NOTE 10 – EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS:

The components of pension cost are as follows:

The Company made no contributions to its defined benefit pension plan during the six months ended September 30, 2017 and expects to make contributions of approximately $52 for the balance of fiscal 2018.

The components of the postretirement benefit cost are as follows:

The Company paid no benefits related to its postretirement benefit plan during the six months ended September 30, 2017.  The Company expects to pay benefits of approximately $83 for the balance of fiscal 2018.

The Company self-funds the medical insurance coverage it provides to its U.S. based employees.  The Company maintains a stop loss insurance policy in order to limit its exposure to claims.  The liability of $105 and $174 on September 30, 2017 and March 31, 2017, respectively, related to the self-insured medical plan is primarily based upon claim history and is included in the caption “Accrued compensation” as a current liability in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.