POWELL INDUSTRIES INC
10-Q, 1998-09-14
SWITCHGEAR & SWITCHBOARD APPARATUS
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<PAGE>   1
                                  UNITED STATES

                       SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                              WASHINGTON D.C. 20549

                                    FORM 10-Q


(Mark one)

[X]      Quarterly Report pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities
         Exchange Act of 1934 for the quarterly period ended July 31, 1998 

                                       or

[ ]      Transition Report pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities
         Exchange Act of 1934 for the transition period from       to       .
                                                            -------  -------



                          Commission File Number 0-6050

                             POWELL INDUSTRIES, INC.

- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------

             (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)


                NEVADA                             88-0106100
- ----------------------------------------    -------------------------
   (State or other jurisdiction of             (I.R.S. Employer
    incorporation or organization)            Identification No.)


     8550 Mosley Drive, Houston, Texas               77075-1180
- ----------------------------------------     ------------------------
 (Address of principal executive offices)            (Zip Code)


Registrant's telephone number, including area code  (713) 944-6900
                                                   -----------------

         Indicate by "X" 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
                                                     ---        ---

Common Stock, par value $.01 per share; 10,616,203 shares outstanding on July
31, 1998.





<PAGE>   2



                                       
                            POWELL INDUSTRIES, INC.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

<S>      <C>                                                                                   <C>
PART I - Financial Information

         Item 1.  Financial Statements ...................................................     3 - 9

         Item 2.  Management's Discussion and Analysis of
                     Financial Condition and Quarterly
                     Results of Operations................................................     10 - 11

PART II - Other Information and Signatures ...............................................     12 - 14

</TABLE>

<PAGE>   3


                    Powell Industries, Inc. and Subsidiaries
                      Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets
                 (In Thousands, Except Share and Per Share Data)



<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                                                     July 31,     October 31,
Assets                                                                                1998           1997
                                                                                   -----------    -----------
                                                                                   (unaudited)
<S>                                                                                <C>            <C>
Current Assets:
  Cash and cash equivalents ....................................................   $       606    $     2,219
  Accounts receivable, less allowance for doubtful accounts
     of $585 and $465, respectively ............................................        49,171         50,391
  Costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings ...........................        14,354         18,986
  Inventories ..................................................................        18,355         13,603
  Deferred income taxes ........................................................         1,478            825
  Income taxes receivable ......................................................           916          1,351
  Prepaid expenses and other current assets ....................................         2,578          2,594
                                                                                   -----------    -----------
    Total Current Assets .......................................................        87,458         89,969
Property, plant and equipment, net .............................................        30,212         26,374
Deferred income taxes ..........................................................         1,292          1,578
Other assets ...................................................................         4,920          4,946
                                                                                   -----------    -----------
    Total Assets ...............................................................   $   123,882    $   122,867
                                                                                   ===========    ===========


Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity

Current Liabilities:
  Accounts and income taxes payable ............................................   $    11,300    $    11,929
  Accrued salaries, bonuses and commissions ....................................         5,514          6,737
  Accrued product warranty .....................................................         1,141          1,511
  Accrued legal expenses and settlement expenses ...............................         9,505          3,785
  Other accrued expenses .......................................................         4,463          3,282
  Billings in excess of costs and estimated earnings ...........................         5,568         10,956
                                                                                   -----------    -----------
    Total Current Liabilities ..................................................        37,491         38,200

Long-term obligations ..........................................................         3,500          6,000
Deferred compensation expense ..................................................         1,123          1,128
Postretirement benefits liability ..............................................         1,013          1,232

Commitments and contingencies
Stockholders' Equity:
  Preferred stock, par value $.01; 5,000,000 shares authorized; none issued
  Common stock, par value $.01; 30,000,000 shares authorized; 10,616,203 and
     10,604,644, shares issued and outstanding .................................           107            106
  Additional paid-in capital ...................................................         5,851          5,782
  Retained earnings ............................................................        77,776         73,572
  Deferred compensation-ESOP ...................................................        (2,979)        (3,153)
                                                                                   -----------    -----------
    Total Stockholders' Equity .................................................        80,755         76,307
                                                                                   -----------    -----------
    Total Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity .................................   $   123,882    $   122,867
                                                                                   ===========    ===========

</TABLE>

                                       3
<PAGE>   4




                    Powell Industries, Inc. and Subsidiaries
           Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations (unaudited)
                 (In Thousands, Except Share and Per Share Data)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>


                                                                                      Three Months Ended July 31,
                                                                                   ------------------------------
                                                                                        1998             1997
                                                                                   -------------    -------------
<S>                                                                                <C>              <C>
Revenues .......................................................................   $      56,258    $      46,062

Cost of goods sold .............................................................          43,888           34,342
                                                                                   -------------    -------------
Gross profit ...................................................................          12,370           11,720

Selling, general and administrative expenses ...................................           7,847            7,027
                                                                                   -------------    -------------
Earnings from operations before interest and income taxes ......................           4,523            4,693

Interest expense (income), net .................................................              59             (196)
                                                                                   -------------    -------------
Earnings from continuing operations before income taxes ........................           4,464            4,889

Income tax provision ...........................................................           1,271            1,457
                                                                                   -------------    -------------
Earnings from continuing operations ............................................           3,193            3,432

Loss from discontinued operations, net of income taxes .........................          (4,700)            --
                                                                                   -------------    -------------
Net earnings (loss) ............................................................   $      (1,507)   $       3,432
                                                                                   =============    =============
Earnings (loss) per common share:

     Continuing operations:
        Basic ..................................................................   $        0.30    $        0.32
        Diluted ................................................................            0.30             0.32

     Discontinued operations:
        Basic ..................................................................    $      (0.44)            --
        Diluted ................................................................           (0.44)            --

Net earnings (loss) per common share:
        Basic ..................................................................    $      (0.14)   $        0.32
        Diluted ................................................................           (0.14)            0.32

Weighted average number of common
   shares outstanding ..........................................................      10,643,141       10,611,937
                                                                                   =============    =============
Weighted average number of common and common
   equivalent shares outstanding ...............................................      10,745,109       10,759,693
                                                                                   =============    =============
</TABLE>

              The accompanying notes are an integral part of these
                       consolidated financial statements.


                                       4


<PAGE>   5

                    Powell Industries, Inc. and Subsidiaries
           Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations (unaudited)
                 (In Thousands, Except Share and Per Share Data)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>


                                                                                       Nine Months Ended July 31,
                                                                                   ------------------------------
                                                                                        1998             1997
                                                                                   -------------    -------------
<S>                                                                                <C>              <C>
Revenues .......................................................................   $     156,596    $     137,628

Cost of goods sold .............................................................         121,315          103,078
                                                                                   -------------    -------------
Gross profit ...................................................................          35,281           34,550

Selling, general and administrative expenses ...................................          22,310           21,449
                                                                                   -------------    -------------
Earnings from operations before interest and income taxes ......................          12,971           13,101

Interest expense (income), net .................................................             112             (431)
                                                                                   -------------    -------------
Earnings from continuing operations before income taxes ........................          12,859           13,532

Income tax provision ...........................................................           3,954            4,458
                                                                                   -------------    -------------
Earnings from continuing operations ............................................           8,905            9,074

Loss from discontinued operations, net of income taxes .........................          (4,700)            --
                                                                                   -------------    -------------
Net earnings (loss) ............................................................   $       4,205    $       9,074
                                                                                   =============    =============
Earnings (loss) per common share:

     Continuing operations:
        Basic ..................................................................   $        0.84    $        0.86
        Diluted ................................................................            0.83             0.84

     Discontinued operations:
        Basic ..................................................................   $       (0.44)            --
        Diluted ................................................................           (0.44)            --

Net earnings (loss) per common share:
        Basic ..................................................................   $        0.40    $        0.86
        Diluted ................................................................            0.39             0.84

Weighted average number of common
   shares outstanding ..........................................................      10,642,220       10,608,864
                                                                                   =============    =============
Weighted average number of common and common
   equivalent shares outstanding ...............................................      10,750,452       10,748,068
                                                                                   =============    =============

</TABLE>


              The accompanying notes are an integral part of these
                       consolidated financial statements.


                                       5



<PAGE>   6

                    Powell Industries, Inc. and Subsidiaries
           Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations (unaudited)
                                 (In Thousands)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                                                   Nine Months Ended July 31,
                                                                                  ---------------------------
                                                                                      1998          1997
                                                                                   ----------    ----------
<S>                                                                                <C>           <C>
Operating Activities:
  Net earnings .................................................................   $    4,205    $    9,074
  Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to net cash provided by (used in)
  operating activities:
    Depreciation and amortization ..............................................        2,992         2,475
    Deferred income taxes ......................................................         (367)          737
    Postretirement benefits liability ..........................................         (219)         --
    Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
      Accounts receivable ......................................................        1,220           681
      Costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings .......................        4,632        (3,545)
      Inventories ..............................................................       (4,752)       (5,121)
      Other assets .............................................................         (160)         (415)
      Accounts payable and income taxes payable or receivable ..................         (194)        5,413
      Accrued liabilities ......................................................          608        (1,260)
      Billings in excess of costs and estimated earnings .......................       (5,388)        5,163
      Deferred compensation expense ............................................          169          (803)
      Changes in net assets of discontinued operations .........................        4,700            31
                                                                                   ----------    ----------
Net cash provided by operating activities ......................................        7,446        12,430
                                                                                   ----------    ----------
Investing Activities:
  Purchases of property, plant, and equipment ..................................       (6,628)      (11,341)
                                                                                   ----------    ----------
Net cash used in investing activities ..........................................       (6,628)      (11,341)
                                                                                   ----------    ----------
Financing Activities:
  Payments of long-term debt ...................................................       (2,500)       (3,750)
  Exercise of stock options and grants .........................................           69           (35)
                                                                                   ----------    ----------
Net cash used in financing activities ..........................................       (2,431)       (3,785)

Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents ......................................       (1,613)       (2,696)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period ...............................        2,219         8,935
                                                                                   ----------    ----------
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period .....................................   $      606    $    6,239
                                                                                   ==========    ==========

Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:

  Cash paid for:

     Interest ..................................................................   $      297    $      195

     Income taxes ..............................................................   $    1,000    $    1,500


</TABLE>


              The accompanying notes are an integral part of these
                       consolidated financial statements.



                                       6


<PAGE>   7


Part I
  Item 1

                    POWELL INDUSTRIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
              NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS



A.  BASIS OF PRESENTATION

     The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements have
been prepared in accordance with the instructions to Form 10-Q and, in the
opinion of management, reflect all adjustments which are of a normal recurring
nature necessary for a fair presentation of financial position, results of
operations, and cash flows. These financial statements should be read in
conjunction with the financial statements and notes thereto included in the
Company's October 31, 1997 annual report on Form 10K.



B.  INVENTORY

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                                                    July 31,     October 31,
                                                                                      1998          1997
                                                                                   ----------    ----------
                                                                                  (unaudited)
<S>                                                                                <C>           <C>
The components of inventory are summarized below (in thousands):

Raw materials and subassemblies ................................................   $   11,189    $    8,706
Work-in-process ................................................................        7,166         4,897
                                                                                   ----------    ----------
Total inventories ..............................................................   $   18,355    $   13,603
                                                                                   ==========    ==========
</TABLE>

C.  PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT

<TABLE>
<CAPTION
                                                                                     July 31,    October 31,
                                                                                      1998          1997
                                                                                   ----------    ----------
                                                                                  (unaudited)
<S>                                                                                <C>           <C>
Property, plant and equipment are summarized below (in thousands):

Land ...........................................................................   $    2,720    $    2,720
Buildings and improvements .....................................................       27,387        20,662
Machinery and equipment ........................................................       27,303        24,912
Furniture & fixtures ...........................................................        3,312         3,121
Construction in process ........................................................        1,917         4,596
                                                                                   ----------    ----------
                                                                                       62,639        56,011
Less-accumulated depreciation ..................................................      (32,427)      (29,637)
                                                                                   ----------    ----------
Total property, plant and equipment, net .......................................   $   30,212    $   26,374
                                                                                   ==========    ==========
</TABLE>



                                       7

<PAGE>   8

Part 1
  Item 1

D.  Production Contracts

     For contracts for which the percentage-of-completion method is used, costs
     and estimated earnings in excess of billings are shown as a current asset
     and billings in excess of costs and estimated earnings are shown as a
     current liability. The components of these contracts are as follows (in
     thousands):

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                                                July 31,   October 31,
                                                                                 1998        1997
                                                                              ---------    ---------
<S>                                                                           <C>          <C>
(unaudited)

     Costs and estimated earnings .........................................   $  67,955    $  85,126

     Progress billings ....................................................     (53,601)     (66,140)
                                                                              ---------    ---------
     Total costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings .............   $  14,354    $  18,986
                                                                              =========    =========

     Progress billings ....................................................   $  79,832    $  69,213

     Costs and estimated earnings .........................................     (74,264)     (58,257)
                                                                              ---------    ---------
     Total billings in excess of costs and estimated earnings .............   $   5,568    $  10,956
                                                                              =========    =========

</TABLE>

E.  EARNINGS PER SHARE

    In February 1997, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Statement
of Financial Accounting Standards No. 128, "Earnings Per Share." Statement No.
128 replaced the previously reported primary and fully diluted earnings per
share with basic and diluted earnings per share. Unlike primary earnings per
share, basic earnings per share excludes any dilutive effects of options.
Diluted earnings per share is very similar to the previously reported primary
earnings per share. Earnings per share amounts for each period have been
presented and restated to conform to the Statement 238 requirements.

     The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted
earnings per share (in thousands, except share and per share date):

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                              Three months ended July 31,  Nine months ended July 31,
                                                              ==========================   =========================
                                                                  1998          1997          1998          1997
                                                               -----------   -----------   -----------   -----------
                                                                      (unaudited)                 (unaudited)
<S>                                                            <C>           <C>           <C>           <C>
Numerator:
     Numerator for basic and diluted earnings per share-
      earnings from continuing operations available to
      common shareholders ..................................   $     3,193   $     3,432   $     8,905   $     9,074
                                                               ===========   ===========   ===========   ===========
Denominator:
     Denominator for basic earnings per share-
      weighted-average shares ..............................    10,643,141    10,611,937    10,642,220    10,608,864

     Effect of dilutive securities-
      Employee inventive stock options .....................       102,733       147,756       108,232       140,804
                                                               -----------   -----------   -----------   -----------
     Denominator for diluted earnings per share-adjusted
      weighted-average shares assumed conversions ..........    10,745,109    10,759,693    10,750,452    10,748,068
                                                               ===========   ===========   ===========   ===========
</TABLE>


                                       8


<PAGE>   9


Part I
  Item 1

F.   LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

     As previously reported on Form 8-K filed September 4, 1998, the Company
entered into a Settlement Agreement with National Westminister Bank, plc
("NatWest") to settle all litigation between them regarding completion of a
project at McDill Air Force Base. The settlement provided for in such Settlement
Agreement closed on September 11, 1998. Under the terms of such Settlement
Agreement, the Company paid to NatWest $7,000,000 at closing and delivered a
promissory note in the principal amount of $1,000,000 bearing interest at 3%
per annum, which will be due on December 31, 1999.










                                       9

<PAGE>   10

Part I
  Item 2

                     MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF
                    FINANCIAL CONDITION AND QUARTERLY RESULTS
                                  OF OPERATIONS


RESULTS OF OPERATIONS


The following table sets forth, as a percentage of revenues, certain items from
the Consolidated Statements of Operations.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                     July 31, 1998               July 31, 1997
                                              -----------------------------------------------------
                                              three months  nine months   three months  nine months
                                                 ended         ended         ended        ended
                                               ---------     ---------     ---------    ---------
<S>                                           <C>           <C>           <C>           <C>   
Revenues                                         100.0%        100.0%        100.0%       100.0%
Gross Profit                                      22.0          22.5          25.4         25.1
Selling, general and administrative
  expenses                                        14.0          14.3          15.3         15.6
Earnings from continuing operations
  before income taxes                              7.9           8.2          10.6          9.8
Earnings from continuing operations                5.7           5.7           7.4          6.6
Loss from discontinued operations                 (8.3)         (3.0)           --           --
Net earnings (loss)                               (2.6)          2.7           7.4          6.6


</TABLE>



Revenues for the quarter ended July 31, 1998 were up 22.1 percent to $56,258,000
from $46,062,000 in the third quarter of last year. Revenues for the nine months
ended July 31, 1998 were up 13.8 percent to $156,596,000 from $137,628,000 in
the first nine months of last year. The increases in revenues were mainly in the
domestic markets consisting of sales of core business products from the
Company's largest subsidiary. The Asian monetary problems contributed to lower
revenues at two of the Company's subsidiaries.

Export revenues continued to be an important component of the Company's
operations, accounting for $64,414,000 for the nine months ending July 31, 1998
compared to $62,407,000 for the same period of 1997.

Gross profit, as a percentage of revenues, was 22.0 percent and 25.4 percent for
the quarters ended July 31, 1998 and 1997. The gross profit percentage for the
nine months ended July 31, 1998 and 1997 was 22.5 percent and 25.1 percent,
respectively. The lower percentages in 1998 were mainly due to changes in
product mix shipped during 1998 and losses at Powell-Esco Company, a wholly
owned subsidiary of the Company.

Selling, general and administrative expenses as a percentage of revenues were
14.0 percent and 15.3 percent for the quarters ended July 31, 1998 and 1997.
These percentages for the nine months ended July 31, 1998 and 1997 were 14.3
percent and 15.6 percent. The decrease in percentages reflects the increased
volume of revenues.

Income tax provision The effective tax rates on continuing operations earnings
were 28.5 percent and 29.8 percent for the quarters ended July 31, 1998 and
1997, respectively. For the nine months ended July 31, 1998 and 1997 the
effective tax rate was 30.7 percent and 32.9 percent respectively. The decrease
was primarily due to lower projected tax rates for 1998 due to the higher
estimated foreign sales corporation credits.

Earnings from continuing operations were $3,193,000 or $.30 per share for the
third quarter of fiscal 1998, a decrease from $3,432,000 or $.32 per share for
the same period last year. The decrease was mainly due to losses at Powell-Esco
Company. For the nine months ended July 31, 1998, net earnings were $8,905,000
or $.83 per share, compared with $9,074,000 or $.84 per share for the first nine
months of fiscal 1997. The per share data has been calculated on a fully diluted
basis per FASB 128 for all periods reported.




                                       10

<PAGE>   11
Loss from discontinued operations for the quarter and nine months ended on July
31, 1998 was ($4,700,000) or ($.44) per diluted common share. The $4,700,000
charge was the result of settlement of litigation discussed in Form 8-K filed
September 4, 1998 and in Part II, Item I of this Form 10-Q.

Backlog

The order backlog at July 31, 1998 was $162.3 million, compared to $137.3
million at October 31, 1997.


LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

In August 1997, the Company entered into a $20,000,000 revolving line of credit
agreement with a major domestic bank. The Company had borrowings outstanding of
$3,500,000 under this line on July 31, 1998.

The Company's ability to satisfy its cash requirements is evaluated by analyzing
key measures of liquidity applicable to the Company. The following table is a
summary of the measures which are significant to management:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                              July 31,         October 31,       July 31,
                                                1998              1997             1997
                                            -----------       -----------       -----------
<S>                                         <C>               <C>               <C>        
         Working Capital                    $49,967,000       $51,769,000       $45,063,000
         Current Ratio                        2.33 to 1         2.36 to 1         2.20 to 1
         Debt to Capitalization                  .1to 1           .1 to 1           no debt

</TABLE>


Management believes that the Company continues to maintain a strong liquidity
position. The decrease in working capital at July 31, 1998, as compared to
October 31, 1997, is due mainly to a decrease in current assets (the increase
in inventories was more than offset by the decrease in cash and costs and
estimated earnings in excess of billings) and a decrease in current liabilities
(the legal and settlement accrual increase was off-set by billings in excess of
cost and estimated earnings, and other current liabilities). The accrual for
settlement and legal expenses was paid by a draw down under the Company's
revolving credit agreement.

Cash and cash equivalents decreased by $1,613,000 during the nine months ended
July 31, 1998. The primary use of cash during this period was for capital
expenditures mainly related to the continuing expansion of the facilities of
Powell Electrical Manufacturing Company, reduction of long-term debt and
decreased current liabilities.

The Company's fiscal 1998 asset management program will continue to focus on the
collection of receivables and reduction in inventories. The Company plans to
satisfy its fiscal 1998 capital requirements and operating needs primarily with
funds available in cash and cash equivalents of $606,000, funds generated from
operating activities and funds available under its existing revolving credit
line and term loan.

The previous discussion should be read in conjunction with the consolidated
financial statements.

Year 2000 Compliance
The Company has and will continue to make certain investments in its software
systems and applications to ensure the Company is year 2000 compliant. The
financial impact of such investments has not been and is not anticipated to be
material to its financial position or its results of operations in any given
year.

Any forward looking statements in the preceding paragraphs of this Form 10-Q are
made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation
Reform Act of 1995. Investors are cautioned that such forward looking statements
involve risks and uncertainty in that actual results may differ materially from
those projected in the forward looking statements. These risks and uncertainties
include, without limitation, difficulties which could arise in obtaining
materials or components in sufficient quantities as needed for the Company's
manufacturing and assembly operations, unforeseen political or economic problems
in countries to which the Company exports its products in relation to the
Company's principal competitors, any significant decrease in the Company's
backlog of orders, any material employee relations problems, or any material
litigation or claims made against the Company, as well as general market
conditions, competition and pricing.




                                       11

<PAGE>   12



Part II

                               OTHER INFORMATION

ITEM 1.           Legal Proceedings
                  As previously reported on Form 8-K filed on September 4,
                  1998, the Company entered into a Settlement Agreement with
                  National Westminister Bank plc ("NatWest") to settle all
                  litigation between them regarding completion of a project at
                  MacDill Air Force Base. The settlement provided for in such
                  Settlement Agreement closed on September 11, 1998. Under the
                  terms of such Settlement Agreement, the Company paid NatWest
                  $7,000,000 at the closing, and delivered a promissory note in
                  the principal amount $1,000,000 bearing interest at the rate
                  of 3% per annum, which will be due on December 31, 1999;
                  accordingly, the Company has recorded a loss from
                  discontinued operations of $4,700,000 (net of income taxes)
                  to reflect additional accruals related to this settlement.

ITEM 2.           Changes in Securities and Use of Proceeds
                  None

ITEM 3.           Defaults Upon Senior Securities
                  Not applicable

ITEM 4.           None

ITEM 5.           Other Information
                  None

ITEM 6.           Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K
                  a. Exhibits

                  3.1 - Articles of Incorporation and Certificates of Amendment
                  of Powell Industries, Inc. dated July 20, 1987 and March 13,
                  1992 (filed as Exhibit 3 to the Company's Form 10-K for the
                  fiscal year ended October 31, 1982, Form 10-Q for quarter
                  ended July 31, 1987, and Form 10-Q for quarter ended April 30,
                  1992, respectively, and incorporated herein by reference).

                  3.2 - By-laws of Powell Industries, Inc. (filed as Exhibit
                  3(ii) to the Company's Form 10-Q for the quarter ended April
                  30, 1995 and incorporated herein by reference).

                  10.1 - Powell Industries, Inc., Incentive Compensation Plan
                  for 1997 (filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the Company's Form 10-K for
                  the fiscal year ended October 31, 1997 and incorporated herein
                  by reference).

                  10.2 - Salary Continuation Agreement with William E. Powell,
                  dated July 17, 1984 (filed as Exhibit 10 to the Company's Form
                  10-K for the fiscal year ended October 31, 1984, and
                  incorporated herein by reference).

                  10.3 - Description of Supplemental Executive Benefit Plan
                  (filed as Exhibit 10 to the Company's Form 10-K for the fiscal
                  year ended October 31, 1984, and incorporated herein by
                  reference).

                  10.5 - Credit Agreement dated August 15, 1997 between Powell
                  Industries, Inc. and Bank of America, Texas, N.A. (filed as an
                  Exhibit to the Company's Form 10-Q for the quarter ended July
                  31, 1997 and incorporated herein by reference).
               
                  10.7 - 1992 Powell Industries, Inc. Stock Option Plan (filed
                  as Exhibit 4.2 to the Company's registration statement on Form
                  S-8 dated July 26, 1994 (File No. 33-81998) and incorporated
                  herein by reference).



                                       12

<PAGE>   13

                  10.8 - The Powell Industries, Inc. Directors' Fees Program
                  (filed as Exhibit 10.7 to the Company's Form 10-K for the
                  fiscal year ended October 31, 1992, and incorporated herein by
                  reference).

                  10.9 - The Powell Industries, Inc. Executive Severance
                  Protection Plan (filed as exhibit 10.7 to the Company's Form
                  10-Q for the quarter ended April 30, 1996, and incorporated
                  herein by reference).

                  10.10 - Amendment to Powell Industries, Inc. Stock Option Plan
                  (filed as exhibit 10.8 to the Company's Form 10-Q for the
                  quarter ended April 30, 1996 and incorporated herein by
                  reference).

                  10.11 - Settlement Agreement effective September 3, 1998 by
                  and among National Westminister Bank plc, Powell Industries,
                  Inc., Powell Energy Systems, Inc., Empire Energy Management
                  Systems, Inc., Empire Cogen and Brian Travis. (filed herewith)

                  27.0 Financial Data Schedule

                  b. Reports on Form 8K
                  None




                                       13
<PAGE>   14


                                   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.






POWELL INDUSTRIES, INC.
Registrant


September 11, 1998
- ------------------      --------------------------
Date                    Thomas W. Powell                 
                        President and Chief Executive    
                        Officer                          
                        (Principal Executive Officer)    
                        


September 11, 1998
- ------------------      --------------------------
Date                    J. F. Ahart              
                        Vice President,          
                        Secretary-Treasurer      
                        Chief Financial Officer  
                        (Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)     
                        


<PAGE>   15


                                 EXHIBIT INDEX

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
EXHIBIT NO.              DESCRIPTION
- ----------               -----------
<S>                      <C>
  10.11                  Settlement Agreement effective September 8, 1998 by
                         and among National Westminister Bank plc, Powell
                         Industries, Inc., Powell Energy Systems, Inc., Empire
                         Energy Management Systems, Inc., Empire Cogen and Brian
                         Travis. (filed herewith)

  EX. 27                 FINANCIAL DATA SCHEDULE
</TABLE>

<PAGE>   1


                                   SETTLEMENT
                                   AGREEMENT





                               September 2, 1998
<PAGE>   2
                               TABLE OF CONTENTS


<TABLE>
<S>     <C>                                                                                                   <C>
                                               ARTICLE 1
                                DEFINED TERMS AND RULES OF CONSTRUCTION
1.1     Defined Terms  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
1.2     Rules of Construction, Etc.  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

                                               ARTICLE 2
                                 PURCHASE OF NATWEST CLAIMS AND RIGHTS
2.1     Purchase and Sale  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
2.2     Transfer Without Recourse to NatWest . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
2.3     Payments By PES  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
2.4     Agreement to Turn Over Proceeds  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

                                               ARTICLE 3
                                            OTHER AGREEMENTS
3.1     Mutual Releases  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
3.3     Pending Litigation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
3.4     USAF Claims Agreement  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
3.5     Designation of Successor Collateral Agent  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
3.6     Modification of Financing Documents  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
3.7     Cancellation and Termination of the Construction Guaranty  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
3.8     Covenants of NatWest Respecting USAF Proceedings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
3.9     Covenant and Waiver of Time by Energy  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

                                               ARTICLE 4
                                                CLOSING
4.1     Date and Place . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
4.2     NatWest Deliveries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
4.3     PES Deliveries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
4.4     Powell Deliveries  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  10
4.5     Energy Deliveries  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  10
4.6     Travis Deliveries  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  11
4.7     Cogen Deliveries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  12
4.8     Closing Costs  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  12
4.9     Form of Closing Documents  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  12

                                               ARTICLE 5
                                         CONDITIONS OF CLOSING
5.1     Closing Deliveries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  12
5.2     Preclosing Deliveries. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  13
5.3     Assignment of Claims Act.  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  13
5.4     Required Consents. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  13
5.5     Right to Terminate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  13
</TABLE>



                                      i
<PAGE>   3
<TABLE>
 <S>     <C>                                                                                                   <C>
                                                ARTICLE 6
                                      REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES
 6.1     Representations and Warranties of NatWest  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  14
 6.2     Representations and Warranties of Empire Parties . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  15
 6.3     Representations and Warranties of Powell and PES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  16
 6.4     Cumulative Representations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  17
 6.5     Survival of Representations. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  17

                                                ARTICLE 7
                                             INDEMNIFICATION
 7.1     Indemnification by Energy  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  17
 7.2     Indemnification by Cogen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  17
 7.3     Indemnification by Travis  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  18
 7.4     Indemnification by NatWest . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  18
 7.5     Indemnification by Powell  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  18
 7.6     Indemnification by PES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  19
 7.7     Notice of Claim  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  19

                                                ARTICLE 8
                                              MISCELLANEOUS
 8.1     Complete Agreement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  19
 8.2     Counterpart Execution  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  20
 8.3     Amendments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  20
 8.4     Notices. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  20
 8.5     No Waiver  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  20
 8.6     Successors and Assigns . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  20
 8.7     Governing Law  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  21
 8.8     Headings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  21
 8.9     Partial Invalidity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  21
 8.10    Incorporation of Exhibits  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  21
 8.11    Lawful Authority.  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  21
 8.12    Further Assurances . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  21
 8.13    Benefits of Agreement. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  21
</TABLE>





                                       ii
<PAGE>   4
                              SETTLEMENT AGREEMENT

         This Settlement Agreement (this "Agreement") is made and entered into
effective as of the  second day of September, 1998, by and among NATIONAL
WESTMINSTER BANK Plc, a public limited company organized under the laws of
England ("NatWest"), POWELL INDUSTRIES, INC., a Nevada corporation ("Powell"),
POWELL ENERGY SYSTEMS, INC., a Nevada corporation ("PES"), EMPIRE ENERGY
MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS, INC., a  New York corporation ("Energy"), EMPIRE COGEN,
INC., a Florida corporation ("Cogen") and BRIAN TRAVIS, a resident of the State
of Florida ("Travis").  Except as specifically set forth herein, all
capitalized terms in this Agreement, including the terms used above and in the
Recitals below, shall have the meanings set forth in Article 1 hereof.

                                R E C I T A L S:

         A.      Pursuant to the Loan Agreement and the other Financing
Documents, NatWest made certain loans and/or advances to Energy to refinance
earlier loans advanced by third parties and to provide funding for the
completion of the construction of the Facility.

         B.      In connection with the construction of the Facility, Powell
executed the Construction Guaranty.

         C.      For various reasons, the Facility was not fully constructed
and USAF terminated its agreements with Energy claiming that Energy defaulted
in its obligations under such agreements.  Energy disputes such termination and
has initiated ASBCA Proceedings against USAF.

         D.      Certain disputes have arisen among NatWest, Energy, Travis and
Powell relating to the Financing Documents and the Facility and such disputes
are the subject of various claims and counterclaims in the Pending Litigation.

         E.      After extensive negotiations, the parties have reached an
agreement for the resolution of such disputes and desire to enter into this
Agreement to memorialize the terms and conditions of such settlement.  By
entering into this Agreement, no party admits liability on any matter or
concedes the correctness of any assertion made in the pending litigation.

         NOW, THEREFORE, for good and valuable consideration, the receipt and
sufficiency of which is hereby acknowledged, the parties agree as follows:

                                   ARTICLE 1
                    DEFINED TERMS AND RULES OF CONSTRUCTION

         1.1     Defined Terms.  For purposes of this Agreement, the following
terms shall have the following meanings:





                                       1
<PAGE>   5
                 (a)      "Affiliate" means with respect to any Person (i) any
Person directly or indirectly controlling, controlled by or under common
control with such Person, (ii) any Person owning or controlling ten percent
(10%) or more of the outstanding voting interest of such Person, and/or (iii)
any past or present officer, director, or holder of ten percent (10%) or more
of the voting interest of any Person described in clauses (i) or (ii) of this
sentence.  For purposes of this definition, the term "controls", "is controlled
by" or "is under common control with" shall mean possession, direct or
indirect, of the power to direct or cause the direction of the management and
policies of a Person, whether through the ownership of voting interest, by
contract or otherwise.  Notwithstanding the preceding sentences, in no event
shall: (iv) Powell, PES or any subsidiary of Powell or PES be deemed to be an
"Affiliate" of Energy, Cogen, Travis or any Person otherwise included within
the definition of an Affiliate of Energy, Cogen, or Travis; and (v) Energy,
Cogen or Travis be deemed to be an "Affiliate" of Powell, PES or any Person
otherwise included within the definition of an Affiliate of Powell or PES.

                 (b)      "Agreement" means this Settlement Agreement.

                 (c)      "ASBCA" means the Armed Services Board of Contract
Appeals.

                 (d)      "ASBCA Proceedings" means the proceeding pending
before the ASBCA in  the matters captioned Appeal of Empire Energy Management
Systems, Inc. Under Contract No. F44650-88-C-004, ASBCA No. 46741, filed
October 28, 1993 and Appeal of Empire Energy Management Systems, Inc. Under
Contract No. F44650-88-C-004, ASBCA No. 46076, filed May 12, 1993.

                 (e)      "Assignment of Claims Act" means the Assignment of
Claims Act of 1940 codified at 31 U.S.C.  Section  3727 and 41 U.S.C. Section
15, together with all regulations promulgated thereunder and any similar
statutes, rules or regulations of the United States restricting or otherwise
imposing limitations upon the assignment of claims against the United States.

                 (f)      "Claims" means any and all claims or causes of
action, whether arising in contract, tort or otherwise, known or unknown,
liquidated or unliquidated.

                 (g)      "Closing" shall have the meaning attributed to such
term under Paragraph 4.1 below.

                 (h)      "Closing Date" shall have the meaning attributed to
such term under Paragraph 4.1 below.

                 (i)      "Closing Documents" means and includes this
Agreement, the USAF Claims Agreement, the Loan Modification Documents, the
Mutual Releases, the NatWest Assignment, the PES Deferred Note and any other
documents, instruments or certificates executed or delivered in connection with
the closing of the transactions described herein.





                                       2
<PAGE>   6
                 (j)      "Cogen" means Empire Cogen, Inc.

                 (k)      "Cogen Subordination"  means the Subordination
Agreement to be entered into on the Closing Date by and among Cogen, Energy and
PES.

                 (l)      "Collateral Agent" means the Collateral Agent under
the Financing Documents, as amended, and any successors or assigns thereto.

                 (m)      "Construction Guaranty" means the Construction
Guaranty executed by Powell in connection with the NatWest Loan Transactions.

                 (n)      "Construction Guaranty Termination Agreement" means
the Construction Guaranty Termination Agreement to be executed at Closing
pursuant to the which the Construction Guaranty shall be terminated and
canceled in all respects and Powell shall be fully released from all
obligations thereunder.

                 (o)      "Court" means the United States District Court for
the Southern District of New York.

                 (p)      "Energy" means Empire Energy Management Systems, Inc.

                 (q)      "Energy Litigation Counsel Letter" means the letter
from counsel to  Energy in the proceedings presently pending before the ASBCA,
as described in subparagraph 5.2(c) below.

                 (r)      "Energy - Powell Note" means the promissory note
dated January 15, 1995 in the original principal amount of $250,000.00 executed
by Energy and made payable to the order of Powell.

                 (s)      "Energy Releases" means the general releases to be
executed on the Closing Date by Energy, Cogen and Travis in favor of NatWest
and by Energy, Cogen and Travis in favor of Powell.

                 (t)      "Empire Parties" means and includes Travis, Energy,
Cogen and their Affiliates.

                 (u)      "Facility" means the proposed cogeneration facility
at a site on MacDill Avenue on the MacDill Air Force Base near Tampa Florida,
as more particularly described in the Financing Documents.

                 (v)      "Final Judgment and Order" means the Final Judgment
and Consent Order of Dismissal with Injunctions to be signed by each of the
parties to the Pending Litigation (or their counsel) and submitted to the
Court.





                                       3
<PAGE>   7
                 (w)      "Financing Documents" shall have the meaning
attributed to such term under the Loan Agreement, as amended, and shall include
each of the documents listed on Exhibit "A" attached hereto.

                 (x)      "Governance Documents" means as to any Person the
certificate of incorporation, bylaws, articles of organization, operating
agreement, partnership agreement or other organizational or governing documents
of such Person.

                 (y)      "Governmental Authority" means any nation or
government, any state or other political subdivision thereof, or any entity
exercising executive, legislative, judicial, regulatory, or administrative
functions of or pertaining to government.

                 (z)      "Loan Agreement" means that certain Construction and
Term Loan Agreement dated as of April 30, 1992, entered into by and between
Energy and NatWest.

                 (aa)     "Loan Modification Agreement" means the Loan
Modification and Extension Agreement to be entered into by and between PES, as
lender, and Energy, as borrower, respecting the modification of the NatWest
Loan Transaction.

                 (bb)     "Loan Modification Documents" means the Loan
Modification Agreement together with all other documents or instruments
necessary to effectuate the transactions contemplated in the Loan Modification
Agreement.

                 (cc)     "Mutual Releases" means, collectively, the
NatWest-Powell Mutual Release, the NatWest-Travis Mutual Release and the
Powell-Travis Mutual Release.

                 (dd)     "NatWest" means National Westminster Bank Plc.

                 (ee)     "NatWest Assignment" means the Assignment executed by
NatWest pursuant to which NatWest shall transfer and assign to PES the NatWest
Claims and Rights.

                 (ff)     "NatWest Claims and Rights" means all Claims and
rights in any way connected with the Facility, now or at any time prior hereto,
held by NatWest against (i) Powell; (ii) Empire Parties; (iii) USAF; (iv) any
Affiliate of Powell; (v) any Affiliate of Empire Parties; and  (vi) any other
Person.  NatWest Claims and Rights include all Claims and rights of NatWest
arising under or relating to the Financing Documents.

                 (gg)     "NatWest Loan Transaction" means the loan transaction
between NatWest and Energy described in the Loan Agreement and the other
Financing Documents.

                 (hh)     "NatWest-Powell Mutual Release" means the mutual
release to be entered into between NatWest and Powell.





                                       4
<PAGE>   8
                 (ii)     "NatWest-Travis Mutual Release" means the mutual
release to be entered into between NatWest and Travis.

                 (jj)     "Pending Litigation" means the actions presently
pending in the Court as docket number 93 Civ.  5331 (WK) in the matter styled
National Westminster Bank Plc v. Empire Energy Management Systems, Inc., et al.

                 (kk)     "Person" means any individual, corporation,
partnership, limited liability company, trust, governmental agency or
department, or other entity whatsoever.

                 (ll)     "PES" means Powell Energy Systems, Inc.

                 (mm)     "PES Deferred Note" means the promissory note in the
amount of $1,000,000.00 to be executed by PES and Powell, as co-maker, and made
payable to the order of NatWest, which note, together with interest thereon at
the rate of 3% per annum, shall be due and payable on December 31, 1999.

                 (nn)     "Powell" means Powell Industries, Inc.

                 (oo)     "Powell-Travis Mutual Release" means the mutual
release to be entered into between Powell and Travis.

                 (pp)     "Requirements of Law" means any law, treaty, rule or
regulation, or a final and binding determination of an arbitrator or a
determination of a court or other Governmental Authority, in each case as may
be applicable to or binding upon such Person or any of its property or to which
such Person or any of its property is subject.

                 (qq)     "Travis" means Brian Travis.

                 (rr)     "Travis Subordination" means the Subordination and
Indemnity Agreement to be entered into by and between Travis and PES
respecting, among other things, the subordination of all claims of Travis
against Energy to the rights and claims of PES with respect to the NatWest
Claims and Rights and Powell with respect to the Energy - Powell Note.

                 (ss)     "USAF" means the United States of America acting
through the Department of the Air Force.

                 (tt)     "USAF Claims" means and includes all Claims which the
Empire Parties, or any of them, may have against United States of America and
all agencies and departments thereof,  including USAF in any way connected with
the Facility, including all Claims presently pending before the ASBCA and all
Claims which may subsequently be filed by or on behalf of the Empire Parties or
any Affiliates thereof against USAF before the ASBCA or any other tribunal,
administrative agency or court whatsoever.





                                       5
<PAGE>   9

                 (uu)     "USAF Claims Agreement" means the agreement to be
entered into by and between PES, Energy and Travis on the Closing Date
respecting the prosecution of the USAF Claims and the distribution of the
proceeds received with respect thereto.

                 (vv)     "USAF Claims Proceeds" means and includes cash, or
its equivalent, or any other asset or property whatsoever, paid or transferred
by USAF on account of the USAF Claims, whether paid or transferred: (i) in
connection with the settlement of the USAF Claims; (ii) following the
adjudication of the USAF Claims; (iii) with respect to the satisfaction of any
judgment entered in connection with the USAF Claims; or (iv) otherwise.

         1.2     Rules of Construction, Etc.  All capitalized terms not
specifically defined herein shall have the meaning attributed to such terms
under the Financing Documents.  All financial terms used in this Agreement,
other than those defined in this Article, have the meanings accorded to them
under generally accepted accounting principles.  This Agreement shall not be
construed or resolved against any party hereto, whether under any rule of
construction or otherwise, but shall be construed and interpreted according to
the ordinary meaning of the words used so as to fairly accomplish the purposes
and intentions of all parties hereto.  All defined terms in the singular and
plural shall have comparable meanings when used in the plural and vice-versa,
unless otherwise specified.  All pronouns and any variations thereof shall be
deemed to refer to masculine, feminine or neuter, singular or plural, as the
identity of the person or persons may require.  The words "hereof," "herein,"
"hereunder" and words of similar import shall refer to this Agreement as a
whole and not any particular provision of this Agreement.  The word "party" or
"parties" when used in this Agreement means only those persons or entities who
are signatories to this Agreement.  The words "include," "includes" and
"including" will be deemed to be followed by the phrase "without limitation."
Unless otherwise specified in the computation of a period of time from a date
to a later specified date, the word "from" means "from and including," and the
words "to" and "until" each mean "to but excluding".  References to all
documents, contracts, agreements or instruments shall include any and all
supplements and amendments thereto.

                                   ARTICLE 2
                     PURCHASE OF NATWEST CLAIMS AND RIGHTS

         2.1     Purchase and Sale.  On the terms and subject to the terms and
conditions of this Agreement, NatWest agrees to sell, convey, transfer and
assign to PES at the Closing and on the Closing Date and PES agrees to purchase
from NatWest the NatWest Claims and Rights.

         2.2     Transfer Without Recourse to NatWest.  The sale, conveyance,
transfer and assignment of the NatWest Claims and Rights shall be without
recourse to NatWest, except as otherwise specifically provided in this
Agreement or any other Closing Documents signed by NatWest pursuant to this
Agreement.  NatWest makes no warranty or representation with respect to the
ability of PES to collect the payments due under the Financing Documents from
Energy or the financial ability of the Empire Parties to perform their other
obligations under the Financing Documents.



                                      6

<PAGE>   10

         2.3     Payments By PES.  PES and Powell, jointly and severally, agree
to pay to NatWest the total sum of US$8,000,000.00, payable as follows:

                 (a)      The sum of US$7,000,000.00 on the Closing Date by
wire transfer or other immediately available funds; and

                 (b)      The remaining sum of US $1,000,000, plus interest as
provided in the PES Deferred Note.

         2.4     Agreement to Turn Over Proceeds.  If at any time from and
after the Closing Date NatWest receives any payments or distributions which
represent USAF Claims Proceeds or any other proceeds of the NatWest Claims and
Rights, NatWest shall promptly deliver such payments or distributions to the
Collateral Agent.  Furthermore, in the event any such payments or distributions
are made to Bank of America or NatWest as "Collateral Agent", NatWest shall,
upon request from PES, direct such collateral agent to disburse such funds to
the then acting Collateral Agent, or as PES shall otherwise direct.

                                   ARTICLE 3
                                OTHER AGREEMENTS

         3.1     Mutual Releases.  At Closing, each party to a Mutual Release
will execute and deliver each Mutual Release applicable to such party.

         3.2     Release from Energy.  At closing, Energy, Travis and Cogen
will execute and deliver the Energy Release.

         3.3     Pending Litigation.  At Closing, the parties to the Pending
Litigation will cause their respective counsel to execute the Final Judgment
and Order which will be submitted to the Court for entry promptly following
Closing.

         3.4     USAF Claims Agreement.  At Closing, Travis, Energy and PES
shall enter into the USAF Claims Agreement.

         3.5     Designation of Successor Collateral Agent.  At Closing,
NatWest shall execute any required documents to designate Bank of New York as
successor Collateral Agent under the Collateral Agency Agreement.   In
addition, NatWest shall execute and deliver at Closing any financing statement
assignments, mortgage assignments or similar type instruments necessary to
confirm the change in the designated Collateral Agent.

         3.6     Modification of Financing Documents.  At Closing, PES and
Energy shall enter into the Loan Modification Agreement pursuant to which the
repayment terms of the loan evidenced by





                                      7
<PAGE>   11
the Financing Documents shall be modified as more particularly described
therein.  In addition, PES,  Energy and Travis shall execute and deliver all
other Loan Modification Documents and take such other steps as may be necessary
to effectuate the modifications contemplated under the Loan Modification
Agreement.

         3.7     Cancellation and Termination of the Construction Guaranty.
At Closing Powell, PES, Cogen and Energy shall enter into the Construction
Guaranty Termination Agreement.

         3.8     Covenants of NatWest Respecting USAF Proceedings.  NatWest
covenants and agrees, which covenants and agreements shall survive the Closing
Date, that NatWest will not take any affirmative action to interfere with the
prosecution of the USAF Claims or the right of PES or the Collateral Agent to
receive USAF Claims Proceeds.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, NatWest shall not
be in violation of this covenant in the event NatWest provides information to
third parties in response to a valid order or subpoena issued by a court or
administrative agency of competent jurisdiction (provided, however, that unless
otherwise prohibited by applicable law, NatWest agrees to promptly notify PES
of any such order or subpoena in order to allow PES the opportunity to take
appropriate action in the proceedings to protect its interests).  NatWest
agrees to reasonably cooperate in providing historical information concerning
its prior dealings, if any, with the USAF, upon reasonable request of PES or
Energy .

         3.9     Covenant and Waiver of Time by Energy.  Energy expressly
waives its right to assert or interpose against Powell or PES, and expressly
covenants and agrees that it will not assert or interpose against either of
them, in any judicial, arbitration, or other dispute resolution proceeding, as
a defense to any claim related directly or indirectly to the Pending
Litigation, any statute of limitation or any other defense based upon the
passage of time during the Pending Litigation and from then, to and including
the Settlement Turnover Date.  The covenant, agreement, and waiver in this
Paragraph 3.9 shall survive the Closing Date.

                                   ARTICLE 4
                                    CLOSING

         4.1     Date and Place.  The closing of the transactions described
herein (the "Closing") shall take place on or before September 10, 1998 (the
"Closing Date") at the New York offices of  Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher &
Flom LLP, or at such other location as the parties shall mutually agree.

         4.2     NatWest Deliveries.  At Closing, NatWest shall deliver the
following (each, to the extent applicable, to be properly executed and
acknowledged in appropriate counterparts and, unless otherwise noted, to be
delivered to PES):

                 (a)      The NatWest Assignment;





                                      8
<PAGE>   12
                 (b)      The original of the Construction Loan Note, together
with the original of any other promissory notes executed by Energy in
connection with the NatWest Loan Transactions, with each such note being duly
endorsed, without recourse, to PES.

                 (c)      Originals of each of the other Financing Documents;

                 (d)      The original stock certificate or certificates
evidencing the Pledged Shares; provided, however, that in the event any such
certificate is in the possession of NatWest in its capacity as Collateral Agent
under the Collateral Agency Agreement, such certificate shall be delivered
directly to the successor Collateral Agent;

                 (e)      A notification letter to USAF confirming the
designation of the successor Collateral Agent under the Collateral Agency
Agreement as described in Paragraph 3.5 above;

                 (f)      The assignments and other documents requested under
Paragraph 3.5 above respecting the change in the Collateral Agent;

                 (g)      Evidence of the existence, organization and authority
of NatWest and of the authority of the persons executing documents on behalf of
NatWest reasonably satisfactory to Powell and PES;

                 (h)      The Final Judgment and Order (to be delivered to
counsel for Powell);

                 (i)      The NatWest-Powell Mutual Release; and

                 (j)      The NatWest-Travis Mutual Release (to be delivered to
Travis).

         4.3     PES Deliveries.  At Closing, PES shall deliver the following
(each, to the extent applicable, to be properly executed and acknowledged in
appropriate counterparts and, unless otherwise noted, to be delivered to
NatWest):

                 (a)      The sum of US$7,000,000.00 by wire transfer or other
immediately available funds;

                 (b)      The PES Deferred Note;

                 (c)      The Final Judgment and Order (to be delivered to
Powell's counsel);

                 (d)      The Loan Modification Documents (to be delivered to
Energy and Travis);

                 (e)      The USAF Claims Agreement (to be delivered to Energy
and Travis);

                 (f)      The Construction Guaranty Termination Agreement (to
be delivered to Powell, Cogen and Energy);





                                      9
<PAGE>   13

                 (g)      The Cogen Subordination (to be delivered to Cogen and
Energy);

                 (h)      The Travis Subordination (to be delivered to Travis
and Energy);

                 (i)      Evidence of the existence, organization and authority
of PES and of the authority of the persons executing documents on behalf of PES
reasonably satisfactory to NatWest; and

                 (j)      Such other documentation as may be reasonably
required by the other parties hereto in order to effectuate the transactions
contemplated hereby.

         4.4     Powell Deliveries.  At Closing, Powell shall deliver the
following (each, to the extent applicable, to be properly executed and
acknowledged in appropriate counterparts and, unless otherwise noted, to be
delivered to NatWest):

                 (a)      The PES Deferred Note;

                 (b)      The Final Judgment and Order (to be delivered to
counsel for Powell);

                 (c)      The NatWest-Powell Mutual Release;

                 (d)      The Powell-Travis Mutual Release (to be delivered to
Travis);

                 (e)      The Construction Guaranty Termination Agreement (to
be delivered to PES, Energy and Cogen);

                 (f)      Evidence of the existence, organization and authority
of Powell and of the authority of the persons executing documents on behalf of
Powell reasonably satisfactory to NatWest; and

                 (g)      Such other documentation as may be reasonably
required by the other parties hereto in order to effectuate the transactions
contemplated hereby.

         4.5     Energy Deliveries.  At Closing, Energy shall deliver the
following (each, to the extent applicable, to be properly executed and
acknowledged in appropriate counterparts and, unless otherwise noted, to be
delivered to PES):

                 (a)      If required by PES an update to the Energy Litigation
Counsel Letter;

                 (b)      The Final Judgment and Order (to be delivered to
counsel for Powell);

                 (c)      The Loan Modification Documents;





                                      10
<PAGE>   14
                 (d)      The USAF Claims Agreement (to be delivered to PES and
Travis);

                 (e)      The Construction Guaranty Termination Agreement (to
be delivered to PES, Powell and Cogen);

                 (f)      The Cogen Subordination (to be delivered to PES and
Cogen);

                 (g)      The Travis Subordination (to be delivered to PES and
Travis);

                 (h)      Evidence of the existence, organization and authority
of Energy and of the authority of the persons executing documents on behalf of
Energy reasonably satisfactory to NatWest, PES and Powell;

                 (i)      The Energy Release; and

                 (j)      Such other documentation as may be reasonably
required by the other parties hereto in order to effectuate the transactions
contemplated hereby.

         4.6     Travis Deliveries.  At Closing, Travis shall deliver the
following (each, to the extent applicable, to be properly executed and
acknowledged in appropriate counterparts and, unless otherwise noted, to be
delivered to PES):

                 (a)      The Final Judgment and Order (to be delivered to
counsel for Powell);

                 (b)      The Loan Modification Documents to the extent
applicable to Travis;

                 (c)      The USAF Claims Agreement (to be delivered to PES and
Energy);

                 (d)      The NatWest-Travis Mutual Release (to be delivered to
NatWest);

                 (e)      The Powell-Travis Mutual Release (to be delivered to
Powell);

                 (f)      The Travis Subordination;

                 (g)      The Energy Release; and

                 (h)      Such other documentation as may be reasonably
required by the other parties hereto in order to effectuate the transactions
contemplated hereby.

         4.7     Cogen Deliveries.  At Closing, Cogen shall deliver the
following (each, to the extent applicable, to be properly executed and
acknowledged in appropriate counterparts and, unless otherwise noted, to be
delivered to PES):

                 (a)      The Cogen Subordination;





                                       11
<PAGE>   15

                 (b)      Evidence of the existence, organization and authority
of Cogen and of the authority of the persons executing documents on behalf of
Cogen reasonably satisfactory to NatWest, PES and Powell;

                 (c)      The Construction Guaranty Termination Agreement (to
be delivered to Powell, PES and Energy);

                 (d)      The Energy Release; and

                 (e)      Such other documentation as may be reasonably
required by the other parties hereto in order to effectuate the transactions
contemplated hereby.

         4.8     Closing Costs.  All recording costs, transfer tax,
indebtedness tax, intangible tax search fees and similar costs shall be paid by
Energy; provided, however, that the obligation of Energy for such closing costs
shall not exceed $3,000.00.  Each party shall be responsible for its own
attorneys' fees and expenses attributable to closing.

         4.9     Form of Closing Documents.  Contemporaneously with the
execution of this Agreement each party shall, by separate written instrument or
instruments, acknowledge and approve the form of the each of the Closing
Documents applicable to such party.  The form of the approval certificate is
set forth on Exhibit "B"attached hereto.  With respect to any Closing Document
the form of which has not been approved at the time this Agreement is executed,
the parties to such document shall promptly agree upon the form of such
document and as each document is approved a written acknowledgment or
certificate shall be executed by the appropriate parties.  If a dispute arises
respecting the form of any Closing Document, the dispute will be submitted to a
magistrate designated by the presiding judge in the Pending Litigation for
immediate resolution, with the determination of the magistrate being binding
upon all parties.

                                   ARTICLE 5
                             CONDITIONS OF CLOSING

          The obligation of Powell and PES to close the transactions
contemplated hereunder is subject to and conditioned upon the following
conditions, each of  which must be satisfactory to Powell and PES:

         5.1     Closing Deliveries.  Each of the items required to be
delivered by NatWest and the Empire Parties shall have been delivered as
described in Article 4 above.

         5.2     Preclosing Deliveries.  At least five (5) business days prior
to the Closing Date:

                 (a)      NatWest shall deliver to Powell and PES a certificate
from an authorized officer of NatWest in the form attached hereto as Exhibit
"D" together with the documents referenced on such certificate.





                                       12
<PAGE>   16


                 (b)      Energy shall make available to PES its entire file
respecting the prosecution of the USAF Claims, including pleadings,
communications and correspondence respecting the ASBCA Proceedings.  Following
Closing PES shall be permitted to make copies of all or any portions of the
file.  PES shall also receive a certification from Brian Travis, as President
of Energy, to the effect that, to the best of his knowledge, the documents made
available for inspection are true, correct and complete.  The certification and
the representations contained therein shall survive the Closing.  Prior to the
disclosure of such materials, Energy and PES shall enter into a confidentiality
agreement in form acceptable to both parties.

                 (c)      Energy shall cause its counsel to deliver the Energy
Litigation Counsel  Letter, which will contain an up to date report concerning
the status of the ASBCA Proceedings.

         5.3     Assignment of Claims Act.  Powell and PES shall have
determined that the transfer of the NatWest Claims and Rights will not violate
the Assignment of Claims Act or any other laws prohibiting or otherwise
limiting the assignment of contract rights and/or claims against the United
States and that following such transfer, PES and/or the Collateral Agent shall
have the unconditional right to recover USAF Claims Proceeds unaffected by any
such laws.  Energy and Travis shall indemnify and hold PES and Powell harmless
from and against any losses or damages resulting to Powell and/or PES arising
from any violation or alleged violation of or failure to comply with the
Assignment of Claims Act.  The personal liability of Travis under this
indemnity shall be limited to any funds received, directly or indirectly, by
Travis or a Travis Affiliate after the Closing Date, which relate to the USAF
Claims.  Travis and Energy covenant and agree that they will not, at any time,
take the position that the transfer of the NatWest Claims and Rights in any
manner violates the Assignment of Claims Act.

Nothing contained in this Paragraph 5.3 shall constitute or impose an
obligation upon NatWest to provide any assurances to Powell and PES with
respect to the USAF Claims.

         5.4     Required Consents.  Written consent to the transactions
contemplated hereunder shall have been given by all Persons whose consent may
be required for such purpose.

         5.5     Right to Terminate.  If, following review of the materials to
be delivered pursuant to Paragraphs 5.2, Powell determines, in its sole and
absolute discretion, that the status of the USAF Claims and the prospects for
recovery of USAF Claims Proceeds are not acceptable to Powell, Powell shall
have the right to terminate this Agreement, unless Travis and/or Energy provide
additional assurances to Powell and PES acceptable to Powell and PES with
regard to such matters.

                                   ARTICLE 6
                         REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES

         6.1     Representations and Warranties of NatWest.  To induce Powell
and PES to enter into this Agreement and to proceed with Closing, NatWest
represents and warrants to Powell and to PES that:





                                       13
<PAGE>   17

                 (a)      NatWest is a public limited company duly organized,
validly existing and in good standing under the laws of England.

                 (b)      The execution, delivery and performance of this
Agreement and the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereunder have
been duly authorized by all requisite action.

                 (c)      This Agreement and each of the other Closing
Documents being executed by NatWest pursuant to this Agreement, will be, legal,
valid, and binding obligations of NatWest, enforceable against NatWest, in
accordance with their respective terms.

                 (d)      NatWest is the true and lawful owner of the NatWest
Claims and Rights.

                 (e)      NatWest has not previously sold, pledged, assigned or
otherwise encumbered any interest that NatWest may have in the NatWest Claims
and Rights.

                 (f)      The Financing Documents delivered by NatWest prior to
the Closing are true, correct and complete and no amendments or modifications
of the Financing Documents exist which are not reflected on such copies except
to the extent that the allegations in the Pending Litigation may be so
construed.

                 (g)      Except to the extent that the passage of time might
by operation of law effect a release or relinquishment of rights, NatWest has
not heretofore voluntarily released, relinquished or modified any of its rights
or remedies under the Financing Documents with respect to the USAF Claims
Proceeds and no agreements or understandings exist between NatWest and USAF
with respect to the USAF Claims Proceeds which are not reflected in the
Financing Documents delivered to PES at Closing.

                 (h)      NatWest has not heretofore foreclosed upon or
otherwise realized upon any of the collateral pledged in connection with the
NatWest Loan Transaction, and without limiting the generality of the foregoing,
NatWest has not foreclosed under the Mortgage or otherwise taken action to sell
or dispose of any of the collateral.

                 (i)      To the best knowledge of NatWest, no Environmental
Claims (as defined in the Loan Agreement) other than those, if any, set forth
in the Pending Litigation have been asserted against NatWest with respect to
the Facility.

                 (j)      To the best knowledge of NatWest, no Claims have been
asserted against NatWest by USAF relating to the Facility.

                 (k)      No consent or approval by any Person is required for
or in connection with NatWest's execution and delivery of this Agreement or the
documents required hereby.





                                       14
<PAGE>   18
         6.2     Representations and Warranties of Empire Parties.  To induce
Powell and PES to enter into this Agreement and to proceed with Closing,
Energy, Cogen and Travis, jointly and severally, represent and warrant to
Powell and to PES that:

                 (a)      Cogen is a corporation duly organized, validly
existing and in good standing under the laws of Florida.

                 (b)      Energy is a corporation duly organized, validly
existing and in good standing under the laws of New York.

                 (c)      The execution, delivery and performance of this
Agreement and the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereunder have
been duly authorized by all requisite action and will not violate any
Requirements of Law, the Governance Documents of any Empire Party, any
provision of any indenture, agreement or other instrument to which any Empire
Party is a party, or by which their respective properties or assets are bound,
or be in conflict with, result in a breach of, or constitute (with due notice
or lapse of time or both) a default under any such indenture, agreement or
other instrument.

                 (d)      This Agreement is, and each of the other Closing
Documents to which any Empire Party is a party, when delivered pursuant to this
Agreement will be, legal, valid, and binding obligations of such Empire Party,
enforceable against such Empire Party, in accordance with their respective
terms.

                 (e)      The copies of the Financing Documents delivered to
Powell and certified by Energy prior to closing are true, correct and complete
and no amendments or modifications of the Financing Documents exist which are
not reflected on such copies.  The Energy certificate shall be made to the best
of Energy's knowledge and information.

                 (f)      Except to the extent that the passage of time or the
failure to have previously asserted a claim might by operation of law effect a
release or relinquishment of rights, none of the Empire Parties has heretofore
knowingly released, relinquished or modified any of its rights or remedies
relating to the USAF Claims and no agreements or understandings exist between
the Empire Parties and USAF with respect to the USAF Claims Proceeds which have
not been specifically disclosed to PES and Powell in writing prior to Closing.

                 (g)      No Person has any lien or encumbrance against the
USAF Claims which is superior to the liens granted to NatWest and except for
the rights granted to NatWest pursuant to the Financing Documents and those
potential liens, if any, arising from the judgements reflected on the schedule
of creditors heretofore delivered to PES by Energy, no Empire Party has
pledged, assigned, transferred or otherwise encumbered any interest of such
party in the USAF Claims or the USAF Claims Proceeds.





                                       15
<PAGE>   19
                 (h)      To the best knowledge of the Empire Parties, no
Environmental Claims other than those, if any, set forth in the Pending
Litigation or in the ASBCA Proceedings have been asserted against any Empire
Party with respect to the Facility.

                 (i)      No consent or approval by any Person is required for
or in connection with any Empire Party's execution of this Agreement or such
party's consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby.

         6.3     Representations and Warranties of Powell and PES.  To induce
NatWest to enter into this Agreement and to proceed with Closing, Powell and
PES, jointly and severally, represent and warrant to NatWest that:

                 (a)      Powell is a corporation duly organized, validly
existing and in good standing under the laws of Nevada.

                 (b)      PES is a corporation duly organized, validly existing
and in good standing under the laws of Nevada.

                 (c)      The execution, delivery and performance of this
Agreement and the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereunder have
been duly authorized by all requisite action and will not violate any
Requirements of Law, the Governance Documents of Powell or PES, any provision
of any indenture, agreement or other instrument to which Powell or PES is a
party, or by which their respective properties or assets are bound, or be in
conflict with, result in a breach of, or constitute (with due notice or lapse
of time or both) a default under any such indenture, agreement or other
instrument.

                 (d)      This Agreement is, and each of the other Closing
Documents to which Powell or PES is a party, when delivered pursuant to this
Agreement will be, legal, valid, and binding obligations of such party,
enforceable against such party, in accordance with their respective terms.

                 (e)      No consent or approval by any Person is required for
or in connection with Powell's or PES's execution of this Agreement or such
party's consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby.

         6.4     Cumulative Representations.  The warranties, representations,
and agreements set forth in this Agreement shall be cumulative and in addition
to any and all other warranties, representations, and agreements set forth in
the other Closing Documents.  Any such warranty, representation or agreement
shall be binding solely upon the party or parties making such warranties,
representations or agreements.

         6.5     Survival of Representations.  The representations and
warranties set forth herein shall survive Closing.





                                       16
<PAGE>   20
                                   ARTICLE 7
                                INDEMNIFICATION

         7.1     Indemnification by Energy.

                 (a)      Energy shall indemnify and hold harmless Powell and
PES, their successors and assigns, from and against any damages, losses,
claims, costs and expenses (including court costs and reasonable attorneys'
fees and expenses), which Powell or PES may sustain, or to which either of them
may be subjected, arising out of or resulting from any breach or default by
Energy of or under any of the representations and warranties of Energy under
this Agreement or the other Closing Documents.

                 (b)      Energy shall indemnify and hold harmless NatWest, its
successors and assigns, from and against any damages, losses, claims, costs and
expenses (including court costs and attorneys' fees and expenses), which
NatWest may sustain, or to which it may be subjected, arising out of or
resulting from any breach or default by Energy of or under any of the
representations and warranties of Energy under this Agreement or the other
Closing Documents.

                 (c)      For purposes of this Paragraph, Closing Documents
shall not include the original Loan Agreement or the other closing documents
executed in 1992 in connection with the closing of the NatWest Loan
Transaction.

         7.2     Indemnification by Cogen.

                 (a)      Cogen shall indemnify and hold harmless Powell and
PES, their successors and assigns, from and against any damages, losses,
claims, costs and expenses (including court costs and reasonable attorneys'
fees and expenses), which Powell or PES may sustain, or to which either of them
may be subjected, arising out of or resulting from any breach or default by
Cogen of or under any of the representations and warranties of Cogen under this
Agreement or the other Closing Documents.

                 (b)      Cogen shall indemnify and hold harmless NatWest, its
successors and assigns, from and against any damages, losses, claims, costs and
expenses (including court costs and reasonable attorneys' fees and expenses),
which NatWest may sustain, or to which it may be subjected, arising out of or
resulting from any breach or default by Cogen of or under any of the
representations and warranties of Cogen under this Agreement or the other
Closing Documents.

                 (c)      For purposes of this Paragraph, Closing Documents
shall not include the original Loan Agreement or the other closing documents
executed in 1992 in connection with the closing of the NatWest Loan
Transaction.

         7.3     Indemnification by Travis.

                 (a)      Travis shall indemnify and hold harmless Powell and
PES, their successors and assigns, from and against any damages, losses,
claims, costs and expenses (including court costs





                                       17
<PAGE>   21
and reasonable attorneys' fees and expenses), which Powell or PES may sustain,
or to which either of them  may be subjected, arising out of or resulting from
any breach or default by Travis of or under any of the representations and
warranties of Travis in his personal capacity under this Agreement or the other
Closing Documents.

                 (b)      Travis shall indemnify and hold harmless NatWest, its
successors and assigns, from and against any damages, losses, claims, costs and
expenses (including court costs and reasonable attorneys' fees and expenses),
which NatWest may sustain, or to which it may be subjected, arising out of or
resulting from any breach or default by Travis of or under any of the
representations and warranties of Travis in his personal capacity under this
Agreement or the other Closing Documents.

                 (c)      The indemnities set forth in this Paragraph 7.3 are
not intended to impose, and shall not be interpreted as imposing personal
liability upon Travis for the repayment of the loans which are described in the
Loan Modification Agreement.

                 (d)      For purposes of this Paragraph, Closing Documents
shall not include the original Loan Agreement or the other closing documents
executed in 1992 in connection with the closing of the NatWest Loan
Transaction.

         7.4     Indemnification by NatWest.   NatWest shall indemnify and hold
harmless Powell and PES, their successors and assigns, from and against any
damages, losses, claims, costs and expenses (including court costs and
reasonable attorneys' fees and expenses), which Powell or PES may sustain, or
to which either of them  may be subjected, arising out of or resulting from any
breach or default by NatWest of or under any of the representations and
warranties of NatWest under this Agreement or the other Closing Documents.  For
purposes of this Paragraph, Closing Documents shall not include the original
Loan Agreement or the other closing documents executed in 1992 in connection
with the closing of the NatWest Loan Transaction.

         7.5     Indemnification by Powell.  Powell shall indemnify and hold
harmless NatWest, its successors and assigns, from and against any damages,
losses, claims, costs and expenses (including court costs and reasonable
attorneys' fees and expenses), which NatWest may sustain, or to which it may be
subjected, arising out of or resulting from any breach or default by Powell of
or under any of the representations and warranties of Powell under this
Agreement or the other Closing Documents.  For purposes of this Paragraph,
Closing Documents shall not include the original Loan Agreement or the other
closing documents executed in 1992 in connection with the closing of the
NatWest Loan Transaction.

         7.6     Indemnification by PES.  PES shall indemnify and hold harmless
NatWest, its  successors and assigns, from and against any damages, losses,
claims, costs and expenses (including court costs and reasonable attorneys'
fees and expenses), which NatWest may sustain, or to which it  may be
subjected, arising out of or resulting from any breach or default by PES of or
under any of the representations and warranties of PES under this Agreement or
the other Closing Documents.  For purposes of this Paragraph, Closing Documents
shall not include the original Loan Agreement or the other closing documents
executed in 1992 in connection with the closing of the NatWest Loan
Transaction.





                                       18
<PAGE>   22
         7.7     Notice of Claim.  Each party entitled to indemnity hereunder
shall give prompt written notice to the indemnifying party of any assertion,
claim or demand which such party discovers or of which notice is received after
the Closing and which might give rise to a claim under this Article stating in
reasonable detail the nature, basis and amount thereof; provided, however, that
the failure to give such written notice shall not operate to waive or release
the indemnity rights granted hereunder.  In case of any claim, suit or other
legal, administrative or arbitration proceeding by any third party with respect
to which the indemnifying party may have liability under this Article the
indemnifying party shall be entitled to participate therein, and to the extent
desired, to assume the defense thereof, and after notice from the indemnifying
party of its election so to assume the defense thereof, the indemnifying party
shall not be liable to the indemnified party for any legal or other expenses
subsequently incurred by the indemnified party in connection with the defense
thereof, other than reasonable costs of investigation, unless the indemnifying
party does not actually assume the defense thereof following notice of such
election.

                                   ARTICLE 8
                                 MISCELLANEOUS

         8.1     Complete Agreement. This Agreement and the Schedules and
Exhibits attached hereto are the complete agreement of the parties hereto and
supersede all previous understandings relating to the subject matter hereof.
Any prior agreements, discussions or representations not expressly contained
herein or in the other Closing Documents shall be deemed to be replaced by the
provisions hereof.  None of the parties have relied on any such prior
agreements, discussions or representations as an inducement to the execution
hereof and no party will assert any claim, including any claim based on
fraudulent inducement to enter into this Agreement (whether framed as a
misrepresentation or omission), in any way connected with such prior
agreements, discussions or representations.  Each party to this Agreement has
been represented by counsel in connection with the negotiation and drafting of
this Agreement.

         8.2     Counterpart Execution.  This Agreement may be executed in
multiple counterparts, each one of which shall be deemed an original, but all
of which shall be considered together as one and the same instrument.  Further,
in making proof of this Agreement, it shall not be necessary to produce or
account for more than one (1) such counterpart.  Provided all parties sign a
signature page, the execution by a party of a signature page hereto shall
constitute due execution and shall create a valid, binding obligation of the
party so signing, and  it shall not be necessary or required that the
signatures of all parties appear on a single signature page hereto.

         8.3     Amendments.  Neither this Agreement, nor any provision hereof,
may be modified, changed, waived, discharged or terminated orally, but only by
an instrument in writing signed by the party against whom enforcement of the
modification, change, waiver, discharge or termination is sought.





                                       19
<PAGE>   23
         8.4     Notices.  All notices, demands, requests and other
communications required or permitted to be given by any provision of this
Agreement shall be in writing and sent by first class, regular, registered or
certified mail, commercial delivery service, overnight courier, telegraph,
telex, telecopier or facsimile transmission, air or other courier, or hand
delivery, to the party to be notified addressed as set forth on Exhibit "C"
attached hereto.

         Any such notice, demand, request or communication shall be deemed to
have been given and received for all purposes under this Agreement:  (i) three
(3) business days after the same is deposited in any official depository or
receptacle of the United States Postal Service first class certified mail,
return receipt requested, postage prepaid; (ii) on the date of transmission
when delivered by telecopier or facsimile transmission, telex, telegraph or
other telecommunication device (provided receipt is confirmed and such notice
is promptly confirmed by notice given by some other means described herein);
(iii) on the next business day after the same is deposited with a nationally
recognized overnight delivery service that guarantees overnight delivery; and
(iv) on the date of actual delivery to such party or by any other means;
provided, however, if the day such notice, demand, request or communication
shall be deemed to have been given and received as aforesaid is not a business
day, such notice, demand, request or communication shall be deemed to have been
given and received on the next business day.

         8.5     No Waiver.  No failure to exercise and no delay in exercising
any right, power or privilege hereunder, shall operate as a waiver thereof, nor
shall any single or partial exercise of any right, power or privilege hereunder
preclude any other or future exercise thereof or the exercise of any other
right, power or privilege.  Waiver of any right, power or privilege hereunder
or under any instrument or document now or hereafter securing the indebtedness
evidenced hereby or under any guaranty at any time given with respect thereto
must be in writing and is a waiver only as to the specified item.

         8.6     Successors and Assigns.  This Agreement shall be binding upon,
and inure to the benefit of the parties hereto and their respective heirs,
successors and assigns.

         8.7     Governing Law.  This Agreement shall be construed in
accordance with, and be governed by, the laws of the state of New York (without
giving effect to the principles thereof relating to conflicts of law except
section 5-1401 of the New York General Obligations Law).  The United States
District Court for the Southern District of New York shall have exclusive
jurisdiction over the parties for the resolution of any disputes in any way
connected with the subject matter of this Agreement and the other Closing
Documents, except as may be expressly provided otherwise in a Closing Document.

         8.8     Headings.  Headings are for convenience only and neither limit
nor amplify the provisions of this Agreement.

         8.9     Partial Invalidity.  If any provision of this Agreement is
deemed or held to be illegal, invalid or unenforceable, this Agreement shall be
considered divisible and inoperative as to such





                                       20
<PAGE>   24
provision to the extent it is deemed to be illegal, invalid or unenforceable,
and in all other respects this Agreement shall remain in full force and effect;
provided, however, that if any provision of this Agreement is deemed or held to
be illegal, invalid or unenforceable there shall be added hereto automatically
a provision as similar as possible to such illegal, invalid or unenforceable
provision and be legal, valid and enforceable.  Further, should any provision
contained in this Agreement ever be reformed or rewritten by any judicial body
of competent jurisdiction, such provision as so reformed or rewritten shall be
binding upon all parties hereto.  Each term and provision contained herein
shall be valid and enforceable to the fullest extent permitted by applicable
law.

         8.10    Incorporation of Exhibits.  All exhibits and schedules
attached hereto, or to be attached hereto, and all other agreements and
instruments referred to herein are hereby incorporated by reference into this
Agreement as fully as if copied herein verbatim.

         8.11    Lawful Authority.  If any party executing this Agreement is a
corporation, the Person executing on behalf of the corporation hereby
personally represents and warrants to all other parties that he has been fully
authorized to execute and deliver this Agreement on behalf of the corporation
pursuant to a duly adopted resolution of its Board of Directors, or by virtue
of its bylaws.

         8.12    Further Assurances.  Each party to this Agreement agrees upon
request of any other party, to execute and deliver such other assignments,
affidavits,  notices, and other documents as reasonably requested, in order to
consummate fully all of the transactions contemplated under this Agreement.

         8.13    Benefits of Agreement.  Except as otherwise expressly provided
herein, the covenants, stipulations and agreements contained in this Agreement
are and shall be for the sole and exclusive benefit of the parties hereto and
their respective successors and assigns and nothing contained in this
Agreement, expressed or implied, shall be construed to confer upon, or give to,
any other person any right, remedy or claim under or by reason of this
Agreement.

                           [Signature Page(s) Follow]





                                       21
<PAGE>   25
                    [SIGNATURE PAGE TO SETTLEMENT AGREEMENT]

         IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed or caused this Agreement
to be executed by their duly authorized representatives, all as of the day and
year first above written.

NATWEST:                                 ENERGY:
NATIONAL WESTMINSTER BANK Plc            EMPIRE ENERGY MANAGEMENT 
                                         SYSTEMS, INC.
                                  
By:                                      By:                                 
     ---------------------------------        ---------------------------------
                                   
Title:                                   Title: 
      --------------------------------         --------------------------------
                                   
                                        
POWELL:                                  COGEN:                          
POWELL INDUSTRIES, INC.                  EMPIRE COGEN, INC.              
                                                                        
By:                                      By:                             
    ----------------------------------        ---------------------------------
                                                                        
                                                                        
Title:                                   Title:                          
      --------------------------------         --------------------------------
                                                                        
                                                                        
PES:                                     TRAVIS:                         
POWELL ENERGY SYSTEMS, INC.                                              
                                                                        
By:                                                                      
   -----------------------------------   --------------------------------------
                                                      Brian Travis
Title:                              
      --------------------------------
                                                                               




                                       22
<PAGE>   26
                                  EXHIBIT "A"
                                       TO
                              SETTLEMENT AGREEMENT

                        Schedule of Financing Documents


         1.      Loan Agreement.  Construction and Term Loan Agreement dated as
                 of April 30, 1992, by and between NatWest and Energy

         2.      Interim Agreement.  Interim Agreement dated as of August 16,
                 1993, by and between Energy, Cogen, Travis, Powell and NatWest

         3.      Construction Loan Note.  Construction Loan Note dated as April
                 30, 1992 in the stated principal amount of $19,900,000
                 executed by Energy and made payable to NatWest

         4.      Collateral Agency Agreement Documents.

                 (a)      Collateral Agency Agreement dated as of April 30,
                          1992 by and among Security Pacific National Trust
                          Company (New York), NatWest and Energy

                 (b)      Letter from BankAmerica National Trust Company dated
                          November 10, 1995 respecting resignation as
                          collateral agent

         5.      Construction Contractor Consent.  Agreement and Consent dated
                 as of April 30, 1992 by and among Energy, Cogen and the
                 Collateral Agent

         6.      Mortgage.  Leasehold Mortgage, Assignment of Rents and
                 Security Agreement dated as of April 30, 1992 between Energy
                 and the Collateral Agent recorded at Book 6600, Page 570,
                 Clerk of Circuit Court, Hillsborough County, Florida

         7.      Security Agreement.  Assignment and Security Agreement dated
                 as of April 30, 1992 between Energy and the Collateral Agent

         8.      Assignment of Proceeds.  Notice and Assignment dated as of
                 April 30, 1992 from the Collateral Agent to the USAF

         9.      Stock Pledge Agreement.  Stock Pledge Agreement dated as of
                 April 30, 1992 between Energy, Travis and the Collateral Agent

         10.     Air Force Novation.  Novation Agreement dated May 4, 1992
                 among the USAF, Energy and NatWest

         11.     Air Force Letter.  Letter dated May 4, 1992 from Judith Hall,
                 Contracting Officer with the USAF to NatWest





                                      A-1
<PAGE>   27
         12.     Subordination Agreement.  Subordination Agreement dated as of
                 April 30, 1992 among Travis, Energy and Bank

         13.     Construction Guaranty.  Construction Guaranty dated as of
                 April 30, 1992 among Powell, Cogen, Energy and NatWest

         14.     Turbine Supplier Agreement.  Agreement dated as of April 30,
                 1992 among Energy, Cogen, U.S. Turbine Corporation and NatWest

         15.     UCC-1 Financing Statements.

                 (a)      UCC-1 financing statement naming Energy as debtor and
                          the Collateral Agent as secured party filed on April
                          14, 1992 with the Ohio Secretary of State under
                          filing number AH0036268, as continued under
                          continuation statement filed on April 4, 1997, under
                          filing number 04049702915 and as assigned to NatWest
                          as successor collateral agent by assignment filed on
                          April 4, 1997 under filing number 04049702914.

                 (b)      UCC-1 financing statement naming Energy as debtor and
                          the Collateral Agent as secured party filed on April
                          14, 1992 with the Recorder's Office in Warren County,
                          Ohio under filing number 40423 as continued under
                          continuation statement filed on April 4, 1997 under
                          filing number 55928 and as assigned to NatWest as
                          successor collateral agent by assignment filed on
                          April 4, 1997.

                 (c)      UCC-1 financing statement naming Energy as debtor and
                          the Collateral Agent as secured party filed on April
                          14, 1992 with the New York Secretary of State under
                          filing number 075263, as continued under continuation
                          statement filed on April 4, 1997, under filing number
                          067939 and as assigned to NatWest as successor
                          collateral agent by assignment filed on April 4, 1997
                          under filing number 067938.

                 (d)      UCC-1 financing statement naming Energy as debtor and
                          the Collateral Agent as secured party filed on April
                          10, 1992 with the Florida Secretary of State under
                          filing number 920000071545, as continued under
                          continuation statement filed on April 8, 1997, under
                          filing number 970000074209 and as assigned to NatWest
                          as successor collateral agent by assignment filed on
                          April 8, 1997 under filing number 970000074208.

                 (e)      UCC-1 financing statement naming Energy as debtor and
                          the Collateral Agent as secured party filed on April
                          10, 1992 with the Florida Secretary of State under
                          filing number 920000071548, and assigned to NatWest
                          as successor collateral agent by assignment filed on
                          April 8, 1997 under filing number 970000074206.





                                      A-2
<PAGE>   28
                 (f)      UCC-1 financing statement naming Energy as debtor and
                          the Collateral Agent as secured party filed on May 5,
                          1992 with the Circuit Court of Hillsborough County,
                          Florida under filing number 92097848, and as
                          continued under continuation statement filed on April
                          9, 1997, under filing number 97086964, signed by
                          NatWest as collateral agent.

                 (g)      UCC-1 financing statement naming Energy as debtor and
                          the Collateral Agent as secured party filed on May 5,
                          1992 with the Circuit Court of Hillsborough County,
                          Florida under filing number 92097849, and as
                          continued under continuation statement filed on April
                          9, 1997, under filing number 97086966, signed by
                          NatWest as collateral agent.





                                      A-3
<PAGE>   29
                                  EXHIBIT "B"
                                       TO
                              SETTLEMENT AGREEMENT

                          Form of Approval Certificate

         This certificate is being executed pursuant to Paragraph 4.8 of the
Settlement Agreement ("Settlement Agreement") dated as of September ___, 1998
entered into by and among National Westminster Bank Plc ("NatWest"), Powell
Industries, Inc. ("Powell"), Powell Energy Systems, Inc. ("PES"), Empire Energy
Management Systems, Inc. ("Energy"), Empire Cogen, Inc. ("Cogen") and Brian
Travis ("Travis").

         The undersigned parties hereby approve the form of the Closing
Documents attached hereto.

NATWEST:                                 ENERGY:
NATIONAL WESTMINSTER BANK Plc            EMPIRE ENERGY MANAGEMENT 
                                         SYSTEMS, INC.
                                  
By:                                      By:                                 
     ---------------------------------        ---------------------------------
                                   
Title:                                   Title: 
      --------------------------------         --------------------------------
                                   
                                        
POWELL:                                  COGEN:                          
POWELL INDUSTRIES, INC.                  EMPIRE COGEN, INC.              
                                                                        
By:                                      By:                             
    ----------------------------------        ---------------------------------
                                                                        
                                                                        
Title:                                   Title:                          
      --------------------------------         --------------------------------
                                                                        
                                                                        
PES:                                     TRAVIS:                         
POWELL ENERGY SYSTEMS, INC.                                              
                                                                        
By:                                                                      
   -----------------------------------   --------------------------------------
                                                      Brian Travis
Title:                              
      --------------------------------
                                                                               






                                      B-1
<PAGE>   30
                         SCHEDULE OF CLOSING DOCUMENTS
                  Parties Required to Approve Form of Document

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Party                     Abbreviation
- --------------------------------------

<S>                       <C> 
NatWest                       NW
Powell                        PW
PES                           PES
Energy                        EG
Cogen                         CG
Travis                        TR
Bank of New York              BNY
</TABLE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
       Document                                             NW      PW      PES      EG       CG      TR      BNY
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 <S>   <C>                                                  <C>      <C>     <C>      <C>     <C>      <C>     <C>
 1     NatWest-Powell Mutual Release                        X        X       X
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 2     NatWest-Travis Mutual Release                        X                                          X
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 3     Energy Release- NatWest                              X                         X       X        X
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 4     Powell-Travis Mutual Release                                  X                                 X
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 5     Energy Release - Powell                                       X                X       X        X
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 6     Final Judgment and Order                             X        X                X                X
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 7     Agreement Designating Successor Collateral Agent     X                         X                        X
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 8     Air Force Notice Letter                              X                X        X
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 9     UCC Assignments                                      X                X                                 X
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 10    Assignment of Mortgage                               X                X                                 X
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 11    PES Deferred Note                                    X        X       X
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 12    Certificate - Financing Documents (from NatWest)     X                X
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 13    Certificate - Financing Documents (from Energy)                       X        X
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 14    Bill of Sale and Assignment - Financing              X                X
       Documents
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 15    Allonge to Promissory Note                           X                X
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 16    Loan Modification and Extension Agreement                             X        X
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 17    Construction Guaranty Termination Agreement                   X       X        X
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 18    Amended and Restated Promissory Note                                  X        X
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 19    First Amendment to Collateral Agency Agreement                        X        X                        X
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 20    Subordination and Indemnity - Travis                                  X        X                X
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 21    Subordination Agreement - Cogen                                       X        X       X
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 22    First Amendment to Stock Pledge Agreement                             X        X                X
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 23    First Amendment to Collateral Security Agreement                      X        X                        X
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 24    USAF Claims Agreement                                                 X        X                X
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 25    Confidentiality Agreement                                             X        X
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 26    List of Claims Against Energy and Cogen                               X        X
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>





                                      B-2
<PAGE>   31
                                  EXHIBIT "C"
                                       TO
                              SETTLEMENT AGREEMENT

                 If to Powell or PES:        c/o Powell Industries, Inc.
                                             8550 Mosley
                                             Houston, TX 77075 
                                             Attention: J.F. Ahart 
                                             Telecopier: (713) 947-4435
                                             
                 With a Required Copy to:    Jack Magids, Esq.
                                             Krivcher Magids Plc 
                                             6410 Poplar Avenue, Suite 300
                                             Memphis, Tennessee 38119 
                                             Telecopier: (901) 682-6453
                                             
                                             David M. Washburn, Esq.  
                                             Winstead Sechrest & Minick P.C.  
                                             Suite 2400, 910 Travis Street 
                                             Bank One Center 
                                             Houston, TX 77002-5895 
                                             Telecopier: (713) 754-1727
                                             
                                             James Davis, Esq.
                                             Owen & Davis
                                             805 Third Avenue, 14th Floor 
                                             New York, NY 10022-7513 
                                             Telecopier: (212) 754-1724


                 If to NatWest:              Phillip J. Kirkham 
                                             Senior Vice President
                                             Head of Asset Management
                                             Greenwich NatWest 
                                             600 Steamboat Road 
                                             Greenwich, CT 06830 
                                             as agent for 
                                             National Westminster Bank, Plc





                                      C-1
<PAGE>   32
                 With a Required Copy to:    Edward J. Meehan, Esq.  
                                             Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher 
                                             & Flom LLP
                                             1440 New York Avenue, N.W.
                                             Washington, DC 20005
                                             Telecopier: (202) 393-5760

                                             Michael Allen, Esq.  
                                             Shapiro, Forman &
                                             Allen LLP 380 Madison Avenue
                                             New York, NY 10017
                                             Telecopier: (212) 557-1275

                 If to Energy:               Empire Energy Management Systems,
                                             Inc.
                                             51 Beechtree Drive
                                             Larchmont, NY 10538
                                             Telecopier: (914) 834-2067

                 With a Required Copy to:    Louis M. Solomon, Esq.  
                                             Swidler Berlin Shereff 
                                             Friedman, LLP 
                                             919 Third Avenue 
                                             New York, NY 10022 
                                             Telecopier: (212) 758-9526

                 If to Travis:               Mr. Brian Travis
                                             4973 Southshore Drive 
                                             New Port Richey, Florida 34652 
                                             Telecopier: (813) 847-5687

                 With a Required Copy to:    Louis M. Solomon, Esq.  
                                             Swidler Berlin Shereff 
                                             Friedman, LLP 
                                             919 Third Avenue 
                                             New York, NY 10022 
                                             Telecopier: (212) 758-9526





                                      C-2
<PAGE>   33
                                  EXHIBIT "D"
                                       TO
                              SETTLEMENT AGREEMENT

                                  CERTIFICATE
                        (NatWest Preclosing Deliveries)

         This certificate is being delivered pursuant to Paragraph 5.2(a) of
that certain Settlement Agreement dated as of September ____, 1998 (the
"Settlement Agreement").  All capitalized terms not defined herein shall have
the meaning attributed to such terms under the Settlement Agreement.

         The undersigned hereby certifies to Powell and  PES as follows:

         1.      The undersigned is the __________________ of National
Westminster Bank Plc ("NatWest") and is duly authorized to execute and deliver
this certificate on behalf of NatWest.

         2.      Attached to this certificate are true, correct and complete
copies of each of the Financing Documents listed on Exhibit "A" to the
Settlement Agreement.

         3.      To the best knowledge of NatWest:

                 (a)      NatWest has previously furnished to Powell in
connection with the Pending Litigation all communications, correspondence  or
agreements with USAF in any way connected with the Facility and all documents
in any way related thereto now or at any prior time contained in the files and
records of NatWest or any Affiliate thereof; and

                 (b)      NatWest has previously furnished to Powell all other
documents now or at any prior time contained in the files and records of
Natwest or any Affiliate thereof which are responsive to document requests
previously served by Powell on NatWest in the Pending Litigation and which are
not privileged or otherwise protected from disclosure pursuant to law.

         4.      If NatWest later discovers any document now or at any prior
time contained in the files and records of NatWest or any Affiliate thereof not
previously furnished to Powell covered by the foregoing representations,
NatWest shall promptly deliver such documents to Powell.  If any such document
does not materially affect the NatWest Claims and Rights, NatWest shall have no
liability to Powell or PES on account of NatWest's failure to furnish such
document on or before this date.

         5.      This certificate and the representations and agreements set
forth herein shall survive the closing of the transactions described in the
Settlement Agreement.





                                      D-1
<PAGE>   34
         IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has executed this certificate as
of the date set forth below.

                                       NATIONAL WESTMINSTER BANK Plc
                                       
                                       By:
                                            -----------------------------------
                                       
                                       Title:    
                                               --------------------------------
                                       
                                       Date:     
                                            -----------------------------------





                                     D-2

<TABLE> <S> <C>

<ARTICLE> 5
<LEGEND>
THIS SCHEDULE CONTAINS SUMMARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION EXTRACTED FROM THE
COMPANY'S UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE QUARTER
ENDED JULY 31, 1998 AND IS QUALIFIED IN ITS ENTIRETY BY REFERENCE TO SUCH
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
</LEGEND>
<MULTIPLIER> 1,000
       
<S>                             <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   3-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          OCT-31-1998
<PERIOD-END>                               JUL-31-1998
<CASH>                                             606
<SECURITIES>                                         0
<RECEIVABLES>                                   49,786
<ALLOWANCES>                                       585
<INVENTORY>                                     18,355
<CURRENT-ASSETS>                                87,458
<PP&E>                                          62,639
<DEPRECIATION>                                  32,427
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                                 123,882
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES>                           37,491
<BONDS>                                          3,500
                                0
                                          0
<COMMON>                                           107
<OTHER-SE>                                      80,648
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY>                   123,882
<SALES>                                         56,258
<TOTAL-REVENUES>                                56,258
<CGS>                                           43,888
<TOTAL-COSTS>                                   43,888
<OTHER-EXPENSES>                                 7,847
<LOSS-PROVISION>                                     0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                                  59
<INCOME-PRETAX>                                  4,464
<INCOME-TAX>                                     1,271
<INCOME-CONTINUING>                              3,193
<DISCONTINUED>                                   4,700
<EXTRAORDINARY>                                      0
<CHANGES>                                            0
<NET-INCOME>                                     1,507
<EPS-PRIMARY>                                     0.30
<EPS-DILUTED>                                     0.30
        

</TABLE>


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