10-Q 1 mfri2016q310q.htm 10-Q OCTOBER 31, 2016
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-Q

x | QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the quarterly period ended October 31, 2016
Commission File No. 0-18370
MFRI, Inc.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Delaware | 36-3922969
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization) | (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
6410 W. Howard Street, Niles, Illinois | 60714
(Address of principal executive offices) | (Zip Code)

(847) 966-1000
(Registrant's telephone number, including area code)
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 website, 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 (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). Yes x No o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See definitions of "large accelerated filer", "accelerated filer" and "smaller reporting company" in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):
Large accelerated filer o Accelerated filer o Non-accelerated filer o Smaller reporting company x
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
On December 9, 2016, there were 7,568,946 shares of the registrant's common stock outstanding.

MFRI, Inc.
FORM 10-Q
For the fiscal quarter ended October 31, 2016
TABLE OF CONTENTS

Item |  | Page
Part I | Financial Information |
1. | Financial Statements |
| Consolidated Statements of Operations for the Three and Nine Months Ended October 31, 2016 and 2015 | 1
| Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive (Loss) Income for the Three and Nine Months Ended October 31, 2016 and 2015 | 2
| Consolidated Balance Sheets as of October 31, 2016 and January 31, 2016 | 3
| Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity as of October 31, 2016 and January 31, 2016 | 4
| Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Nine Months Ended October 31, 2016 and 2015 | 5
| Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements | 6
2. | Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations | 14
4. | Controls and Procedures | 19
Part II | Other Information |
6. | Exhibits | 20
Signatures | 21

PART I FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1. Financial Statements
MFRI, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (Unaudited)
(In thousands, except per share data)

| Three Months Ended October 31, |  | Nine Months Ended October 31,
| 2016 |  | 2015 |  |  | 2016 |  | 2015 |
Net sales |  | $25,302 |  |  | $46,950 |  |  |  | $71,230 |  |  | $92,374 |
Cost of sales | 21,605 |  | 32,635 |  |  | 62,561 |  | 72,578 |
Gross profit | 3,697 |  | 14,315 |  |  | 8,669 |  | 19,796 |
Operating expenses |  |  |  |  |
General and administrative expenses | 3,352 |  | 5,491 |  |  | 11,815 | 14,424 |
Selling expenses | 1,382 |  | 1,303 |  |  | 4,236 | 3,951 |
Total operating expenses | 4,734 |  | 6,794 |  |  | 16,051 |  | 18,375 |
(Loss) income from operations | (1,037 | ) | 7,521 |  |  | (7,382 | ) | 1,421 |
Income from joint venture | — |  | 408 |  |  | — |  | 524 |
Loss on consolidation of joint venture | — |  | — |  |  | (1,620 | ) | — |
Interest expense, net | 112 |  | 127 |  |  | 435 |  | 210 |
(Loss) income from continuing operations before income taxes | (1,149 | ) | 7,802 |  |  | (9,437 | ) | 1,735 |
Income tax expense | 2,411 |  | 1,344 |  |  | 1,077 |  | 897 |
(Loss) income from continuing operations | (3,560 | ) | 6,458 |  |  | (10,514 | ) | 838 |
(Loss) income from discontinued operations, net of tax | (203 | ) | (344 | ) |  | 906 |  | (1,770 | )
Net (loss) income |  | ($3,763 | ) |  | $6,114 |  |  |  | ($9,608 | ) | ($932)
Weighted average common shares outstanding |  |  |  |  |
Basic | 7,541 |  | 7,290 |  |  | 7,457 |  | 7,273 |
Diluted | 7,541 |  | 7,367 |  |  | 7,457 |  | 7,273 |
(Loss) earnings per share from continuing operations |  |  |  |  |
Basic |  | ($0.47 | ) |  | $0.89 |  |  | ($1.41) | $0.12
Diluted |  | ($0.47 | ) |  | $0.88 |  |  | ($1.41) | $0.12
(Loss) earnings per share from discontinued operations |  |  |  |  |  |
Basic and diluted |  | ($0.03 | ) |  | ($0.05 | ) |  |  | $0.12 |  |  | ($0.24 | )
(Loss) earnings per share |  |  |  |  |
Basic | ($0.50) |  | $0.84 |  |  | ($1.29) |  | ($0.13 | )
Diluted | ($0.50) |  | $0.83 |  |  | ($1.29) |  | ($0.13 | )

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
Note: Earnings per share calculations could be impacted by rounding.
1

MFRI, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE (LOSS) INCOME (Unaudited)
(In thousands)

| Three Months Ended October 31, |  | Nine Months Ended October 31,
| 2016 |  | 2015 |  |  | 2016 |  | 2015 |
Net (loss) income |  | ($3,763 | ) |  | $6,114 |  |  |  | ($9,608 | ) |  | ($932 | )
Other comprehensive income |  |  |  |  |
Foreign currency translation adjustments, net of tax | (577 | ) | (148 | ) |  | 457 |  | 10 |
Interest rate swap, net of tax | — |  | (1 | ) |  | — |  | 14 |
Unrealized gain on marketable security, net of tax | 9 |  | — |  |  | 5 |  | — |
Minimum pension liability adjustment, net of tax | — |  | 196 |  |  | — |  | 196 |
Other comprehensive (loss) income | (568 | ) | 47 |  |  | 462 |  | 220 |
Comprehensive (loss) income |  | ($4,331 | ) |  | $6,161 |  |  |  | ($9,146 | ) |  | ($712 | )

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
2

MFRI, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(In thousands except per share data) | October 31, 2016 |  | January 31, 2016 |
ASSETS | Unaudited |  |
Current assets |  |
Cash and cash equivalents |  | $9,008 |  |  | $16,631 |
Restricted cash | 946 |  | 2,324 |
Trade accounts receivable, less allowance for doubtful accounts of $134 at October 31, 2016 and $33 at January 31, 2016 | 30,347 |  | 36,090 |
Inventories, net | 14,305 |  | 15,625 |
Assets of discontinued operations | 46 |  | 14,241 |
Assets held for sale | — |  | 3,062 |
Cash surrender value on life insurance policies, net | 1,291 |  | 3,049 |
Prepaid expenses and other current assets | 3,201 |  | 2,397 |
Costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings on uncompleted contracts | 2,260 |  | 2,463 |
Total current assets | 61,404 |  | 95,882 |
Property, plant and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation | 36,465 |  | 25,400 |
Other assets |  |
Goodwill | 2,476 |  | — |
Note receivable from joint venture | — |  | 1,905 |
Investment in joint venture | — |  | 9,112 |
Other assets | 4,912 |  | 5,824 |
Total other assets | 7,388 |  | 16,841 |
Total assets |  | $105,257 |  |  | $138,123 |
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY |  |
Current liabilities |  |
Trade accounts payable |  | $7,548 |  |  | $11,026 |
Accrued compensation and payroll taxes | 3,386 |  | 4,274 |
Deferred compensation liability | 1,360 |  | 6,167 |
Commissions and management incentives payable | 1,520 |  | 2,874 |
Revolving line domestic | 4,116 |  | 5,237 |
Current maturities of long-term debt | 2,790 |  | 8,769 |
Customers' deposits | 3,074 |  | 3,690 |
Outside commissions payable | 1,946 |  | 1,295 |
Liabilities of discontinued operations | 644 |  | 12,836 |
Liabilities held for sale | — |  | 3,439 |
Billings in excess of costs and estimated earnings on uncompleted contracts | 239 |  | 1,176 |
Other accrued liabilities | 2,851 |  | 965 |
Income taxes payable | 2,880 |  | 2,339 |
Total current liabilities | 32,354 |  | 64,087 |
Long-term liabilities |  |
Long-term debt, less current maturities | 7,164 |  | 1,493 |
Deferred compensation liabilities | 3,113 |  | 3,124 |
Deferred tax liabilities - long-term | 1,674 |  | 160 |
Other long-term liabilities | 523 |  | 231 |
Total long-term liabilities | 12,474 |  | 5,008 |
Stockholders' equity |  |
Common stock, $.01 par value, authorized 50,000 shares; 7,543 issued and outstanding at October 31, 2016 and 7,306 issued and outstanding at January 31, 2016 | 76 |  | 74 |
Additional paid-in capital | 53,576 |  | 53,031 |
Treasury Stock, 45 shares at October 31, 2016 and at January 31, 2016 | (290 | ) | (290 | )
Retained earnings | 10,585 |  | 20,193 |
Accumulated other comprehensive loss | (3,518 | ) | (3,980 | )
Total stockholders' equity | 60,429 |  | 69,028 |
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity |  | $105,257 |  |  | $138,123 |

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
3

MFRI, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (unaudited)

($ in thousands, except share data) |  | Additional Paid-in Capital | Retained Earnings | Treasury Stock | Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) | Total Stockholders' Equity
Common Stock
Total stockholders' equity at January 31, 2016 | $74 | $53,031 | $20,193 |  | ($290 | ) | ($3,980) | $69,028
Net loss |  |  |  | ($9,608 | ) |  |  | (9,608 | )
Stock options exercised | — |  | 117 |  |  |  |  | 117 |
Restricted shares vested, deferred shares converted and payroll taxes paid with shares | 2 |  | 244 |  |  |  |  | 246 |
Stock-based compensation expense |  | 184 |  |  |  |  | 184 |
Marketable security unrealized gain/loss |  |  |  |  | 2 |  | 2 |
Foreign currency translation adjustments |  |  |  |  | 448 |  | 448 |
Tax benefit/expense on above items |  |  |  |  | 12 |  | 12 |
Total stockholders' equity at October 31, 2016 | $76 | $53,576 | $10,585 | ($290) | ($3,518) | $60,429

Shares | 2016 |  | 2015 |  |
Balances at beginning of year | 7,305,925 |  | 7,290,576 |  |
Treasury stock purchased | — |  | (44,566 | ) |
Shares issued | 236,635 |  | 59,915 |  |
Balances at period end | 7,542,560 |  | 7,305,925 |  |

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
4

MFRI, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (Unaudited)

(In thousands) | Nine Months Ended October 31,
| 2016 |  | 2015 |
Operating activities |  |
Net loss |  | ($9,608 | ) |  | ($932 | )
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash flows used in operating activities |  |
Depreciation and amortization | 4,258 |  | 4,425 |
Loss on consolidation of joint venture | 1,620 |  | — |
Gain on disposal of subsidiaries | (186 | ) | — |
Deferred tax (benefit) expense | (93 | ) | 479 |
Stock-based compensation expense | 184 |  | 137 |
Income from joint venture | — |  | (524 | )
Cash surrender value on life insurance policies | (136 | ) | (2 | )
(Gain) loss on disposal of fixed assets | (292 | ) | 1 |
Provision on uncollectible accounts | 500 |  | 476 |
Changes in operating assets and liabilities |  |
Accounts receivable | 14,860 |  | (17,820 | )
Inventories | 4,709 |  | (5,687 | )
Costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings on uncompleted contracts | (736 | ) | (589 | )
Accounts payable | (5,268 | ) | 11,206 |
Accrued compensation and payroll taxes | (9,047 | ) | 5,686 |
Customers' deposits | (1,880 | ) | (1,326 | )
Income taxes receivable and payable | 671 |  | (98 | )
Prepaid expenses and other current assets | (742 | ) | 1,356 |
Other assets and liabilities | (3,614 | ) | (6,575 | )
Net cash used in operating activities | (4,800 | ) | (9,787 | )
Investing activities |  |
Acquisition of interest in subsidiary, net of cash acquired | (4,672 | ) | — |
Capital expenditures | (1,544 | ) | (5,971 | )
Proceeds from surrender of corporate-owned life insurance policies | 1,894 |  | — |
Receipts on loan from joint venture | — |  | 1,890 |
Proceeds from sales of property and equipment | 13,962 |  | — |
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities | 9,640 |  | (4,081 | )
Financing activities |  |
Proceeds from revolving lines | 32,908 |  | 79,175 |
Proceeds from debt | 6,048 |  | 783 |
Proceeds from borrowing against life insurance policies | — |  | 1,916 |
Payments of debt on revolving lines of credit | (39,807 | ) | (63,177 | )
Payments of other debt | (10,077 | ) | (1,699 | )
Payments of borrowing against life insurance policies | — |  | (1,916 | )
Decrease in drafts payable | (184 | ) | (122 | )
Payments on capitalized lease obligations | (1,429 | ) | (659 | )
Payments for repurchase of common stock | — |  | (290 | )
Stock options exercised and restricted shares issued | 363 |  | (15 | )
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities | (12,178 | ) | 13,996 |
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents | (285 | ) | 246 |
Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents | (7,623 | ) | 374 |
Cash and cash equivalents - beginning of period | 16,631 |  | 10,508 |
Cash and cash equivalents - end of period |  | $9,008 |  |  | $10,882 |
Supplemental cash flow information |  |
Interest paid |  | $605 |  |  | $836 |
Income taxes paid | 1,281 |  | 849 |
Fixed assets acquired under capital leases | — |  | 1,215 |
Funds held in escrow related to the sale of Filtration assets | 502 |  | — |

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

MFRI, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)
OCTOBER 31, 2016
(Tabular amounts presented in thousands, except per share amounts)

1. | Basis of presentation. The interim consolidated financial statements of MFRI, Inc. and subsidiaries ("MFRI," "Company," or "Registrant") are unaudited, but include all adjustments which the Company's management considers necessary to present fairly the financial position and results of operations for the periods presented. These adjustments consist of normal recurring adjustments. Information and footnote disclosures have been omitted pursuant to Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") rules and regulations. The consolidated balance sheet as of January 31, 2016 is derived from the audited consolidated balance sheet as of that date. The results of operations for any interim period are not necessarily indicative of future or annual results. Interim financial statements should be read in conjunction with the financial statements and the notes thereto included in the Company's latest Annual Report on Form 10-K. The Company's fiscal year ends on January 31. Years and balances described as 2016 and 2015 are for the nine months ended October 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively.

2. | Business segment reporting. As of January 31, 2016, MFRI is engaged in the manufacture and sale of products in one segment: Piping Systems. As described below, prior to January 29, 2016, the Company was also engaged in the manufacture and sale of products in the Filtration Products segment. Piping Systems engineers, designs, manufactures and sells specialty piping, leak detection and location systems. This segment's specialty piping systems include (i) industrial and secondary containment piping systems for transporting chemicals, hazardous fluids and petroleum products, (ii) insulated and jacketed district heating and cooling piping systems for efficient energy distribution to multiple locations from central energy plants, and (iii) oil and gas gathering flow and long lines for oil and mineral transportation. Piping Systems' leak detection and location systems are sold with many of its piping systems and on a stand-alone basis, to monitor areas where fluid intrusion may contaminate the environment, endanger personal safety, cause a fire hazard, impair essential services or damage equipment or property.

Prior to January 29, 2016, the Company had a Filtration Products segment. This business is reported as discontinued operations in the consolidated financial statements, and the notes to consolidated financial statements have been restated to conform to the current year reporting of this business. For further information, see "Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements Note 4 Discontinued operations".
For the three months ended October 31, 2016, one customer accounted for 17.0% of the Company's consolidated net sales, and for the three months ended October 31, 2015, two customers accounted for 25.9% of the Company's consolidated net sales. For the nine months ended October 31, 2016, no customer accounted for 10% of the Company's consolidated net sales, and for the nine months ended October 31, 2015, one customer accounted for 10.3% of the Company's consolidated net sales.
At October 31, 2016, two customers accounted for 25% of accounts receivable. Two customers accounted for 46% of accounts receivable at January 31, 2016.

| Three Months Ended October 31, |  | Nine Months Ended October 31,
| 2016 |  | 2015 |  |  | 2016 |  | 2015 |
Net sales |  |  |  |  |
Piping Systems |  | $25,302 |  |  | $46,950 |  |  |  | $71,230 |  |  | $92,374 |
Gross profit |  |  |  |  |
Piping Systems |  | $3,697 |  |  | $14,315 |  |  |  | $8,669 |  |  | $19,796 |
(Loss) income from operations |  |  |  |  |
Piping Systems |  | $640 |  |  | $9,721 |  |  |  | ($1,775 | ) |  | $7,470 |
Corporate |  | ($1,677 | ) |  | ($2,200 | ) |  | (5,607 | ) | (6,049 | )
Total (loss) income from operations |  | ($1,037 | ) |  | $7,521 |  |  |  | ($7,382 | ) |  | $1,421 |

6

3. | Acquisition. MFRI entered into a purchase agreement with its joint venture partner Aegion Corporation to acquire the remaining 51% ownership of Bayou Perma-Pipe Canada, Ltd. ("BPPC"), a coating and insulation company in Camrose, Alberta, which acquisition closed on February 4, 2016. MFRI had owned a 49% interest in BPPC since 2009, when the joint venture was formed with Aegion to serve the oil and gas industry in Western Canada.

The purchase price was $13.1 million CAD ($9.6 million USD) in cash and debt at closing and is subject to certain post-closing adjustments. The initial accounting for this acquisition is not complete pending detailed analyses of the facts and circumstances that existed as of the acquisition date. The following table represents the preliminary allocation of the total consideration in the acquisition of BPPC:

Total purchase consideration: |  |
Cash |  |  | $7,587 |
Loan payable |  | 2,000 |
Purchase consideration to third party |  | 9,587 |
Fair Value of 49% Previously Held Equity Interest |  | 7,492 |
Total purchase consideration |  |  | $17,079 |
Fair value of net assets acquired: |  |
Cash and cash equivalents |  |  | $2,915 |
Property and equipment |  | 13,124 |
Goodwill |  | 2,476 |
Net working capital |  | 406 |
Other assets (liabilities) net |  | (1,842 | )
Net assets acquired |  |  | $17,079 |

The acquisition has preliminarily resulted in approximately $2.5 million of goodwill. The Company incurred legal, professional and other costs related to this acquisition. These one-time costs of $0.2 million were recognized as general and administrative expenses.
In the first quarter, the Company recognized a non-cash loss of $1.6 million, which represents the difference between the pre-existing book value interest in BPPC immediately prior to the acquisition remeasured to its fair value upon the acquisition date.

4. | Discontinued operations. On January 29, 2016, the Company sold certain assets and liabilities of its TDC Filter business based in Bolingbrook, Illinois to the Industrial Air division of CLARCOR. On January 29, 2016, the Company also sold its Nordic Air Filtration, Denmark and Nordic Air Filtration, United Arab Emirates ("U.A.E.") businesses to Hengst Holding GmbH. The aggregated sales price of these filtration businesses was $22.0 million, including cash proceeds of $18.4 million, of which $0.5 million is held in escrow, which terminates July 2017.

In May, 2016, the Company completed the sale of its Bolingbrook Filtration manufacturing facility to a third party at a price of $7.1 million. The sale generated approximately $1.9 million in cash after expenses and mortgage payoffs.
In September 2016, the Company completed the sale of its Cicero Filtration facility to a third party at a price of $0.5 million. The sale generated approximately $0.4 million in cash after expenses.
In October 2016, the Company completed the sale of its Virginia Filtration facility to a third party at a price of $1.5 million. The sale generated approximately $1.4 million in cash after expenses.
7

The Filtration business segment is reported as discontinued operations in the consolidated financial statements, and the notes to consolidated financial statements have been revised to conform to the current year reporting. For discontinued operations, there was $0.6 million of tax expense for the nine months ended October 31, 2016. Results from discontinued operations net of tax for the three and nine months ended October 31, 2016 and 2015 were as follows:

| Three Months Ended October 31, | Nine Months Ended October 31,
| 2016 |  | 2015 |  | 2016 |  | 2015 |
Net sales |  | $— |  |  | $19,366 |  |  | $10,467 |  |  | $51,677 |
(Loss) gain on disposal of discontinued operations |  | ($2,204 | ) |  | $— |  |  | $268 |  |  | $— |
Income (loss) from discontinued operations |  | $1,876 |  |  | ($245 | ) | 1,216 |  | (1,583 | )
(Loss) income from discontinued operations before income taxes | (328 | ) | (245 | ) | 1,484 |  | (1,583 | )
Income tax (benefit) expense | (125 | ) | 99 |  | 578 |  | 187 |
(Loss) income from discontinued operations, net of tax |  | ($203 | ) |  | ($344 | ) |  | $906 |  |  | ($1,770 | )

Components of assets and liabilities from discontinued operations consist of the following:

| October 31, 2016 |  | January 31, 2016 |
Current assets |  |
Cash and cash equivalents |  | $— |  |  | $5 |
Trade accounts receivable, net | 42 |  | 5,720 |
Inventories, net | — |  | 2,000 |
Other assets | 4 |  | 60 |
Property, plant and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation | — |  | 6,456 |
Total assets from discontinued operations |  | $46 |  |  | $14,241 |
Current liabilities |  |
Trade accounts payable, accrued expenses and other |  | $644 |  |  | $7,514 |
Current maturities of long-term debt | — |  | 5,322 |
Total liabilities from discontinued operations |  | $644 |  |  | $12,836 |

Cash flows from discontinued operations:

| Nine Months Ended October 31,
| 2016 |  | 2015 |
Net cash used in discontinued operating activities |  | ($673 | ) |  | ($689 | )
Net cash provided by (used in) discontinued investing activities | 9,606 |  | (1,373 | )
Net cash (used in) provided by discontinued financing activities | (8,933 | ) | 1,553 |

5. | Income taxes. The determination of the consolidated provision for income taxes, deferred tax assets and liabilities and related valuation allowances requires management to make judgments and estimates. As a company with subsidiaries in foreign jurisdictions, the process of calculating income taxes involves estimating current tax obligations and exposures in each jurisdiction as well as making judgments regarding the future recoverability of deferred tax assets. Income earned in the U.A.E. is not subject to local country income tax. Additionally, the relative proportion of taxable income earned domestically versus internationally can fluctuate significantly from period to period. Changes in the estimated level of annual pre-tax income, tax laws and the results of tax audits can affect the overall effective income tax rate, which impacts the level of income tax expense and net income. Judgments and estimates related to the Company's projections and assumptions are inherently uncertain; therefore, actual results could differ materially from projections.

8

The Company's effective tax rate ("ETR") from continuing operations for the third quarter and year-to-date was a negative 209.8% and 11.4%, respectively compared to 17.2% and 51.7% during the respective prior-year periods. The October 31, 2016 computation of the projected annual tax rate has been significantly impacted by an increase in the projected loss for the year, especially an increase in the loss attributable to the U.A.E., which receives no tax benefit due to a zero tax rate in that country. Other changes in the ETR from the prior year-to-date to the current year-to-date are due to the Canadian acquisition and the allocation of tax expense between continuing operations, other comprehensive income and discontinued operations when applying intraperiod allocation rules.
Income tax expense (or benefit) for each year is allocated to continuing operations, discontinued operations, extraordinary items, other comprehensive income, and other charges or credits recorded directly to stockholders’ equity. This allocation is commonly referred to as an intra-period tax allocation, as outlined in ASC 740, Income Taxes ("ASC 740"). When considering intra-period tax allocations, a company also should consider the accounting for income taxes in interim periods. ASC 740-20-45-7 requires that the tax effect of pretax income from continuing operations be determined without regard to the tax effects of items not included in continuing operations. This is commonly referred to as the "incremental approach", where the tax provision is generally calculated for continuing operations without regard to other items.
ASC 740 also includes an exception to the general principle of intra-period tax allocation discussed above. This exception requires that all items (e.g., extraordinary items, discontinued operations, including items charged or credited directly to other comprehensive income) be considered in determining the amount of tax benefit that results from a loss from continuing operations. That is, when a company has a current period loss from continuing operations, management must consider income recorded in other categories in determining the tax benefit that is allocated to continuing operations.
The exception in ASC 740 applies in all situations in which there is a loss from continuing operations and income from other items outside of continuing operations. This would include situations in which a company has recorded a full valuation allowance at the beginning and end of the period, and the overall tax provision for the year is zero (i.e., a benefit would be recognized in continuing operations even though the loss from continuing operations does not provide a current year incremental tax benefit). The ASC 740 exception, however, only relates to the allocation of the current year tax provision (which may be zero) and does not change a company’s overall tax provision. While intra-period tax allocation in general does not change the overall tax provision, it may result in a gross-up of the individual components, thereby changing the amount of tax provision included in each category.
The amount of unrecognized tax benefits, including interest and penalties, at October 31, 2016, recorded in other long-term liabilities was $0.1 million, all of which would impact the Company’s effective tax rate if recognized. The Company includes accrued interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions in income tax expense, with $1.5 thousand included in expense for the current quarter. The amount of accrued interest and penalties at October 31, 2016 associated with unrecognized tax benefits was $48.7 thousand.
The Company files income tax returns in U.S. federal and state jurisdictions. The IRS began an audit of the fiscal year ended January 31, 2015 in August 2016 and it is in process.

6. | Long-lived assets. The Company evaluates long-lived assets (including intangible assets) for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of a long-lived asset may not be recoverable. A factor considered important that could trigger an impairment review includes a year-to-date loss from operations. An asset is considered impaired if its carrying amount exceeds the undiscounted future net cash flow the asset is expected to generate. Piping Systems has a year-to-date loss. Based on the Company's review there was no impairment of long-lived assets as of October 31, 2016 and January 31, 2016.

Goodwill. Goodwill represents the excess of purchase price over the fair value of the net assets acquired in conjunction with the Company’s acquisition of BPPC. The Company does not amortize goodwill. The Company performs an impairment assessment of goodwill annually, or more frequently if triggering events occur, based on
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the estimated fair value of the related reporting unit or intangible asset. Fair value is defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants.

7. | Other intangible assets with definite lives. The Company owns several patents, including those covering features of its piping and electronic leak detection systems. Patents are capitalized and amortized on a straight-line basis over a period not to exceed the legal lives of the patents. The Company expenses costs incurred to renew or extend the term of intangible assets. Gross patents were $2.61 million and $2.59 million as of October 31, 2016 and January 31, 2016, respectively. Accumulated amortization was approximately $2.37 million and $2.33 million as of October 31, 2016 and January 31, 2016, respectively. Future amortizations over the next five years ending January 31 will be $11,500 in 2017, $43,150 in 2018, $34,150 in 2019, $31,150 in 2020, $24,800 in 2021, and $98,125 thereafter. Patents are included in other assets in the balance sheet.

| Three Months Ended October 31, | Nine Months Ended October 31,
| 2016 |  | 2015 |  | 2016 |  | 2015 |
Patent amortization expense |  | $12 |  |  | $14 |  |  | $34 |  |  | $40 |

8. | Stock-based compensation. The Company has stock-based compensation awards that can be granted to eligible employees, officers or directors.

| Three Months Ended October 31, | Nine Months Ended October 31,
| 2016 |  | 2015 |  | 2016 |  | 2015 |
Stock-based compensation (benefit) expense |  | ($83 | ) |  | $87 |  |  | ($367 | ) |  | $50 |
Restricted stock based compensation expense |  | $151 |  |  | $79 |  |  | $819 |  |  | $337 |

Stock-based compensation for 2016 was a benefit year-to-date due to cancellations. Most of these cancellations related to former employees from the Company's discontinued operations. The increase in the restricted stock based compensation expense relates to a grant in March 2016 and the conversion of performance restricted stock units to time-based restricted shares. This increase is partially offset by a decrease in management incentive compensation expense.
Stock Options. The fair value of the outstanding option awards was estimated on the grant dates using the Black-Scholes option pricing model.

| Nine Months Ended October 31,
Fair value assumptions | 2016 | 2015
Expected volatility | 40.88% - 54.56% | 40.88% - 59.39%
Risk free interest rate | .75% - 1.77% | .74% - 1.77%
Dividend yield | none | none
Expected life | 5.0 - 5.1 years | 4.9 - 5.1 years

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Option activity | Options | Weighted Average Exercise Price | Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term | Aggregate Intrinsic Value
Outstanding at January 31, 2016 | 720 |  |  | $11.38 |  | 5.1 |  | $34 |
Granted | 22 |  | 7.33 |  |  |
Exercised | (37 | ) | 6.53 |  |  | 37 |
Expired or forfeited | (131 | ) | 10.98 |  |  |
Outstanding end of period | 574 |  | 11.62 |  | 4.7 | 352 |
Exercisable end of period | 485 |  |  | $12.05 |  | 4.0 |  | $299 |

Unvested option activity | Options | Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value | Aggregate Intrinsic Value
Outstanding at January 31, 2016 | 166 |  |  | $9.51 |  |  | $— |
Granted | 22 |  | 7.33 |  |
Vested | (62 | ) |  |
Expired or forfeited | (37 | ) | 9.00 |  |
Outstanding end of period | 89 |  |  | $9.31 |  |  | $53 |

As of October 31, 2016, there was $0.3 million of total unrecognized compensation expense related to unvested stock options. The expense is expected to be recognized over a period of 2.1 years.
Restricted stock. The following table summarizes restricted stock activity for the year:

Restricted stock activity | Restricted Shares | Weighted Average Grant Price Per Share | Aggregate Intrinsic Value
Outstanding at January 31, 2016 | 163 |  |  | $8.60 |  |  | $1,040 |
Granted | 241 |  | 7.26 |  |
Issued | (94 | ) |  |
Forfeited | (2 | ) | 6.92 |  |
Outstanding end of period | 308 |  |  | $7.91 |  |  | $2,466 |

As of October 31, 2016, there was $0.7 million of unrecognized compensation expense related to unvested restricted stock granted under the plans. The cost is expected to be recognized over the weighted-average period of 2.7 years.
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9. Earnings per share.

| Three Months Ended October 31, | Nine Months Ended October 31,
| 2016 |  | 2015 |  | 2016 |  | 2015 |
Basic weighted average common shares outstanding | 7,541 |  | 7,290 |  | 7,457 |  | 7,273 |
Dilutive effect of equity compensation plans | — |  | 77 |  | — |  | — |
Weighted average common shares outstanding assuming full dilution | 7,541 |  | 7,367 |  | 7,457 |  | 7,273 |
Stock options not included in the computation of diluted earnings per share of common stock because the option exercise prices exceeded the average market prices of the common shares | 270 |  | 753 |  | 336 |  | 743 |
Stock options with an exercise price below the average market price | 304 |  | — |  | 238 |  | 10 |

10. Interest expense, net.

| Three Months Ended October 31, | Nine Months Ended October 31,
| 2016 |  | 2015 |  | 2016 |  | 2015 |
Interest expense |  | $164 |  |  | $247 |  |  | $556 |  |  | $615 |
Interest income | (52 | ) | (120 | ) | (121 | ) | (405 | )
Interest expense, net |  | $112 |  |  | $127 |  |  | $435 |  |  | $210 |

11. Debt. Debt totaled $14.1 million at October 31, 2016, a net decrease of $1.4 million since January 31, 2016.
Revolving lines North America. On September 24, 2014, the Company entered into a Credit and Security Agreement with a financial institution (as amended, "Credit Agreement"). Under the terms of the Credit Agreement, which matures on September 24, 2018, the Company can borrow up to a combined $15.0 million in the U.S. and Canada, subject to borrowing base availability from secured domestic and certain Canadian assets, such as accounts receivable and inventory, and other requirements, under a revolving line of credit. The Credit Agreement covenants restrict debt, liens, and investments, and require attainment of specific levels of profitability and cash flows. At October 31, 2016, the Company was in compliance with loan covenants. The domestic revolving line balance as of October 31, 2016 and January 31, 2016 was included as a current liability in the consolidated balance sheets.
Interest rates vary based on the average availability in the preceding fiscal quarter and are: (a) a margin in effect plus a base rate, if below certain availability limits; or (b) a margin in effect plus the Eurodollar rate for the corresponding interest period. As of October 31, 2016, the Company had borrowed 6.4 million at 3.5%, 2.28% and 2.95% and had 6.2 million available to it under the revolving line of credit. In addition, $0.3 million of availability was used under the Credit Agreement primarily to support letters of credit to guarantee amounts committed for inventory purchases. Cash required for operations, as needed, is provided by draw downs on the line of credit.
Revolving lines foreign. The Company also had credit arrangements used by its Middle Eastern subsidiaries. These credit arrangements are in the form of overdraft facilities and project financing at rates competitive in the countries in which the Company operates. The lines of credit are secured by certain equipment, certain assets, such as accounts receivable and inventory, and a guarantee by the Company. The Company's credit arrangement covenants require a minimum tangible net worth to be maintained. At October 31, 2016, the Company was in compliance with the covenants under the credit arrangements. At October 31, 2016, interest rates were 4.0% per annum below National Bank of Fujairah Base Rate, minimum 3.5% per annum, and Emirates Inter Bank Offered Rate (EIBOR) plus 3.5% per annum. At October 31, 2016, the Company's interest rates range from 3.5% to 6.0%. At October 31, 2016, the Company had available borrowing capacity of $26.0 million under these credit arrangements. In addition,
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$6.5 million of availability was used to support letters of credit to guarantee amounts committed for inventory purchases and project completion guarantees. At October 31, 2016, borrowings under these credit arrangements totaled $0.2 million; an additional $19.4 million remained unused. The foreign revolving lines balances as of October 31, 2016 and January 31, 2016 were included as current maturities of long-term debt in the consolidated balance sheets.
On February 1, 2016, the Company executed a promissory note in favor of United Pipeline Systems Limited, an affiliate of Aegion, Inc. for $2.0 million. The promissory note was paid on July 28, 2016. In addition, the Company on July 28, 2016 paid off the balance of $2.2 million in previously affiliated debt to Aegion in its Canadian subsidiary which was acquired in the purchase of BPPC.
On July 28, 2016, the Company borrowed $8.0 million CAD (approximately $6.1 million USD at the prevailing exchange rate on the transaction date) from a bank in Canada under a mortgage note secured by the manufacturing facility located in Alberta, Canada that matures on December 23, 2042. The interest rate is variable, currently at 4.7%, with monthly payments of $31 thousand CAD (approximately $24 thousand USD) for interest; and monthly payments of $27 thousand CAD (approximately $20 thousand USD) for principal. Principal payments begin January 2018.
12. Fair Value. In relation to the acquisition of BPPC, the Company estimated the fair value of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed at acquisition date. See "Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements Note 3 Acquisition", for a further discussion of this purchase. The carrying values of cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable and accounts payable are reasonable estimates of their fair value due to their short-term nature. The carrying amount of the Company's short-term debt, revolving line of credit and long-term debt approximate fair value, because the majority of the amounts outstanding accrue interest at variable rates.
The Company held a marketable equity security of approximately $0.1 million at October 31, 2016, which it classified as available-for-sale and recorded in other non-current assets on the Consolidated Balance Sheet. This security is carried at estimated fair value with unrealized gains and losses reflected in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income and classified as Level 1 in the fair value hierarchy. The assessment for impairment of marketable equity securities as available-for sale is based on established financial methodologies, including quoted market prices for publicly traded securities. If the Company determines that a loss in the value of the investment is other than temporary, any such losses are recorded in other expense (income), net.

13. | Other accrued liabilities. In the second quarter, the Company recorded a legal settlement accrual of $0.8 million, which is included in other accrued liabilities.

14. | Recent accounting pronouncements. In October 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued authoritative guidance requiring the recognition of the income tax consequences of an intra-entity transfer of an asset, other than inventory, when the transfer occurs rather than when transferred to a third party as required under the current guidance. The new guidance is effective for the Company beginning February 1, 2018, with early adoption permitted. The Company is currently assessing the potential impact the guidance will have upon adoption.

In August 2016, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") 2016-15, Statement of Cash Flows: Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments. The new standard provides guidance on eight targeted areas and how they are presented and classified in the statement of cash flows. The guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017. The adoption of this standard is not expected to have a material impact.
In March 2016, the FASB issued guidance relating to the accounting for share-based payment transactions. This guidance involves several aspects of the accounting for share-based payment transactions, including the income tax consequences, classifications of awards as either equity or liabilities and classification on the statement of cash flows. The standard is effective for the Company beginning in its fiscal year 2017, including interim periods within those fiscal years, and early adoption is permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the effect that this standard will have on the consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.
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In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842). This ASU requires entities to recognize assets and liabilities for most leases on their balance sheets. It also requires additional qualitative and quantitative disclosures to help investors and other financial statement users better understand the amount, timing, and uncertainty of cash flows arising from leases. ASU No. 2016-02 is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2018, with early adoption permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the effect that this standard will have on the consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.
In August 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-15, Presentation of Financial Statements - Going Concern (Subtopic 205-40) - Disclosure of Uncertainties about an Entity’s Ability to Continue as a Going Concern (“ASU 2014-15”). ASU 2014-15 provides guidance about management’s responsibility to evaluate whether there is substantial doubt about an entity’s ability to continue as a going concern and to provide related footnote disclosures. ASU 2014-15 is effective for annual periods ending after December 15, 2016, and for annual periods and interim periods thereafter. Early adoption is permitted. The adoption of ASU 2014-15 is not expected to have an impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.
In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers. This new standard provides for a single comprehensive model and supersedes most current revenue recognition guidance, including industry specific guidance, and provides for enhanced disclosure requirements. The objective of the new guidance is to improve the consistency, comparability and usefulness to users of financial statements. On April 1, 2015, FASB decided to defer the effective date of the new revenue standard by one year. As a result, public entities would apply the new revenue standard for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2017. ASU 2014-09 provides for two implementation methods (1) full retrospective application to each prior period or (2) modified retrospective application with the cumulative effect as of the date of adoption. The Company is evaluating the financial statement impacts of the guidance in this ASU and determining which transition method will be utilized.
15. Reclassifications. Reclassifications were made to the prior-year balance sheet to conform to the current-year presentations.
Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations ("MD&A")
The statements contained under the caption MD&A and other information contained elsewhere in this quarterly report, which can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "may," "will," "expect," "continue," "remains," "intend," "aim," "should," "prospects," "could," "future," "potential," "believes," "plans," "likely" and "probable" or the negative thereof or other variations thereon or comparable terminology, constitute "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and are subject to the safe harbors created thereby. These statements should be considered as subject to the many risks and uncertainties that exist in the Company's operations and business environment. Such risks and uncertainties could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected as a result of many factors, including, but not limited to, those under the heading Item 1A. Risk Factors included in the Company's latest Annual Report on Form 10-K.
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Consolidated MFRI, Inc.
MFRI, Inc. is engaged in the manufacture and sale of products in one reportable segment: Piping Systems. The Company's website is www.mfri.com. Since the Piping Systems segment includes large discrete projects, operating results could be negatively impacted in the future as a result of large variations in the level of market demand in reporting periods.
This discussion should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements, including the notes thereto, contained elsewhere in this report.
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Piping Systems

| Three Months Ended October 31, | Nine Months Ended October 31,
($ in thousands) | 2016 |  | % | 2015 |  | % | % Increase (decrease) | 2016 |  | % |  | 2015 |  | % |  | % Increase (decrease)
Net sales | $25,302 |  | $46,950 |  | (46 | )% | $71,230 |  | $92,374 |  | (23 | )%
Gross profit | 3,697 |  | 15 | % | 14,315 |  | 30 | % | (74 | )% | 8,669 | 12 | % | 19,796 | 21 | % | (56 | )%
General and administrative expenses | 1,675 |  | 7 | % | 3,291 |  | 7 | % | (11 | )% | 6,208 |  | 9 | % | 8,375 | 9 | % | (26 | )%
Selling expenses | 1,382 |  | 5 | % | 1,303 |  | 3 | % | 6 | % | 4,236 |  | 6 | % | 3,951 | 4 | % | 7 | %
Income (loss) from operations | 640 |  | 3 | % | 9,721 |  | 21 | % | (93 | )% | (1,775 | ) | (2 | )% | 7,470 |  | 8 | % | (124 | )%
Loss on consolidation of joint venture | — |  |  | — |  |  |  | (1,620 | ) |  | — |  |  |

Three months ended October 31, 2016 ("current quarter") vs. Three months ended October 31, 2015 ("prior-year quarter")
Net sales decreased 46% to $25.3 million in the current quarter from $47.0 million in the prior-year quarter. Various economic factors have substantially reduced demand in the markets the Company serves during this fiscal year and each of the factors continued this quarter. Since the Company serves oil and gas customers, the low price of oil has had a significant dampening effect on infrastructure projects in the Gulf of Mexico, Canada and the Middle East. The continued shrinking of domestic federal and state infrastructure spending, combined with the general recession in the Gulf Cooperation Council region, have combined to weaken demand for district heating and cooling projects. In addition, the Saudi Arabian economy is in a significant recession, which has slowed its Vision 2030 infrastructure projects. In October 2016, the Saudi government placed a $17.5 billion bond issue in part to raise the funds necessary to restart these projects.
Gross margin decreased to 15% of net sales in the current quarter from 30% of net sales in the prior-year quarter. Because volume is down so sharply, project bids are increasingly competitive and intake margins are under pressure. Additionally, with lower throughput, the fixed costs of the Company's capital-intensive production processes have an adverse effect on margin.
General and administrative expenses decreased to $1.7 million from $3.3 million due to staffing reductions and lower management incentive compensation expense.
Selling expenses increased to $1.4 million from $1.3 million due to the addition of the Canadian entity now included.
Nine months ended October 31, 2016 ("year-to-date") vs. Nine months ended October 31, 2015 ("prior-year year-to-date")
On December 31, 2015, MFRI entered into a purchase agreement with its joint venture partner Aegion Corporation to acquire the remaining 51% ownership of BPPC, a coating and insulation company in Camrose, Alberta, which acquisition closed on February 4, 2016.
The purchase price was $13.1 million CAD ($9.6 million USD) in cash and debt at closing and is subject to certain post-closing adjustments. The initial accounting for this acquisition is not complete pending detailed analysis of the facts and circumstances that existed as of the acquisition date.
The acquisition has preliminarily resulted in approximately $2.5 million of goodwill. In the first quarter, the Company recorded a one-time non-cash loss of $1.6 million from the consolidation of the joint venture. The
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Company incurred legal, professional and other costs related to this acquisition. These one-time costs of $0.2 million were recognized as general and administrative expenses.
For the reasons discussed above in the quarter, net sales decreased 23% to $71.2 million year-to-date from $92.4 million in the prior-year-to-date.
Gross margin decreased to 12% of net sales year-to-date from 21% of net sales in the prior-year-to-date. The resulting lower production levels and absorption of manufacturing costs, as well as unfavorable sales mix resulted in reduced operating profit margins.
General and administrative expenses decreased to $6.2 million from $8.4 million despite a one-time legal settlement of $0.8 million and the addition of the Canadian general and administrative expenses in the period. The decrease was due to staffing reductions and lower management incentive compensation expense and the prior year included a foreign exchange loss of $0.4 million.
Selling expenses increased to $4.2 million from $4.0 million mainly due to the addition of the Canadian activity.
Corporate
Current quarter vs. prior-year quarter
Corporate operating expenses include general and administrative expenses that are not allocated to the segment. General and administrative expenses decreased to $1.7 million in the current quarter from $2.2 million in the prior-year quarter. This decrease was due to reduced staffing and the elimination of temporary staffing costs.
Net interest expense decreased to $112 thousand in the current quarter from $127 thousand in the prior-year quarter due to lower borrowings, both domestic and foreign.
Year-to-date vs. prior-year year-to-date
General and administrative expenses decreased to $5.6 million year-to-date from $6.0 million in the prior-year-to-date. In the first quarter, the Company had a reduction of its workforce and incurred severance expense of $0.3 million.
Net interest expense increased to $0.4 million year-to-date from $0.2 million in the prior-year period. Interest income decreased in India because of a dividend payment made in January 2016 to support the acquisition of BPPC.
Pretax loss from continuing operations
Current quarter vs. prior-year quarter
Pretax loss from continuing operations was $1.1 million in the current quarter versus $7.8 million of income in the prior-year quarter due to:

• | competitive pricing pressure and weak infrastructure spending in district heating and cooling markets

• | reduced volume in oil and gas operations resulting from low oil prices

Year-to-date vs. prior-year year-to-date
Pretax loss from continuing operations was $9.4 million year-to-date versus $1.7 million of income in the prior-year-to-date. The factors contributing to the year-to-date 2016 results were:

• | competitive pricing pressure and weak infrastructure spending in district heating and cooling markets

• | reduced volume in oil and gas operations resulting from low oil prices

• | a non-cash loss of $1.6 million from the consolidation of the joint venture

• | a one-time $0.8 million lawsuit settlement

• | $0.3 million in severance costs

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• | increased professional services associated with the changes in the Company's business structure to concentrate on a single line of business.

INCOME TAXES
The Company's effective tax rate ("ETR") from continuing operations for the quarter and year-to-date was a negative 209.8% and 11.4%, respectively, compared to 17.2% and 51.7% during the respective prior-year periods. The October 31, 2016 computation of the projected annual tax rate has been significantly impacted by an increase in the projected loss for the year, especially an increase in the loss attributable to the U.A.E., which receives no tax benefit due to a zero tax rate in that country. Other changes in the ETR from the prior year-to-date to the current year-to-date are due to the Canadian acquisition and the allocation of tax expense between continuing operations, other comprehensive income and discontinued operations when applying intraperiod allocation rules. The Company remains in a domestic NOL carryforward position. For additional information, see "Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, Note 5 Income taxes".
OTHER
For the three months ended October 31, 2016, one customer accounted for 17.0% of the Company's consolidated net sales, and for the three months ended October 31, 2015, two customers accounted for 25.9% of the Company's consolidated net sales. For the nine months ended October 31, 2016, no customer accounted for 10% of the Company's consolidated net sales, and for the nine months ended October 31, 2015, one customer accounted for 10.3% of the Company's consolidated net sales.
At October 31, 2016, two customers accounted for 25% of accounts receivable. Two customers accounted for 46% of accounts receivable at January 31, 2016.
DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS
Prior to January 29, 2016, the Company was also engaged in the manufacture and sale of products in the Filtration Products segment. On January 29, 2016, the Company sold certain assets and liabilities of its TDC Filter business based in Bolingbrook, Illinois and its Nordic Air Filtration, Denmark and Nordic Air Filtration, U.A.E. businesses. The Company liquidated the remaining assets of the Filtration bag business in Winchester, Virginia. The Filtration business segment is reported as discontinued operations in the consolidated financial statements, and the notes to consolidated financial statements have been revised to conform to the current year reporting. There was $0.6 million of tax expense for the nine months ended October 31, 2016. For further information, see "Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, Note 4 Discontinued operations".
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
Cash and cash equivalents as of October 31, 2016 were $9.0 million compared to $16.6 million at January 31, 2016. At October 31, 2016, $0.4 million was held in the U.S., and $8.6 million was held at the foreign subsidiaries. The Company's working capital was $29.1 million on October 31, 2016 compared to $31.8 million on January 31, 2016. Of the working capital components, accounts receivable decreased $5.7 million, inventory decreased $1.3 million and accounts payable decreased $3.5 million. Net cash used in operating activities during the first nine months of 2016 was $4.8 million compared to $9.8 million during the first nine months of 2015.
During the quarter, the Company paid out $1.8 million under its terminated deferred compensation plans. The Company has paid $5.0 million year-to-date under its terminated deferred compensation plans. $1.9 million of these payments were funded by the liquidation of life insurance contracts previously purchased by the Company.
The Company has not provided for Federal tax on unremitted earnings of its Middle East subsidiaries. The Company does not believe that it will be necessary to repatriate investments from these subsidiaries.
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Net cash provided by investing activities for the nine months ended October 31, 2016 was $9.6 million of which $14.0 million was from the proceeds of several sales discussed below, partially offset by $4.7 million related to the acquisition of BPPC.
In September 2016, the Company completed the sale of its Cicero Filtration facility to a third party at a price of $0.5 million. The sale generated approximately $0.4 million in cash after expenses.
In October 2016, the Company completed the sale of its Virginia Filtration facility to a third party at a price of $1.5 million. The sale generated approximately $1.4 million in cash after expenses.
In May 2016, the Company completed the sale of its former corporate headquarters, land and building, to a third party at a purchase price of $4.4 million. The sale generated approximately $0.4 million in cash after expenses and mortgage payoff.
In May 2016, the Company also completed the sale of its Bolingbrook Filtration facility to a third party at a purchase price of $7.1 million. The sale generated approximately $1.9 million in cash after expenses and mortgage payoff.
Debt totaled $14.1 million at October 31, 2016, a net decrease of $1.4 million compared to the beginning of the current fiscal year. For additional information, see "Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, Note 11 Debt". Net cash used in financing activities was $12.2 million for the nine months ended October 31, 2016.
On September 24, 2014, the Company entered into a Credit and Security Agreement with a financial institution (as amended, "Credit Agreement"). Under the terms of the Credit Agreement, which matures on September 24, 2018, the Company can borrow up to a combined $15.0 million in the U.S. and Canada, subject to borrowing base availability from secured domestic and certain Canadian assets, such as accounts receivable and inventory, and other requirements, under a revolving line of credit. The Credit Agreement covenants restrict debt, liens, and investments, and require attainment of specific levels of profitability and cash flows. At October 31, 2016, the Company was in compliance with loan covenants. The domestic revolving line balance as of October 31, 2016 and January 31, 2016 was included as a current liability in the consolidated balance sheets.
Interest rates vary based on the average availability in the preceding fiscal quarter and are: (a) a margin in effect plus a base rate, if below certain availability limits; or (b) a margin in effect plus the Eurodollar rate for the corresponding interest period. As of October 31, 2016, the Company had borrowed 6.4 million at 3.5%, 2.28% and 2.95% and had 6.2 million available to it under the revolving line of credit. In addition, $0.3 million of availability was used under the Credit Agreement primarily to support letters of credit to guarantee amounts committed for inventory purchases. Cash required for operations, as needed, is provided by draw downs on the line of credit.
Revolving lines foreign. The Company also had credit arrangements used by its Middle Eastern subsidiaries. These credit arrangements are in the form of overdraft facilities and project financing at rates competitive in the countries in which the Company operates. The lines of credit are secured by certain equipment, certain assets, such as accounts receivable and inventory, and a guarantee by the Company. The Company's credit arrangement covenants requires a minimum tangible net worth to be maintained. At October 31, 2016, the Company was in compliance with the covenants under the credit arrangements. At October 31, 2016, interest rates were 4.0% per annum below National Bank of Fujairah Base Rate, minimum 3.5% per annum, and Emirates Inter Bank Offered Rate (EIBOR) plus 3.5% per annum. At October 31, 2016, the Company's interest rates range from 3.5% to 6.0%. At October 31, 2016, the Company had available borrowing capacity of $26.0 million under these credit arrangements. In addition, $6.5 million of availability was used to support letters of credit to guarantee amounts committed for inventory purchases and project completion guarantees. At October 31, 2016, borrowings under these credit arrangements totaled $0.2 million; an additional $19.4 million remained unused. The foreign revolving lines balances as of October 31, 2016 and January 31, 2016 were included as current maturities of long-term debt in the consolidated balance sheets.
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The Company believes its current cash and cash flow from operations, together with borrowing capacity under the revolving credit facilities, will be sufficient to fund anticipated operations, working capital and capital spending needs for at least the next 12 months.
On February 1, 2016, the Company executed a promissory note in favor of United Pipeline Systems Limited, an affiliate of Aegion, Inc. for $2.0 million. The promissory note was paid on July 28, 2016. In addition, the Company July 28, 2016 paid off the balance of $2.2 million in previously affiliated debt to Aegion in its Canadian subsidiary which was acquired in the purchase of BPPC.
On July 28, 2016, the Company borrowed $8.0 million CAD (approximately $6.1 million USD at the prevailing exchange rate on the transaction date) from a bank in Canada under a mortgage note secured by the manufacturing facility located in Alberta, Canada that matures on December 23, 2042. The interest rate is variable, currently at 4.7%, with monthly payments of $31 thousand CAD (approximately $24 thousand USD) for interest; and monthly payments of $27 thousand CAD (approximately $20 thousand USD) for principal. Principal payments begin January 2018.
CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND ESTIMATES
Critical accounting policies are described in Item 7. MD&A and in the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements for the year ended January 31, 2016 contained in the Company's most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K. Any new accounting policies or updates to existing accounting policies as a result of new accounting pronouncements have been discussed in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q. The application of critical accounting policies may require management to make assumptions, judgments and estimates about the amounts reflected in the Consolidated Financial Statements. Management uses historical experience and all available information to make these estimates and judgments, and different amounts could be reported using different assumptions and estimates.
Item 4. Controls and Procedures
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The Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have evaluated the effectiveness of the Company's disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended) as of October 31, 2016. The Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have evaluated the effectiveness of the Company's disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended) as of October 31, 2016. This evaluation included consideration of the controls, processes, and procedures that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by us in the reports we file or submit under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized, and reported within the time periods specified in the rules and forms of the SEC and that such information is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure. Our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, has concluded that the Company's disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of October 31, 2016.
Previously Disclosed Delinquent Filing Status
Management has previously reported on a material weakness in our internal control, which resulted in a failure to timely file a current report on Form 8-K, leading management to conclude that disclosure controls and procedures were not effective as of January 31, 2016. During the quarter ending October 31, 2016 the Company cured its delinquent filing status through issuance of a Form 8-K/A containing the audited historical financial statements of its acquiree, Bayou Perma-Pipe Canada Ltd.
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PART II OTHER INFORMATION
Item 6. Exhibits

10.1 | Executive Employment Agreement by and between MFRI, Inc. and David Mansfield dated as of October 19, 2016
31 | Rule 13a - 14(a)/15d - 14(a) Certifications (1) Chief Executive Officer certification pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (2) Chief Financial Officer certification pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
32 | Section 1350 Certifications (Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer certification pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002)
101.INS | XBRL Instance
101.SCH | XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema
101.CAL | XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation
101.DEF | XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition
101.LAB | XBRL Taxonomy Extension Labels
101.PRE | XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation

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

Date: | December 13, 2016 | /s/ David J. Mansfield
|  | David J. Mansfield
|  | President and Chief Executive Officer
|  | (Principal Executive Officer)
Date: | December 13, 2016 | /s/ Karl J. Schmidt
|  | Karl J. Schmidt
|  | Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
|  | (Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)

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