Overview

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

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

• Designs, Manufactures, Repairs, Overhauls and Distributes Jet Engine and Aircraft Component Replacement Parts. The Flight Support Group designs, manufactures, repairs, overhauls and distributes jet engine and aircraft component replacement parts. The parts and services are approved by the Federal Aviation Administration ("FAA"). The Flight Support Group also manufactures and sells specialty parts as a subcontractor for aerospace and industrial original equipment manufacturers and the United States government. Additionally, the Flight Support Group is a leading supplier, distributor, and integrator of military aircraft parts and support services primarily to foreign military organizations allied with the United States.

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

• Designs and Manufactures Electronic, Microwave and Electro-Optical Equipment, High-Speed Interface Products, High Voltage Interconnection Devices and High Voltage Advanced Power Electronics. The Electronic Technologies Group designs, manufactures and sells various types of electronic, microwave and electro-optical equipment and components, including power supplies, laser rangefinder receivers, infrared simulation, calibration and testing equipment; power conversion products serving the high-reliability military, space and commercial avionics end-markets; underwater locator beacons used to locate data and voice recorders utilized on aircraft and marine vessels; electromagnetic interference shielding for commercial and military aircraft operators, traveling wave tube amplifiers and microwave power modules used in radar, electronic warfare, on-board jamming and countermeasure systems, electronics companies and telecommunication equipment suppliers; advanced high-technology interface products that link devices such as telemetry receivers, digital cameras, high resolution scanners, simulation systems and test systems to computers; high voltage energy generators interconnection devices, cable assemblies and wire for the medical equipment, defense and other industrial markets; high frequency power delivery systems for the commercial sign industry; high voltage power supplies found in satellite communications, CT scanners and in medical and industrial x-ray systems; three-dimensional microelectronic and stacked memory products that are principally integrated into larger subsystems equipping satellites and spacecraft; harsh environment connectivity products and custom molded cable assemblies; RF and microwave amplifiers, transmitters and receivers used to support military communications

on unmanned aerial systems, other aircraft, helicopters and ground-based data/communications systems and wireless cabin control systems, solid state power distribution and management systems and fuel level sensing systems for business jets and for general aviation, as well as for the military/defense market segments.

Our results of operations during each of the past three fiscal years have been affected by a number of transactions. This discussion of our financial condition and results of operations should be read in conjunction with the Consolidated Financial Statements and Notes thereto included herein. All applicable share and per share information has been adjusted retrospectively to reflect the 5-for-4 stock splits effected in April 2012, 2011 and 2010. See Note 1, Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Stock Splits, of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information regarding these stock splits. For further information regarding the acquisitions discussed below, see Note 2, Acquisitions, of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements. Acquisitions are included in our results of operations from the effective dates of acquisition.

In February 2010, we acquired, through HEICO Electronic, substantially all of the assets and assumed certain liabilities of dB Control Corp. dB Control Corp. produces high-power devices used in both defense and commercial applications.

In December 2010, we acquired, through HEICO Aerospace, 80.1% of the assets and assumed certain liabilities of Blue Aerospace LLC ("Blue Aerospace"). Blue Aerospace is a supplier, distributor, and integrator of military aircraft parts and support services primarily to foreign military organizations allied with the United States. The remaining 19.9% interest continues to be owned by certain members of Blue Aerospace's management team.

In September 2011, we acquired, through HEICO Electronic, all of the outstanding capital stock of 3D Plus SA ("3D Plus"). 3D Plus is a leading designer and manufacturer of three-dimensional microelectronic and stacked memory products used predominately in satellites and also utilized in medical equipment.

On November 22, 2011, we acquired, through HEICO Electronic, Switchcraft, Inc. ("Switchcraft") through the purchase of all of the stock of Switchcraft's parent company, Switchcraft Holdco, Inc., for approximately $142.7 million, net of cash acquired. Switchcraft is a leading designer and manufacturer of high performance, high reliability and harsh environment electronic connectors and other interconnect products.

In March 2012, we acquired, through HEICO Electronic, the business and substantially all of the assets of Ramona Research, Inc. ("Ramona Research"). Ramona Research designs and manufactures RF and microwave amplifiers, transmitters and receivers primarily used to support military communications on unmanned aerial systems, other aircraft, helicopters and ground-based data/communications systems.

In April 2012, we acquired, through HEICO Electronic, certain aerospace assets of Moritz Aerospace, Inc. ("Moritz Aerospace") in an aerospace product line acquisition. The Moritz Aerospace product line designs and manufactures next generation wireless cabin control systems, solid state power distribution and management systems and fuel level sensing systems for business jets and for general aviation, as well as for the military/defense market segments. The purchase price of this acquisition was paid using cash provided by operating activities.

In August 2012, we acquired, through HEICO Flight Support Corp., 84% of the assets and assumed certain liabilities of CSI Aerospace, Inc. ("CSI Aerospace"). CSI Aerospace is a leading repair and overhaul provider of specialized components for airlines, military and other aerospace related organizations. The remaining 16% interest continues to be owned by certain members of CSI Aerospace's management team.

In October 2012, we acquired, through HEICO Flight Support Corp., 80.1% of the assets and assumed certain liabilities of Action Research Corporation ("Action Research"). Action Research is an FAA-Approved Repair Station that has developed unique proprietary repairs that extend the lives of certain engine and airframe components. The remaining 19.9% interest continues to be owned by an existing member of Action Research's management team. The purchase price of this acquisition was paid using cash provided by operating activities.

Unless otherwise noted, the purchase price of each of the above referenced acquisitions was paid in cash principally using proceeds from our revolving credit facility. The aggregate cost paid in cash for acquisitions, including additional purchase consideration payments, was $197.3 million, $94.7 million and $39.1 million in fiscal 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively.

In February 2011, we acquired, through HEICO Aerospace, an additional 8% equity interest in one of our subsidiaries, which increased our ownership interest to 80%. In February 2012, we acquired an additional 6.7% equity interest in the subsidiary, which increased our ownership interest to 86.7%. On December 19, 2012, we acquired the remaining 13.3% equity interest in the subsidiary.

Critical Accounting Policies

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

Revenue Recognition

Revenue from the sale of products and the rendering of services is recognized when title and risk of loss passes to the customer, which is generally at the time of shipment. Revenue from certain fixed price contracts for which costs can be dependably estimated is recognized on the percentage-of-completion method, measured by the percentage of costs incurred to date to estimated total costs for each contract. This method is used because management considers costs incurred to be the best available measure of progress on these contracts. Variations in actual labor performance, changes to estimated profitability and final contract settlements may result in

revisions to cost estimates. Revisions in cost estimates as contracts progress have the effect of increasing or decreasing profits in the period of revision. Provisions for estimated losses on uncompleted contracts are made in the period in which such losses are determined. The percentage of our net sales recognized under the percentage-of-completion method was approximately 1%, 1% and 2% in fiscal 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively. Changes in estimates pertaining to percentage-of-completion contracts did not have a material or significant effect on net income or net income per share in fiscal 2012, 2011 or 2010.

For fixed price contracts in which costs cannot be dependably estimated, revenue is recognized on the completed-contract method. A contract is considered complete when all significant costs have been incurred or the item has been accepted by the customer. Progress billings and customer advances received on fixed price contracts accounted for under the completed-contract method are classified as a reduction to contract costs that are included in inventories, if any, and any remaining amount is included in accrued expenses and other current liabilities.

Valuation of Accounts Receivable

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

Valuation of Inventory

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

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

In accordance with industry practice, all inventories are classified as a current asset including portions with long production cycles, some of which may not be realized within one year.

Business Combinations

We adopted new accounting guidance for business combinations effective prospectively for acquisitions consummated on or after November 1, 2009 (the beginning of fiscal 2010). Under the new guidance, any contingent consideration is recognized as a liability at fair value as of the acquisition date with subsequent fair value adjustments recorded in operations. Acquisition costs are generally expensed as incurred under the new guidance. For acquisitions consummated prior to fiscal 2010, contingent consideration is accounted for as an additional cost of the respective acquired entity and recorded as additional goodwill when paid. As of October 31, 2012, we have no remaining obligation to pay additional purchase consideration for acquisitions consummated prior to fiscal 2010.

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

Valuation of Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets

We test goodwill for impairment annually as of October 31, or more frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of goodwill may not be fully recoverable. In evaluating the recoverability of goodwill, we compare the fair value of each of our reporting units to its carrying value to determine potential impairment. If the carrying value of a reporting unit exceeds its fair value, the implied fair value of that reporting unit's goodwill is to be calculated and an impairment loss is recognized in the amount by which the carrying value of the reporting unit's goodwill exceeds its implied fair value, if any. The fair values of our reporting units were determined using a weighted average of a market approach and an income approach. Under the market approach, fair values are estimated using published market multiples for comparable companies. We calculate fair values under the income approach by taking estimated future cash flows that are based on internal projections and other assumptions deemed reasonable by management and discounting them using an estimated weighted average cost of capital. Based on the annual goodwill impairment test as of October 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010, we determined there was no impairment of our goodwill. The fair value of each of our reporting units as of October 31, 2012 significantly exceeded its carrying value.

We test each non-amortizing intangible asset (principally trade names) for impairment annually as of October 31, or more frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate that the asset might be impaired. During fiscal 2012, we adopted new accounting guidance which permits an entity the option to perform a qualitative evaluation about the likelihood that an indefinite-lived intangible asset is impaired in order to determine whether it should calculate the fair value of the asset. Accordingly, in performing our fiscal 2012 annual review we first

assessed qualitative factors for certain trade names to determine whether it was more likely than not that the asset's fair value was less than its carrying amount and if necessary, performed a quantitative analysis comparing the asset's current fair value to its carrying amount. To derive the fair value of our trade names, we utilize an income approach, which relies upon management's assumptions of royalty rates, projected revenues and discount rates. We also test each amortizing intangible asset for impairment if events or circumstances indicate that the asset might be impaired. The test consists of determining whether the carrying value of such assets will be recovered through undiscounted expected future cash flows. If the total of the undiscounted future cash flows is less than the carrying amount of those assets, we recognize an impairment loss based on the excess of the carrying amount over the fair value of the assets. The determination of fair value requires us to make a number of estimates, assumptions and judgments of such factors as projected revenues and earnings and discount rates. Based on the intangible impairment tests conducted, we did not recognize any impairment losses in fiscal 2012; however, we recognized pre-tax impairment losses related to the write-down of certain customer relationships of $4.3 million and $1.1 million during fiscal 2011 and 2010, respectively, the write-down of certain trade names of $.2 million and $.3 million during fiscal 2011 and 2010, respectively, and the write-down of certain intellectual property of $.5 million during fiscal 2011, within the ETG to their estimated fair values. The impairment losses pertaining to certain customer relationships and trade names were recorded as a component of selling, general and administrative expenses in the Company's Consolidated Statements of Operations and the impairment losses pertaining to intellectual property were recorded as a component of costs of goods sold.

Assumptions utilized to determine fair value in the goodwill and intangible assets impairment tests are highly judgmental. If there is a material change in such assumptions or if there is a material change in the conditions or circumstances influencing fair value, we could be required to recognize a material impairment charge. See Item 1A., Risk Factors, for a list of factors of which any may cause our actual results to differ materially from anticipated results.

Results of Operations

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

                                                         Year ended October 31,
                                                 2012             2011             2010

Net sales                                       $897,347         $764,891         $617,020
Cost of sales                                    569,911          490,450          394,673
Selling, general and administrative
expenses                                         164,142          136,010          113,174
Total operating costs and expenses               734,053          626,460          507,847
Operating income                                $163,294         $138,431         $109,173

Net sales by segment:
Flight Support Group                            $570,325         $539,563         $412,337
Electronic Technologies Group                    331,598          227,771          205,648
Intersegment sales                                (4,576 )         (2,443 )           (965 )
                                                $897,347         $764,891         $617,020
Operating income by segment:
Flight Support Group                            $103,943          $95,001          $67,896
Electronic Technologies Group                     77,438           59,465           56,126
Other, primarily corporate                       (18,087 )        (16,035 )        (14,849 )
                                                $163,294         $138,431         $109,173

Net sales                                          100.0 %          100.0 %          100.0 %
Gross profit                                        36.5 %           35.9 %           36.0 %
Selling, general and administrative
expenses                                            18.3 %           17.8 %           18.3 %
Operating income                                    18.2 %           18.1 %           17.7 %
Interest expense                                      .3 %              -               .1 %
Other income                                           -                -               .1 %
Income tax expense                                   6.1 %            5.6 %            5.9 %
Net income attributable to noncontrolling
interests                                            2.4 %            3.0 %            2.8 %
Net income attributable to HEICO                     9.5 %            9.5 %            8.9 %

Comparison of Fiscal 2012 to Fiscal 2011

Net Sales

Our net sales in fiscal 2012 increased by 17% to a record $897.3 million, as compared to net sales of $764.9 million in fiscal 2011. The increase in net sales reflects an increase of $103.8 million (a 46% increase) to a record $331.6 million in net sales within the ETG as well as an

increase of $30.8 million (a 6% increase) to a record $570.3 million in net sales within the FSG.
The net sales increase in the ETG reflects additional net sales of approximately $87.4 million from the acquisitions of 3D Plus in September 2011, Switchcraft in November 2011, Ramona Research in March 2012 and Moritz Aerospace in April 2012, as well as organic growth of approximately 7%. The organic growth in the ETG principally reflects an increase in demand and market penetration for certain defense, space, electronic, aerospace and medical products, resulting in a $6.2 million, $3.5 million, $2.6 million, $2.1 million and $1.8 million increase in net sales from these product lines, respectively. Despite global economic uncertainty, we expect stable demand and modest organic growth for the majority of ETG's products, however the threat of United States defense and spending reductions could result in modest decreases to our organic growth in these product offerings in fiscal 2013. The net sales increase in the FSG reflects organic growth of approximately 4%, as well as additional net sales of approximately $9.1 million from the acquisitions of Blue Aerospace in December 2010, CSI Aerospace in August 2012 and Action Research in October 2012. The FSG's organic growth reflects increased market penetration from both new and existing product offerings for certain of the FSG's aerospace products and services resulting in an increase of $11.3 million in net sales of which approximately 70% and 30% were attributed to the aftermarket replacement parts product lines and repair and overhaul services product lines, respectively. Industry trends of modest growth in worldwide revenue passenger miles and the stability of the global aircraft fleet are anticipated to create stable demand and modest organic growth within our aftermarket replacement parts product lines for fiscal 2013. Additionally, the organic growth in the FSG reflects an increase of $10.3 million in net sales within our specialty product lines primarily attributed to the sales of industrial products used in heavy-duty and off-road vehicles as a result of increased market penetration. Despite global economic uncertainty, we expect stable demand and modest organic growth within our specialty product lines for fiscal 2013. Sales price changes were not a significant contributing factor to the ETG and FSG net sales growth in fiscal 2012.

Our net sales in fiscal 2012 and 2011 by market approximated 53% and 60%, respectively, from the commercial aviation industry, 26% and 24%, respectively, from the defense and space industries, and 21% and 16%, respectively, from other industrial markets including medical, electronics and telecommunications.

Gross Profit and Operating Expenses

Our consolidated gross profit margin improved to 36.5% in fiscal 2012 as compared to 35.9% in fiscal 2011, principally reflecting a .7% increase in the FSG's gross profit margin, partially offset by a 2.5% decrease in the ETG's gross profit margin. The increase in the FSG's gross profit margin is primarily attributed to the previously mentioned increased sales of higher gross profit margin products within our aftermarket replacement parts and repair and overhaul services product lines. The decrease in the ETG's gross profit margin principally reflects a 1.9% impact from lower gross profit margins realized by Switchcraft and 3D Plus in fiscal 2012. The lower gross profit margins realized by these acquired businesses are principally attributed to amortization expense of certain acquired intangible assets and inventory purchase accounting adjustments aggregating approximately $4.0 million. Additionally, the decrease in the ETG's gross profit margin reflects a lower margin product mix of certain of our defense, space and

medical products in fiscal 2012. Total new product research and development expenses included within our consolidated cost of sales increased from approximately $25.4 million in fiscal 2011 to approximately $30.4 million in fiscal 2012, principally to further enhance growth opportunities and market penetration.

Selling, general and administrative ("SG&A") expenses were $164.1 million and $136.0 million in fiscal 2012 and 2011, respectively. The increase in SG&A expenses reflects an increase of $17.7 million in general and administrative expenses and $10.4 million in selling expenses, of which $16.3 million in general and administrative expenses and $7.6 million in selling expenses were attributed to the acquired businesses. SG&A expenses as a percentage of net sales increased from 17.8% in fiscal 2011 to 18.3% in fiscal 2012 principally reflecting an increase in amortization expense of intangible assets from the acquired businesses.

Operating Income

Operating income for fiscal 2012 increased by 18% to a record $163.3 million as compared to operating income of $138.4 million for fiscal 2011. The increase in operating income reflects an $18.0 million increase (a 30% increase) to a record $77.4 million in operating income of the ETG for fiscal 2012, up from $59.5 million in fiscal 2011 and an $8.9 million increase (a 9% increase) in operating income of the FSG to a record $103.9 million for fiscal 2012, up from $95.0 million for fiscal 2011, partially offset by a $2.0 million increase in corporate expenses. The increase in the operating income of the ETG is principally due to the acquired businesses and the previously mentioned increased sales volumes. The increase in the operating income of the FSG principally reflects the previously mentioned increased sales volumes and improved gross profit margin.

As a percentage of net sales, our consolidated operating income increased to 18.2% for fiscal 2012, up from 18.1% for fiscal 2011. The increase in consolidated operating income as a percentage of net sales reflects an increase in the FSG's operating income as a percentage of net sales from 17.6% for fiscal 2011 to 18.2% for fiscal 2012, partially offset by a decrease in the ETG's operating income as a percentage of net sales from 26.1% in fiscal 2011 to 23.4% in fiscal 2012. The increase in operating income as a percentage of net sales for the FSG principally reflects the previously mentioned higher gross profit margin. The decrease in operating income as a percentage of net sales for the ETG principally reflects a 3.9% impact from lower operating margins realized by Switchcraft and 3D Plus. The lower operating margins realized by Switchcraft and . . .