April 2004 10Q

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON D.C. 20549

FORM 10-Q


(Mark one)

[X]

Quarterly Report pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 for the quarterly period ended April 30, 2004.


or

[   ]

Transition Report pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 for the transition period from                  to                  .



Commission File Number 0-6050

POWELL INDUSTRIES, INC.


(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)


NEVADA 88-0106100


(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization) (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)


8550 Mosley Drive, Houston, Texas 77075-1180


(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)

Registrant's telephone number, including area code (713) 944-6900

        Indicate by “X” whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.

Yes   X      No         

        Indicate by “X” whether the registrant is an accelerated filer (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).

Yes   X      No         

        Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer’s classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date.

                       Common Stock, par value $.01 per share; 10,688,687 shares outstanding as of June 7, 2004.


1


Powell Industries, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Part I - Financial Information

Item 1. Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements 3

Item 2.


Management's Discussion and Analysis of
   Financial Condition and
   Results of Operations


12

Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures
   About Market Risk
17

Item 4.


Controls and Procedures


18

Part II - Other Information and Signatures 19


2


Powell Industries, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (unaudited)
(In thousands, except share and per share data)

April 30,
2004
October 31,
2003


Assets            
Current Assets:  
     Cash and cash equivalents   $ 46,359   $ 36,788  
     Marketable securities    5,575    5,528  
     Accounts receivable, less allowance for doubtful accounts of $1,016 and $1,283,  
       respectively    47,293    45,265  
     Costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings    21,092    32,174  
     Inventories    14,736    18,060  
     Income taxes receivable    --    1,045  
     Deferred income taxes    2,288    --  
     Prepaid expenses and other current assets    3,998    2,453  


         Total Current Assets    141,341    141,313  

Property, plant and equipment, net
    
45,087
   
43,998
 
Other assets    5,310    5,029  


         Total Assets   $ 191,738   $ 190,340  



Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity
  
Current Liabilities:  
     Current maturities of long-term debt and capital lease obligations   $ 593   $ 468  
     Income taxes payable    2,991    1,999  
     Accounts payable    12,171    14,342  
     Accrued salaries, bonuses and commissions    6,647    6,396  
     Billings in excess of costs and estimated earnings    14,856    13,216  
     Accrued product warranty    1,763    1,929  
     Other accrued expenses    4,375    6,074  


         Total Current Liabilities

    43,396

   44,424

 
Long-term debt and capital lease obligations, net of current maturities    7,048    6,891  
Deferred compensation    1,640    1,608  
Other liabilities    1,030    813  


         Total Liabilities    53,114    53,736  


Commitments and contingencies (Note I)
  

Stockholders' Equity:
  
     Preferred stock, par value $.01; 5,000,000 shares authorized; none issued  
     Common stock, par value $.01; 30,000,000 shares authorized; 11,000,000 and  
       10,994,000 shares issued, respectively; 10,688,000 and 10,641,000 shares  
       outstanding, respectively    110    110  
     Additional paid-in capital    9,247    8,961  
     Retained earnings    134,097    132,990  
     Treasury stock, 312,000 shares and 352,000 shares respectively, at cost    (2,925 )  (3,312 )
     Accumulated other comprehensive loss    (55 )  (118 )
     Deferred compensation    (1,850 )  (2,027 )


         Total Stockholders' Equity    138,624    136,604  


         Total Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity   $ 191,738   $ 190,340  


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


3


Powell Industries, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations (unaudited)
(In thousands, except per share data)

Three Months Ended April 30, Six Months Ended April 30,
2004 2003 2004 2003




Revenues     $ 51,476   $ 64,201   $ 104,703   $ 135,781  

Cost of goods sold
    
42,857
   
52,077
   
86,529
   
109,425
 




Gross profit    8,619    12,124    18,174    26,356  

Selling, general and administrative expenses
    
8,187
   
8,909
   
16,726
   
18,318
 




Income before interest and income taxes    432    3,215    1,448    8,038  

Interest expense

    
34

   
81

   
62

   
167

 
Interest income    (175 )  (88 )  (367 )  (180 )




Income from continuing operations before income taxes and  
   cumulative effect of change in accounting principle

    573

   3,222

   1,753

   8,051

 
Income tax provision    213    1,204    646    2,999  




Income from continuing operations before cumulative effect of  
   change in accounting principle

    360

   2,018

   1,107

   5,052

 
Cumulative effect of change in accounting principle, net of  
   $285 tax    --    --    --    (510 )




Net income   $ 360   $ 2,018   $ 1,107   $ 4,542  




Net earnings per common share:  

Basic:
  
   Earnings from continuing operations   $ 0.03   $ 0.19   $ 0.10   $ 0.48  
   Cumulative effect of change in accounting principle    --    --    --    (0.05 )




   Net earnings   $ 0.03   $ 0.19   $ 0.10   $ 0.43  





Diluted:
  
   Earnings from continuing operations   $ 0.03   $ 0.19   $ 0.10   $ 0.47  
   Cumulative effect of change in accounting principle    --    --    --    (0.04 )




   Net earnings   $ 0.03   $ 0.19   $ 0.10   $ 0.43  








Weighted average number of common shares outstanding -   
   Basic    10,676    10,580    10,664    10,577  





Weighted average number of common and common equivalent
  
   shares outstanding - Diluted    10,768    10,657    10,764    10,665  




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


4


Powell Industries, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (unaudited)
(In thousands)

Six Months Ended April 30,
2004 2003


Operating Activities:            
     Net income   $ 1,107   $ 4,542  
     Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:  
         Cumulative effect of change in accounting principle, net of tax    --    510  
         Depreciation and amortization    2,339    2,499  
         Deferred income tax provision    (2,852 )  467  
         Other    21    79  
         Changes in operating assets and liabilities:  
              Accounts receivable, net    (2,028 )  18,663  
              Costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings    11,082    (886 )
              Inventories    3,324    368  
              Prepaid expenses and other current assets    (1,545 )  (1,515 )
              Other assets    (315 )  (333 )
              Accounts payable and income taxes payable    (34 )  (238 )
              Accrued liabilities    (993 )  (3,645 )
              Billings in excess of costs and estimated earnings    1,640    (1,901 )
              Deferred compensation    254    181  
              Other liabilities    127    (28 )


                Net cash provided by operating activities    12,127    18,763  


Investing Activities:  
     Purchases of property, plant and equipment    (3,135 )  (2,802 )


                Net cash used in investing activities    (3,135 )  (2,802 )


Financing Activities:  
     Borrowings of short-term debt    217    --  
     Repayments of debt    (135 )  (714 )
     Proceeds from issuance of common stock    --    70  
     Proceeds from exercise of stock options    497    10  


                Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities    579    (634 )


Net increase in cash and cash equivalents    9,571    15,327  
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period    36,788    14,362  


Cash and cash equivalents at end of period   $ 46,359   $ 29,689  


Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information (in thousands):  
     Cash paid during the period for:  
           Interest   $ 62   $ 177  


           Income taxes   $ 1,344   $ 2,290  


     Non-cash investing and financing activities:  
           Change in fair value of interest rate swap during the period, net of $24 income  
                taxes   $ --   $ 44  


           Change in fair value of marketable securities during the period, net of $34  
                income taxes   $ 63   $ --  


           Issuance of common stock for deferred directors' fees   $ 75   $ --  


           Assets acquired under capital lease obligations   $ 200   $ --  


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


5


Part I
      Item 1

POWELL INDUSTRIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)

A.     BASIS OF PRESENTATION

  The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the instructions to Form 10-Q. Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in consolidated financial statements prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America have been condensed or omitted pursuant to these rules and regulations. In the opinion of management, these condensed consolidated financial statements include all adjustments, consisting of normal recurring adjustments, which are necessary for a fair presentation of the Company’s financial position, results of operations, and cash flows. These financial statements should be read in conjunction with the financial statements and related footnotes included in the Company’s annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended October 31, 2003. The interim period results are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the full fiscal year.

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

  New Accounting Standards

  In January 2003, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Interpretation No. 46, “Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities” (FIN 46). A variable interest entity is a corporation, partnership, trust, or any other legal structure used for business purposes that does not have equity investors with voting rights, or has equity investors that do not provide sufficient financial resources for the entity to support its activities. FIN 46 requires the consolidation of any variable interest entities in which a company is subject to a majority of the risk of loss from the variable interest entity’s activities or entitled to receive a majority of the entity’s residual returns, or both. In December 2003, the FASB issued Interpretation No. 46R, a revision of Interpretation No. 46. The provisions of FIN 46 and FIN 46R related to special-purpose entities were effective for reporting periods ending after December 15, 2003. The adoption of these provisions during the quarter ended January 31, 2004 did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows. The remaining provisions were adopted during the quarter ended April 30, 2004, and they did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

  In November 2003, the Emerging Issues Task Force (EITF) reached a consensus opinion on EITF 03-1, “The Meaning of Other-Than-Temporary Impairment and its Application to Certain Investments”. EITF 03-1 provides guidance on the new requirements for other-than-temporary impairment and its application to debt and marketable equity investments that are accounted for under SFAS No. 115. The new requirements are effective for fiscal years ending after December 15, 2003. The adoption of EITF 03-1 during the quarter ended January 31, 2004 had no impact on our consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

B.     STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION

  In accordance with the provisions of SFAS No. 123, “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation,” we have elected to account for our stock-based employee compensation plans under the intrinsic value method established by Accounting Principles Board (“APB”) Opinion No. 25, “Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees.” Under APB No. 25, no compensation expense is recorded when the exercise price of the employee stock option is greater than or equal to the market price of the common stock on the grant date.

6



  If compensation expense for our stock option plans had been determined based on the fair value at the grant date for awards through April 30, 2004 consistent with the provisions of SFAS No. 123, our net income and earnings per share would have been as follows:

Three Months Ended
April 30,
Six Months Ended
April 30,
2004 2003 2004 2003




Net income, as reported     $ 360   $ 2,018   $ 1,107   $ 4,542  
Less: Total stock-based employee compensation  
  expense determined under fair value based  
  method for all awards, net of related tax  
  effects    (228 )  (168 )  (456 )  (337 )




Pro forma net income   $ 132   $ 1,850   $ 651    4,205  




Basic earnings per share:  
  As reported   $ 0.03 $ 0.19 $ 0.10 $ 0.43
  Pro forma   $ 0.01 $ 0.17 $ 0.06 $ 0.40
Diluted earnings per share:  
  As reported   $ 0.03 $ 0.19 $ 0.10 $ 0.43
  Pro forma   $ 0.01 $ 0.17 $ 0.06 $ 0.39

C.     EARNINGS PER SHARE

  The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted earnings per share (in thousands, except per share data):

Three Months Ended
April 30,
Six Months Ended
April 30,
2004 2003 2004 2003




Numerator:                    
        Income from continuing operations available to  
           common stockholders   $ 360   $ 2,018   $ 1,107   $ 5,052  
         Cumulative effect of change in accounting  
           principle, net of tax    --    --    --    (510 )




         Net income available to common stockholders   $ 360   $ 2,018   $ 1,107   $ 4,542  





Denominator:
  
        Denominator for basic earnings per share-weighted  
           average shares    10,676    10,580    10,664    10,577  
         Dilutive effect of stock options    92    77    100    88  




         Denominator for diluted earnings per  
           share-adjusted weighted average shares with  
           assumed conversions    10,768    10,657    10,764    10,665  





Basic earnings per share:
  
         Earnings from continuing operations   $ 0.03   $ 0.19   $ 0.10 $ 0.48  
         Cumulative effect of change in accounting principle    --    --    --    (0.05 )




         Net earnings   $ 0.03   $ 0.19   $ 0.10 $ 0.43  





Diluted earnings per share:
  
         Earnings from continuing operations   $ 0.03   $ 0.19   $ 0.10 $ 0.47  
         Cumulative effect of change in accounting principle    --    --    --    (0.04 )




         Net earnings   $ 0.03   $ 0.19   $ 0.10 $ 0.43  





  For the three months ended April 30, 2004 and 2003, options to purchase a total of 354 thousand and 494 thousand shares, respectively, were excluded from the computation of diluted earnings per share because the options’ exercise prices were greater than the average market price of the common stock. For the six months ended April 30, 2004 and 2003, options to purchase a total of 356 thousand and 494 thousand shares, respectively, were excluded from the computation of diluted earnings per share because the options’ exercise prices were greater than the average market price of the common stock.


7



D.     DETAIL OF CERTAIN BALANCE SHEET ACCOUNTS

  Activity in the allowance for doubtful accounts receivable consists of the following (in thousands):

Three Months Ended
April 30,
Six Months Ended
April 30,
2004 2003 2004 2003




Balance at beginning of period     $ 1,280   $ 1,165   $ 1,283   $ 1,209  
Adjustments to the reserve    (238 )  (16 )  (233 )  (58 )
Deductions for uncollectible accounts written  
     off, net of recoveries    (26 )  (84 )  (34 )  (86 )




Balance at end of period   $ 1,016   $ 1,065   $ 1,016   $ 1,065  





  Activity in the accrued product warranty account consists of the following (in thousands):

Three Months Ended
April 30,
Six Months Ended
April 30,
2004 2003 2004 2003




Balance at beginning of period     $ 1,833   $ 2,114   $ 1,929   $ 2,123  
Adjustments to the reserve    344    387    695    911  
Deductions for warranty charges    (414 )  (452 )  (861 )  (985 )




Balance at end of period   $ 1,763   $ 2,049   $ 1,763   $ 2,049  





  The components of inventories are summarized below (in thousands):

April 30,
2004
October 31,
2003


Raw materials, parts and subassemblies     $ 10,037   $ 12,122  
Work-in-process    4,699    5,938  


     Total inventories   $ 14,736   $ 18,060  


  Property, plant and equipment is summarized below (in thousands):

April 30,
2004
October 31,
2003


Land     $ 5,075   $ 5,075  
Buildings and improvements    40,208    36,881  
Machinery and equipment    33,690    33,392  
Furniture and fixtures    2,966    2,964  
Construction in progress    6,270    7,128  


     88,209    85,440  
Less-accumulated depreciation    (43,122 )  (41,442 )


Total property, plant and equipment, net   $ 45,087   $ 43,998  



  Depreciation expense for the six months ended April 30, 2004 and 2003 was $2.3 million and $2.5 million, respectively.

  The components of costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings are summarized below (in thousands)

April 30,
2004
October 31,
2003


Costs and estimated earnings     $ 118,577   $ 136,744  
Progress billings    (97,485 )  (104,570 )


     Total costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings   $ 21,092   $ 32,174  




8



  The components of billings in excess of costs and estimated earnings are summarized below (in thousands):

April 30,
2004
October 31,
2003


Progress billings     $ 212,888   $ 209,898  
Costs and estimated earnings    (198,032 )  (196,682 )


     Total billings in excess of costs and estimated earnings   $ 14,856   $ 13,216  


E.     COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

  Comprehensive income in 2004 consists of net income and the change in fair value of marketable securities. At April 30, 2004, marketable securities consisted of investment-grade corporate bonds that we have classified as available-for-sale. The maturity dates of these bonds vary from 5-9 years. These investments are carried at fair value, with unrealized gains and losses, net of related tax effects, included in other comprehensive income. At April 30, 2003, we had an interest rate swap agreement which was used as a cash flow hedge in the management of interest rate exposure. The interest rate swap agreement was settled in September 2003. Comprehensive income for the three and six month periods ended April 30, 2004 and 2003 is as follows (in thousands):

Three Months Ended
April 30,
Six Months Ended
April 30,
2004 2003 2004 2003




Net income     $ 360   $ 2,018   $ 1,107   $ 4,542  
Change in fair value of marketable securities,  
  net of tax    (66 )  --    63    --  
Change in fair value of hedge instrument, net of  
  tax    --    23    --    44  




Comprehensive income   $ 294   $ 2,041   $ 1,170   $ 4,586  





F.     POSTRETIREMENT BENEFITS

  The following table illustrates the components of net periodic postretirement benefit expense in the employee retiree benefit plan (in thousands):

Post-Retirement Plan Benefits
Three Months Ended
April 30,
Six Months Ended
April 30,
2004 2003 2004 2003




Service cost     $19   $--   $37   $1  
Interest cost    21   --   42    2  
Amortization of prior service cost    24   --   48    1  
Amortization of net (gain) loss    (1 ) --   (1 )  --  




Net periodic postretirement benefit expense   $ 63   $--  $ 126   $ 4  





G.     BUSINESS SEGMENTS

  We manage our business through operating subsidiaries, which are combined into two reportable business segments: Electrical Power Products and Process Control Systems. Electrical Power Products includes equipment and systems for the distribution and control of electrical energy. Process Control Systems consists principally of instrumentation, computer controls, communications and data management systems.

  The tables below reflect certain information relating to our operations by segment. All revenues represent sales from unaffiliated customers. The accounting policies of the segments are the same as those described in the summary of significant accounting policies included in our annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended October 31, 2003. For purposes of this presentation, all general corporate expenses have been allocated among operating segments based primarily on revenues. The corporate assets are mainly cash and cash equivalents and marketable securities.


9



  Detailed information regarding our business segments is shown below (in thousands):

Three Months Ended
April 30,
Six Months Ended
April 30,
2004 2003 2004 2003




Revenues:                    
          Electrical Power Products   $ 43,993   $ 58,153   $ 90,152   $ 123,714  
          Process Control Systems    7,483    6,048    14,551    12,067  




          Total   $ 51,476   $ 64,201   $ 104,703   $ 135,781  





Gross profit:
  
          Electrical Power Products   $ 7,024   $ 10,630   $ 15,223   $ 23,351  
          Process Control Systems    1,595    1,494    2,951    3,005  




          Total   $ 8,619   $ 12,124   $ 18,174   $ 26,356  





Income from continuing operations before income taxes and
  
  cumulative effect of change in accounting principle:  
          Electrical Power Products   $ 270   $ 2,993   $ 1,201   $ 7,606  
          Process Control Systems    303    229    552    445  




          Total   $ 573   $ 3,222   $ 1,753   $ 8,051  






April 30,
2004
October 31,
2003


Assets:            
          Electrical Power Products   $ 119,582   $ 127,721  
          Process Control Systems    13,020    14,269  
          Corporate    59,136    48,350  


          Total   $ 191,738   $ 190,340  



H.     GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS

  A summary of goodwill and other intangible assets follows (in thousands):

April 30, 2004 October 31, 2003


Historical
Cost
Accumulated
Amortization
Historical
Cost
Accumulated
Amortization
Goodwill     $ 304   $ 181   $ 304   $ 181  

Intangible assets subject to amortization:
  
          Deferred loan costs    233    29    233    23  
          Patents and Trademarks    837    534    837    505  

  The above intangible assets are included in other assets on the consolidated balance sheet. Amortization expense related to intangible assets subject to amortization for the three and six months ended April 30, 2004 was $17 thousand and $35 thousand, respectively. Estimated amortization expense for each of the subsequent five fiscal years is expected to be approximately $70 thousand.

I.     COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

Litigation

  We are involved in various legal proceedings arising in the oridinary course of business. We do not believe that the ultimate outcome of these disputes will materially affect our financial position or future results of operations.


10


Letters of Credit and Bonds

  Certain customers require us to post a bank letter of credit guarantee or performance bonds issued by a surety. These assure our customers that we will perform under terms of our contract and with associated vendors and subcontractors. In the event of default the customer may demand payment from the bank under a letter of credit or performance by the surety under a performance bond. To date there have been no significant expenses related to either for the periods reported. We were contingently liable for secured and unsecured letters of credit of $10.7 million as of April 30, 2004. We also had performance bonds totaling approximately $162.6 million that were outstanding at April 30, 2004.

Other Contingencies

  The Company is a partner in a joint venture (the “Joint Venture”), which provided process control systems to the Central Artery/Tunnel Project (the “Project”) in Boston, Massachusetts, under a contract with the Massachusetts Turnpike Authority (the “MTA”). The Joint Venture has submitted claims against the MTA seeking additional reimbursement for work done by the Joint Venture on the project. In a separate matter, the Joint Venture received notice dated May 9, 2002 (the “Notice”) from the MTA that a follow-on contractor has asserted a claim against the MTA in connection with work done or to be done by the follow-on contractor on the project. One component of the Project involved the Joint Venture performing specific work that the MTA then bid for the follow-on contractor to complete. Part of the follow-on contractor’s claim contains unsubstantiated allegations that such work performed by the Joint Venture was insufficient and defective, thus possibly contributing to the follow-on contractor’s claims for damages against the MTA. In the Notice of the potential claim, the MTA advised the Joint Venture that if it is required to pay the follow-on contractor additional amounts and such payment is the result of defective work by the Joint Venture, the MTA will seek indemnification from the Joint Venture for such additional amounts.

  The Joint Venture has no reason to believe the systems it delivered under contract to the MTA were defective and accordingly it intends to vigorously defend any such allegations. The ultimate disposition of the Joint Venture’s claim against the MTA and the MTA’s potential claim for indemnification based on the follow-on contractor’s claims are not presently determinable. Although an unfavorable outcome to the follow-on contractor’s claim could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial condition, results of operations, and cash flows, the Company believes that an unfavorable outcome with respect to these matters, under the circumstances and on the basis of the information now available, is unlikely.

J.     PLANT CLOSING COSTS

  In February 2004, we announced our decision to close our plant in Greenville, Texas and relocate the manufacture of the associated distribution switch product lines to our North Canton, Ohio facility. Pre-tax expenses associated with the plant closing are estimated to range from $0.5 million to $0.75 million, of which $0.3 million was recorded in the second quarter 2004. This includes involuntary termination benefits of $0.25 million for 43 employees at our Greenville facility. These expenses are primarily included on the Statement of Operations in cost of goods sold. To date, there have not been any involuntary termination benefits paid associated with this plant closing.

K.     SUBSEQUENT EVENT

  In June 2004, we decided to close our facility in Elyria, Ohio, and relocate operations to our facility in Northlake, Illinois. Accordingly, pre-tax expenses associated with the plant closing are estimated to range from $1.25 million to $1.75 million, of which we anticipate $0.5 million to $0.75 million will be recorded in the quarter ending July 31, 2004. Consolidation of these two operations is expected to be complete by the end of the first quarter of fiscal 2005.


11


Part I
      Item 2

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF
FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS
OF OPERATIONS

The following discussion should be read in conjunction with the accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements and related notes. In the course of operations, we are subject to certain risk factors, including but not limited to competition and competitive pressures, sensitivity to general economic and industry conditions, international political and economic risks, availability and price of raw materials and execution of business strategy. Any forward-looking statements made by or on our behalf are made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Readers are cautioned that such forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties in that the actual results may differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements.

Overview

The challenging market conditions that existed in fiscal 2003 have continued in fiscal 2004. We continue to experience a significant reduction in market demand for our products. Additionally, market price levels have deteriorated as competition for available business volume intensified. However, we have been able to expand system modification and replacement equipment activity as companies look for ways to extend the lives of their existing systems.

Although we currently face reduced demand and prices, there are encouraging early signs of a U.S. economic recovery. Historically, business expansion within our principal markets — public and private utilities, heavy industry and public agencies — have lagged these general economic trends by six to twelve months as our revenues are principally driven by new capital investments. One of the positive trends we have experienced is an increase in bookings activity. New orders booked in the second quarter of fiscal 2004 totaled $45.3 million, an increase of $12.2 million over the first quarter of 2004. This positive new order trend follows three consecutive quarters of bookings totaling $35.8 million, $36.3 million and $33.1 million for the three months ended July 31, 2003, October 31, 2003 and January 31, 2004, respectively. We are optimistic that we will see further improvements in the third and fourth quarters of fiscal 2004.

In anticipation of improving business opportunities, we are taking advantage of lower production volumes to make necessary capital improvements to our manufacturing facility in Houston, Texas. We have committed to projects totaling $5.6 million. These projects include a new metal finishing and paint system and replacement of some older metal fabricating equipment with a major laser cut fabricating center and material handling system. Consistent with other lean initiatives, these investments will improve our quality and efficiency as well as lead to lower working capital requirements. We have also taken the difficult decision to consolidate some of our businesses. In February 2004, we announced the closing of our Greenville, Texas facility and the relocation of our switch product lines to our North Canton, Ohio operation. Pre-tax expenses associated with the plant closing are estimated to range between $0.5 million and $0.75 million, of which $0.3 million was recorded in the second quarter of 2004. The Greenville facility is expected to be idle by the end of the fiscal year. In June 2004, we decided to close our facility in Elyria, Ohio, and relocate operations to our facility in Northlake, Illinois. Accordingly, pre-tax expenses associated with the plant closing are estimated to range from $1.25 million to $1.75 million, of which we anticipate $0.5 million to $0.75 million will be recorded in the quarter ending July 31, 2004. We expect the consolidation of these two operations to be completed by the end of the first quarter of fiscal 2005.

We continue to focus on managing our working capital. As of April 30, 2004, Powell Industries held cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities of $52 million, an increase of nearly $10 million from year-end 2003. We believe we are well-positioned to take advantage of improving economic and market conditions.

Results of Operations

Revenue and Gross Profit

Consolidated revenues decreased 20% to $51.5 million in the second quarter of fiscal 2004 compared to the second quarter of fiscal year 2003 revenues of $64.2 million. Domestic revenues decreased $12.0 million to $43.1 million for the three months ended April 30, 2004 compared to the same period a year ago. Revenues outside of the United States accounted for 16% of consolidated revenues in the second quarter of fiscal 2004 compared to 14% for the three months ended April 30, 2003.

For the six months ended April 30, 2004, consolidated revenues decreased 23% to $104.7 million compared to the six months ended April 30, 2003 revenues of $135.8 million. Domestic revenues for the first six months of fiscal 2004 were $88.4 million compared to $117.1 million for the first six months of fiscal 2003. For the six months ended April 30, 2004, revenues outside of the United States accounted for 16% of consolidated revenues compared to 14% for the same period a year ago. We anticipate that international revenues will continue to strengthen throughout fiscal 2004.


12



Electrical Power Products

Our Electrical Power Products segment recorded revenues of $44.0 million for the three months ended April 30, 2004 compared to $58.2 million for the second quarter of fiscal 2003. A decline in revenues from industrial customers had the most significant impact on our second quarter revenues as compared to the prior year. Revenues from industrial customers decreased to $30 million, an 18% reduction, or nearly $7 million. Declining demand for the manufacture and delivery of power control modules for new oil and gas production facilities led to this decrease. Many of the long-term projects to construct new oil and gas production facilities that were entered into our backlog during 2001 and 2002 have been completed. Revenues from public and private utilities were $11 million, a decline of $3 million. Municipal and transit projects generated revenues of $3 million compared to nearly $7 million a year ago.

For the six months ended April 30, 2004, this segment recorded revenues of $90.2 million compared to $123.7 million for the first six months of fiscal 2003. During the first six months of 2004, revenues from all markets were down from the same period a year ago. Utility revenues totaled nearly $30 million, a decline of 33%; industrial revenues were $52 million, a decline of 21%; and revenues from municipal and transit projects totaled nearly $9 million, down 35%.

Gross profit, as a percentage of revenues, was 16.0% in the second quarter of 2004 compared to 18.3% in the second quarter of 2003. Inflationary pressures, primarily from higher commodity prices, have contributed to lower gross profits. During the second quarter 2004, direct material expenses increased by approximately 3.5%, or $750 thousand, primarily due to higher commodity prices in copper, aluminum and steel compared to the same period a year ago. Gross profit was also adversely impacted by one-time expenses of $335 thousand associated with our decision to consolidate our Greenville, Texas and North Canton, Ohio operations. These expenses include employee severance of $250 thousand, training and equipment relocation costs.

For the six months ended April 30, 2004, gross profit as a percentage of revenues decreased to 16.9% from 18.9% for the first six months of fiscal 2003. Higher commodity price levels have contributed to lower gross profit. Direct material costs increased approximately 2.9%, or $1.2 million, during the first six months of 2004 compared to the same period a year ago. In addition, we incurred separation costs and other one-time expenses of $0.5 million as a result of reductions in our workforce and our decision to consolidate operations.

Revenues and gross profit for both periods have been adversely impacted by competitive pricing in a depressed marketplace. Partially offsetting adverse market conditions have been the results of our efforts to reduce our costs of production by improving operating efficiencies through the implementation of lean initiatives.

Process Control Systems

Revenues in our Process Control Systems segment were $7.5 million and $14.6 million for the three and six months ended April 30, 2004 compared to $6.0 million and $12.1 million for the same time period of the previous year. The most significant project in our backlog is a contract to design and build Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) for the Holland and Lincoln tunnels for the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey valued at $37.5 million. Revenue attributable to this project totaled $2.3 million and $5.1 million for the three and six months ended April 30, 2004. As of April 30, 2004 the remaining value associated with this project in our backlog is $28.3 million.

Gross profit was $1.6 million and $3.0 million for the three and six months ended April 30, 2004 compared to $1.5 million and $3.0 million for the same time period of the previous year.

For additional information related to our business segments, see Note G of the Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

Operating Expenses

Selling, general and administrative expenses were $8.2 million, or 15.9% of revenues, in the three months ended April 30, 2004 compared to $8.9 million, or 13.9% of revenues, in the second quarter of fiscal 2003. We have reduced our expenses by $0.7 million in the second quarter compared to the same period a year ago; however, we have maintained our focus on developing our markets and new product development. As a result, selling, general and administrative expenses as a percentage of revenues have increased. Our research efforts are directed toward the discovery and development of new products and processes as well as improvements in existing products and processes. These costs are included in selling, general and administrative expenses. Research and development expenditures were $0.9 million in the three months ended April 30, 2004 compared to $0.7 million in the second quarter of fiscal 2003.

For the six months ended April 30, 2004, selling, general and administrative expenses were $16.7 million, or 16.0% of revenues, compared to $18.3 million, or 13.5% of revenues, for the first six months of fiscal 2003. For the six months ended April 30, 2004, research and development expenditures were $1.8 million compared to $1.5 million in first six months of fiscal 2003. For the full year, we anticipate research and development spending will be comparable to fiscal year 2003 expenditures of $3.6 million.


13


Interest Income and Expense

We incurred $34 thousand in interest expense in the second quarter of 2004 compared to $81 thousand in the same period a year ago. Interest expense has been reduced by a lower average balance on our industrial revenue bond debt and favorable interest rates. Additionally, during the second quarter of 2003, we incurred $57 thousand in interest expense on our term loan and the associated interest rate swap. In September 2003, we paid the remaining principal balance on our term loan which has reduced our interest expense.

For the six months ended April 30, 2004, we incurred $62 thousand in interest expense compared to $167 thousand for the same time period of fiscal 2003. In the six months ended April 30, 2003, we incurred $121 thousand in interest expense on our term loan and the associated interest rate swap which were settled in September 2003.

Interest income increased by $87 thousand to $175 thousand for the second quarter 2004 compared to the same period of the previous year. For the first six months of 2004, interest income increased by $187 thousand to $367 thousand compared the first six months of 2003. Interest income for the three and six month periods ended April 30, 2004 increased compared to the same periods of last year due primarily to higher levels of invested funds. In addition, we hold corporate bonds as discussed in Note E of the Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements that yield higher interest rates than the previous years’ investments.

Provision for Income Taxes

Our provision for income taxes reflects an effective income tax rate on earnings before income taxes of 37.2% in the second quarter of fiscal 2004 compared to 37.4% in the second quarter of fiscal 2003. For the six months ended April 30, 2004, our provision for income taxes reflects an effective income tax rate on earnings before income taxes of 36.9% compared to 37.3% for the same period a year ago. The lower effective tax rate is primarily due to increased interest income from investments in non-taxable securities. As overall pre-tax income has declined, income from non-taxable investments has become a higher percentage of taxable income.

Net income

Net income was $360 thousand, or $0.03 per diluted share, in the second quarter of fiscal year 2004 compared to $2.0 million, or $0.19 per diluted share, in the second quarter of fiscal year 2003.

For the six months ended April 30, 2004, net income was $1.1 million, or $0.10 per diluted share, compared to $4.5 million, or $0.43 per diluted share, for the first six months of 2003. For the first six months of fiscal 2003, net income was negatively impacted as a result of the adoption of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No. 142, “Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets.” During the first quarter of fiscal 2003, we recorded a goodwill impairment loss of $0.5 million as a cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle. The goodwill impairment charge accounted for a loss of $0.04 per diluted share.

Lower selling, general and administrative expenses, along with higher interest income, have partially offset a decline in business volume and lower gross profits which have resulted in earnings weakening during fiscal 2004.

Backlog

The order backlog on April 30, 2004, was $131.2 million, compared to $157.5 million at fiscal year end 2003 and $203.0 million at the end of the second quarter one year ago. New orders placed during the second quarter totaled $45.3 million versus $33.1 million in the first quarter of 2004 and $98.7 million in our second quarter 2003.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

We have maintained a strong liquidity position. Working capital was $97.9 million at April 30, 2004 compared to $96.9 million at October 31, 2003. The improvement was mainly due to billing and collection of our net investment in long-term contracts. As of April 30, 2004, current assets exceeded current liabilities by 3.3 times and our debt to capitalization ratio was less than 0.1 to 1.0.

As of April 30, 2004, we had cash and cash equivalents of $46.4 million, as well as $5.6 million in marketable debt securities, a $9.6 million increase in cash and cash equivalents from the end of fiscal 2003. Long-term debt, including current maturities, totaled $7.6 million at April 30, 2004 compared to $7.4 million at October 31, 2003, our fiscal year end. As of April 30, 2004, our long-term debt was limited to our industrial revenue bonds, with the next payment of $400 thousand on these bonds scheduled for October 2004. In addition to our long-term debt, we have a $15 million revolving credit agreement expiring February 2006. As of April 30, 2004, there was $107 thousand borrowed under this line of credit. We were in compliance with all debt covenants as of April 30, 2004.

Operating Activities

For the six months ended April 30, 2004, cash from operating activities provided $12.1 million. A net reduction in investments in contract costs and inventories provided $14.4 million as projects in our backlog reached contractual billing milestones. For the six months ended April 30, 2003, cash from operating activities provided $18.8 million. Both periods provided substantial cash due to decreases in operating assets such as contract costs, accounts receivable and inventories. Lower sales volumes have equated into less cash being reinvested in operating assets.


14


Investing Activities

Cash used for the purchase of property, plant and equipment during the six months ended April 30, 2004 was $3.1 million, compared to $2.8 million for the six months ended April 30, 2003. The majority of our 2004 capital investments will be used to improve our capabilities to manufacture switchgear and electrical power control rooms. We have committed to capital projects totaling $5.6 million to acquire a new metal finishing and paint system, a major laser cut fabricating center, and material handling system. Consistent with other lean initiatives, these investments will improve our quality and efficiency as well as lead to lower working capital requirements.

Financing Activities

Financing activities provided $579 thousand in the first six months of 2004. These financing activities were primarily from the exercise of stock options. Net cash used in financing activities for the six months ended April 30, 2003 was $634 thousand. The decrease in cash used in financing activities during the first six months of 2004 as compared to the same period in 2003 is due to lower levels of debt as the remaining principal balance on our term loan was paid in September 2003 per the contract terms.

Outlook

We expect continued weakness and depressed price levels in the Electrical Power Products markets we serve throughout the balance of fiscal 2004. We expect full year revenues to range between $205 million and $220 million. Full year earnings from continuing operations are expected to range between $0.16 and $0.26 per diluted share. For the third quarter of 2004, we expect earnings from continuing operations to range between $0.01 and $0.06 per diluted share. These full year and third quarter estimates include the one-time costs associated with combining our Elyria, Ohio and Northlake, Illinois operations as discussed in Note K of the Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

We will continue to invest in our manufacturing capabilities and expect capital expenditures for full fiscal year 2004 to range between $6.0 million and $8.0 million. The majority of these investments will be used to improve the efficiency and quality of our manufacturing operations at our Houston, Texas facility.

We anticipate that our cash position will remain relatively unchanged for the balance of fiscal 2004. We believe that working capital, borrowing capabilities, and funds generated from operations will be sufficient to finance anticipated operational activities, capital improvements, debt repayment and possible future acquisitions for the foreseeable future.

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires us to make estimates and judgments with respect to the selection and application of accounting policies that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses, and the disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities. We base our estimates on historical experience and on various other assumptions that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances. Actual results may differ from these estimates.

We believe the following critical accounting policies have the greatest impact on the preparation of our consolidated financial statements.

Revenue Recognition

Our revenues are generated from the manufacture and delivery of custom-manufactured products. We recognize revenues under both the completed contract method and the percentage-of-completion method depending upon the duration and the scope of the project. At the onset of each project, the size and duration of the contract is reviewed to determine the appropriate revenue recognition method based upon company policy. Due to the nature of the projects in the Process Control Systems segment, all revenues are recorded using percentage-of-completion. However, projects in the Electrical Power Products segment vary widely; thus, both the completed contract and percentage-of-completion methods are used.

Under the completed contract method, revenues are recognized upon the transfer of title, which is generally at the time of shipment or delivery depending upon the terms of the contract, when all significant contractual obligations have been satisfied, the price is fixed or determinable, and collectibility is reasonably assured. We use shipping documents and customer acceptance, when applicable, to verify the transfer of title to the customer. We assess whether the price is fixed or determinable based on the payment terms associated with the transaction and whether the sales price is subject to refund or adjustment. Collectibility is assessed based on the creditworthiness of the customer based on credit verification and the customer’s payment history.


15


Under the percentage-of-completion method, revenues are recognized as work is performed based upon the ratio of labor dollars or hours incurred to date to total estimated labor dollars or hours to measure the stage of completion. The sales and gross profit recognized in each period are adjusted prospectively for any revisions in the total estimated contract costs, total estimated labor hours to complete the project, or total contract value. Whenever revisions of estimated contract costs and contract values indicate that the contract costs will exceed estimated revenues, thus creating a loss, a provision for the total estimated loss is recorded in that period. Due to the number of estimates used in the percentage-of-completion calculations, conditions such as changes in job performance, job conditions, estimated contract costs and profitability may result in revisions to original assumptions, thus causing actual results to differ from original estimates.

Valuation Accounts

Our most significant accounting uncertainty for which a valuation account is set up is in the area of accounts receivable collectibility.

An allowance for doubtful accounts has been established to provide for estimated losses on our accounts receivable. This estimated allowance is based on historical experience of uncollected accounts, the level of past due accounts, the overall level of outstanding accounts receivable, information about specific customers with respect to their inability to make payments and expectations of future conditions that could impact the collectibility of accounts receivable. We continually assess our allowance for doubtful accounts and may increase or decrease our periodic provision as additional information regarding collectibility becomes available.

Impairment of Long-Lived Assets

We evaluate the recoverability of the carrying amount of long-lived assets whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value of an asset may not be fully recoverable. For long-lived assets to be held and used, the evaluation is based on impairment indicators such as the nature of the assets, the future economic benefit of the assets, any historical or future profitability measurements and other external market conditions or factors that may be present. If such impairment indicators are present or other factors exist that indicate that the carrying amount of the asset may not be recoverable, we determine whether impairment has occurred through the use of an undiscounted cash flows analysis of the asset at the lowest level for which identifiable cash flows exist, or quoted market prices. If an asset is considered to be impaired, a loss is recognized for the amount by which the carrying amount of the asset exceeds its fair value. For assets held for sale or disposal, the fair value of the asset is measured using quoted market prices or an estimation of net realizable value. Assets are classified as held for sale when there is a plan for disposal and those assets meet the held for sale criteria of SFAS No. 144. Assets to be disposed of are reported at the lower of the carrying amount or fair value less cost to sell.

Accruals for Contingent Liabilities

We account for contingencies in accordance with SFAS No. 5, “Accounting for Contingencies”. SFAS No. 5 requires that we record an estimated loss from a loss contingency when information available prior to the issuance of our financial statements indicates that it is probable that an asset has been impaired or a liability has been incurred at the date of the financial statements and the amount of the loss can be reasonably estimated. The amounts we record for insurance, warranties, legal and other contingencies require judgments regarding the amount of expenses that will ultimately be incurred. We use past experience and history, as well as other specific circumstances surrounding these claims in evaluating the amount of liability that should be recorded. Actual results could differ from our estimates.


16


Part 1
      Item 3

QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

We are exposed to certain market risks arising from transactions we have entered into in the normal course of business. These risks primarily relate to fluctuations in interest rates, foreign exchange rates, and commodity prices.

We manage our exposure to changes in interest rates by optimizing the use of variable rate debt. A 1.0% increase in interest rates would result in an annual increase in interest expense of less than $100 thousand. In addition to variable rate debt, we also invest in marketable debt securities that are carried at fair value on the consolidated balance sheet, with unrealized gains and losses reported in other comprehensive income. Changes in interest rates will affect the fair value of the marketable securities as reported. However, we believe that changes in interest rates will not have a material near-term impact on our future earnings or cash flows.

We manage our exposure to changes in foreign exchange rates primarily through arranging compensation in U.S. dollars. Risks associated with changes in commodity prices are primarily managed through utilizing short-term, fixed price contracts with suppliers. Risks related to foreign exchange rates and commodity prices are monitored and actions could be taken to hedge these risks in the future. We believe that fluctuations in foreign exchange rates will not have a material near-term effect on our future earnings and cash flows; however, fluctuations in commodity prices may have a short-term effect on our future earnings and cash flows.


17


Part 1
      Item 4

CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

Management, with the participation of our Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”) and Chief Financial Officer (“CFO”), has evaluated the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended) as of the end of the period covered by this report. Based on such evaluation, our CEO and CFO have each concluded that as of the end of such period, our disclosure controls and procedures were effective to ensure that information required to be disclosed by us in reports that we file or submit under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the Securities and Exchange Commission’s rules and forms and that such information is accumulated and communicated to our management, including the CEO and CFO, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosures.

We also maintain a system of internal accounting controls that are designed to provide reasonable assurance that our books and records accurately reflect our transactions and that our policies and procedures are followed. There have not been any changes in our internal control over financial reporting (as such term is defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended) during the fiscal quarter to which this report relates that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.


18


Part II

OTHER INFORMATION

ITEM 1.
       
       
       

ITEM 2.
       

ITEM 3.
       
Legal Proceedings
The Company is a party to disputes arising in the ordinary course of business. Management does not
believe that the ultimate outcome of these disputes will materially affect the financial condition or results
of operations of the Company.

Changes in Securities, Use of Proceeds, and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities
None

Defaults Upon Senior Securities
Not applicable

ITEM 4.
Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders
At the annual meeting of stockholders of the Company held on March 5, 2004, Joseph L. Becherer and
Thomas W. Powell were elected as directors of the Company with terms ending in 2007. The directors
continuing in office after the meeting are James F. Clark, Stephen W. Seale, Jr., Robert C. Tranchon,
Eugene L. Butler, and Ronald J. Wolny. As to each nominee for director, the number of votes cast for or
withheld, as well as the number of abstentions and broker non-votes, were as follows:

Nominee
Joseph L. Becherer
Thomas W. Powell
Votes Cast For
9,956,865
9,002,561
Votes Cast Against
383,093
1,337,397
Votes Withheld
- ---
- ---
Abstenions
- ---
- ---
Non-Votes
313,988
313,988


At the annual meeting the stockholders also approved and ratified the proposal to change the state of
incorporation of the Company from Nevada to Delaware by merging the Company into a wholly owned
subsidiary of the Company that is incorporated under the laws of Delaware. The number of votes cast for,
against, or withheld, as well as the number of abstentions and broker non-votes, with respect to such
matter was as follows:

Votes Cast For
6,897,687
Votes Cast Against
600,744
Votes Withheld
- ---
Abstentions
43,222
Non-Votes
3,112,293

ITEM 5.
       

ITEM 6.
Other Information
None

Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K
       a. Exhibits
          3.1 - Articles of Incorporation and Certificates of Amendment of Powell Industries, Inc. dated
                  July 20, 1987 and March 13, 1992 (filed as Exhibit 3 to our Form 10-K for the fiscal year
                  ended October 31, 1982, Form 10-Q for the quarter ended July 31, 1987, and Form 10-Q
                  for the quarter ended April 30, 1992, respectively, and incorporated herein by reference).

          3.2 - Bylaws of Powell Industries, Inc. (filed as Exhibit 3.2 to our Form 10-Q for the quarter ended
                  April 30, 1995 and incorporated herein by reference).

         31.1 - Certification of Thomas W. Powell pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a).

         31.2 - Certification of Don R. Madison pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a).

         32.1 - Certification of Thomas W. Powell Pursuant to Section 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as Adopted
                   Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

         32.2 - Certification of Don R. Madison Pursuant to Section 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as Adopted
                   Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

       b. Reports on Form 8-K
           Form 8-K filed on February 27, 2004
           Form 8-K filed on May 13, 2004
           Form 8-K filed on June 8, 2004


19


SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.



POWELL INDUSTRIES, INC.
Registrant



June 11, 2004       
Date
/s/    THOMAS W. POWELL               
Thomas W. Powell
President & Chief Executive Officer
(Principal Executive Officer)





June 11, 2004       
Date
/s/    DON R. MADISON                      
Don R. Madison
Vice President & Chief Financial Officer
(Principal Financial Officer)


20


EXHIBIT INDEX

Number Exhibit Title                

3.1 -- Articles of Incorporation and Certificates of Amendment of Powell Industries, Inc. dated July 20, 1987 and March 13, 1992 (filed as Exhibit 3 to our Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended October 31, 1982, Form 10-Q for the quarter ended July 31, 1987, and Form 10-Q for the quarter ended April 30, 1992, respectively, and incorporated herein by reference).

3.2 -- By-laws of Powell Industries, Inc. (filed as Exhibit 3.2 to our Form 10-Q for the quarter ended April 30, 1995 and incorporated herein by reference).

31.1 -- Certification of Thomas W. Powell pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a).

31.2 -- Certification of Don R. Madison pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a).

32.1 -- Certification of Thomas W. Powell Pursuant to Section 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

32.2 -- Certification of Don R. Madison Pursuant to Section 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

21


Exhibit 31.1

EXHIBIT 31.1

CERTIFICATION

I, Thomas W. Powell, certify that:

1.  

I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q of Powell Industries, Inc.;


2.  

Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;


3.  

Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;


4.  

The registrant’s other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) for the registrant and have:


a)  

designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;


b)  

evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and


c)  

disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting, and


5.  

The registrant’s other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):


a)  

all significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and


b)  

any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.


Date: June 11, 2004




/s/    THOMAS W. POWELL               
 Thomas W. Powell
 President & Chief Executive Officer
 (Principal Executive Officer)
Exhibit 31.2

EXHIBIT 31.2

CERTIFICATION

I, Don R. Madison, certify that:

1.  

I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q of Powell Industries, Inc.;


2.  

Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;


3.  

Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;


4.  

The registrant’s other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) for the registrant and have:


a)  

designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;


b)  

evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and


c)  

disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting, and


5.  

The registrant’s other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):


a)  

all significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and


b)  

any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.


Date: June 11, 2004




/s/    DON R. MADISON                      
Don R. Madison
Vice President & Chief Financial Officer
(Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)
Exhibit 32.1

EXHIBIT 32.1

CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO
18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350,
AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO
SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

        In connection with the Quarterly Report (the “Report”) of Powell Industries, Inc. (the “Company”) on Form 10-Q for the period ended April 30, 2004 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof, I, Thomas W. Powell, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company, certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that:

(1)  

The Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and


(2)  

The information contained in the Report fairly represents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.





Date: June 11, 2004   /s/   THOMAS W. POWELL                
Thomas W. Powell
President and Chief Executive Officer
Exhibit 32.2

EXHIBIT 32.2

CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO
18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350,
AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO
SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

        In connection with the Quarterly Report (the “Report”) of Powell Industries, Inc. (the “Company”) on Form 10-Q for the period ended April 30, 2004 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof, I, Don R. Madison, Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of the Company, certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that:

(1)  

The Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and


(2)  

The information contained in the Report fairly represents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.




Date: June 11, 2004   /s/    DON R. MADISON                             
Don R. Madison
Vice President and Chief Financial Officer