Principles of consolidation and use of estimates in the preparation of consolidated financial statements

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its wholly-owned subsidiaries, BN, located in Arvada, Colorado, Energy Steel, located in Lapeer, Michigan, Graham Vacuum and Heat Transfer Technology (Suzhou) Co., Ltd., located in China, and Graham India Private Limited, located in India. In fiscal 2020, the consolidated financial statements also included Energy Steel, located in Lapeer, Michigan for the period April 1, 2019 through June 23, 2019. All intercompany balances, transactions and profits are eliminated in consolidation.

The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with GAAP which requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements, as well as the related revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual amounts could differ from those estimated.

Translation of foreign currencies

Assets and liabilities of the Company's foreign subsidiaries are translated into U.S. dollars at currency exchange rates in effect at year end and revenues and expenses are translated at average exchange rates in effect for the year. Gains and losses resulting from foreign currency transactions are included in results of operations. The Company's sales and purchases in foreign currencies are minimal. Therefore, foreign currency transaction gains and losses are not significant. Gains and losses resulting from translation of the foreign subsidiaries balance sheets are included in a separate component of stockholders' equity. Translation adjustments are not adjusted for income taxes since they relate to an investment, which is permanent in nature.

Revenue recognition

The Company accounts for revenue in accordance with Accounting Standard Codification 606, "Revenue from Contracts with Customers" ("ASC 606").

The Company recognizes revenue on all contracts when control of the product is transferred to the customer. Control is generally transferred when products are shipped, title is transferred, significant risks of ownership have transferred, the Company has rights to payment, and rewards of ownership pass to the customer. Customer acceptance may also be a factor in determining whether control of the product has transferred. Although revenue on the majority of the Company’s contracts, as measured by number of contracts, is recognized upon shipment to the customer, revenue on larger contracts, which are fewer in number but generally represent the majority of revenue, is recognized over time as these contracts meet specific criteria in ASC 606.

Cash and cash equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents consist of cash and highly liquid, short-term investments with maturities at the time of purchase of three months or less.

Shipping and handling fees and costs

Shipping and handling fees billed to the customer are recorded in net sales and the related costs incurred for shipping and handling are included in cost of products sold.

Investments

Investments consist of certificates of deposits with financial institutions. All investments have original maturities of greater than three months and less than one year and are classified as held-to-maturity, as the Company believes it has the intent and ability to hold the securities to maturity. The investments are stated at amortized cost which approximates fair value.

Inventories

Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or net realizable value, using the average cost method. Unbilled revenue (contract assets) in the Consolidated Balance Sheets represents revenue recognized that has not been billed to customers on contracts in which revenue is recognized over time. All progress payments exceeding unbilled revenue are presented as customer deposits (contract liabilities) in the Consolidated Balance Sheets.

Property, plant, equipment, depreciation and amortization

Property, plant and equipment are stated at cost net of accumulated depreciation and amortization. Major additions and improvements are capitalized, while maintenance and repairs are charged to expense as incurred. Depreciation and amortization are provided based upon the estimated useful lives, or lease term if shorter, under the straight-line method. Estimated useful lives range from approximately three to eight years for office equipment, eight to 25 years for manufacturing equipment, eight years for land improvements, leasehold improvements are depreciated over the remaining term of the lease and 40 years for buildings and improvements. Upon sale or retirement of assets, the cost and related accumulated depreciation are removed from the accounts and any resulting gain or loss is included in the results of operations.

Business combinations

The Company records its business combinations under the acquisition method of accounting. Under the acquisition method of accounting, the Company allocates the purchase price of each acquisition to the tangible and identifiable intangible assets acquired and liabilities assumed based on their respective fair values at the date of acquisition. The fair value of identifiable intangible assets is based upon detailed valuations that use various assumptions made by management. Any excess of the purchase price over the fair value of the net tangible and intangible assets acquired is allocated to goodwill. Direct acquisition-related costs are expensed as incurred.

Goodwill

Goodwill represents the excess of the purchase price over the fair value of identifiable net tangible and intangible assets acquired in a business combination.

Goodwill is not amortized, but is reviewed for impairment at least annually or more frequently if impairment indicators arise. Goodwill is evaluated for impairment by first performing a qualitative assessment to determine whether a quantitative goodwill test is necessary. If it is determined, based on qualitative factors, that the fair value of the reporting unit may be more likely than not less than its carrying amount, or if significant adverse changes in the Company's future financial performance occur that could materially impact fair value, a quantitative goodwill impairment test would be required. Additionally, the Company can elect to forgo the qualitative assessment and perform the quantitative test. If the qualitative assessment indicates that the quantitative analysis should be performed, or if management elects to bypass a qualitative assessment, the Company then evaluates goodwill for impairment by comparing the fair value of the reporting unit to is carrying amount, including goodwill.

Intangible Assets

Acquired intangible assets other than goodwill consist of backlog, customer relationships, technology and technical know-how and tradenames. Backlog and trade name are included in the line item "Other intangible assets, net" in the Consolidated Balance Sheet. The Company amortizes technology and technical know-how and customer relationships in selling, general and administrative expense on a straight line basis over each of their estimated useful lives of twenty years. Backlog is amortized in cost of products sold over the projected conversion period of four years which is based on management estimates at time of purchase. All other intangibles have indefinite lives and are not amortized.

Impairment of long-lived assets

The Company assesses the impairment of definite-lived long-lived assets or asset groups when events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value may not be recoverable. Factors that are considered in deciding when to perform an impairment review include: a significant decrease in the market price of the asset or asset group; a significant adverse change in the extent or manner in which a long-lived asset or asset group is being used or in its physical condition; an accumulation of costs significantly in excess of the amount originally expected for the acquisition or construction; a current-period operating or cash flow loss combined with a history of operating or cash flow losses or a projection or forecast that demonstrates continuing losses associated with the use of a long-lived asset or asset group; or a current expectation that, more likely than not, a long-lived asset or asset group will be sold or otherwise disposed of significantly before the end of its previously estimated useful life. The term more likely than not refers to a level of likelihood that is more than 50%.

Recoverability potential is measured by comparing the carrying amount of the asset or asset group to its related total future undiscounted cash flows. If the carrying value is not recoverable through related cash flows, the asset or asset group is considered to be impaired. Impairment is measured by comparing the asset or asset group's carrying amount to its fair value. When it is determined that useful lives of assets are shorter than originally estimated, and no impairment is present, the rate of depreciation is accelerated in order to fully depreciate the assets over their new shorter useful lives.

Goodwill and intangible assets with indefinite lives are tested annually for impairment. The Company assesses goodwill for impairment by comparing the fair value of its reporting units to their carrying amounts. If the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying value, an impairment loss is recorded to the extent that the implied fair value of the goodwill within the reporting unit is less than its carrying value. Fair values for reporting units are determined based on a weighted combination of the market approach and the income approach using discounted cash flows. Indefinite lived intangible assets are assessed for impairment by comparing the fair value of the asset to its carrying value.

Product warranties

The Company estimates the costs that may be incurred under its product warranties and records a liability in the amount of such costs at the time revenue is recognized. The reserve for product warranties is based upon past claims experience and ongoing evaluations of any specific probable claims from customers. A reconciliation of the changes in the product warranty liability is presented in Note 6.

Research and development

Research and development costs are expensed as incurred. The Company incurred research and development costs of $3,845, $3,367 and $3,353 in fiscal 2022, fiscal 2021 and fiscal 2020, respectively. Research and development costs are included in the line item “Cost of products sold” in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.

Income taxes

The Company recognizes deferred income tax assets and liabilities for the expected future tax consequences of events that have been recognized in the Company's financial statements or tax returns. Deferred income tax assets and liabilities are determined based on the difference between the financial statement and tax bases of assets and liabilities using currently enacted tax rates. The Company evaluates the available evidence about future taxable income and other possible sources of realization of deferred income tax assets and records a valuation allowance to reduce deferred income tax assets to an amount that represents the Company's best estimate of the amount of such deferred income tax assets that more likely than not will be realized.

The Company accounts for uncertain tax positions using a "more likely than not" recognition threshold. The evaluation of uncertain tax positions is based on factors including, but not limited to, changes in tax law, the measurement of tax positions taken or expected to be taken in tax returns, the effective resolution of matters subject to audit, new audit activity and changes in facts or circumstances related to a tax position. These tax positions are evaluated on a quarterly basis. It is the Company's policy to recognize any interest related to uncertain tax positions in interest expense and any penalties related to uncertain tax positions in selling, general and administrative expense.

The Company files federal and state income tax returns in several U.S. and non-U.S. domestic and foreign jurisdictions. In most tax jurisdictions, returns are subject to examination by the relevant tax authorities for a number of years after the returns have been filed.

Equity-based compensation

The Company records compensation costs related to equity-based awards based on the estimated fair value of the award on the grant date. Compensation cost is recognized in the Company's Consolidated Statements of Operations over the applicable vesting period. The Company uses the Black-Scholes valuation model as the method for determining the fair value of its stock option awards. For service and performance based restricted stock awards, the fair market value of the award is determined based upon the closing value of the Company's stock price on the grant date. The fair market value of market-based performance restricted stock awards is determined using the Monte Carlo valuation model. The amount of equity-based compensation expense recognized during a period is based on the portion of the awards that are ultimately expected to vest. The Company estimates the forfeiture rate at the grant date by analyzing historical data and revises the estimates in subsequent periods if the actual forfeiture rate differs from the estimates.

(Loss) income per share data

Basic (loss) income per share is computed by dividing net (loss) income by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding for the period. Diluted (loss) income per share is calculated by dividing net (loss) income by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding and, when applicable, potential common shares outstanding during the period.

None of the options to purchase shares of common stock which totaled 33 shares and 37 shares in fiscal 2022 and fiscal 2021, respectively, were included in the computation of diluted loss per share as the affect would be anti-dilutive given their exercise price as they would not be dilutive upon issuance or due to the net losses in the fiscal year.

Cash flow statement

The Company considers all highly liquid investments with an original maturity of three months or less at the time of purchase to be cash equivalents.

Interest paid was $417 in fiscal 2022 and $11 in fiscal 2021 and $12 in fiscal 2020. In addition, income taxes paid were $2,012 in fiscal 2022, $200 in fiscal 2021 and $139 in fiscal 2020.

In fiscal 2022, fiscal 2021 and fiscal 2020, non-cash activities included pension and other postretirement benefit income (loss) adjustments, net of income tax, of $728, $1,774 and $(525), respectively. Also, in fiscal 2022, fiscal 2021 and fiscal 2020, non-cash activities included the issuance of treasury stock valued at $204, $222 and $170, respectively, to the Company's Employee Stock Purchase Plan (See Note 12).

At March 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020, there were $177, $173 and $162, respectively, of capital purchases that were recorded in accounts payable and not included in the caption "Purchase of property, plant and equipment" in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows. In fiscal 2022, fiscal 2021 and fiscal 2020, there were no capital expenditures financed through the issuance of capital leases.

The cash utilized for the acquisition of BN of $60,282, included the cash consideration of $61,150, net of cash acquired of $868. Non-cash activities included the issuance of 610 treasury shares valued at $8,964, included as part of the consideration for the acquisition.

Accumulated other comprehensive loss

Comprehensive income (loss) is comprised of net income and other comprehensive income or loss items, which are accumulated as a separate component of stockholders' equity. For the Company, other comprehensive income or loss items include a foreign currency translation adjustment and pension and other postretirement benefit adjustments.

Fair value measurements

Fair value is defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability (i.e. the "exit price") in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. The accounting standard for fair value establishes a hierarchy for inputs used in measuring fair value that maximizes the use of observable inputs and minimizes the use of unobservable inputs by requiring that the most observable inputs be used when available. Observable inputs are inputs that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability developed based on market data obtained from sources independent of the Company. Unobservable inputs are inputs that reflect the Company's assumptions about the assumptions market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability developed based on the best information available in the circumstances. The hierarchy is broken down into three levels based on the reliability of inputs as follows:

Level 1 – Valuations based on quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that the Company has the ability to access. Since valuations are based on quoted prices that are readily and regularly available in an active market, valuation of these products does not entail a significant degree of judgment.

Level 2 – Valuations determined from quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets, quoted prices for identical instruments in markets that are not active or by model-based techniques in which all significant inputs are observable in the market.

Level 3 – Valuations based on inputs that are unobservable and significant to the overall fair value measurement. The degree of judgment exercised in determining fair value is greatest for instruments categorized in Level 3.

The availability of observable inputs can vary and is affected by a wide variety of factors, including, the type of asset/liability, whether the asset/liability is established in the marketplace, and other characteristics particular to the transaction. To the extent that valuation is based on models or inputs that are less observable or unobservable in the market, the determination of fair value requires more judgment. In certain cases, the inputs used to measure fair value may fall into different levels of the fair value hierarchy. In such cases, for disclosure purposes the level in the fair value hierarchy within which the fair value measurement in its entirety falls is determined based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement in its entirety.

Fair value is a market-based measure considered from the perspective of a market participant rather than an entity-specific measure. Therefore, even when market assumptions are not readily available, assumptions are required to reflect those that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability at the measurement date.

Use of Estimates

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and reported amounts of sales and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ materially from those estimates.

Accounting and reporting changes

In the normal course of business, management evaluates all new accounting pronouncements issued by the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB"), the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC"), the Emerging Issues Task Force, the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants or any other authoritative accounting body to determine the potential impact they may have on the Company's consolidated financial statements.

In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU No. 2018-14, "Disclosure Framework-Changes to the Disclosure Requirements for Defined Benefit Plans," which removes disclosures that no longer are considered cost beneficial, clarifies specific disclosure requirements and adds disclosure requirements identified as relevant for defined benefit pension and other postretirement benefit plans. This amendment is effective for fiscal years ending after December 15, 2020. The amendment requires application on a retrospective basis to all periods presented. The Company adopted the new guidance in fiscal 2021. The adoption of this ASU did not have a material impact on the Company's Consolidated Financial Statements.

In December 2019, the FASB issue ASU No. 2019-12, "Simplifying the Accounting for Income Taxes." The amended guidance simplifies the accounting for income taxes, eliminating certain exceptions to the general income tax principles, in an effort to reduce the cost and complexity of application. The amended guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2020, including interim periods within those fiscal years. Earlier application is permitted. The guidance requires application on either a prospective, retrospective or modified retrospective basis, contingent on the income tax exception being applied. The Company adopted the new guidance, on a prospective basis, on April 1, 2021. The adoption of this ASU did not have a material impact on the Company's Consolidated Financial Statements.

Management does not expect any other recently issued accounting pronouncements, which have not already been adopted, to have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements.