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 July 31, 2015

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.)
 
 
7720 N. Lehigh Avenue, 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 September 15, 2015, there were 7,290,644 shares of the registrant's common stock outstanding.




MFRI, Inc.
FORM 10-Q
For the fiscal quarter ended July 31, 2015
TABLE OF CONTENTS

Item
 
Page
 
 
 
Part I
 
 
 
 
1.
 
 
Consolidated Statements of Operations for the Three and Six Months Ended July 31, 2015 and 2014
 
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive (Loss) Income for the Three and Six Months Ended July 31, 2015 and 2014
2
 
Consolidated Balance Sheets as of July 31, 2015 and January 31, 2015
 
Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity as of July 31, 2015 and January 31, 2015
 
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Six Months Ended July 31, 2015 and 2014
 
 
 
 
2.
 
 
 
4.
 
 
 
Part II
 
6.
17
 
 
 



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 July 31,
 
Six Months Ended July 31,
 
2015

2014

 
2015

2014

Net sales

$40,061


$53,370

 

$77,735


$112,894

Cost of sales
34,401

42,825

 
68,034

86,360

Gross profit
5,660

10,545

 
9,701

26,534

 
 
 
 
 
 
Operating expenses
 
 
 
 
 
General and administrative expenses
5,185

6,713

 
11,325
14,130

Selling expenses
2,950

2,037

 
5,651
4,900

Total operating expenses
8,135

8,750

 
16,976

19,030

 
 
 
 
 
 
(Loss) income from operations
(2,475
)
1,795

 
(7,275
)
7,504

 
 
 
 
 
 
(Loss) income from joint venture
(49
)
219

 
116

211

 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest expense, net
252

263

 
246

500

(Loss) income from continuing operations before income taxes
(2,776
)
1,751

 
(7,405
)
7,215

 
 
 
 
 
 
Income tax (benefit) expense
(385
)
276

 
(359
)
1,542

 
 
 
 
 
 
(Loss) income from continuing operations
(2,391
)
1,475

 
(7,046
)
5,673

 
 
 
 
 
 
Loss from discontinued operations, net of tax
—

(111
)
 
—

(482
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net (loss) income

($2,391
)

$1,364

 

($7,046
)
$5,191
 
 
 
 
 
 
Weighted average common shares outstanding
 
 
 
 
 
Basic
7,277

7,248

 
7,264

7,212

Diluted
7,277

7,386

 
7,264

7,350

 
 
 
 
 
 
(Loss) earnings per share from continuing operations
 
 
 
 
 
Basic

($0.33
)

$0.20

 
($0.97)
$0.79
Diluted

($0.33
)

$0.20

 
($0.97)
$0.77
Loss per share from discontinued operations
 
 
 
 
 
Basic and diluted

$—


($0.02
)
 

$—


($0.07
)
(Loss) earnings per share
 
 
 
 
 
Basic
($0.33)

$0.19

 

($0.97
)

$0.72

Diluted
($0.33)

$0.18

 
($0.97)

$0.71

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 July 31,
 
Six Months Ended July 31,
 
2015

2014

 
2015

2014

Net (loss) income

($2,391
)

$1,364

 

($7,046
)

$5,191

 
 
 
 
 
 
Other comprehensive (loss) income
 
 
 
 
 
Foreign currency translation adjustments, net of tax
(184
)
(240
)
 
158

(170
)
Interest rate swap, net of tax
10

(12
)
 
15

(22
)
Minimum pension liability adjustment, net of tax
196

—

 
196

—

Other comprehensive income (loss)
22

(252
)
 
369

(192
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
Comprehensive (loss) income

($2,369
)

$1,112

 

($6,677
)

$4,999


See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.



2

MFRI, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(In thousands except per share data)
July 31, 2015

January 31, 2015

ASSETS
Unaudited

 
Current assets
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents

$10,008


$10,508

Restricted cash
430

428

Trade accounts receivable, less allowance for doubtful accounts of $301 at July 31, 2015 and $110 at January 31, 2015
43,860

41,847

Inventories, net
34,952

29,770

Prepaid expenses and other current assets
3,132

4,349

Costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings on uncompleted contracts
2,200

700

Total current assets
94,582

87,602

Property, plant and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation
43,589

41,486

Other assets
 
 
Note receivable from joint venture
2,051

3,931

Investment in joint venture
8,629

8,514

Cash surrender value on life insurance policies, net
3,320

3,256

Other assets
3,503

3,215

Assets held for sale long-term
472

534

Total other assets
17,975

19,450

Total assets

$156,146


$148,538

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
 
 
Current liabilities
 
 
Trade accounts payable

$19,646


$11,072

Accrued compensation and payroll taxes
12,525

5,551

Commissions and management incentives payable
3,378

5,734

Revolving line domestic
14,361

11,353

Current maturities of long-term debt
4,773

5,679

Customers' deposits
10,351

7,341

Billings in excess of costs and estimated earnings on uncompleted contracts
4,506

681

Other accrued liabilities
2,302

2,486

Deferred tax liabilities - current
166

165

Income taxes payable
551

1,688

Total current liabilities
72,559

51,750

Long-term liabilities
 
 
Long-term debt, less current maturities
12,582

12,603

Deferred compensation liabilities
434

6,560

Deferred tax liabilities - long-term
315

309

Other long-term liabilities
3,749

3,793

Total long-term liabilities
17,080

23,265

Stockholders' equity
 
 
Common stock, $.01 par value, authorized 50,000 shares; 7,291 issued and outstanding at July 31, 2015 and 7,291 issued and outstanding at January 31, 2015
73

73

Additional paid-in capital
52,604

52,655

Treasury Stock 45 shares at July 31, 2015 and none at January 31, 2015
(290
)
—

Retained earnings
18,280

25,324

Accumulated other comprehensive loss
(4,160
)
(4,529
)
Total stockholders' equity
66,507

73,523

Total liabilities and stockholders' equity

$156,146


$148,538

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, 2015
$73
$52,655
$25,324

$—

($4,529)
$73,523
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net loss
 
 

($7,046
)
 
 
(7,046
)
Restricted shares vested and payroll taxes paid with shares
—

(25
)
 
 
 
(25
)
Repurchase of common stock
 
 
 
(290
)
 
(290
)
Stock-based compensation benefit
 
(26
)
 
 
 
(26
)
Interest rate swap
 
 
 
 
28

28

Pension liability adjustment
 
 
 
 
333

333

Foreign currency translation adjustments
 
 
2

 
108

110

Tax benefit/expense on above items
 
 
 
 
(100
)
(100
)
Total stockholders' equity at July 31, 2015
$73
$52,604
$18,280
($290)
($4,160)
$66,507

Shares
2015

2014

 
Balances at beginning of year
7,290,576

7,168,537

 
Shares issued (repurchased)
68

122,039

 
Balances at period end
7,290,644

7,290,576

 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.



4

MFRI, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (Unaudited)
(In thousands)
Six Months Ended July 31,
 
2015

2014

Operating activities
 
 
Net (loss) income

($7,046
)

$5,191

Adjustments to reconcile net (loss) income to net cash flows provided by (used in) operating activities
 
 
Depreciation and amortization
2,903

2,899

Loss on disposal of discontinued operations
—

12

Deferred tax expense
31

669

Stock-based compensation benefit
(26
)
(210
)
Income from joint venture
(116
)
(211
)
Cash surrender value on life insurance policies
(65
)
(104
)
Gain on disposal of fixed assets
—

(3
)
Provision on uncollectible accounts
192

17

Changes in operating assets and liabilities
 
 
Accounts receivable
(2,352
)
1,244

Inventories
(5,267
)
1,303

Costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings on uncompleted contracts
2,325

(3,115
)
Accounts payable
8,250

(5,049
)
Accrued compensation and payroll taxes
4,642

(5,036
)
Customers' deposits
3,007

(200
)
Income taxes receivable and payable
(1,115
)
(702
)
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
1,178

151

Other assets and liabilities
(6,468
)
380

Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities
73

(2,764
)
Investing activities
 
 
Capital expenditures
(4,997
)
(2,354
)
Payments on loan from joint venture
1,890

—

Proceeds from sales of property and equipment
—

3

Net cash used in investing activities
(3,107
)
(2,351
)
Financing activities
 
 
Proceeds from revolving lines
48,585

35,262

Proceeds from debt
668

47

Proceeds from borrowing against life insurance policies
1,916

—

Payments of debt on revolving lines of credit
(45,546
)
(28,375
)
Payments of other debt
(1,109
)
(1,479
)
Payments of borrowing against life insurance policies
(1,916
)
—

Increase in drafts payable
359

1,105

Payments on capitalized lease obligations
(434
)
(290
)
Payments for repurchase of common stock
(290
)
—

Stock options exercised and restricted shares issued
(25
)
329

Net cash provided by financing activities
2,208

6,599

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents
326

93

Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents
(500
)
1,577

Cash and cash equivalents - beginning of period
10,508

13,395

Cash and cash equivalents - end of period

$10,008


$14,972

Supplemental cash flow information
 
 
Interest paid

$564


$730

Income taxes paid
846

2,366

Fixed assets acquired under capital leases
732

—

Funds held in escrow related to the sale of Thermal Care, Inc. assets
—

191

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.



MFRI, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)
JULY 31, 2015
(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, 2015 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 2015 and 2014 are for the six months ended July 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively.

2.
Business segment reporting. The Company has two reportable segments: Piping Systems, which engineers, designs, manufactures and sells specialty piping, leak detection and location systems, and Filtration Products, which manufactures custom-designed industrial filtration products to remove particulates from air and other gas streams.

For the three months ended July 31, 2015 and July 31, 2014, no customer accounted for 10% of the Company's consolidated net sales. For the six months ended July 31, 2015, no customer accounted for 10% of the Company's consolidated net sales and for the six months ended July 31, 2014, one customer in Piping Systems accounted for 14% of the Company's consolidated net sales.

At July 31, 2015, one customer in Piping Systems accounted for 23% of accounts receivable. At January 31, 2015, one customer in Piping Systems accounted for 31% of accounts receivable.

 
Three Months Ended July 31,
 
Six Months Ended July 31,
 
2015

2014

 
2015

2014

Net sales
 
 
 
 
 
Piping Systems

$25,147


$33,789

 

$45,424


$76,143

Filtration Products
14,914

19,581

 
32,311

36,751

Total

$40,061


$53,370

 

$77,735


$112,894

Gross profit
 
 
 
 
 
Piping Systems

$3,126


$7,846

 

$5,481


$21,304

Filtration Products
2,534

2,699

 
4,220

5,230

Total

$5,660


$10,545

 

$9,701


$26,534

(Loss) income from operations
 
 
 
 
 
Piping Systems

($825
)

$3,783

 

($2,251
)

$11,800

Filtration Products
55

(30
)
 
(1,175
)
(574
)
Corporate
(1,705
)
(1,958
)
 
(3,849
)
(3,722
)
Total

($2,475
)

$1,795

 

($7,275
)

$7,504




6


3.
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 United Arab Emirates ("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.

Changes in tax laws and rates may affect recorded deferred tax assets and liabilities and the Company's effective tax rate in the future. The Company periodically reviews the adequacy of its valuation allowance in all of the tax jurisdictions in which it operates and may make further adjustments based on management's outlook for continued profits in each jurisdiction.

The Company's consolidated effective tax rate ("ETR") from continuing operations was 4.9% and 21.4% for the six months ended July 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively. The change in the ETR for the two periods relates to the mix of income earned in zero rate jurisdictions.

The amount of unrecognized tax benefits, including interest and penalties, at July 31, 2015, recorded in other long-term liabilities was $0.1 million of which $0.1 million 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 $2 thousand included in expense for the current quarter.  The amount of accrued interest and penalties at July 31, 2015, associated with unrecognized tax benefits was $36 thousand.

As of July 31, 2015, open tax years in federal and some state jurisdictions date back to 2012. In addition, federal and state tax years January 31, 2002 through January 31, 2012 are subject to adjustment on audit, up to the amount of research tax credits generated in those years. The Company has net operating loss carryforwards expiring in various years beginning January 31, 2030. Additionally, the Company files income tax returns in Denmark, India and Saudi Arabia. As of July 31, 2015, open tax years in foreign jurisdictions vary from three to seven years from the date of filing the income tax returns.

The Company has not provided Federal tax on remaining unremitted earnings of its Denmark and Middle East subsidiaries. The Company does not believe that it will be necessary to repatriate earnings from these subsidiaries. The Company intends and has the ability to reinvest these earnings for the foreseeable future outside the U.S. If these amounts were distributed to the U.S., in the form of dividends or otherwise, the Company could be subject to additional U.S. income taxes. Determination of the amount of unrecognized deferred income tax liabilities on these earnings is not practicable, because such liability, if any, is dependent on circumstances existing if and when remittance occurs.

4.
Impairment of 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. An asset is considered impaired if its carrying amount exceeds the undiscounted future net cash flow the asset is expected to generate.

The Company has an idle facility in Cicero, Illinois which is presented as held for sale as of July 31, 2015. In 2014, management performed the required impairment analysis on the idle facility to determine if its carrying value was recoverable. Management determined that the carrying value of the idle facility was fully recoverable.

5.
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 $2.70 million and $2.68 million as of July 31, 2015 and January 31, 2015, respectively. Accumulated amortization was approximately $2.31 million and $2.28 million as of July 31, 2015 and January 31, 2015, respectively. Future amortizations over the next five years ending January 31 will be $26,800 in 2016, $49,700 in 2017, $46,700 in 2018, $37,700 in 2019, $34,700 in 2020, and $197,000 thereafter. Patents are included in other assets in the balance sheet.

 
Three Months Ended July 31,
Six Months Ended July 31,
 
2015

2014

2015

2014

Patent amortization expense

$13


$13


$26


$26


6.
Investment in joint venture. In October 2009, the Company invested $5.9 million, which consisted of $2 million for a 49% interest and $3.9 million for a note receivable, in a Canadian joint venture with The Bayou Companies, Inc., a subsidiary of Aegion Corporation. The joint venture operates in Camrose, Alberta, Canada, which provides the Company the opportunity to participate in the growing oil sands market. During the first six months of 2015, the Company received $1.9 million in principle repayments on the note receivable.

The Company accounts for the investment in the joint venture using the equity method. The financial results are included in the Company's consolidated financial statements.
 
Six Months Ended July 31,
 
2015

2014

Share of income from joint venture

$116


$211


The following information summarizes the joint venture financial data as of July 31, 2015 and January 31, 2015, respectively:
 
July 31, 2015

January 31, 2015

Current assets
$7,789
$13,820
Noncurrent assets
13,733

14,023

Current liabilities
2,949

4,499

Noncurrent liabilities
4,276

9,013

Equity
14,297

14,331


 
Six Months Ended July 31,
 
2015

2014

Revenue

$10,343


$16,879

Gross profit
1,508

2,128

Income from continuing operations
625

1,078

Net income (loss)
237

430



7

7.
Cash surrender value on life insurance policies. The Company has life insurance policies on members of management and other key employees to indemnify itself against the loss of talent, expertise, and knowledge. These life insurance contracts may be used to fund the Company's obligation under a deferred compensation agreement plan.

On April 1, 2015, the Company obtained a loan in the amount of $1.9 million, sourced from the cash surrender value of certain life insurance policies. This loan was repaid in May 2015. The cash surrender value of these policies was $3.3 million at July 31, 2015 and was included in long-term assets on the balance sheet.

8.
Stock-based compensation. The Company has stock-based compensation awards that can be granted to eligible employees, officers or directors.
 
Three Months Ended July 31,
Six Months Ended July 31,
 
2015

2014

2015

2014

Stock-based compensation expense (benefit)

($96
)

$90


($37
)

($291
)
Restricted stock based compensation expense (benefit)

$169


$176


$258


$106


Stock-based compensation for 2014 was a benefit year-to-date due to cancellations. Most of these cancellations related to former employees from the discontinued operations.

Stock Options

The fair value of the outstanding option awards was estimated on the grant dates using the Black-Scholes option pricing model.
 
Six Months Ended July 31,
Fair value assumptions
2015
2014
Risk free interest rate
.74% - 1.77%
.74% - 2.19%
Expected volatility
40.88% - 59.39%
40.88% - 60.26%
Expected life
4.9 - 5.1 years
4.9 - 5.1 years
Dividend yield
none
none

Option activity
Options
Weighted Average Exercise Price
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term
Aggregate Intrinsic Value
Outstanding at January 31, 2015
764


$11.45

5.7

$—

Granted
51

6.38

 
 
Expired or forfeited
(59
)
10.08

 
 
Outstanding end of period
756

11.22

5.7
1

 
 
 
 
 
Exercisable end of period
566


$11.81

4.7

$—


Unvested option activity
Options
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value
Aggregate Intrinsic Value
Outstanding at January 31, 2015
232


$10.11


$—

Granted
51

6.38

 
Vested
(87
)
 
 
Expired or forfeited
(7
)
10.24

 
Outstanding end of period
189


$9.44


$—


As of July 31, 2015, there was $0.7 million of total unrecognized compensation expense related to unvested stock options. The expense is expected to be recognized over a period of 2.6 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, 2015
33


$11.53


$186

Granted
44



 
Outstanding end of period
77


$8.6


$458


As of July 31, 2015, there was $0.6 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 2.5 years.

9.
Treasury stock / share repurchase program. On February 5, 2015, the Company's Board of Directors approved a share repurchase program, which authorizes the Company to use up to $2 million for the purchase of its outstanding shares of common stock. Share repurchases may be executed through open market or privately negotiated transactions on or prior to December 31, 2015.

The following table sets forth information with respect to repurchases by the Company of its shares of common stock during the year:

Period
Total number of shares purchased
Average price paid per share
February
28
$6.64
March
17
6.27
April to July
—
—


8


10.
Earnings per share.
 
Three Months Ended July 31,
Six Months Ended July 31,
 
2015

2014

2015

2014

Basic weighted average common shares outstanding
7,277

7,248

7,264

7,212

Dilutive effect of equity compensation plans
—

138

—

138

Weighted average common shares outstanding assuming full dilution
7,277

7,386

7,264

7,350

 
 
 
 
 
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
740

160

672

160

 
 
 
 
 
Stock options with an exercise price below the average market price
16

547

84

547


11.
Interest expense, net.
 
Three Months Ended July 31,
Six Months Ended July 31,
 
2015

2014

2015

2014

Interest expense

$269


$391


$537


$743

Interest income
(17
)
(128
)
(291
)
(243
)
Interest expense, net

$252


$263


$246


$500


12.
Debt. Debt totaled $31.7 million at July 31, 2015, a net increase of $2.1 million since January 31, 2015.

Revolving lines domestic. On September 24, 2014, the Company entered into a Credit and Security Agreement with a financial institution ("Credit Agreement"). Under the terms of the Credit Agreement, which matures on September 24, 2019, the Company can borrow up to $25.0 million, subject to borrowing base availability from secured domestic assets and other requirements, under a revolving line of credit. The Loan Agreement covenants restrict debt, liens, and investments, and require attainment of specific levels of profitability and cash flows. At July 31, 2015, the Company was in compliance with loan covenants. The domestic revolving line balance as of January 31, 2015 and July 31, 2015 was included as a current liability on 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 July 31, 2015, the Company had borrowed $14.4 million at 3.25% and 1.69% and had $9.6 million available to it under the revolving line of credit. In addition, $0.1 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 is provided by draw downs on the line of credit.

Revolving lines foreign. The Company also has credit arrangements used by its Danish and 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 are secured by certain equipment, certain assets, such as accounts receivable and inventory, and a guarantee by the Company. Some credit arrangement covenants requires a minimum tangible net worth to be maintained. At July 31, 2015, the Company was in compliance with the covenants under the credit arrangements. At July 31, 2015, 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 July 31, 2015, the Company's interest rates range from 3.5% to 6.0%. At July 31, 2015, the Company could have borrowed $45.2 million under these credit

9


arrangements. In addition, $5.9 million of availability was used to support letters of credit to guarantee amounts committed for inventory purchases. At July 31, 2015, borrowings under these credit arrangements totaled $1.1 million; an additional $26.2 million remained unused.

13.
Fair value of financial instruments. At July 31, 2015, an interest rate swap agreement that relates to a mortgage note in Denmark was in effect with a notional value of $1.3 million that matures December 2021. The Company entered into this interest swap agreement in 2012 to reduce its exposure to market risks from changing interest rates and exchange the variable rate to fixed interest rate payments of 2.47%. The exchange traded swap is valued on a recurring basis using quoted market prices and was classified within Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy, which includes significant other observable inputs because the exchange is not deemed an active market. The swap agreement is a fair value hedge. The derivative mark to market was $0.1 million at both July 31, 2015 and January 31, 2015. This was included in other long-term liabilities on the consolidated balance sheets.

14.
Recent accounting pronouncements. In April 2015, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued authoritative guidance to simplify the balance sheet presentation of debt issuance costs. Under the new
guidance, debt issuance costs will be presented as a reduction of the carrying amount of the debt liability. The guidance is effective for the Company beginning February 1, 2016 and will be applied retrospectively for all periods presented. As of July 31, 2015, the Company had $0.4 million of deferred debt issuance costs. The Company does not expect adoption of this guidance to have a material impact on the Company's financial statements.

In May 2014, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update (“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 statement of cashflow 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.


10


RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Consolidated MFRI, Inc.

MFRI, Inc. is engaged in the manufacture and sale of products in two reportable segments: Piping Systems and Filtration Products. The Company website is www.mfri.com. Since the Piping Systems segment is based on 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 both geographies and reporting periods.

This discussion should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements, including the notes thereto, contained elsewhere in this report. An overview of the segment results is provided in "Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, Note 2 Business segment reporting" contained in Item 1 of this report.

For the three months ended July 31, 2015 and July 31, 2014, no customer accounted for 10% of the Company's consolidated net sales. For the six months ended July 31, 2015, no customer accounted for 10% of the Company's consolidated net sales and for the six months ended July 31, 2014, one customer in Piping Systems accounted for 14% of the Company's consolidated net sales.

At July 31, 2015, one customer in Piping Systems accounted for 23% of accounts receivable. At January 31, 2015, one customer in Piping Systems accounted for 31% of accounts receivable.

Three months ended July 31, 2015 ("current quarter") vs. Three months ended July 31, 2014 ("prior-year quarter")

Net sales decreased 25% to $40.1 million in the current quarter, from $53.4 million in the prior-year quarter. Piping Systems sales decreased 26% or $8.6 million compared to the prior-year quarter due to lower domestic oil and gas projects and due to lower volume in Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates ("U.A.E.").

Gross profit decreased to $5.7 million in the current quarter from $10.5 million in the prior-year quarter, mainly due to the sales volume decrease in Piping Systems. The gross margin decreased to 14.1% of net sales in the current quarter from 19.8% in the prior-year quarter.

Operating expenses decreased to $8.1 million in the current quarter from $8.8 million in the prior-year quarter due to lower management incentive compensation expense, partially offset by higher stock compensation expense and increased professional expenses.

Pretax loss from continuing operations was $2.8 million in the current quarter versus income of $1.8 million in the prior-year quarter. The primary factor contributing to the 2015 results was lower volume in Piping Systems.

The current quarter net loss was $2.4 million compared to net income of $1.4 million in the prior-year quarter. The decrease was due to lower sales volume and gross profit in Piping Systems.

Six months ended July 31, 2015 ("YTD") vs. Six months ended July 31, 2014 ("prior-year YTD")

YTD net sales decreased 31.1% to $77.7 million from $112.9 million for the prior-year YTD. Filtration Products sales decreased 12.1% due to a decrease in domestic sales volume. Piping Systems sales decreased 40.3% or $30.7 million compared to the prior-year YTD due to lower volume in domestic oil and gas projects and due to lower volume in the Middle East.

Gross profit decreased to $9.7 million from $26.5 million in the prior-year YTD due to lower volume in Piping Systems. Operating expenses decreased to $17.0 million YTD from $19.0 million for the prior-year YTD due to lower management incentive compensation expense, partially offset by higher stock compensation expense and increased professional expenses. Operating expenses as a percent of net sales increased to 21.8% from 16.9%.


11


Pretax loss from continuing operations was $7.4 million versus pretax income from continuing operations of $7.2 million last year. The primary factor contributing to the 2015 results was lower volume in Piping Systems.

The Company's worldwide effective income tax rate from continuing operations was 4.9% and 21.4% for the six months ended July 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively. The change in the ETR for the two periods relates to the mix of income earned in zero rate jurisdictions. See the Income Taxes paragraphs on the following page.

Net loss was $7.0 million compared to net income of $5.2 million in the prior-year's YTD.

Piping Systems

As the Piping Systems segment is based on large discrete projects, revenues can be subject to large swings in both geographies and reporting periods.
 
Three Months Ended July 31,
 
Six Months Ended July 31,
($ in thousands)
2015

%
2014

%
% Decrease
 
2015

%

2014
%

% Decrease
Net sales
$25,147
 
$33,789
 
(26
)%
 
$45,424
 
$76,143
 
(40
)%
Gross profit
3,126

12
 %
7,846

23
%
(60
)%
 
5,481
12
 %
21,304
28
%
(74
)%
(Loss) income from operations
(825
)
(3
)%
3,783

11
%
(122
)%
 
(2,251
)
(5
)%
11,800
15
%
(119
)%
(Loss) income from joint venture
(49
)
 
219

 
 
 
116
 
211
 
 

Current quarter vs. prior-year quarter

Net sales decreased 26% to $25.1 million in the current quarter from $33.8 million in the prior-year quarter. The decrease was attributed to lower global and domestic volume.

Gross margin decreased to 12% of net sales in the current quarter from 23% of net sales in the prior-year quarter. Gross profit decreased due to lower volume. Operating expenses decreased to $4.0 million from $4.1 million due to lower management incentive compensation expense and lower professional costs partially offset by higher selling expenses.

YTD vs. prior-year YTD

YTD net sales decreased 40% to $45.4 million from $76.1 million in the prior-year YTD. The decrease was attributed to lower volume in the Middle East and in domestic oil and gas projects.

Gross margin decreased to 12% of net sales YTD from 28% of net sales in the prior-year YTD. Gross profit decreased due to the lower volume in sales.

Operating expense decreased to $7.7 million from $9.5 million in the prior-year YTD. Operating expenses as a percent of net sales increased to 17.0% from 12.5%. The dollar decrease was due to lower management incentive compensation expense due to lower earnings in the period.


12


Filtration Products
 
Three Months Ended July 31,
 
Six Months Ended July 31,
($ in thousands)
2015

%
2014

%
% Increase (Decrease)
 
2015

%

2014

%

% (Decrease)
Net sales
$14,914
 
$19,581
 
(24)%
 
$32,311
 
$36,751
 
(12)%
Gross profit
2,534

17%
2,699

14%
(6)%
 
4,220
13.1
 %
5,230
14.2
 %
(19)%
Income (loss) from operations
55

—%
(30
)
—%
283%
 
(1,175
)
(4
)%
(574
)
(2
)%
(105)%

Current quarter vs. prior-year quarter

Net sales decreased 24% to $14.9 million in the current quarter from $19.6 million in the prior-year quarter. Gross profit decreased to $2.5 million from $2.7 million. Lower gross profit from volume was almost entirely offset by improved mix. Gross margin increased to 17% in the current quarter from 14% in the prior-year quarter due to customer mix and lower costs related to product development. Startup costs for the new production facility in the U.A.E. had offset some of the cost reductions elsewhere.

Operating expenses decreased to $2.5 million in the current quarter from $2.7 million in the prior-year quarter. Lower professional costs contributed to the net decrease in expenses.

YTD vs. prior-year YTD

YTD net sales decreased 12% to $32.3 million from $37 million in the prior-year YTD. Sales decreased due to a large domestic original equipment manufacturer order that was delayed to the third quarter. Gross profit decreased to $4.2 million from $5.2 million. The business continues to widen its geographic market coverage, expand its sales activities to increase revenue and improve its operating margin through expense controls.

YTD operating expenses decreased to $5.4 million from $5.8 million in the prior-year YTD. Decreased selling expense and lower professional costs contributed to the net decrease in expenses.

Corporate
Current quarter vs. prior-year quarter

Corporate operating expenses include general and administrative expenses that are not allocated to the segments. General and administrative expenses decreased to $1.7 million in the current quarter from $2.0 million in the prior-year quarter. This decrease was due to lower management incentive compensation expense partially offset by increased stock compensation expenses and increased professional service expenses.

Net interest expense decreased to $252 thousand in the current quarter from $263 thousand in the prior-year quarter due to lower interest cost on lower borrowings overseas.

YTD vs. prior-year YTD

YTD general and administrative expenses increased to $3.8 million from $3.7 million in the prior-year YTD due to an increase in stock compensation expense. The prior year included a stock compensation benefit which related to the cancellation of stock options from former employees from the discontinued operations. The increase in general and administrative expenses was also due to increased professional fees partially offset by lower management incentive compensation expense.

YTD net interest expense was $0.2 million versus $0.5 million in the prior-year YTD, due to due to lower interest cost on lower borrowings overseas and increased interest income on cash holdings at a foreign subsidiary.


13


INCOME TAXES

The Company's consolidated effective tax rate from continuing operations was 4.9% for the six months ended July 31, 2015, which was affected primarily by income earned overseas in lower tax jurisdictions and the impact of the full valuation allowance maintained against domestic deferred tax assets. Specifically, the Company projects positive income to be generated in the U.A.E. this year, which has a zero tax rate.  This is causing the current year projected overall tax rate to be lower as a result. The Company remains in a domestic NOL carryforward position. For additional information, see "Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, Note 3 Income taxes".

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

Cash and cash equivalents as of July 31, 2015 were $10.0 million compared to $10.5 million at January 31, 2015. At July 31, 2015, $0.2 million was held in the U.S., and $9.8 million was held at the foreign subsidiaries. The Company's working capital was $22.0 million on July 31, 2015 compared to $35.9 million on January 31, 2015. Net cash provided by operating activities during the first six months of 2015 was $0.1 million compared to $2.8 million of net cash used during the first six months of 2014.

The Company had a Supplemental Retirement and Deferred Compensation Plan ("Supplemental Plan"), pursuant to which key employees deferred compensation. Life insurance contracts have been purchased which may be used to fund the Company's obligation under these agreements. On April 10, 2014, the Company's Board of Directors terminated the Supplemental Plan and its Deferred Stock Purchase Plan, adopted on December 5, 2012, effective April 10, 2014. All funds and Company stock remaining in participant accounts will be distributed not later than April 2016. This is shown on the Statements of Cashflow as a movement from Other assets and liabilities to Accrued compensation and payroll taxes.

The Company has not provided Federal tax on unremitted earnings of its Denmark and Middle East subsidiaries. The Company does not believe that it will be necessary to repatriate investments from these subsidiaries.

Net cash used in investing activities for the six months ended July 31, 2015 was $3.1 million. The Company expects to spend $8.4 million on capital expenditures for the year versus the $18.7 million budgeted at January 31, 2015.

On February 5, 2015, the Board of Directors authorized a $2 million share repurchase program.  Share repurchases may be executed through open market or in privately negotiated transactions on or prior to December 31, 2015. The specific number of shares that the Company will ultimately repurchase, and the actual timing and amount of share repurchases, will be dependent on then current market conditions and other business-related factors, as well as the applicable requirements of federal securities law. As of July 31, 2015, the Company has repurchased 45 thousand shares. For additional information, see "Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, Note 9 "Treasury stock/share repurchase program" contained in Item 1 of this report.

Debt totaled $31.7 million at July 31, 2015, a net increase of $2.1 million compared to the beginning of the current fiscal year. Debt decreased $5.2 million from July 31, 2014. Stockholders' equity decreased to $66.5 million at July 31, 2015 from $81.8 million at July 31, 2014. The leverage ratio of debt/equity was 0.48 at July 31, 2015 compared to 0.45 at July 31, 2014. For additional information, see "Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, Note 12 Debt" contained in Item 1 of this report. Net cash provided by financing activities was $2.2 million for the six months ended July 31, 2015.

On September 24, 2014, the Company entered into a Credit and Security Agreement with a financial institution ("Credit Agreement"). Under the terms of the Credit Agreement, which matures on September 24, 2019, the Company can borrow up to $25.0 million, subject to borrowing base availability from secured domestic assets and other requirements, under a revolving line of credit. The Loan Agreement covenants restrict debt, liens, and investments, and require attainment of specific levels of profitability and cash flows. At July 31, 2015, the

14


Company was in compliance with loan covenants. The domestic revolving line balance as of January 31, 2015 and July 31, 2015 was included as a current liability on 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 July 31, 2015, the Company had borrowed $14.4 million at 3.25% and 1.69% and had $9.6 million available to it under the revolving line of credit. In addition, $0.1 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 is provided by draw downs on the line of credit.

Revolving lines foreign. The Company also has credit arrangements used by its Danish and 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 are secured by certain equipment, certain assets, such as accounts receivable and inventory, and a guarantee by the Company. Some credit arrangement covenants requires a minimum tangible net worth to be maintained. At July 31, 2015, the Company was in compliance with the covenants under the credit arrangements. At July 31, 2015, 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 July 31, 2015, the Company's interest rates range from 3.5% to 6.0%. At July 31, 2015, the Company could have borrowed $45.2 million under these credit arrangements. In addition, $5.9 million of availability was used to support letters of credit to guarantee amounts committed for inventory purchases. At July 31, 2015, borrowings under these credit arrangements totaled $1.1 million; an additional $26.2 million remained unused.

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.

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, 2015 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 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

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 July 31, 2015. Based on that evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that the Company's disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of July 31, 2015 to ensure that information required to be disclosed in the reports that are filed or submitted under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 is recorded, processed, summarized and reported, within the time periods specified in the SEC's rules and forms and is accumulated and communicated to the issuer's management, including the principal executive and financial officers, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

Except as noted below, there were no other changes in internal control over financial reporting during the quarter ended July 31, 2015 that has materially affected or is reasonably likely to materially affect, internal control over financial reporting.

During the second quarter, after transitioning to a new file server design, the Company experienced a loss of transactional data that impacted its Consolidation and Corporate Accounting System.  The Company was able to restore transactional data from source documents and reconciled the balances to previously presented financial statements in addition to recovered data files.  The Company was able to compile and present financial statements for the three and six months ending July 31, 2015 that are fully reconciled and reviewed.  Management believes that these financial statements accurately reflect, in all material aspects, the Company’s financial position.

The Company identified the root causes and has taken corrective actions with respect to controls over change management and data control protocols.



15


PART II OTHER INFORMATION
Item 6.     Exhibits

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


16


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:
September 18, 2015
/s/ Bradley E. Mautner
 
 
Bradley E. Mautner
 
 
Director, President and
 
 
Chief Executive Officer
 
 
(Principal Executive Officer)
 
 
 
 
 
 
Date:
September 18, 2015
/s/ Karl J. Schmidt
 
 
Karl J. Schmidt
 
 
Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
 
 
(Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)



17




Exhibit 31.1

I, Bradley E. Mautner, certify that:

1.
I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q of MFRI, Inc.

2.
Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with the respect to the period covered by this report;

3.
Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

4.
The registrant’s other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:

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

b.
Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, 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;

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

d.
Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and

5.
The registrant’s other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

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

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

Date:
September 18, 2015

/s/ Bradley E. Mautner
Bradley E. Mautner
Director, President and Chief Executive Officer
(Principal Executive Officer)






Exhibit 31.2

I, Karl J. Schmidt, certify that:

1.
I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q of MFRI, Inc.

2.
Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with the respect to the period covered by this report;

3.
Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

4.
The registrant’s other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:

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

b.
Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, 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;

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

d.
Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and

5.
The registrant’s other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

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

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

Date:
September 18, 2015

/s/ Karl J. Schmidt
Karl J. Schmidt
Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
(Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)






Exhibit 32
Certification of Principal Executive Officers
Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. 1350
(Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002)

The undersigned in their capacities as Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer of MFRI, Inc. (the “Registrant’), certify that, to the best of their knowledge, based upon a review of the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended July 31, 2015 of the Registrant, (the “Report”):

(1) The Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended; and

(2) The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Registrant.


/s/ Bradley E. Mautner
Bradley E. Mautner
Director, President and Chief Executive Officer
(Principal Executive Officer)
September 18, 2015

/s/ Karl J. Schmidt
Karl J. Schmidt
Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
(Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)
September 18, 2015


A signed original of     this written statement required by Section 906 has been provided by MFRI, Inc. and will be retained by MFRI, Inc. and furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission or its staff upon request.







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