-----BEGIN PRIVACY-ENHANCED MESSAGE----- Proc-Type: 2001,MIC-CLEAR Originator-Name: webmaster@www.sec.gov Originator-Key-Asymmetric: MFgwCgYEVQgBAQICAf8DSgAwRwJAW2sNKK9AVtBzYZmr6aGjlWyK3XmZv3dTINen TWSM7vrzLADbmYQaionwg5sDW3P6oaM5D3tdezXMm7z1T+B+twIDAQAB MIC-Info: RSA-MD5,RSA, HUi8db3FwkijNKqvu4QAp0TsEgOVqyEHu4HjXeEjloWmzZx+vsIC3hsSicD3fUBy T7IeWVelS9FXOHKUuDwlEw== 0000950133-05-002184.txt : 20050512 0000950133-05-002184.hdr.sgml : 20050512 20050511182148 ACCESSION NUMBER: 0000950133-05-002184 CONFORMED SUBMISSION TYPE: 10-Q PUBLIC DOCUMENT COUNT: 4 CONFORMED PERIOD OF REPORT: 20050331 FILED AS OF DATE: 20050512 DATE AS OF CHANGE: 20050511 FILER: COMPANY DATA: COMPANY CONFORMED NAME: UNITED COMPONENTS INC CENTRAL INDEX KEY: 0000101116 STANDARD INDUSTRIAL CLASSIFICATION: MOTOR VEHICLE PARTS & ACCESSORIES [3714] IRS NUMBER: 043759857 STATE OF INCORPORATION: DE FISCAL YEAR END: 1231 FILING VALUES: FORM TYPE: 10-Q SEC ACT: 1934 Act SEC FILE NUMBER: 333-107219 FILM NUMBER: 05821964 MAIL ADDRESS: STREET 1: 301 INDUSTRIAL DR CITY: ALBION STATE: IL ZIP: 62806 10-Q 1 w08995e10vq.htm FORM 10-Q e10vq
 



UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, DC 20549

FORM 10-Q

     
þ
  QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES
  EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
 
   
  For the quarterly period ended March 31, 2005
 
   
o
  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: 333-107219

UNITED COMPONENTS, INC.

(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)
     
Delaware   04-3759857
(State or Other Jurisdiction of Incorporation or Organization)   (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
     
14601 Highway 41 North   47725
Evansville, Indiana   (Zip Code)
(Address of Principal Executive Offices)    

(812) 867-4156

(Registrant’s Telephone Number, Including Area Code)

     Indicate by check mark whether the registrant: (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.

     Yes o No þ

     Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an accelerated filer (as defined in Exchange Act Rule 12b-2).

     Yes o No þ

     The registrant had 1,000 shares of its $0.01 par value common stock outstanding as of May 11, 2005.



 


 

United Components, Inc.

Index

   
Part I FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Page No.
 
 
Item 1.Financial Statements (unaudited)
 
Condensed consolidated balance sheets-March 31, 2005 and December 31, 2004
3
Condensed consolidated income statements-Three months ended March 31, 2005 and 2004
4
Condensed consolidated statements of cash flows-Three months ended March 31, 2005 and 2004
5
Condensed consolidated statements of changes in shareholder’s equity- Three months ended March 31, 2005 and 2004
6
Notes to condensed consolidated financial statements
7
Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
20
Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
28
Item 4. Controls and Procedures
29
 
 
Part II OTHER INFORMATION
 
 
 
Item 1. Legal Proceedings
30
Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
30
Item 3. Default Upon Senior Securities
30
Item 4. Submission of Matters to Vote of Security Holders
30
Item 5. Other Information
30
Item 6. Exhibits
30

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

In this periodic report on Form 10-Q, United Components, Inc. (“UCI”) makes some “forward-looking” statements within the meaning of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. These statements are included throughout this report on Form 10-Q and relate to analyses and other information based on forecasts of future results and estimates of amounts not yet determinable. These forward-looking statements are identified by their use of terms and phrases such as “anticipate,” “believe,” “could,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intend,” “may,” “plan,” “predict,” “project,” “will,” “continue,” and other similar terms and phrases, including references to assumptions.

These forward-looking statements are based on the Company’s expectations and beliefs concerning future events affecting the Company. They are subject to uncertainties and factors relating to the Company’s operations and business environment, all of which are difficult to predict and many of which are beyond the Company’s control. Although we believe that the expectations reflected in our forward-looking statements are reasonable, we do not know whether our expectations will prove correct. They can be affected by inaccurate assumptions we make or by known or unknown risks and uncertainties. Many factors mentioned in our discussion in this report will be important in determining future results.

Although we believe the expectations reflected in our forward-looking statements are based upon reasonable assumptions, we can give no assurance that we will attain these expectations or that any deviations will not be material. Except as otherwise required by the Federal securities laws, we disclaim any obligation or undertaking to publicly release any updates or revisions to any forward-looking statement contained in this periodic report on Form 10-Q to reflect any change in our expectations with regard thereto or any change in events, conditions or circumstances on which any such statement is based.

2


 

PART I
FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1. Financial Statements

United Components, Inc.

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (unaudited)
(in thousands)

                 
    March 31,     December 31,  
    2005     2004  
Assets
               
 
               
Current assets
               
Cash and cash equivalents
  $ 26,756     $ 11,291  
Accounts receivable, net
    243,935       238,581  
Inventories, net
    193,214       188,212  
Deferred tax assets
    19,981       18,578  
Other current assets
    14,106       12,188  
 
           
Total current assets
    497,992       468,850  
 
               
Property, plant and equipment, net
    213,778       216,849  
Goodwill
    166,559       166,559  
Other intangible assets, net
    96,097       94,229  
Deferred financing costs, net
    7,351       7,686  
Pension and other assets
    12,307       12,772  
 
           
 
               
Total assets
  $ 994,084     $ 966,945  
 
           
 
               
Liabilities and shareholder’s equity
               
 
               
Current liabilities
               
Accounts payable
  $ 111,174     $ 91,505  
Short-term borrowings
    806       1,267  
Current maturities of long-term debt
    151       228  
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities
    70,397       67,808  
 
           
Total current liabilities
    182,528       160,808  
 
               
Long-term debt, less current maturities
    456,826       456,674  
Pension and other postretirement liabilities
    54,413       53,141  
Deferred tax liabilities
    8,073       6,430  
Other liabilities
    2,019       1,972  
Contingencies – Note G
           
 
           
Total liabilities
    703,859       679,025  
 
           
 
               
Shareholder’s equity
               
Common stock
           
Additional paid in capital
    263,720       263,120  
Retained earnings
    24,803       22,074  
Accumulated other comprehensive income
    1,702       2,726  
 
           
Total shareholder’s equity
    290,225       287,920  
 
           
 
               
Total liabilities and shareholder’s equity
  $ 994,084     $ 966,945  
 
           

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.

3


 

United Components, Inc.

Condensed Consolidated Income Statements (unaudited)
(in thousands)

                 
    Three Months ended March 31,  
    2005     2004  
Net sales
  $ 245,506     $ 256,811  
Cost of sales
    199,420       201,264  
 
           
Gross profit
    46,086       55,547  
 
               
Operating expenses
               
Selling and warehousing
    18,263       19,045  
General and administrative
    12,419       12,072  
Amortization of intangible assets
    1,532       1,851  
 
           
 
               
Operating income
    13,872       22,579  
 
               
Other income (expense)
               
Interest income
    24       65  
Interest expense
    (8,796 )     (9,631 )
Management fee expense
    (500 )     (500 )
Miscellaneous, net
    (52 )     85  
 
           
 
               
Income before income taxes
    4,548       12,598  
Income tax expense
    1,819       5,063  
 
           
Net income
  $ 2,729     $ 7,535  
 
           

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.

4


 

United Components, Inc.

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (unaudited)
(in thousands)

                 
    Three Months ended March 31,  
    2005     2004  
Cash flows from operating activities:
               
Net income
  $ 2,729     $ 7,535  
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
               
Depreciation
    8,308       9,082  
Amortization of intangible assets
    1,532       1,851  
Amortization of deferred financing costs and debt issuance costs
    493       1,156  
Deferred income taxes
    595       3,381  
Other non-cash, net
    1,774       (2,089 )
Changes in operating assets and liabilities
               
Accounts receivable
    (5,648 )     (11,742 )
Inventories
    (5,002 )     (4,406 )
Other current assets
    (1,918 )     1,462  
Accounts payable
    19,669       20,814  
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities
    2,589       11,758  
Other assets
    (1,329 )     1,783  
Other liabilities
    1,319       1,268  
 
           
 
               
Net cash provided by operating activities
    25,111       41,853  
 
           
 
               
Cash flows from investing activities:
               
Final Acquisition purchase price payment
          (8,000 )
Capital expenditures
    (9,687 )     (8,931 )
Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment
    112       129  
 
           
 
               
Net cash used in investing activities
    (9,575 )     (16,802 )
 
           
 
               
Cash flows from financing activities:
               
Issuances of debt
    8,039        
Debt repayments
    (8,583 )     (40,015 )
Shareholder’s equity contribution
    600       (28 )
 
           
 
               
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities
    56       (40,043 )
 
           
 
               
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash
    (127 )     110  
 
           
 
               
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
    15,465       (14,882 )
 
               
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year
    11,291       46,130  
 
           
 
               
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
  $ 26,756     $ 31,248  
 
           

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.

5


 

United Components, Inc.

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholder’s Equity (unaudited)
(in thousands)

                                                 
                            Accumulated              
            Additional     Retained     Other     Total        
    Common     Paid In     Earnings     Comprehensive     Shareholder’s     Comprehensive  
    Stock     Capital     (Deficit)     Income     Equity     Income  
Balance at January 1, 2004
  $     $ 261,385     $ (8,755 )   $ 1,460     $ 254,090          
Additions to paid in capital
            (28 )                     (28 )        
Comprehensive income
                                               
Net income
                    7,535               7,535     $ 7,535  
Other comprehensive income
                                               
Interest rate swaps
                            (340 )     (340 )     (340 )
Foreign currency adjustment
                            786       786       786  
 
                                             
Total comprehensive income
                                          $ 7,981  
 
                                   
Balance at March 31, 2004
  $     $ 261,357     $ (1,220 )   $ 1,906     $ 262,043          
 
                                     
 
                                               
Balance at January 1, 2005
  $     $ 263,120     $ 22,074     $ 2,726     $ 287,920          
Additions to paid in capital
            600                       600          
Comprehensive income
                                               
Net income
                    2,729               2,729     $ 2,729  
Other comprehensive income
                                               
Interest rate swaps
                            (34 )     (34 )     (34 )
Foreign currency adjustment
                            (990 )     (990 )     (990 )
 
                                             
Total comprehensive income
                                          $ 1,705  
 
                                   
Balance at March 31, 2005
  $     $ 263,720     $ 24,803     $ 1,702     $ 290,225          
 
                                     

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.

6


 

United Components, Inc.

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)

NOTE A — GENERAL AND BASIS OF FINANCIAL STATEMENT PRESENTATION

General

United Components, Inc. (“UCI”) is a wholly owned subsidiary of UCI Acquisition Holdings, Inc. UCI Acquisition Holdings, Inc. and United Components, Inc. are corporations formed at the direction of The Carlyle Group. At March 31, 2005, affiliates of The Carlyle Group own 98.6% of UCI Acquisition Holdings, Inc.’s common stock, and the remainder is owned by certain members of senior management and UCI’s Board of Directors.

On June 20, 2003, United Components, Inc. purchased, from UIS, Inc. and UIS Industries, Inc., their vehicle parts businesses. This acquisition is referred to in these notes to the financial statements as the “Acquisition”.

The Company operates in one business segment through its subsidiaries. The Company manufactures and distributes vehicle parts primarily servicing the vehicle replacement parts market in North America and Europe.

Basis of Presentation

The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of UCI and its subsidiaries. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated. In these notes to the financial statements, the term the “Company” refers to UCI and its subsidiaries.

The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles for interim financial information and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and footnotes required by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States for complete financial statements.

The December 31, 2004 consolidated balance sheet has been derived from the audited financial statements included in the Company’s annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2004. The financial statements at March 31, 2005 and for the three-month periods ended March 31, 2005 and 2004 are unaudited. In the opinion of the Company, these financial statements include all adjustments necessary for a fair presentation of the financial position and results of operations for such periods. Such adjustments include normal recurring adjustments and, in the case of the income statement for the 2004 period, include the effects of the preliminary allocation of the Acquisition purchase price. For all periods subsequent to March 31, 2004, the financial information presented in these financial statements and related notes reflects the final allocation of the Acquisition purchase price. The final allocation had no impact on previously reported results of operations.

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States requires management to make estimates and assumptions in determining the reported amounts of assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of sales and expenses during the reporting period. The estimates and assumptions include estimates of the collectibility of accounts receivable and the realizability of inventory, goodwill and other intangible assets. They also include estimates of cost accruals, environmental liabilities, warranty and product returns, insurance reserves, income taxes, pensions and other postretirement benefits and other factors. Management has exercised reasonableness in deriving these estimates; however, actual results could differ from these estimates.

These financial statements should be read in conjunction with the financial statements and notes thereto included in the Company’s annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2004.

Operating results for the three months ended March 31, 2005 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the year ended December 31, 2005.

7


 

United Components, Inc.

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)

NOTE B — SALES OF RECEIVABLES

The Company has agreements to sell undivided interests in certain of its receivables to a factoring company, which in turn has the right to sell an undivided interest to a financial institution or other third party. The Company enters these agreements at its discretion when it determines that the cost of factoring is less than the cost of servicing its receivables with existing debt. Pursuant to these agreements, the Company sold $5.1 million of receivables during the 2005 quarter which would otherwise have been outstanding at March 31, 2005. The Company retained no rights or interest and has no obligations with respect to the sold receivables. The Company does not service the receivables after the sales.

The sales of receivables were accounted for as a sale in accordance with SFAS No. 140, “Accounting for Transfers and Servicing of Financial Assets and Extinguishments of Liabilities”. The sold receivables were removed from the balance sheet at the time of sales. The costs of the sales were a 0.25% agent’s fee and a discount deducted by the factoring company, which is calculated based on LIBOR plus 1.5%. These costs were $57 thousand in the first quarter of 2005 and are recorded in miscellaneous, net.

NOTE C — INVENTORIES

The components of inventory are as follows (in thousands):

                 
    March 31,     December 31,  
    2005     2004  
Raw materials
  $ 33,976     $ 34,461  
Work in process
    51,212       49,376  
Finished products
    129,614       125,620  
Valuation reserves
    (21,588 )     (21,245 )
 
           
 
  $ 193,214     $ 188,212  
 
           

NOTE D — ACCRUED EXPENSES AND OTHER CURRENT LIABILITIES

Accrued expenses and other current liabilities consists of the following (in thousands):

                 
    March 31,     December 31,  
    2005     2004  
Salaries and wages
  $ 4,472     $ 2,756  
Bonuses
    1,842       4,245  
Vacation pay
    6,424       5,721  
Pension and other postretirement liabilities
    4,006       4,039  
Product returns
    15,119       15,291  
Rebates, credits and discounts due customers
    6,942       6,475  
Insurance
    7,016       9,337  
Interest
    7,147       1,751  
Taxes payable
    2,952       4,081  
Other
    14,477       14,112  
 
           
 
  $ 70,397     $ 67,808  
 
           

8


 

United Components, Inc.

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)

NOTE E — PRODUCT RETURNS LIABILITY

The product returns liability is included in accrued expenses and other current liabilities. It includes accruals for parts returned due to manufacturing defects and for certain parts returned because of customer excess quantities. The changes in the Company’s product returns liability are as follows (in thousands):

                 
    Three Months ended March 31,  
    2005     2004  
Beginning of year
  $ 15,291     $ 13,999  
Returned parts expense
    (9,527 )     (9,541 )
Additional loss provision
    9,355       9,891  
 
           
End of period
  $ 15,119     $ 14,349  
 
           

NOTE F — PENSION

The following are the components of net periodic pension expense (in thousands):

                 
    Three Months ended March 31,  
    2005     2004  
Service cost
  $ 2,217     $ 2,035  
Interest cost
    3,224       2,947  
Expected return on plan assets
    (3,486 )     (3,395 )
Amortization of transition asset
    6        
Amortization of prior services cost
    22        
Amortization of unrecognized gain
    10        
 
           
 
  $ 1,993     $ 1,587  
 
           

NOTE G — CONTINGENCIES

Environmental

The Company is subject to a variety of Federal, state, local and foreign environmental laws and regulations, including those governing the discharge of pollutants into the air or water, the management and disposal of hazardous substances or wastes and the cleanup of contaminated sites. The Company has been identified as a potentially responsible party for contamination at two sites. One of these sites is a former facility in Edison, New Jersey, where a state agency has ordered the Company to continue with the monitoring and investigation of chlorinated solvent contamination. The Company has informed the agency that this contamination was caused by another party at a neighboring facility and has initiated a lawsuit against that party for damages and to compel it to take responsibility for any further investigation or remediation. The second site is a previously owned site in Solano County, California, where the Company, at the request of the regional water board, is investigating and analyzing the nature and extent of the contamination and is conducting some remediation. Based on currently available information, management believes that the cost of the ultimate outcome of these environmental matters will not exceed the $3.2 million accrued at March 31, 2005 by a material amount, if at all. However, because all investigation and analysis has not yet been completed and because of the inherent uncertainty in such environmental matters, it is reasonably possible that the ultimate outcome of these matters could have a material adverse effect on results for a single quarter.

9


 

United Components, Inc.

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)

Litigation

The Company is subject to various other contingencies, including routine legal proceedings and claims arising out of the normal course of business. These proceedings primarily involve commercial claims, product liability claims, personal injury claims and workers’ compensation claims. The outcome of these lawsuits, legal proceedings and claims cannot be predicted with certainty. Nevertheless, the Company believes that the outcome of any currently existing proceedings, even if determined adversely, would not have a material adverse effect on financial condition or results of operations.

NOTE H — GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION

The Company had the following net sales by country (in thousands):

                 
    Three Months ended March 31,  
    2005     2004  
United States
  $ 202,372     $ 209,134  
Canada
    7,830       9,187  
United Kingdom
    5,284       10,235  
Mexico
    5,398       7,217  
Germany
    4,092       3,690  
Spain
    1,064       1,213  
Belgium
    1,874       1,994  
France
    3,575       3,024  
Sweden
    1,703       1,568  
Other
    12,314       9,549  
 
           
 
  $ 245,506     $ 256,811  
 
           

Net long-lived assets by country are as follows (in thousands):

                 
    March 31,     December 31,  
    2005     2004  
United States
  $ 271,299     $ 271,958  
United Kingdom
    39,770       40,921  
Mexico
    13,673       13,708  
Spain
    4,184       4,366  
Canada
    607       583  
Goodwill
    166,559       166,559  
 
           
 
  $ 496,092     $ 498,095  
 
           

10


 

United Components, Inc.

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)

NOTE I — STOCK OPTIONS

The Company has adopted the disclosure only provisions of SFAS 123, “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation”. Accordingly, stock options are accounted for by the “intrinsic-value-method” of APB Opinion No. 25, “Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees”. Had the compensation cost of the stock option plan been applied using the fair-value-based method at the grant date, rather than the intrinsic-value method of accounting, the pro forma amounts would be as follows (in millions):

                 
    Three Months ended March 31,  
    2005     2004  
Net income as reported
  $ 2.7     $ 7.5  
Pro forma stock-based compensation expense, net of tax
    0.4       0.5  
 
           
Pro forma net income
  $ 2.3     $ 7.0  
 
           

Pro forma disclosures for stock option accounting may not be representative of the effects on reported net income in future periods.

NOTE J — NEW ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS

In May 2004, the FASB issued FASB Staff Position No. 106-2 (“FSP 106-2”), “Accounting and Disclosure Requirements Related to the Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement and Modernization Act of 2003”. FSP 106-2 provides guidance regarding accounting and disclosure related to the Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement and Modernization Act of 2003 (the “Act”) that was signed into law in December 2003. FSP 106-2 is effective for interim and annual periods beginning after June 15, 2004. The Act introduces a prescription drug benefit under Medicare (Medicare Part D) as well as a Federal subsidy to sponsors of retiree health care benefit plans that provide a benefit that is at least equivalent to Medicare Part D. Benefits from the Act generally cover individuals who are age 65 or greater. Since postretirement medical coverage under the Company’s plans ceases at age 65, the Act does not have an impact on the Company’s obligations.

In December 2004, SFAS No. 123R, “Share-Based Payment” was issued. SFAS No. 123R requires the measurement of share-based payments to employees using a fair-value-based method and the recording of such expense in the income statement. The accounting provisions of SFAS No. 123R are effective for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2005 and are to be applied prospectively. Also, in March 2005, the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) issued Staff Accounting Bulletin 107 (“SAB 107”). SAB 107 provides clarification on the implementation of SFAS No. 123R and the relationship of SFAS No. 123R to certain SEC rules and regulations. The pro forma disclosures previously permitted under SFAS No. 123 will no longer be an alternative to financial statement recognition. See Note I for the pro forma net income as if the Company had used a fair-value-based method, similar to the methods required under SFAS No.123R, to measure compensation expense. Had SFAS No. 123R been applied in the periods disclosed, the impact would have been similar to those pro forma amounts. The future impact is dependent upon if and when additional options are granted or expire, as well as the vesting period of such options.

11


 

United Components, Inc.

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)

In December 2004, the FASB issued SFAS No. 151, “Inventory Costs”. SFAS No. 151 primarily clarifies the accounting for inventory when there are abnormal amounts of idle facility expense, freight, handling costs and wasted materials. Under existing guidelines, items such as idle facility expense, excessive spoilage and re-handling costs may be ‘so abnormal’ as to require treatment as current period charges rather than recorded adjustments to the value of inventory. SFAS No. 151 requires that such items be recognized as current period charges regardless of whether they meet the ‘so abnormal’ criteria. The accounting provisions of SFAS No. 151 are to be applied prospectively and are effective for inventory costs incurred during fiscal years beginning after June 15, 2005. The Company does not expect SFAS No. 151 to have a material effect on its financial statements.

In December 2004, the FASB issued FASB Staff Position No. 109-1 (“FSP 109-1”), “Application of SFAS No. 109, “Accounting for Income Taxes”, to the Tax Deduction on Qualified Production Activities Provided by the American Jobs Creation Act of 2004.” FSP 109-1 states that the tax deduction of qualified domestic production activities, which is provided by the American Jobs Creation Act of 2004 (the “Jobs Act”), will be treated as a special deduction as described in SFAS No. 109. Consequently, the impact of the deduction, which was effective January 1, 2005, will be reported in the period in which the deduction is claimed on the Company’s income tax returns. The effect of FSP 109-2 is expected to be less than $0.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2005.

In December 2004, the FASB issued FASB Staff Position No. 109-2 (“FSP 109-2”), “Accounting and Disclosure Guidance for the Foreign Earnings Repatriation Provision within the American Jobs Creation Act of 2004”. FSP 109-2 provides accounting and disclosure guidance related to the Jobs Act provision for the limited time 85% dividends received deduction on the repatriation of certain foreign earnings. Although adoption is effective immediately, FSP 109-2 states that a company is allowed time beyond the financial reporting period to evaluate the effects of the Jobs Act on its plan for reinvestment or repatriation of foreign earnings. The Company is evaluating the impact of the repatriation provisions of the Jobs Act and will complete its review by December 31, 2005. It is not expected that these provisions will have a material impact on the Company’s financial statements. Accordingly, as provided for in FSP 109-2, the Company has not adjusted its tax expense or net deferred tax assets to reflect the repatriation provisions of the Jobs Act.

In March 2005, the FASB issued FASB Interpretation No. 47 (“FIN 47”), “Accounting for Conditional Asset Retirement Obligations”. FIN 47 clarifies that a company must record a liability for a “conditional” asset retirement obligation if the fair value of the obligation can be reasonably estimated. FIN 47 is effective no later than the end of fiscal years ending after December 15, 2005. The Company does not expect FIN 47 to have a material effect on its financial statements.

NOTE K — OTHER INFORMATION

At March 31, 2005, 1,000 shares of common stock were authorized, issued and outstanding. The par value of each share of common stock is $0.01 per share.

Cash payments for interest and income taxes (net of refunds) are as follows (in thousands):

                 
    Three Months ended March 31,  
    2005     2004  
Interest
  $ 2,956     $ 3,935  
Income taxes (net of refunds)
    4,709       1,899  

12


 

United Components, Inc.

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)

NOTE L — GUARANTOR AND NON-GUARANTOR FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

The senior credit facilities are secured by substantially all the assets of the Company. The senior subordinated notes (the “Notes”) are unsecured and rank equally in right of payment with any of the Company’s future senior subordinated indebtedness. The Notes are subordinated to indebtedness and other liabilities of UCI’s subsidiaries that are not guarantors of the Notes. The Notes and borrowings under the senior credit facilities are guaranteed on a full and unconditional and joint and several basis by UCI’s domestic subsidiaries.

The information, which follows in this Note L, includes condensed financial statements for (a) UCI, which is the issuer of the Notes and borrower under the senior credit facilities, (b) the domestic subsidiaries, which guarantee the Notes and borrowings under the senior credit facilities (the “Guarantors”), (c) the foreign subsidiaries (the “Non-Guarantors”), and (d) consolidated UCI. Also included are consolidating entries, which principally consist of eliminations of investments in consolidated subsidiaries and intercompany balances and transactions. All goodwill is included in UCI’s balance sheet.

The condensed balance sheets and the condensed income statement for the 2005 quarter, which follow in this Note L, include the final allocation of the Acquisition purchase price. The condensed income statement for the 2004 quarter is based on a preliminary allocation for the Acquisition purchase price. Preliminary purchase price allocations were based on preliminary estimates of the fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed.

Separate financial statements of the Guarantor subsidiaries are not presented because their guarantees are full and unconditional and joint and several, and the Company thinks separate financial statements and other disclosure regarding the Guarantor subsidiaries are not material to investors.

13


 

United Components, Inc.

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)

NOTE L (continued)

Consolidating Condensed Balance Sheet
March 31, 2005

(in thousands)

                                         
    UCI                             Non-  
    Consolidated     Eliminations     UCI     Guarantors     Guarantors  
Assets
                                       
 
                                       
Current assets
                                       
Cash and cash equivalents
  $ 26,756     $     $ 18,261     $ 2,044     $ 6,451  
Accounts receivable, net
    243,935                   217,060       26,875  
Inventories, net
    193,214                   175,483       17,731  
Deferred tax assets
    19,981             (166 )     18,747       1,400  
Other current assets
    14,106             2,975       4,876       6,255  
 
                             
Total current assets
    497,992             21,070       418,210       58,712  
 
                                       
Property, plant and equipment, net
    213,778             810       160,158       52,810  
Intercompany receivables
          (84,543 )     354       82,672       1,517  
Intercompany notes receivable
          (482,000 )     482,000              
Investment in subsidiaries
          (151,315 )     141,357       9,958        
Goodwill
    166,559             166,559              
Other intangible assets, net
    96,097             11,046       82,610       2,441  
Deferred financing costs, net
    7,351             7,351              
Pension and other assets
    12,307             323       11,778       206  
 
                             
 
                                       
Total assets
  $ 994,084     $ (717,858 )   $ 830,870     $ 765,386     $ 115,686  
 
                             
 
                                       
Liabilities and shareholder’s equity
                                       
 
                                       
Current liabilities
                                       
Accounts payable
  $ 111,174     $     $ 5,494     $ 90,644     $ 15,036  
Short-term borrowings
    806                         806  
Current maturities of long-term debt
    151                         151  
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities
    70,397             2,107       59,170       9,120  
 
                             
Total current liabilities
    182,528             7,601       149,814       25,113  
 
                                       
Long-term debt, less current maturities
    456,826             456,799             27  
Pension and other postretirement liabilities
    54,413                   38,072       16,341  
Deferred tax liabilities
    8,073             8,090       1,036       (1,053 )
Other liabilities
    2,019                   2,019        
Intercompany payables
          (84,543 )     68,155       1,440       14,948  
Intercompany notes payable
          (482,000 )           462,000       20,000  
 
                                       
Total shareholder’s equity
    290,225       (151,315 )     290,225       111,005       40,310  
 
                             
 
                                       
Total liabilities and shareholder’s equity
  $ 994,084     $ (717,858 )   $ 830,870     $ 765,386     $ 115,686  
 
                             

14


 

United Components, Inc.

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)

NOTE L (continued)

Consolidating Condensed Balance Sheet
December 31, 2004

(in thousands)

                                         
    UCI                             Non-  
    Consolidated     Eliminations     UCI     Guarantors     Guarantors  
Assets
                                       
 
                                       
Current assets
                                       
Cash and cash equivalents
  $ 11,291     $     $ 3,916     $ 2,114     $ 5,261  
Accounts receivable, net
    238,581                   215,425       23,156  
Inventories, net
    188,212                   169,664       18,548  
Deferred tax assets
    18,578             (250 )     17,825       1,003  
Other current assets
    12,188             2,123       3,670       6,395  
 
                             
Total current assets
    468,850             5,789       408,698       54,363  
 
                                       
Property, plant and equipment, net
    216,849             604       160,907       55,338  
Intercompany receivables
          (58,212 )           58,212        
Intercompany notes receivable
          (482,000 )     482,000              
Investment in subsidiaries
          (146,288 )     135,414       10,874        
Goodwill
    166,559             166,559              
Other intangible assets, net
    94,229             7,738       84,068       2,423  
Deferred financing costs, net
    7,686             7,686              
Pension and other assets
    12,772             272       12,325       175  
 
                             
 
                                       
Total assets
  $ 966,945     $ (686,500 )   $ 806,062     $ 735,084     $ 112,299  
 
                             
 
                                       
Liabilities and shareholder’s equity
                                       
 
                                       
Current liabilities
                                       
Accounts payable
  $ 91,505     $     $ 4,020     $ 72,678     $ 14,807  
Short-term borrowings
    1,267             500             767  
Current maturities of long-term debt
    228                         228  
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities
    67,808             3,811       56,423       7,574  
 
                             
Total current liabilities
    160,808             8,331       129,101       23,376  
 
                                       
Long-term debt, less current maturities
    456,674             456,641             33  
Pension and other postretirement liabilities
    53,141                   35,911       17,230  
Deferred tax liabilities
    6,430             6,824       (40 )     (354 )
Other liabilities
    1,972                   1,972        
Intercompany payables
          (58,212 )     46,346             11,866  
Intercompany notes payable
          (482,000 )           462,000       20,000  
 
                                       
Total shareholder’s equity
    287,920       (146,288 )     287,920       106,140       40,148  
 
                             
 
                                       
Total liabilities and shareholder’s equity
  $ 966,945     $ (686,500 )   $ 806,062     $ 735,084     $ 112,299  
 
                             

15


 

United Components, Inc.

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)

NOTE L (continued)

Consolidating Condensed Income Statement
Three Months Ended March 31, 2005

(in thousands)

                                         
    UCI                             Non-  
    Consolidated     Eliminations     UCI     Guarantors     Guarantors  
Net sales
  $ 245,506     $ (3,272 )   $     $ 214,650     $ 34,128  
Cost of sales
    199,420       (3,272 )           175,433       27,259  
 
                             
Gross profit
    46,086                   39,217       6,869  
 
                                       
Operating expenses
                                       
Selling and warehousing
    18,263                   16,361       1,902  
General and administrative
    12,419             3,707       5,661       3,051  
Amortization of intangible assets
    1,532                   1,532        
 
                             
Operating income (loss)
    13,872             (3,707 )     15,663       1,916  
 
                                       
Other income (expense)
                                       
Interest income
    24             17       2       5  
Interest expense
    (8,796 )           (8,776 )           (20 )
Intercompany interest
                6,174       (5,667 )     (507 )
Management fee expense
    (500 )           (500 )            
Miscellaneous, net
    (52 )                 119       (171 )
 
                             
 
                                       
Income (loss) before income taxes
    4,548             (6,792 )     10,117       1,223  
Income tax expense (benefit)
    1,819             (2,656 )     4,047       428  
 
                             
 
                                       
Increase (decrease) before equity in earnings of subsidiaries
    2,729             (4,136 )     6,070       795  
 
                                       
Equity in earnings of subsidiaries
          (6,185 )     6,865       (680 )      
 
                             
 
                                       
Net income
  $ 2,729     $ (6,185 )   $ 2,729     $ 5,390     $ 795  
 
                             

16


 

United Components, Inc.

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)

NOTE L (continued)

Consolidating Condensed Income Statement
Three Months Ended March 31, 2004

(in thousands)

                                         
    UCI                             Non-  
    Consolidated     Eliminations     UCI     Guarantors     Guarantors  
Net sales
  $ 256,811     $ (4,023 )   $     $ 227,542     $ 33,292  
Cost of sales
    201,264       (4,023 )           178,622       26,665  
 
                             
Gross profit
    55,547                   48,920       6,627  
 
                                       
Operating expenses
                                       
Selling and warehousing
    19,045                   17,170       1,875  
General and administrative
    12,072             2,591       6,603       2,878  
Amortization of intangible assets
    1,851                   1,851        
 
                             
 
Operating income (loss)
    22,579             (2,591 )     23,296       1,874  
 
                                       
Other income (expense)
                                       
Interest income
    65       (78 )     5       113       25  
Interest expense
    (9,631 )     78       (9,618 )     (17 )     (74 )
Management fee expense
    (500 )           (500 )            
Miscellaneous, net
    85                   1       84  
 
                             
 
                                       
Income (loss) before income taxes
    12,598             (12,704 )     23,393       1,909  
Income tax expense (benefit)
    5,063             (4,982 )     9,303       742  
 
                             
 
                                       
Increase (decrease) before equity in earnings of subsidiaries
    7,535             (7,722 )     14,090       1,167  
 
                                       
Equity in earnings of subsidiaries
          (14,820 )     15,257       (437 )      
 
                             
 
                                       
Net income
  $ 7,535     $ (14,820 )   $ 7,535     $ 13,653     $ 1,167  
 
                             

17


 

United Components, Inc.

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)

NOTE L (continued)

Consolidating Condensed Statement of Cash Flows
Three Months Ended March 31, 2005

(in thousands)

                                         
    UCI                             Non-  
    Consolidated     Eliminations     UCI     Guarantors     Guarantors  
Net cash provided by operating activities
  $ 25,111     $     $ 17,759     $ 4,201     $ 3,151  
 
                             
 
                                       
Cash flows from investing activities:
                                       
Capital expenditures
    (9,687 )           (3,514 )     (4,280 )     (1,893 )
Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment
    112                   9       103  
 
                             
 
                                       
Net cash used in investing activities
    (9,575 )           (3,514 )     (4,271 )     (1,790 )
 
                             
 
                                       
Cash flows from financing activities:
                                       
Issuances of debt
    8,039             8,000             39  
Debt repayments
    (8,583 )           (8,500 )           (83 )
Shareholder’s equity contribution
    600             600              
 
                             
 
                                       
Net cash provided from (used in) financing activities
    56             100             (44 )
 
                             
 
                                       
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash
    (127 )                       (127 )
 
                             
 
                                       
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
    15,465             14,345       (70 )     1,190  
 
                                       
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year
    11,291             3,916       2,114       5,261  
 
                             
 
                                       
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
  $ 26,756     $     $ 18,261     $ 2,044     $ 6,451  
 
                             

18


 

United Components, Inc.

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)

NOTE L (continued)

Consolidating Condensed Statement of Cash Flows
Three Months Ended March 31, 2004

(in thousands)

                                         
    UCI                             Non-  
    Consolidated     Eliminations     UCI     Guarantors     Guarantors  
Net cash provided by operating activities
  $ 41,853     $     $ 36,893     $ 1,655     $ 3,305  
 
                             
 
                                       
Cash flows from investing activities:
                                       
Final Acquisition purchase price payment
    (8,000 )           (8,000 )            
Capital expenditures
    (8,931 )                 (7,694 )     (1,237 )
Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment
    129                   16       113  
 
                             
 
                                       
Net cash used in investing activities
    (16,802 )           (8,000 )     (7,678 )     (1,124 )
 
                             
 
                                       
Cash flows from financing activities:
                                       
Debt repayments
    (40,015 )           (40,000 )           (15 )
Other
    (28 )           (28 )            
 
                             
 
                                       
Net cash used in financing activities
    (40,043 )           (40,028 )           (15 )
 
                             
 
                                       
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash
    110                         110  
 
                             
 
                                       
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
    (14,882 )           (11,135 )     (6,023 )     2,276  
 
                                       
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year
    46,130             33,164       4,448       8,518  
 
                             
 
                                       
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
  $ 31,248     $     $ 22,029     $ (1,575 )   $ 10,794  
 
                             

19


 

Item 2.  Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

Overview

Sales. We are among North America’s largest and most diversified companies servicing the vehicle replacement parts market, or the aftermarket. We supply a broad range of filtration products, fuel and cooling systems, engine management systems, driveline components and lighting systems to the automotive, trucking, marine, mining, construction, agricultural and industrial vehicle markets. We estimate that about 77% of our net sales in 2004 were made in the aftermarket, to a customer base that includes some of the largest and fastest growing companies servicing the aftermarket. The aftermarket has grown at an annual rate of approximately 3.7% from 1994 through 2003. We believe it will continue to grow, at least in the near term. We believe we are well positioned to participate in that growth.

We believe we have leading market positions in our primary product lines. We continue to expand our product and service offerings to meet the needs of our customers, and we believe that we offer one of the most comprehensive lines of products in the vehicle replacement parts market consisting of over 60,000 parts. We believe our breadth of product offering is a key competitive advantage. This product breadth, along with our extensive manufacturing and distribution capabilities, product innovation, and reputation for quality and service, makes us a leader in our industry.

Because most of our sales are to the aftermarket, we believe that our sales are primarily driven by the number of vehicles on the road, the average age of those vehicles, the average number of miles driven per year, the mix of light trucks to passenger cars on the road and the relative strength of our sales channels. Historically, our sales have not been materially adversely affected by market cyclicality, as we believe that our aftermarket sales are less dependent on economic conditions than our sales to OEMs, due to the non-discretionary nature of vehicle maintenance and repair.

However, it is also important to note that in 2004, 22% and in 2003, 23% of our total net sales were derived from our business with AutoZone, and our failure to maintain a healthy relationship with AutoZone stores would result in a significant decrease in our net sales. Even if we maintain our relationship, this sales concentration with one customer increases the potential impact to our business that could result from any changes in the economic terms of this relationship. In the first quarter of 2005, we transitioned one product line to an AutoZone program called Pay-on-Scan. Under this program, we retain title to the product at AutoZone locations, and we record sales for the product when an AutoZone customer purchases it. As part of this transition, we bought back an immaterial amount of our products from AutoZone and will resell the product to AutoZone under the Pay-on-Scan program. We do not expect the transition to the Pay-on-Scan program for this product line to have a material impact on our financial condition or results of operations. We currently have no agreement to expand the Pay-on-Scan program beyond the single product line. AutoZone may in the future, however, request that we transition additional products to the Pay-on-Scan program. Any such transition or other change in the terms of sale to this customer could result in, among other things, an increase in the time it takes for us to record sales or collect on receivables, which could have a material impact on our financial condition or results of operations. AutoZone has publicly announced its intent to transition a significant percentage of its purchases from suppliers to the Pay-on-Scan program.

Cost of Sales. Cost of sales includes all costs of manufacturing required to bring a product to a ready-for-sale condition. Such costs include direct and indirect materials (net of vendor consideration), direct and indirect labor costs, including fringe benefits, supplies, utilities, freight, depreciation, insurance, pension and postretirement benefits, information technology costs and other costs. Cost of sales also includes all costs to procure, package and ship products that we purchase and resell. The two largest components of our cost of sales are steel and labor.

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Since early in 2004, global demand for steel has been high and has resulted in supplier-imposed price increases and/or surcharges for this raw material. While we have been, and expect to continue to be, able to obtain sufficient quantities to satisfy our needs, we have been required to pay significantly higher prices for the material. The Company has implemented price increases on certain products with high steel content and is considering the implementation of additional price increases on these products. Existing price increases, as well as any future increases, have not been and may not be sufficient to offset all of the steel cost increases. The higher cost of steel, net of the Company’s price increases, adversely affected pretax income by approximately $3.0 million in 2004 and approximately $0.8 million in the first quarter of 2005. The adverse effect for the full year of 2005 is forecasted to be comparable to 2004. This forecast is based on assumptions regarding the future cost of steel and the Company’s ability to increase selling prices on products with high steel content. Actual events could vary significantly from the Company’s assumptions. Consequently, the actual effect of higher steel costs could be significantly different than the Company’s forecast.

Selling and Warehousing Expenses. Selling and warehousing expenses primarily include sales and marketing, warehousing and distribution costs. Our major cost elements include salaries and wages, pension and fringe benefits, depreciation, advertising and information technology costs.

Management intends to leverage the fixed portion of sales and warehousing as sales increase. Consequently, management thinks that selling and warehousing expense as a percentage of sales is a key measure and is working to reduce this percentage.

General and Administrative Expenses. General and administrative expenses primarily include executive, accounting and administrative personnel salaries and fringe benefits, professional fees, pension benefits, insurance, provision for doubtful accounts, rent and information technology costs.

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

The methods, estimates and judgments we use in applying our most critical accounting policies have a significant impact on the results we report in our financial statements. We evaluate our estimates and judgments on an on-going basis. We base our estimates on historical experience and on assumptions that we believe to be reasonable under the circumstances. Our experience and assumptions form the basis for our judgments about the carrying value of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. Actual results may vary from what we anticipate, and different assumptions or estimates about the future could change our reported results.

We believe the following accounting policies are the most critical in that they significantly affect our financial statements, and they require our most significant estimates and complex judgments.

Accounts receivable. We maintain allowances for doubtful accounts for estimated losses resulting from the inability of our customers to make required payments. These allowances are based on a combination of an aging analysis and our analyses of our history of write-offs. In addition, we evaluate allowance requirements on a more specific basis in the event that the financial condition of a particular customer were to deteriorate.

Inventory. We record inventory at the lower of cost or market. Cost is determined using standard cost, which approximates the first-in, first-out (FIFO) method. Estimated market value is based on assumptions for future demand and related pricing. If actual market conditions are less favorable than those projected by management, reductions in the value of inventory may be required.

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Revenue recognition. We record sales when title transfers to the customer. Where we have sales rebate programs with some of our customers, we estimate amounts due under these sales rebate programs when the sale is recognized. Net sales relating to any particular shipment are based upon the amount invoiced for the shipped goods less estimated future rebate payments. These estimates are based upon our historical experience. Revisions to these estimates are recorded in the period in which the facts that give rise to the revision become known.

Additionally, we enter into formal and informal agreements with our customers that provide for sales discounts, marketing allowances, return allowances and performance incentives. Any discount, allowance or incentive is treated as a reduction to sales, based on estimates of the criteria that give rise to the discount, allowance or incentive, such as sales volume and marketing spending. We routinely review these criteria and our estimating process and make adjustments as facts and circumstances change. Historically, we have not found material differences between our estimates and actual results.

Product Returns. Credits for parts returned due to manufacturing defects and parts returned because of customer excess quantities are estimated and recorded at the time of the related sales. These estimates are based on historical experience, current trends and other factors. Revisions to these estimates are recorded in the period in which the facts that give rise to the revision become known.

Impairment of intangible assets and tangible fixed assets. Our goodwill and other intangible assets with indefinite lives are held at historical cost. Our other intangible assets with finite lives and tangible fixed assets are held at historical cost, net of depreciation and amortization. We periodically evaluate the realizability of our intangible assets. We also perform a review of these intangible assets and tangible fixed assets if an indicator of impairment, such as an operating loss or a significant adverse change in the business or market place, exists. If we determine that the historical carrying value of any of these assets has been impaired, we record the amount of the impairment as a charge against income.

Tests for impairment involve management’s estimates of future cash flows. Such estimates require numerous assumptions including, but not limited to, assumptions regarding future economic and market conditions, competition, customer relations, pricing, raw material costs, production costs, selling, general and administrative costs, and income and other taxes. These estimates require judgment and are, by their nature, subjective.

Retirement benefits. Pension obligations are actuarially determined and are affected by assumptions including discount rate, life expectancy, annual compensation increases and the expected rate of return on plan assets. Changes in the discount rate, and differences between actual results and assumptions, will affect the amount of pension expense we recognize in future periods.

Postretirement health obligations are actuarially determined and are based on assumptions including discount rate, life expectancy and health care cost trends. Changes in the discount rate, and differences between actual results and assumptions, will affect the amount of expense we recognize in future periods. A one percent increase or decrease in the assumed health care cost trends would result in a $48,600 annual increase and a $42,000 annual decrease in postretirement health costs, respectively.

Insurance Reserves. Our insurance for workers’ compensation, automobile, product and general liability include high deductibles for which the Company is responsible. Estimated losses for which the Company is responsible are recorded in accrued expenses. Estimates of such losses involve substantial uncertainties including litigation trends, the severity of reported claims, and incurred but not yet reported claims. External actuaries are used to assist us in estimating these losses.

Environmental Expenditures. Our expenditures for environmental matters fall into two categories. The first category is routine compliance with applicable laws and regulations related to the protection of the environment. The costs of such compliance are based on actual charges and do not require significant estimates.

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The second category of expenditures is for matters related to investigation and remediation of contaminated sites. The impact of this type of expenditure requires significant estimates by management. The estimated cost of the ultimate outcome of these matters is included as a liability in the Company’s March 31, 2005 balance sheet. This estimate is based on all currently available information, including input from outside legal and environmental professionals, and numerous assumptions. Management believes that the ultimate outcome of these matters will not exceed the $3.2 million accrued at March 31, 2005 by a material amount, if at all. However, because all investigation and site analysis has not yet been completed and because of the inherent uncertainty in such environmental matters, there can be no assurance that the ultimate outcome of these matters will not be significantly different than our estimates.

Income Taxes. The Company accounts for income taxes in accordance with SFAS No. 109, “Accounting for Income Taxes”. Accordingly, deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the expected future tax consequences of the temporary differences between the book carrying amounts and the tax basis of assets and liabilities. These future tax consequences, as well as current tax expense, require estimates of taxable income for each of the tax jurisdictions in which the Company operates. Such estimates include estimates of the portion of income subject to tax and allowable deductions for each tax jurisdiction. In addition, when determining the carrying value of deferred tax assets, the Company must also estimate future taxable income.

Results of Operations

The following table was derived from the Company’s unaudited condensed consolidated income statements for the three months ended March 31, 2005 and 2004. The amounts are presented in millions of dollars.

                 
    Three Months ended March 31,  
    2005     2004  
Net sales
  $ 245.5     $ 256.8  
Cost of sales
    199.4       201.3  
 
           
Gross profit
    46.1       55.5  
 
               
Operating expenses
               
Selling and warehousing
    18.3       19.0  
General and administrative
    12.4       12.0  
Amortization of intangible assets
    1.5       1.9  
 
           
Operating income
    13.9       22.6  
 
               
Other income (expense)
               
Interest, net
    (8.8 )     (9.6 )
Management fee expense
    (0.5 )     (0.5 )
Miscellaneous, net
    (0.1 )     0.1  
 
           
 
               
Income before income taxes
    4.5       12.6  
Income tax expense
    1.8       5.1  
 
           
Net income
  $ 2.7     $ 7.5  
 
           

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Three Months Ended March 31, 2005 Compared with the Three Months Ended March 31, 2004

Net sales. Net sales decreased $11.3 million, or 4.4%, from $256.8 million in the 2004 quarter to $245.5 million in the 2005 quarter. The decrease was volume driven, primarily lower sales to the retail and traditional channels.

Gross Profit. Results for the 2005 quarter included $0.8 million of non-recurring facilities consolidation and severance costs. The 2004 quarter included a non-recurring $0.5 million charge due to the sale of inventory that was written-up from cost to market value as part of the allocation of the June 20, 2003 Acquisition purchase price.

Excluding these non-recurring charges, gross profit declined to $46.9 million in the first quarter of 2005 from $56.0 million in the 2004 quarter, and the gross margin percentage declined to 19.1% in the 2005 quarter from 21.8% in first quarter of 2004.

Lower sales volume in the 2005 quarter contributed significantly to the gross profit decline. The remaining decline in gross profit and the reduction in gross margin percentage were primarily due to the higher per-unit cost of manufacturing at lower production volumes, a shift in sales mix and an increase in steel costs, net of pass-through selling price increases. The cost of inflation-driven wage and raw material increases and higher product returns was offset by savings due to improved procurement of materials and reduced insurance costs.

Selling and warehousing expenses. Selling and warehousing expenses were $18.3 million for the 2005 quarter, $0.7 million lower than the 2004 quarter. This cost is 7.5% of sales in the 2005 quarter and 7.4% in the 2004 quarter.

General and administrative expenses. General and administrative expense increased by $0.4 million, or 3.3%, to $12.4 million in the 2005 quarter. This increase was due to the Company’s continuing investment in processes and management talent necessary to drive improvements in future operational efficiency.

Interest, net. Net interest expense decreased $0.8 million from $9.6 million in 2004 to $8.8 million in 2005. The 2004 amount includes $0.6 million of accelerated amortization of deferred financing costs associated with the voluntary prepayment of $40 million of debt in the 2004 quarter. The remaining $0.2 million reduction of interest expense was attributable to lower debt levels, partially offset by higher interest rates.

Income tax expense. Income tax expense is lower in the 2005 quarter because pre-tax income is lower.

Net Income. Due to the factors described above, net income declined $4.8 million from $7.5 million in the 2004 quarter to $2.7 million in the 2005 quarter.

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Liquidity and Capital Resources

At March 31, 2005, the Company had $26.8 million of cash and $463.0 million of debt outstanding. (The difference between this debt amount and the amount on the balance sheet is $5.2 million of unamortized debt issuance costs.) At December 31, 2004, the Company had $11.3 million of cash and $463.5 million of debt outstanding (before netting unamortized debt issuance costs). Both the March 31, 2005 and the December 31, 2004 balances include $232 million of senior credit facility term loans and its $230 million senior subordinated notes. The Company’s significant debt service obligation is an important factor when assessing the Company’s liquidity and capital resources.

At the $463.0 million debt level, annual interest expense, including amortization of deferred financing costs and debt issuance costs, is approximately $34.9 million at March 31, 2005 borrowing rates. An increase in the interest rate of 0.25% in the variable interest rate would increase the annual interest cost by $0.3 million.

In 2005, the Company expects to spend between $35 million and $40 million on additions to property, plant and equipment and on a new, fully integrated information technology system. Implementation of the new information technology system began in the third quarter of 2004.

Our primary source of liquidity is cash flow from operations and borrowings under our $75 million revolving credit facility. Borrowings under the revolving credit facility are available to fund the Company’s working capital requirements, capital expenditures and other general corporate purposes. At March 31, 2005, $6.1 million of revolving credit borrowing capacity had been used to support outstanding letters of credit. This results in $68.9 million of unused borrowings capacity.

The Company’s credit agreement for its senior credit facility permits sales of and liens on receivables which are being sold pursuant to factoring arrangements, subject to certain limitations. We intend to factor our receivables when it is economically beneficial to do so. We have established a factoring relationship with one of our customers, which has resulted in the sales of approximately $5.1 million of receivables that would otherwise have been outstanding at March 31, 2005. As the opportunities arise, we will evaluate other factoring arrangements which, if implemented, would increase the amount of receivables sold in the future.

Because of voluntary prepayments, the Company does not have any required repayments of its senior credit facility term loans until December 2006. The $230 million senior subordinated notes are due in 2013. Our ability to make scheduled payments of principal or interest on, or to refinance, our indebtedness or to fund planned capital expenditures will depend on our ability to generate cash in the future. Such cash generation is subject to general economic, financial, competitive, legislative, regulatory and other factors that are beyond our control.

Based on the current level of operations, the Company believes that cash flow from operations and available cash, together with available borrowings under its revolving credit facility, will be adequate to service debt, meet liquidity needs and fund planned capital expenditures for the next two years. For later years, the Company can give no assurance that its business will generate sufficient cash flow from operations, or that future borrowings will be available under its revolving credit facility in an amount sufficient to enable it to service its indebtedness or to fund other liquidity needs. Also, in the future, we may need to refinance all or a portion of the principal amount of the senior subordinated notes and/or senior credit facility borrowings, on or prior to maturity. If refinancing is necessary, there can be no assurance that we will be able to secure such financing on acceptable terms, or at all.

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Net cash provided by operating activities

Net cash provided by operating activities for the quarter ended March 31, 2005 was $25.1 million. Profits, before deducting depreciation and amortization, generated $13.1 million of cash. Receivables increased due to higher sales in the 2005 quarter compared to the fourth quarter of 2004. This resulted in a $5.6 million net use of cash. Increases in inventory resulted in an additional $5.0 million use of cash. Inventory increased because sales were lower than expected. The receivable and inventory working capital changes were more than offset by the favorable effect of a $19.7 million increase in accounts payable. The increase in payables was due to extending payment timeframes with our suppliers and normal fluctuation in the timing of payments. Changes in all other assets and liabilities netted to a $1.3 million positive effect on cash. This $1.3 million included $5.4 million increase in accrued interest that will be paid in the second quarter of 2005, offset by pay-downs of tax and insurance liabilities.

Net cash used in investing activities

Historically, net cash used in investing activities has been for capital expenditures, offset by proceeds from the disposition of property, plant and equipment. Capital expenditures for the quarter ended March 31, 2005 and 2004 were $9.7 million and $8.9 million, respectively. Approximately $1.0 and $4.4 million, respectively, of the 2005 and 2004 capital expenditures were related to the long-term capital investment plan to increase capacity and reduce cost at our filtration facilities. The 2005 amount included $3.4 million for the implementation of a new, fully integrated information technology system. It will support financial reporting and operations.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

In May 2004, the FASB issued FASB Staff Position No. 106-2 (“FSP 106-2”), “Accounting and Disclosure Requirements Related to the Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement and Modernization Act of 2003”. FSP 106-2 provides guidance regarding accounting and disclosure related to the Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement and Modernization Act of 2003 (the “Act”) that was signed into law in December 2003. FSP 106-2 is effective for interim and annual periods beginning after June 15, 2004. The Act introduces a prescription drug benefit under Medicare (Medicare Part D) as well as a Federal subsidy to sponsors of retiree health care benefit plans that provide a benefit that is at least equivalent to Medicare Part D. Benefits from the Act generally cover individuals who are age 65 or greater. Since postretirement medical coverage under the Company’s plans ceases at age 65, the Act does not have an impact on the Company’s obligations.

In December 2004, SFAS No. 123R, “Share-Based Payment” was issued. SFAS No. 123R requires the measurement of share-based payments to employees using a fair-value-based method and the recording of such expense in the income statement. The accounting provisions of SFAS No. 123R are effective for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2005 and are to be applied prospectively. Also, in March 2005, the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) issued Staff Accounting Bulletin 107 (“SAB 107”). SAB 107 provides clarification on the implementation on SFAS No. 123R and the relationship of SFAS No. 123R to certain SEC rules and regulations. The pro forma disclosures previously permitted under SFAS No. 123 will no longer be an alternative to financial statement recognition. See Note I to the financial statements included elsewhere in this Form 10-Q for the pro forma net income as if the Company had used a fair-value-based method, similar to the methods required under SFAS No.123R, to measure compensation expense. Had SFAS No. 123R been applied in the periods disclosed, the impact would have been similar to those pro forma amounts. The future impact is dependent upon if and when additional options are granted or expire, as well as the vesting period of such options.

26


 

In December 2004, the FASB issued SFAS No. 151, “Inventory Costs”. SFAS No. 151 primarily clarifies the accounting for inventory when there are abnormal amounts of idle facility expense, freight, handling costs and wasted materials. Under existing guidelines, items such as idle facility expense, excessive spoilage and re-handling costs may be ‘so abnormal’ as to require treatment as current period charges rather than recorded adjustments to the value of inventory. SFAS No. 151 requires that such items be recognized as current period charges regardless of whether they meet the ‘so abnormal’ criteria. The accounting provisions of SFAS No. 151 are to be applied prospectively and are effective for inventory costs incurred during fiscal years beginning after June 15, 2005. The Company does not expect SFAS No. 151 to have a material effect on its financial statements.

In December 2004, the FASB issued FASB Staff Position No. 109-1 (“FSP 109-1”), “Application of SFAS No. 109, “Accounting for Income Taxes”, to the Tax Deduction on Qualified Production Activities Provided by the American Jobs Creation Act of 2004”. FSP 109-1 states that the tax deduction of qualified domestic production activities, which is provided by the American Jobs Creation Act of 2004 (the “Jobs Act”), will be treated as a special deduction as described in SFAS No. 109. Consequently, the impact of the deduction, which is effective January 1, 2005, will be reported in the period in which the deduction is claimed on the Company’s income tax returns. The effect of FSP 109-2 is expected to be less than $0.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2005.

In December 2004, the FASB issued FASB Staff Position No. 109-2 (“FSP 109-2”), “Accounting and Disclosure Guidance for the Foreign Earnings Repatriation Provision within the American Jobs Creation Act of 2004”. FSP 109-2 provides accounting and disclosure guidance related to the Jobs Act provision for the limited time 85% dividends received deduction on the repatriation of certain foreign earnings. Although adoption is effective immediately, FSP 109-2 states that a company is allowed time beyond the financial reporting period to evaluate the effect of the Jobs Act on its plan for reinvestment or repatriation of foreign earnings. The Company is evaluating the impact of the repatriation provisions of the Jobs Act and will complete its review by December 31, 2005. It is not expected that these provisions will have a material impact on the Company’s financial statements. Accordingly, as provided for in FSP 109-2, the Company has not adjusted its tax expense or net deferred tax assets to reflect the repatriation provisions of the Jobs Act.

In March 2005, the FASB issued FASB Interpretation No. 47 (“FIN 47”), “Accounting for Conditional Asset Retirement Obligations”. FIN 47 clarifies that a company must record a liability for a “conditional” asset retirement obligation if the fair value of the obligation can be reasonably estimated. FIN 47 is effective no later than the end of fiscal years ending after December 15, 2005. The Company does not expect FIN 47 to have a material effect on its financial statements.

27


 

Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk

Our exposure to market risk consists of foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations and changes in interest rates.

Foreign Currency Exposure

Currency translation. As a result of international operating activities, we are exposed to risks associated with changes in foreign exchange rates, principally exchange rates between the U.S. dollar and the Mexican peso, Euro, Canadian dollar and British pound. The results of operations of our foreign subsidiaries are translated into U.S. dollars at the average exchange rates for each relevant period. This translation has no impact on our cash flow. However, as foreign exchange rates change, there are changes to the U.S. dollar equivalent of sales and expenses denominated in foreign currencies. During 2004, approximately 12% of our business was transacted in local currencies of foreign countries. While our international results of operations as measured in U.S. dollars, are subject to foreign exchange fluctuations, we do not consider the related risk to be material to our financial condition or results of operations. If the exchange rate between the foreign currencies and the U.S. dollar were to decrease by 10%, our annual net income would have been lower by $0.3 million in 2004 due to the reduction in reported results from our foreign operations.

The balance sheets of foreign subsidiaries are translated into U.S. dollars at the closing exchange rates as of the relevant balance sheet date. Any adjustments resulting from the translation are recorded as other comprehensive income on our statement of shareholder’s equity. We manage this exposure primarily by balancing monetary assets and liabilities and maintaining cash positions only at levels necessary for operating purposes in those countries.

Currency transactions. Currency transaction exposure arises where actual sales and purchases are made by a business or company in a currency other than its own functional currency. The majority of our businesses source raw materials and sell their products within their local markets’ currencies and, therefore, have limited transaction exposure.

In the future, we expect to continue to monitor our transaction exposure to currency rate changes and enter into currency forward and option contracts to limit the exposure, as appropriate. Gains and losses on contracts are deferred until the transaction being hedged is finalized. As of March 31, 2005, we had one immaterial foreign currency contract outstanding. We do not engage in any speculative activities.

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Interest Rate Risk

Borrowings under our senior credit facilities bear variable rates of interest. Pursuant to our senior credit facilities, we are required to provide interest rate protection through August 2005, so that at least 60% of the senior credit loans and senior subordinated notes is subject to either a fixed interest rate or interest rate protection. To comply with this requirement, the Company entered into interest rate swap agreements for $118 million in August 2003. These agreements effectively convert $118 million of variable rate debt to fixed rate debt for the two years ending August 2005. The variable component of the interest rate on borrowings under the senior credit facilities is based on LIBOR. Under the swap agreements, we will pay 1.94%, and will receive the then current LIBOR, on $118 million.

Although not required to do so, the Company will evaluate the desirability of entering into new interest rate protection contracts when the current swap agreements expire in August 2005.

We utilize, and we will continue to utilize, sensitivity analyses to assess the potential effect of our variable rate debt. If the variable interest rates were to increase by 0.25% per annum, the net impact would be a decrease of approximately $0.2 million on our annual net income and cash flow.

Treasury Policy

Our treasury policy seeks to ensure that adequate financial resources are available for the development of our businesses while managing our currency and interest rate risks. Our policy is to not engage in speculative transactions. Our policies with respect to the major areas of our treasury activity are set forth above.

Item 4. Controls and Procedures

The Company maintains disclosure controls and procedures that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in the Company’s Exchange Act reports is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the Securities and Exchange Commission’s rules and forms and that such information is accumulated and communicated to the Company’s management, including its Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate, to allow for timely decisions regarding required disclosure. In designing and evaluating the disclosure controls and procedures, management recognizes that any controls and procedures, no matter how well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable assurance of achieving the desired control objectives, and management is required to apply its judgment in evaluating the cost-benefit relationship of possible controls and procedures.

As required by SEC Rule 13a-15(b), the Company carried out an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of the Company’s management, including the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and the Company’s Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures as of the end of the quarter covered by this report. Based on the foregoing, the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that, as of the end of the quarter covered by this report, the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures were effective at the reasonable assurance level.

There has been no change in the Company’s internal controls over financial reporting during the Company’s most recent fiscal quarter that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal controls over financial reporting.

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PART II
OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1. Legal Proceedings

          Not Applicable

Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

          Not Applicable

Item 3. Default Upon Senior Securities

          Not Applicable

Item 4. Submission of Matters to Vote of Security Holders

          Not Applicable

Item 5. Other Information

          Not Applicable

Item 6. Exhibits

         
  Exhibit 31.1   Certification of Periodic Report by the Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.
 
       
  Exhibit 31.2   Certification of Periodic Report by the Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.
 
       
  Exhibit 32   Certification of Periodic Report by the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. 1350, as created by Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.*


*   This certificate is being furnished solely to accompany the report pursuant to 18 U.S.C. 1350 and is not being filed for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and is not to be incorporated by reference into any filing of the Company, whether made before or after the date hereof, regardless of any general incorporation language in such filing.

30


 

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) 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.

         
    UNITED COMPONENTS, INC.
 
       
Date: May 11, 2005
  By:   /s/ Charles T. Dickson
       
  Name:   Charles T. Dickson
  Title:   Chief Financial Officer

31

EX-31.1 2 w08995exv31w1.htm EXHIBIT 31.1 exv31w1
 

Exhibit 31.1

CERTIFICATION OF CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

I, Bruce M. Zorich, Chief Executive Officer of United Components, Inc. certify that:

1.   I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q of United Components, Inc.;
 
2.   Based on my knowledge, this quarterly report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this quarterly report;
 
3.   Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this quarterly report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this quarterly report;
 
4.   The registrant’s other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) for the registrant and have:

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

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

c) Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal controls over financial reporting; and

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

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

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

Date: May 11, 2005

         
  By:   /s/ Bruce M. Zorich
       
  Name:   Bruce M. Zorich
  Title:   Chief Executive Officer

 

EX-31.2 3 w08995exv31w2.htm EXHIBIT 31.2 exv31w2
 

Exhibit 31.2

CERTIFICATION OF CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER

I, Charles T. Dickson, Chief Financial Officer of United Components, Inc. certify that:

1.   I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q of United Components, Inc.;
 
2.   Based on my knowledge, this quarterly report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this quarterly report;
 
3.   Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this quarterly report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this quarterly report;
 
4.   The registrant’s other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:

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

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

c) Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal controls over financial reporting; and

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

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

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

Date: May 11, 2005

         
  By:   /s/ Charles T. Dickson
       
  Name:   Charles T. Dickson
  Title:   Chief Financial Officer

 

EX-32 4 w08995exv32.htm EXHIBIT 32 exv32
 

Exhibit 32

CERTIFICATION OF PERIODIC REPORT

The undersigned officers of United Components, Inc. hereby certify pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, that:

  1.   the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of United Components, Inc. for the quarter ended March 31, 2005 (the “Report”) fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and
 
  2.   the information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of United Components, Inc.

         
Date: May 11, 2005
       
 
       
  By:   /s/ Bruce M. Zorich
       
  Name:   Bruce M. Zorich
  Title:   Chief Executive Officer
 
       
Date: May 11, 2005
       
 
       
  By:   /s/ Charles T. Dickson
       
  Name:   Charles T. Dickson
  Title:   Chief Financial Officer

The foregoing certification is being furnished solely to accompany the Report pursuant to 18 U.S.C. §. 1350, and is not being filed for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and is not to be incorporated by reference into any filing of the Company, whether made before or after the date hereof, regardless of any general incorporation language in such filing.

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

 

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