Heico Corp (HEI) SEC Annual Report (10-K) for 2009

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-K

Commission file number 1-4604

HEICO CORPORATION

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Registrant's telephone number, including area code: (954) 987-4000

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:

Rights to Purchase Series B Junior Participating Preferred Stock

Rights to Purchase Series C Junior Participating Preferred Stock

(Title of class)

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

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

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes x No o

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T during the preceding 12 months. Yes   o No o

Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of the 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. x

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 the definitions of "large accelerated filer," "accelerated filer" and "smaller reporting company" in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

Large accelerated filer x     Accelerated filer o     Non−accelerated filer o     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).  Yes o No x

The aggregate market value of the voting and non-voting common equity held by nonaffiliates of the registrant was $639,454,000 based on the closing price of HEICO Common Stock and Class A Common Stock as of April 30, 2009 as reported by the New York Stock Exchange.

The number of shares outstanding of each of the registrant's classes of common stock as of December 17, 2009:

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

HEICO CORPORATION

INDEX TO ANNUAL REPORT ON FORM 10-K

PART I

The Company

HEICO Corporation through its subsidiaries (collectively, "HEICO," "we," "us," "our" or the "Company") believes it is the world's largest manufacturer of Federal Aviation Administration ("FAA")-approved jet engine and aircraft component replacement parts, other than the original equipment manufacturers ("OEMs") and their subcontractors.  HEICO also believes it is a leading manufacturer of various types of electronic equipment for the aviation, defense, space, medical, telecommunication and electronic industries.

The Company was organized in 1993 creating a new holding corporation known as HEICO Corporation and renaming the former holding company (formerly known as HEICO Corporation, organized in 1957) as HEICO Aerospace Corporation.  The reorganization, which was completed in 1993, did not result in any change in the business of the Company, its consolidated assets or liabilities or the relative interests of its shareholders.

Our business is comprised of two operating segments:

The Flight Support Group .  Our Flight Support Group ("FSG"), consisting of HEICO Aerospace Holdings Corp. ("HEICO Aerospace") and its subsidiaries, accounted for 73%, 75% and 76% of our net sales in fiscal 2009, 2008 and 2007, respectively.  The Flight Support Group uses proprietary technology to design and manufacture jet engine and aircraft component replacement parts for sale at lower prices than those manufactured by OEMs.  These parts are approved by the FAA and are the functional equivalent of parts sold by OEMs.  In addition, the Flight Support Group repairs and distributes jet engine and aircraft components, avionics and instruments for domestic and foreign commercial air carriers and aircraft repair companies as well as military and business aircraft operators; and manufactures thermal insulation products and other component parts primarily for aerospace, defense and commercial applications.

The Flight Support Group competes with the leading industry OEMs and, to a lesser extent, with a number of smaller, independent parts distributors.  Historically, the three principal jet engine OEMs, General Electric (including CFM International), Pratt & Whitney and Rolls Royce, have been the sole source of substantially all jet engine replacement parts for their jet engines.  Other OEMs have been the sole source of replacement parts for their aircraft component parts.  While we believe that we currently supply less than 2% of the market for jet engine and aircraft component replacement parts, we have in recent years been adding new products to our line at a rate of 400 to 500 per year of Parts Manufacturer Approvals ("PMA" or "PMAs").  We currently offer to our customers over 5,000 parts for which PMAs have been received from the FAA.

We believe that, based on our competitive pricing, reputation for high quality, short lead time requirements, strong relationships with domestic and foreign commercial air carriers and repair stations (companies that overhaul aircraft engines and/or components), strategic relationships with Lufthansa and other major airlines and successful track record of receiving PMAs from the FAA, we are uniquely positioned to continue to increase our product lines and gain market share.

The Electronic Technologies Group .  Our Electronic Technologies Group ("ETG"), consisting of HEICO Electronic Technologies Corp. and its subsidiaries, accounted for 27%, 25% and 24% of our net

sales in fiscal 2009, 2008 and 2007, respectively.  Through our Electronic Technologies Group, which derived approximately 46% of its sales in fiscal 2009 from the sale of products and services to U.S. and foreign military agencies, we design, manufacture and sell various types of electronic, microwave and electro-optical products, including infrared simulation and test equipment, laser rangefinder receivers, electrical power supplies, back-up power supplies, power conversion products, underwater locator beacons, electromagnetic interference and radio frequency interference shielding, high power capacitor charging power supplies, amplifiers, photodetectors, amplifier modules, flash lamp drivers, laser diode drivers, arc lamp power supplies, custom power supply designs, cable assemblies, high voltage interconnection devices and wire, high voltage energy generators, high frequency power delivery systems and high-speed interface products that link devices such as telemetry receivers, digital cameras, high resolution scanners, simulation systems and test systems to almost any computer.

In October 1997, we entered into a strategic alliance with Lufthansa.  Lufthansa is the world's largest independent provider of engineering and maintenance services for commercial aircraft components and jet engines and supports over 200 airlines, governments and other customers.  As part of this strategic alliance, Lufthansa has invested over $60 million in our Company to acquire and maintain a 20% minority interest in HEICO Aerospace.  This strategic alliance has enabled us to expand domestically and internationally by enhancing our ability to (i) identify key jet engine and aircraft component replacement parts with significant profit potential by utilizing Lufthansa's extensive operating data on engine and component parts; (ii) introduce those parts throughout the world in an efficient manner due to Lufthansa's testing and diagnostic resources; and (iii) broaden our customer base by capitalizing on Lufthansa's established relationships and alliances within the airline industry.

In March 2001, we entered into a joint venture with American Airlines, one of the world's largest airlines, to develop, design and sell FAA-approved jet engine and aircraft component replacement parts through HEICO Aerospace.  The joint venture is partly owned by American Airlines.  American Airlines and HEICO Aerospace have agreed to cooperate regarding technical services and marketing support on a worldwide basis.  We have also entered into several strategic relationships with other leading airlines, such as United Airlines (May 2002), Delta Air Lines (February 2003), Japan Airlines (March 2004) and British Airways (May 2007).  These relationships accelerate HEICO's efforts in developing a broad range of jet engine and aircraft component replacement parts for FAA approval.  Each of the aforementioned airlines purchase these newly developed parts, and many of HEICO Aerospace's current FAA-approved parts product line, on an exclusive basis from HEICO Aerospace.

HEICO has continuously operated in the aerospace industry for more than 50 years.  Since assuming control in 1990, our current management has achieved significant sales and profit growth through a broadened line of product offerings, an expanded customer base, increased research and development expenditures and the completion of a number of acquisitions.  As a result of internal growth and acquisitions, our net sales from continuing operations have grown from $26.2 million in fiscal 1990 to $538.3 million in fiscal 2009, a compound annual growth rate of approximately 17%.  During the same period, we improved our net income from $2.0 million to $44.6 million, representing a compound annual growth rate of approximately 18%.

Flight Support Group

The Flight Support Group, headquartered in Hollywood, Florida, serves a broad spectrum of the aviation industry, including (i) commercial airlines and air cargo carriers; (ii) repair and overhaul facilities; (iii) OEMs; and (iv) U.S. and foreign governments.

Jet engine and aircraft component replacement parts can be categorized by their ongoing ability to be repaired and returned to service.  The general categories in which we participate are as follows: (i)

rotable; (ii) repairable; and (iii) expendable.  A rotable is a part which is removed periodically as dictated by an operator's maintenance procedures or on an as needed basis and is typically repaired or overhauled and re-used an indefinite number of times.  An important subset of rotables is "life limited" parts.  A life limited rotable has a designated number of allowable flight hours and/or cycles (one take-off and landing generally constitutes one cycle) after which it is rendered unusable.  A repairable is similar to a rotable except that it can only be repaired a limited number of times before it must be discarded. An expendable is generally a part which is used and not thereafter repaired for further use.

Jet engine and aircraft component replacement parts are classified within the industry as (i) factory-new; (ii) new surplus; (iii) overhauled; (iv) repairable; and (v) as removed.  A factory-new or new surplus part is one that has never been installed or used.  Factory-new parts are purchased from FAA-approved manufacturers (such as HEICO or OEMs) or their authorized distributors.  New surplus parts are purchased from excess stock of airlines, repair facilities or other redistributors.  An overhauled part is one that has been completely repaired and inspected by a licensed repair facility such as ours.  An aircraft spare part is classified as "repairable" if it can be repaired by a licensed repair facility under applicable regulations.  A part may also be classified as "repairable" if it can be removed by the operator from an aircraft or jet engine while operating under an approved maintenance program and is airworthy and meets any manufacturer or time and cycle restrictions applicable to the part.  A "factory-new," "new surplus" or "overhauled" part designation indicates that the part can be immediately utilized on an aircraft.  A part in "as removed" or "repairable" condition requires inspection and possibly functional testing, repair or overhaul by a licensed facility prior to being returned to service in an aircraft.

Factory-New Jet Engine and Aircraft Component Replacement Parts .  The Flight Support Group engages in the research and development, design, manufacture and sale of FAA-approved replacement parts that are sold to domestic and foreign commercial air carriers and aircraft repair and overhaul companies.  Our principal competitors are Pratt & Whitney, a division of United Technologies Corporation, and General Electric Company, including its CFM International joint venture. The Flight Support Group's factory-new replacement parts include various jet engine and aircraft component replacement parts.  A key element of our growth strategy is the continued design and development of an increasing number of PMA replacement parts in order to further penetrate our existing customer base and obtain new customers.  We select the jet engine and aircraft component replacement parts to design and manufacture through a selection process which analyzes industry information to determine which replacement parts are suitable candidates.  As part of Lufthansa's investment in the Flight Support Group, Lufthansa has the right to select 50% of the parts for which we will seek PMAs, provided that such parts are technologically and economically feasible and substantially comparable with the profitability of our other PMA parts.

Repair and Overhaul Services .  The Flight Support Group provides repair and overhaul services on selected jet engine and aircraft component parts, as well as on avionics, instruments, composites and flight surfaces of commercial aircraft operated by domestic and foreign commercial airlines.  The Flight Support Group also provides repair and overhaul services including avionics and navigation systems as well as subcomponents and other instruments utilized on military aircraft operated by the United States government and foreign military agencies and for aircraft repair and overhaul companies.  Our repair and overhaul operations require a high level of expertise, advanced technology and sophisticated equipment.  Services include the repair, refurbishment and overhaul of numerous accessories and parts mounted on gas turbine engines and airframes.  Components overhauled include fuel pumps, generators, fuel controls, pneumatic valves, starters and actuators, turbo compressors and constant speed drives, hydraulic pumps, valves and actuators, composite flight controls, electro-mechanical equipment and auxiliary power unit accessories.  The Flight Support Group also provides commercial airlines, regional operators, asset management companies and Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul ("MRO") providers with high quality and cost effective niche accessory component exchange services as an alternative to OEMs' spares services.

Distribution.  The Flight Support Group distributes FAA-approved parts including hydraulic, pneumatic, mechanical and electro-mechanical components for the commercial, regional and general aviation markets.

Manufacture of Specialty Aircraft/Defense Related Parts and Subcontracting for OEMs.   The Flight Support Group manufactures thermal insulation blankets primarily for aerospace, defense and commercial applications.  The Flight Support Group also manufactures specialty components for sale as a subcontractor for aerospace and industrial original equipment manufacturers and the United States government.

FAA Approvals and Product Design.   Non-OEM manufacturers of jet engine replacement parts must receive a PMA from the FAA to sell the replacement part.  The PMA approval process includes the submission of sample parts, drawings and testing data to one of the FAA's Aircraft Certification Offices where the submitted data are analyzed.  We believe that an applicant's ability to successfully complete the PMA process is limited by several factors, including (i) the agency's confidence level in the applicant; (ii) the complexity of the part; (iii) the volume of PMAs being filed; and (iv) the resources available to the FAA.  We also believe that companies such as HEICO that have demonstrated their manufacturing capabilities and established favorable track records with the FAA generally receive a faster turnaround time in the processing of PMA applications.  Finally, we believe that the PMA process creates a significant barrier to entry in this market niche through both its technical demands and its limits on the rate at which competitors can bring products to market.

As part of our growth strategy, we have continued to increase our research and development activities.  Research and development expenditures by the Flight Support Group, which were approximately $300,000 in fiscal 1991, increased to approximately $11.5 million in fiscal 2009, $11.1 million in fiscal 2008 and $10.7 million in 2007.  We believe that our Flight Support Group's research and development capabilities are a significant component of our historical success and an integral part of our growth strategy.  In recent years, the FAA granted us PMAs for approximately 400 to 500 new parts per year (excluding acquired PMAs); however, no assurance can be given that the FAA will continue to grant PMAs or that we will achieve acceptable levels of net sales and gross profits on such parts in the future.

We benefit from our proprietary rights relating to certain design, engineering and manufacturing processes and repair and overhaul procedures.  Customers often rely on us to provide initial and additional components, as well as to redesign, re-engineer, replace or repair and provide overhaul services on such aircraft components at every stage of their useful lives.  In addition, for some products, our unique manufacturing capabilities are required by the customer's specifications or designs, thereby necessitating reliance on us for production of such designed products.

We have no material patents for the proprietary techniques, including software and manufacturing expertise, we have developed to manufacture jet engine and aircraft component replacement parts and instead, we primarily rely on trade secret protection.  Although our proprietary techniques and software and manufacturing expertise are subject to misappropriation or obsolescence, we believe that we take appropriate measures to prevent misappropriation or obsolescence from occurring by developing new techniques and improving existing methods and processes, which we will continue on an ongoing basis as dictated by the technological needs of our business.

Electronic Technologies Group

Our Electronic Technologies Group's strategy is to design and produce mission-critical subcomponents for smaller, niche markets, but which are utilized in larger systems – systems like

targeting, tracking, identification, simulation, testing, communications, lighting, surgical, x-ray, telecom and computer systems.  These systems are, in turn, often located on another platform, such as aircraft, satellites, ships, vehicles, handheld devices and other platforms.

Electro-Optical Infrared Simulation and Test Equipment .  The Electronic Technologies Group believes it is a leading international designer and manufacturer of niche state-of-the-art simulation, testing and calibration equipment used in the development of missile seeking technology, airborne targeting and reconnaissance systems, shipboard targeting and reconnaissance systems, space-based sensors as well as ground vehicle-based systems.  These products include infrared scene projector equipment, such as our MIRAGE IR Scene Simulator, high precision blackbody sources, software and integrated calibration systems.

Simulation equipment allows the U.S. government and allied foreign military to save money on missile testing as it allows infrared-based missiles to be tested on a multi-axis, rotating table instead of requiring the launch of a complete missile.  In addition, several large military prime contractors have elected to purchase such equipment from us instead of maintaining internal staff to do so because we can offer a more cost-effective solution.  Our customers include major U.S. Department of Defense weapons laboratories and defense prime contractors, such as Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman and Boeing.

Electro-Optical Laser Products .  The Electronic Technologies Group believes it is a leading designer and maker of Laser Rangefinder Receivers and other photodetectors used in airborne, vehicular and handheld targeting systems manufactured by major prime military contractors, such as Northrop Grumman and Lockheed Martin.  Most of our Rangefinder Receiver product offering consists of complex and patented products which detect reflected light from laser targeting systems and allow the systems to confirm target accuracy and calculate target distances prior to discharging a weapon system.  These products are also used in laser eye surgery systems for tracking ocular movement.

Electro-Optical, Microwave and Other Power Equipment .  The Electronic Technologies Group produces power supplies, amplifiers and flash lamp drivers used in laser systems for military, medical and other applications that are sometimes utilized with our Rangefinder Receivers.  We also produce emergency back-up power supplies and batteries used on commercial aircraft and business jets for services such as emergency exit lighting, emergency fuel shut-off, power door assists, cockpit voice recorders and flight computers.  We offer custom or standard designs that solve challenging OEM requirements and meet stringent agency safety and emissions requirements.  Our power electronics products include capacitor charger power supplies, laser diode drivers, arc lamp power supplies and custom power supply designs.

Our microwave products are used in satellites and electronic warfare systems.  These products, which include isolators, bias tees, circulators, latching ferrite switches and waveguide adapters, are used in satellites to control or direct energy according to operator needs.  As satellites are frequently used as sensors for stand-off warfare, we believe this product line further supports our goal of increasing our activity in the stand-off market.  We believe we are a leading supplier of the niche products which we design and manufacture for this market, a market that includes commercial satellites.  Our customers for these products include satellite manufacturers, such as Space Systems/Loral, Boeing and Raytheon.

Electromagnetic and Radio Interference Shielding .  The Electronic Technologies Group designs and manufactures shielding used to prevent electromagnetic energy and radio frequencies from interfering with computers, telecommunication devices, avionics, weapons systems and other electronic equipment.  Our products include a patented line of shielding applied directly to circuit boards and a line of gasket-type shielding applied to computers and other electronic equipment.  Our customers consist essentially of medical, electronic, telecommunication and defense equipment producers.

High-Speed Interface Products .  The Electronic Technologies Group designs and manufactures advanced high-technology, high-speed interface products utilized in homeland security, defense, medical research, astronomical and other applications across numerous industries.

High Voltage Interconnection Devices .  The Electronic Technologies Group designs and manufactures high and very high voltage interconnection devices, cable assemblies and wire for the medical equipment, defense and other industrial markets.  Among others, our products are utilized in aircraft missile defense, fighter pilot helmet displays, avionic systems, medical applications, wireless communications, and industrial applications including high voltage test equipment and underwater monitoring systems.

High Voltage Advanced Power Electronics.   The Electronic Technologies Group designs and manufactures a patented line of high voltage energy generators for medical, baggage inspection and industrial imaging systems, and also offers a patented line of high frequency power delivery systems for the commercial sign industry.

Power Conversion Products. The Electronic Technologies Group designs and provides innovative power conversion products principally serving the high-reliability military, space and commercial avionics end-markets. These high density, low profile and lightweight DC-to-DC converters and electromagnetic interference filters, which include thick film hermetically sealed hybrids, military commercial-off-the-shelf and custom designed and assembled products, have become the primary specified components of their kind on a generation of complex military, space and avionics equipment.

Underwater Locator Beacons.   The Electronic Technologies Group designs and manufactures Underwater Locator Beacons ("ULBs") used to locate aircraft Cockpit Voice Recorders and Flight Data Recorders, marine ship Voyage Recorders and various other devices which have been submerged under water. ULBs are required equipment on all U.S. FAA and European Aviation Safety Agency ("EASA") approved Flight Data and Cockpit Voice Recorders used in aircraft and on similar systems utilized on large marine shipping vessels.

As part of our growth strategy, we have continued to increase our research and development activities.  Research and development expenditures by the Electronic Technologies Group were $8.2 million in fiscal 2009, $7.3 million in fiscal 2008 and $5.8 million in fiscal 2007.  We believe that our Electronic Technologies Group's research and development capabilities are a significant component of our historical success and an integral part of our growth strategy.

Financial Information About Operating Segments and Geographic Areas

See Note 14, Operating Segments, of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for financial information by operating segment and by geographic areas.

Distribution, Sales, Marketing and Customers

Each of our operating segments independently conducts distribution, sales and marketing efforts directed at their respective customers and industries and, in some cases, collaborates with other operating divisions and subsidiaries within its group for cross-marketing efforts.  Sales and marketing efforts are conducted primarily by in-house personnel and, to a lesser extent, by independent manufacturers' representatives.  Generally, the in-house sales personnel receive a base salary plus commission and manufacturers' representatives receive a commission on sales.

We believe that direct relationships are crucial to establishing and maintaining a strong customer base and, accordingly, our senior management is actively involved in our marketing activities, particularly with established customers.  We are also a member of various trade and business organizations related to the commercial aviation industry, such as the Aerospace Industries Association, which we refer to as AIA, the leading trade association representing the nation's manufacturers of commercial, military and business aircraft, aircraft engines and related components and equipment.  Due in large part to our established industry presence, we enjoy strong customer relations, name recognition and repeat business.

We sell our products to a broad customer base consisting of domestic and foreign commercial and cargo airlines, repair and overhaul facilities, other aftermarket suppliers of aircraft engine and airframe materials, OEMs, domestic and foreign military units, electronic manufacturing services companies, manufacturers for the defense industry as well as medical, telecommunication, scientific, and industrial companies.  No one customer accounted for sales of 10% or more of total consolidated sales from continuing operations during any of the last three fiscal years.  Net sales to our five largest customers accounted for approximately 20% of total net sales during the year ended October 31, 2009.

Competition

The aerospace product and service industry is characterized by intense competition and some of our competitors have substantially greater name recognition, inventories, complementary product and service offerings, financial, marketing and other resources than we do.  As a result, such competitors may be able to respond more quickly to customer requirements than we can.  Moreover, smaller competitors may be in a position to offer more attractive pricing as a result of lower labor costs and other factors.

Our jet engine and aircraft component replacement parts business competes primarily with Pratt & Whitney, General Electric, and other OEMs.  The competition is principally based on price and service to the extent that our parts are interchangeable.  With respect to other aerospace products and services sold by the Flight Support Group, we compete with both the leading jet engine OEMs and a large number of machining, fabrication and repair companies, some of which have greater financial and other resources than we do.  Competition is based mainly on price, product performance, service and technical capability.

Competition for the repair and overhaul of jet engine and aircraft components comes from three principal sources: OEMs, major commercial airlines and other independent service companies.  Some of these competitors have greater financial and other resources than we do.  Some major commercial airlines own and operate their own service centers and sell repair and overhaul services to other aircraft operators.  Foreign airlines that provide repair and overhaul services typically provide these services for their own aircraft components and for third parties.  OEMs also maintain service centers that provide repair and overhaul services for the components they manufacture.  Other independent service organizations also compete for the repair and overhaul business of other users of aircraft components.  We believe that the principal competitive factors in the repair and overhaul market are quality, turnaround time, overall customer service and price.

Our Electronic Technologies Group competes with several large and small domestic and foreign competitors, some of which have greater financial and other resources than we do.  The markets for our electronic products are niche markets with several competitors with competition based mainly on design, technology, quality, price, and customer satisfaction.

Raw Materials

We purchase a variety of raw materials, primarily consisting of high temperature alloy sheet metal and castings, forgings, pre-plated metals and electrical components from various vendors.  The

materials used by our operations are generally available from a number of sources and in sufficient quantities to meet current requirements subject to normal lead times.

Backlog

Our total backlog of unshipped orders was $104.5 million as of October 31, 2009 compared to $107.1 million as of October 31, 2008.  The Flight Support Group's backlog of unshipped orders was $32.9 million as of October 31, 2009 as compared to $49.0 million as of October 31, 2008.  This backlog excludes forecasted shipments for certain contracts of the Flight Support Group pursuant to which customers provide only estimated annual usage and not firm purchase orders.  Our backlogs within the Flight Support Group are typically short-lead in nature with many product orders being received within the month of shipment.  The decrease in the Flight Support Group's backlog reflects a reduction in demand for our aftermarket replacement parts and repair and overhaul services resulting from worldwide airline capacity cuts and efforts to reduce spending and conserve cash by the airline industry.  The Electronic Technologies Group's backlog of unshipped orders was $71.6 million as of October 31, 2009 as compared to $58.1 million as of October 31, 2008.  The increase in the Electronic Technologies Group's backlog is primarily related to backlogs of businesses acquired during fiscal 2009 and some increased orders associated with our defense related businesses, including homeland security products.  Substantially the entire backlog of orders as of October 31, 2009 is expected to be delivered during fiscal 2010.

Government Regulation

The FAA regulates the manufacture, repair and operation of all aircraft and aircraft parts operated in the United States.  Its regulations are designed to ensure that all aircraft and aviation equipment are continuously maintained in proper condition to ensure safe operation of the aircraft.  Similar rules apply in other countries.  All aircraft must be maintained under a continuous condition monitoring program and must periodically undergo thorough inspection and maintenance.  The inspection, maintenance and repair procedures for the various types of aircraft and equipment are prescribed by regulatory authorities and can be performed only by certified repair facilities utilizing certified technicians.  Certification and conformance is required prior to installation of a part on an aircraft.  Aircraft operators must maintain logs concerning the utilization and condition of aircraft engines, life-limited engine parts and airframes.  In addition, the FAA requires that various maintenance routines be performed on aircraft engines, some engine parts, and airframes at regular intervals based on cycles or flight time.  Engine maintenance must also be performed upon the occurrence of certain events, such as foreign object damage in an aircraft engine or the replacement of life-limited engine parts.  Such maintenance usually requires that an aircraft engine be taken out of service.  Our operations may in the future be subject to new and more stringent regulatory requirements. In that regard, we closely monitor the FAA and industry trade groups in an attempt to understand how possible future regulations might impact us.

There has been no material adverse effect to our consolidated financial statements as a result of these government regulations.

Environmental Regulation

Our operations are subject to extensive, and frequently changing, federal, state and local environmental laws and substantial related regulation by government agencies, including the Environmental Protection Agency.  Among other matters, these regulatory authorities impose requirements that regulate the operation, handling, transportation and disposal of hazardous materials; protect the health and safety of workers; and require us to obtain and maintain licenses and permits in connection with our operations.  This extensive regulatory framework imposes significant compliance

burdens and risks on us.  Notwithstanding these burdens, we believe that we are in material compliance with all federal, state and local laws and regulations governing our operations.

Other Regulation

We are also subject to a variety of other regulations including work-related and community safety laws.  The Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 mandates general requirements for safe workplaces for all employees and established the Occupational Safety and Health Administration ("OSHA") in the Department of Labor.  In particular, OSHA provides special procedures and measures for the handling of some hazardous and toxic substances.  In addition, specific safety standards have been promulgated for workplaces engaged in the treatment, disposal or storage of hazardous waste.  Requirements under state law, in some circumstances, may mandate additional measures for facilities handling materials specified as extremely dangerous.  We believe that our operations are in material compliance with OSHA's health and safety requirements.

Insurance

We are a named insured under policies which include the following coverage: (i) product liability, including grounding; (ii) personal property, inventory and business income at our facilities; (iii) general liability coverage; (iv) employee benefit liability; (v) international liability and automobile liability; (vi) umbrella liability coverage; and (vii) various other activities or items subject to certain limits and deductibles.  We believe that our insurance coverage is adequate to insure against the various liability risks of our business.

Employees

As of October 31, 2009, we had approximately 2,100 full-time and part-time employees including approximately 1,400 in the Flight Support Group and approximately 700 in the Electronic Technologies Group.  None of our employees are represented by a union.  Our management believes that we have good relations with our employees.

Available Information

Our Internet web site address is http://www.heico.com .  We make available free of charge through our web site our annual reports on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K and amendments to those reports filed or furnished pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 as soon as reasonably practicable after we electronically file such material with, or furnish it to, the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC").  These materials are also available free of charge on the SEC's website at http://www.sec.gov .  The information on or obtainable through our web site is not incorporated into this annual report on Form 10-K.

We have adopted a code of ethics that applies to our principal executive officer, principal financial officer, principal accounting officer or controller and other persons performing similar functions.  Our Code of Ethics for Senior Financial Officers and Other Officers is part of our Code of Business Conduct, which is located on our web site at http://www.heico.com .  Any amendments to or waivers from a provision of this code of ethics will be posted on the web site.  Also located on the web site are our Corporate Governance Guidelines, Finance/Audit Committee Charter, Nominating & Corporate Governance Committee Charter, and Compensation Committee Charter.

Copies of the above referenced materials will be made available, free of charge, upon written request to the Corporate Secretary at the Company's headquarters.

Executive Officers of the Registrant

Our executive officers are elected by the Board of Directors at the first meeting following the annual meeting of shareholders and serve at the discretion of the Board.  The following table sets forth the names, ages of, and positions and offices held by our executive officers as of December 17, 2009:

Laurans A. Mendelson has served as our Chairman of the Board since December 1990.  He has also served as our Chief Executive Officer since February 1990 and served as our President from September 1991 through September 2009.  HEICO Corporation is a member of the Aerospace Industries Association ("AIA") in Washington D.C., and Mr. Mendelson serves on the Board of Governors of AIA.  He is also former Chairman of the Board of Trustees, former Chairman of the Executive Committee and a current member of the Society of Mt. Sinai Founders of Mt. Sinai Medical Center in Miami Beach, Florida.  In addition, Mr. Mendelson served as a Trustee of Columbia University in The City of New York from 1995 to 2001, as well as Chairman of the Trustees' Audit Committee.  Mr. Mendelson currently serves as Trustee Emeritus of Columbia University.  Mr. Mendelson is a Certified Public Accountant.  Laurans Mendelson is the father of Eric Mendelson and Victor Mendelson.

Eric A. Mendelson has served as our Co-President since October 2009 and served as our Executive Vice President from 2001 through September 2009.  He also serves as President and Chief Executive Officer of HEICO Aerospace Holdings Corp., a subsidiary of ours, since its formation in 1997; and President of HEICO Aerospace Corporation since 1993.  He also served as our Vice President from 1992 to 2001; President of HEICO's Jet Avion Corporation, a wholly owned subsidiary of HEICO Aerospace, from 1993 to 1996; and Jet Avion's Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer from 1991 to 1993.  From 1990 to 1991, Mr. Mendelson was our Director of Planning and Operations.  Mr. Mendelson is a co-founder, and, since 1987, has been Managing Director of Mendelson International Corporation, a private investment company and a shareholder of HEICO.  In addition, Mr. Mendelson is a member of the Advisory Board of Trustees of Mt. Sinai Medical Center in Miami Beach, Florida and a member of the Board of Trustees of Ransom – Everglades School in Coconut Grove, Florida, as well as a member of the Executive Committee of the Columbia College Alumni Association.  Eric Mendelson is the son of Laurans Mendelson and the brother of Victor Mendelson.

Victor H. Mendelson has served as our Co-President since October 2009 and served as our Executive Vice President from 2001 through September 2009.  He also serves as President and Chief

Executive Officer of HEICO Electronic Technologies Corp., a subsidiary of ours, since September 1996.  He served as our General Counsel from 1993 to September 2008 and our Vice President from 1996 to 2001.  In addition, Mr. Mendelson was the Executive Vice President of our former MediTek Health Corporation subsidiary from 1994 and MediTek Health's Chief Operating Officer from 1995 until its sale in July 1996.  He was our Associate General Counsel from 1992 until 1993.  From 1990 until 1992, he worked on a consulting basis with us, developing and analyzing various strategic opportunities.  Mr. Mendelson is a co-founder, and, since 1987, has been President of Mendelson International Corporation, a private investment company and a shareholder of HEICO.  He is a member of the Board of Visitors of Columbia College in New York City, a Trustee of St. Thomas University in Miami Gardens, Florida and President and a Director of the Florida Grand Opera.  Victor Mendelson is the son of Laurans Mendelson and the brother of Eric Mendelson.

Thomas S. Irwin has served as our Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer since September 1991; our Senior Vice President from 1986 to 1991; and our Vice President and Treasurer from 1982 to 1986.  Mr. Irwin is a Certified Public Accountant.  He is a Trustee of the Greater Hollywood Chamber of Commerce and a Director of the Broward Alliance.

William S. Harlow has served as our Vice President of Corporate Development since 2001 and served as Director of Corporate Development from 1995 to 2001.

Our business, financial condition, operating results and cash flows can be impacted by a number of factors, many of which are beyond our control, including those set forth below and elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K, any one of which may cause our actual results to differ materially from anticipated results:

Our success is highly dependent on the performance of the aviation industry, which could be impacted by lower demand for commercial air travel or airline fleet changes causing lower demand for our goods and services.

Economic factors and passenger security concerns that affect the aviation industry also affect our business.  The aviation industry has historically been subject to downward cycles from time to time which reduce the overall demand for jet engine and aircraft component replacement parts and repair and overhaul services, and such downward cycles result in lower prices and greater credit risk. These economic factors and passenger security concerns may have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

We are subject to governmental regulation and our failure to comply with these regulations could cause the government to withdraw or revoke our authorizations and approvals to do business and could subject us to penalties and sanctions that could harm our business.

Governmental agencies throughout the world, including the FAA, highly regulate the manufacture, repair and overhaul of aircraft parts and accessories.  We include, with the replacement parts that we sell to our customers, documentation certifying that each part complies with applicable regulatory requirements and meets applicable standards of airworthiness established by the FAA or the equivalent regulatory agencies in other countries.  In addition, our repair and overhaul operations are subject to certification pursuant to regulations established by the FAA. Specific regulations vary from country to country, although compliance with FAA requirements generally satisfies regulatory requirements in other countries.  The revocation or suspension of any of our material authorizations or approvals would have an

adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.  New and more stringent government regulations, if adopted and enacted, could have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. In addition, some sales to foreign countries of the equipment manufactured by our Electronic Technologies Group require approval or licensing from the U.S. government.  Denial of export licenses could reduce our sales to those countries and could have a material adverse effect on our business.

The retirement of commercial aircraft could reduce our revenues.

Our Flight Support Group designs, engineers, manufactures and distributes jet engine and aircraft component replacement parts and also repairs, refurbishes and overhauls jet engine and aircraft components.  If aircraft or engines for which we have replacement parts or supply repair and overhaul services are retired and there are fewer aircraft that require these parts or services, our revenues may decline.

Reductions in defense, space or homeland security spending by U.S. and/or foreign customers could reduce our revenues.

In fiscal 2009, approximately 46% of the sales of our Electronic Technologies Group were derived from the sale of defense products and services to U.S. and foreign military agencies and their suppliers.  A decline in defense, space or homeland security budgets or additional restrictions imposed by the U.S. government on sales of products or services to foreign military agencies could lower sales of our products and services.

Intense competition from existing and new competitors may harm our business.

We face significant competition in each of our businesses.

Flight Support Group

Electronic Technologies Group

The aviation aftermarket supply industry is highly fragmented, has several highly visible leading companies, and is characterized by intense competition. Some of our OEM competitors have greater name recognition than HEICO, as well as complementary lines of business and financial, marketing and other

resources that HEICO does not have. In addition, OEMs, aircraft maintenance providers, leasing companies and FAA-certificated repair facilities may attempt to bundle their services and product offerings in the supply industry, thereby significantly increasing industry competition.  Moreover, our smaller competitors may be able to offer more attractive pricing of parts as a result of lower labor costs or other factors.  A variety of potential actions by any of our competitors, including a reduction of product prices or the establishment by competitors of long-term relationships with new or existing customers, could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.  Competition typically intensifies during cyclical downturns in the aviation industry, when supply may exceed demand.  We may not be able to continue to compete effectively against present or future competitors, and competitive pressures may have a material and adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Our success is dependent on the development and manufacture of new products, equipment and services. Our inability to develop, manufacture and introduce new products and services at profitable pricing levels could reduce our sales or sales growth.

The aviation, defense, space, medical, telecommunication and electronic industries are constantly undergoing development and change and, accordingly, new products, equipment and methods of repair and overhaul service are likely to be introduced in the future.  In addition to manufacturing electronic and electro-optical equipment and selected aerospace and defense components for OEMs and the U.S. government and repairing jet engine and aircraft components, we re-design sophisticated aircraft replacement parts originally developed by OEMs so that we can offer the replacement parts for sale at substantially lower prices than those manufactured by the OEMs.  Consequently, we devote substantial resources to research and product development.  Technological development poses a number of challenges and risks, including the following:

-      purchase new equipment and machines,

-      train employees in new methods of production and service, and

-      fund the research and development of new products; and

In addition, we may not be able to successfully develop new products, equipment or methods of repair and overhaul service, and the failure to do so could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Product specification costs and requirements could cause an increase to our costs to complete contracts.

The costs to meet customer specifications and requirements could result in us having to spend more to design or manufacture products and this could reduce our profit margins on current contracts or those we obtain in the future.

We may incur product liability claims that are not fully insured.

Our jet engine and aircraft component replacement parts and repair and overhaul services expose our business to potential liabilities for personal injury or death as a result of the failure of an aircraft component that we have designed, manufactured or serviced.  The commercial aviation industry occasionally has catastrophic losses that may exceed policy limits.  An uninsured or partially insured claim, or a claim for which third-party indemnification is not available, could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.  Additionally, insurance coverage costs may become even more expensive in the future.  Our customers typically require us to maintain substantial insurance coverage and our inability to obtain insurance coverage at commercially reasonable rates could have a material adverse effect on our business.

We may not have the administrative, operational or financial resources to continue to grow the company.

We have experienced rapid growth in recent periods and intend to continue to pursue an aggressive growth strategy, both through acquisitions and internal expansion of products and services.  Our growth to date has placed, and could continue to place, significant demands on our administrative, operational and financial resources.  We may not be able to grow effectively or manage our growth successfully, and the failure to do so could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

We may not be able to execute our acquisition strategy, which could slow our growth.

A key element of our strategy is growth through the acquisition of additional companies.  Our acquisition strategy is affected by and poses a number of challenges and risks, including the following:

We may not be able to successfully execute our acquisition strategy, and the failure to do so could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

We may incur environmental liabilities and these liabilities may not be covered by insurance.

Our operations and facilities are subject to a number of federal, state and local environmental laws and regulations, which govern, among other things, the discharge of hazardous materials into the air and water as well as the handling, storage and disposal of hazardous materials.  Pursuant to various environmental laws, a current or previous owner or operator of real property may be liable for the costs of removal or remediation of hazardous materials.  Environmental laws typically impose liability whether or not the owner or operator knew of, or was responsible for, the presence of hazardous materials.  Although management believes that our operations and facilities are in material compliance with environmental laws and regulations, future changes in them or interpretations thereof or the nature of our operations may require us to make significant additional capital expenditures to ensure compliance in the future.

We do not maintain specific environmental liability insurance and the expenses related to these environmental liabilities, if we are required to pay them, could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

We are dependent on key personnel and the loss of these key personnel could have a material adverse effect on our success.

Our success substantially depends on the performance, contributions and expertise of our senior management team led by Laurans A. Mendelson, our Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Eric A. Mendelson, our Co-President, and Victor H. Mendelson, our Co-President.  Technical employees are also critical to our research and product development, as well as our ability to continue to re-design sophisticated products of OEMs in order to sell competing replacement parts at substantially lower prices than those manufactured by the OEMs.  The loss of the services of any of our executive officers or other key employees or our inability to continue to attract or retain the necessary personnel could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Our executive officers and directors have significant influence over our management and direction.

As of December 17, 2009, collectively our executive officers and entities controlled by them, our 401(k) Plan and members of the Board of Directors beneficially owned approximately 26% of our outstanding Common Stock and approximately 7% of our outstanding Class A Common Stock.  Accordingly, they will be able to substantially influence the election of the Board of Directors and control our business, policies and affairs, including our position with respect to proposed business combinations and attempted takeovers.

None.

We own or lease a number of facilities, which are utilized by our Flight Support Group ("FSG"), Electronic Technologies Group ("ETG") and Corporate office.  All of the facilities listed below are in good operating condition, well maintained and in regular use.  We believe that our existing facilities are sufficient to meet our operational needs for the foreseeable future.  Summary information on the facilities utilized within the FSG and the ETG to support their principal operating activities is as follows:

Flight Support Group

Electronic Technologies Group

Corporate

We are involved in various legal actions arising in the normal course of business.  Based upon the company's and our legal counsel's evaluations of any claims or assessments, management is of the opinion that the outcome of these matters will not have a material adverse effect on our results of operations, financial position or cash flows.

There were no matters submitted to a vote of security holders during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2009.

PART II

Market Information

Our Class A Common Stock and Common Stock are listed and traded on the New York Stock Exchange ("NYSE") under the symbols "HEI.A" and "HEI", respectively.  The following tables set forth, for the periods indicated, the high and low share prices for our Class A Common Stock and our Common Stock as reported on the NYSE, as well as the amount of cash dividends paid per share during such periods.

Class A Common Stock

As of December 17, 2009, there were 569 holders of record of our Class A Common Stock.

Common Stock

As of December 17, 2009, there were 584 holders of record of our Common Stock.

Performance Graphs

The following graph and table compare the total return on $100 invested in HEICO Common Stock and HEICO Class A Common Stock with the total return of $100 invested in the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) Composite Index and the Dow Jones U.S. Aerospace Index for the five-year period from October 31, 2004 through October 31, 2009.  The NYSE Composite Index measures all common stock listed on the NYSE.  The Dow Jones U.S. Aerospace Index is comprised of large companies which make aircraft, major weapons, radar and other defense equipment and systems as well as providers of satellites used for defense purposes.  The total returns include the reinvestment of cash dividends.

The following graph and table compare the total return on $100 invested in HEICO Common Stock since October 31, 1990 using the same indices shown on the five-year performance graph on the previous page.  October 31, 1990 was the end of the first fiscal year following the date the current executive management team assumed leadership of the Company.  No Class A Common Stock was outstanding as of October 31, 1990.  As with the five-year performance graph, the total returns include the reinvestment of cash dividends.

Dividend Policy

We have historically paid semi-annual cash dividends on both our Class A Common Stock and Common Stock.  In July 2009, we paid our 62 nd consecutive semi-annual cash dividend since 1979.  Our Board of Directors presently intends to continue the payment of regular semi-annual cash dividends on both classes of our common stock.  In December 2009, the board of directors declared a regular semi-annual cash dividend of $.06 per share payable in January 2010.  The current annual cash dividend of $.12 per share represents a 20% increase over the prior annual per share amount.  Our ability to pay dividends could be affected by future business performance, liquidity, capital needs, alternative investment opportunities and loan covenants under our revolving credit facility.

Equity Compensation Plan Information

The following table summarizes information about our equity compensation plans as of October 31, 2009.

Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

During March 2009, we repurchased 193,736 shares of our Class A Common Stock at an average price of $20.08 per share and 184,500 shares of our Common Stock at an average price of $22.81 per share under a pre-existing share repurchase authorization that was announced by our Board of Directors in October 2002.  We did not repurchase any shares of our Class A Common Stock and/or Common Stock during fiscal 2008 or 2007.

In March 2009, our Board of Directors approved an increase in our share repurchase program by an aggregate 1,000,000 shares of either or both Class A Common Stock and Common Stock, bringing the total authorized for future purchase to 1,024,742 shares.  The remaining shares authorized for repurchase can be executed, at management's discretion, in the open market or via private transactions and are

subject to certain restrictions included in our revolving credit agreement.  The repurchase program does not have a fixed termination date.

Recent Sales of Unregistered Securities

There were no unregistered sales of our equity securities during fiscal 2009.

Overview

Our business is comprised of two operating segments, the Flight Support Group ("FSG") and the Electronic Technologies Group ("ETG").

The Flight Support Group consists of HEICO Aerospace Holdings Corp. ("HEICO Aerospace") and its subsidiaries, which primarily:

The Electronic Technologies Group consists of HEICO Electronic Technologies Corp. ("HEICO Electronic") and its subsidiaries, which primarily:

Our results of operations during each of the past three fiscal years have been affected by a number of transactions.  This discussion of our financial condition and results of operations should be read in conjunction with the Consolidated Financial Statements and Notes thereto included herein.  For further information regarding the acquisitions discussed below, see Note 2, Acquisitions, of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.  The acquisitions have been accounted for using the purchase method of accounting and are included in our results of operations from the effective dates of acquisition.

In April and September 2007, we acquired, through HEICO Electronic, all of the stock of a U.S. company engaged in the design and manufacture of Radio Frequency Interference and Electromagnetic Frequency Interference Suppressors for a variety of markets and a Canadian company that designs and manufactures high voltage energy generators for medical, baggage inspection and industrial imaging manufacturers and high frequency power delivery systems for the commercial sign industry, respectively.  In August 2007, we acquired, through HEICO Aerospace, substantially all of the assets of a U.S. company that designs and manufactures FAA-approved aircraft and engine parts.

In November 2007, we acquired, through an 80%-owned subsidiary of HEICO Aerospace, all of the stock of a European company that supplies aircraft parts for sale and exchange and provides repair management services.  In January and February 2008, we acquired, through HEICO Aerospace, certain assets and assumed certain liabilities of a U.S. company that designs and manufactures FAA-approved aircraft and engine parts and acquired an 80% interest in certain assets and certain liabilities of a U.S. company that is an FAA-approved repair station which specializes in avionics.  The remaining 20% of the repair station's equity interests are principally owned by certain members of the acquired company's management.

In April 2008, we acquired, through HEICO Aerospace, an additional 7% equity interest in one of our subsidiaries, which increased our ownership interest to 58%.  In December 2008, we acquired, through HEICO Aerospace, and additional 14% equity interest in the subsidiary, which increased our ownership interest to 72%.  

In May 2009, we acquired, through HEICO Electronic, 82.5% of the stock of VPT, Inc. ("VPT").  VPT is a designer and provider of power conversion products principally serving the defense, space and aviation industries.  The remaining 17.5% continues to be owned by an existing VPT shareholder which is also a supplier to the acquired company.

In October 2009, we acquired, through HEICO Electronic, the business, assets and certain liabilities of the Seacom division of privately-held Dukane Corp. and formed a new subsidiary, Dukane Seacom, Inc. ("Seacom").  Seacom is a designer and manufacturer of underwater locator beacons used to locate aircraft cockpit voice recorders, flight data recorders, marine ship voyage recorders and various other devices which have been submerged under water.

The purchase price of each of the above referenced acquisitions was paid in cash using proceeds from the Company's revolving credit facility and was not material or significant to our consolidated financial statements.  The aggregate cost of all of our acquisitions, including payments made in cash and contingent payments, was $71.1 million, $29.0 million and $48.4 million in fiscal 2009, 2008 and 2007, respectively.

Critical Accounting Policies

We believe that the following are our most critical accounting policies, some of which require management to make judgments about matters that are inherently uncertain.

Revenue Recognition

Revenue is recognized on an accrual basis, primarily upon the shipment of products and the rendering of services.  Revenue from certain fixed price contracts for which costs can be dependably estimated is recognized on the percentage-of-completion method, measured by the percentage of costs incurred to date to estimated total costs for each contract.  This method is used because management considers costs incurred to be the best available measure of progress on these contracts.  Variations in actual labor performance, changes to estimated profitability and final contract settlements may result in revisions to cost estimates.  Revisions in cost estimates as contracts progress have the effect of increasing or decreasing profits in the period of revision.  Provisions for estimated losses on uncompleted contracts are made in the period in which such losses are determined.  For fixed price contracts in which costs cannot be dependably estimated, revenue is recognized on the completed-contract method.  A contract is considered complete when all significant costs have been incurred or the item has been accepted by the customer.  The percentage of our net sales recognized under the percentage-of-completion method was approximately 1%, 3% and 3% in fiscal 2009, 2008 and 2007, respectively.  The aggregate effects of

changes in estimates relating to long-term contracts did not have a significant effect on net income or diluted net income per share in fiscal 2009, 2008 or 2007.

Valuation of Accounts Receivable

The valuation of accounts receivable requires that we set up an allowance for estimated uncollectible accounts and record a corresponding charge to bad debt expense.  We estimate uncollectible receivables based on such factors as our prior experience, our appraisal of a customer's ability to pay and economic conditions within and outside of the aviation, defense, space, medical, telecommunication and electronic industries.  Actual bad debt expense could differ from estimates made.

Valuation of Inventory

Inventory is stated at the lower of cost or market, with cost being determined on the first-in, first-out or the average cost basis.  Losses, if any, are recognized fully in the period when identified.

We periodically evaluate the carrying value of inventory, giving consideration to factors such as its physical condition, sales patterns and expected future demand in order to estimate the amount necessary to write-down its slow moving, obsolete or damaged inventory.  These estimates could vary significantly from actual amounts based upon future economic conditions, customer inventory levels, or competitive factors that were not foreseen or did not exist when the estimated write-downs were made.

Purchase Accounting

We apply the purchase method of accounting to our acquisitions.  Under this method, the purchase price, including any capitalized acquisition costs, is allocated to the underlying tangible and identifiable intangible assets acquired and liabilities assumed based on their estimated fair market values, with any excess recorded as goodwill.  Determining the fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed requires management's judgment and often involves the use of significant estimates and assumptions, including assumptions with respect to future cash inflows and outflows, discount rates, asset lives and market multiples, among other items.  We determine the fair values of such assets, principally intangible assets, generally in consultation with third-party valuation advisors.

Valuation of Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets

We test goodwill for impairment annually as of October 31, or more frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of goodwill may not be fully recoverable.  The test requires us to compare the fair value of each of our reporting units to its carrying value to determine potential impairment.  If the carrying value of a reporting unit exceeds its fair value, the implied fair value of that reporting unit's goodwill is to be calculated and an impairment loss is recognized in the amount by which the carrying value of a reporting unit's goodwill exceeds its implied fair value, if any.  The determination of fair value requires us to make a number of estimates, assumptions and judgments of such factors as earnings multiples, projected revenues and operating expenses and our weighted average cost of capital.  If there is a material change in such assumptions used by us in determining fair value or if there is a material change in the conditions or circumstances influencing fair value, we could be required to recognize a material impairment charge.  See Item 1.A., Risk Factors, for a list of factors of which any may cause our actual results to differ materially from anticipated results.  Based on the annual goodwill test for impairment as of October 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007, we determined there is no impairment of our goodwill.

We test each non-amortizing intangible asset for impairment annually as of October 31, or more frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate that the asset might be impaired.  We also test each amortizing intangible asset for impairment if events or circumstances indicate that the asset might be impaired.  These tests consist of determining whether the carrying value of such assets will be recovered through undiscounted expected future cash flows.  If the total of the undiscounted future cash flows is less than the carrying amount of those assets, we recognize an impairment loss based on the excess of the carrying amount over the fair value of the assets.  The determination of fair value requires us to make a number of estimates, assumptions and judgments of such factors as projected revenues and earnings and discount rates.  Based on the impairment tests conducted during fiscal 2009 and 2008, we recognized pre-tax impairment losses of $.2 million and $.1 million, respectively, and $1.3 million and $.5 million, respectively, related to the write-down of certain customer relationships and trade names, respectively, within the ETG to their estimated fair values.  The impairment losses were recorded as a component of selling, general and administrative expenses in the Company's Consolidated Statements of Operations.  Based on the impairment tests conducted during fiscal 2007, we determined there was no impairment of our intangible assets.

Results of Operations

The following table sets forth the results of our operations, net sales and operating income by segment and the percentage of net sales represented by the respective items in our Consolidated Statements of Operations:

Comparison of Fiscal 2009 to Fiscal 2008

Net Sales

Net sales in fiscal 2009 decreased by 7.6% to $538.3 million compared to net sales of $582.3 million in fiscal 2008.  The decrease in net sales reflects a decrease of $41.4 million (a 9.5% decrease) to $395.4 million in net sales within the FSG and a decrease of $2.7 million (a 1.8% decrease) to $143.4 million in net sales within the ETG.  The net sales decline in both the FSG and the ETG reflects the impact of the continued global recession on our businesses, which has resulted in a reduction in customer demand.  The net sales decrease within the FSG reflects lower demand for our aftermarket replacement parts and repair and overhaul services resulting from worldwide airline capacity cuts and efforts to reduce spending and conserve cash by the airline industry.  Within the ETG, we are generally seeing some strength in our defense related businesses, including space and homeland security products, but continued weakness in customer demand for certain of our medical, telecommunication and electronic products.  The net sales decline in the ETG was partially offset by the favorable impact on net sales from acquisitions of approximately $17 million.

Our net sales in fiscal 2009 and 2008 by market approximated 68% and 69%, respectively, from the commercial aviation industry, 20% and 16%, respectively, from the defense and space industries, and 12% and 15%, respectively, from other industrial markets including medical, electronics and telecommunications.

Gross Profit and Operating Expenses

Our consolidated gross profit margin decreased to 33.6% in fiscal 2009 as compared to 36.1% in fiscal 2008, mainly reflecting lower margins within the FSG due principally to a less favorable product mix as well as the impact of lower sales volumes on fixed manufacturing costs and a higher investment by HEICO in the research and development of new products and services.  Consolidated cost of sales in fiscal 2009 and 2008 includes approximately $19.7 million and $18.4 million, respectively, of new product research and development expenses.

SG&A expenses were $92.8 million and $104.7 million in fiscal 2009 and 2008, respectively.  The decrease in SG&A expenses was mainly due to lower operating costs, principally personnel related, associated with cost reduction initiatives and the decline in net sales discussed above, partially offset by the additional operating costs associated with the acquired businesses.  These cost reductions resulted in a decrease of SG&A expenses as a percentage of net sales from 18.0% in fiscal 2008 to 17.2% in fiscal 2009.

Operating Income

Operating income in fiscal 2009 decreased by 16.6% to $88.3 million, compared to operating income of $105.8 million in fiscal 2008.  The decrease in operating income reflects a decrease of $21.2 million (a 26.1% decrease) to $60.0 million in operating income of the FSG in fiscal 2009, partially offset by an increase of $1.2 million (a 3.1% increase) to $40.0 million in operating income of the ETG in fiscal 2009 and a $2.4 million decrease in corporate expenses.

As a percentage of net sales, operating income decreased to 16.4% in fiscal 2009 compared to 18.2% in fiscal 2008.  The decrease in operating income as a percentage of net sales reflects a decrease in the FSG's operating income as a percentage of net sales to 15.2% in fiscal 2009 compared to 18.6% in fiscal 2008, partially offset by an increase in the ETG's operating income as a percentage of net sales from 26.6% in fiscal 2008 to 27.9% in fiscal 2009.  The decrease in operating income as a percentage of

net sales for the FSG principally reflects the aforementioned impact of the lower sales volume and a less favorable product mix on gross profit and operating income margins.  The increase in operating income as a percentage of net sales for the ETG principally reflects a favorable product mix.

Interest Expense

Interest expense decreased to $.6 million in fiscal 2009 from $2.3 million in fiscal 2008.  The decrease was principally due to lower variable interest rates under our revolving credit facility in 2009.

Other Income (Expense)

Other income (expense) in fiscal 2009 and 2008 were not material.

Income Tax Expense

Our effective tax rate for fiscal 2009 decreased to 31.9% from 34.5% in fiscal 2008.  The decrease was principally related to a settlement reached with the Internal Revenue Service ("IRS") during fiscal 2009.  The IRS settlement pertained to the income tax credits claimed on HEICO's U.S. federal filings for qualified research and development activities incurred for fiscal years 2002 through 2005 and a resulting reduction to the related reserve for fiscal years 2002 through 2008 based on new information obtained during the examination, which increased net income by approximately $1,225,000, or $.05 per diluted share, for fiscal 2009.

For a detailed analysis of the provision for income taxes, see Note 6, Income Taxes, of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

Minority Interests' Share of Income

Minority interests' share of income of consolidated subsidiaries relates to the 20% minority interest held in the FSG and the minority interests held in certain subsidiaries of the FSG and the ETG.  Minority interests' share of income decreased to $15.2 million in fiscal 2009 from $18.9 million in fiscal 2008.  The decrease in the minority interests' share of income for fiscal 2009 compared to fiscal 2008 is principally attributable to the acquired additional equity interests of certain FSG subsidiaries in which minority interests exist as well as the lower earnings of the FSG, partially offset by the higher earnings of certain ETG subsidiaries in which minority interests exist and the mid-year acquisition of an 82.5% interest in VPT.

Net Income

Our net income was $44.6 million, or $1.65 per diluted share, in fiscal 2009 compared to $48.5 million, or $1.78 per diluted share, in fiscal 2008 reflecting the decreased operating income referenced above, partially offset by the aforementioned favorable IRS settlement, the decreased minority interests' share of income of certain consolidated subsidiaries and lower interest expense.

Outlook

As we look forward to fiscal 2010, HEICO will continue its focus on developing new products and services, further market penetration, additional acquisition opportunities and maintaining its financial strength.  We are targeting growth in net sales, earnings and net cash provided by operating activities in fiscal 2010 over fiscal 2009 results despite the uncertainty as to the duration of the global economic recession.

Comparison of Fiscal 2008 to Fiscal 2007

Net Sales

Net sales in fiscal 2008 increased by 14.7% to $582.3 million, as compared to net sales of $507.9 million in fiscal 2007.  The increase in net sales reflects an increase of $52.9 million (a 13.8% increase) to $436.8 million in net sales within the FSG and an increase of $22.0 million (a 17.7% increase) to $146.0 million in net sales within the ETG.  The FSG's net sales increase reflects organic growth of approximately 10% as well as the impact on net sales from the fiscal 2008 acquisitions.  The organic growth principally represents higher sales of new products and services and increased demand for the FSG's aftermarket replacement parts and repair and overhaul services.  The ETG's net sales increase reflects the impact on net sales from prior year acquisitions as well as organic growth of approximately 9% principally due to increased demand for certain products.

Our net sales in both fiscal 2008 and 2007 by market approximated 69% from the commercial aviation industry, 16% from the defense and space industries and 15% from other industrial markets including medical, electronics and telecommunications.

Gross Profit and Operating Expenses

Our gross profit margin increased to 36.1% in fiscal 2008 as compared to 34.9% in fiscal 2007, principally reflecting higher margins within the FSG and the ETG primarily due to a more favorable product mix.  Consolidated cost of sales in fiscal 2008 and 2007 includes approximately $18.4 million and $16.5 million, respectively, of new product research and development expenses.

SG&A expenses were $104.7 million and $91.4 million in fiscal 2008 and 2007, respectively.  The increase in SG&A expenses was mainly due to higher operating costs, principally personnel related, associated with the growth in net sales discussed above and the additional operating costs associated with the acquired businesses.  As a percentage of net sales, SG&A expenses were 18.0% in fiscal 2008 and 2007.

Operating Income

Operating income in fiscal 2008 increased by 23.0% to $105.8 million, compared to operating income of $86.0 million in fiscal 2007.  The increase in operating income reflects an increase of $13.8 million (a 20.4% increase) to $81.2 million in operating income of the FSG in fiscal 2008, an increase of $4.9 million (a 14.5% increase) to $38.8 million in operating income of the ETG in fiscal 2008 and a $1.1 million decrease in corporate expenses.

As a percentage of net sales, operating income increased to 18.2% in fiscal 2008 compared to 16.9% in fiscal 2007.  The increase in operating income as a percentage of net sales reflects an increase in the FSG's operating income as a percentage of net sales to 18.6% in fiscal 2008 compared to 17.6% in fiscal 2007, partially offset by a decrease in the ETG's operating income as a percentage of net sales from 27.3% in fiscal 2007 to 26.6% in fiscal 2008.  The increase in the FSG's operating income as a percentage of net sales principally reflects the aforementioned increased gross profit margins.  The decrease in the ETG's operating income as a percentage of net sales principally reflects an aggregate of $1.8 million in impairment losses related to the write-down of certain intangible assets to their estimated fair values recognized in fiscal 2008.

Interest Expense

Interest expense decreased to $2.3 million in fiscal 2008 from $3.3 million in fiscal 2007. The decrease was principally due to lower interest rates.

Other Income (Expense)

Other income (expense) in fiscal 2008 and 2007 were not material.

Income Tax Expense

Our effective tax rate for fiscal 2008 increased to 34.5% from 33.2% in fiscal 2007.  The increase was principally related to the December 2006 retroactive extension for the two year period covering January 1, 2006 to December 31, 2007 of Section 41, "Credit for Increasing Research Activities," of the Internal Revenue Code.  As a result of this retroactive extension, we recognized an income tax credit for qualified research and development activities for the full fiscal 2006 year in fiscal 2007, which increased net income, net of expenses, by approximately $.5 million.

For a detailed analysis of the provision for income taxes, see Note 6, Income Taxes, of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

Minority Interests' Share of Income

Minority interests' share of income of consolidated subsidiaries relates to the 20% minority interests held in the FSG and the minority interests held in certain subsidiaries of the FSG and the ETG.  Minority interests' share of income increased to $18.9 million in fiscal 2008 from $16.3 million in fiscal 2007.  The increase in the minority interests' share of income in fiscal 2008 compared to fiscal 2007 was attributable to the higher earnings of the FSG and certain ETG subsidiaries in which the minority interests exist.

Net Income

Our net income was $48.5 million, or $1.78 per diluted share, in fiscal 2008 compared to $39.0 million, or $1.45 per diluted share, in fiscal 2007 reflecting the increased operating income referenced above, partially offset by the increased minority interests' share of certain consolidated subsidiaries.

Inflation

Liquidity and Capital Resources

Our capitalization was as follows:

In addition to cash and cash equivalents of $7.2 million, we had approximately $243 million of unused availability under the terms of our revolving credit facility as of October 31, 2009.  Our principal uses of cash include acquisitions, payments of principal and interest on debt, capital expenditures, cash dividends and increases in working capital.  We finance our activities primarily from our operating activities and financing activities, including borrowings under short-term and long-term credit agreements.

Based on our current outlook, we believe that our net cash provided by operating activities and available borrowings under our revolving credit facility will be sufficient to fund cash requirements for the foreseeable future.

Operating Activities

Net cash provided by operating activities was $75.8 million for fiscal 2009, principally reflecting net income of $44.6 million, minority interests' share of income of $15.2 million, depreciation and amortization of $15.0 million, a tax benefit related to stock option exercises of $1.9 million, and a decrease in net operating assets of $2.5 million, partially offset by the presentation of $1.6 million of excess tax benefit from stock option exercises as a financing activity and a deferred income tax benefit of $2.7 million.  The decrease in net operating assets (current assets used in operating activities net of current liabilities) primarily reflects a decrease in accounts receivable due to the timing of cash collections and lower net sales, partially offset by a decrease in accrued expenses, including employee compensation, customer rebates and credits and additional accrued purchase consideration since October 31, 2008.

Net cash provided by operating activities was $57.5 million for fiscal 2007, principally reflecting net income of $39.0 million, minority interests' share of income of $16.3 million, depreciation and amortization of $12.2 million, a tax benefit related to stock option exercises of $6.9 million, and a deferred income tax provision of $2.8 million, partially offset by an increase in net operating assets of

$16.0 million and the presentation of $5.3 million of excess tax benefit from stock option exercises as a financing activity.  The increase in net operating assets primarily reflects a higher investment in inventories by the FSG required to meet increased sales demand associated with new product offerings, sales growth, improved product delivery times, and higher prices of certain raw materials; and an increase in accounts receivable due to sales growth; partially offset by higher current liabilities associated with increased sales and purchases and higher accrued employee compensation and related payroll taxes.

Investing Activities

Net cash used in investing activities during the three-year fiscal period ended October 31, 2009 primarily relates to several acquisitions, including payments of additional contingent purchase consideration and the acquisitions of certain minority interests, totaling $148.5 million, including $71.1 million in fiscal 2009, $29.0 million in fiscal 2008 and $48.4 million in fiscal 2007.  Further details on acquisitions may be found at the beginning of this Item 7 under the caption "Overview" and Note 2, Acquisitions, of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.  Capital expenditures aggregated $36.6 million over the last three fiscal years, primarily reflecting the expansion of existing production facilities and capabilities, which were generally funded using cash provided by operating activities.

Financing Activities

During the three-year fiscal period ended October 31, 2009, the Company borrowed an aggregate $187.0 million under its revolving credit facility principally to fund acquisitions and for working capital needs, including $91.0 million in fiscal 2009, $50.0 million in fiscal 2008 and $46.0 million in fiscal 2007. Further details on acquisitions may be found at the beginning of this Item under the caption "Overview" and Note 2, Acquisitions, of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.  Repayments on the revolving credit facility aggregated $185.0 million over the last three fiscal years, including $73.0 million in fiscal 2009, $66.0 million in fiscal 2008 and $46.0 million in fiscal 2007.  For the three-year fiscal period ended October 31, 2009, we made distributions to minority interest owners aggregating $23.5 million, made repurchases of our common stock aggregating $8.1 million, paid cash dividends aggregating $7.8 million, and paid the matured industrial development revenue bonds aggregating $2.0 million.  For the three-year fiscal period ended October 31, 2009, we received proceeds from stock option exercises aggregating $10.5 million.  Net cash provided by financing activities also includes the presentation of $1.6 million, $4.3 million and $5.3 million of excess tax benefit from stock option exercises in fiscal 2009, 2008 and 2007, respectively.

In May 2008, we amended our revolving credit facility by entering into a $300 million Second Amended and Restated Revolving Credit Agreement ("Credit Facility") with a bank syndicate, which matures in May 2013.  Under certain circumstances, the maturity may be extended for two one-year periods.  The Credit Facility also includes a feature that will allow us to increase the Credit Facility, at its option, up to $500 million through increased commitments from existing lenders or the addition of new lenders.  The Credit Facility may be used for working capital and general corporate needs of the company, including letters of credit, capital expenditures and to finance acquisitions.  Advances under the Credit Facility accrue interest at our choice of the "Base Rate" or the London Interbank Offered Rate ("LIBOR") plus applicable margins (based on our ratio of total funded debt to earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization, minority interest and non-cash charges, or "leverage ratio").  The Base Rate is the higher of (i) the Prime Rate or (ii) the Federal Funds rate plus .50%.  The applicable margins for LIBOR-based borrowings range from .625% to 2.25%.  A fee is charged on the amount of the unused commitment ranging from .125% to .35% (depending on our leverage ratio).  The Credit Facility also includes a $50 million sublimit for borrowings made in euros, a $30 million sublimit for letters of credit and a $20 million swingline sublimit.  The Credit Facility is unsecured and contains covenants that require, among other things, the maintenance of the leverage ratio, a senior leverage ratio and a fixed

charge coverage ratio.  In the event our leverage ratio exceeds a specified level, the Credit Facility would become secured by the capital stock owned in substantially all of our subsidiaries.  As of October 31, 2009, our leverage ratio was significantly below such specified level.  See Note 5, Short-Term and Long-Term Debt, of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for further information regarding the revolving credit facility.

Contractual Obligations

The following table summarizes our contractual obligations as of October 31, 2009:

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

Guarantees

We have arranged for a standby letter of credit for $1.5 million, which is supported by our revolving credit facility, to meet the security requirement of our insurance company for potential workers' compensation claims.  As of October 31, 2009, one of our subsidiaries has guaranteed its performance related to a customer contract through a letter of credit for $.4 million, expiring May 2010, which is supported by our revolving credit facility.  The subsidiary is also a beneficiary of a letter of credit related to the same contract.

Acquisitions – Put/Call Rights

As part of the agreement to acquire an 80% interest in a subsidiary by the ETG in fiscal 2004, the minority interest holders currently have the right to cause us to purchase their interests over a five-year period and we have the right to purchase the minority interests over a five-year period beginning in fiscal 2015, or sooner under certain conditions.

Pursuant to the purchase agreement related to the acquisition of a 51% interest in a subsidiary by the FSG in fiscal 2006, the minority interest holders exercised their option during fiscal 2008 to cause us to purchase an aggregate 28% interest over a four-year period ending in fiscal 2011.  Accordingly, we

increased our ownership interest in the subsidiary by 7% (or one-fourth of such minority interest holders' aggregate interest) to 58% effective April 2008.  We and the minority interest holders agreed to accelerate the purchase of 14% of these equity interests (7% from April 2009 and 7% from April 2010), which increased our ownership interest to 72% effective December 2008.  The remaining 7% interest is scheduled to be purchased in April 2011.  Further, we have the right to purchase the remaining 21% of the equity interests of the subsidiary over a three-year period beginning in fiscal 2012, or sooner under certain conditions, and the minority interest holders have the right to cause us to purchase the same equity interests over the same period.

As part of the agreement to acquire an 80% interest in a subsidiary by the FSG in fiscal 2006, we have the right to purchase the minority interests over a four-year period beginning in fiscal 2014, or sooner under certain conditions, and the minority interest holders have the right to cause us to purchase the same equity interest over the same period.

As part of an agreement to acquire an 80% interest in a subsidiary by the FSG in fiscal 2008, we have the right to purchase the minority interests over a five-year period beginning in fiscal 2014, or sooner under certain conditions, and the minority interest holders have the right to cause us to purchase the same equity interest over the same period.

As part of an agreement to acquire an 82.5% interest in a subsidiary by the ETG in fiscal 2009, we have the right to purchase the minority interests beginning in fiscal 2014, or sooner under certain conditions, and the minority interest holder has the right to cause us to purchase the same equity interests over the same period.

The above referenced rights of the minority interest holders ("Put Rights") may be exercised on varying dates causing us to purchase their equity interests beginning in fiscal 2010 through fiscal 2018.  The Put Rights, all of which relate either to common shares or membership interests in limited liability companies, provide that the cash consideration to be paid for the minority interests ("Redemption Amount") be at a formula that management intended to reasonably approximate fair value, as defined in the applicable agreements based on a multiple of future earnings over a measurement period.  As described in Note 1, Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, we are required to adopt new guidance regarding the accounting for our Put Rights (known as "redeemable noncontrolling interests") effective as of the beginning of fiscal 2010.  Effective November 1, 2009, we will adjust our redeemable noncontrolling interests to the higher of their carrying cost or management's estimate of the Redemption Amount with a corresponding charge to retained earnings and classify such interests outside of permanent equity in our Consolidated Balance Sheets.  Under this guidance, subsequent adjustments to the carrying amount of redeemable noncontrolling interests (the Redemption Amount) based on fair value will be recorded to retained earnings and have no effect on net income per diluted share.  Subsequent adjustments to the carrying amount of redeemable noncontrolling interests based solely on a multiple of future earnings that reflect a redemption in excess of fair value will be recorded to retained earnings and will be reflected in net income per diluted share under the two-class method.  As of October 31, 2009, management's estimate of the aggregate Redemption Amount of all Put Rights that we would be required to pay is approximately $57 million.  The actual Redemption Amount will likely be different.  The portion of the estimated Redemption Amount as of October 31, 2009 redeemable at fair value is $25 million and the portion redeemable based solely on a multiple of future earnings is $32 million.

Acquisitions – Additional Contingent Purchase Consideration

As part of the agreement to purchase a subsidiary by the ETG in fiscal 2005, we may be obligated to pay additional purchase consideration currently estimated to be $.9 million should the subsidiary meet certain product line-related earnings objectives during calendar year 2009.

As part of the agreement to acquire a subsidiary by the ETG in fiscal 2007, we may be obligated to pay additional purchase consideration up to 73 million Canadian dollars in aggregate, which translates to approximately $68 million U.S. dollars based on the October 31, 2009 exchange rate, should the subsidiary meet certain earnings objectives through fiscal 2012.

As part of the agreement to acquire a subsidiary by the FSG in fiscal 2008, we may be obligated to pay additional purchase consideration of up to approximately $.4 million should the subsidiary meet certain earnings objectives during fiscal 2010, 2011 and 2012.

As part of the agreement to acquire a subsidiary by the ETG in fiscal 2009, we may be obligated to pay additional purchase consideration of up to approximately $1.3 million in fiscal 2010, $1.3 million in fiscal 2011 and $10.1 million in fiscal 2012 should the subsidiary meet certain earnings objectives during each of the first three years following the acquisition.

As part of the agreement to acquire a subsidiary by the ETG in fiscal 2009, we may be obligated to pay additional purchase consideration of up to approximately $11.7 million should the subsidiary meet certain earnings objectives during the first two years following the acquisition.

The above referenced additional contingent purchase consideration will be accrued when the earnings objectives are met. Such additional contingent consideration is based on a multiple of earnings above a threshold (subject to a cap in certain cases) and is not contingent upon the former shareholders of the acquired entities remaining employed by us or providing future services to us.  Accordingly, such consideration will be recorded as an additional cost of the respective acquired entity when paid.

For additional information on the aforementioned acquisitions see Note 2, Acquisitions, of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

New Accounting Pronouncements

In September 2006, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued new guidance which defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value, and requires expanded disclosures about fair value measurements.  In February 2008, the FASB issued additional guidance which delays the effective date by one year for nonfinancial assets and liabilities, except those recognized or disclosed at fair value in the financial statements on a recurring basis. We adopted all required portions of the new guidance effective November 1, 2008.  The adoption did not have a material effect on our results of operations, financial position or cash flows. See Note 7, Fair Value Measurements, of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, which provides information about the extent to which fair value is used to measure assets and liabilities and the methods and assumptions used to measure fair value.  We will adopt the portions of the new guidance that were delayed at the beginning of fiscal 2010, and we are currently in the process of evaluating the effect such adoption will have on our results of operations, financial position and cash flows.

In February 2007, the FASB issued new guidance that permits entities to choose to measure certain financial assets and liabilities at fair value that are not currently required to be measured at fair value, and report unrealized gains and losses on items for which the fair value option has been elected in earnings.  We adopted this guidance effective November 1, 2008 and have not elected to measure any financial assets and financial liabilities at fair value that were not previously required to be measured at fair value.  Accordingly, the adoption of the new guidance did not impact our results of operations, financial position or cash flows.

In December 2007, the FASB issued new guidance on business combinations that retains the fundamental requirements of previous guidance that the acquisition method of accounting (formerly the "purchase accounting" method) be used for all business combinations and for an acquirer to be identified for each business combination.  However, the new guidance changes the approach of applying the acquisition method in a number of significant areas, including that acquisition costs will generally be expensed as incurred; noncontrolling interests will be valued at fair value at the acquisition date; in-process research and development will be recorded at fair value as an indefinite-lived intangible asset at the acquisition date; restructuring costs associated with a business combination will generally be expensed subsequent to the acquisition date; and changes in deferred tax asset valuation allowances and income tax uncertainties after the acquisition date generally will affect income tax expense.  The new guidance is effective on a prospective basis for all business combinations for which the acquisition date is on or after the beginning of the first fiscal year beginning on or after December 15, 2008, or in fiscal 2010 for us.  We will apply this new guidance for all business combinations consummated on or after November 1, 2009.

In December 2007, the FASB issued new guidance that requires the recognition of certain noncontrolling interests (previously referred to as minority interests) as a separate component within equity in the consolidated balance sheet. It also requires the amount of consolidated net income attributable to the parent and the noncontrolling interest be clearly identified and presented within the consolidated statement of operations.  The new guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning on or after December 15, 2008, or in fiscal 2010 for us.  The adoption of this new guidance will affect the presentation of noncontrolling interests in our results of operations, financial position and cash flows.

In March 2008, the FASB Emerging Issues Task Force ("EITF") made certain revisions to the guidance on the financial statement classification and measurement of redeemable noncontrolling interests which are required to be applied no later than the effective date of the above referenced guidance for noncontrolling interests, or in fiscal 2010 for us.  As further detailed in Note 15, Commitments and Contingencies, of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, the holders of interests in certain of our subsidiaries have rights ("Put Rights") that require us to provide cash consideration for their equity interests (the "Redemption Amount") at fair value or at a formula that management intended to reasonably approximate fair value, as defined in the applicable agreements based solely on a multiple of future earnings over a measurement period.  The Put Rights are embedded in the shares owned by the noncontrolling interest holders and are not freestanding.  Historically, we have recorded such redeemable noncontrolling interests at historical cost plus an allocation of subsidiary earnings based on ownership interests, less dividends paid to the noncontrolling interest holders.  Effective November 1, 2009, we will adjust our redeemable noncontrolling interests to the higher of their carrying cost or management's estimate of the Redemption Amount with a corresponding charge to retained earnings and classify such interests outside of permanent equity.  Under this guidance, subsequent adjustments to the carrying amount of redeemable noncontrolling interests (the Redemption Amount) based on fair value will be recorded to retained earnings and have no effect on net income per diluted share.  Subsequent adjustments to the carrying amount of redeemable noncontrolling interests based solely on a multiple of future earnings that reflect a redemption in excess of fair value will be recorded to retained earnings and will be reflected in net income per diluted share under the two-class method.  If both the guidance on noncontrolling interests and redeemable noncontrolling interests was effective as of October 31, 2009, we would have reclassified approximately $78 million from minority interests in consolidated subsidiaries to permanent equity for non-redeemable noncontrolling interests and recorded an approximately $45 million increase to minority interests in consolidated subsidiaries (to be renamed as "redeemable noncontrolling interests") with a corresponding decrease to retained earnings in our Consolidated Balance Sheets.  The resulting $57 million of redeemable noncontrolling interests represents management's estimate of the aggregate Redemption Amount of all Put Rights that the Company would be required to pay of which approximately $25 million

is redeemable at fair value and approximately $32 million is redeemable based solely on a multiple of future earnings.  The actual Redemption Amount will likely be different.

In March 2008, the FASB issued new guidance that expands the disclosure requirements about an entity's derivative instruments and hedging activities.  It requires enhanced disclosures about (i) how and why an entity uses derivative instruments; (ii) how derivative instruments and related hedged items are accounted for; and (iii) how derivative instruments and related hedged items affect an entity's financial position, financial performance and cash flows. We adopted the new guidance effective February 1, 2009.  The new guidance affects financial statement disclosures only, and we will make the required additional disclosures in reporting periods for which we use derivative instruments.

In May 2008, the FASB issued new guidance that identifies the sources of accounting principles and the framework for selecting the principles used in the preparation of financial statements that are presented in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles.  The new guidance became effective November 15, 2008.  The adoption of the new guidance did not have a material effect on our results of operations, financial position or cash flows.

In May 2009, the FASB issued new guidance on subsequent events that establishes general standards of accounting for and disclosure of events that occur after the balance sheet date but before financial statements are issued.  The new guidance requires the disclosure of the date through which an entity has evaluated subsequent events, which is through the date the financial statements are issued for a public entity such as ours.  We adopted the new guidance in the third quarter of fiscal 2009.  The adoption of the new guidance did not impact our results of operations, financial position or cash flows.

In June 2009, the FASB issued new guidance that establishes the FASB Accounting Standards Codification TM as the source of authoritative accounting principles recognized by the FASB to be applied by nongovernmental entities in the preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP").  We adopted the new guidance in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2009.  The new guidance is not intended to change GAAP, therefore the adoption of the new guidance did not impact our results of operations, financial position or cash flows.

Forward Looking Statements

Certain statements in this report constitute "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.  All statements contained herein that are not clearly historical in nature may be forward-looking and the words "anticipate," "believe," "expect," "estimate" and similar expressions are generally intended to identify forward-looking statements.  Any forward-looking statements contained herein, in press releases, written statements or other documents filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission or in communications and discussions with investors and analysts in the normal course of business through meetings, phone calls and conference calls, concerning our operations, economic performance and financial condition are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and contingencies.  We have based these forward-looking statements on our current expectations and projections about future events.  All forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond our control, which may cause actual results, performance or achievements to differ materially from anticipated results, performance or achievements.  Also, forward-looking statements are based upon management's estimates of fair values and of future costs, using currently available information.  Therefore, actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied in those statements. Factors that could cause such differences include, but are not limited to:

For further information on these and other factors that potentially could materially affect our financial results, see Item 1A, Risk Factors.  We undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

Item 7A.    QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

The primary market risk to which we have exposure is interest rate risk, mainly related to our revolving credit facility, which has variable interest rates.  Interest rate risk associated with our variable rate debt is the potential increase in interest expense from an increase in interest rates.  Periodically, we enter into interest rate swap agreements to manage our interest expense.  We did not have any interest rate swap agreements in effect as of October 31, 2009.  Based on our aggregate outstanding variable rate debt balance of $55 million as of October 31, 2009, a hypothetical 10% increase in interest rates would not have a material effect on our results of operations, financial position or cash flows.

We maintain a portion of our cash and cash equivalents in financial instruments with original maturities of three months or less.  These financial instruments are subject to interest rate risk and will decline in value if interest rates increase.  Due to the short duration of these financial instruments, a hypothetical 10% increase in interest rates as of October 31, 2009 would not have a material effect on our results of operations, financial position or cash flows.

We are also exposed to foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations on the United States dollar value of our foreign currency denominated transactions, which are principally in Canadian dollar and British pound sterling.  During fiscal 2008, we entered into a one year foreign currency forward contract to mitigate a portion of foreign exchange risk at one of our foreign subsidiaries for transactions denominated in a currency other than its functional currency.  The impact of this forward contract did not have a material effect on our results of operations, financial position or cash flows.  A hypothetical 10% weakening in the exchange rate of the Canadian dollar or British pound sterling to the United States dollar as of October 31, 2009 would not have a material effect on our results of operations, financial position or cash flows.

HEICO CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

INDEX TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

To the Board of Directors and Shareholders of

HEICO Corporation

Hollywood, Florida

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of HEICO Corporation and subsidiaries (the "Company") as of October 31, 2009 and 2008, and the related consolidated statements of operations, shareholders' equity and comprehensive income, and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended October 31, 2009.  Our audits also included the financial statement schedule listed in the Index at Item 15.  We also have audited the Company's internal control over financial reporting as of October 31, 2009, based on criteria established in Internal Control-Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission.  The Company's management is responsible for these financial statements and the financial statement schedule, 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 these financial statements and the financial statement schedule and an opinion on the Company's internal control over financial reporting based on our audits.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States).  Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement and whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects.  Our audits of the financial statements included examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, and evaluating the overall financial statement presentation.  Our audit of internal control over financial reporting included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk.  Our audits also included performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances.  We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinions.

A company's internal control over financial reporting is a process designed by, or under the supervision of, the company's principal executive and principal financial officers, or persons performing similar functions, and effected by the company's board of directors, management, and other personnel 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 the inherent limitations of internal control over financial reporting, including the possibility of collusion or improper management override of controls, material misstatements due to error or fraud may not be prevented or detected on a timely basis.  Also, projections of any evaluation of the effectiveness of the internal control over financial reporting to future periods are subject to the risk that the controls may

become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of HEICO Corporation and subsidiaries as of October 31, 2009 and 2008, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended October 31, 2009, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.  Also, in our opinion, such financial statement schedule, when considered in relation to the basic consolidated financial statements taken as a whole, presents fairly, in all material respects, the information set forth therein.  Also, in our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of October 31, 2009, based on the criteria established in Internal Control-Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission.

DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP

Certified Public Accountants

Miami, Florida

December 23, 2009

HEICO CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

HEICO CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

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

HEICO CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

HEICO CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

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

HEICO CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

1.      SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Nature of Business

HEICO Corporation, through its principal subsidiaries HEICO Aerospace Holdings Corp. ("HEICO Aerospace") and HEICO Electronic Technologies Corp. ("HEICO Electronic") and their subsidiaries (collectively, the "Company"), is principally engaged in the design, manufacture and sale of aerospace, defense and electronics related products and services throughout the United States and internationally.  The Company's customer base is primarily the commercial aviation, defense, space, medical, telecommunication and electronic industries.

Basis of Presentation

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of HEICO Corporation and its subsidiaries, all of which are wholly-owned except for HEICO Aerospace, which is 20%-owned by Lufthansa Technik AG, the technical services subsidiary of Lufthansa German Airlines.  In addition, HEICO Aerospace consolidates a 72%-owned subsidiary, two 80%-owned subsidiaries, and a joint venture formed in March 2001, which is 16%-owned by American Airlines' parent company, AMR Corporation.  Also, HEICO Electronic consolidates three subsidiaries, which are 80%, 89.9% and 82.5% owned, respectively.  (See Note 2, Acquisitions.)  All significant intercompany balances and transactions are eliminated.  The consolidated financial statements reflect management's evaluation of subsequent events through December 23, 2009, the date of issuance of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Use of Estimates and Assumptions

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 as of 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 and Cash Equivalents

For purposes of the consolidated financial statements, the Company considers all highly liquid investments such as U.S. Treasury bills and money market funds with an original maturity of three months or less to be cash equivalents.

Accounts Receivable

Accounts receivable consist of amounts billed and currently due from customers and unbilled costs and estimated earnings related to revenue from certain fixed price contracts recognized on the percentage-of-completion method that have been recognized for accounting purposes, but not yet billed to customers.  The valuation of accounts receivable requires that the Company set up an allowance for estimated uncollectible accounts and record a corresponding charge to bad debt expense.  The Company estimates uncollectible receivables based on such factors as its prior experience, its appraisal of a customer's ability to pay, age of receivables outstanding and economic conditions within and outside of the aviation, defense, space and electronics industries.

Inventory

Inventory is stated at the lower of cost or market, with cost being determined on the first-in, first-out or the average cost basis.  Losses, if any, are recognized fully in the period when identified.

The Company periodically evaluates the carrying value of inventory, giving consideration to factors such as its physical condition, sales patterns and expected future demand in order to estimate the amount necessary to write-down its slow moving, obsolete or damaged inventory.  These estimates could vary significantly from actual amounts based upon future economic conditions, customer inventory levels or competitive factors that were not foreseen or did not exist when the estimated write-downs were made.

Property, Plant and Equipment

Property, plant and equipment is recorded at cost.  Depreciation and amortization is generally provided on the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the various assets.  The Company's property, plant and equipment is depreciated over the following estimated useful lives:

The costs of major additions and improvements are capitalized.  Leasehold improvements are amortized over the shorter of the leasehold improvement's useful life or the lease term.  Repairs and maintenance are expensed as incurred.  Upon disposition, the cost and related accumulated depreciation are removed from the accounts and any resulting gain or loss is reflected in earnings.

Business Combinations

The Company applies the purchase method of accounting to its acquisitions.  Under this method, acquired businesses are included in the consolidated financial statements from the date of acquisition.  The purchase price, including any capitalized acquisition costs, is allocated to the underlying tangible and identifiable intangible assets and liabilities acquired based on their estimated fair market values, with any excess recorded as goodwill.

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets

The Company tests goodwill for impairment annually as of October 31, or more frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of goodwill may not be fully recoverable.  The test requires the Company to compare the fair value of each of its reporting units to its carrying value to determine potential impairment.  If the carrying value of a reporting unit exceeds its fair value, the implied fair value of that reporting unit's goodwill is to be calculated and an impairment loss is recognized in the amount by which the carrying value of a reporting unit's goodwill exceeds its implied fair value, if any.

The Company's intangible assets not subject to amortization consist of most of its trade names.  The Company's intangible assets subject to amortization are amortized on the straight-line method over the following estimated useful lives:

The Company tests each non-amortizing intangible asset for impairment annually as of October 31, or more frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate that the asset might be impaired.  The Company also tests each amortizing intangible asset for impairment if events or circumstances indicate that the asset might be impaired.  These tests consist of determining whether the carrying value of such assets will be recovered through undiscounted expected future cash flows.  If the total of the undiscounted future cash flows is less than the carrying amount of those assets, the Company recognizes an impairment loss based on the excess of the carrying amount over the fair value of the assets.

Financial Instruments

The carrying amounts of cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, trade accounts payable and accrued expenses and other current liabilities approximate fair value due to the relatively short maturity of the respective instruments.  The carrying value of long-term debt approximates fair market value due to its variable interest rates.

Financial instruments that potentially subject the Company to concentrations of credit risk consist principally of temporary cash investments and trade accounts receivable.  The Company places its temporary cash investments with high credit quality financial institutions and limits the amount of credit exposure to any one financial institution.  Concentrations of credit risk with respect to trade receivables are limited due to the large number of customers comprising the Company's customer base and their dispersion across many different geographical regions.  The Company performs ongoing credit evaluations of its customers, but does not generally require collateral to support customer receivables.

Investments are stated at fair value based on quoted market prices.  Investments that are intended to be held for less than one year are included within prepaid expenses and other current assets in the Company's Consolidated Balance Sheets, while those intended to be held for longer than one year are classified within other assets.  Unrealized gains or losses associated with available-for-sale securities are reported net of tax within other comprehensive income in shareholders' equity.  Unrealized gains or losses associated with trading securities are recorded as a component of other income in the Company's Consolidated Statement of Operations.

Derivative Instruments

From time to time, the Company utilizes certain derivative instruments (e.g. interest rate swap agreements and foreign currency forward contracts) to hedge the variability of expected future cash flows of certain transactions.  On an ongoing basis, the Company assesses whether derivative instruments used in hedging transactions are highly effective in offsetting changes in cash flows of the hedged items and therefore qualify as cash flow hedges.  For a derivative instrument that qualifies as a cash flow hedge, the effective portion of changes in fair value of the derivative is deferred and recorded as a component of

other comprehensive income until the hedged transaction occurs and is recognized in earnings.  All other portions of changes in the fair value of a cash flow hedge are recognized in earnings immediately.

The Company has previously utilized interest rate swap agreements to manage interest expense related to its revolving credit facility.  Interest rate risk associated with the Company's variable rate revolving credit facility is the potential increase in interest expense from an increase in interest rates.  The Company did not enter into any interest rate swap agreements in fiscal 2009, 2008 or 2007.

During fiscal 2008, the Company entered into a one year foreign currency forward contract to mitigate foreign exchange risk at one of its foreign subsidiaries for transactions denominated in a currency other than its functional currency.  The impact of this forward contract did not have a material effect on the Company's results of operations, financial position or cash flows in fiscal 2009 or 2008.  The Company did not enter into any foreign currency forward contracts in fiscal 2009 or 2007.

Customer Rebates and Credits

The Company records accrued customer rebates and credits as a component of accrued expenses and other current liabilities in the Company's Consolidated Balance Sheets.  These amounts generally relate to discounts negotiated with customers as part of certain sales contracts that are usually tied to sales volume thresholds.  The Company accrues customer rebates and credits as a reduction within net sales as the revenue is recognized based on the estimated level of discount rate expected to be earned by each customer over the life of the contract period (generally one year).  Accrued customer rebates and credits are monitored by management and discount levels are updated at least quarterly.

Product Warranties

Product warranty liabilities are estimated at the time of shipment and recorded as a component of accrued expenses and other current liabilities in the Company's Consolidated Balance Sheets.  The amount recognized is based on historical claims experience.

Revenue Recognition

Revenue is recognized on an accrual basis, primarily upon the shipment of products and the rendering of services.  Revenue earned from rendering services represented less than 10% of consolidated net sales for all periods presented.  Revenue from certain fixed price contracts for which costs can be dependably estimated is recognized on the percentage-of-completion method, measured by the percentage of costs incurred to date to estimated total costs for each contract.  The percentage of the Company's net sales recognized under the percentage-of-completion method was approximately 1%, 3%, and 3% in fiscal 2009, 2008 and 2007, respectively.  Contract costs include all direct material and labor costs and those indirect costs related to contract performance, such as indirect labor, supplies, tools, repairs and depreciation costs.  Selling, general and administrative costs are charged to expense as incurred.

Revisions in cost estimates as contracts progress have the effect of increasing or decreasing profits in the period of revision.  Provisions for estimated losses on uncompleted contracts are made in the period in which such losses are determined.  Variations in actual labor performance, changes to estimated profitability, and final contract settlements may result in revisions to cost estimates and are recognized in income in the period in which the revisions are determined.

The asset, "costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings" on uncompleted percentage-of-completion contracts, included in accounts receivable, represents revenue recognized in excess of amounts billed.  The liability, "billings in excess of costs and estimated earnings," included in accrued

For fixed price contracts in which costs cannot be dependably estimated, revenue is recognized on the completed-contract method.  A contract is considered complete when all significant costs have been incurred or the item has been accepted by the customer.  The aggregate effects of changes in estimates relating to long-term contracts did not have a significant effect on net income or diluted net income per share in fiscal 2009, 2008 or 2007.

Stock-Based Compensation

The Company records compensation expense associated with stock options in its Consolidated Statements of Operations based on the grant date fair value of those awards.  The fair value of each stock option on the date of grant is estimated using the Black-Scholes pricing model based on certain valuation assumptions.  Expected volatilities are based on the Company's historical stock prices over the contractual terms of the options and other factors.  The risk-free interest rates used are based on the published U.S. Treasury yield curve in effect at the time of the grant for instruments with a similar life.  The dividend yield reflects the Company's dividend yield at the date of grant.  The expected life represents the period that the stock options are expected to be outstanding, taking into consideration the contractual terms of the options and employee historical exercise behavior.  The Company generally recognizes stock option compensation expense ratably over the award's vesting period.

The Company calculates the amount of excess tax benefit that is available to offset future write-offs of deferred tax assets, or additional paid-in-capital pool ("APIC Pool") by tracking each stock option award granted after November 1, 1996 on an employee-by-employee basis and on a grant-by-grant basis to determine whether there is a tax benefit situation or tax deficiency situation for each such award.  The Company then compares the fair value expense to the tax deduction received for each stock option grant and aggregates the benefits and deficiencies, which have the effect of increasing or decreasing, respectively, the APIC Pool.  Should the amount of future tax deficiencies be greater than the available APIC Pool, the Company will record the excess as income tax expense in its Consolidated Statements of Operations.  The excess tax benefit resulting from tax deductions in excess of the cumulative compensation expense recognized for stock options exercised is presented as a financing activity in the Company's Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows.  All other tax benefits related to stock options have been presented as a component of operating activities.

Income Taxes

Income tax expense includes United States and foreign income taxes, plus the provision for United States taxes on undistributed earnings of foreign subsidiaries not deemed to be permanently invested.  Deferred income taxes are provided on elements of income that are recognized for financial accounting purposes in periods different from periods recognized for income tax purposes.

Effective November 1, 2007, the Company adopted new guidance related to accounting for uncertainty in income taxes and began evaluating tax positions utilizing a two-step process.  The first step is to determine whether it is more-likely-than-not that a tax position will be sustained upon examination based on the technical merits of the position.  The second step is to measure the benefit to be recorded from tax positions that meet the more-likely-than-not recognition threshold by determining the largest amount of tax benefit that is greater than 50 percent likely of being realized upon ultimate settlement and recognizing that amount in the financial statements.  As a result of adopting the provisions of the new guidance, the Company recognized a cumulative effect adjustment that decreased retained earnings as of

the beginning of fiscal 2008 by $639,000.  Further, effective with the adoption of the new guidance, the Company's policy is to recognize interest and penalties related to income tax matters as a component of income tax expense.  Interest and penalties, which were not significant in fiscal 2007, were previously recorded in interest expense and in selling, general and administrative expenses, respectively, in the Company's Consolidated Statements of Operations.  Further information regarding income taxes can be found in Note 6, Income Taxes.

Net Income Per Share

Basic net income per share is computed by dividing net income by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period.  Diluted net income per share is computed by dividing net income by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period plus potentially dilutive common shares arising from the assumed exercise of stock options, if dilutive.  The dilutive impact of potentially dilutive common shares is determined by applying the treasury stock method.

Foreign Currency Translation