia
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

China
92,727

 
10,515

 
88,933

 
11,543

 
96,532

 
12,468

Taiwan
3,772

 
13,453

 
4,296

 
14,603

 
4,541

 
15,197

Other
13,011

 
2,749

 
14,447

 
3,011

 
18,803

 

Total Asia
109,510

 
26,717

 
107,676

 
29,157

 
119,876

 
27,665

Consolidated Total
$
315,249

 
$
96,663

 
$
311,633

 
$
102,789

 
$
329,459

 
$
116,721

____________________ 
(1) 
Long-lived assets consist of property, plant and equipment, goodwill, and other intangible assets.
 

76


HARDINGE INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
DECEMBER 31, 2015

NOTE 19.  SELECTED QUARTERLY FINANCIAL INFORMATION (UNAUDITED)

Summarized quarterly financial information for 2015 and 2014 is as follows (in thousands, except per share data):
 
Quarter
 
First
 
Second
 
Third
 
Fourth
2015
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Sales
$
69,128

 
$
82,356

 
$
76,805

 
$
86,960

Gross profit
18,248

 
23,464

 
21,759

 
26,927

Net (loss) income
(1,408
)
 
1,586

 
(327
)
 
2,759

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Per share data:
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Basic (loss) earnings per share (1)
$
(0.11
)
 
$
0.12

 
$
(0.03
)
 
$
0.22

Diluted (loss) earnings per share (1)
$
(0.11
)
 
$
0.12

 
$
(0.03
)
 
$
0.21

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Basic weighted average shares outstanding
12,742

 
12,776

 
12,793

 
12,793

Diluted weighted average shares outstanding
12,742

 
12,857

 
12,793

 
12,886



 
Quarter
 
First
 
Second
 
Third
 
Fourth
2014
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Sales
$
70,850

 
$
78,851

 
$
68,924

 
$
93,008

Gross profit
19,220

 
21,961

 
18,677

 
27,020

Net (loss) income from continuing operations
(671
)
 
1,349

 
(7,578
)
 
4,542

Gain from disposal of discontinued operation, net of tax
218

 

 

 

Net (loss) income
(453
)
 
1,349

 
(7,578
)
 
4,542

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Per share data:
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Basic (loss) earnings per share:
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Continuing operations
$
(0.05
)
 
$
0.11

 
$
(0.60
)
 
$
0.36

Gain from disposal of discontinued operation
0.01

 

 

 

Basic (loss) earnings per share (1)
$
(0.04
)
 
$
0.11

 
$
(0.60
)
 
$
0.36

Diluted earnings per share:
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Continuing operations
$
(0.05
)
 
$
0.11

 
$
(0.60
)
 
$
0.35

Gain from disposal of discontinued operation
0.01

 

 

 

Diluted (loss) earnings per share (1)
$
(0.04
)
 
$
0.11

 
$
(0.60
)
 
$
0.35

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Basic weighted average shares outstanding
12,499

 
12,715

 
12,715

 
12,716

Diluted weighted average shares outstanding
12,499

 
12,820

 
12,715

 
12,832

____________________
(1) 
Due to the changes in outstanding shares from quarter to quarter, the total earnings per share of the four quarters may not necessarily equal the earnings per share for the year.






77


HARDINGE INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
DECEMBER 31, 2015

NOTE 20.  NEW ACCOUNTING STANDARDS
    
    In February 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued authoritative guidance on lease accounting revision. Key provisions include but not limited to the followings: 1) Lessee accounting model: Lessees will need to recognize a right-of-use asset and a lease liability for virtually all of their leases. For income statement purposes, the FASB retained a dual model, requiring leases to be classified as either operating or finance. Operating leases will result in straight-line expense while finance leases will result in a front-loaded expense pattern; 2) Lessor accounting model: Lessor accounting is updated to align with certain changes to the lessee model and the new revenue recognition standard. lessors will continue the current practice to classify leases as operating, direct financing, or sales-type. Leveraged lease accounting has been eliminated; 3) Embedded leases: Different from the current risks and rewards model to identify embedded leases, under the new guidance, an arrangement contains an embedded lease if property, plant, or equipment is explicitly or implicitly identified and its use is controlled by the customer; 4) Sale-leaseback transactions: A sale-leaseback transaction will qualify as a sale only if i. it meets the sale guidance in the new revenue recognition standard, ii. the leaseback is not a finance lease or a sales-type lease, and iii. a repurchase option, if any, is priced at the asset’s fair value at the time of exercise and the asset is not specialized. If the transaction fails sale treatment, the buyer and seller will reflect it as a financing; 5) Disclosures: Extensive quantitative and qualitative disclosures, including significant judgments made by management, will be required to provide greater insight into the extent of revenue and expense recognized and expected to be recognized from existing contracts. The standard is effective for public companies for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2018. Early adoption is permitted. The new standard must be adopted using a modified retrospective transition, and provides for certain practical expedients. Transition will require application of the new guidance at the beginning of the earliest comparative period presented. The Company is evaluating the method to adopt this guidance and its impact on the financial statements and related disclosures.     

In January 2016, FASB issued updated authoritative guidance on recognition and measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities. The guidance changes to the current GAAP model primarily affects the accounting for equity investments, financial liabilities under the fair value option, and the presentation and disclosure requirements for financial instruments. In addition, the FASB clarified guidance related to the valuation allowance assessment when recognizing deferred tax assets resulting from unrealized losses on available-for-sale debt securities. Except for those accounted for using the equity method of accounting, all equity investments in unconsolidated entities will generally be measured at fair value through earnings for equity securities with readily determinable fair values. For equity investments without readily determinable fair values, entities will be able to elect to record them at cost, less impairment, and plus or minus subsequent adjustments for observable price changes. Changes in the basis of these equity investments will be reported in current earnings. The impairment model for equity investments subject to this election is a single-step model (unlike today’s two-step approach). When the fair value option has been elected for financial liabilities, changes in fair value due to instrument-specific credit risk will be recognized separately in other comprehensive income. The accumulated gains and losses due to these changes will be reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income to earnings if the financial liability is settled before maturity. Entities will be required to use the exit price when measuring the fair value of financial instruments measured at amortized cost for disclosure purposes. In addition, the new guidance requires financial assets and financial liabilities to be presented separately in the notes to the financial statements, grouped by measurement category (e.g., fair value, amortized cost, lower of cost or market) and form of financial asset (e.g., loans, securities).The guidance is effective in fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods within those fiscal years. The Company is evaluating the method to adopt this guidance and its impact on the financial statements and related disclosures.     

In November 2015, the FASB issued authoritative guidance on simplifying the presentation of deferred income taxes. The guidance requires that deferred tax liabilities and assets be classified as noncurrent in a classified statement of financial position as oppose to that deferred income tax liabilities and assets are separated into current and noncurrent amounts under current GAAP. For public business entities, the guidance is effective for financial statements issued for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2016, and interim periods within those annual periods. Earlier application is permitted. The guidance may be applied either prospectively to all deferred tax liabilities and assets or retrospectively to all periods presented. If an entity applies the guidance prospectively, the entity should disclose in the first interim and first annual period of change, the nature of and reason for the change in accounting principle and a statement that prior periods were not retrospectively adjusted. If an entity applies the guidance retrospectively, the entity should disclose in the first interim and first annual period of change the nature of and reason for the change in accounting principle and quantitative information about the effects of the

78


HARDINGE INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
DECEMBER 31, 2015

accounting change on prior periods. The Company is evaluating the method to adopt this guidance and its impact on the financial statements and related disclosures.     
In July 2015, the FASB issued authoritative guidance on the valuation of inventory. This guidance directs an entity to measure inventory at lower of cost and net realizable value, versus lower of cost or market. This guidance is effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2016, and for interim periods within those fiscal years. Early application is permitted, and the guidance should be applied prospectively. The Company is evaluating the impact that this guidance will have on the financial statements and related disclosures.     

In April 2015, the FASB issued authoritative guidance on the balance sheet presentation of debt issuance costs. This guidance requires that debt issuance costs related to a recognized debt liability be presented in the balance sheet as a direct deduction from the carrying amount of that debt liability, consistent with debt discounts. This guidance is effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2015, and for interim periods within those fiscal years. Early application is permitted, and the guidance should be applied on a retrospective basis, wherein the balance sheet of each individual period presented should be adjusted to reflect the period-specific effects of applying the new guidance. Upon transition, an entity is required to comply with the applicable disclosures for a change in an accounting principle. The Company has determined that the adoption of this guidance will not have material impacts on the Company's financial statements and related disclosures.     

In August 2014, the FASB issued authoritative guidance on management's evaluation and disclosure of uncertainties about the entity's ability to continue as a going concern. In connection with the preparation of the interim and annual financial statements, management will be required to perform an assessment of whether there are conditions or events, considered in the aggregate, that raise substantial doubt about the entity's ability to continue as a going concern within one year after the date that the financial statements are issued. If conditions or events are identified that raise substantial doubt that the entity will be unable to meet its obligations as they become due within one year after the date that the financial statements are issued, additional disclosures are required. This guidance is effective for the annual period ending after December 15, 2016, and for interim and annual periods thereafter. Early application is permitted. The adoption of this accounting guidance will not have a material impact on the Company's financial statements or related disclosures.     
    
In May 2014, the FASB issued authoritative guidance on accounting for revenue recognition. The objective of this guidance is to establish a single comprehensive model for entities to use in accounting for revenue arising from contracts with customers and will supersede most of the existing revenue recognition guidance, including industry-specific guidance. The core principle is that an entity recognizes revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. In applying the new guidance, an entity will (1) identify the contract(s) with a customer; (2) identify the performance obligations in the contract; (3) determine the transaction price; (4) allocate the transaction price to the performance obligations; and (5) recognize revenue when (or as) the entity satisfies a performance obligation. In July 2015, the FASB voted to defer the effective date of this standard by one year, but will allow companies to apply the standard on its original effective date of December 15, 2016. The new guidance is now effective for annual reporting periods (including interim periods within those periods) beginning after December 15, 2017 for public companies. Entities have the option of using either a full retrospective or modified approach to adopt this guidance. The Company is currently evaluating the new guidance and has not determined the impact this standard may have on the financial statements, nor decided upon the method of adoption.
    
In April 2014, FASB issued authoritative guidance on the presentation and disclosure of discontinued operations. This guidance is effective for all disposals (or classifications as held for sale) of components of an entity that occur within annual periods beginning on or after December 15, 2014. We adopted the guidance in January 2015. The adoption of this guidance did not have a material impact on the Company's financial statements and related disclosures.



79


Item 9. Changes in and Disagreements With Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure.
None

Item 9A.  Controls and Procedures.

Management's Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
 
Management of the Company, under the supervision and with the participation of the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, carried out an evaluation of the effectiveness of the design and operation of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures as of December 31, 2015, as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.

Based upon this evaluation, the Company's Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that the Company's disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of December 31, 2015.

Management's Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting

The management of Hardinge Inc. is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting, as such term is defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f). Under the supervision of our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, management conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2015 based on the framework in Internal Control-Integrated Framework (1992 Framework) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). Based on that evaluation, management has concluded that the Company maintained effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2015.

Ernst & Young LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, has audited our consolidated financial statements included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K and, as part of their audit, has issued their attestation report, included herein, on the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2015.

Changes in Internal Control

There have been no changes in the Company's internal control over financial reporting during the most recent fiscal quarter that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company's internal control over financial reporting.

 
 
/s/ RICHARD L. SIMONS
 
 
Richard L. Simons
 
 
President and Chief Executive Officer
 
 
 
 
 
/s/ DOUGLAS J. MALONE
 
 
Douglas J. Malone
 
 
Vice President and Chief Financial Officer


80


Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

The Board of Directors and Shareholders of
Hardinge Inc. and Subsidiaries

We have audited Hardinge Inc. and Subsidiaries' internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2015, based on criteria established in Internal Control-Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (1992 framework) (the COSO criteria). Hardinge Inc. and Subsidiaries' management is responsible for 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 the company's internal control over financial reporting based on our audit.

We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk, and performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.

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 being 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, Hardinge Inc. and Subsidiaries maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2015, based on the COSO criteria.

We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the consolidated balance sheets of Hardinge Inc. and Subsidiaries as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 and the related consolidated statements of operations, comprehensive (loss) income, shareholders' equity, and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2015 of Hardinge Inc. and Subsidiaries and our report dated March 10, 2016 expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.


/s/ Ernst & Young LLP

Buffalo, New York
March 10, 2016












81


Item 9B. Other Information.
 
None.

82


PART III

Item 10. Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance.

Certain information required by this item such as: the identity of the Board of Directors and those directors determined by the Board to be independent; the members of the Audit Committee, all of whom have been determined by the Board to be independent; the Audit Committee member determined by the Board to be the financial expert; and the Shareholders Nominating Procedures are all incorporated by reference from the Registrant's proxy statement to be filed with the Commission . Additional information required to be furnished by Item 401 of Regulation S-K is as follows:

List of Executive Officers of the Registrant
Name
 
Age
 
Executive
Officer
Since
 
Positions and Offices Held
Richard L. Simons
 
60
 
2008
 
President and Chief Executive Officer since May 2015; Chairman of the Board, President and Chief Executive Officer February 2012 - May 2015; President and Chief Executive Officer May 2008 - January 2012; Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer March 2008 - May 2008; Vice President, Controller and Chief Accounting Officer of Carpenter Technology Corporation, July 2005 - February 2008; Executive Vice President of Hardinge Inc., April 2000 - July 2005. Member of the Board of Directors of Hardinge from 2001 - July 2005 and from May 2008 to present. Various other Company positions, 1983 - 2000.
Douglas J. Malone
 
51
 
2013
 
Vice President and Chief Financial Officer since December 2013; Controller and Chief Accounting Officer August 2008 - December 2013; Senior Vice President-Financial Planning and Analysis for Five Star Bank, a subsidiary of Financial Institutions, Inc., 2005 - 2008; Senior Vice President-Finance and Operations for Bath National Bank, a subsidiary of Financial Institutions, Inc., 2002 - 2005. Mr. Malone also served as a Senior Audit Manager and various other positions at KPMG LLP for a period of seven years.
James P. Langa
 
57
 
2009
 
Senior Vice President - Machine Solutions since February 2014; Senior Vice President-Asia Operations May 2011 - February 2014; Vice President-Global Engineering, Quality and Strategic Sourcing September 2008 - April 2011; Vice President/General Manager-North American Operations January, 2008 - September 2008; Vice President/General Manager North American Machine Operations, June 2007 - January 2008; Director, Original Equipment Sales & Marketing for Wellman Products Group (Division of Hawk Corporation) 2006-2007 and Focus Factory Manager for Wellman Products Group, 2005-2006.
Douglas C. Tifft
 
61
 
1988
 
Senior Vice President-Administration since April 2000; Vice President-Administration 1998 - 1999; Vice President-Employee Relations since 1988. Various other Company positions 1978 - 1988.
William Sepanik
 
50
 
2015
 
Vice President of Workholding since May 2015; Vice President of Forkardt Operations May 2013 - May 2015; Group General Manager of Forkardt International from January 2011 - May 2013 for ITW; General Manager of ITW Workholding, North American Operations, April 2007 - January 2011; Various other positions in ITW Workholding from July 1996 - April 2007; Engineering Manager and various other positions for Hayes Lemmerz and Motor Wheel Corporation from April 1989 - June 1996.

Code of Ethics

Our Board of Directors adopted the Code of Ethics for the Chief Executive and the Senior Financial Officers and the Code of Conduct for Directors and Executive Officers which supplement the Code of Conduct governing all employees and directors. A copy of all said Codes is available on our website at www.hardinge.com. We will also provide a copy of the said Codes to shareholders upon request. To obtain a copy of one or more of the Codes, please write to Assistant Treasurer, Hardinge Inc., One Hardinge Drive, Elmira, New York 14902. We will disclose future amendments to, or waivers from, the said Code of Ethics for the Chief Executive and Senior Financial Officers on our website within four business days following the date of such amendment or waiver.

Item 11. Executive Compensation.

The information required by this item is incorporated by reference from the Registrant’s proxy statement that will be filed with the Commission.

83




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

The information required by this item is incorporated by reference from the Registrant’s proxy statement that will be filed with the Commission.

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

The information required by this item is incorporated by reference from the Registrant’s proxy statement that will be filed with the Commission.

Item 14. Principal Accounting Fees and Services.

The information required by this item is incorporated by reference from the Registrant’s proxy statement that will be filed with the Commission.



84


PART IV

Item 15. Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules.

(a)
 
(1)
 
Financial Statements: The financial statements of the Registrant provided in Item 8. "Financial Statements and Supplementary Data" of this Report are incorporated herein by reference.
 
 
(2)
 
Financial Statement Schedules: The financial statement schedules of the Registrant provided in Item 8. "Financial Statements and Supplementary Data" of Form 10-K as filed on March 12, 2015 are incorporated herein by reference. The financial statement schedule required by Regulation S-X (17 CFR 210) is filed as part of this report:
 
 
 
 
Schedule II-Valuation and Qualifying Accounts
 
 
 
 
All other schedules are omitted because the conditions requiring their filing do not exist, or because the required information is provided in the Consolidated Financial Statements, including notes thereto.
 
 
(3)
 
Exhibits: Exhibits filed as part of this Report: See (b) below.
(b)
 
 
 
Exhibits required by Item 601 of Regulation S-K filed as a part of this Report on Form 10-K or incorporated by reference as indicated.

 
 
 
 
Incorporated by Reference
Exhibit No.
 
Exhibit Description
 
Form
 
Exhibit
 
Filing Date/
Period End
Due
3.1
 
Restated Certificate of Incorporation of Hardinge Inc.
 
10-Q
 
3.1
 
May 8, 2015
3.2
 
Certificate of Amendment of the Restated Certificate of Incorporation of Hardinge Inc.
 
10-Q
 
3.2
 
May 8, 2015
3.3
 
Amended and Restated By-laws of Hardinge Inc.
 
8-K
 
3.1
 
October 16, 2015
4.1
 
Specimen of certificate for shares of Common Stock, par value $.01 per share of Hardinge Inc.
 
8-A
 
3
 
May 19, 1995
10.1
 
Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, dated May 9, 2013, by and among M&T Bank, Hardinge Inc., Cherry Acquisition Corporation (n/k/a Forkardt Inc.) and Usach Technologies, Inc.
 
10-Q
 
10.1
 
June 30, 2013
10.2
 
Replacement Standard LIBOR Grid Note, dated May 9, 2013, issued by Hardinge Inc., Cherry Acquisition Corporation (n/k/a Forkardt Inc.) and Usach Technologies Inc. for the benefit of M&T Bank
 
10-Q
 
10.2
 
June 30, 2013
10.3
 
General Security Agreement, dated May 9, 2013, by and between Hardinge Inc. and M&T Bank
 
10-Q
 
10.3
 
June 30, 2013
10.4
 
Schedule Required by Instruction 2 to Item 601 of Regulation S-K
 
10-Q
 
10.4
 
June 30, 2013
10.5
 
Credit Agreement, dated May 9, 2013, by and between Hardinge Inc., Hardinge Holdings GmbH and M&T Bank
 
10-Q
 
10.5
 
June 30, 2013
10.6
 
General Security Agreement, dated May 9, 2013, by and between Hardinge Inc. and M&T Bank
 
10-Q
 
10.7
 
June 30, 2013
10.7
 
Schedule Required by Instruction 2 to Item 601 of Regulation S-K
 
10-Q
 
10.8
 
June 30, 2013
10.8
 
Agreement between Hardinge Inc. and M&T Bank, dated October 31, 2013
 
10-K
 
10.9
 
December 31, 2013
10.9
 
Replacement Term Note, dated November 6, 2013, issued by Hardinge Inc. and Hardinge Holdings GmbH for the benefit of M&T Bank
 
10-K
 
10.10
 
December 31, 2013
10.10
 
Rate Rider (for Actual Balance Promissory Notes), dated November 6, 2013, issued by Hardinge Inc. and Hardinge Holdings GmbH for the benefit of M&T Bank
 
10-K
 
10.11
 
December 31, 2013
10.11
 
Credit Facilities Agreement dated July 12, 2013 between Hardinge Holdings GmbH L. Kellenberger & Co. AG and Credit Suisse AG
 
8-K
 
10.1
 
July 18, 2013

85


 
 
 
 
Incorporated by Reference
Exhibit No.
 
Exhibit Description
 
Form
 
Exhibit
 
Filing Date/
Period End
Due
10.12
 
Collateral Agreement dated July 12, 2013 between L. Kellenberger & Co. AG and Credit Suisse AG
 
8-K
 
10.2
 
July 18, 2013
10.13
 
Collateral Agreement dated July 12, 2013 between L. Kellenberger & Co. AG and Credit Suisse AG
 
8-K
 
10.3
 
July 18, 2013
10.14
 
Master Credit Agreement dated October 30, 2009 between L. Kellenberger & Co. AG and UBS AG
 
 
 
 
 
 
10.15
 
Supplement 2 dated May 3, 2013 to Master Credit Agreement dated October 30, 2009 between L. Kellenberger & Co. AG and UBS AG
 
 
 
 
 
 
10.16
 
Credit Agreement dated December 20, 2011 between L. Kellenberger & Co. AG and Credit Suisse AG
 
10-K
 
10.15
 
December 31, 2011
10.17
 
General Credit Facility Agreement dated June 12, 2015 between Harding Machine Tools B.V., Taiwan Branch and Mega International Commercial Bank Co. Ltd.
 
 
 
 
 
 
10.18
 
RMB Loan Contract dated August 31, 2011 between Hardinge Precision Machinery (Jiaxing) Co., Ltd. and China Construction Bank
 
10-Q
 
10.3
 
September 30, 2011
10.19
 
Maximum Amount Mortgage Contract dated December 20, 2012 between Hardinge Precision Machinery (Jiaxing) Co. Ltd. and China Construction Bank
 
10-K
 
10.19
 
December 31, 2012
10.20
 
Stock Purchase Agreement, dated December 20, 2012, by and among Hardinge Inc., Giacomo Antonini and Bere Antonini
 
10-K
 
2.1
 
December 31, 2012
10.21
 
Controlled Equity Offering SM Sales Agreement dated August 9, 2013, by and between Hardinge Inc. and Cantor Fitzgerald & Co.
 
8-K
 
10.1
 
August 9, 2013
10.22
 
Share Purchase Agreement, dated as of December 19, 2013, by and between Hardinge Holdings GmbH and SwissChuck Holding AG
 
8-K
 
2.1
 
December 26, 2013
10.23
 
Purchase Agreement, dated as of May 9, 2013, by and between Illinois Tool Works, Inc. and Cherry Acquisition Corporation (n/k/a Forkardt Inc.)
 
8-K
 
2.1
 
May 15, 2013
10.24
 
Asset Purchase Agreement, dated as of September 5, 2014, by and among Peter Wolters GmbH, Lam Research Corporation, Hardinge GmbH, L. Kellenberger & Co., AG and Hardinge Inc.
 
8-K
 
2.1
 
September 26, 2014
10.25
 
Agreement by and among Hardinge Inc., Privet Fund LP and Privet Fund Management, LLC, dated as of October 14, 2015
 
8-K
 
10.1
 
October 16, 2015
10.26
*
The Hardinge Inc. 2002 Incentive Stock Plan
 
10-K
 
10.24
 
December 31, 2013
10.27
*
The Hardinge Inc. Amended Restated 2011 Incentive Stock Plan
 
SCH14A
 
App. A
 
March 28, 2014
10.28
*
Hardinge Inc. Amended Cash Incentive Plan
 
10-K
 
10.23
 
December 31, 2010
10.29
*
Employment Agreement between Hardinge Inc. and Richard Simons, dated as of March 7, 2011
 
8-K
 
10.1
 
March 11, 2011
10.30
*
Amendment No. 1 to Employment Agreement between Hardinge Inc. and Richard Simons, dated as of February 14, 2012
 
8-K
 
10.1
 
February 17, 2011
10.31
*
Amended and Restated Employment Agreement between Hardinge Inc. and Douglas J. Malone, dated as of December 16, 2013
 
8-K
 
10.2
 
December 20, 2013
10.32
*
Retention Bonus Agreement between Hardinge Inc. and Douglas J. Malone, dated as of November 18, 2015
 
8-K
 
10.1
 
November 23, 2015
10.33
*
Employment Agreement between Hardinge Inc. and James P. Langa, dated as of March 7, 2011
 
8-K
 
10.3
 
March 11, 2011
10.34
*
Amendment No. 1 to Employment Agreement between Hardinge Inc. and James P. Langa, dated as of February 14, 2012
 
8-K
 
10.3
 
February 17, 2012
10.35
*
Employment Agreement between Hardinge Inc. and Douglas C. Tifft, dated as of March 7, 2011
 
8-K
 
10.4
 
March 11, 2011

86


 
 
 
 
Incorporated by Reference
Exhibit No.
 
Exhibit Description
 
Form
 
Exhibit
 
Filing Date/
Period End
Due
10.36
*
Amendment No. 1 to Employment Agreement between Hardinge Inc. and Douglas C. Tifft, dated as of February 14, 2012
 
8-K
 
10.4
 
February 17, 2012
10.37
*
Employment Agreement between Forkardt Inc. and William B. Sepanik, dated as of May 31, 2013
 
10-K
 
10.34
 
December 31, 2014
10.38
*
Retention Bonus Agreement between Hardinge Inc. and William B. Sepanik, dated as of November 18, 2015
 
8-K
 
10.2
 
November 23, 2015
10.39
*
Hardinge Inc. Amended and Restated Executive Supplemental Pension Plan, effective August 9, 2005
 
10-K
 
10.31
 
December 31, 2011
10.40
*
Hardinge Deferred Compensation Plan for Directors, effective November 1, 2015
 
 
 
 
 
 
21
 
Subsidiaries of the Company
 
 
 
 
 
 
23
 
Consent of Ernst & Young LLP, Independent Registered Accounting Firm
 
 
 
 
 
 
31.1
 
Chief Executive Officer Certification pursuant to Rule 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e), as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
 
 
 
 
 
 
31.2
 
Chief Financial Officer Certification pursuant to Rule 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e), as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
 
 
 
 
 
 
32
 
Certification of Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
 
 
 
 
 
 
101
 
XBRL Documents:
 
 
 
 
 
 
101.INS
 
XBRL Instance Document
 
 
 
 
 
 
101.SCH
 
XBRL Taxonomy Schema Document
 
 
 
 
 
 
101.CAL
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document
 
 
 
 
 
 
101.LAB
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document
 
 
 
 
 
 
101.PRE
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document
 
 
 
 
 
 
101.DEF
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
*
 
Management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement
 
 
 
 
 
 




87


HARDINGE INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Item 15(a) Schedule II-Valuation and Qualifying Accounts
(in thousands)

 
Balance at
Beginning of
Year
 
Additions Charged to:
 
 
 
 
Currency Translation Adjustments
 
Balance at
End of
Year
 
 
Costs &
Expenses
 
Other
Accounts
 
Deductions
 
 
 
Year Ended December 31, 2015
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 
 
 
 

Allowance for bad debts
$
1,062

 
$
135

 
$

 
$
271

(1) 
 
$
(53
)
 
$
873

Allowance for excess and obsolete
   inventory
21,307

 
3,995

 
314

 
2,521

  
 
(391
)
 
22,704

Valuation allowance for deferred
   taxes
44,789

 
1,711

 

 
2,154

  
 
(683
)
 
43,663

Total
$
67,158

 
$
5,841

 
$
314

 
$
4,946

  
 
$
(1,127
)
 
$
67,240

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Year Ended December 31, 2014
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

  
 
 
 
 

Allowance for bad debts
$
1,139

 
$
400

 
$
4

 
$
401

(1) 
 
$
(80
)
 
$
1,062

Allowance for excess and obsolete
   inventory
22,032

 
3,451

 
16

 
2,533

  
 
(1,659
)
 
21,307

Valuation allowance for deferred
   taxes
49,297

 
609

 
5,626

 
9,923

  
 
(820
)
 
44,789

Total
$
72,468

 
$
4,460

 
$
5,646

 
$
12,857

  
 
$
(2,559
)
 
$
67,158

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Year Ended December 31, 2013
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

  
 
 
 
 

Allowance for bad debts
$
2,281

 
$
101

 
$
95

 
$
1,362

(1) 
 
$
24

 
$
1,139

Allowance for excess and obsolete
   inventory
21,535

 
3,811

 
847

 
4,510

  
 
349

 
22,032

Valuation allowance for deferred
   taxes
57,698

 
472

 
1,618

 
10,667

  
 
176

 
49,297

Total
$
81,514

 
$
4,384

 
$
2,560

 
$
16,539

  
 
$
549

 
$
72,468

____________________ 
(1) Uncollectable accounts written off, net of recoveries.


88


SIGNATURES
 
Pursuant to the requirements of the 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.

 
 
HARDINGE INC.
 
 
Registrant
 
 
March 10, 2016
 
By:
/s/ Richard L. Simons
Date
 
 
Richard L. Simons
 
 
 
President and Chief Executive Officer

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

89


 
 
HARDINGE INC.
 
 
Registrant
 
 
March 10, 2016
 
By:
/s/ Richard L. Simons
Date
 
 
Richard L. Simons
 
 
 
President and Chief Executive Officer
 
 
 
(Principal Executive Officer)
 
 
 
 
March 10, 2016
 
By:
/s/ Douglas J. Malone
Date
 
 
Douglas J. Malone
 
 
 
Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
 
 
 
(Principal Financial Officer)
 
 
 
 
March 10, 2016
 
By:
/s/ Edward J. Gaio
Date
 
 
Edward J. Gaio
 
 
 
Corporate Controller
 
 
 
(Principal Accounting Officer)
 
 
 
 
March 10, 2016
 
By:
/s/ Douglas A. Greenlee
Date
 
 
Douglas A. Greenlee
 
 
 
Director
 
 
 
 
March 10, 2016
 
By:
/s/ J. Philip Hunter
Date
 
 
J. Philip Hunter
 
 
 
Director and Secretary
 
 
 
 
March 10, 2016
 
By:
/s/ Robert J. Lepofsky
Date
 
 
Robert J. Lepofsky
 
 
 
Director
 
 
 
 
March 10, 2016
 
By:
/s/ John J. Perrotti
Date
 
 
John J. Perrotti
 
 
 
Director
 
 
 
 
March 10, 2016
 
By:
/s/ Mitchell I. Quain
Date
 
 
Mitchell I. Quain
 
 
 
Director
 
 
 
 
March 10, 2016
 
By:
/s/ Benjamin Rosenzweig
 
 
 
Benjamin Rosenzweig
 
 
 
Director
 
 
 
 
March 10, 2016
 
By:
/s/ R. Tony Tripeny
Date
 
 
R. Tony Tripeny
 
 
 
Director


    

90