10-Q 1 d10q.htm FORM 10-Q Form 10-Q
Table of Contents

 

 

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-Q

QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES

EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the quarterly period ended September 30, 2008

 

  COMMISSION FILE NUMBER   

333-56857-02

333-56857-01

333-56857

ALLIANCE LAUNDRY HOLDINGS LLC

ALLIANCE LAUNDRY CORPORATION

ALLIANCE LAUNDRY SYSTEMS LLC

(EXACT NAME OF REGISTRANT AS SPECIFIED IN ITS CHARTER)

 

DELAWARE   52-2055893
DELAWARE   39-1928505
DELAWARE   39-1927923

(STATE OR OTHER JURISDICTION OF

INCORPORATION OR ORGANIZATION)

  (I.R.S. EMPLOYER IDENTIFICATION NO.)

P.O. BOX 990

RIPON, WISCONSIN 54971-0990

(ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL EXECUTIVE OFFICES)

(920) 748-3121

(REGISTRANT’S TELEPHONE NUMBER, INCLUDING AREA CODE)

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant: (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days:    Yes  x    No  ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

 

Large accelerated filer   ¨    Accelerated filer   ¨    Non-accelerated filer   x    Smaller reporting company   ¨
      (Do not check if a smaller reporting company)   

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act):    Yes  ¨    No  x

The number of shares of Alliance Laundry Corporation’s common stock outstanding as of November 6, 2008: 1,000 shares

 

 

 


Table of Contents

Alliance Laundry Systems LLC

Alliance Laundry Corporation

Alliance Laundry Holdings LLC

Form 10-Q

For The Quarterly Period Ended September 30, 2008

Table of Contents

 

          Page No.

PART I

   Financial Information   

Item 1.

   Financial Statements, Unaudited   
   Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as of September 30, 2008 and December 31, 2007    3
   Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2008 and September 30, 2007    4
   Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for nine months ended September 30, 2008 and September 30, 2007    5
   Condensed Consolidated Statements of Member(s)’ Equity and Comprehensive Income for the nine months ended September 30, 2008 and September 30, 2007    6
   Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements    7

Item 2.

   Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations    23

Item 3.

   Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk    33

Item 4.

   Controls and Procedures    34

PART II

   Other Information   

Item 1.

   Legal Proceedings    35

Item 1A.

   Risk Factors    35

Item 2.

   Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds    35

Item 3.

   Defaults Upon Senior Securities    35

Item 4.

   Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders    35

Item 5.

   Other Information    35

Item 6.

   Exhibits    35

Signatures

   36

 

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PART I FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

ALLIANCE LAUNDRY HOLDINGS LLC

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(unaudited)

(in thousands)

 

     September 30,
2008
   December 31,
2007
Assets      

Current assets:

     

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 11,389    $ 10,594

Accounts receivable, net

     17,558      13,406

Inventories, net

     68,525      57,609

Beneficial interests in securitized accounts receivable

     27,749      29,046

Deferred income tax asset, net

     —        2,481

Other current assets and restricted cash

     3,377      2,634
             

Total current assets

     128,598      115,770

Notes receivable, net

     3,577      3,601

Property, plant and equipment, net

     70,361      71,925

Goodwill

     182,792      183,865

Beneficial interests in securitized financial assets

     24,637      21,895

Deferred income tax asset, net

     7,068      7,068

Debt issuance costs, net

     6,662      8,146

Intangible assets, net

     143,178      148,017
             

Total assets

   $ 566,873    $ 560,287
             
Liabilities and Member(s)’ Equity      

Current liabilities:

     

Current portion of long-term debt and capital lease obligations

   $ 239    $ 601

Revolving credit facility

     9,000      —  

Accounts payable

     22,292      26,111

Deferred income tax liability, net

     2,561      —  

Other current liabilities

     43,381      38,763
             

Total current liabilities

     77,473      65,475

Long-term debt and capital lease obligations

     325,629      341,187

Deferred income tax liability, net

     5,619      6,044

Other long-term liabilities

     5,606      6,343
             

Total liabilities

     414,327      419,049

Commitments and contingencies (see Note 15)

     

Member(s)’ equity

     152,546      141,238
             

Total liabilities and member(s)’ equity

   $ 566,873    $ 560,287
             

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.

 

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ALLIANCE LAUNDRY HOLDINGS LLC

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

(unaudited)

(in thousands)

 

     Three Months Ended    Nine Months Ended
     September 30,
2008
   September 30,
2007
   September 30,
2008
   September 30,
2007

Net revenues:

           

Equipment and service parts

   $ 116,430    $ 111,396    $ 345,833    $ 320,856

Equipment financing, net

     1,194      1,981      4,149      6,013
                           

Net revenues

     117,624      113,377      349,982      326,869

Cost of sales

     89,549      86,479      259,105      244,380
                           

Gross profit

     28,075      26,898      90,877      82,489
                           

Selling, general and administrative expense

     13,602      15,728      50,779      47,761

Securitization, impairment and other costs

     3      32      556      782
                           

Total operating expenses

     13,605      15,760      51,335      48,543
                           

Operating income

     14,470      11,138      39,542      33,946

Interest expense

     6,962      9,410      22,179      25,871
                           

Income before taxes

     7,508      1,728      17,363      8,075

Provision for income taxes

     3,303      523      6,886      2,631
                           

Net income

   $ 4,205    $ 1,205    $ 10,477    $ 5,444
                           

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.

 

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ALLIANCE LAUNDRY HOLDINGS LLC

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(unaudited)

(in thousands)

 

     Nine Months Ended  
     September 30,
2008
    September 30,
2007
 

Cash flows from operating activities:

    

Net income

   $ 10,477     $ 5,444  

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:

    

Depreciation and amortization

     14,135       14,222  

Non-cash interest expense from interest rate swaps

     797       719  

Non-cash loss on commodity & foreign exchange contracts, net

     1,554       —    

Non-cash executive unit compensation

     2,052       2,706  

Non-cash income from loan forgiveness

     (262 )     —    

Non-cash charge for pension plan accrual

     479       —    

Deferred income taxes

     4,760       160  

Loss on sale of property, plant and equipment

     222       70  

Changes in assets and liabilities:

    

Accounts receivable

     (4,418 )     (1,912 )

Inventories

     (11,433 )     (8,875 )

Other assets

     (2,026 )     (228 )

Accounts payable

     (3,504 )     6,561  

Other liabilities

     (532 )     (5,657 )
                

Net cash provided by operating activities

     12,301       13,210  
                

Cash flows from/(used in) investing activities:

    

Capital expenditures

     (7,153 )     (5,931 )

Transfer to restricted cash

     (500 )     —    

Proceeds on disposition of assets

     252       1,178  
                

Net cash used in investing activities

     (7,401 )     (4,753 )
                

Cash flows from/(used in) financing activities:

    

Principal payments on long-term debt

     (15,457 )     (9,428 )

Net increase in revolving line of credit borrowings

     9,000       —    

Member contributions

     2,806       —    
                

Net cash used in financing activities

     (3,651 )     (9,428 )
                

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents

     (454 )     363  
                

Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

     795       (608 )

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period

     10,594       11,221  
                

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period

   $ 11,389     $ 10,613  
                

Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:

    

Cash paid for interest

   $ 23,630     $ 25,488  

Cash paid for income taxes

   $ 1,395     $ 1,442  

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.

 

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ALLIANCE LAUNDRY HOLDINGS LLC

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF MEMBER(S)’ EQUITY

AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

(unaudited)

(in thousands)

 

          Accumulated other
comprehensive income (loss)
       
     Member(s)’
Equity
   Pension
Liability and
Other Benefits
    Currency
Translation
    Total
Member(s)’

Equity
 

Balances at December 31, 2006

   $ 114,616    $ (25 )   $ 1,800     $ 116,391  

Net income

     5,444      —         —         5,444  

Change in minimum pension liability, net

     —        25       —         25  

Foreign currency translation adjustment

     —        —         4,713       4,713  
               

Total comprehensive income

            10,182  
                               

Balances at September 30, 2007

   $ 120,060    $ —       $ 6,513     $ 126,573  
                               

Balances at December 31, 2007

   $ 133,870    $ (138 )   $ 7,506     $ 141,238  

Net income

     10,477      —         —         10,477  

Foreign currency translation adjustment

     —        —         (2,475 )     (2,475 )
               

Total comprehensive income

            8,002  
               

Member contributions

     3,306      —         —         3,306  
                               

Balances at September 30, 2008

   $ 147,653    $ (138 )   $ 5,031     $ 152,546  
                               

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.

 

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Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

(Dollar amounts in thousands unless otherwise indicated)

NOTE 1. BASIS OF PRESENTATION

On January 27, 2005 ALH Holding Inc. (“ALH”), an entity formed by Teachers’ Private Capital, the private equity arm of Ontario Teachers’ Pension Plan Board (“OTPP”), acquired 100% of the outstanding equity interests in Alliance Laundry Holdings LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (“Alliance Holdings”). We refer to the acquisition of Alliance Holdings and the related management investments in ALH as the “Alliance Acquisition.”

In connection with the closing of the Alliance Acquisition, we issued $150.0 million of 8 1/2% senior subordinated notes due January 15, 2013 (the “Senior Subordinated Notes”), established a $250.0 million senior secured credit facility (the “Senior Credit Facility”) and repaid the $110.0 million aggregate principal amount of our then outstanding 9 5/8% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2008.

On July 14, 2006 we completed the acquisition of Laundry System Group NV’s commercial laundry division (“CLD Acquisition”). CLD’s European headquarters are in Wevelgem, Belgium, and it has manufacturing facilities in Belgium and sales offices in Belgium, Norway and Spain (the “European Operations”).

Throughout this quarterly report, we refer to Alliance Holdings, together with its consolidated operations, as “Company,” “Alliance,” “we,” “our,” and “us,” unless otherwise indicated. The reference to “Alliance Laundry” refers to our wholly-owned subsidiary, Alliance Laundry Systems LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, and its consolidated operations, unless otherwise indicated.

The unaudited financial statements as of and for the quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2008 present the consolidated financial position and results of operations of Alliance Laundry Holdings LLC, including our wholly-owned subsidiary, Alliance Laundry Systems LLC and its consolidated subsidiaries.

These interim financial statements have been prepared by us pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission. Certain information and disclosures normally included in Alliance Holdings’ annual financial statements prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles have been condensed or omitted pursuant to such regulations; although, the Company believes the disclosures provided are adequate to prevent the information presented from being misleading.

In the opinion of management, the accompanying unaudited interim financial statements contain all adjustments necessary (consisting only of normal recurring adjustments) for a fair statement of our financial position and operating results for the periods presented. The results of operations for such interim periods are not necessarily indicative of results of operations to be expected for the full year. Certain amounts in the prior year financial statements have been reclassified to conform to the current year presentation. This report on Form 10-Q for the quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2008 should be read in conjunction with the audited financial statements presented in the Company’s December 31, 2007 Annual Report on Form 10-K (file no. 333-56857) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) on March 11, 2008.

 

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NOTE 2. INVENTORIES

Inventories are stated at cost using the first-in, first-out method, but not in excess of net realizable value, and consist of the following as of September 30, 2008 and December 31, 2007:

 

     September 30, 2008     December 31, 2007  

Materials and purchased parts

   $ 32,935     $ 27,800  

Work in process

     4,623       4,674  

Finished goods

     34,590       27,370  

Inventory reserves

     (3,623 )     (2,235 )
                
   $ 68,525     $ 57,609  
                

NOTE 3. GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLES

The changes in the carrying value of goodwill for the nine months ended September 30, 2008 is summarized below:

 

     Goodwill  

Balance at December 31, 2007

   $ 183,865  

Currency translation

     (1,073 )
        

Balance at September 30, 2008

   $ 182,792  
        

Identifiable intangible assets, which are subject to amortization, consist primarily of customer agreements and distributor networks which are amortized over the assets’ estimated useful lives ranging from three to twenty years; engineering drawings, product designs and manufacturing processes, which are amortized over their estimated useful lives ranging from four to fifteen years; noncompete agreements which are amortized over their estimated useful lives of two years and computer software and patents which are amortized over their estimated useful lives ranging from three to twenty years. Intangible assets also include certain trademarks and trade names, which have an indefinite life. Such assets are not amortized, but are subject to an annual impairment test pursuant to SFAS No. 142, “Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets.”

Amortization expense associated with identifiable intangible assets was as follows:

 

     Three Months Ended    Nine Months Ended
     September 30,
2008
   September 30,
2007
   September 30,
2008
   September 30,
2007

Amortization expense

   $ 1,444    $ 1,713    $ 4,920    $ 5,101
                           

 

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The following is a summary of identifiable intangible assets as of September 30, 2008 and December 31, 2007:

 

     September 30, 2008    December 31, 2007
     Gross
Amount
   Accumulated
Amortization
   Net
Amount
   Gross
Amount
   Accumulated
Amortization
   Net
Amount

Identifiable intangible assets:

                 

Trademarks and tradenames

   $ 112,936    $ —      $ 112,936    $ 113,029    $ —      $ 113,029

Customer agreements and distributor network

     31,114      12,933      18,181      31,245      10,184      21,061

Engineering and manufacturing designs and processes

     15,712      5,149      10,563      16,003      3,872      12,131

Noncompete agreements

     1,891      1,891      —        1,961      1,430      531

Patents

     346      33      313      324      25      299

Computer software and other

     2,046      861      1,185      1,683      717      966
                                         
   $ 164,045    $ 20,867    $ 143,178    $ 164,245    $ 16,228    $ 148,017
                                         

NOTE 4. ASSET BACKED FACILITY

According to SFAS No. 125 and 140, a transfer of financial assets in which the transferor surrenders control over those assets is accounted for as a sale to the extent that consideration other than beneficial interests in the transferred assets is received in exchange. The Company sells all of its trade receivables and eligible note receivables to third parties through a special-purpose bankruptcy remote entity designed to meet the SFAS No. 125 and 140 requirements for sale treatment. Accordingly, the Company removes these receivables from its balance sheet at the time of transfer.

In a subordinated capacity, we retain rights to the residual portion of cash flows, including interest earned, from the note receivables sold. This retained beneficial interest is recorded at its estimated fair value at the balance sheet date. In determining the gain on sales of note receivables, the investment in the sold receivable pool is allocated between the portion sold and the portion retained, based on their relative fair values. The Company generally estimates the fair values of its retained interests based on the present value of expected future cash flows to be received, using its best estimate of key assumptions, including credit losses, prepayment rates, interest rates and discount rates commensurate with the risks involved. Changes in the cumulative unrealized net gains resulting from changes in the estimated fair value of the Company’s retained interests are recorded as other comprehensive income (loss). Impairment losses are recognized when the estimated fair value is less than the carrying amount of the retained interest in accordance with EITF 99-20.

On June 28, 2005 (the “Closing Date”), Alliance Laundry, through a special-purpose bankruptcy remote subsidiary, Alliance Laundry Equipment Receivables 2005 LLC (“ALER 2005”), and a trust, Alliance Laundry Equipment Receivables Trust 2005-A (“ALERT 2005A”), entered into a four year $330.0 million revolving credit facility (the “Asset Backed Facility”), backed by equipment loans and trade receivables originated by us. During the first four years of the Asset Backed Facility, Alliance Laundry is permitted, from time to time, to sell its trade receivables and certain equipment loans to the special-purpose subsidiary, which in turn will transfer them to the trust. The trust finances the acquisition of the trade receivables and equipment loans through borrowings under the Asset Backed Facility in the form of funding notes, which are limited to an advance rate of approximately 95% for equipment loans and 60-70% for trade receivables. Funding availability for trade receivables is limited to a maximum of $60.0 million, while funding for equipment loans is limited to $330.0 million, less the amount of funding outstanding for trade receivables. Funding for the trade receivables and equipment loans is subject to certain eligibility criteria, including concentration and other limits, which are standard for transactions of this type. After four years from the Closing Date, which is June 27, 2009, (or earlier in the event of a rapid amortization event or an event of default), the trust will not be permitted to request new borrowings under the facility and the outstanding borrowings will amortize over a period of up to nine years. As

 

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of September 30, 2008, the balance of variable funding notes due to lenders under the Asset Backed Facility for equipment loans and trade receivables was $248.1 million and $52.2 million, respectively. The Company is working to secure a new Asset Backed Facility.

Additional advances under the Asset Backed Facility are subject to certain continuing conditions, including but not limited to (i) covenant restrictions relating to the weighted average life, weighted average interest rate and the amount of fixed rate equipment loans held by the trust; (ii) the absence of a rapid amortization event or event of default, as defined; (iii) our compliance, as servicer, with certain financial covenants; and (iv) no event having occurred which materially and adversely affects our operations.

The variable funding notes issued under the Asset Backed Facility will commence amortization, and borrowings under the Asset Backed Facility will cease prior to June 27, 2009 upon the occurrence of certain “rapid amortization events” which include: (i) a borrowing base shortfall exists and remains uncured; (ii) delinquency, dilution or default ratios on pledged receivables and equipment loans exceeding certain specified ratios in any given month; (iii) the days sales outstanding on receivables exceed a specified number of days; (iv) the occurrence and continuance of an event of default or servicer default under the Asset Backed Facility, including but not limited to, as servicer, a material adverse change in our business or financial condition and our compliance with certain required financial covenants; and (v) a number of other specified events.

The risk of loss to the note purchasers under the Asset Backed Facility resulting from default or dilution on the trade receivables and equipment loans is protected by credit enhancement, provided by us in the form of cash reserves, letters of credit and over collateralization. Further, the timely payment of interest and the ultimate payment of principal on the facility are guaranteed by Ambac Assurance Corporation. All of the residual beneficial interests in the trust and cash flows remaining from the pool of receivables and loans after payment of all obligations under the Asset Backed Facility would accrue to the benefit of Alliance Laundry. Except for the retained interests and amounts of the letters of credit outstanding from time to time as credit enhancement, the Company provides no support or recourse for the risk of loss relating to default on the assets transferred to the trust. The Company also retains the servicing rights and receives a servicing fee for the trade receivables and equipment loans sold, and we are paid an annual servicing fee equal to 1.0% of the aggregate balance of such trade receivables and equipment loans. Since the servicing fee adequately compensates the Company for the retained servicing rights, the Company does not record a servicing asset or liability. The servicing fee is recognized as collected over the remaining terms of the trade receivables and equipment loans sold.

The estimated fair value of Alliance Laundry’s beneficial interests in the accounts receivable and notes sold to ALERT 2005A are based on the amount and timing of expected distributions to Alliance Laundry as the holder of the trust’s residual equity interests. Such distributions may be substantially deferred or eliminated, and result in an impairment of our residual interests, if repayment of the variable funding notes issued by ALERT 2005A are accelerated upon an event of default or rapid amortization event described above.

At September 30, 2008 our retained interest in trade accounts receivable sold to ALER 2005 was $27.7 million and our estimated fair value of beneficial interests in notes sold was $24.6 million.

On September 15, 2008, Lehman Brothers Holding Inc. (“Lehman”) filed for protection under Chapter 11 of the federal Bankruptcy Code. Lehman Brothers Special Financing Inc., a subsidiary of Lehman, is the counterparty to in interest rate cap agreement with ALERT 2005A. It is anticipated that this interest rate cap agreement will be replaced during the fourth quarter of 2008 with a substantially identical arrangement with another financial institution.

 

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NOTE 5. DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

The Company follows the guidance of SFAS No. 133, “Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities,” as amended by SFAS No. 137, No. 138 and No. 149. SFAS No. 133, as amended, requires the Company to recognize all derivatives as either assets or liabilities and measure those instruments at fair value, and recognize changes in the fair value of derivatives in net income or other comprehensive income, as appropriate.

Effective January 4, 2008, the Company entered into a $110.0 million interest rate swap agreement with The Bank of Nova Scotia to hedge a portion of our interest rate risk related to our term loan borrowings under the Senior Credit Facility. Under the swap, which matures on December 31, 2009, we pay a fixed rate of 3.96%, and receive or pay quarterly interest payments based upon three month LIBOR. The fair value of this interest rate swap agreement, which represents the amount that the Company would pay upon a settlement of this instrument, was $1.1 million at September 30, 2008.

Effective July 21, 2006, the Company entered into a $13.0 million interest rate swap agreement with The Bank of Nova Scotia to hedge a portion of its interest rate risk related to its term loan borrowings under the Senior Credit Facility. Under the swap, which matures on March 4, 2009, the Company pays a fixed rate of 5.65%, and receives or pays quarterly interest payments based upon the three month LIBOR rate. The fair value of this interest rate swap agreement, which represents the amount that the Company would pay upon a settlement of this instrument, was $0.1 million at September 30, 2008.

The Company recognized a gain reflecting changes in the fair value of interest rate swaps of $0.1 million for the three months ended September 30, 2008 and a loss of $0.4 million for the three months ended September 30, 2007. The Company recognized a loss reflecting changes in the fair value of interest rate swaps of $0.7 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2008 and a loss of $0.7 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2007. The fair value of the interest rate swap agreements, which represents the amount that we would pay if we were to settle the instruments, was $1.2 million at September 30, 2008.

The Company recognized a loss reflecting changes in the fair value of commodity hedges of $0.7 million for the three months ended September 30, 2008 as compared to a gain of $0.1 million for the three months ended September 30, 2007. The Company recognized a loss reflecting changes in the fair value of commodity hedges of $1.3 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2008 as compared to a gain of $0.1 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2007. The fair value of these commodity hedge contracts, which represents the amount that we would pay upon a settlement of these instruments, was $2.5 million at September 30, 2008.

The Company recognized a loss reflecting changes in the fair value of foreign currency hedges of $0.7 million for the three months ended September 30, 2008 as compared to a loss of less than $0.1 million for the three months ended September 30, 2007. The Company recognized a loss reflecting changes in the fair value of foreign currency hedges of $0.3 million for nine months ended September 30, 2008 as compared to a loss of less than $0.1 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2007. The fair value of these foreign currency hedge contracts, which represents the amount that we would pay upon a settlement of these instruments, was $0.1 million at September 30, 2008.

NOTE 6. FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS

The Company adopted SFAS No. 157, “Fair Value Measurements,” as of January 1, 2008. SFAS 157 defines fair value as the exchange price that would be received for an asset or paid to transfer a liability (an exit price) in the principal or most advantageous market for the asset or liability in an orderly

 

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transaction between market participants. SFAS No. 157 also specifies a fair value hierarchy based upon the observability of inputs used in valuation techniques. Observable inputs (highest level) reflect market data obtained from independent sources, while unobservable inputs (lowest level) reflect internally developed market assumptions. In accordance with SFAS 157, fair value measurements are classified under the following hierarchy:

 

   

Level 1 – Quoted prices for identical instruments in active markets.

 

   

Level 2 – Quoted prices for similar instruments in active markets; quoted prices for identical or similar instruments in markets that are not active; and model-derived valuations in which all significant inputs or significant value-drivers are observable in active markets.

 

   

Level 3 – Model-derived valuations in which one or more significant inputs or significant value-drivers are unobservable.

When available, we use quoted market prices to determine fair value and we classify such measurements within Level 1. In some cases where market prices are not available, we make use of observable market based inputs to calculate fair value, in which case the measurements are classified within Level 2. If quoted or observable market prices are not available, fair value is based upon internally developed models that use, where possible, current market-based parameters such as interest rates, yield curves and currency rates. These measurements are classified within Level 3.

Fair value measurements are classified according to the lowest level input or value-driver that is significant to the valuation. A measurement may therefore be classified within Level 3 even though there may be significant inputs that are readily observable.

Derivative Financial Instruments

The fair value of interest rate swap derivatives is primarily based on models using discounted cash flows that utilize the appropriate market-based forward swap curves and interest rates.

The fair value of foreign currency forward contracts is based on a valuation model that discounts cash flows resulting from the differential between the contract price and the market-based forward rate.

The fair value of commodity forward contracts is based on a valuation model that discounts cash flows resulting from the differential between the contract price and the market-based forward rate.

Securitized Retained Interests

The fair value of securitized retained interests is based upon a valuation model that calculates the present value of future expected cash flows using key assumptions for credit losses, prepayment speeds and discount rates. These assumptions are based on our historical experience, market trends and anticipated performance relative to the particular securitized assets.

 

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Assets and liabilities measured at fair value, primarily related to financial products, included in our Consolidated Balance Sheets as of September 30, 2008 are summarized below:

 

     September 30, 2008
     Level 1    Level 2    Level 3    Total
Assets /
Liabilities at
Fair Value

Assets

           

Derivative financial instruments

   $ —      $ —      $ —      $ —  

Securitized retained interests

     —        —        52,386      52,386
                           

Total assets

   $ —      $ —      $ 52,386    $ 52,386
                           

Liabilities

           

Derivative financial instruments

   $ —      $ 3,915    $ —      $ 3,915
                           

Total liabilities

   $ —      $ 3,915    $ —      $ 3,915
                           

Below is a roll-forward of assets measured at fair value using Level 3 inputs for the nine months ended September 30, 2008. These instruments, primarily related to securitized retained interests in equipment notes and trade receivables, were valued using pricing models that, in management’s judgment, reflect the assumptions a marketplace participant would use.

 

     Securitized
Retained
Interests
 

Balance at December 31, 2007

   $ 50,941  

Total gains or losses realized/unrealized

  

Included in earnings

     1,753  

Included in other comprehensive income (loss)

     573  

Purchases, issuances, and settlements

     (1,992 )
        

Balance at March 31, 2008

     51,275  

Total gains or losses realized/unrealized

  

Included in earnings

     (50 )

Included in other comprehensive income (loss)

     (573 )

Purchases, issuances, and settlements

     2,010  
        

Balance at June 30, 2008

   $ 52,662  

Total gains or losses realized/unrealized

  

Included in earnings

     485  

Included in other comprehensive income (loss)

     —    

Purchases, issuances, and settlements

     (761 )
        

Balance at September 30, 2008

   $ 52,386  
        

Gains and losses on equipment note sales that are included in earnings are reported in net revenues as equipment financing, net. Gains and losses on trade receivable sales are reported in selling, general and administrative expense.

NOTE 7. INCOME TAXES

The income tax provision for the nine months ended September 30, 2008 was determined by applying an estimated annual effective income tax rate of 40.9% to income before taxes, plus a $0.3 million charge for an increase of a state valuation allowance for tax credits not expected to be utilized, less a $0.5 million credit for a reduction in prior year foreign earnings. The estimated effective income tax rate was determined by applying statutory income tax rates to our annualized forecast of pretax income adjusted for certain permanent book to tax differences and tax credits. The effective income tax rate for the nine months ended September 30, 2007 was 32.6%.

 

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There are various factors that may cause our tax assumptions to change in the near term and, as a result, the Company may have to increase or decrease its valuation allowance against deferred income tax assets. The Company cannot predict whether future U.S. federal, foreign and state income tax laws and regulations might be passed that could have a material effect on its results of operations. The Company will assess the impact of significant changes to the U.S. federal, foreign and state income tax laws and regulations on a regular basis and update the assumptions and estimates used to prepare its consolidated financial statements when new regulations and legislation are enacted.

The Company has approximately $0.2 million of unrecognized tax benefits as of September 30, 2008 which, if recognized, would impact the effective tax rate. The Company does not anticipate that the net amount of unrecognized tax benefits will change significantly during the next twelve months. The Company’s policy is to accrue interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits in income tax expense. Prior to January 27, 2005, the Company did not provide for U.S. federal income taxes or tax benefits as the Company was a partnership for tax reporting purposes and the payment of federal and most state taxes was the responsibility of the partners. Tax years which remain subject to examination by tax authorities for the Company include years subsequent to January 27, 2005 in the United States and subsequent to 2006 in Belgium.

On October 3, 2008, The Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008 (the “Act”) was signed into law. The Act includes a wide-range of energy efficient provisions that will ensure that conservation and efficiency are a central component to the United States energy strategy. Among the many provisions of this legislation are manufacturers’ tax credits for the accelerated U.S. production of super-efficient clothes washers that meet or exceed Energy Star thresholds for energy and water conservation levels as set by the U.S. Department of Energy (“Energy Credit”). The tax credits apply to eligible production during the 2008 to 2010 calendar years provided the production of qualifying product in any individual year exceeds a rolling two year baseline of production. During the fourth quarter of 2008, and in future periods through 2010, we expect to record a tax credit benefit under the provisions of the Act related to the production of qualifying clothes washers. Including the Energy Credit, we anticipate total general business tax credits recorded during 2008 will reduce our effective tax rate by approximately 12%.

NOTE 8. GUARANTEES

The Company, through its special-purpose bankruptcy remote subsidiary, entered into the $330.0 million Asset Backed Facility as described in Note 4 above. Pursuant to the terms of the Asset Backed Facility, we provide credit enhancement to the note purchasers including an irrevocable letter of credit, which is an unconditional lending commitment of the lenders under the Senior Credit Facility, subject to certain limits. We are obligated under the reimbursement provisions of the Senior Credit Facility to reimburse the lenders for any drawings on the credit enhancement by the facility indenture trustee. If the credit enhancement is not replenished by us after a drawing, the trust will not be permitted to request new borrowings under the Asset Backed Facility and the Asset Backed Facility will begin to amortize. The amount of the irrevocable letter of credit related to the Asset Backed Facility at September 30, 2008 was $33.8 million.

We offer warranties to our customers depending upon the specific product and the product use. Standard product warranties vary from one to three years for most parts with certain components extending to five years. Certain customers have elected to buy without warranty coverage. The standard warranty program requires that we replace defective components within a specified time period from the date of installation. We also sell separately priced extended warranties associated with our products. We recognize extended warranty revenues over the period covered by the warranty in accordance with FTB 90-1, “Accounting for Separately Priced Extended Warranty and Product Maintenance Contracts.”

 

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We record an estimate for future warranty related costs based on actual historical incident rates and cost per incident trends. Based on an analysis of these and other factors, the carrying amount of our warranty liability is adjusted as necessary. While our warranty costs have historically been within our calculated estimates, it is possible that future warranty costs could exceed those estimates.

The changes in the carrying amount of our total product warranty liability were as follows:

 

     Three Months Ended     Nine Months Ended  
     September 30,
2008
    September 30,
2007
    September 30,
2008
    September 30,
2007
 

Balance at beginning of period

   $ 8,471     $ 7,353     $ 7,748     $ 7,194  

Currency translation adjustment

     (185 )     74       (58 )     108  

Accruals for current and pre-existing warranties issued during the period

     1,503       1,563       4,866       4,090  

Settlements made during the period

     (1,344 )     (1,204 )     (4,111 )     (3,606 )
                                

Balance at end of period

   $ 8,445     $ 7,786     $ 8,445     $ 7,786  
                                

NOTE 9. RESTRUCTURING AND OTHER ITEMS

Costs Associated With Exit or Disposal Activities

On October 12, 2005 the Company committed to a plan to close its Marianna, Florida facility (the “Facility”) and consolidate the manufacture and design of the Facility’s product lines into its existing Ripon, Wisconsin operations. The Company substantially completed the facility closure and consolidation as of July 30, 2006.

The cash costs and expenses associated with the Facility closure and transition of the product lines to Wisconsin totalled $10.3 million, comprised of (1) approximately $3.2 million of one-time termination benefits and relocation costs; (2) approximately $2.7 million of other labor related costs including training and temporary living expenses; (3) approximately $2.1 million related to the relocation of the Facility’s tooling and equipment; and (4) approximately $2.3 million of other related expenses. Of the $10.3 million, less than $0.1 million was incurred in the nine months ended September 30, 2008, $0.9 million was incurred in the year ended December 31, 2007, $8.8 million was incurred in the year ended December 31, 2006 and $0.6 million was incurred in the period January 28, 2005 through December 31, 2005.

 

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The table below summarizes the costs incurred for each of the specified periods and also summarizes where such costs are reflected in the Company’s Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations:

 

     Three Months Ended    Nine Months Ended
     September 30,
2008
   September 30,
2007
   September 30,
2008
    September 30,
2007

Cash costs:

          

One-time termination benefits and relocation

   $ —      $ 4    $ —       $ 325

Other labor related costs

     7      11      27       90

Relocation of the Facility’s tooling and equipment

     —        —        —         113

Other related expenses

     3      17      (44 )     339
                            

Total cash costs

   $ 10    $ 32    $ (17 )   $ 867
                            

Closure Costs:

          

Selling, general and administrative expense

   $ 6    $ —      $ 41     $ 85

Securitization, impairment and other costs

     4      32      (58 )     782
                            

Total closure costs

   $ 10    $ 32    $ (17 )   $ 867
                            

On April 1, 2008 the Company terminated the lease of the Marianna, Florida facility with the city of Marianna, Florida.

Louisville, Kentucky Discontinuation and Portland, Tennessee Closure. On August 8, 2006 the Board of Directors of ALH resolved to discontinue the Louisville, Kentucky operations (the “Discontinuation”) and close the Portland, Tennessee facility (the “Closure”). The decision was based on an analysis of each location’s manufacturing capabilities as well as the continuing investment requirements for each of the locations. The estimated costs of these restructuring activities were recorded as costs of the CLD Acquisition and were provided for in accordance with Emerging Issues Task Force Issue No. 95-3, “Recognition of Liabilities in Connection with a Purchase Business Combination.” The Company substantially completed the Discontinuation and Closure as of December 31, 2007.

In the nine months ended September 30, 2008, the Company increased the restructuring reserve by $0.6 million after re-evaluating the remaining costs associated with the Louisville, Kentucky pension plan termination. The remaining pension plan termination liability increased as compared to a previous estimate of $1.8 million. The incremental $0.6 million of expense is included in securitization, impairment and other costs in the nine months ended September 30, 2008. The following tables summarize the restructuring reserve, which is included within other current liabilities in the Company’s Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets:

 

     Balance at
December 31,
2007
   Additions    Adjustments     Utilized
Cash
    Non-cash    Balance at
September 30,
2008

One-time termination benefits

   $ 1,639    $ 568    $ —       $ —       $ —      $ 2,207

Other labor related costs

     127      47      —         (60 )     —        114
                                           
   $ 1,766    $ 615    $ —       $ (60 )   $ —      $ 2,321
                                           
     Balance at
December 31,
2006
   Additions    Adjustments     Utilized
Cash
    Non-cash    Balance at
September 30,
2007

One-time termination benefits

   $ 2,278    $ 44    $ —       $ (683 )   $ —      $ 1,639

Other labor related costs

     116      429      —         (418 )     —        127

Relocation of tooling and equipment

     706      —        (389 )     (317 )     —        —  

Other related expenses

     85      136      —         (221 )     —        —  
                                           
   $ 3,185    $ 609    $ (389 )   $ (1,639 )   $ —      $ 1,766
                                           

 

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NOTE 10. EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS

The Company provides certain pension, healthcare and death benefits for eligible retirees and their dependents. The pension benefits are funded, while the healthcare and death benefits are not funded but are paid as incurred. Eligibility for coverage is based on meeting certain years of service and retirement qualifications. The components of periodic benefit costs for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2008 and 2007 are as follows:

 

     Pension Benefits
Three Months Ended
    Other Benefits
Three Months Ended
 
     September 30,
2008
    September 30,
2007
    September 30,
2008
    September 30,
2007
 

Service cost

   $ 241     $ 409     $ 39     $ 34  

Interest cost

     951       905       42       36  

Expected return on assets

     (1,199 )     (1,198 )     —         —    

Amortization of prior service cost

     1       —         (4 )     (4 )

Amortization of loss

     —         —         15       8  
                                

Net periodic benefit cost

   $ (6 )   $ 116     $ 92     $ 74  
                                
     Pension Benefits
Nine Months Ended
    Other Benefits
Nine Months Ended
 
     September 30,
2008
    September 30,
2007
    September 30,
2008
    September 30,
2007
 

Service cost

   $ 720     $ 1,225     $ 120     $ 102  

Interest cost

     2,855       2,715       126       106  

Expected return on assets

     (3,597 )     (3,593 )     —         —    

Amortization of prior service cost

     3       —         (13 )     (12 )

Amortization of loss

     —         —         45       25  
                                

Net periodic benefit cost

   $ (19 )   $ 347     $ 278     $ 221  
                                

Employer Contributions

For the nine months ended September 30, 2008, the Company contributed $1.8 million to its defined benefit pension plans. The Company expects to contribute $0.3 million to its defined benefit pension plans during the remainder of 2008.

 

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NOTE 11. LONG-TERM DEBT AND CAPITAL LEASE OBLIGATIONS

Debt consisted of the following at September 30, 2008 and December 31, 2007:

 

     September 30,
2008
    December 31,
2007
 

Senior credit facility

   $ 175,000     $ 190,000  

Revolving credit facility

     9,000       —    

Senior subordinated notes

     149,594       149,523  

Other long-term debt

     280       875  

Capital lease obligations

     994       1,390  
                

Gross long-term debt

     334,868       341,788  

Less: current portion

     (239 )     (601 )

Less: Revolver

     (9,000 )     —    
                
   $ 325,629     $ 341,187  
                

On July 14, 2006 Alliance Laundry, Alliance Holdings, Lehman Commercial Paper Inc., as administrative agent and lender, and the other parties named therein as lenders, entered into an amendment (the “Amendment”) to the credit agreement, dated as of January 27, 2005 (the “Credit Agreement”), among Alliance Laundry, Alliance Holdings, ALH Finance LLC, Lehman Commercial Paper Inc., as administrative agent, and the several banks and other financial institutions party thereto. The Amendment amends the Credit Agreement under which the Company has outstanding $175.0 million of term loans at September 30, 2008 to (i) provide for an additional $60.0 million of term loans under the Credit Agreement term loan facility; (ii) increase the revolving credit commitments to $55.0 million from $50.0 million under the Credit Agreement revolving credit facility (the “Revolving Credit Facility”); (iii) permit the CLD Acquisition; (iv) modify certain negative covenants in the Credit Agreement, including (a) adjusting the calculation of the consolidated leverage ratio, (b) adjusting the calculation of the consolidated interest coverage ratio, (c) increasing the annual ordinary course capital expenditures permitted by Alliance Laundry and its subsidiaries to $13.0 million from $10.0 million, for fiscal years 2007 through 2012, and (d) increasing the maximum permitted debt Alliance Laundry’s non-U.S. subsidiaries may incur without restriction to $5.0 million from $2.5 million; (v) revising the procedure for term loan borrowing; (vi) revising the term loan repayment schedule to require repayment in 22 quarterly installments of $0.6 million and one installment of $222.1 million, or such lesser amount then outstanding, on January 27, 2012; and (vii) making conforming changes to the definitions contained therein. This Amendment did not affect interest rates charged under the Credit Agreement.

On September 15, 2008, Lehman Brothers Holdings Inc. (“Lehman”) filed for bankruptcy protection under Chapter 11 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code. The Company had various business relationships with several subsidiaries of Lehman as of September 30, 2008. Lehman Brothers Commercial Paper Inc, a subsidiary of Lehman, is the administrative agent for the Credit Agreement. As of September 30, 2008, certain subsidiaries of Lehman held both a revolver commitment and term loans in the amount of $4.0 million and $2.8 million, respectively. Management is working to secure a new administrative agent and a replacement lender for Lehman’s revolver commitment during the fourth quarter of 2008.

After considering scheduled payments and voluntary prepayments made through September 30, 2008, the term loan facility requires quarterly principal payments of approximately $0.5 million beginning December 31, 2009 through December 31, 2011. The final principal payment of $171.0 million is due on January 27, 2012. At September 30, 2008, the Company could have borrowed $11.0 million in additional indebtedness under the Revolving Credit Facility, after considering outstanding letters of credit of $35.0 million and revolving credit loans of $9.0 million, which reduce the available capacity under the Revolving Credit Facility, and after considering certain debt limitations under the Senior Credit Facility.

 

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Interest rates on borrowings under the revolving credit and term loan facilities are variable and are equal to the base rate (which is the higher of the prime lending rate as set forth on the British Banking Association Telerate and the federal funds effective rate plus 0.5%) or the Eurodollar rate, “LIBOR”, (which will be the rate at which Eurodollar deposits for one, two, three or six months are offered in the interbank Eurodollar market) plus a specified margin. The margins are subject to adjustment, up or down, based on the Company’s corporate credit rating and are subject to step-downs if we meet certain leverage ratios. The interest rate on the term loans outstanding at September 30, 2008 was 5.30%.

To manage a portion of the Company’s exposure to changes in LIBOR based interest rates on its variable rate debt, the Company entered into interest rate swap agreements on July 21, 2006 and January 4, 2008 that effectively fix the interest payments on a portion of the Company’s variable rate debt. The July 21, 2006 swap, which has a termination date of March 4, 2009, effectively fixes the variable portion of the interest rate on the notional amount of $13.0 million of debt at 5.65% plus the applicable spread based on the terms of the Credit Agreement. The January 4, 2008 swap, which has a termination date of December 31, 2009, effectively fixes the variable portion of the interest rate on the notional amount of $110.0 million of debt at 3.96% plus the applicable spread based on the terms of the Credit Agreement. The Company recognized a gain reflecting changes in the fair value of its interest rate swaps of $0.1 million for the three months ended September 30, 2008, and a loss of $0.7 million reflecting changes in the fair value of its interest rate swaps for nine months ended September 30, 2008.

On January 25, 2006, the Company received $1.0 million in borrowings, evidenced by two promissory notes, pursuant to a Wisconsin Community Development Block Grant Agreement (the “Agreement”), dated January 6, 2006, between the Wisconsin Department of Commerce, Alliance Laundry and Fond du Lac County, Wisconsin. The first promissory note, in the amount of $0.5 million bears interest at an annual rate of 2%, with monthly payments of interest and principal that commenced January 1, 2007 and a final installment to be paid on December 1, 2010, subject to the covenants of the Agreement. The principal balance on the first promissory note was $0.3 million on September 30, 2008. The second promissory note, in the amount of $0.5 million was forgiven by amendment on March 18, 2008, which accelerated the loan forgiveness from December 31, 2008 to March 31, 2008. The Company recognized a gain of $0.3 million from the loan forgiveness in its Consolidated Statements of Income with a $0.2 million reduction of selling, general and administrative expenses and a $0.1 million reduction of cost of goods sold for the quarter-ended March 31, 2008. The balance of the loan forgiveness of $0.2 million will be amortized to income over a five year period.

NOTE 12. STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION

On January 27, 2005, in connection with the Alliance Acquisition, ALH established a stock option plan, primarily for the benefit of Alliance Laundry’s executive officers. As of the closing date of the Alliance Acquisition, ALH granted a total of 130,000 stock options among certain members of management. The granted options entitle the members of management to purchase shares of ALH’s common stock at option prices ranging from $100.00 to $130.19 per share at September 30, 2008, subject to certain requirements. As of September 30, 2008, stock options represented an aggregate of 8.0% of the fully diluted common shares of ALH common stock issuable upon exercise of stock options. As of September 30, 2008, approximately fifty-nine percent (59%) of the options granted were time based options, which vest according to anniversary dates. The majority of these time based options vest in five equal annual installments on each of the first five anniversaries of the closing date, with the potential for accelerated vesting upon a change in control of Alliance Laundry. As of September 30, 2008, approximately forty-one percent (41%) of the options granted were “performance options.” The majority of the performance options have the opportunity to vest in five annual installments based on Alliance Laundry’s achievement of certain specified annual or cumulative earnings targets during fiscal years 2005 through 2009. The performance options may also vest based on the realization by ALH shareholders of certain specified values upon a subsequent sale of ALH.

 

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During 2007, 9,633 unvested options were terminated and cancelled upon the retirement of an executive officer and 10,920 unvested options were terminated and cancelled related to an individual who is no longer an executive officer. During 2007, ALH granted 7,605 new options to a new member of the executive staff. In the first quarter of 2008, ALH granted 19,541 new options to a new member of the executive staff. No further options have been issued since March 31, 2008. A total of 11,700 options were exercised in the quarter ended September 30, 2008. The Company received $1.2 million of proceeds in the transaction. Based upon a valuation of all granted stock options, we recognized $1.3 million of reduced compensation expense for the three months ended September 30, 2008 and $0.9 million of compensation expense for the three months ended September 30, 2007, and we recognized $2.1 million and $2.7 million of compensation expense for the nine months ended September 30, 2008 and September 30, 2007, respectively. No expense was recognized for the nine months ended September 30, 2008 or for the nine months ended September 30, 2007 for the performance options, as the specified annual targets for the respective periods were not attained and other earnings target requirements are currently not expected to be attained.

NOTE 13. MEMBER(S)’ EQUITY

On January 23, 2008 ALH entered into a subscription agreement with certain members of Alliance management, pursuant to which ALH sold to management shares of its common stock with a value of $1.2 million, less $0.1 million in issuance costs. On January 31, 2008 ALH sold to the Chief Operating Officer shares of its common stock with a value of $0.6 million, consistent with terms of the employment agreement dated September 26, 2007. ALH contributed the proceeds of the two stock offerings to the Company, which were used to repay indebtedness outstanding under the term loan portion of our Senior Credit Facility.

NOTE 14. SEGMENT INFORMATION

Based upon the information used by management for making operating decisions and assessing performance, the Company has organized its business into two reportable segments. Commercial laundry equipment sales to domestic and international markets, which are serviced by the U.S. Operations, are combined to form the commercial laundry segment. Commercial laundry segment also includes our consumer laundry business and net sales include amounts related to our finance program which supports the commercial laundry operations. Our second reportable segment is our European Operations, which were acquired in the July 14, 2006 CLD Acquisition. We have elected to disclose certain information related to our Consumer Laundry business, which includes sales to domestic and Canadian distributors. Service parts is not considered a separate segment in that the service operations are required to support both commercial laundry and consumer laundry businesses, but the operations could not stand alone and the results are not reviewed as a separate operating entity. As the service operations are also not allocated to the commercial laundry equipment business or the consumer laundry business, we have chosen to show the service operations separately. Similarly worldwide eliminations are not considered a reportable segment. However, we do not actively manage or evaluate the worldwide eliminations as a portion of any other segment. For that reason, we have chosen not to commingle these amounts with other actively managed segments.

Our assets and liabilities, including inventory, trade receivables, property, plant and equipment, and accounts payable are not reviewed by segment for commercial laundry, consumer laundry and service parts by management for making operating decisions and assessing performance. Such information would not be useful due to common manufacturing lines and significant shared components across all product lines for commercial laundry, consumer laundry and service parts. Assets are reviewed for the European Operations separate from the Company’s other reportable segments. Assets, capital expenditures and depreciation and amortization have been provided below for U.S. Operations separate from European Operations.

The Company’s primary measure of operating performance is gross profit. In determining gross profit for our operating units, the Company does not allocate certain manufacturing costs, including manufacturing variances and warranty costs. Gross profit is determined by subtracting cost of sales from net sales. Cost of sales is comprised of the costs of raw materials and component parts, plus costs incurred at the manufacturing plant level, including, but not limited to, labor and related fringe benefits, depreciation, supplies, utilities, property taxes and insurance. We do not allocate assets internally in assessing operating performance. Net sales and gross profit as determined by the Company for its operating segments are as follows:

 

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The Company’s primary measure of operating performance is gross profit. In determining gross profit for our operating units, the Company does not allocate certain manufacturing costs, including manufacturing variances and warranty costs. Gross profit is determined by subtracting cost of sales from net sales. Cost of sales is comprised of the costs of raw materials and component parts, plus costs incurred at the manufacturing plant level, including, but not limited to, labor and related fringe benefits, depreciation, supplies, utilities, property taxes and insurance. We do not allocate assets internally in assessing operating performance. Net sales and gross profit as determined by the Company for its operating segments are as follows:

 

     Three Months Ended     Nine Months Ended  
     September 30,
2008
    September 30,
2007
    September 30,
2008
    September 30,
2007
 
     (in millions)     (in millions)  

Net Revenues:

        

Commercial laundry

   $ 88.0     $ 84.8     $ 254.0     $ 231.6  

Consumer laundry

     5.3       4.3       16.6       15.5  

Service parts

     13.3       12.6       40.5       39.1  
                                

U.S. Operations

     106.6       101.7       311.1       286.2  

European Operations

     18.5       18.6       64.5       61.3  

Worldwide eliminations

     (7.5 )     (6.9 )     (25.6 )     (20.6 )
                                
   $ 117.6     $ 113.4     $ 350.0     $ 326.9  
                                

Gross Profit:

        

Commercial laundry

   $ 25.2     $ 27.1     $ 71.7     $ 76.8  

Consumer laundry

     (0.3 )     —         (0.8 )     (0.2 )

Service parts

     5.5       4.7       16.7       15.5  
                                

U.S. Operations

     30.4       31.8       87.6       92.1  

European Operations

     4.0       4.6       16.5       15.7  

Worldwide eliminations

     (0.1 )     —         0.1       0.1  
                                
   $ 34.3     $ 36.4     $ 104.2     $ 107.9  
                                

Other manufacturing costs

     (6.2 )     (9.5 )     (13.3 )     (25.4 )
                                

Gross profit as reported

   $ 28.1     $ 26.9     $ 90.9     $ 82.5  
                                

Depreciation and Amortization:

        

U.S. Operations

   $ 3.6     $ 3.8     $ 11.1     $ 11.3  

European Operations

   $ 0.8     $ 1.0     $ 3.0     $ 2.9  

Capital Expeditures:

        

U.S. Operations

   $ 2.4     $ 1.1     $ 6.7     $ 4.9  

European Operations

   $ 0.2     $ 0.4     $ 0.5     $ 1.0  

Assets:

        

U.S. Operations

   $ 480.9     $ 484.2     $ 480.9     $ 484.2  

European Operations

   $ 86.0     $ 95.9     $ 86.0     $ 95.9  

NOTE 15. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

Various claims and legal proceedings generally incidental to the normal course of business are pending or threatened against us. While the Company cannot predict the outcome of these matters, in the opinion of management, any liability arising thereunder will not have a material adverse effect on the business, financial condition and results of operations after giving effect to provisions already recorded. The Company has recorded accruals related to these matters of $1.2 million at September 30, 2008 and $1.3 million at December 31, 2007.

 

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Environmental, Health and Safety Matters

We are subject to comprehensive and frequently changing federal, state and local environmental and occupational health and safety laws and regulations, including laws and regulations governing emissions of air pollutants, discharges of waste and storm water and the disposal of hazardous wastes. The Company is also subject to liability for the investigation and remediation of environmental contamination (including contamination caused by other parties) at the properties it owns or operates and at other properties where the Company or predecessors have arranged for the disposal of hazardous substances. As a result, we are involved, from time to time, in administrative and judicial proceedings and inquiries relating to environmental matters. There can be no assurance that we will not be involved in such proceedings in the future and that the aggregate amount of future clean-up costs and other environmental liabilities will not have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. The Company believes that its facilities and operations are in material compliance with all environmental, health and safety laws.

NOTE 16. RECENTLY ISSUED ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS

The Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) is expected to issue a statement that would amend and clarify SFAS No. 140 (and related implementation guidance). The proposed statement will address permitted activities of qualifying special-purpose entities, including the degree of discretion allowable in determining the terms of beneficial interests issued after inception, and whether certain transfers can meet the criteria for sale accounting under SFAS No. 140 if the transferor or any consolidated affiliate provides liquidity support for the transferee’s beneficial interests. As the proposed statement has not been issued, the Company is unable to determine the effects of the related transition provisions, if any, on its existing securitization entity. While we are currently evaluating the potential impact of the proposed amendments on the Company’s financial statements and disclosures, the proposed amendments may require significantly different accounting treatment for the existing or similar facility. This may include consolidation of the special-purpose entity in our financial statements. A revised exposure draft was issued in the third quarter of 2008.

On September 15, 2008 the FASB also published the proposed FASB Staff Position 140-e and FIN 46(R)-e for public comment. This proposed statement will require enhanced disclosure related to SFAS No. 140 and FIN 46(R) and is expected to be effective for the year ended December 31, 2008.

In December 2007 the FASB issued SFAS No. 141(R), “Business Combinations” (“SFAS 141(R)”), which establishes principles and requirements for how the acquirer: (a) recognizes and measures in its financial statements the identifiable assets acquired, the liabilities assumed and any noncontrolling interest in the acquiree; (b) recognizes and measures the goodwill acquired in the business combination or a gain from a bargain purchase; and (c) determines what information to disclose to enable users of the financial statements to evaluate the nature and financial effects of the business combination. SFAS 141(R) requires contingent consideration to be recognized at its fair value on the acquisition date and, for certain arrangements, changes in fair value to be recognized in earnings until settled. SFAS 141(R) also requires acquisition-related transaction and restructuring costs to be expensed rather than treated as part of the cost of the acquisition. SFAS 141(R) will be applied prospectively to business combinations occurring on or after January 1, 2009.

In December 2007 the FASB issued SFAS No. 160, “Noncontrolling Interests in Consolidated Financial Statements an Amendment of ARB No. 51” (“SFAS 160”), which establishes accounting and reporting standards for the noncontrolling interest in a subsidiary and for the deconsolidation of a subsidiary. SFAS 160 clarifies that a noncontrolling interest in a subsidiary is an ownership interest in the consolidated entity that should be reported as equity in the consolidated financial statements. SFAS 160 also requires consolidated net income to be reported at amounts that include the amounts attributable to both the parent and the noncontrolling interest. It also requires disclosure, on the face of the consolidated statement of income, of the amounts of consolidated net income attributable to the parent and to the noncontrolling interest. SFAS 160 also provides guidance when a subsidiary is deconsolidated and requires expanded disclosures in the consolidated financial statements that clearly identify and distinguish between the interests of the parent’s owners and the interests of

 

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the noncontrolling owners of a subsidiary. SFAS 160 is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning on or after December 15, 2008. The provisions of SFAS 160 will be applied prospectively on January 1, 2009. The adoption is not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial position and results of operations.

In March 2008 the FASB issued SFAS No. 161, “Disclosures about Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities an Amendment of FASB Statement No. 133” (“SFAS 161”). The use and complexity of derivative instruments and hedging activities have increased significantly over the past several years. Constituents have expressed concerns that the existing disclosure requirements in FASB Statement No. 133, “Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities” (“SFAS 133”), do not provide adequate information about how derivative and hedging activities affect an entity’s financial position, financial performance and cash flows. SFAS 161 requires enhanced disclosures about an entity’s derivative and hedging activities and thereby improves the transparency of financial reporting. This Statement is effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years and interim periods beginning after November 15, 2008, with early application encouraged. SFAS 161 encourages, but does not require, comparative disclosures for earlier periods at initial adoption. We are currently evaluating the impact this statement will have on the Company’s financial statement disclosures.

In October 2008, the FASB issued FASB Staff Position (FSP) FAS 157-3, “Determining the Fair Value of a Financial Asset when the Market for that Asset is not Active,” which clarifies the application of FASB Statement No. 157, “Fair Value Measurements,” in a market that is not active and provides an example to illustrate key considerations in determining the fair value of a financial asset when the market for that financial asset is not active. This FSP was effective upon issuance, including prior periods for which financial statements have not been issued. The adoption is not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial position and results of operations.

 

ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

This management’s discussion and analysis (“MD&A”) should be read in conjunction with the financial statements and notes appearing elsewhere in this report and in our 2007 Annual Report on Form 10-K.

OVERVIEW

We believe that we are a leading designer, manufacturer and marketer in North America of commercial laundry equipment used in laundromats, multi-housing laundries and on-premise laundries. Under the well-known brand names of Speed Queen®, UniMac®, Huebsch®, IPSO®, and Cissell®, we produce a full line of commercial washing machines and dryers with load capacities from 12 to 200 pounds. We have been a leader in the North American stand-alone commercial laundry equipment industry for more than ten years. With the addition of our European Operations and Alliance Laundry’s export sales to Europe, we believe that we are also a leader in the European stand-alone commercial laundry equipment industry.

The North American stand-alone commercial laundry equipment industry’s revenues are primarily driven by population growth and the replacement cycle of laundry equipment. With economic conditions having limited effect on the frequency of use, and therefore the useful life of laundry equipment, industry revenues have historically been relatively stable. Similarly, with a majority of our revenues generated by recurring sales of replacement equipment and service parts, we have historically experienced stable revenues even during economic slowdowns.

 

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We have achieved steady revenues by building an extensive and loyal distribution network for our products, establishing a significant installed base of units and developing and offering a full innovative product line. As a result of our large installed base, a significant majority of our revenue is attributable to replacement sales of equipment and service parts.

We believe that continued population expansion in North America will continue to drive steady demand for garment and textile laundering by all customer groups that purchase commercial laundry equipment. We anticipate growth in demand for commercial laundry equipment in international markets as well, especially in developing countries where laundry processing has historically been far less sophisticated than in North America. In addition, customers are increasingly trading up to equipment with enhanced functionality, thereby raising average selling prices. Customers are also moving to equipment with increased water and energy efficiency as a result of government and consumer pressure and a focus on operating costs.

During the quarter ended September 30, 2008, as many other industries both in the U.S. and abroad, our industry faced the same significant macroeconomic challenges, including the recent instability in the financial markets. These challenges have impacted the global economy, the capital markets, our operating costs and global demand for our products and lead to higher material costs, fluctuating foreign currency exchange rates, liquidity strain on our suppliers, decreased availability of financing for our customers and reduced new construction of laundry facilities in certain countries. We expect these conditions to continue in the near term.

The following discussion should be read in conjunction with the Financial Statements and Notes thereto included in this report. All dollar amounts are in thousands unless otherwise indicated.

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Quarter Ended September 30, 2008 as Compared to Quarter Ended September 30, 2007

The following table sets forth our consolidated net revenues for the periods indicated:

 

     Three Months Ended     Nine Months Ended  
     September 30,
2008
    September 30,
2007
    September 30,
2008
    September 30,
2007
 
     (in millions)     (in millions)  

Net revenues:

        

Commercial laundry

   $ 88.0     $ 84.8     $ 254.0     $ 231.6  

Consumer laundry

     5.3       4.3       16.6       15.5  

Service parts

     13.3       12.6       40.5       39.1  
                                

U.S. Operations

     106.6       101.7       311.1       286.2  

European Operations

     18.5       18.6       64.5       61.3  

Worldwide eliminations

     (7.5 )     (6.9 )     (25.6 )     (20.6 )
                                
   $ 117.6     $ 113.4     $ 350.0     $ 326.9  
                                

Net revenues. Net revenues for the quarter ended September 30, 2008 increased $4.2 million, or 3.7%, to $117.6 million from $113.4 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2007. This increase was primarily attributable to higher commercial laundry revenues of $3.2 million, higher service parts revenues of $0.7 million and higher consumer laundry revenues of $1.0 million, offset by higher worldwide sales eliminations of $0.6 million. The increase in commercial laundry revenues included $0.9 million of higher North American commercial equipment revenues and $3.3 million of higher international revenues which were partially offset by $0.8 million of lower earnings from our off-balance sheet equipment financing program. North American commercial equipment revenues were higher primarily to multi-housing, private label accounts and on-premise laundry customers. Revenues for international customers were higher primarily in the Middle East, Latin America and Asia. Company-wide revenues include an increase of $1.0 million related to exchange rates. The net revenue increases stated above include price increases of approximately $4.6 million for the U.S. Operations.

 

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Gross profit. Gross profit for the quarter ended September 30, 2008 increased $1.2 million, or 4.4%, to $28.1 million from $26.9 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2007. This increase was primarily due to $4.6 million of price increases within the U.S. Operations. This increase in gross profit was offset by $1.8 million of higher raw material and product distribution costs within the U.S. Operations, the $0.8 million of lower earnings from our off-balance sheet equipment financing program and $0.8 million of reduced margins associated with lower sales volumes and sales mix. Gross profit as a percentage of net revenues increased to 23.9% for the quarter ended September 30, 2008 from 23.7% for the quarter ended September 30, 2007.

Selling, general and administrative expense. Selling, general and administrative expense for the quarter ended September 30, 2008 decreased $2.1 million, or 13.5%, to $13.6 million from $15.7 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2007. The decrease in selling, general and administrative expense was due primarily to $2.2 million of reduced non-cash incentive compensation related to the Company’s stock option program and lower losses on the sale of trade receivables, partly offset by higher management bonus accruals and higher product development costs. As a result of these factors, selling, general and administrative expense as a percentage of net revenues decreased to 11.6% for the quarter ended September 30, 2008 as compared to 13.9% for the quarter ended September 30, 2007.

Operating income. As a result of the foregoing, operating income for the quarter ended September 30, 2008 increased $3.3 million, or 29.9%, to $14.5 million from $11.1 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2007. Operating income as a percentage of net revenues increased to 12.3% for the quarter ended September 30, 2008 as compared to 9.8% for the quarter ended September 30, 2007.

Interest expense. Interest expense for the quarter ended September 30, 2008 decreased $2.4 million, or 26.0%, to $7.0 million from $9.4 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2007. The decrease in interest expense was primarily attributable to lower average borrowing amounts and lower average borrowing rates for the quarter ended September 30, 2008 as compared to the quarter ended September 30, 2007. Additionally, the quarter ended September 30, 2007 included a covenant related waiver fee of $0.9 million with no comparable cost in the quarter ended September 30, 2008. The year to year improvement in interest expense also includes a favorable non-cash impact of $0.5 million to reflect adjustments in the fair values of interest rate swap agreements. Interest expense as a percentage of net revenues decreased to 5.9% for the quarter ended September 30, 2008 as compared to 8.3% for the quarter ended September 30, 2007.

Income tax provision. The provision for income taxes for the quarter ended September 30, 2008 was $3.3 million as compared to $0.5 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2007. The effective income tax rate was 45.4% for the quarter ended September 30, 2008 as compared to 30.3% for the quarter ended September 30, 2007.

Net income. As a result of the foregoing, our net income for the quarter ended September 30, 2008 increased $3.0 million to $4.2 million as compared to $1.2 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2007. Net income as a percentage of net revenues for the quarter ended September 30, 2008 was 3.6% as compared to 1.1% for the quarter ended September 30, 2007.

Nine Months Ended September 30, 2008 as Compared to Nine Months Ended September 30, 2007

Net revenues. Net revenues for the nine months ended September 30, 2008 increased $23.1 million, or 7.1%, to $350.0 million from $326.9 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2007. This increase was attributable to higher commercial laundry revenues of $22.4 million, higher service parts revenues of $1.4

 

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million, higher European Operations revenues of $3.2 million and higher consumer laundry revenues of $1.1 million, offset by higher worldwide sales eliminations of $5.0 million. The increase in commercial laundry revenues includes $11.3 million of higher North American commercial equipment revenues and $13.0 million of higher international revenues, which were partially offset by $1.9 million of lower earnings from our off-balance sheet equipment financing program. North American commercial equipment revenues were higher to multi-housing, private label accounts and on-premise laundry customers. Revenues for international customers were higher in the Middle East, Asia, Europe and Latin America. Company-wide revenues include an increase of $5.0 million related to exchange rates. The net revenue increases stated above include price increases of approximately $10.3 million for the U.S. Operations.

Gross profit. Gross profit for the nine months ended September 30, 2008 increased $8.4 million, or 10.2%, to $90.9 million from $82.5 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2007. This increase was primarily due to $10.3 million of price increases within the U.S. Operations, $3.3 million of higher margins associated with higher sales volumes and sales mix and $1.5 million of labor related cost improvements. These increases in gross profit were offset by $4.8 million of higher raw material and product distribution costs within the U.S. Operations and the $1.9 million of lower earnings from our off-balance sheet equipment financing program. Gross profit as a percentage of net revenues increased to 26.0% for the nine months ended September 30, 2008 from 25.2% for the nine months ended September 30, 2007.

Selling, general and administrative expense. Selling, general and administrative expense for the nine months ended September 30, 2008 increased $3.0 million, or 6.3%, to $50.8 million from $47.8 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2007. The increase in selling, general and administrative expense was due primarily to approximately $1.7 million of selling and marketing costs to support the higher sales volumes, $1.0 million of legal and advisory costs, $1.2 million of higher product development costs and $1.0 million of higher management bonus costs, offset by a $0.3 million reduction in expenses related to the annual financial statement audit and tax preparation, $0.8 million of lower losses on the sale of trade receivables and $0.7 million of lower non-cash incentive compensation related to the Company’s stock option program. As a result of these factors, selling, general and administrative expense as a percentage of net revenues decreased to 14.5% for the nine months ended September 30, 2008 as compared to 14.6% for the nine months ended September 30, 2007.

Securitization, impairment and other costs. Securitization, impairment and other costs for the nine months ended September 30, 2008 of $0.6 million decreased by $0.2 million as compared to $0.8 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2007. Securitization, impairment and other costs for the nine months ended September 30, 2008 were entirely related to the Louisville, Kentucky pension plan termination. Securitization, impairment and other costs for the nine months ended September 30, 2007 were entirely related to Marianna plant closure costs. Securitization, impairment and other costs as a percentage of net revenues were 0.2% for the nine months ended September 30, 2008 and September 30, 2007.

Operating income. As a result of the foregoing, operating income for the nine months ended September 30, 2008 increased $5.6 million, or 16.5%, to $39.5 million from $33.9 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2007. Operating income as a percentage of net revenues increased to 11.3% for the nine months ended September 30, 2008 as compared to 10.4% for the nine months ended September 30, 2007.

Interest expense. Interest expense for the nine months ended September 30, 2008 decreased $3.7 million, or 14.3%, to $22.2 million from $25.9 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2007. The decrease in interest expense was primarily attributable to lower average borrowing amounts and lower average borrowing rates for the nine months ended September 30, 2008 as compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2007. Additionally, the nine months ended September 30, 2007 included a covenant related waiver fee of $0.9 million with no comparable cost in the nine months ended September 30, 2008. Interest expense as a percentage of net revenues decreased to 6.3% for the nine months ended September 30, 2008 as compared to 7.9% for the nine months ended September 30, 2007.

 

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Income tax provision. The provision for income taxes for the nine months ended September 30, 2008 was $6.9 million, as compared to $2.6 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2007. The effective income tax rate for the nine months ended September 30, 2008 was 40.9%, plus a $0.3 million charge for an increase of a state valuation allowance for tax credits not expected to be utilized less a $0.5 million credit for a reduction in prior year foreign earnings. The effective income tax rate for the nine months ended September 30, 2007 was 32.6%.

Net income. As a result of the foregoing, our net income for the nine months ended September 30, 2008 increased $5.1 million to $10.5 million as compared to $5.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2007. Net income as a percentage of net revenues for the nine months ended September 30, 2008 was 3.0% as compared to 1.7% for the nine months ended September 30, 2007.

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

Liquidity

Our principal sources of liquidity are cash flows generated from operations and potential borrowings under our $55.0 million Revolving Credit Facility. Our principal uses of liquidity are to meet debt service requirements, finance our capital expenditures and provide working capital. We expect that capital expenditures in 2008 will not exceed $10.0 million. We have invested $7.2 million in capital expenditures for the nine months ended September 30, 2008. The aggregate scheduled maturities of long-term debt and capitalized lease obligations in subsequent years, after giving effect to the scheduled payments and $15.0 million of voluntary prepayments made year to date through September 30, 2008, are as follows:

 

Year

   Long-term
Debt
   Capital Lease
Obligation
   Amount Due  

2008

   $ 32    $ 122    $ 154  

2009

     581      462      1,043  

2010

     1,928      406      2,334  

2011

     1,809      4      1,813  

2012

     170,930      —        170,930  

Thereafter

     150,000      —        150,000  
                      
   $ 325,280    $ 994    $ 326,274  

Less: Unamortized discount on long-term debt

     (406 )
              

Long-term debt and capital lease obligations, net

   $ 325,868  
              

The Senior Credit Facility and the indenture governing the Senior Subordinated Notes (the “Notes Indenture”) contain a number of covenants that, among other things, restrict our ability to dispose of assets, repay other indebtedness, incur liens, make capital expenditures and make certain investments or acquisitions, engage in mergers or consolidation and otherwise restrict our operating activities. In addition, under the Senior Credit Facility, the Company is required to satisfy specified financial ratios and tests, including a maximum of total debt to Adjusted EBITDA (as defined in the credit agreement governing the Senior Credit Facility) and a minimum interest coverage ratio.

The Senior Credit Facility requires us to comply with certain financial ratios and tests in order to comply with the terms of the agreement. The occurrence of any default of these covenants could result in the acceleration of our obligations under the Senior Credit Facility (approximately $175.0 million at September 30, 2008) and foreclosure on the collateral securing such obligations. Further, such an acceleration would constitute an event of default under the indenture governing the Senior Subordinated Notes.

 

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At September 30, 2008, there was $9.0 million of borrowings outstanding under our Revolving Credit Facility and letters of credit issued on our behalf under the Revolving Credit Facility totaled $35.0 million. We had $11.0 million of our existing $55.0 million Revolving Credit Facility available, subject to certain limitations under the Senior Credit Facility. After considering such limitations, which relate primarily to the maximum ratio of consolidated debt to Adjusted EBITDA, we could have borrowed $11.0 million at September 30, 2008 in additional indebtedness under the Revolving Credit Facility.

The maximum ratio of consolidated debt to Adjusted EBITDA under the Senior Credit Facility is 5.00 to 1.00 at September 30, 2008. At September 30, 2008, we were in compliance with this and all other debt related covenants. We believe, based on currently available information, that for the foreseeable future, cash flows from operations, together with available borrowings under the Senior Credit Facility, will be adequate to meet our anticipated requirements for capital expenditures, working capital, interest payments, scheduled principal payments and other debt repayments while achieving all required covenant requirements under the Senior Credit Facility and Senior Subordinated Notes.

The Senior Credit Facility is repayable in the following aggregate annual amounts:

 

Year

   Amount Due

2008

   $ —  

2009

     452

2010

     1,809

2011

     1,809

2012

     170,930

Thereafter

     —  
      
   $ 175,000
      

The Senior Credit Facility is also subject to mandatory prepayment with the proceeds of certain debt incurrences, asset sales and a portion of Excess Cash Flow (as defined in the Senior Credit Facility). The Revolving Credit Facility will terminate on January 27, 2011.

The funding markets have been volatile in the recent quarter and negative global economic trends persist. On September 15, 2008, Lehman Brothers Holdings Inc. (“Lehman”) filed for bankruptcy protection under Chapter 11 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code. The Company had various business relationships with several subsidiaries of Lehman as of September 30, 2008. Lehman Brothers Commercial Paper Inc, a subsidiary of Lehman, is the administrative agent for the Credit Agreement. As of September 30, 2008, certain subsidiaries of Lehman held both a revolver commitment and term loans in the amount of $4.0 million and $2.8 million, respectively. Despite the market volatility and the Lehman bankruptcy, we have continued to have access to our Senior Credit Facility and Lehman has continued to act as administrative agent. Subsequent to September 30, 2008, the Lehman subsidiaries that we have business relationships with also filed for bankruptcy protection. It is unlikely that Lehman would fund their 7.3% portion of any future revolver funding requests. Management is working to secure a new administrative agent and a replacement lender for Lehman’s revolver commitment during the fourth quarter of 2008. We believe that we will have ample liquidity during this transition to a new administrative agent and replacement revolver lender.

Our ability to make scheduled payments of principal or to refinance our indebtedness, or to pay the interest or liquidated damages, if any thereon, or to fund planned capital expenditures or working capital needs, will depend upon our future performance, which in turn, is subject to general economic, financial, competitive and other factors that are beyond our control. There can be no assurance that our business will continue to

 

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generate sufficient cash flow from operations in the future to service our debt and make necessary capital expenditures after satisfying certain liabilities arising in the ordinary course of business. If unable to do so, we may be required to refinance all or a portion of our debt, to sell assets or to obtain additional financing. There can be no assurance that any such refinancing would be available or that any such sales of assets or additional financing could be obtained.

Our Asset Backed Facility provides for a total of $330.0 million in off-balance sheet financing for trade receivables and equipment loans. We have structured, and intend to continue to structure, the finance programs in a manner that qualifies for off-balance sheet treatment in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. It is expected that, under the Asset Backed Facility, we will continue to act as originator and servicer of the equipment financing promissory notes and the trade receivables.

EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA

One of our two principal sources of liquidity are potential borrowings under the $55.0 million Revolving Credit Facility under our Senior Credit Facility, and we have presented EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA below because certain covenants in our Senior Credit Facility are tied to ratios based on these measures. “EBITDA” represents net income (loss) before interest expense, income tax provision (benefit) and depreciation and amortization (including non-cash interest income); “Adjusted EBITDA” (as defined under the Senior Credit Facility) is EBITDA as further adjusted to exclude, among other things, certain non-recurring expenses and other non-recurring non-cash charges which are further defined in our Senior Credit Facility. The Senior Credit Facility requires us to satisfy a maximum Consolidated Total Debt (as defined under the Senior Credit Facility) to Adjusted EBITDA ratio of 5.00 to 1.00 and a minimum Adjusted EBITDA to Consolidated Cash Interest Expense (as defined in the Senior Credit Facility) of 2.25 to 1.00. As of September 30, 2008, our Consolidated Total Debt to Adjusted EBITDA ratio was 4.37 to 1.00 and our Adjusted EBITDA to Consolidated Cash Interest Expense ratio was 2.86 to 1.00. To the extent that we fail to maintain either of these ratios within the limits set forth in the Senior Credit Facility, our ability to access amounts available under our Revolving Credit Facility would be limited, our liquidity would be adversely affected and our obligations under the Senior Credit Facility could be accelerated. In addition, any such acceleration would constitute an event of default under the Notes Indenture, and such an event of default under the Notes Indenture could lead to an acceleration of our obligations under the Senior Subordinated Notes.

EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA do not represent, and should not be considered, an alternative to net income or cash flow from operations, as determined by GAAP, and our calculations thereof may not be comparable to similarly titled measures reported by other companies.

We have presented, in the tables below, a calculation of Consolidated Total Debt and Consolidated Cash Interest Expense, in each case, as defined in the Senior Credit Facility. The calculation of Adjusted EBITDA (as defined in the Senior Credit Facility) set forth in the tables below uses as its starting point EBITDA which represents net income (loss) before interest expense, income tax provision (benefit) and depreciation and amortization (including non-cash interest income). The calculations set forth below for Adjusted EBITDA and Consolidated Cash Interest Expense are, in each case, for the four fiscal quarters ended September 30, 2008.

 

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The following table presents a calculation of the Consolidated Total Debt to Adjusted EBITDA ratio and the Adjusted EBITDA to Consolidated Cash Interest Expense ratio:

 

     Quarter
Ended
December 31,
2007
    Quarter
Ended
March 31,
2008
    Quarter
Ended
June 30,
2008
   Quarter
Ended
September 30,
2008
   Total

EBITDA

   $ 21,994     $ 18,078     $ 15,629    $ 18,486    $ 74,187

Finance program adjustments (a)

     (665 )     (689 )     1,095      490      231

Other non-recurring charges (b)

     228       479       74      3      784

Other non-cash charges (c)

     (2,928 )     (178 )     3,689      95      678
                                    

Adjusted EBITDA

   $ 18,629     $ 17,690     $ 20,487    $ 19,074    $ 75,880
                                    

 

     September 30,
2008
 

Revolving Credit Facility

   $ 9,000  

Senior Credit Facility

     175,000  

Senior Subordinated Notes

     149,594  

Other long-term debt and capital lease obligations

     1,274  

Unrestricted cash held by foreign subsidiaries (d)

     (3,000 )
        

Consolidated Total Debt

   $ 331,868  
        

Consolidated Total Debt to Adjusted EBITDA ratio

     4.37  
        

 

     Quarter
Ended
December 31,
2007
    Quarter
Ended
March 31,
2008
    Quarter
Ended
June 30,
2008
    Quarter
Ended
September 30,
2008
    Total  

Interest expense

   $ 8,876     $ 10,281     $ 4,936     $ 6,962     $ 31,055  

Non-cash interest

     (1,392 )     (3,479 )     1,558       (361 )     (3,674 )

Interest on letters of credit and permitted receivables financing

     (265 )     (277 )     (257 )     (266 )     (1,065 )

Interest income

     161       23       97       (22 )     259  
                                        

Consolidated Cash Interest Expense

   $ 7,380     $ 6,548     $ 6,334     $ 6,313     $ 26,575  
                                        

Adjusted EBITDA to Consolidated Cash Interest Expense ratio

             2.86  
                

 

(a) We currently operate an off-balance sheet commercial equipment finance program in which newly originated equipment loans are sold to qualified special-purpose bankruptcy remote entities. In accordance with GAAP, we are required to record gains/losses on the sale of these equipment based promissory notes. In calculating Adjusted EBITDA, management determines the cash impact of net interest income on these notes. The finance program adjustments are the difference between GAAP basis revenues (as prescribed by SFAS No. 125/140) and cash basis revenues.

 

(b) Other non-recurring charges are described as follows:

 

   

Other non-recurring charges consist of $0.6 million related to the Louisville, Kentucky pension plan termination which is included in the securitization, impairment and other costs line of our Consolidated Statements of Operations and $0.2 million of investigatory and audit costs related to a restatement of our financial statements as of and for the year ended December 31, 2006 and for the quarter ended March 31, 2007, which are included in the selling, general and administrative expenses line of our Consolidated Statements of Operations.

 

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(c) Other non-cash charges are described as follows:

 

   

Other non-cash charges are comprised of $2.3 million of non-cash mark to market losses relating to commodity and foreign exchange hedge agreements, which are included in the cost of sales line of our Consolidated Statements of Operations and a one-time non-cash pension curtailment gain of $1.6 million associated with the freeze of benefit accruals for all U.S. based salaried employees effective January 1, 2009, which are included in the securitization, impairment and other costs line of our Consolidated Statements of Operations.

 

(d) As defined in the Amendment, Consolidated Total Debt is the aggregate principal amount of all funded debt for the relevant period minus the lesser of $3.0 million or the aggregate amount of unrestricted cash and cash equivalents held by the foreign subsidiaries.

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements and Aggregate Contractual Obligations

On June 28, 2005, Alliance Laundry Equipment Receivables Trust 2005-A (“ALERT 2005A”), a trust formed by Alliance Laundry Equipment Receivables 2005 LLC (“ALER 2005”), a special-purpose bankruptcy remote subsidiary of Alliance Laundry, entered into a $330.0 million asset backed securitization funding facility (the “Asset Backed Facility”) backed by equipment loans and trade receivables originated by Alliance Laundry. We will sell or contribute all of the trade receivables and certain of the equipment loans that we originate to ALER 2005 which, in turn, will transfer them to the trust. ALERT 2005A will finance the acquisition of the trade receivables and equipment loans through borrowings under variable funding notes (the “Notes”) issued to the lenders under the Asset Backed Facility.

Funding availability for trade receivables is limited to a maximum of $60.0 million, while funding for equipment loan Notes is limited to $330.0 million less the amount of funding outstanding for trade receivable Notes. Funding of the Notes is subject to certain advance rate and eligibility criteria standard for transactions of this type. After June 27, 2009 (or earlier in the event of a rapid amortization event, an event of default or the termination of the Asset Backed Facility by Alliance Laundry), ALERT 2005A will not be permitted to request new borrowings under the Asset Backed Facility and the outstanding borrowings will amortize over a period of up to nine years thereafter. As of September 30, 2008, the balance of variable funding notes due to lenders under the Asset Backed Facility for equipment loans and trade receivables was $248.1 million and $52.2 million, respectively. The Company is working to secure a new Asset Backed Facility.

Additional advances under the Asset Backed Facility are subject to certain continuing conditions, including but not limited to (i) the absence of a rapid amortization event or event of default, as defined in the Asset Backed Facility primary documents; (ii) compliance by Alliance Laundry, as servicer, with certain covenants, including financial covenants and (iii) no event having occurred which materially and adversely affects the operations of Alliance Laundry. In addition, advances under the Asset Backed Facility in respect of fixed rate equipment loans are subject to limitations on the weighted average interest rate and the aggregate loan balance of all fixed rate equipment loans then held by ALERT 2005A.

The risk of loss resulting from default or dilution on the trade receivables and equipment loans is protected by credit enhancement, provided in the form of cash reserves, letters of credit and overcollateralization. The timely payment of interest and the ultimate payment of principal on the Asset Backed Facility are guaranteed by Ambac Assurance Corporation. All of the residual beneficial interests in ALERT 2005A and cash flows remaining from the pool of receivables and loans after payment of all obligations under the Asset Backed Facility will accrue to the benefit of Alliance Laundry. Except for the retained interests and amounts of the letters of credit outstanding from time to time as credit enhancement, Alliance Laundry will provide no support or recourse for the risk of loss relating to default on the assets transferred to ALERT 2005A. The amount of the irrevocable letter of credit related to the Asset Backed Facility at September 30, 2008 was $33.8 million. Alliance Laundry, as servicer, will be paid an annual servicing fee equal to 1.0% of the aggregate balance of such trade receivables and equipment loans.

On September 15, 2008, Lehman Brothers Holding Inc. (“Lehman”) filed for protection under Chapter 11 of the federal Bankruptcy Code. Lehman Brothers Special Financing Inc., a subsidiary of Lehman, is the counterparty to in interest rate cap agreement with ALERT 2005A. It is anticipated that this interest rate cap agreement will be replaced during the fourth quarter of 2008 with a substantially identical arrangement with another financial institution.

 

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Cash Flows

Cash provided by operating activities for the nine months ended September 30, 2008 of $12.3 million was driven by cash generated by operations of $34.2 million (net income adjusted for depreciation, amortization and other non-cash adjustments) offset by working capital requirements of $21.9 million. Working capital requirements for the nine months ended September 30, 2008 increased for accounts receivable, inventories, other assets and accounts payable. The working capital investment in accounts receivable increased $4.4 million, which resulted from the timing of sales of trade receivables through the Company’s bankruptcy remote subsidiary, ALER2005. The working capital investment in inventories at September 30, 2008 increased $11.4 million due to seasonal inventory increases.

Capital Expenditures

Our capital expenditures for the nine months ended September 30, 2008 and September 30, 2007 were $7.2 million and $5.9 million, respectively. Capital spending in the first nine months of 2008 was principally oriented toward manufacturing process improvements and product redesign equipment purchases. The capital spending in the first nine months of 2007 was principally oriented toward Ripon, Wisconsin space requirements for acquired service part inventories, product enhancements and computer infrastructure requirements.

Proceeds on disposition of assets within the consolidated statements of cash flows for the nine months ended September 30, 2007 includes $0.8 million of proceeds from the sale of the Portland, Tennessee facility.

Defined Benefit Plan

The funded status of our pension plans is dependent upon many factors, including returns on invested assets and the level of market interest rates. For the nine months ended September 30, 2008, the Company contributed $1.8 million to its defined benefit pension plans. The Company expects to contribute $0.3 million to its defined benefit pension plans during the remainder of 2008.

Equity Issuance

On January 31, 2008 ALH entered into a subscription agreement with certain members of Alliance management, pursuant to which ALH sold to management shares of its common stock with a value of $1.2 million, less $0.1 million in issuance costs. On January 31, 2008 ALH sold to the Chief Operating Officer shares of its common stock with a value of $0.6 million, consistent with terms of the employment agreement dated September 26, 2007. ALH contributed the proceeds of the two stock offerings to the Company, which were used to repay indebtedness outstanding under the term loan portion of our Senior Credit Facility.

Critical Accounting Policies

See the Company’s critical accounting policies discussed in the Management’s Discussion and Analysis of the most recent annual report filed on Form 10-K. The Company has adopted SFAS No. 157, “Fair Value Measurements,” effective January 1, 2008 and is reflected in Note 6, Fair Value Measurements.

 

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ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

We are exposed to market risk associated with changes in interest rates, foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations and certain commodity prices. To reduce these risks, we selectively use financial instruments and other proactive management techniques. We do not use financial instruments for trading purposes or speculation. There have been no material changes in our market risk exposures as compared to those discussed in our 2007 Annual Report on Form 10-K (file no. 333-56857), except as noted below.

From time to time we may enter into derivative financial instruments to hedge our interest rate exposures, exchange rate fluctuations between United States dollars and foreign currencies and certain commodity prices. An instrument will be treated as a hedge if it is effective in offsetting the impact of volatility in our underlying exposures.

Effective March 4, 2005, we entered into a $67.0 million interest rate swap agreement with The Bank of Nova Scotia to hedge a portion of our interest rate risk related to our term loan borrowings under the Senior Credit Facility. Under the swap, which matured on March 4, 2008, we paid a fixed rate of 3.81%, and received or paid quarterly interest payments based upon the three month LIBOR rate. Under the swap, we received $0.2 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2008.

Effective July 21, 2006, we entered into a $13.0 million interest rate swap agreement with The Bank of Nova Scotia to hedge a portion of our interest rate risk related to our term loan borrowings under the Senior Credit Facility. Under the swap, which matures on March 4, 2009, we pay a fixed rate of 5.65%, and receive or pay quarterly interest payments based upon the three month LIBOR rate. Under the swap, we paid $0.2 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2008. The fair value of this interest rate swap agreement, which represents the amount that we would pay upon a settlement of this instrument, was $0.1 million at September 30, 2008.

Effective January 4, 2008, we entered into a $110.0 million interest rate swap agreement with The Bank of Nova Scotia to hedge a portion of our interest rate risk related to our term loan borrowings under the Senior Credit Facility. Under the swap, which matures on December 31, 2009, we pay a fixed rate of 3.96%, and receive or pay quarterly interest payments based upon three month LIBOR. Under the swap, there was no net cash interest received during 2007. Under the swap, we paid $0.5 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2008. The fair value of this interest rate swap agreement, which represents the amount that we would pay if we were to settle the instrument, was $1.1 million at September 30, 2008.

During the fourth quarter of 2007, we entered into foreign exchange hedge contracts with Bank of America, N.A. to hedge a portion of our foreign exchange risk related to the purchases by Alliance Laundry Systems LLC from Alliance International BVBA and other European vendors. Under the foreign exchange hedges, we received $1.0 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2008. The fair value of these foreign exchange hedge contracts, which represents the amount that we would pay upon a settlement of these instruments was $0.1 million at September 30, 2008. The notional amount of the foreign exchange hedge contracts outstanding as of September 30, 2008 totaled 4.3 million Euros.

We enter into commodity hedge contracts with Bank of America, N.A. to hedge a portion of our nickel commodity risk related to stainless steel purchases. Under the commodity hedges, we paid $1.0 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2008. The fair value of these commodity hedge contracts, which represents the amount that we would pay upon a settlement of these instruments was $2.5 million at September 30, 2008. The notional amount of the nickel commodity hedge contracts outstanding as of September 30, 2008 totalled 220 metric tons.

 

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ITEM 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

Our management, with the participation of our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, evaluated the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”) as of September 30, 2008. Based on this evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have concluded that, as of September 30, 2008, our disclosure controls and procedures were effective to provide reasonable assurance that the information required to be disclosed is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified under applicable rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission and that such information is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure. There have been no changes in our internal control over financial reporting or identified in connection with the evaluation discussed above that occurred during the period ending September 30, 2008 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

CAUTIONARY NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

With the exception of the reported actual results, the information presented herein contains predictions, estimates or other forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Act of 1934, as amended, including items specifically discussed in “Note 15 – Commitments and Contingencies.” Such forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results, performance or achievements of our business to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements and can generally be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as “may,” “plan,” “seek,” “will,” “expect,” “intend,” “estimate,” “anticipate,” “believe” or “continue” or the negative thereof or variations thereon or similar terminology. Although we believe that our plans, intentions and expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, we can give no assurance that such plans, intentions, expectations, objectives or goals will be achieved. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those included in forward-looking statements include: the continued weakness and volatility in the financial markets and global economy; the inability to replace Lehman as a revolver lender; the impact of competition; continued sales to key customers; possible fluctuations in the cost of raw materials and components; possible fluctuations in currency exchange rates which may affect the competitiveness of our products abroad; possible fluctuation in interest rates, which affects our earnings and cash flows; the impact of substantial leverage and debt service on us; possible loss of suppliers; risks related to our asset backed facility; the availability of borrowings under our Revolving Credit Facility; dependence on key personnel; labor relations; potential liability for environmental, health and safety matters; potential future legal proceedings; and litigation and other risks listed from time to time in our reports, including but not limited to our Annual Reports on Form 10-K (file no. 333-56857). In light of these risks, uncertainties and assumptions, the forward-looking statements contained in this report might not prove to be accurate and you should not place undue reliance upon them. All forward-looking statements speak only as of the date made and we undertake no obligation to update or revise publicly any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future results or otherwise. We do not undertake any obligation to update any such forward-looking statements unless required by law.

 

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PART II OTHER INFORMATION

 

Item 1. Legal Proceedings. Incorporated by reference from Note 15 to the Consolidated Financial Statements of Alliance Laundry Holdings LLC included in Item 1 of Part I of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.

 

Item 1A. Risk Factors. There have been no material changes in our risk factors from those disclosed in Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2007, other than the addition of the risk factor disclosed below. Additional risks and uncertainties not currently known to us or that we currently deem immaterial also may materially adversely affect our business, financial condition or results.

Continued adverse conditions in the financial markets and global economy could have a material adverse effect on our business.

During 2008, the financial markets and global economy have been experiencing extreme weakness, volatility and disruption. Such weakness, volatility and disruption is accompanied by and, to some extent the result of, increasing raw material costs, lack of available credit, and fluctuating foreign currency exchange rates. Each of the foregoing, as well as the health of the U.S. and global economy generally, affects demand for our products. A decline in the economic activity and conditions in the United States and any other markets in which we operate, which have recently deteriorated significantly, could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations. There can be no assurances that government responses to disruptions in the financial markets or any other expected developments will alleviate the current economic situation in the foreseeable future.

 

Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds. Not Applicable.

 

Item 3. Defaults upon Senior Securities. None.

 

Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders. None.

 

Item 5. Other Information. None.

 

Item 6. Exhibits.

 

  a) List of Exhibits.
31.1    Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
31.2    Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
32.1    Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
32.2    Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

 

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SIGNATURES

Alliance Laundry Systems LLC has duly caused this quarterly report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.

 

Signature

  

Title

 

Date

/s/ THOMAS F. L’ESPERANCE

Thomas F. L’Esperance

   Chief Executive Officer   11-6-08

/S/ BRUCE P. ROUNDS

Bruce P. Rounds

   Vice President Chief Financial Officer   11-6-08

Alliance Laundry Corporation has duly caused this quarterly report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.

 

Signature

  

Title

 

Date

/s/ THOMAS F. L’ESPERANCE

Thomas F. L’Esperance

   Chief Executive Officer   11-6-08

/s/ BRUCE P. ROUNDS

Bruce P. Rounds

   Vice President Chief Financial Officer   11-6-08

Alliance Laundry Holdings LLC has duly caused this quarterly report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.

 

Signature

  

Title

 

Date

/s/ THOMAS F. L’ESPERANCE

Thomas F. L’Esperance

   Chief Executive Officer   11-6-08

/s/ BRUCE P. ROUNDS

Bruce P. Rounds

   Vice President Chief Financial Officer   11-6-08

 

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