-----BEGIN PRIVACY-ENHANCED MESSAGE----- Proc-Type: 2001,MIC-CLEAR Originator-Name: webmaster@www.sec.gov Originator-Key-Asymmetric: MFgwCgYEVQgBAQICAf8DSgAwRwJAW2sNKK9AVtBzYZmr6aGjlWyK3XmZv3dTINen TWSM7vrzLADbmYQaionwg5sDW3P6oaM5D3tdezXMm7z1T+B+twIDAQAB MIC-Info: RSA-MD5,RSA, G/9FL1Oto9P6exdCW/tBdnfvKRkS2wbxPrFvUjVl9kptsCh7j9IBCVFH6RRvjPKA twWBzG2lQV2kTzqyNffWrQ== 0000950129-06-006840.txt : 20060629 0000950129-06-006840.hdr.sgml : 20060629 20060629124738 ACCESSION NUMBER: 0000950129-06-006840 CONFORMED SUBMISSION TYPE: 10-K PUBLIC DOCUMENT COUNT: 10 CONFORMED PERIOD OF REPORT: 20060331 FILED AS OF DATE: 20060629 DATE AS OF CHANGE: 20060629 FILER: COMPANY DATA: COMPANY CONFORMED NAME: FRIEDMAN INDUSTRIES INC CENTRAL INDEX KEY: 0000039092 STANDARD INDUSTRIAL CLASSIFICATION: STEEL WORKS, BLAST FURNACES & ROLLING & FINISHING MILLS [3310] IRS NUMBER: 741504405 STATE OF INCORPORATION: TX FISCAL YEAR END: 0331 FILING VALUES: FORM TYPE: 10-K SEC ACT: 1934 Act SEC FILE NUMBER: 001-07521 FILM NUMBER: 06932620 BUSINESS ADDRESS: STREET 1: 4001 HOMESTEAD RD CITY: HOUSTON STATE: TX ZIP: 77028 BUSINESS PHONE: 7136729433 MAIL ADDRESS: STREET 2: PO BOX 21147 CITY: HOUSTON STATE: TX ZIP: 77226 10-K 1 h36357e10vk.htm FRIEDMAN INDUSTRIES, INCORPORATED - 3/31/2006 e10vk
 

 
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
 
FORM 10-K
 
x  Annual report pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2006
 
o  Transition report pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 for the transition period from            to           
 
Commission File No. 1-7521
 
FRIEDMAN INDUSTRIES, INCORPORATED
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
 
     
Texas
  74-1504405
(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)
  (I.R.S. Employer
Identification No.)
     
4001 Homestead Road, Houston, Texas
  77028
(Address of principal executive offices)
  (Zip Code)
 
Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (713) 672-9433
 
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
 
     
    Name of each exchange
Title of each class
 
on which registered
Common Stock, $1 Par Value
  American Stock Exchange
 
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:
 
None
 
     Indicate by check mark if the registrant is well-known seasoned issuer as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act.
 
Yes            No   X  
 
     Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Exchange Act.
 
Yes          No   X  
 
     Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act during the preceding 12 months and (2) has been subject to the filing requirements for the past 90 days.
 
Yes   X       No       
 
     Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K.
 
       X                
 
     Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, or a non-accelerated filer. See definition of “accelerated filer and large accelerated filer” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):
 
Large accelerated filer ( )     Accelerated filer ( )     Non-accelerated filer (X)
 
     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 aggregate market value of the Common Stock held by non-affiliates of the registrant as of September 30, 2005 (computed by reference to the closing price on such date), was approximately $38,402,000.
 
     The number of shares of the registrant’s Common Stock outstanding at June 12, 2006 was 6,666,626 shares.
 


 

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE
 
Portions of the Annual Report to Shareholders of Friedman Industries, Incorporated for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2006 — Part II.
 
Proxy Statement for the 2006 Annual Meeting of Shareholders — Part III.
 
PART I
 
Item 1. Business
 
Friedman Industries, Incorporated (the “Company”), a Texas corporation incorporated in 1965, is engaged in pipe manufacturing and processing, steel processing and steel and pipe distribution.
 
The Company has two product groups: coil and tubular products. Significant financial information relating to the Company’s product groups for the last three years is contained in Note 7 of the Consolidated Financial Statements included in the Company’s Annual Report to Shareholders for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2006, which financial statements are incorporated herein by reference in Item 8 hereof.
 
  Coil Products
 
The Company purchases hot-rolled steel coils, processes the coils into flat, finished sheet and plate and sells these products on a wholesale, rapid-delivery basis in competition with steel mills, importers and steel service centers. The Company also processes customer-owned coils on a fee basis. The Company has coil processing plants located at Lone Star, Texas and Hickman, Arkansas. At each plant, the steel coils are processed through a cut-to-length line which levels the steel and cuts it to prescribed lengths. The Company’s processing machinery is heavy, mill-type equipment capable of processing steel coils weighing up to 25 tons. Coils are processed to the specifications required for a particular order. Shipments are made via unaffiliated truckers or by rail and, in times of normal supply and market conditions, can generally be made within 48 hours of receipt of the customer’s order.
 
At its Lone Star facility, the Company purchases hot-rolled steel coils primarily from Lone Star Steel Company (“LSS”), which is located approximately four miles from the Company’s Lone Star plant. The Lone Star plant purchases its supply of steel from LSS and other suppliers at competitive prices determined at the time of purchase. Loss of LSS as a source of coil supply could have an adverse effect on the Company’s business.
 
At the Company’s Hickman facility, the Company warehouses and processes hot-rolled steel coils which are purchased primarily from Nucor Steel Company (“NSC”), which is located approximately one-half mile from the Hickman facility. In addition, the Company’s XSCP Division located in Hickman purchases and markets non-standard hot-rolled coils received from NSC. Loss of NSC as a source of coil supply could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business.
 
At the Lone Star facility, the Company maintains three cut-to-length lines and a coil-to-coil 2-Hi temper pass mill. This equipment is capable of processing steel up to 72 inches wide and up to one-half inch thick. The Company intends to close the Lone Star coil facility in fiscal 2007 and to redeploy certain of these assets to a new coil facility to be located in Decatur, Alabama. This Decatur facility is expected to become operational in fiscal 2008. The Hickman facility operates a cut-to-length line which has 72 inch wide and one-half inch thick capability. The Company also operates a 2-Hi temper pass mill at the Hickman facility that is capable of processing steel up to 72 inches wide and one-half inch thick in a coil-to-coil mode or directly from coil to cut-to-length processing.
 
  Tubular Products
 
Through its Texas Tubular Products Division (“TTP”) in Lone Star, Texas, the Company manufactures, purchases, processes and markets tubular products.
 
TTP operates two pipe mills that are capable of producing pipe from 23/8 inches to 85/8 inches in outside diameter. Pipe Mill #1 is API-licensed to manufacture line and oil country pipe and also manufactures pipe for structural and piling purposes that meets recognized industry standards. Pipe Mill #2 began operation in April 2004 and generally produces pipe that is recognized by various industry standards ranging from 23/8 inches to 59/16 inches in outside diameter. TTP also employs various pipe processing equipment


2


 

including threading and beveling machines, pipe handling equipment and other related machinery. This machinery can process pipe up to 133/8 inches in outside diameter.
 
The Company currently manufactures and sells substantially all of its line and oil country pipe to LSS pursuant to orders received from LSS. In addition, the Company purchases from LSS and markets to others pipe for structural applications for some sizes of pipe that exceed the capability of the TTP pipe mills.
 
The Company purchases a substantial portion of its annual supply of pipe and coil material used in pipe production from LSS. The Company can make no assurances as to the amounts of pipe and coil material that will be available from LSS in the future. Loss of LSS as a source of supply or as a customer could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business.
 
  Marketing
 
The following table sets forth the approximate percentage of total sales contributed by each group of products and services during each of the Company’s last three fiscal years:
 
                         
Product and Service Groups
  2006     2005     2004  
 
Coil Products
    52 %     55 %     54 %
Tubular Products
    48 %     45 %     46 %
 
Coil Products. The Company sells coil products to approximately 260 customers located primarily in the midwestern, southwestern and southeastern sections of the United States. The Company’s principal customers for these products and services are steel distributors and customers fabricating steel products such as storage tanks, steel buildings, farm machinery and equipment, construction equipment, transportation equipment, conveyors and other similar products. During each of the fiscal years ended March 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004, seven, seven and six customers of coil products, respectively, accounted for approximately 25% of the Company’s sales. Except for Trinity Industries, Inc., no coil product customer accounted for as much as 10% of the Company’s total sales during those years. Trinity Industries, Inc. accounted for approximately 11% of total sales in fiscal 2006 and 2005.
 
The Company sells substantially all of its coil products through its own sales force. At March 31, 2006, the sales force was comprised of a vice president and three professional sales personnel under the direction of the Senior Vice President — Sales and Marketing. Salesmen are paid on a salary and commission basis.
 
Shipments of particular products are made from the facility offering the product desired. If the product is available at more than one facility, other factors such as location of the customer, productive capacity of the facility and activity of the facility enter into the decision regarding shipments. The Company regularly contracts on a quarterly basis with many of its larger customers to supply minimum quantities of steel.
 
Tubular Products. The Company sells its tubular products nationally to approximately 230 customers. The Company’s principal customers for these products are steel and pipe distributors, piling contractors and LSS. Sales of pipe to LSS accounted for approximately 15% of the Company’s total sales in fiscal 2006.
 
The Company sells its tubular products through its own sales force comprised of four professional sales personnel under the direction of the Senior Vice President — Sales and Marketing. Salesmen are paid on a salary and commission basis.
 
  Competition
 
The Company is engaged in a non-seasonal, highly-competitive business. The Company competes with steel mills, importers and steel service centers. The steel industry, in general, is characterized by a small number of extremely large companies dominating the bulk of the market and a large number of relatively small companies, such as the Company, competing for a limited share of such market.
 
The Company believes that in times of normal supply and market conditions its ability to compete is dependent upon its ability to offer products at prices competitive with or below those of other steel suppliers, as well as its ability to provide products meeting customer specifications on a rapid-delivery basis.


3


 

Employees
 
At March 31, 2006, the Company had approximately 140 full-time employees.
 
  Executive Officers of the Company
 
The following table sets forth as of March 31, 2006, the name, age, officer positions and family relationships, if any, of each executive officer of the Company and period during which each officer has served in such capacity:
 
             
          Position, Offices with the Company
Name
  Age    
and Family Relationships, if any
William E. Crow
    58    
Chief Executive Officer since 2006 and President and Chief Operating Officer since 1995, formerly Vice President since 1981 and formerly President of Texas Tubular Products Division since August 1990
Benny Harper
    60    
Senior Vice President — Finance since 1995 (formerly Vice President since 1990), Treasurer since 1980 and Secretary since May 1992
Thomas Thompson
    55    
Senior Vice President — Sales and Marketing since 1995, formerly Vice President — Sales since 1990
 
Item 1A.  Risk Factors
 
Lead time and the cost of our products could increase if we were to lose one of our primary suppliers.
 
We are dependent on LSS and NSC for our supply of inventory. In recent periods, our Lone Star coil facility (“LSCF”) has experienced a lack of supply of coil products from LSS, its primary coil supplier. A further reduction in supply could have an adverse effect on our coil segment operations. NSC continues to supply our Hickman coil facility with steel coils in amounts that are adequate for our purposes. While current levels are adequate to sustain our operations at both Hickman and LSCF, a reduction in the supply of steel coils could have an adverse effect on our coil operations.
 
LSS is our primary supplier of tubular products and coil material used in pipe manufacturing. While current supply levels are adequate to sustain our tubular operations, a reduction in the supply of tubular products and coil material used in our tubular operations from LSS could have an adverse effect on our tubular operations.
 
If, for any reason, our primary suppliers of raw materials should curtail or discontinue deliveries to us in quantities we need and at prices that are competitive, our business could suffer. If, in the future, we were unable to obtain sufficient amounts of the necessary metals at competitive prices and on a timely basis from our traditional suppliers, we may not be able to obtain such metals from alternative sources at competitive prices to meet our delivery schedules, which would have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition or results of operations.
 
Our future operating results may be affected by fluctuations in raw material prices. We may not be able to pass on increases in raw material costs to our customers.
 
Our principal raw materials are tubular products and steel coils, which we purchase from a limited number of primary steel producers. The steel industry as a whole is very cyclical, and at times pricing can be volatile due to a number of factors beyond our control, including general economic conditions, labor costs, competition, import duties, tariffs and currency exchange rates. This volatility can significantly affect our steel costs. We are required to maintain substantial inventories to accommodate the short lead times and just-in-time delivery requirements of our customers. Accordingly, we purchase raw materials on a regular basis in an effort to maintain our inventory at levels that we believe are sufficient to satisfy the anticipated needs of our customers based upon historic buying practices and market conditions. In an environment of increasing raw material prices, competitive conditions will impact how much of the steel price increases we can pass on to our customers. To the extent we are unable to pass on future price increases in our raw materials to our customers, the profitability of our business could be adversely affected.


4


 

Our business is highly competitive, and increased competition could reduce our gross profit and net income.
 
The principal markets that we serve are highly competitive. Competition is based primarily on the precision and range of achievable tolerances, quality, price, raw materials and inventory availability and the ability to meet delivery schedules dictated by customers. Our competition in the markets in which we participate comes from companies of various sizes, some of which have greater financial and other resources than we do and some of which have more established brand names in the markets we serve. Increased competition could force us to lower our prices or to offer additional services at a higher cost to us, which could reduce our gross profit, net income and cash flow.
 
We are susceptible to the cyclicality of the steel industry.
 
The steel industry is highly cyclical and is affected significantly by general economic conditions and other factors such as worldwide production capacity, fluctuations in steel imports/exports and tariffs. Steel prices are sensitive to a number of supply and demand factors. The recurrence of a major downturn in the industry may have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition or results of operations.
 
We may not be able to manage and integrate future capital expansions successfully.
 
As previously announced, we intend to establish a new steel processing and distribution operation in Decatur, Alabama. In addition, we have made improvements to pipe mill #2. Expansion presents risks. We will expend both capital and personnel resources on such expansions which may or may not be successful.
 
Equipment downtime or shutdowns could adversely affect our business, financial condition or results of operations.
 
Steel manufacturing processes are dependent on critical equipment. Such equipment may incur downtime as a result of unanticipated failures or other events, such as fires or breakdowns. Our facilities have experienced, and may in the future experience, shutdowns or periods of reduced production as a result of such equipment failures or other events. Such disruptions could have an adverse effect on our operations, customer service levels and financial results.
 
Increases in energy prices will increase our operating costs, and we may be unable to pass all these increases on to our customers in the form of higher prices for our products.
 
We use energy to manufacture and transport our products. Our operating costs increase if energy costs rise. We do not hedge our exposure to higher prices via energy futures contracts. Increases in energy prices will increase our operating costs and may reduce our profitability and cash flows if we are unable to pass all the increases on to our customers.
 
Steel companies are susceptible to changes in governmental policies and international economic conditions.
 
Governmental, political and economic developments relating to inflation, interest rates, taxation, currency fluctuations, social or political instability, diplomatic relations, international conflicts and other factors may adversely affect our business, financial condition or results of operations.
 
Steel companies are subject to stringent environmental regulations, and we may be required to spend considerable amounts of money in order to comply with such regulations.
 
We are subject to a broad range of environmental laws and regulations in each of the jurisdictions in which we operate. These laws and regulations, as interpreted by relevant agencies and the courts, impose increasingly stringent environmental protection standards regarding, among other things, air emissions, wastewater storage, treatment and discharges, the use and handling of hazardous or toxic materials, waste disposal practices and the remediation of environmental contamination.
 
The costs of complying with environmental requests could be significant and failure to comply could result in the assessment of civil and criminal penalties, the suspension of operations and lawsuits by private parties. In addition, these standards can create the risk of environmental liabilities, including liabilities associated with divested assets and past activities.


5


 

Durable goods account for a significant portion of our sales, and reduced demand from this sector of the U.S. economy is likely to adversely affect our profitability and cash flow.
 
Downturns in demand for durable goods, or a decrease in the prices that we can realize from sales of our products to customers associated with this sector of the economy, would adversely affect our profitability and cash flows.
 
Competition from other materials may have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition or results of operations.
 
In many applications, steel competes with other materials, such as aluminum, cement, composites, glass, plastic and wood. Additional substitutes for steel products could adversely affect future market prices and demand for steel products.
 
Product liability claims could adversely affect our operations.
 
We sell products to manufacturers who are engaged to sell a wide range of end products. Furthermore, our products are also sold to, and used in, certain safety-critical applications. If we were to sell steel that is inconsistent with the specifications of the order or the requirements of the application, significant disruptions to the customer’s production lines could result. There could also be consequential damages resulting from the use of such products. We have a limited amount of product liability insurance coverage and a major claim for damages related to products sold could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition or results of operations.
 
Our common stock is subject to price volatility unrelated to our operations.
 
The market price of our common stock could fluctuate substantially due to a variety of factors, including market perception of our ability to achieve our planned growth, quarterly operating results, trading volume in our common stock, changes in general conditions in the economy and the financial markets or other developments affecting our competitors or us.
 
In addition, the stock market is subject to extreme price and volume fluctuations. This volatility has had a significant effect on the market price of securities issued by many companies for reasons unrelated to their operating performance and could have the same effect on our common stock.
 
Certain provisions of our articles of incorporation may discourage a third party from making a takeover proposal.
 
Our articles of incorporation provide that the affirmative vote of 80% of all of our stock entitled to vote in elections of directors is required for a merger or consolidation of the Company with and into any other corporation or the sale, lease or other disposition of all or substantially all of our assets. This may have the effect of discouraging a takeover proposal or tender offer not approved by management and the board of directors and could result in shareholders who may wish to participate in such a proposal or tender offer receiving less for their shares than otherwise might be available in the event of a takeover attempt.
 
Item 1B.  Unresolved Staff Comments
 
None


6


 

Item 2. Properties
 
The principal properties of the Company are described in the following table:
 
         
    Approximate
   
Location
 
Size
 
Ownership
Lone Star, Texas
       
Plant — Coil Products
  42,260 sq. feet   Owned(1)(2)
Plant — Texas Tubular Products
  76,000 sq. feet   Owned(1)
Offices — Coil Products
  1,200 sq. feet   Owned(1)(2)
Offices — Texas Tubular
Products
  8,000 sq. feet   Owned(1)
Land — Coil Products
  13.93 acres   Owned(1)(2)
Land — Texas Tubular Products
  67.77 acres   Owned(1)
Longview, Texas Offices
  2,600 sq. feet   Leased(3)
Houston, Texas
       
Plant and Warehouse
  70,000 sq. feet   Owned(1)(4)
Offices
  4,000 sq. feet   Owned(1)(4)
Land
  12 acres   Owned(1)(4)
Hickman, Arkansas
       
Plant and Warehouse — Coil Products
  42,600 sq. feet   Owned(1)
Offices — Coil Products
  2,500 sq. feet   Owned(1)
Land — Coil Products
  26.19 acres   Owned(1)
 
 
(1)  All of the Company’s owned real estate, plants and offices are held in fee and are not subject to any mortgage or deed of trust.
 
(2)  The Company intends to phase out LSCF in fiscal 2007. As LSCF is phased out, these assets will be converted to tubular operations.
 
(3)  The office lease is with a nonaffiliated party, expires April 30, 2008, and provides for an annual rental of $27,264.
 
(4)  In November 2001, the Company closed its coil products facility in Houston, Texas. On April 7, 2006, the Company entered into an earnest money contract to sell these assets. Closing is expected in August 2006. At closing, the Company expects to enter into a one-year office lease with the buyer.
 
Item 3. Legal Proceedings
 
The Company is not a party to, nor is its property the subject of, any material pending legal proceedings.
 
Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders
 
None.


7


 

PART II
 
Item 5.  Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities
 
The Company’s Common Stock is traded principally on the American Stock Exchange (Symbol: FRD).
 
Reference is hereby made to the sections of the Company’s Annual Report to Shareholders for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2006, entitled “Description of Business — Range of High and Low Sales Prices of Common Stock” and “Description of Business — Cash Dividends Declared Per Share of Common Stock”, which sections are hereby incorporated herein by reference.
 
The approximate number of shareholders of record of Common Stock of the Company as of May 26, 2006 was 430.
 
Item 6. Selected Financial Data
 
Information with respect to Item 6 is hereby incorporated herein by reference from the section of the Company’s Annual Report to Shareholders for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2006, entitled “Selected Financial Data”.
 
Item 7.  Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
 
Information with respect to Item 7 is hereby incorporated herein by reference from the section of the Company’s Annual Report to Shareholders for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2006, entitled “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations”.
 
Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk
 
In the normal course of business the Company is exposed to market risk primarily from changes in the cost of steel in inventory and in interest rates. The Company closely monitors exposure to market risks and develops appropriate strategies to manage risk. With respect to steel purchases, there is no recognized market to purchase derivative financial instruments to reduce the inventory exposure risk on changing commodity prices. The exposure to market risk associated with interest rates relates primarily to debt. Recent debt balances are minimal and, as a result, direct exposure to interest rates changes is not significant.
 
Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data
 
The following financial statements and notes thereto of the Company included in the Company’s Annual Report to Shareholders for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2006, are hereby incorporated herein by reference:
 
Consolidated Balance Sheets — March 31, 2006 and 2005
 
Consolidated Statements of Earnings — Years ended March 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004
 
Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity — Years ended March 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004
 
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows — Years ended March 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004
 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements — March 31, 2006
 
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
 
Information with respect to supplementary financial information relating to the Company appears in Note 8 — Summary of Quarterly Results of Operations (Unaudited) of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements incorporated herein by reference above in this Item 8 from the Company’s Annual Report to Shareholders for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2006.


8


 

The following supplementary schedule for the Company for the year ended March 31, 2006, is included elsewhere in this report.
 
Schedule II — Valuation and Qualifying Accounts
 
All other schedules for which provision is made in the applicable accounting regulation of the Securities and Exchange Commission are not required under the related instructions or are inapplicable and, therefore, have been omitted.
 
Item 9.  Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure.
 
None
 
Item 9A. Controls and Procedures
 
  Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
 
The Company’s management, with the participation of the Company’s principal executive officer (CEO) and principal financial officer (CFO), evaluated the effectiveness of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended ( the “Exchange Act”)) as of the end of the period covered by this report. Based on this evaluation, the CEO and CFO have concluded that, as of the end of such period, the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures were effective to ensure that information that is required to be disclosed by the Company in the reports it files or submits under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported, within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms.
 
  Changes in Internal Controls
 
There were no changes in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the fiscal quarter ended March 31, 2006 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.
 
Item 9B.  Other Information
 
None


9


 

PART III
 
Item 10. Directors and Executive Officers of the Registrant
 
Except as otherwise set forth below, information with respect to Item 10 is hereby incorporated herein by reference from the Company’s proxy statement in respect of the 2006 Annual Meeting of Shareholders, definitive copies of which are expected to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on or before 120 days after the end of the Company’s 2006 fiscal year.
 
Information with respect to Item 10 regarding executive officers is hereby incorporated by reference from the information set forth under the caption “Executive Officers of the Company” in Item 1 of this report.
 
The Company has adopted the Friedman Industries, Incorporated Code of Conduct and Ethics (the “Code”) which applies to the Company’s employees, directors and officers, including its principal executive officer, principal financial officer, principal accounting officer or controller, or persons performing similar functions. A copy of the Code is filed as an exhibit hereto.
 
Item 11. Executive Compensation
 
Information with respect to Item 11 is hereby incorporated herein by reference from the Company’s proxy statement in respect of the 2006 Annual Meeting of Shareholders, definitive copies of which are expected to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on or before 120 days after the end of the Company’s 2006 fiscal year.
 
Item 12.  Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters
 
   Equity Compensation Plan Information
 
The following table sets forth certain equity compensation plan information for the Company as of March 31, 2006:
 
Equity Compensation Plan Information
 
                         
            Number of
    Number of
      Securities Remaining
    Securities to
      Available for
    be Issued
  Weighted-Average Exercise
  Future Issuance
    upon Exercise
  Price of
  under Equity Compensation
    of Outstanding
  Outstanding Options,
  Plans (Excluding
    Options, Warrants
  Warrants and
  Securities Reflected
Plan Category
  and Rights   Rights   in Column(a))
    (a)        
        (b)    
            (c)
 
Equity compensation plans approved by security holders
    137,212     $ 2.35       27,293  
Equity compensation plans not approved by security holders
    N/A       N/A       0  
 
   Security Ownership Information
 
The additional information with respect to Item 12 regarding the security ownership of certain beneficial owners and management, and related matters, is hereby incorporated herein by reference from the Company’s proxy statement in respect to the 2006 Annual Meeting of Shareholders, definitive copies of which are expected to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on or before 120 days after the end of the Company’s 2006 fiscal year.


10


 

Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions
 
Information with respect to Item 13 is hereby incorporated herein by reference from the Company’s proxy statement in respect of the 2006 Annual Meeting of Shareholders, definitive copies of which are expected to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on or before 120 days after the end of the Company’s 2006 fiscal year.
 
Item 14.  Principal Accountant Fees and Services
 
Information with respect to Item 14 is hereby incorporated herein by reference from the Company’s proxy statement in respect of the 2006 Annual Meeting of Shareholders, definitive copies of which are expected to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on or before 120 days after the end of the Company’s 2006 fiscal year.


11


 

PART IV
 
Item 15. Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules and Reports on Form 8-K
 
(a) Documents included in this report
 
1. Financial Statements
 
The following financial statements and notes thereto of the Company are included in the Company’s Annual Report to Shareholders for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2006, which is incorporated herein by reference.
 
Consolidated Balance Sheets — March 31, 2006 and 2005
 
Consolidated Statements of Earnings — Years ended March 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004
 
Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity — Years end March 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004
 
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows — Years ended March 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004
 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements — March 31, 2006
 
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
 
2. Financial Statement Schedules
 
The following financial statement schedule of the Company is included in this report at page S-1.
 
Schedule II — Valuation and Qualifying Accounts
 
All other schedules for which provision is made in the applicable accounting regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission are not required under the related instructions or are inapplicable and, therefore, have been omitted.
 
3. Exhibits
 
         
Exhibit
   
No.
 
Description
 
  3 .1  
— Articles of Incorporation of the Company, as amended (filed as an exhibit to and incorporated by reference from the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended March 31, 1982).
  3 .2  
— Articles of Amendment to the Articles of Incorporation of the Company, as filed with the Texas Secretary of State on September 22, 1987 (filed as an exhibit to and incorporated by reference from the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended March 31, 1988).
  3 .3  
— Amended and Restated By-laws of the Company (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 3.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on February 8, 2006).
  4 .1  
— Reference is made to Exhibits 10.2, 10.5, 10.6, 10.8, 10.10, 10.11, 10.13 and 10.14 described in this Item 15(a).
  *10 .1  
— Friedman Industries, Incorporated 1989 Incentive Stock Option Plan (filed as an exhibit to and incorporated by reference from the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended March 31, 1991).
  10 .2  
— Amended and Restated Letter Agreement dated April 1, 1995, between the Company and Texas Commerce Bank National Association (“TCB”) regarding an $8,000,000 revolving line of credit (filed as an exhibit to and incorporated by reference from the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended March 31, 1995).
  10 .3  
— Lease Agreement between Judson Plaza, Inc. and the Company dated March 16, 1996, regarding the lease of office space (filed as an exhibit to and incorporated by reference from the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended March 31, 1996).
  *10 .4  
— Friedman Industries, Incorporated 1996 Stock Option Plan (filed as an exhibit to and incorporated by reference from the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended March 31, 1997).


12


 

         
Exhibit
   
No.
 
Description
 
  10 .5  
— First Amendment to Amended and Restated Letter Agreement between the Company and TCB dated April 1, 1997 (filed as an exhibit to and incorporated by reference from the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended March 31, 1997).
  10 .6  
— Second Amendment to Amended and Restated Letter Agreement between the Company and TCB dated July 21, 1997 (filed as an exhibit to and incorporated by reference from the Company’s Report on Form 10-Q for the three months ended June 30, 1997).
  *10 .7  
— First Amendment to the Friedman Industries, Incorporated 1989 Incentive Stock Option Plan (filed as an exhibit to and incorporated by reference from the Company’s Report on Form 10-Q for the three months ended September 30, 1997).
  10 .8  
— Third Amendment to the Amended and Restated Letter Agreement dated April 1, 1999 between the Company and Chase Bank of Texas (filed as an exhibit to and incorporated by reference from the Company’s report on Form 10-Q for the three months ended June 30, 1999).
  10 .9  
— Addendum to Lease Agreement between Judson Plaza, Inc. and the Company dated April 12, 2001 (filed as an exhibit to and incorporated by reference from the Company’s report on Form 10-Q for the three months ended June 30, 2001).
  10 .10  
— Fourth Amendment to the Amended and Restated Letter Agreement dated June 1, 2001 between The Chase Manhattan Bank and the Company (filed as an exhibit to and incorporated by reference from the Company’s report on Form 10-Q for the three months ended June 30, 2001).
  10 .11  
— Fifth Amendment to the Amended and Restated Letter Agreement dated effective as of April 1, 2003 (filed as an exhibit to and incorporated by reference from the Company’s report on Form 10-Q for the three months ended June 30, 2003).
  10 .12  
— Agreement dated December 13, 2004, by and between Harold Friedman and the Company (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.2 to the Company’s current report on Form 8-K filed on December 13, 2004).
  10 .13  
— Sixth Amendment to the Amended and Restated Letter Agreement dated effective as of April 1, 2005 (filed as an exhibit to and incorporated by reference from the Company’s report on Form 10-Q for the three months ended June 30, 2005).
  10 .14  
— Revolving Promissory Note dated April 1, 2005 between the Company and J.P. Morgan Chase Bank (filed as an exhibit to and incorporated by reference from the Company’s report on Form 10-Q for the three months ended June 30, 2005).
  10 .15  
— Stock Purchase Agreement dated February 8, 2006, by and between Jack Friedman and the Company (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s current report on Form 8-K filed on February 8, 2006).
  10 .16  
— Resignation of Jack Friedman from the Company on February 8, 2006 (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.2 to the Company’s current report on Form 8-K filed on February 8, 2006).
  **13 .1  
— The Company’s Annual Report to Shareholders for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2006.
  **14 .1  
— Friedman Industries, Incorporated Code of Conduct and Ethics.
  **21 .1  
— List of Subsidiaries.
  **23 .1  
— Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm.
  **31 .1  
— Certification Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, signed by William E. Crow.


13


 

         
Exhibit
   
No.
 
Description
 
  **31 .2  
— Certification Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, signed by Ben Harper.
  **32 .1  
— Certification Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, signed by William E. Crow.
  **32 .2  
— Certification Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, signed by Ben Harper.
 *  Management contract or compensation plan.
 
**  Filed herewith.
 
Copies of exhibits filed as a part of this Annual Report on Form 10-K may be obtained by shareholders of record at a charge of $.10 per page. Direct inquiries to: Benny Harper, Senior Vice President — Finance, Friedman Industries, Incorporated, P. O. Box 21147, Houston, Texas 77226.


14


 

SIGNATURES
 
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, Friedman Industries, Incorporated has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of Houston, and State of Texas, this 27th day of June, 2006.
 
FRIEDMAN INDUSTRIES, INCORPORATED
 
  By: 
/s/  William E. Crow
William E. Crow
Chief Executive Officer,
President and Chief Operating Officer
 
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons in the capacities and on the dates indicated on behalf of Friedman Industries, Incorporated in the City of Houston, and State of Texas.
 
         
Signature
 
Title
 
Date
         
/s/  WILLIAM E. CROW

William E. Crow
 
Chief Executive Officer, President and Chief Operating Officer and Director (Principal Executive Officer)
  June 27, 2006
         
/s/  BENNY B. HARPER

Benny B. Harper
 
Senior Vice President — Finance Secretary/Treasurer (Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)
  June 27, 2006
         
/s/  HAROLD FRIEDMAN

Harold Friedman
 
Director
  June 27, 2006
         
/s/  JACK FRIEDMAN

Jack Friedman
 
Director
  June 27, 2006
         
/s/  CHARLES W. HALL

Charles W. Hall
 
Director
  June 27, 2006
         
/s/  ALAN M. RAUCH

Alan M. Rauch
 
Director
  June 27, 2006
         
/s/  HERSHEL M. RICH

Hershel M. Rich
 
Director
  June 27, 2006
         
/s/  KIRK K. WEAVER

Kirk K. Weaver
 
Director
  June 27, 2006
         
/s/  JOE L. WILLIAMS

Joe L. Williams
 
Director
  June 27, 2006


15


 

 
SCHEDULE II — VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS
 
FRIEDMAN INDUSTRIES, INCORPORATED
 
                                         
Column A
  Column B     Column C     Column D     Column E  
          Additions              
    Balance at
    Charged to
    Charged to
             
    Beginning
    Costs and
    Other Accounts —
    Deductions —
    Balance at
 
Description
  of Period     Expenses     Describe(A)     Describe(B)     End of Period  
 
Year ended March 31, 2006
                                       
Allowance for doubtful accounts receivable and cash discounts (deducted from related asset account)
  $ 37,276     $ 611     $ 928,683     $ 929,294     $ 37,276  
                                         
Year ended March 31, 2005
                                       
Allowance for doubtful accounts receivable and cash discounts (deducted from related asset account)
  $ 44,776     $ 166,201     $ 808,775     $ 982,476     $ 37,276  
                                         
Year ended March 31, 2004
                                       
Allowance for doubtful accounts receivable and cash discounts (deducted from related asset account)
  $ 7,276     $ 188,508     $ 537,205     $ 688,213     $ 44,776  
                                         
 
 
 
(A)  Cash discounts allowed on sales and charged against revenue.
 
(B)  Accounts receivable written off and cash discounts allowed on sales.


S-1


 

EXHIBIT INDEX
 
         
Exhibit
   
No.
 
Description
 
  3 .1  
— Articles of Incorporation of the Company, as amended (filed as an exhibit to and incorporated by reference from the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended March 31, 1982).
  3 .2  
— Articles of Amendment to the Articles of Incorporation of the Company, as filed with the Texas Secretary of State on September 22, 1987 (filed as an exhibit to and incorporated by reference from the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended March 31, 1988).
  3 .3  
— Amended and Restated By-laws of the Company (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 3.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on February 8, 2006).
  4 .1  
— Reference is made to Exhibits 10.2, 10.5, 10.6, 10.8, 10.10, 10.11, 10.13 and 10.14 described in this Item 15(a).
  *10 .1  
— Friedman Industries, Incorporated 1989 Incentive Stock Option Plan (filed as an exhibit to and incorporated by reference from the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended March 31, 1991).
  10 .2  
— Amended and Restated Letter Agreement dated April 1, 1995, between the Company and Texas Commerce Bank National Association (“TCB”) regarding an $8,000,000 revolving line of credit (filed as an exhibit to and incorporated by reference from the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended March 31, 1995).
  10 .3  
— Lease Agreement between Judson Plaza, Inc. and the Company dated March 16, 1996, regarding the lease of office space (filed as an exhibit to and incorporated by reference from the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended March 31, 1996).
  *10 .4  
— Friedman Industries, Incorporated 1996 Stock Option Plan (filed as an exhibit to and incorporated by reference from the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended March 31, 1997).
  10 .5  
— First Amendment to Amended and Restated Letter Agreement between the Company and TCB dated April 1, 1997 (filed as an exhibit to and incorporated by reference from the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended March 31, 1997).
  10 .6  
— Second Amendment to Amended and Restated Letter Agreement between the Company and TCB dated July 21, 1997 (filed as an exhibit to and incorporated by reference from the Company’s Report on Form 10-Q for the three months ended June 30, 1997).
  *10 .7  
— First Amendment to the Friedman Industries, Incorporated 1989 Incentive Stock Option Plan (filed as an exhibit to and incorporated by reference from the Company’s Report on Form 10-Q for the three months ended September 30, 1997).
  10 .8  
— Third Amendment to the Amended and Restated Letter Agreement dated April 1, 1999 between the Company and Chase Bank of Texas (filed as an exhibit to and incorporated by reference from the Company’s report on Form 10-Q for the three months ended June 30, 1999).
  10 .9  
— Addendum to Lease Agreement between Judson Plaza, Inc. and the Company dated April 12, 2001 (filed as an exhibit to and incorporated by reference from the Company’s report on Form 10-Q for the three months ended June 30, 2001).
  10 .10  
— Fourth Amendment to the Amended and Restated Letter Agreement dated June 1, 2001 between The Chase Manhattan Bank and the Company (filed as an exhibit to and incorporated by reference from the Company’s report on Form 10-Q for the three months ended June 30, 2001).
  10 .11  
— Fifth Amendment to the Amended and Restated Letter Agreement dated effective as of April 1, 2003 (filed as an exhibit to and incorporated by reference from the Company’s report on Form 10-Q for the three months ended June 30, 2003).
  10 .12  
— Agreement dated December 13, 2004, by and between Harold Friedman and the Company (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.2 to the Company’s current report on Form 8-K filed on December 13, 2004).


 

         
Exhibit
   
No.
 
Description
 
  10 .13  
— Sixth Amendment to the Amended and Restated Letter Agreement dated effective as of April 1, 2005 (filed as an exhibit to and incorporated by reference from the Company’s report on Form 10-Q for the three months ended June 30, 2005).
  10 .14  
— Revolving Promissory Note dated April 1, 2005 between the Company and J.P. Morgan Chase Bank (filed as an exhibit to and incorporated by reference from the Company’s report on Form 10-Q for the three months ended June 30, 2005).
  10 .15  
— Stock Purchase Agreement dated February 8, 2006, by and between Jack Friedman and the Company (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s current report on Form 8-K filed on February 8, 2006).
  10 .16  
— Resignation of Jack Friedman from the Company on February 8, 2006 (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.2 to the Company’s current report on Form 8-K filed on February 8, 2006).
  **13 .1  
— The Company’s Annual Report to Shareholders for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2006.
  **14 .1  
— Friedman Industries, Incorporated Code of Conduct and Ethics.
  **21 .1  
— List of Subsidiaries.
  **23 .1  
— Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm.
  **31 .1  
— Certification Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, signed by William E. Crow.
  **31 .2  
— Certification Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, signed by Ben Harper.
  **32 .1  
— Certification Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, signed by William E. Crow.
  **32 .2  
— Certification Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, signed by Ben Harper.
 *  Management contract or compensation plan.
 
**  Filed herewith.
 
Copies of exhibits filed as a part of this Annual Report on Form 10-K may be obtained by shareholders of record at a charge of $.10 per page. Direct inquiries to: Benny Harper, Senior Vice President — Finance, Friedman Industries, Incorporated, P. O. Box 21147, Houston, Texas 77226.

EX-13.1 2 h36357exv13w1.htm ANNUAL REPORT TO SHAREHOLDERS exv13w1
 

EXHIBIT 13.1
 
THE COMPANY’S ANNUAL
REPORT TO SHAREHOLDERS FOR
THE FISCAL YEAR ENDED MARCH 31, 2006


 

FRIEDMAN
INDUSTRIES
INCORPORATED
 
2006
ANNUAL REPORT
 


 

 
FRIEDMAN INDUSTRIES, INCORPORATED

 
 
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
 
                 
    2006     2005  
 
Net sales
    $181,900,351       $188,022,253  
Net earnings
    $6,453,888       $6,246,043  
Net earnings per share (Basic)
    $0.91       $0.84  
Cash dividends per share
    $0.32       $0.29  
Stockholders’ equity
    $37,097,335       $35,354,550  
Working capital
    $29,167,810       $28,539,243  
 
 
TO OUR SHAREHOLDERS:
 
As reflected in the financial highlights above, the Company experienced another successful year. In management’s opinion, a strong U.S. economy for durable goods supported strong market conditions for the Company’s products and services in fiscal 2006.
 
Management is pleased to announce expansion of operations on several fronts. The pipe mill which began operation in April 2004 has been upgraded substantially in the past year. This pipe mill is now capable of running pipe that is recognized by various industry standards ranging from 23/8” to 59/16” in outside diameter. In addition, the Company intends to phase out the Lone Star coil facility and redeploy certain of these assets to a new coil operation in Decatur, Alabama. This facility will be located near Nucor Steel Company and will initially operate a hot roll steel temper mill and a cut-to-length and leveling line. The Company expects the Decatur facility to become operational in fiscal 2008.
 
You are invited to attend the Annual Meeting of Shareholders scheduled to start at 11 a.m. CST, on Thursday, September 7, 2006, in the offices of Fulbright & Jaworski L.L.P., 1301 McKinney, Houston, Texas.
 
Sincerely,
 
-s- William E. Crow
 
William E. Crow
Chief Executive Officer, President and
Chief Operating Officer


1


 

 
FRIEDMAN INDUSTRIES, INCORPORATED

OFFICERS
 
William E. Crow
Chief Executive Officer,
President and Chief Operating Officer
 
Benny B. Harper
Senior Vice President — Finance
and Secretary/Treasurer
 
Thomas N. Thompson
Senior Vice President — Sales and Marketing
 
Ronald L. Burgerson
Vice President
 
Dale Ray
Vice President
 
Howard Henderson
Vice President of Operations — Texas Tubular Division
 
Robert Sparkman
Vice President of Sales — Coil Divisions
 
Charles W. Hall
Assistant Secretary
 
COMPANY OFFICES AND WEB SITE
  CORPORATE OFFICE
  4001 Homestead Road
  Houston, Texas 77028
  713-672-9433
 
  SALES OFFICE — COIL PRODUCTS
  1121 Judson Road
  Longview, Texas 75606
  903-758-3431
 
  SALES OFFICE — TUBULAR PRODUCTS
  P.O. Box 0388
  Lone Star, Texas 75668
  903-639-2511
 
  WEB SITE
  www.friedmanindustries.com
 
COUNSEL
Fulbright & Jaworski L.L.P.
Fulbright Tower
1301 McKinney, Suite 5100
Houston, Texas 77010
 
AUDITORS
Ernst & Young LLP
1401 McKinney, Suite 1200
Houston, Texas 77010
 
TRANSFER AGENT AND REGISTRAR
American Stock Transfer & Trust Company
59 Maiden Lane
New York, New York 10007
 
DIRECTORS
 
Jack Friedman
Chairman Emeritus; former
Chairman of the Board and
Chief Executive Officer
Longview, Texas
 
Harold Friedman
Chairman of the Board;
Former Vice Chairman of the Board
Houston, Texas
 
William E. Crow
Chief Executive Officer,
President and Chief Operating Officer
Longview, Texas
 
Charles W. Hall
Fulbright & Jaworski L.L.P. (law firm)
Houston, Texas
 
Alan M. Rauch
President, Ener-Tex
International, Inc.
(oilfield equipment sales)
Houston, Texas
 
Hershel M. Rich
Private investor and
business consultant
Houston, Texas
 
Kirk K. Weaver
President, SVR Technologies LLC
(technology support services); formerly,
President, FXI Corporation
(technology support services)
Houston, Texas
 
Joe L. Williams
Managing Director,
Acordia of Texas, Inc.
(insurance and risk management)
Houston, Texas
 
ANNUAL REPORT ON FORM 10-K
 
Shareholders may obtain without charge a copy of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended March 31, 2006 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Written requests should be addressed to: Benny B. Harper, Senior Vice President, Friedman Industries, Incorporated, P.O. Box 21147, Houston, Texas 77226.


2


 

 
FRIEDMAN INDUSTRIES, INCORPORATED

DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS
 
Friedman Industries, Incorporated is engaged in pipe manufacturing and processing, steel processing and steel and pipe distribution.
 
At its facilities in Lone Star, Texas, and Hickman, Arkansas, the Company processes hot-rolled steel coils into flat, finished sheet and plate and sells these products on a wholesale, rapid-delivery basis in competition with steel mills, importers and steel service centers. The Company also processes customer-owned coils on a fee basis. In addition, through its XSCP Division located in Hickman, Arkansas, the Company purchases and markets non-standard hot-rolled coils received from Nucor Steel Company (“NSC”). The Company purchases a substantial amount of its annual coil tonnage from Lone Star Steel Company (“LSS”) and NSC. Loss of LSS or NSC as a source of coil supply could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business.
 
The Company sells its coil products and processing services directly through the Company’s own sales force to approximately 260 customers located primarily in the midwestern, southwestern and southeastern sections of the United States. These products and services are sold principally to steel distributors and to customers fabricating steel products such as storage tanks, steel buildings, farm machinery and equipment, construction equipment, transportation equipment, conveyors and other similar products.
 
The Company, through its Texas Tubular Products Division located in Lone Star, Texas, manufactures, purchases, processes and markets tubular products (“pipe”). The Company sells pipe nationally to approximately 230 customers and sells a substantial amount of manufactured pipe to LSS. The Company purchases a substantial portion of its annual supply of pipe and coil material used in pipe production from LSS. Loss of LSS as a source of such pipe and coil material supply or as a customer of manufactured pipe could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business.
 
Significant financial information relating to the Company’s two product groups, coil and tubular products, is contained in Note 7 of Notes to the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements appearing herein.
 
 
RANGE OF HIGH AND LOW SALES PRICES OF COMMON STOCK
 
                                 
    Fiscal 2006   Fiscal 2005
    High   Low   High   Low
 
First Quarter
  $ 8 .10     5 .80   $ 4 .65   $ 3 .05
Second Quarter
    7 .94     6 .00     6 .55     4 .50
Third Quarter
    6 .80     5 .52     12 .00     5 .50
Fourth Quarter
    9 .94     5 .80     16 .56     6 .41
 
 
CASH DIVIDENDS DECLARED PER SHARE OF COMMON STOCK
 
                 
    Fiscal 2006   Fiscal 2005
 
First Quarter
    $ .08     $ .05
Second Quarter
    $ .08     $ .08
Third Quarter
    $ .08     $ .08
Fourth Quarter
    $ .08     $ .08
 
 
The Company’s Common Stock is traded principally on the American Stock Exchange (trading symbol FRD).
 
The approximate number of shareholders of record of the Company as of May 26, 2006 was 430.


3


 

 
FRIEDMAN INDUSTRIES, INCORPORATED

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
 
ASSETS
 
                 
    March 31  
    2006     2005  
CURRENT ASSETS:
               
Cash and cash equivalents
  $ 1,982,526     $ 205,375  
Accounts receivable, net of allowances for bad debts and cash discounts of $37,276 in 2006 and 2005
    17,494,313       16,403,036  
Inventories
    27,956,921       25,857,240  
Prepaid federal income taxes
          892,104  
Other
    117,243       141,004  
                 
TOTAL CURRENT ASSETS
    47,551,003       43,498,759  
PROPERTY, PLANT, AND EQUIPMENT:
               
Land
    486,653       478,618  
Buildings and yard improvements
    4,088,149       4,088,149  
Machinery and equipment
    20,852,126       18,896,907  
Less accumulated depreciation
    (17,653,265 )     (16,725,869 )
                 
      7,773,663       6,737,805  
OTHER ASSET:
               
Cash value of officers’ life insurance
    606,223       559,778  
                 
TOTAL ASSETS
  $ 55,930,889     $ 50,796,342  
                 
 
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
 
                 
    March 31  
    2006     2005  
CURRENT LIABILITIES:
               
Accounts payable and accrued expenses
  $ 16,713,944     $ 13,474,128  
Current portion of long-term debt
          2,897  
Dividends payable
    533,330       571,180  
Income taxes payable
    143,196        
Contribution to profit sharing plan
    256,000       274,000  
Employee compensation and related expenses
    736,723       637,311  
                 
TOTAL CURRENT LIABILITIES
    18,383,193       14,959,516  
DEFERRED INCOME TAXES
    4,618       86,856  
POSTRETIREMENT BENEFITS OTHER THAN PENSIONS
    445,743       395,420  
STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY:
               
Common stock, par value $1:
               
Authorized shares — 10,000,000
               
Issued shares — 7,842,342 in 2006 and 7,764,215 in 2005
    7,842,342       7,764,215  
Additional paid-in capital
    28,663,814       28,492,619  
Treasury stock at cost (1,175,716 shares at March 31, 2006 and 624,468 shares at March 31, 2005)
    (5,475,964 )     (2,768,785 )
Retained earnings
    6,067,143       1,866,501  
                 
TOTAL STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
    37,097,335       35,354,550  
                 
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
  $ 55,930,889     $ 50,796,342  
                 
 
See accompanying notes.


4


 

 
FRIEDMAN INDUSTRIES, INCORPORATED

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS
 
                         
    Year Ended March 31  
    2006     2005     2004  
 
Sales
  $ 181,900,351     $ 188,022,253     $ 116,158,567  
Costs and expenses:
                       
Cost of products sold
    166,785,924       172,260,349       107,316,507  
Selling, general, and administrative
    5,321,517       5,663,317       4,827,728  
Interest expense
          15,638       35,253  
                         
      172,107,441       177,939,304       112,179,488  
                         
      9,792,910       10,082,949       3,979,079  
Interest and other income
    284,416       146,354       56,595  
                         
EARNINGS BEFORE INCOME TAXES
    10,077,326       10,229,303       4,035,674  
Income taxes:
                       
Current
    3,705,676       3,693,710       1,985,835  
Deferred
    (82,238 )     289,550       (486,152 )
                         
      3,623,438       3,983,260       1,499,683  
                         
NET EARNINGS
  $ 6,453,888     $ 6,246,043     $ 2,535,991  
                         
Average number of common shares outstanding:
                       
Basic
    7,072,637       7,418,410       7,574,070  
Diluted
    7,163,912       7,552,131       7,640,546  
Net earnings per share:
                       
Basic
  $ .91     $ .84     $ .33  
Diluted
  $ .90     $ .83     $ .33  
 
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF
STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
                                 
          Additional
          Retained
 
    Common
    Paid-In
    Treasury
    Earnings
 
    Stock     Capital     Stock     (Deficit)  
 
BALANCE AT MARCH 31, 2003
  $ 7,573,239     $ 27,710,369     $     $ (4,036,857 )
Net earnings
                      2,535,991  
Issuance of Directors’ shares
    2,000       4,300              
Cash dividends ($0.10 per share)
                      (757,438 )
                                 
BALANCE AT MARCH 31, 2004
    7,575,239       27,714,669             (2,258,304 )
Net earnings
                      6,246,043  
Issuance of Directors’ shares
    2,000       9,800              
Exercise of stock options
    186,976       286,527              
Tax benefit of stock options exercised
          481,623              
Cash dividends($0.29 per share)
                        (2,121,238 )
Treasury stock (624,468 shares)
                (2,768,785 )      
                                 
BALANCE AT MARCH 31, 2005
    7,764,215       28,492,619       (2,768,785 )     1,866,501  
                                 
Net earnings
                      6,453,888  
Issuance of Directors’ shares
    1,600       8,192              
Exercise of stock options
    76,527       163,003              
Cash dividends ($0.32 per share)
                      (2,253,246 )
Treasury stock (551,248 shares)
                (2,707,179 )      
                                 
BALANCE AT MARCH 31, 2006
  $ 7,842,342     $ 28,663,814     $ (5,475,964 )   $ 6,067,143  
                                 
 
See accompanying notes.


5


 

 
FRIEDMAN INDUSTRIES, INCORPORATED

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
 
                         
    Year Ended March 31  
    2006     2005     2004  
OPERATING ACTIVITIES
                       
Net earnings
  $ 6,453,888     $ 6,246,043     $ 2,535,991  
Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:
                       
Depreciation
    927,397       908,382       916,260  
Deferred taxes
    (82,238 )     289,550       (486,152 )
Change in post retirement benefits
    50,323       38,664       200,756  
Tax benefit of stock options exercised
          481,623        
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
                       
Accounts receivable
    (1,091,277 )     (1,714,334 )     (4,722,641 )
Inventories
    (2,099,681 )     (4,813,248 )     2,988,276  
Prepaid federal income taxes
    892,104       (892,104 )      
Other assets
    23,762       (28,760 )     (14,200 )
Accounts payable and accrued expenses
    3,239,816       3,269,475       333,765  
Contribution to profit sharing plan
    (18,000 )     (6,000 )     20,000  
Employee compensation and related expenses
    99,412       (168,829 )     528,216  
Federal income taxes payable
    143,196       (1,134,433 )     727,813  
                         
Net cash provided by operating activities
    8,538,702       2,476,029       3,028,084  
INVESTING ACTIVITIES
                       
Purchase of property, plant, and equipment
    (1,963,255 )     (953,613 )     (821,209 )
Proceeds from sale of asset
          542        
(Increase) decrease in cash value of officers’ life insurance
    (46,445 )     742,835       (81,354 )
                         
Net cash used in investing activities
    (2,009,700 )     (210,236 )     (902,563 )
FINANCING ACTIVITIES
                       
Cash dividends paid
    (2,291,096 )     (1,702,610 )     (757,398 )
Proceeds from borrowings of long-term debt
          5,000,000       2,000,000  
Principal payments on long-term debt
    (2,897 )     (5,060,140 )     (2,062,787 )
Purchase of treasury stock
    (2,707,179 )     (2,767,734 )      
Stock awards and options exercised
    249,321       485,303       6,300  
                         
Net cash used in financing activities
    (4,751,851 )     (4,045,181 )     (813,885 )
                         
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
    1,777,151       (1,779,388 )     1,311,636  
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year
    205,375       1,984,763       673,127  
                         
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year
  $ 1,982,526     $ 205,375     $ 1,984,763  
                         
 
See accompanying notes.


6


 

 
FRIEDMAN INDUSTRIES, INCORPORATED

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
March 31, 2006
 
1.  SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
 
BASIS OF CONSOLIDATION:  The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Friedman Industries, Incorporated, and its subsidiary (collectively, the “Company”). All material intercompany amounts and transactions have been eliminated.
 
REVENUE RECOGNITION:  Revenues are recognized upon shipment of products. The terms of shipments made by the Company are free on board shipping point.
 
TRADE RECEIVABLES:  The Company’s receivables are recorded when billed, advanced or accrued and represent claims against third parties that will be settled in cash. The carrying value of the Company’s receivables, net of the allowance for doubtful accounts and cash discounts allowed, represents their estimated net realizable value. The Company estimates its allowance for doubtful accounts based on historical collection trends, the age of outstanding receivables and existing economic conditions. Past-due receivable balances are written-off when the Company’s internal collection efforts have been unsuccessful in collecting the amount due.
 
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS:  The Company considers all highly liquid debt instruments purchased with maturities of three months or less to be cash equivalents.
 
INVENTORIES:  Inventories consist of prime coil, non-standard coil and tubular materials. Prime coil inventory consists primarily of raw materials, non-standard coil inventory consists primarily of finished goods and tubular inventory consists of both raw materials and finished goods. Inventories are valued at the lower of cost or replacement market. Cost for prime coil inventory is determined under the last-in, first-out (“LIFO”) method. During the year ended March 31, 2004, earnings before income taxes include a benefit of approximately $950,000 from the liquidation of LIFO inventory quantities carried at lower costs prevailing in prior year as compared to respective current costs of purchases. At March 31, 2006, March 31, 2005 and March 31, 2004, replacement cost exceeded LIFO cost by approximately $6,400,000, $8,200,000 and $4,320,000, respectively. Cost for non-standard coil inventory is determined using the specific identification method. Cost for tubular inventory is determined using the weighted average method.
 
The following is a summary of inventory by product group:
 
                 
    March 31  
    2006     2005  
 
Prime coil inventory
  $ 10,525,848     $ 7,497,674  
Non-standard coil inventory
    788,266       530,084  
Tubular raw material
    3,889,206       4,341,204  
Tubular finished goods
    12,753,601       13,488,278  
                 
    $ 27,956,921     $ 25,857,240  
                 
 
PROPERTY, PLANT, AND EQUIPMENT:  On April 1, 2002, the Company adopted Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No. 144, Accounting for Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets (“SFAS No. 144”). That statement requires that assets held-for-sale be recorded at the lower of their carrying amount or their fair value less cost to sell. Held-for-sale assets are not depreciated. Assets are classified as held-for-sale only if (i) management commits to a plan to sell the asset, (ii) the asset is available for immediate sale, (iii) the asset is actively being marketed for sale at a price that is reasonable in relation to its current fair value and (iv) management believes the sale of the asset is probable and expects transfer within one year. No assets met the definition of held-for-sale at March 31, 2006 and 2005. Assets having a total book value of approximately $70,000 and located in Houston, Texas have been actively


7


 

FRIEDMAN INDUSTRIES, INCORPORATED

1.  SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued)
 
marketed for more than three years. The Company entered into an earnest money contract for the sale of these assets in April 2006. If this transaction subsequently closes, the Company will record a gain on the sale of assets in fiscal 2007. Property, plant, and equipment are stated at cost. Depreciation is calculated primarily by the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the various classes of assets as follows:
 
         
Buildings
    20 years  
Machinery and equipment
    10 years  
Improvements
    5 to 10 years  
Loaders and other rolling stock
    5 years  
 
Interest costs incurred during construction projects are capitalized as part of the cost of such assets. No interest was capitalized for the years presented. The Company reviews its long-lived assets for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that its carrying amount may not be recoverable. No impairments were necessary at March 31, 2006 or 2005.
 
Maintenance and repairs are expensed as incurred.
 
SHIPPING COSTS:  Shipping costs are recorded as a part of cost of products sold.
 
SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION:  The Company paid interest of approximately $0 in 2006, $15,700 in 2005 and $35,300 in 2004. The Company paid income taxes, net of refunds, of $2,570,442 in 2006, $4,891,061 in 2005 and $1,065,000 in 2004.
 
USE OF ESTIMATES:  The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
 
FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS:  Since the Company’s financial instruments are short term in nature, the carrying value approximates fair value.
 
STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION:  The Company follows Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 25, Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees (“APB 25”), for its employee stock options. Under APB 25, because the exercise price of the Company’s employee stock options equals the market price of the underlying stock on the date of grant, no compensation expense is recognized.
 
The following schedule reflects the impact on net income and earnings per common share if the Company had applied the fair value recognition provisions of Statements of Financial Accounting Standards No. 123, Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation to stock-based employee compensation for the years ended March 31:
 
                         
    2006     2005     2004  
 
Reported net income
  $ 6,453,888     $ 6,246,043     $ 2,535,991  
Less: compensation expenses per SFAS No. 123, net of tax
    -0-       -0-       31,582  
                         
Pro forma net income
  $ 6,453,888     $ 6,246,043     $ 2,504,409  
                         
BASIC EARNINGS PER COMMON SHARE:
                       
Reported net income
    .91       .84       .33  
Less: compensation expense per SFAS No. 123, net of tax
    .00       .00       .00  
                         
Pro forma net income
    .91       .84       .33  
                         
DILUTED EARNINGS PER COMMON SHARE:
                       
Reported net income
    .90       .83       .33  
Less: compensation expense per SFAS No. 123, net of tax
    .00       .00       .00  
                         
Pro forma net income
    .90       .83       .33  
                         


8


 

FRIEDMAN INDUSTRIES, INCORPORATED

1.  SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued)
 
 
There were no options granted in fiscal 2006, 2005 and 2004.
 
The Company granted stock awards to outside directors in each of fiscal 2006, 2005 and 2004. These grants were recorded as expense based on the closing price of the stock on the date of grant.
 
ECONOMIC RELATIONSHIP:  Lone Star Steel Company (“LSS”) and Nucor Steel Company supply a significant amount of steel products to the Company. Loss of either of these mills as a source of supply could have a material adverse effect on the Company. Additionally, the Company derives revenue by selling a substantial amount of its manufactured pipe to LSS. Total sales to LSS were approximately 15%, 16% and 15% of total company sales in 2006, 2005 and 2004, respectively. Loss of LSS as a customer could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business. Other than LSS, no customer accounted for 10% of total sales in the three years ended March 31, 2006, except Trinity Industries, Inc., a coil product customer, which accounted for approximately 11% of total sales in fiscal 2006 and 2005.
 
The Company’s sales are concentrated primarily in the midwestern, southwestern, and southeastern sections of the United States, and are primarily to customers in the steel distributing and fabricating industries. The Company performs periodic credit evaluations of the financial conditions of its customers and generally does not require collateral. Generally, receivables are due within 30 days.
 
NEW ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS:
 
In December 2004, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Statement Financial Accounting Standard No. 123 (revised 2004), Share-Based Payment (SFAS 123(R)). Statement 123(R) requires all share-based payments to employees, including grants of employee stock options, to be recognized in the income statement based on their fair values. The SEC has deferred the implementation date and the Company is now required to adopt SFAS 123(R) no later than April 1, 2006. SFAS 123(R) permits adoption using one of two methods, a modified prospective method (“Prospective Method”) or a modified retrospective method (“Retrospective Method”). With the Prospective Method, costs are recognized beginning with the effective date based on the requirements of SFAS 123(R) for (i) all share-based payments granted after the effective date of SFAS 123(R), and (ii) all awards granted to employees prior to the effective date of SFAS 123(R) that remain unvested on the effective date. The Retrospective Method applies the requirements of the Prospective Method but further permits entities to restate all prior periods presented based on the amounts previously recognized under SFAS 123 for purposes of pro forma disclosures. The Company intends to adopt the Prospective Method and does not expect that this adoption will have a material impact.
 
FASB issued Statement Financial Accounting Standard Number 151, Inventory Costs, an Amendment of ARB No. 43, Chapter 4, (“#151”) regarding current period expenses generated from abnormal inventory costs associated with idle facility expense, freight, handling costs and spoilage. Effective in fiscal 2007, #151 will be applicable to the Company. The Company does not expect that the adoption of #151 will have a material impact.
 
2.  STOCK OPTIONS AND CAPITAL STOCK
 
Under the Company’s 1989 and 1996 Stock Option Plans, options were granted to certain officers and key employees to purchase common stock of the Company. Pursuant to the terms of the plans, 27,293 additional options may be granted. All options have ten-year terms and become fully exercisable at the end


9


 

FRIEDMAN INDUSTRIES, INCORPORATED

2.  CAPITAL STOCK AND STOCK OPTIONS (Continued)
 
of six months of continued employment. The following is a summary of activity relative to options outstanding during the years ended March 31:
 
                                                 
    2006     2005     2004  
          Weighted
          Weighted
          Weighted
 
          Average
          Average
          Average
 
          Exercise
          Exercise
          Exercise
 
    Shares     Price     Shares     Price     Shares     Price  
Outstanding at beginning of year
    224,718     $ 2.62       411,694     $ 2.58       411,694     $ 2.58  
Granted
                                   
Exercised
    (76,527 )     3.13       (186,976)     $ 2.53              
Canceled
    (10,979 )     2.40                          
                                                 
Outstanding at end of year
    137,212       2.35       224,718     $ 2.62       411,694     $ 2.58  
                                                 
Exercisable at end of year
    137,212       2.35       224,718     $ 2.62       411,694     $ 2.58  
Weighted average fair value of options granted during the year
                                         
 
Outstanding and exercisable stock options at March 31, 2006, were as follows:
 
                                         
          Outstanding     Exercisable  
    Weighted
          Weight
          Weight
 
    Average
          Average
          Average
 
Range of
  Remaining
          Exercise
          Exercise
 
Exercise Price
  Years     Shares     Price     Shares     Price  
 
$2.33 
    6.5       134,318     $ 2.33       134,318     $ 2.33  
$3.13
    -0-       2,894     $ 3.13       2,894     $ 3.13  
                                         
      6.5       137,212               137,212          
 
The Company has 1,000,000 authorized shares of Cumulative Preferred Stock with a par value of $1 per share. The stock may be issued in one or more series, and the Board of Directors is authorized to fix the designations, preferences, rights, qualifications, limitations, and restrictions of each series, except that any series must provide for cumulative dividends and must be convertible into common stock.
 
3.  LONG-TERM DEBT AND COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
 
The Company has a credit arrangement with a bank which provides for a revolving line of credit facility (the “revolving facility”). Pursuant to the revolving facility which expires April 1, 2008, the Company may borrow up to $6 million at the bank’s prime rate or at 1.5% over LIBOR. At March 31, 2006 and 2005, the Company did not have borrowings outstanding under the revolving facility. The Company entered into certain notes payable related to the purchase of certain pipe loading equipment. There are no annual principal payments required on these notes payable including the current portion thereon during the next five years.
 
At March 31, 2006, the Company was committed to purchase land for approximately $630,000 associated with a new coil facility to be located in Decatur, Alabama. Operations at the Decatur site are expected to commence in fiscal 2008.
 
The Company is obligated under an operating lease for its Longview, Texas office building that expires on April 30, 2008. The following is a schedule of future minimum annual rental payments required under this operating lease as of March 31, 2006:
 
         
2007
  $ 27,264  
2008
    27,264  
2009
    2,272  
2010
     
2011
     
Thereafter
     
         
Total
  $ 56,800  
         


10


 

FRIEDMAN INDUSTRIES, INCORPORATED

3.  LONG-TERM DEBT AND COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (Continued)
 
 
Rental expense for leased properties was $27,264 during fiscal 2006, 2005 and 2004, respectively.
 
4.  EARNINGS PER SHARE
 
Basic and dilutive net income per share is computed based on the following information:
 
                         
    Year Ended March 31  
    2006     2005     2004  
 
Basic
                       
Net income
  $ 6,453,888     $ 6,246,043     $ 2,535,991  
                         
Average common shares
    7,072,637       7,418,410       7,574,070  
                         
Dilutive
                       
Net income
  $ 6,453,888     $ 6,246,043     $ 2,535,991  
                         
Average common shares
    7,072,637       7,418,410       7,574,070  
Common share equivalents:
                       
Options
    91,275       133,721       66,476  
                         
Total common share equivalents
    91,275       133,721       66,476  
                         
Average common shares and common equivalents
    7,163,912       7,552,131       7,640,546  
                         
 
5.  INCOME TAXES
 
Components of tax expense follows:
 
                         
    Year Ended March 31  
    2006     2005     2004  
 
Federal
                       
Current
  $ 3,260,300     $ 2,934,088     $ 1,792,570  
Deferred
    (82,238 )     289,550       (486,152 )
                         
      3,178,062       3,223,638       1,306,418  
State
                       
Current
    445,376       759,622       193,265  
                         
      445,376       759,622       193,265  
                         
Total
  $ 3,623,438     $ 3,983,260     $ 1,499,683  
                         
 
The U.S. federal statutory income tax is reconciled to the effective rate as follows:
 
                         
    Year Ended March 31  
    2006     2005     2004  
 
Income Tax Expense at
U.S. federal statutory rate
    34.0 %     34.0 %     34.0 %
Benefit of tax deduction allowed to manufacturing companies
    (1.0 )            
State and local income tax rates net of federal income tax benefit
    3.0       4.9       3.2  
                         
Provision for income taxes
    36.0 %     38.9 %     37.2 %
                         


11


 

FRIEDMAN INDUSTRIES, INCORPORATED

5.  INCOME TAXES (Continued)
 
 
Deferred income taxes are provided for temporary differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and the amount used for tax purposes. Significant components of the Company’s consolidated deferred tax assets (liabilities) are as follows:
 
                 
    March 31  
    2006     2005  
 
Deferred tax liabilities:
               
Depreciation
  $ (792,909 )   $ (814,504 )
                 
Total deferred tax liabilities
    (792,909 )     (814,504 )
Deferred tax assets:
               
Inventory capitalization
    67,970       71,423  
LIFO Inventory
    501,125       460,771  
Postretirement benefits other than pensions
    151,553       134,443  
Other
    67,643       61,011  
                 
Total deferred tax assets
    788,291       727,648  
                 
Net deferred tax asset (liability)
  $ (4,618 )   $ (86,856 )
                 
 
6.  PROFIT SHARING PLAN AND OTHER POSTRETIREMENT BENEFITS
 
The Company has a defined contribution plan (the “Plan”) covering substantially all employees, including officers. Company contributions, which are made at the discretion of the Board of Directors in an amount not to exceed 15% of the total compensation paid during the year to all eligible employees, were $256,000 for the year ended March 31, 2006, $274,000 for the year ended March 31, 2005, and $280,000 for the year ended March 31, 2004. The employees fully vest in the Plan upon completion of 7 years of service. Contributions, Plan earnings, and forfeitures of terminated participants’ nonvested accounts are allocated to the individual accounts of participating employees based on compensation received during the Plan year and years of active service with the Company.
 
Employees of the Company may participate in a 401(k) retirement plan (the “401(k) plan”). Employees are eligible to participate in the 401(k) plan when the employee has completed one year of service. Under the 401(k) plan, participating employees may defer a portion of their pretax earnings up to certain limits prescribed by the Internal Revenue Service. The Company provides matching contributions under the provisions of the 401(k) plan. Employees fully vest in the Company’s matching contributions upon the completion of 7 years of service. Contribution expense related to the 401(k) plan was approximately $38,000, $40,000 and $28,000 for the years ended March 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004, respectively.
 
7.  INDUSTRY SEGMENT DATA
 
The Company is engaged in the steel processing, pipe manufacturing and processing and steel and pipe distribution business. Within the Company, there are two product groups: coil and tubular. Coil product involves converting steel coils into flat sheet and plate steel cut to customer specifications and reselling steel coils. Through its tubular operation, the Company purchases, processes, manufactures and markets


12


 

FRIEDMAN INDUSTRIES, INCORPORATED

7.  INDUSTRY SEGMENT DATA (Continued)
 
tubular products. The following is a summary of significant financial information relating to the product groups:
 
                         
    Year Ended March 31  
    2006     2005     2004  
 
NET SALES:
                       
Coil
  $ 93,870,412     $ 104,312,715     $ 62,372,496  
Tubular
    88,029,939       83,709,538       53,786,071  
                         
TOTAL NET SALES
  $ 181,900,351     $ 188,022,253     $ 116,158,567  
                         
OPERATING PROFIT:
                       
Coil
  $ 3,949,444     $ 4,283,911     $ 3,026,372  
Tubular
    8,747,667       9,021,863       3,704,082  
                         
TOTAL OPERATING PROFIT
    12,697,111       13,305,774       6,730,454  
General corporate expenses
    (2,904,201 )     (3,207,187 )     (2,716,122 )
Interest expense
          (15,638 )     (35,253 )
Interest and other income
    284,416       146,354       56,595  
                         
TOTAL EARNINGS BEFORE TAXES
  $ 10,077,326     $ 10,229,303     $ 4,035,674  
                         
IDENTIFIABLE ASSETS:
                       
Coil
  $ 24,528,359     $ 20,724,554     $ 21,770,013  
Tubular
    28,683,780       28,300,933       20,623,515  
                         
      53,212,139       49,025,487       42,393,528  
General corporate assets
    2,718,750       1,770,855       3,634,595  
                         
TOTAL ASSETS
  $ 55,930,889     $ 50,796,342     $ 46,028,123  
                         
DEPRECIATION:
                       
Coil
  $ 610,202     $ 624,654     $ 744,759  
Tubular
    286,646       248,542       151,250  
Corporate and other
    30,549       35,186       20,251  
                         
    $ 927,397     $ 908,382     $ 916,260  
                         
CAPITAL EXPENDITURES:
                       
Coil
  $ 826,642     $ 113,243     $ 30,457  
Tubular
    1,119,633       815,145       715,426  
Corporate and other
    16,980       25,225       75,326  
                         
    $ 1,963,255     $ 953,613     $ 821,209  
                         
 
Operating profit is total revenue less operating expenses, excluding general corporate expenses, interest expense and interest and other income. General corporate expenses reflect general and administrative expenses not directly associated with segment operations and consist primarily of corporate and accounting salaries, professional fees and services, bad debts, accrued profit sharing expense, accrued quarterly incentive bonuses, corporate insurance expenses and office supplies. Corporate assets consist primarily of cash and cash equivalents, prepaid federal income taxes, deferred income taxes and the cash value of officers’ life insurance. Although inventory is transferred at cost between product groups, there are no sales between product groups.


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FRIEDMAN INDUSTRIES, INCORPORATED

8.  SUMMARY OF QUARTERLY RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (Unaudited)
 
The following is a summary of unaudited quarterly results of operations for the years ended March 31, 2006 and 2005:
 
                                 
    Quarter Ended  
    June 30
    September 30
    December 31
    March 31
 
    2005     2005     2005     2006  
 
Net sales
  $ 46,057,585     $ 42,730,045     $ 44,527,263     $ 48,585,458  
Gross profit
    3,113,413       3,739,051       3,834,454       4,427,509  
Net earnings
    1,130,767       1,569,107       1,668,687       2,085,327  
Basic
    .16       .22       .23       .30  
Diluted(1)
    .16       .22       .23       .30  
 
                                 
    Quarter Ended  
    June 30
    September 30
    December 31
    March 31
 
    2004     2004     2004     2005  
 
Net sales
  $ 44,915,704     $ 49,020,241     $ 43,434,081     $ 50,652,227  
Gross profit
    4,200,547       5,025,949       3,156,238       3,379,170  
Net earnings
    1,618,829       2,261,133       1,220,609       1,145,472  
Basic(1)
    .21       .30       .16       .16  
Diluted(1)
    .21       .29       .16       .16  
 
 
 
(1)  The sum of the quarterly earnings per share does not equal the annual amount reported as per share amounts are computed independently for each quarter.


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FRIEDMAN INDUSTRIES, INCORPORATED

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
 
Board of Directors and Shareholders
Friedman Industries, Incorporated
 
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Friedman Industries, Incorporated as of March 31, 2006 and 2005, and the related consolidated statements of earnings, stockholders’ equity, and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended March 31, 2006. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits.
 
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. We were not engaged to perform an audit of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting. Our audit included consideration of internal control over financial reporting as a basis for designing audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion. An audit also includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, and evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
 
In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of Friedman Industries, Incorporated at March 31, 2006 and 2005, and the consolidated results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended March 31, 2006, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.
 
/s/  Ernst & Young LLP
 
Houston, Texas
June 27, 2006
 
 
SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
 
                                         
    Year Ended March 31  
    2006     2005     2004     2003     2002  
Net sales
  $ 181,900,351     $ 188,022,253     $ 116,158,567     $ 106,082,738     $ 97,817,956  
Net earnings
    6,453,888       6,246,043       2,535,991       1,432,017       940,039  
Total assets
    55,930,889       50,796,342       46,028,123       42,778,926       43,986,455  
Long-term debt
                      57,329       2,053,438  
Stockholders’ equity
    37,097,335       35,354,550       33,031,604       31,246,751       30,491,351  
Net earnings per share:
                                       
Basic
    0.91       0.84       0.33       0.19       0.12  
Diluted
    0.90       0.83       0.33       0.19       0.12  
Cash dividends declared per share
    0.32       0.29       0.10       0.09       0.11  
 
 
See also Note 1 of Notes to the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements herein which describes the Company’s relationship with its primary suppliers of steel products.


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FRIEDMAN INDUSTRIES, INCORPORATED

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF
OPERATIONS
 
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
 
Year ended March 31, 2006 compared to year ended March 31, 2005
 
During the year ended March 31, 2006, sales, costs of goods sold and gross profit decreased $6,121,902, $5,474,425 and $647,477, respectively, from the comparable amounts recorded during the year ended March 31, 2005. The decrease in sales was related primarily to a decrease in the average per ton selling price which decreased from approximately $639 per ton in fiscal 2005 to $616 per ton in fiscal 2006. Tons shipped remained constant at approximately 295,000 tons during each fiscal year. Costs of goods sold decreased due primarily to a decrease in the average per ton costs of goods sold which decreased from approximately $585 per ton in fiscal 2005 to $565 per ton in fiscal 2006. Gross profit was adversely affected by decreased sales. Gross profit as a percentage of sales declined from approximately 8.4% in fiscal 2005 to approximately 8.3% in fiscal 2006.
 
Coil product segment sales decreased $10,442,303 during fiscal 2006. This decrease was related primarily to a decline in the average selling price which decreased from approximately $725 per ton in fiscal 2005 to approximately $630 per ton in fiscal 2006. This decrease in sales relative to a decline in average selling prices was partially offset by an increase in tons shipped which increased from approximately 144,000 tons in fiscal 2005 to 149,000 tons in fiscal 2006. Coil operating profit declined $334,467 due primarily to the reduction in sales. Coil operating profit as a percentage of coil segment sales increased from approximately 4.1% in fiscal 2005 to 4.2% in fiscal 2006.
 
In fiscal 2006, the Company’s Lone Star coil facility (“LSCF”) continued to experience a lack of supply of coil products from its primary coil supplier, Lone Star Steel Company (“LSS”). In fiscal 2006, the Company decided to phase out the LSCF in fiscal 2007 and redeploy certain LSCF assets to a new coil operation to be located in close proximity to the Nucor Steel Company steel mill in Decatur, Alabama. LSCF, which produced a marginal profit in fiscal 2006, accounted for approximately 5% of total sales in fiscal 2006.
 
During the year ended March 31, 2006, XSCP, which markets non-standard coils received from Nucor Steel Company (“NSC”), continued to receive limited shipments of non-standard coils from NSC and expects these limited shipments to continue. XSCP accounted for approximately 5% of total sales in fiscal 2006 and its operating assets, when not used by XSCP, can be used at the Company’s Hickman coil facility (“Hickman”).
 
The Company is dependent on NSC for its supply of coil inventory. NSC continues to supply Hickman and XSCP with steel coils in amounts that are adequate for the Company’s purposes. While current levels are adequate to sustain the Company’s operations at both Hickman and XSCP, a reduction in the supply of steel coils could have an adverse effect on the Company’s coil operations.
 
Tubular product segment sales increased $4,320,401 during fiscal 2006. This increase resulted from an increase in the average per ton selling price from approximately $557 per ton in fiscal 2005 to approximately $602 per ton in fiscal 2006. This increase was partially offset by a decline in tons shipped from approximately 150,000 tons in fiscal 2005 to 146,000 tons in fiscal 2006. Tubular product operating profit declined $274,196 and was primarily affected by a decrease in average margins. In fiscal 2006, the Company incurred an increase in pipe manufacturing costs but was unable to pass the total amount of these costs to customers. Tubular product segment operating profit as a percentage of segment sales declined from approximately 10.8% in fiscal 2005 to 9.9% in fiscal 2006. The Company experienced somewhat softer market conditions for its pipe products in fiscal 2006 as compared to conditions in fiscal 2005.


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FRIEDMAN INDUSTRIES, INCORPORATED

During fiscal 2006, LSS, the Company’s primary supplier of tubular products and coil material used in pipe manufacturing, continued to supply such products in amounts that were adequate for the Company’s purposes. The Company does not currently anticipate any significant change in such supply from LSS.
 
During fiscal 2006, general, selling and administrative costs decreased $341,800 from the amount recorded during fiscal 2005. This decrease was related primarily to a decrease in bad debt expense and a reduction in remuneration associated with a retired executive.
 
Interest and other income increased $138,062 from the comparable amount recorded in fiscal 2005. This increase was associated primarily with an increase in the average invested cash positions and an increase in average interest rates paid on invested cash during fiscal 2006.
 
Income taxes decreased $359,822 from the comparable amount recorded during fiscal 2005. This decrease was primarily related to the decrease in earnings before taxes and to a tax deduction allowed to manufacturing companies in fiscal 2006. Effective tax rates were 36.0% and 38.9% in fiscal 2006 and 2005, respectively.
 
Year ended March 31, 2005 compared to year ended March 31, 2004
 
During the year ended March 31, 2005, sales, costs of goods sold and gross profit increased $71,863,686, $64,943,842 and $6,919,844, from the respective amounts recorded during the year ended March 31, 2004. The increases in sales and costs of goods were related primarily to increases in the average per ton selling price and average per ton cost of goods sold of approximately $278 and $252, respectively. Total tons shipped decreased from approximately 322,000 tons in fiscal 2004 to 295,000 tons in fiscal 2005. Gross profit benefited from improved margins. In fiscal 2005, gross profit and costs of goods as percentage of sales were approximately 8.4% compared to 7.6% in fiscal 2004. During fiscal 2005, the Company experienced a significant improvement in market conditions for its products as compared to market conditions during fiscal 2004.
 
Coil product segment sales increased approximately $41,940,000 during fiscal 2005. This increase was related primarily to an increase in the average per ton selling price. Tons shipped declined from approximately 173,000 tons in fiscal 2004 to 144,000 tons in fiscal 2005. Each of the Company’s coil operations reflected a decrease in tons sold. However, approximately 59% of this overall decrease in tons sold was related to a reduction in tons sold by the Company’s XSCP Division (“XSCP”). During fiscal 2005, XSCP, which markets non-standard coils received from Nucor Steel Company (“NSC”), agreed with NSC to suspend the purchase of non-standard coils. XSCP accounted for approximately 3% of the Company’s total sales during fiscal 2005. Total coil operating profit as a percentage of coil segment sales decreased from 4.9% in fiscal 2004 to 4.1% in fiscal 2005. In fiscal 2004, coil operations experienced a liquidation of LIFO inventory which generated a one-time benefit of approximately $950,000 in operating income.
 
In fiscal 2005, the Company’s Lone Star coil facility (“LSCF”) continued to experience a lack of supply of coil products from its primary coil supplier, Lone Star Steel Company (“LSS”). LSCF accounted for approximately 7% of the Company’s total sales in fiscal 2005 and produced a marginal profit from operations in fiscal 2005.
 
The Company is dependent on NSC for its supply of inventory. NSC continues to supply Hickman and XSCP with steel coils in amounts that are adequate for the Company’s purposes. While current levels are adequate to sustain the Company’s operations, a reduction in the supply of steel coils could have an adverse effect on the Company’s coil operations.
 
Tubular product segment sales increased approximately $29,923,000 during fiscal 2005. This increase resulted primarily from an increase of approximately $196 in the average per ton selling price. Tons shipped in each fiscal year remained constant at approximately 150,000 tons. Tubular product segment operating profits as a percentage of segment sales were approximately 10.8% and 6.9% in fiscal 2005 and 2004, respectively. This segment benefited from significantly improved market conditions for tubular products during fiscal 2005 as compared to market conditions in fiscal 2004.


17


 

FRIEDMAN INDUSTRIES, INCORPORATED

During fiscal 2005, LSS, the Company’s primary supplier of tubular products and coil material used in pipe manufacturing, continued to supply such products in amounts that were adequate for the Company’s purposes. The Company does not currently anticipate any significant change in such supply from LSS.
 
During fiscal 2005, general, selling and administrative costs increased $835,589 from the amount recorded during fiscal 2004. This increase was related primarily to bonuses associated with increased earnings and an increase in legal and professional expenses.
 
Interest and other income increased $89,759 from the amount recorded during fiscal 2005. This increase was associated primarily with interest earned on improved invested cash positions during fiscal 2005.
 
Income taxes increased $2,483,577 from the comparable amount recorded during fiscal 2004. This increase was primarily related to the increase in earnings before taxes. The effective tax rates were 39% and 37% in fiscal 2005 and 2004, respectively. In fiscal 2005, the Company recorded taxes related to the surrender of life insurance policies and an increase in the net effect of state income taxes.
 
FINANCIAL CONDITION, LIQUIDITY AND SOURCES OF CAPITAL
 
The Company remained in a strong, liquid position at March 31, 2006. Current ratios were 2.59 and 2.91 at March 31, 2006 and March 31, 2005, respectively. Working capital was $29,167,810 at March 31, 2006 and $28,539,243 at March 31, 2005.
 
During the year ended March 31, 2006, the Company maintained assets and liabilities at levels it believed were commensurate with operations. Cash, accounts receivable, inventories and accounts payable increased. These increases were related primarily to the ordinary course of business of the Company. The Company expects to continue to monitor, evaluate and manage balance sheet components depending on changes in market conditions and the Company’s operations.
 
In December 2004, the Company purchased 624,207 shares of the common stock of the Company from Mr. Harold Friedman for approximately $4.434 per share or a total of $2,767,734. Effective as of December 31, 2004, Mr. H. Friedman resigned as Vice Chairman of the Board and retired as a full-time employee of the Company.
 
In February 2006, the Company purchased 551,248 shares of the common stock of the Company from Mr. Jack Friedman for approximately $4.911 per share or a total of $2,707,179. Effective as of February 8, 2006, Mr. J. Friedman retired as Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer and as an employee of the Company.
 
During the year ended March 31, 2006, the Company purchased approximately $1,963,000 in fixed assets. These assets were related primarily to improvements to the small diameter pipe mill which began operation at Lone Star, Texas in April 2004 and land and equipment associated with the new coil operation to be located in Decatur, Alabama. In connection with this planned new operation, in fiscal 2007 the Company intends to phase out its coil processing operations at Lone Star, Texas. At the Decatur site, the Company intends to construct a coil processing facility using in part assets currently used at its Lone Star facility. The Company expects that the Decatur processing facility will initially operate a hot roll steel temper mill and a hot roll steel cut-to-length and leveling line. The Company expects that the Decatur facility will commence operations in fiscal 2008. In addition to the funds to be used to purchase the real property in Alabama, the Company’s Board of Directors has authorized up to an additional $16 million to be used for capital expenditures and working capital related to the acquisition improvement of the Decatur facility.
 
The Company has entered into an earnest money contract for the sale of the real property owned by the Company in Houston, Texas. The closing is subject to standard conditions, including inspections and feasibility studies. The Company anticipates closing on the sale in August 2006. Following the closing, the Company plans to lease the office building located on the Houston property and to maintain its corporate office at such location.
 
The Company has a credit arrangement with a bank which provides for a revolving line of credit facility (the “revolving facility”). Pursuant to the revolving facility, which expires April 1, 2008, the Company may


18


 

FRIEDMAN INDUSTRIES, INCORPORATED

FINANCIAL CONDITION, LIQUIDITY AND SOURCES OF CAPITAL (continued)
 
borrow up to $6 million at an interest rate of the bank’s prime rate or 1.5% over LIBOR. The Company uses the revolving facility to support cash flow and borrows and repays funds as working capital is required. At March 31, 2006 and 2005, the Company had no borrowings outstanding under the revolving facility. The Company has in the past and may in the future borrow funds on a term basis to build or improve facilities. The Company currently has no plans to borrow funds on a term basis.
 
Notwithstanding the current market conditions, the Company believes that its cash flow from operations and borrowing capability under its revolving line of credit facility are adequate to fund its expected cash requirements for the next 24 months.
 
OFF-BALANCE SHEET ARRANGEMENTS
 
The Company has no off-balance sheet arrangements.
 
CONTRACTUAL OBLIGATIONS
 
                                         
    Payment Due by Period  
          Less Than
    1-3
    3-5
    More Than
 
Contractual Obligations
  Total     1 Year     Years     Years     5 Years  
 
Long-term debt obligations
  $     $                    
Capital lease obligations
                             
Operating lease obligations
    56,800       27,264     $ 27,264     $ 2,272        
                                         
Total
  $ 56,800     $ 27,264     $ 27,264     $ 2,272        
                                         
 
INFLATION
 
During fiscal 2006, the Company believes that the general level of inflation had little effect on its operations.
 
CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES
 
The preparation of consolidated financial statements requires the Company to make estimates and judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses. One such accounting policy which requires significant estimates and judgments is the valuation of LIFO inventories in the Company’s quarterly reporting. The Company’s quarterly valuation of inventory requires estimates of the year end quantities which is inherently difficult. Historically, these estimates have been materially correct. In addition, the Company maintains an allowance for doubtful accounts receivable by providing for specifically identified accounts where collectibility is doubtful. On an on-going basis, the Company evaluates estimates and judgments. The Company bases its estimates on historical experience and on various other assumptions that it believes to be reasonable under the circumstances.
 
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
 
From time to time, the Company may make certain statements that contain “forward-looking” information (as defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1996) and that involve risk and uncertainty. These forward-looking statements may include, but are not limited to, future results of operations, future production capacity and product quality. Forward-looking statements may be made by management orally or in writing including, but not limited to, this Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations and other sections of the Company’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission under the Securities Act of 1933 and the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Actual results and trends in the future may differ materially depending on a variety of factors including but not limited to changes in the demand and prices for the Company’s products, changes in the demand for steel and steel products in general, and the Company’s success in executing its internal operating plans.


19


 

FRIEDMAN INDUSTRIES, INCORPORATED

QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
 
In the normal course of business the Company is exposed to market risks primarily from changes in the cost of steel in inventory and in interest rates. The Company closely monitors exposure to market risks and develops appropriate strategies to manage risk. With respect to steel purchases, there is no recognized market to purchase derivative financial instruments to reduce the inventory exposure risk on changing commodity prices. The exposure to market risk associated with interest rates relates primarily to debt. Recent debt balances are minimal and, as a result, direct exposure to interest rates changes is not significant.


20


 

FRIEDMAN INDUSTRIES, INCORPORATED
 
TEN YEAR FINANCIAL SUMMARY
 
                                                                                 
    Year Ended March 31  
    2006     2005     2004     2003     2002     2001     2000     1999     1998     1997  
 
Net sales
  $ 181,900,351     $ 188,022,253     $ 116,158,567     $ 106,082,738     $ 97,817,956     $ 120,395,583     $ 120,267,809     $ 124,719,640     $ 148,840,724     $ 119,920,966  
Earnings
  $ 6,453,888     $ 6,246,043     $ 2,535,991     $ 1,432,017     $ 940,039     $ 2,927,582     $ 2,506,801     $ 3,540,811     $ 4,809,992     $ 3,630,071  
Current assets
  $ 47,551,003     $ 43,498,759     $ 37,829,701     $ 34,769,500     $ 35,806,988     $ 40,231,329     $ 36,945,378     $ 32,534,040     $ 39,347,548     $ 33,357,160  
Current liabilities
  $ 18,383,193     $ 14,959,516     $ 12,639,763     $ 11,035,388     $ 10,797,106     $ 12,271,802     $ 8,377,279     $ 6,758,038     $ 13,437,178     $ 10,172,672  
Net working capital
  $ 29,167,810     $ 28,539,243     $ 25,189,938     $ 23,734,112     $ 25,009,882     $ 27,959,527     $ 28,568,099     $ 25,776,002     $ 25,910,370     $ 23,184,488  
Total assets
  $ 55,930,889     $ 50,796,342     $ 46,028,123     $ 42,778,926     $ 43,986,455     $ 48,010,512     $ 45,106,790     $ 41,023,377     $ 46,039,361     $ 38,117,191  
Stockholders’ equity
  $ 37,097,335     $ 35,354,550     $ 33,031,604     $ 31,246,751     $ 30,491,351     $ 30,378,150     $ 28,622,951     $ 27,422,779     $ 25,732,957     $ 22,781,959  
Earnings as a percent of
                                                                               
Net sales
    3.5       3.3       2.2       1.3       1.0       2.4       2.1       2.8       3.2       3.0  
Stockholders’ equity
    17.4       17.7       7.7       4.6       3.1       9.6       8.8       12.9       18.7       15.9  
Average number of common shares outstanding: Basic(1)
    7,072,637       7,418,410       7,574,070       7,572,239       7,571,239       7,568,839       7,547,624       7,528,702       7,512,901       7,489,943  
Per share
                                                                               
Net earnings per share:
                                                                               
Basic
  $ 0.91     $  0.84     $  0.33     $  0.19     $  0.12     $  0.39     $  0.33     $  0.47     $  0.64     $  0.48  
Stockholders’ equity(1)
  $ 5.25     $  4.77     $  4.36     $  4.13     $  4.03     $  4.01     $  3.79     $  3.64     $  3.43     $  3.04  
Cash dividends per common
share
  $ 0.32     $  0.29     $  0.10     $  0.09     $  0.11     $  0.16     $  0.18     $  0.25     $  0.25     $  0.18  
Stock dividend declared
                      —        —        —        5%       5%       5%       5%  
 
 
(1)  Adjusted for stock dividends.

EX-14.1 3 h36357exv14w1.htm CODE OF CONDUCT AND ETHICS exv14w1
 

EXHIBIT 14.1
 
FRIEDMAN INDUSTRIES, INCORPORATED
 
CODE OF CONDUCT AND ETHICS
 
It is the policy of Friedman Industries, Incorporated (the “Company”) to endeavor to conduct business with the highest standards of honesty and integrity and in compliance with all applicable laws. In view thereof, the Company’s Board of Directors has adopted this Code of Conduct and Ethics (the “Code”).
 
In addition to other Company policies, all Company employees, directors and officers are expected to:
 
  •  Carry out their duties honestly and with the highest degree of integrity.
 
  •  Avoid actual or apparent conflicts of interest between personal and professional relationships.
 
  •  Report promptly any transaction or relationship that could compromise one’s ability to (i) adhere fully to the Code, other Company policies or applicable laws or (ii) make business decisions without regard to personal gain or benefit.
 
  •  Seek, at all times, to provide information to Company officials and its outside professionals (e.g. accountants, counsel, insurance providers, etc.) that is accurate, relevant, complete, objective, timely and understandable, and encourage others within the Company to do the same.
 
  •  Use reasonable efforts to assure full, fair, accurate, timely and understandable disclosure of information related to the Company’s business and financial operations in Company reports and documents filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) or the American Stock Exchange (“AMEX”) or in other public communications made by the Company.
 
  •  Use reasonable efforts to cause the Company to comply fully with the letter and spirit of all laws, rules and regulations applicable to the Company or its business.
 
  •  Promptly report to the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors (the “Audit Committee”) (i) any weakness or deficiency in the design or operation of the Company’s internal controls or (ii) any fraud involving Company management or other employees having significant roles in the Company’s operations, financial reporting, disclosures or internal controls.
 
The Board of Directors is responsible for applying and interpreting the Code. Any questions relating to how the Code should be interpreted or applied should be addressed to a supervisor, the Chief Executive Officer, the President or the Senior Vice President-Finance. Any employee, officer or director who becomes aware of any existing or potential violation of laws, rules, regulations or the Code should promptly notify the Chief Executive Officer, the President, the Senior Vice President-Finance or the Chairman of the Audit Committee. Reports may be made orally or in writing and may be made anonymously and will be kept confidential to the extent permitted. Written reports should be sent to the attention of the Chief Executive Officer, the President or the Senior Vice President-Finance, at P.O. Box 21147, Houston, Texas 77226. In addition, reports may be made to the Chairman of the Audit Committee by calling (713)957-4945 or sent to 262 North Sam Houston Parkway E., Suite 110, Houston, TX 77060.
 
Failure to notify the Chief Executive Officer, the President, the Senior Vice President — Finance or the Chairman of the Audit Committee of any violation or potential violation is in itself a violation of the Code. To encourage employees to report any violations, the Company will not allow retaliation for reports made hereunder in good faith. In addition, the Company may not retaliate against any employee for providing information or assisting in the investigation of any law enforcement agency, regulatory agency or other governmental body relating to the Company.
 
Observance of the provisions of the code is of extreme importance to the Company. A violation of the Code will be regarded as a serious offense and may constitute grounds for disciplinary action, including, but not limited to, demotion, suspension (with or without pay), discharge, or, in the case of directors, removal from the Board of Directors and legal proceedings.


 

From time to time, the Company may waive some provisions of the Code. Any employee, officer or director who believes that a waiver may be called for should contact the Senior Vice President — Finance. Any waiver of the Code for directors and executive officers of the Company must be approved by the Company’s Board of Directors and will be promptly reported in such manner as may be required by the SEC or AMEX.

EX-21.1 4 h36357exv21w1.htm LIST OF SUBSIDIARIES exv21w1
 

EXHIBIT 21.1
 
SUBSIDIARIES
 
 
ROYAL FASTENERS CORPORATION Texas Corporation 100% owned

EX-23.1 5 h36357exv23w1.htm CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM exv23w1
 

EXHIBIT 23.1
 
CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
 
We consent to the incorporation by reference in this Annual Report (Form 10-K) of Friedman Industries, Incorporated of our report dated June 27, 2006, with respect to the consolidated financial statements of Friedman Industries, Incorporated, included in the 2006 Annual Report to Shareholders of Friedman Industries, Incorporated.
 
Our audits also included the financial statement schedule of Friedman Industries, Incorporated listed in Item 15(a). This schedule is the responsibility of Friedman Industries, Incorporated’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion based on our audits. In our opinion, as to which the date is June 27, 2006, the financial statement schedule referred to above, when considered in relation to the basic financial statements taken as a whole, presents fairly in all material respects the information set forth therein.
 
We consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statement (Form S-8 No. 333-37887) pertaining to the 1996 Stock Option Plan, the 1995 Non-Employee Director Plan, as amended, and the 1989 Incentive Stock Option Plan, as amended, and in the Registration Statement (Form S-8 No. 333-47262) pertaining to the 2000 Non-Employee Director Stock Plan of our report dated June 27, 2006, with respect to the consolidated financial statements of Friedman Industries, Incorporated incorporated herein by reference, and our report included in the preceding paragraph with respect to the financial statement schedule of Friedman Industries, Incorporated included in this Annual Report (Form 10-K) of Friedman Industries, Incorporated.
 
/s/  Ernst & Young LLP
 
Houston, Texas
June 27, 2006

EX-31.1 6 h36357exv31w1.htm CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO SECTION 302 SIGNED BY WILLIAM E. CROW exv31w1
 

EXHIBIT 31.1
 
I, William E. Crow, Chief Executive Officer, President and Chief Operating Officer of Friedman Industries, Incorporated, a Texas corporation, certify that:
 
1. I have reviewed this Annual Report on Form 10-K of Friedman Industries, Incorporated;
 
2. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;
 
3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, result of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;
 
4. The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) for the registrant and have:
 
a)  Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;
 
b) [intentionally omitted per SEC release 33-8238]
 
c) Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and
 
d) Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and
 
5. The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):
 
a) All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and
 
b) Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.
 
Dated: June 27, 2006
 
/s/  William E. Crow
Chief Executive Officer, President
and Chief Operating Officer

EX-31.2 7 h36357exv31w2.htm CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO SECTION 302 SIGNED BY BEN HARPER exv31w2
 

EXHIBIT 31.2
 
I, Ben Harper, Senior Vice President — Finance and Secretary/Treasurer of Friedman Industries, Incorporated, a Texas corporation, certify that:
 
1. I have reviewed this Annual Report on Form 10-K of Friedman Industries, Incorporated;
 
2. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;
 
3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, result of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;
 
4. The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) for the registrant and have:
 
a) Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;
 
b) [intentionally omitted per SEC release 33-8238]
 
c) Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and
 
d) Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and
 
5. The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):
 
a) All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and
 
b) Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.
 
Dated: June 27, 2006
 
/s/  Ben Harper
          Senior Vice President — Finance and
Secretary/Treasurer

EX-32.1 8 h36357exv32w1.htm CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO 18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350 SIGNED BY WILLIAM E. CROW exv32w1
 

 
EXHIBIT 32.1
 
Certification Pursuant to
18 U.S.C. Section 1350,
as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906
of The Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
 
Not Filed Pursuant to the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
 
In connection with the Annual Report of Friedman Industries, Incorporated (the “Company”) on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2006, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the “Report”), I, William E. Crow, Chief Executive Officer, President and Chief Operating Officer of the Company, certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that:
 
(1) The Report fully complies with the requirement of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and
 
(2) The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.
 
  By: 
/s/  William E. Crow
Chief Executive Officer, President
and Chief Operating Officer
 
Dated: June 27, 2006

EX-32.2 9 h36357exv32w2.htm CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO 18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350 SIGNED BY BEN HARPER exv32w2
 

EXHIBIT 32.2
 
Certification Pursuant to
18 U.S.C. Section 1350,
as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906
of The Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
 
Not Filed Pursuant to the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
 
In connection with the Annual Report of Friedman Industries, Incorporated (the “Company”) on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2006, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the “Report”), I, Ben Harper, Senior Vice President-Finance and Secretary/Treasurer for the Company, certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that:
 
(1) The Report fully complies with the requirement of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and
 
(2) The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.
 
  By: 
/s/  Ben Harper
Senior Vice President — Finance
and Secretary/Treasurer
 
Dated: June 27, 2006

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