HIRSCH INTERNATIONAL CORP
10-Q, 1998-09-14
INDUSTRIAL MACHINERY & EQUIPMENT
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                                  UNITED STATES
                       SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                             Washington, D.C. 20549

                                    FORM 10-Q

     [X]  QUARTERLY  REPORT  PURSUANT  TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE  SECURITIES
EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

     For the quarterly period ended July 31, 1998

     OR

     [ ] TRANSITION REPORT UNDER SECTION 13 OR 15(d)

     OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

     For the transition period from _______________ to ________________.

                          Commission File No.: 0-23434

                           HIRSCH INTERNATIONAL CORP.
             (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

            Delaware                                        11-2230715
(State or other jurisdiction of                         (I.R.S. Employer
 incorporation or organization)                        Identification No.)


                200 Wireless Boulevard, Hauppauge, New York 11788
                    (Address of principal executive offices)

       Registrant's telephone number, including area code: (516) 436-7100

     Check 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 [ ]

     Indicate the number of shares  outstanding of each of the issuer's  classes
of common stock, as of September 10, 1998:

            Class of                                       Number of
         Common Equity                                      Shares
         -------------                                     ---------
       Class A Common Stock,                              6,724,880
        par value $.01
       Class B Common Stock,                              2,668,139
        par value $.01

<PAGE>

                   HIRSCH INTERNATIONAL CORP. and SUBSIDIARIES

                                    FORM 10-Q

                                      INDEX



                                                                       Page No.


Part I.  Financial Information


  Item 1. Consolidated Financial Statements


          Consolidated Balance Sheets - July 31, 1998
          and January 31, 1998                                            3-4

          Consolidated Statements of Income for the Six and
          Three Months Ended July 31, 1998 and 1997                         5

          Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Six
          Months Ended July 31, 1998 and 1997                             6-7

          Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements                     8-10

  Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of
          Financial Condition and Results of Operations                 11-14



Part II.  Other Information

  Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders           15-16

  Item 6  Exhibits                                                         16

          Signatures                                                       17











                                                                 2
<PAGE>

                         Part I - Financial Information

                   Item 1. Consolidated Financial Statements


                  HIRSCH INTERNATIONAL CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
                          CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS



                                                  July 31,       January 31,
                                                  --------       -----------
                                                    1998             1998
                                                (Unaudited)


ASSETS
CURRENT ASSETS:

Cash and Cash Equivalents                        $7,772,000       $2,956,000

Accounts Receivable, Net                         32,820,000       34,427,000

Net investment in sales-type leases,
   current portion (Note 7)                       2,161,000        2,180,000

Inventories, net (Note 6)                        43,303,000       34,166,000

Prepaid taxes                                       201,000              -

Other current assets                              2,911,000        3,284,000
                                                 ----------       ----------

     Total current assets                        89,168,000       77,013,000
                                                 ----------       ----------


NET INVESTMENT IN SALES-TYPE LEASES
 noncurrent portion (Note 7)                     12,440,000       12,055,000

EXCESS OF COST OVER NET ASSETS ACQUIRED,
 net of accumulated amortization of 
 approximately $2,204,000 and $1,581,000, 
 respectively (Note 4)                           15,477,000       15,979,000

PURCHASED TECHNOLOGIES, net of accumulated
 amortization of approximately $845,000
 and $749,000, respectively                         494,000          590,000

PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT, net of
 accumulated depreciation and amortization        8,218,000        7,193,000

OTHER ASSETS                                      1,800,000        2,002,000
                                                  ---------       ----------

TOTAL ASSETS                                   $127,597,000     $114,832,000
                                               ============     ============



     See notes to consolidated financial statements.


                                       3



<PAGE>



                  HIRSCH INTERNATIONAL CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
                          CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS


                                                  July 31,       January 31,
                                                  --------       -----------
                                                    1998             1998
                                                (Unaudited)

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
CURRENT LIABILITIES:

Trade acceptances payable                        $8,208,000      $15,286,000

Accounts payable and accrued expenses            19,621,000       20,592,000

Current maturities of long-term debt (Note 8)       246,000          231,000

Income taxes payable                                     -           735,000
                                                 ----------       ----------

     Total current liabilities                   28,075,000       36,844,000

LONG-TERM DEBT, less current 
  maturities (Note 8)                            22,275,000        1,421,000
                                                 ----------       ----------

     Total liabilities                           50,350,000       38,265,000
                                                 ----------       ----------

MINORITY INTEREST (NOTE 1)                        1,073,000          944,000
                                                 ----------       ---------- 

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (Notes 2 and 3)

Preferred stock, $.01 par value; authorized:
   1,000,000 shares; issued: none                                       -

Class A common stock,
   $.01 par value; authorized:
   20,000,000 shares, outstanding: 6,815,000
   and 6,811,000 shares, respectively                68,000           68,000

Class B common stock, 
   $.01 par value; authorized: 3,000,000 shares,
    outstanding: 2,668,000 shares                    27,000           27,000

Additional paid-in capital                       41,397,000       41,377,000

Retained Earnings                                35,510,000       34,151,000
                                                 ----------       ----------
                                                 77,002,000       75,623,000
Less: Treasury stock, at cost; 90,000 shares
   at July 31, 1998                                 828,000           -
                                                 ----------       ----------

     Total stockholders' equity                  76,174,000       75,623,000
                                                 ----------       ----------

TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY      $127,597,000    $114,832,000
                                                ============     ===========

See notes to consolidated financial statements.




                                      4
<PAGE>

                   HIRSCH INTERNATIONAL CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
                        CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
                                   (Unaudited)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>




                                                            SIX MONTHS ENDED          THREE MONTHS ENDED
                                                                July 31,                  July 31,
                                                          ---------------------       -------------------
                                                            1998           1997        1998          1997
<S>                                                      <C>            <C>           <C>           <C>    


REVENUES:
  Net Sales                                              $68,587,000    $78,126,000  $31,389,000 $40,981,000
  Interest income related to sales-type leases             2,550,000      2,135,000    1,279,000   1,207,000
                                                          ----------     ----------   ----------   ---------
        Total revenue                                     71,137,000     80,261,000   32,668,000  42,188,000
                                                          ----------     ----------   ----------   ---------
EXPENSES:  
Cost of goods sold                                        45,190,000     50,932,000   20,959,000  26,615,000
Selling, general and administrative expenses              22,607,000     18,974,000   10,963,000  10,063,000
Interest expense                                             540,000        594,000      336,000     256,000
Other expense (income)                                       212,000         (3,000)     222,000      36,000
                                                          ----------      ---------    ---------   ---------  

        Total expenses                                    68,549,000     70,497,000   32,480,000  36,970,000
                                                          ----------     ----------   ----------   ---------

INCOME BEFORE PROVISION FOR INCOME
 TAXES AND MINORITY INTEREST IN NET
 EARNINGS OF CONSOLIDATED SUBSIDIARY                       2,588,000      9,764,000      188,000   5,218,000

PROVISION FOR INCOME TAXES                                 1,100,000      4,149,000       80,000   2,217,000

MINORITY INTEREST IN NET EARNINGS
 OF CONSOLIDATED SUBSIDIARY (Note  1)                        129,000          -           58,000       -
                                                          ----------     ----------    ---------   --------- 

NET INCOME                                                $1,359,000     $5,615,000      $50,000  $3,001,000
                                                          ==========     ==========    =========  ==========  


EARNINGS PER SHARE:
 Basic                                                       $0.14         $0.67          $0.01       $0.34
                                                             =====         =====          =====       =====    
 Diluted                                                     $0.14         $0.65          $0.01       $0.33
                                                             =====         =====          =====       =====

WEIGHTED AVERAGE NUMBER OF SHARES
 IN THE CALCULATION OF EARNINGS
 PER SHARE (Note 2)
  Basic                                                   9,434,000       8,429,000     9,409,000   8,796,000
                                                          =========       =========     =========   =========
  Diluted                                                 9,485,000       8,680,000     9,449,000   9,105,000
                                                          =========       =========     =========   =========


</TABLE>

     See notes to consolidated financial statements.


<PAGE>

                   HIRSCH INTERNATIONAL CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
                      CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
                                   (Unaudited)


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                              Six months ended
                                                                   July 31,
                                                            ---------------------
                                                             1998          1997
<S>                                                       <C>            <C>    

CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:

  Net Income                                                $1,359,000    $5,615,000

 Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash
   used in operating activities:

  Depreciation and amortization                              1,745,000     1,362,000

  Provision for reserves                                       695,000         -

  Deferred income taxes                                       (127,000)        -

  Minority interest                                            129,000         -

 Changes in assets and liabilities:

  Accounts receivable                                        1,260,000   (12,653,000)

  Net investment in sales-type leases                         (606,000)   (6,212,000)

  Inventories                                              (10,474,000)   (7,203,000)

  Prepaid taxes                                               (201,000)        -

  Other assets                                                 523,000      (809,000)

  Trade acceptances payable                                 (7,078,000)    2,842,000
          
  Accounts payable and accrued expenses                     (1,094,000)    1,398,000

  Income taxes payable                                        (735,000)       97,000
                                                            ----------    ----------
       Net cash used in operating activities               (14,604,000)  (15,563,000)
                                                            ----------    ----------
</TABLE>



  See notes to consolidated financial statements.











                                   6
<PAGE>

                   HIRSCH INTERNATIONAL CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
                      CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
                                   (Unaudited)


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                           Six months ended
                                                                 July 31,
                                                         ---------------------  
                                                         1998             1997
<S>                                                     <C>              <C>   


CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:

 Capital expenditures                                   (641,000)      (728,000)

 Acquisition of Equipment Connection, Inc. (Note 4)         -          (553,000)

 Sales of short-term investments                            -         2,583,000
                                                        ---------     ---------
       Net cash (used in) provided by 
       investing activities                             (641,000)     1,302,000
                                                        ---------     ---------
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:

 Proceeds from bank financing                         21,000,000      3,761,000

 Repayments of long-term debt                           (131,000)   (17,800,000)

 Proceeds from public offering                               -       24,315,000

 Purchase of treasury shares                            (828,000)         -

 Issuance of stock and exercise of stock
  options and warrants                                    20,000      1,023,000
                                                      -----------    ----------
       Net cash provided by financing activities      20,061,000     11,299,000
                                                      -----------    ----------
INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS       4,816,000     (2,962,000)

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, BEGINNING OF PERIOD         2,956,000      7,865,000
                                                      ----------     ---------- 
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, END OF PERIOD              $7,772,000     $4,903,000
                                                      ==========     ==========

SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE OF CASH
 FLOW INFORMATION:

 Interest Paid                                          $540,000       $604,000
                                                      ==========     ==========
 Income Taxes Paid                                    $2,190,000     $4,066,000
                                                      ==========     ==========

</TABLE>


  See notes to consolidated financial statements.










                                   7
<PAGE>

                   Hirsch International Corp. and Subsidiaries
                   Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
                Six and Three Months Ended July 31, 1998 and 1997


     1. Organization and Basis of Presentation

     The accompanying  consolidated  financial  statements as of and for the six
and three month  periods  ended July 31, 1998 and 1997  include the  accounts of
Hirsch International Corp.  ("Hirsch"),  HAPL Leasing Co., Inc. ("HAPL"),  Pulse
Microsystems Ltd. ("Pulse"),  Hirsch Equipment  Connection,  Inc. ("HECI"),  and
Tajima USA, Inc. ("TUI") (collectively, the "Company").

     On January 6, 1998,  Tokai  Industrial  Sewing  Machine  Company  ("Tokai")
purchased a 45 percent  interest in TUI for $900,000.  For  financial  statement
purposes,  the assets,  liabilities and earnings of TUI are  consolidated in the
Company's  financial  statements.  Tokai's 45 percent  interest  in TUI has been
reported as minority interest in the Company's  Consolidated  Balance Sheets and
the earnings from January 6, 1998 have been reported as minority interest in the
Company's Consolidated Statements of Income.

     In the  opinion of  management,  the  accompanying  unaudited  consolidated
financial statements contain all the adjustments, consisting of normal accruals,
necessary to present  fairly the results of  operations  for each of the six and
three month periods ended July 31, 1998 and 1997, the financial position at July
31, 1998 and cash flows for the six month  periods ended July 31, 1998 and 1997,
respectively.  Such  adjustments  consisted only of normal  recurring items. The
consolidated   financial   statements  and  notes  thereto  should  be  read  in
conjunction  with the  Company's  Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year
ending January 31, 1998 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

     The interim financial results are not necessarily indicative of the results
to be expected for the full year.


     2. Earnings Per Share

     The Company has adopted  Financial  Accounting  Standards No. 128 "Earnings
Per Share"  ("SFAS No.  128")  which  requires  dual  presentation  of basic and
diluted earnings per share on the face of the income  statement.  Basic earnings
per share are based on the  weighted  average  number of shares of common  stock
outstanding  during  the  period.  Diluted  earnings  per share are based on the
weighted  average number of shares of common stock and common stock  equivalents
(options and  warrants)  outstanding  during the period,  computed in accordance
with the treasury stock method.


     3. Secondary Public Offering

     On June 6, 1997,  the Company  consummated a secondary  public  offering of
Class A common stock (the  "Secondary  Offering").  The Company  sold  1,210,528
shares at  $20.00  per  share.  Another  750,022  shares  were  sold by  certain
stockholders  of the  Company  ("Selling  Stockholders').  On July 7, 1997,  the
underwriters  exercised  their  over-allotment  option to purchase an additional
294,082 shares of Class A common stock, 122,592 shares of which were sold by the
Company and 171,490  shares sold by the selling  stockholders.  Net  proceeds of
approximately  $24,300,000  were  received by the  Company  after  expenses  and
underwriting discount.


     4. Acquisition

     Acquisition  of  Equipment  Connection  - On March 26,  1997,  the  Company
acquired  all  of  the  assets  of  Equipment  Connection,   Inc.  ("ECI").  The
acquisition  was  accounted  for as a purchase  in  accordance  with  Accounting
Principles  Board  Opinion  No.  16,  "Business  Combinations"  ("APB  16") and,
accordingly,  the acquired assets and assumed  liabilities have been recorded at
their  estimated  fair  market  values at the date of  acquisition.  The cost in
excess  of fair  value of ECI is being  amortized  over a  10-year  period.  The
purchase  price was $805,000,  paid in the form of $605,000 in cash and $200,000
in the company's  Class A Common Stock.  Concurrent  with the  acquisition,  the
Company  entered  into  five-year  employment  contracts  with  ECI's two former
principals.


<PAGE>



     5. Comprehensive Income

     Effective  February 1, 1998, the Company has adopted  Financial  Accounting
Standards  No. 130  "Reporting  Comprehensive  Income"  ("SFAS No.  130")  which
requires all items that are required to be recognized under accounting standards
as components of comprehensive  income be reported on the financial  statements.
Prior periods must also be restated,  as required.  The adoption of SFAS No. 130
has not impacted the Company's financial statements for the six and three months
ended July 31, 1998 and 1997.


     6. Inventories, Net

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>


                                                           July 31, 1998                January 31, 1998
                                                           -------------                ----------------
<S>                                                        <C>                          <C>    


Machines........................................             $35,670,000                    $29,613,000

Parts...........................................               9,996,000                      6,808,000
                                                   ----------------------         ----------------------
                                                              45,666,000                     36,421,000

Less:  Reserve..................................              (2,363,000)                    (2,255,000)
                                                   ----------------------         ----------------------

Inventories, net................................             $43,303,000                    $34,166,000
                                                   ======================         ======================




7.    Net Investment in Sales-Type Leases

                                                          July 31, 1998                 January 31, 1998
                                                          -------------                 ----------------

Total minimum lease payments
  receivable....................................             $12,802,000                    $13,051,000

Estimated residual value of leased
  property (unguaranteed).......................               6,169,000                      5,224,000

Reserve for estimated uncollectible lease
  payments......................................                (828,000)                      (588,000)

Less: Unearned income...........................              (3,542,000)                    (3,452,000)
                                                   ----------------------         ----------------------

Net investment..................................               14,601,000                     14,235,000

Less: Current portion...........................               (2,161,000)                    (2,180,000)
                                                   ----------------------         ----------------------

Non-current portion.............................              $12,440,000                    $12,055,000
                                                   ======================         ======================

</TABLE>


<PAGE>


8.    Long-term Debt
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                                 July 31, 1998         January 31, 1998
                                                                 -------------          ----------------
<S>                                                          <C>                        <C>    


Revolving credit facility (A)..................                   $21,000,000              $       -

Mortgage (B)...................................                     1,434,000                 1,549,000

Other..........................................                        87,000                   103,000
                                                             ------------------       ------------------

Total..........................................                    22,521,000                1,652,000

Less: Current maturities.......................                      (246,000)                (231,000)
                                                            -------------------      -------------------

Long-term maturities                                               $22,275,000               $1,421,000
                                                            ===================      ====================

</TABLE>

     (A) In September  1997 the Company  amended its existing  Revolving  Credit
Facility to provide for a $60,000,000 Revolving Credit Facility for Hirsch and a
$10,000,000 Revolving Credit Facility for HAPL (the "Facility"). The Facility is
for working capital loans,  letters of credit,  and deferred  payment letters of
credit and bear interest as defined in the Facility.  The terms of the Facility,
among other things,  restrict  additional  borrowings by the Company and require
the Company to maintain  certain minimum  tangible net worth,  quick asset ratio
and fixed charge  coverage  levels,  as defined.  The Facility  also  provides a
$20,000,000  sub-limit to finance acquisitions (as defined therein). In addition
to the working capital borrowings illustrated above, this Facility has been used
for  letters  of credit  and  deferred  payment  letters  of credit  aggregating
approximately $8,208,000 at July 31, 1998.

     (B) On  October  27,  1994,  Hirsch  entered  into a ten  year,  $2,295,000
mortgage   agreement  with  a  bank  (the  "Mortgage")  for  its  new  corporate
headquarters.  The Mortgage bears interest at a fixed rate of 8.8 percent and is
payable in equal monthly principal  installments of approximately  $19,000.  The
terms of the Mortgage, among other things, restrict additional borrowings by the
Company, and require the Company to maintain certain debt service coverage ratio
levels, as defined in the Mortgage. The obligation under the Mortgage is secured
by a lien on the premises and the related improvements thereon.



<PAGE>



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


     The following discussion and analysis contains  forward-looking  statements
which involve risks and uncertainties. When used herein, the words "anticipate",
"believe", "estimate" and "expect" and similar expressions as they relate to the
Company  or  its  management  are  intended  to  identify  such  forward-looking
statements.  The Company's  actual results,  performance or  achievements  could
differ   materially   from  the  results   expressed  in  or  implied  by  these
forward-looking  statements.  Factors  that could  cause or  contribute  to such
differences should be read in conjunction with, and is qualified in its entirety
by,  the  Company's  Consolidated  Financial  Statements,  including  the  Notes
thereto.  Historical  results  are  not  necessarily  indicative  of  trends  in
operating  results for any future  period.  As used  herein,  "fiscal  year" and
"fiscal"  refers  to  the  applicable  fiscal  year  ending  January  31 of  the
applicable calendar year.


     Six and Three  months  ended July 31, 1998 as compared to the Six and Three
months ended July 31, 1997

     Net Sales.  Net sales for the six and three months ended July 31, 1998 were
$68,587,000 and $31,389,000,  a decrease of $9,539,000 and $9,592,000,  or 12.2%
and 23.4%,  compared to $78,126,000 and $40,981,000 for the six and three months
ended July 31, 1997. The Company  believes that the reduction in the sales level
for the six and three months ended July 31, 1998 is  attributable to a weakening
in the apparel industry. In addition, there was a significant reduction in sales
dollars as a result of the strong dollar/yen exchange rate.

     The sale of new embroidery machinery represented approximately $53,098,000,
or 77.4% and $24,468,000,  or 78.0%, and $63,500,000,  or 81.3% and $32,287,000,
or 78.8%,  of net sales for the six and three  months  ended  July 31,  1998 and
1997, respectively. Small embroidery machines (one through six-head "FX" models)
and large embroidery  machines (six-head "DC" models through thirty-head models)
represented approximately  $24,857,000 and its $28,241,000,  and $11,603,000 and
$12,865,000,  respectively of total embroidery  machine sales during the six and
three months ended July 31, 1998 as compared to  approximately  $25,537,000  and
$37,963,000,  and $14,000,000 and $18,287,000 for the six and three months ended
July 31, 1997, respectively.

     Revenue from the sale of the Company's computer hardware and software, used
machines,  parts, service,  application software and embroidery supplies for the
six and three months ended July 31, 1998  aggregated  approximately  $15,489,000
and $6,921,000,  as compared to $14,626,000 and $8,694,000 for the six and three
months ended July 31, 1997.

     Interest  income  related to  sales-type  leases.  HAPL's  interest  income
increased  19.4% and 6.0% to  $2,550,000  and  $1,279,000  for the six and three
months ended July 31, 1998 from  $2,135,000  and  $1,207,000  for the comparable
periods of the prior year. This increase is a result of the continued  expansion
of HAPL's  operations.  Their  diversified  leasing  programs have resulted in a
21.5% and 24.3%  increase in the  percentage of equipment  deals leased to 46.4%
and 45.5% of  equipment  sales for the six and three month period ended July 31,
1998 from 38.2% and 36.6% of equipment  sales for the  comparable  period of the
prior year,  respectively.  This is primarily  attributable to HAPL'S increasing
use of a limited  liability  recourse  agreement  consummated  with third  party
funding  source in the third  quarter of fiscal  1998.  This  limited  liability
recourse   agreement   provides  for  more  favorable  terms  than  non-recourse
agreements.

<PAGE>

     Cost of Goods Sold. For the six and three months ended July 31, 1998,  cost
of goods sold  decreased  $5,742,000  and  $5,656,000,  or 11.3% and  21.3%,  to
$45,190,000  and  $20,959,000  from  $50,932,000 and $26,615,000 for the six and
three months ended July 31, 1997.  Historically,  the  fluctuation of the dollar
against the yen has had a limited effect on new Tajima  equipment  gross margins
since currency  fluctuations are generally  reflected in pricing  adjustments in
order to maintain  consistent gross margins on machine  revenues.  However,  the
recent  devaluation  of the yen as compared to the U.S.  dollar has  resulted in
tighter  margins  as  Hirsch  has  lowered  sales  prices  in  order  to  remain
competitive.  The Company will continue to purchase forward exchange contacts to
hedge this potential risk.

     The  Company's  gross  margin for the six months  ended July 31,  1998 have
remained  consistent as compared to the six months ended July 31, 1997. However,
the  Company's  gross  margin has  decreased to 35.8% for the three months ended
July 31,  1998 as compared to 36.9% for the three  months  ended July 31,  1997.
This decrease is primarily  attributable to reduced margins obtained on sales of
used machines due to the unfavorable exchange rate.

     Selling,  General and  Administrative  ("SG&A")  Expenses.  For the six and
three months ended July 31, 1998 SG&A  increased  $3,633,000  and  $900,000,  or
19.1% and 8.9%, to $22,607,000 and $10,963,000  from $18,974,000 and $10,063,000
for the six and three months ended July 31, 1997.  SG&A expenses  increased as a
percentage of revenues  increased to 31.8% and 33.6% from 23.6% and 23.9%.  This
increase in SG&A as a percentage  of revenues is  attributable  to the Company's
investment in its infrastructure to support anticipated sales levels. Based upon
the decrease in actual  results,  the Company has  developed  and  implemented a
cost-containment  plan.  The purpose of the plan is to reduce costs  through the
consolidation of our support and back office infrastructure and reduction of our
overhead. This will bring the Company's expenses more in line with revised sales
expectations.  The  Company  has  also  retained  the  services  of  an  outside
consultant  to  assist  in the  evaluation  of our  internal  systems  and  cost
structure.


     Interest  Expense.  Interest expense for the six months ended July 31, 1998
decreased  $54,000,  or 9.0%, to $540,000 from $594,000 for the six months ended
July 31,  1997.  For the three  months  ended  July 31,  1998  interest  expense
increased  $80,000,  or 31.3%,  to $336,000  from  $256,000 for the three months
ended July 31, 1997.  This decrease for the  comparative six months and increase
for the  comparative  three months is the result of the Company  paying down its
outstanding  debt in June  1997  with  proceeds  from  the June  1997  Secondary
Offering, offset by working capital borrowings outstanding during the six months
ended July 31, 1998.

     Provision  for income taxes.  The  provision for income taxes  reflected an
effective tax rate of approximately 42.5% and 42.6% for the six and three months
ended July 31, 1998 as compared to 42.5% for the six and three months ended July
31, 1997.  Differences  from the federal  statutory rate consisted  primarily of
provisions  for state  income taxes net of Federal tax  benefit.  The  principal
components of the deferred income tax assets result from allowances and accruals
which  are  not  currently  deductible  for  tax  purposes  and  differences  in
amortization periods between book and tax bases. The Company has not established
any  valuation  allowances  against  these  deferred  tax  assets as  management
believes it is more likely than not that the Company will  realize  these assets
in the future based upon the historical profitable operations of the Company.

     Net  Income.  Net Income for the six and three  months  ended July 31, 1998
decreased  $4,256,000  and  $2,951,000,  or 75.8% and 98.3%,  to $1,359,000  and
$50,000 from  $5,615,000  and $3,001,000 for the six and three months ended July
31, 1997.  These decreases are attributable to the decrease in net sales and the
increase in SG&A expenses.


<PAGE>

     Liquidity and Capital Resources


     Operating Activities and Cash Flows

     The Company's working capital was $61,093,000 at July 31, 1998,  increasing
$20,924,000,  or 52.1%, from  $40,169,000,  at January 31, 1998. The Company has
financed  its  operations  principally  through  long-term  financing of certain
capital  expenditures,  the proceeds from Secondary  Offerings completed in June
1997 (See Note 3 of Notes to  Consolidated  Financial  Statements)  and  working
capital borrowings under its Revolving Line of Credit Agreement. The acquisition
of ECI was financed through  borrowings  against the Company's  Revolving Credit
Facility (See Note 8 of Notes to  Consolidated  Financial  Statements)  although
this  borrowing  was  repaid  in June 1997  with the  proceeds  of the June 1997
Secondary Offering.

     During the six and three months ended July 31, 1998, the Company's cash and
cash equivalents increased by $4,816,000 to $7,772,000.  Net cash of $14,604,000
was used in the Company's operating activities. Cash used to increase inventory,
net investment in sales-type leases and prepaid taxes, aggregating approximately
$11,281,000 and decreases in trade  acceptances  payable,  accounts  payable and
accrued expenses and income taxes payable of approximately $8,907,000 was offset
by cash  provided by decreases in the balance of accounts  receivable  and other
assets  aggregating  approximately  $1,783,000.   These  changes  resulted  from
expansion of the Company's  territories and lines of business during fiscal year
1998 and the six and  three  months  ended  July 31,  1998 and the  increase  in
inventory resulting from the reduced sales levels.


     Cash  generated  from  operations  was  partially  used for the purchase of
approximately 90,000 shares of the Company's stock in the open market during the
six months ended July 31, 1998,  at an average cost of  approximately  $9.20 per
share.

     The Company  purchases foreign currency futures contracts to hedge specific
purchase  commitments.  Substantially all foreign currency purchases commitments
are matched with specific foreign currency futures contracts.  Consequently, the
company believes that no material foreign currency exchange risk exists relating
to  outstanding  trade  acceptances  payable.  The  cost of such  contracts  are
included in the cost of inventory.

     Revolving Credit Facility and Borrowings

     In September 1997 the Company's  Revolving Credit Facility (the "Facility")
was amended to increase the borrowing level from  $30,000,000 to $60,000,000 for
Hirsch  and  provide a  $10,000,000  Revolving  Credit  Facility  for HAPL.  The
Facility,  which now  includes a third bank,  is to be used for working  capital
loans,  letters  of credit  and  deferred  payment  letters  of credit  and bear
interest  as  defined  in the  Facility.  The  terms  of the  Facility  restrict
additional borrowings by the Company and require the Company to maintain certain
minimum  tangible net worth,  quick asset ratio and fixed charge coverage levels
as defined.  The  Facility  also  provides a  $20,000,000  sub-limit  to finance
acquisitions (as defined therein).  This Facility has also been used for letters
of credit  and  deferred  payment  letters of credit  aggregating  approximately
$8,208,000  at July 31,  1998.  During  the six months  ended July 31,  1998 the
Company borrowed approximately  $21,000,000 as working capital loans against the
Facility, all of which was outstanding against this Facility at July 31, 1998.

     HAPL sells  substantially  all of its leases to financial  institutions  on
either a non-recourse basis or a limited-liability recourse basis several months
after  the  commencement  of the  lease  term  thereby  reducing  its  financing
requirements.  HAPL Leasing,  which was fully  activated in May 1993, has closed
approximately  $169,696,000  in lease  agreements  as of July 31, 1998. To date,
approximately  $154,097,000,  or 90.8%, of the leases consummated have been sold
to third-party financial institutions.

     On January 27, 1994,  Hirsch entered into a ten year,  $2,295,000  Mortgage
agreement with a bank (the "Mortgage") for its new corporate  headquarters.  The
Mortgage  bears interest at a fixed rate of 8.8% and is payable in equal monthly
principal  installments of $19,125. The obligation under the Mortgage is secured
by a lien on the premises and the related improvements thereon.

<PAGE>

     Future Capital Requirements

     The Company  believes  that the net proceeds  from the June 1997  Secondary
Offering (See Note 3 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements) its existing
cash and funds generated from operations,  together with its existing  revolving
credit  facility,  will be  sufficient  to meet its working  capital and capital
expenditure requirements and to finance planned growth.


     Year 2000 Date Conversion

     The Year 2000 issue exists because many computer  systems and  applications
use  two-digit  fields to designate a year.  As the century date change  occurs,
date sensitive  systems may recognize the year 2000 as 1900, or not at all. This
inability  to  recognize  or properly  treat the year 2000 may cause  systems to
process financial and operational information incorrectly.

     Management  has initiated a  company-wide  program to prepare the Company's
computer  systems and  applications  for the year 2000.  The program  includes a
focus on internal  policies,  methods and tools,  as well as  coordination  with
customers and suppliers.

     The  Company  expects  its year 2000  program to be  completed  on a timely
basis. Management does not anticipate that the year 2000 program will materially
impact operations or operation results.


     Backlog and Inventory

     The ability of the Company to fill orders  quickly is an important  part of
its customer service strategy.  The embroidery machines held in inventory by the
Company are generally  shipped within a week from the date the customer's orders
are  received,  and as a result,  backlog is not  meaningful  as an indicator of
future sales.


     Inflation

     The Company  does not believe that  inflation  has had, or will have in the
foreseeable future, a material impact upon the Company's operating results.


<PAGE>


                           PART II- OTHER INFORMATION

     Item 1. Legal Proceedings

     None.

     Item 2. Changes in Securities

     None.

     Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities

     None.

     Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders

     (a) On June 19, 1998, the Company held its Annual  Meeting of  Stockholders
(the "Meeting").

     (c) At the  Meeting,  the  Stockholders  elected  Marvin  Broitman,  Ronald
Krasnitz and Douglas Schenendorf as Class A directors and Henry Arnberg, Herbert
M. Gardner, Paul Levine and Tas Tsonis as Class B directors.  The results of the
voting were as follows:

                                Class A Directors
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                              Number of Votes                     Number of Votes
               Name                            Cast in Favor                        Cast Against
<S>                                            <C>                                 <C>   


          Marvin Broitman                        5,234,311                            506,682
          Ronald Krasnitz                        5,234,611                            506,382
        Douglas Schenendorf                      5,238,958                            502,035

                                Class B Directors

               Name                           Number of Votes                     Number of Votes
                                               Cast in Favor                        Cast Against

           Henry Arnberg                         2,543,139                               0
        Herbert M. Gardner                       2,543,139                               0
            Paul Levine                          2,543,139                               0
            Tas Tsonis                           2,543,139                               0

</TABLE>

     At the Meeting,  the Stockholders did not approve the proposal to amend the
Company's  Stock  Option Plan to increase  the number of shares of common  stock
reserved for issuance  thereunder from 750,000 to 1,050,000.  The results of the
voting were as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

     Number of Votes             Number of Votes            Number of Votes            Number of Broker
      Cast in Favor               Cast Against                 Abstained                  Non-Votes
<S>                            <C>                             <C>                        <C>    

        1,388,823                   1,425,248                  2,569,344                  2,900,717
</TABLE>

<PAGE>

     At the Meeting,  the  Stockholders  approved the  appointment of Deloitte &
Touche,  LLP as the  Company's  independent  auditors for the fiscal year ending
January 31, 1999. The results of the voting were as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

          Number of Votes                     Number of Votes                     Number of Votes
           Cast in Favor                        Cast Against                         Abstained
<S>                                          <C>                                   <C>    


             8,227,687                             20,793                              35,652
</TABLE>


     Item 5. Other Information

     None.

     Item 6. Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K

     (a) Exhibits

     *3.1 Restated Certificate of Incorporation of Registrant

     **3.2 Amended and Restated By-Laws of Registrant

     10.1 Amendment to Martin Krasnitz Employment Agreement

     27.1 Financial Data Schedule

- --------

     * Incorporated by reference from the  Registrant's  Form 10-Q filed for the
quarter ended July 31, 1997. ** Incorporated by reference from Registrant's Form
10-Q filed for the quarter ended October 31, 1997.

<PAGE>

                                   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.

                                   HIRSCH INTERNATIONAL CORP.
                                   -----------------------------
                                   Registrant

                               By: /s/Henry Arnberg
                                   -----------------------------
                                   Henry Arnberg, President and 
                                   Chief Executive Officer


                              By:  /s/Kenneth Shifrin
                                   -----------------------------
                                   Kenneth Shifrin,
                                   Chief Financial Officer

Dated:  September 14, 1998



   


                                    AMENDMENT

     AMENDMENT  dated as of the 1st day of June,  1998,  by and  between  SEWING
MACHINE  EXCHANGE,  INC., an Illinois  corporation  with offices located at 1231
Ellis Street, Bensonville,  Illinois 60106 (the "Company"), and MARTIN KRASNITZ,
residing at 330 West Diversy, Chicago, Illinois (the "Executive").

     WHEREAS,  the Company and Executive  entered into an  employment  agreement
dated as of June 7, 1996 (the "Employment  Agreement")  pursuant to which, among
other matters,  it was agreed that the Executive  would provide  services to the
Company  on a full  time  basis  during  the first two (2) years of the Term (as
defined in the  Employment  Agreement) and on a part time basis during the final
three (3) years of the Term;

     WHEREAS,  the parties have  decided  that it is in their best  interests to
extend the period during which the Executive provides full time services; and

     WHEREAS,  the parties desire to amend the  Employment  Agreement to reflect
the foregoing;

     NOW, THEREFORE, it is hereby agreed:

     1.  Paragraph 3 of the Employment  Agreement,  as it currently  exists,  is
hereby amended to read in its entirety as follows:

     "3. Duties and Nature of Executive's Services. Executive agrees to serve as
Vice President of the Company and agrees to serve the Company and its Affiliates
faithfully  and to the best of his ability.  During the first three (3) years of
the Term,  Executive shall devote his entire business time,  attention,  energy,
skill and experience to the  performance  of his duties  hereunder and shall not
engage, directly or indirectly, in any other business,  employment or occupation
which is competitive with the business of the Company and its Affiliates. During
the final two (2) years of the Term, Executive shall devote only so much time to
the performance of his duties hereunder as he shall determine, it being intended
that  the time  committed  shall be only so much as  shall  allow  Executive  to
qualify  for  coverage  under  the  Company's  then  existing  medical  plan for
executives of Hirsch; provided, however, that the Company or Hirsch shall not be
required to prosecute any claim against its medical insurance carrier that shall
disclaim  liability for medical  insurance  coverage as a result of  Executive's
failure to qualify as a full time employee of the Company and  Executive  agrees
to  indemnify  and hold the Company  harmless  from any claim by such  insurance
carrier that it paid claims to Executive resulting in damage to such carrier, in
breach of the Company's (or Hirsch's) agreement with the carrier."

     2. Paragraph 4.1 of the Employment  Agreement,  as it currently  exists, is
hereby amended to read in its entirety as follows:

     "4.1 As full  compensation for all services to be rendered by the Executive
to the  Company  or its  Affiliates  under  or  pursuant  to the  terms  of this
Agreement,  the  Company  shall pay to the  Executive  a base  salary (the "Base
Compensation") as follows:  Two Hundred Fifty-Five  Thousand  ($255,000) Dollars
per year  during  the first and second  years of the Term,  One  Hundred  Thirty
Thousand  ($130,000)  Dollars  per year  during  the third  year of the Term and
Thirty Thousand  ($30,000) Dollars per year during the fourth and fifth years of
the Term.  The Base  Compensation  shall be  payable at such  regular  times and
intervals as the Company customarily pays its employees from time to time."

<PAGE>

     3. Paragraph 4.3 of the Employment  Agreement,  as it currently  exists, is
hereby amended to read in its entirety as follows:

     "4.3 During the first three (3) years of the Term, the Executive shall also
be entitled to the full-time use of a Company  automobile  (same model currently
being used by  Executive  or its  equivalent).  The Company  shall  purchase all
relevant insurance for said automobile (or reimburse Executive for cost of same)
and shall reimburse the Executive for all fuel and repairs to said automobile."

     4. Except as herein  amended,  all other terms and conditions  contained in
the Employment Agreement remain in full force and effect.
 
     IN WITNESS  WHEREOF,  the parties  hereto have set their hands and executed
this Agreement as of the day and year first above written.

                                            SEWING MACHINE EXCHANGE, INC.



                                            By:/s/Kenneth Shifrin
                                               ------------------------
                                               Kenneth Shifrin, Vice President


                                               /s/Martin Krasnitz
                                               ------------------------
                                               Martin Krasnitz



THE UNDERSIGNED HEREBY GUARANTEES
PAYMENT OF THE AMOUNTS DUE TO EXECUTIVE
UNDER SECTION 4 OF THIS AGREEMENT.

HIRSCH INTERNATIONAL CORP.



By /s/Henry Arnberg
   ---------------------------- 
   Henry Arnberg, President





<TABLE> <S> <C>

<ARTICLE>                              5
<CIK>                                  0000915909
<NAME>                                 HIRSCH INTERNATIONAL CORP.
       
<S>                                      <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE>                          3-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                      JAN-31-1999
<PERIOD-START>                         MAY-01-1998
<PERIOD-END>                           JUL-31-1998
<CASH>                                                      7,772,000
<SECURITIES>                                                        0
<RECEIVABLES>                                              36,327,000
<ALLOWANCES>                                               (3,507,000)
<INVENTORY>                                                43,303,000
<CURRENT-ASSETS>                                           89,168,000
<PP&E>                                                     13,277,000
<DEPRECIATION>                                             (5,060,000)
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                                            127,597,000
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES>                                      28,075,000
<BONDS>                                                             0
                                               0
                                                         0
<COMMON>                                                       95,000
<OTHER-SE>                                                 76,079,000
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY>                              127,597,000
<SALES>                                                    31,389,000
<TOTAL-REVENUES>                                           32,668,000
<CGS>                                                      20,959,000
<TOTAL-COSTS>                                              31,922,000
<OTHER-EXPENSES>                                              222,000
<LOSS-PROVISION>                                                    0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                                            336,000
<INCOME-PRETAX>                                               188,000
<INCOME-TAX>                                                   80,000
<INCOME-CONTINUING>                                            50,000
<DISCONTINUED>                                                      0
<EXTRAORDINARY>                                                     0
<CHANGES>                                                           0
<NET-INCOME>                                                   50,000
<EPS-PRIMARY>                                                   0.01
<EPS-DILUTED>                                                   0.01
        



</TABLE>


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