-----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, APcxaNGugFqsdq1VFkjbQAXjXQHt4Xv4ysXDNhTznjuxlabt6RLVd/daYpZ+PLt+ s6YBKoLwjIRKbg8XEsvGdg== 0000912057-00-007932.txt : 20000223 0000912057-00-007932.hdr.sgml : 20000223 ACCESSION NUMBER: 0000912057-00-007932 CONFORMED SUBMISSION TYPE: 10-K405/A PUBLIC DOCUMENT COUNT: 2 CONFORMED PERIOD OF REPORT: 19981231 FILED AS OF DATE: 20000222 FILER: COMPANY DATA: COMPANY CONFORMED NAME: ALLIED PRODUCTS CORP /DE/ CENTRAL INDEX KEY: 0000003941 STANDARD INDUSTRIAL CLASSIFICATION: FARM MACHINERY & EQUIPMENT [3523] IRS NUMBER: 380292230 STATE OF INCORPORATION: DE FISCAL YEAR END: 1231 FILING VALUES: FORM TYPE: 10-K405/A SEC ACT: SEC FILE NUMBER: 001-05530 FILM NUMBER: 550526 BUSINESS ADDRESS: STREET 1: 10 S RIVERSIDE PLZ STREET 2: SUITE 400 CITY: CHICAGO STATE: IL ZIP: 60606 BUSINESS PHONE: 3124541020 10-K405/A 1 10-K405/A - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549 FORM 10-K/A X ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) - ------- OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1998 OR TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) - ------- OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 FOR THE TRANSITION PERIOD FROM TO Commission file number 1-5530
ALLIED PRODUCTS CORPORATION (Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter) DELAWARE 38-0292230 - -------------------------------------------- -------------------------------------------- (State or other jurisdiction of (I.R.S. Employer Incorporation or Organization) Identification No.) 10 SOUTH RIVERSIDE PLAZA, CHICAGO, ILLINOIS 60606 - -------------------------------------------- -------------------------------------------- (Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)
Registrant's telephone number, including area code (312) 454-1020 Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act: Title of Each Class Name of Each Exchange on Which Registered - -------------------------------------------- -------------------------------------------- COMMON STOCK--$.01 PAR VALUE NEW YORK AND PACIFIC
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 (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or such shorter period that the Registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes ___ No _X_ As of March 31, 1999, 10,075,413 shares of common stock were outstanding, and the aggregate market value of the shares of common stock (based upon the closing price on the New York Stock Exchange) held by nonaffiliates of the Company was approximately $30,226,239. Determination of common stock ownership by affiliates was made solely for the purpose of responding to this requirement, and the Registrant is not bound by this determination for any other purpose. The Company's definitive Proxy Statement (which will be filed at a later date) for the Annual Meeting of Stockholders scheduled to be held June 18, 1999 and Annual Report to security holders for the year ended December 31, 1998 are incorporated by reference in Part III and Part IV herein. The Exhibit Index is located on page 54. - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- PART I ITEM 1. BUSINESS Allied Products Corporation (Company) was organized under Delaware law in 1967 as the successor to a Michigan corporation which was formed in 1928. Its principal executive offices are at 10 South Riverside Plaza, Chicago, Illinois 60606 and its telephone number is (312) 454-1020. The Company's operations are divided into two business segments--the Agricultural Products Group (which consists of the Bush Hog and Great Bend divisions) and the Industrial Products Group (which consists of the Verson, Precision Press Industries and Verson Pressentechnik operations as well as the Coz division which was sold in the last quarter of 1997). Reference is made to Note 11 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for an analysis of operations by industry segment. On July 15, 1999, the Company and CC Industries, Inc., a privately held firm headquartered in Chicago, signed a letter of intent to form a joint venture for the ownership and operation of the Company's Agricultural Products Group. On October 26, 1999 the Company announced that it had signed a definitive agreement to sell 80.1% of the Agricultural Products Group for approximately $120,000,000, which was reduced on February 10, 2000 to approximately $112,100,000. If the transaction is approved by the Company's shareholders, Bush Hog L.L.C., a new joint-venture company, will acquire the business, assets and certain liabilities of the division within the Agricultural Products Group. Under the final agreement, the Company will sell an 80.1% interest in Bush Hog L.L.C. to an affiliate of C.C. Industries, Inc. Final shareholder approval and closing of the transaction is not expected to occur until the first quarter of 2000. Approximately 3%, 6% and 16% of the Company's net sales in 1998, 1997 and 1996, respectively, were exported principally to Canada and Mexico. AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTS GROUP PRODUCTS. The Bush Hog division offers a comprehensive line of implements and machinery used by farmers, ranchers, large estate owners, commercial turf mowing and landscape contractors, golf courses and municipalities. Implements and machinery sold by Bush Hog include rotary cutters, tractor mounted loaders, hay mowers, tillers, cultivators, backhoes, zero-turn mowers, landscape tools, and turf and golf course mowing equipment. Bush Hog-Registered Trademark- rotary cutters are used to shred stalks after the crop has been harvested, to mow pasture, for land maintenance and for governmental right-of-way mowing. The use season for rotary cutters extends from early spring to late fall, and even longer in warmer climates. Bush Hog has a major market share (approximately 40%) of rotary cutters sold in North America. Front end loaders are used by farmers and ranchers for material handling. Cultivators are used for weed control after crops have been planted. In April 1998, the Company purchased the assets of Great Bend Manufacturing Company (Great Bend) located in Great Bend, Kansas. Great Bend is a manufacturer of front end loaders with significant geographical marketing emphasis in the Midwest, Southwest and high plains areas of the United States. Like Bush Hog, Great Bend offers a complete line of quality front end loaders, with particular emphasis on high lift loaders which adapt to higher horsepower tractors. Due to the separation of dealer networks, the Company's plans are to take advantage of both Bush Hog and Great Bend trade names by maintaining separate manufacturing and marketing identities. Certain products have been selected for cross marketing under both name brands and joint engineering efforts will be utilized in specific new product development. The Company believes that the combined sales of front end loaders generated by Bush Hog and Great Bend places it among the top five front end loader manufacturers in total North America market share. In addition to the acquisition of Great Bend, the Company also acquired in April 1998 the assets of Universal Turf Corporation (Universal Turf) located in Opp, Alabama. Universal Turf is a manufacturer of turf maintenance products for golf courses, athletic complexes and sod farms. Products manufactured by Universal Turf include reel mowers, verti-cut mowers, chemical sprayers and reel grinders. The acquisition of Universal Turf not only broadened Bush Hog's turf equipment offering but also provides additional manufacturing capacity for components utilized in the manufacturing of agricultural implements at Bush Hog's two facilities in Selma, Alabama. Implements tend to have a shorter life than tractors and other self-propelled machines, and purchases of implements are less likely to be deferred in times of economic uncertainty, somewhat dampening cyclical swings in demand. Sales of replacement parts accounted for approximately 14% of the Agricultural Products Group's revenue in 1998. In order to maintain and expand their market position, the divisions of the Agricultural Products Group 2 continually update and improve their product offerings. This is done through a combination of internal development and external acquisition of technology. Contributing to Bush Hog's record sales in 1998 were several new products released during the past twenty-four months. Products of major significance were a series of five, six, seven and eight-foot rotary cutters, which received widespread customer acceptance. A new line of backhoes, which are used by farmers and contractors, was released in 1998, and also gained widespread customer acceptance. The introduction of the acquired Universal Turf product line under the Bush Hog-Registered Trademark- name complemented the revolutionary new mulching mower which Bush Hog introduced to the golf industry in 1998. A network of forty turf product distributors has been established to market the broadened line of turf maintenance products. Other products that were developed in 1998 and are expected to generate substantial sales in 1999 include an eight-foot mulching mower, a new line of five, six, and seven-foot economy rotary cutters, and a new line of zero-turn mowers for use by homeowners and landscape mowing contractors. Zero-turn mowers were previously outsourced from other manufacturers. The new line of zero-turn mowers will be manufactured by Bush Hog at its Selfield manufacturing operation in Selma, Alabama. In keeping with Bush Hog's philosophy of being among the industry leaders in new product introductions, currently twenty-eight new product or product enhancement projects are scheduled for release during the next twenty-four months. MARKETING. Bush Hog and Great Bend market their products, except for commercial turf and golf course mowing equipment, through commissioned manufacturer's representatives, operating as independent contractors within defined territories. The Bush Hog sales force consists of fifty-eight representatives and the Great Bend sales force consists of thirty representatives. None of the total eighty-eight representatives market both lines. The manufacturer's representatives call on dealers located within their territories which have been approved to carry either Bush Hog-Registered Trademark- or Great Bend product lines. In all, there are approximately 2,600 Bush Hog-Registered Trademark- dealers and 1,000 Great Bend dealers. In general, the dealers are independent, local businessmen who have an established local clientele developed over the years and represent almost 50% of the total farm equipment dealerships in the United States and Canada. The Bush Hog-Registered Trademark- brand name is particularly strong in the southeastern and southwestern states while the Great Bend name is strong in the southwestern, high plains, and portions of the Midwestern states. Bush Hog has also contracted with independent distributors to market commercial turf and golf course mowing equipment within defined territories. The retail season for most farm equipment begins in March/April and, depending upon the product, ends in September/October. Due to capacity and shipping constraints, the Company cannot build and ship $130 million of products during this time frame. To manage these constraints, the Company levels out its factory production schedule and offers dealers extended payment terms with cash discount incentives for their orders, to benefit both the Company and the dealers. The extended payment terms are offered in the form of floor plan financing which is customary within the industry. The dealer cash discount provides the dealer with an incentive to sell the equipment as early as possible or pay for the equipment early in the floor plan financing period in order to take advantage of the cash discount. The Company retains a security interest in the inventory held by dealers. Under certain state and provincial statutes, a dealer may return floor plan equipment to a manufacturer upon termination of the dealership. Bush Hog services its network of dealers through three manufacturing facilities and eight service parts distribution centers strategically located in the United States and Canada. Great Bend services its dealer network through its manufacturing facility in Great Bend, Kansas. COMPETITION. Competition for the type of equipment sold by Bush Hog and Great Bend includes the major line manufacturers of tractors and landscape equipment, along with several hundred companies producing one or more models of shortline farm or landscape implements and machinery. Price, quality, service and availability are all factors in brand selection. The objective of Bush Hog and Great Bend is to be a low cost producer of high quality products. To do this they continue to modernize their facilities to improve efficiency. INDUSTRY. The agricultural equipment industry in North America is a mature industry engaged in producing replacement equipment for a declining number of farmers. It is dominated by a small number of major line manufacturers, which market a full range of farm machinery, including tractors, grain combines and various implements through their own dealer organizations and account for approximately 60% of the dollar volume of industry shipments. The remaining 40% of the market is shared by approximately 700 companies that generally concentrate their production on shortline implements such as plows, harrows, cultivators, livestock equipment, grain handling equipment or hay equipment. 3 INDUSTRIAL PRODUCTS GROUP PRODUCTS. The Verson division manufactures a broad line of both medium and large technologically advanced mechanical and hydraulic metal forming presses. These products are used in the manufacture of components for the automotive, appliance, office equipment, farm equipment, ordnance, aerospace and general metal working industries. A transfer press is a specialized mechanical press that combines a series of operations by transferring a work piece from one station to another inside of a single press. Each station in the press has a separate die that is individually adjustable. This process allows all operations, from initial draw to finished product, to take place in one press, resulting in increased output and reduced labor expense. Prices vary by type and size. Size categories for transfer presses range from "A" (largest) to "D" (smallest). An "A" transfer press is generally 13 to 15 feet wide, 80 to 90 feet long and stands four stories tall. By comparison, a "B" transfer press is approximately 10 feet wide, 60 feet long and four stories tall. The difference between these machines is the component part size they stamp. Investment in a large transfer press can range from $15-$35 million. Approximately 10-15% of Verson's revenue was generated by customer special services. Items included in the special services area are: repair parts, complete remanufacturing of used presses, contract machining and manufacturing, die consultation and training. In addition to the fabrication and machining of components, Verson provides complete tooling and engineering services necessary for turnkey systems. Complimenting the manufacturing of presses by Verson, a new division of Allied Products, Precision Press Industries (PPI), began operation in November 1997. PPI is engaged in the fabrication of large components weighing up to 240,000 pounds and is located in a 40,000 square foot facility in Hobart, Indiana. The Company believes PPI uses some of the most sophisticated welding machinery and processes available. Supplier agreements, production scheduling and control methods enable PPI to work in a just-in-time format. Extensive employee training and ongoing process documentation activities are intended to provide that PPI operates in accordance with ISO9000 guidelines. The division currently does work exclusively for the Verson division, but retains the capability to perform custom fabrication work for third party customers. During the fourth quarter of 1998, the Company announced that its Verson division formed a joint venture with Theodor Grabener GmbH & Co. KG of Germany and Automatic Feed Company of Napoleon, Ohio, that will help the two American companies more effectively penetrate the European market for large stamping presses and related systems. The new entity, Verson Pressentechnik GmbH, is located in Netphen-Werthenbach, Germany, and is expected to benefit from the resources of the Grabener group of companies. The joint venture, in which Verson holds a 60% stake, will act as the main commercial and technical support arm for the activities of both Verson and Automatic Feed in Europe. Its European staff will have the responsibility of marketing Verson and Automatic Feed products to customers throughout Europe. Drawing on the strengths of the Grabener group of companies, the joint venture also will assist in customizing Verson and Automatic Feed equipment to meet the requirements of European customers, and it will provide ongoing training and service support once the equipment is up and running at a customer's plant. On October 14, 1997, the Company sold its Coz division. Coz provided a complete line of thermoplastic resins and related services to the plastic molding and extrusion industry. MARKETING. Verson's marketing group department is headed by a Vice President of Marketing and Sales, with responsibility for all Verson products and services. Verson sells and promotes its products by using a direct sales force that concentrates in strategically significant markets and contract representatives which focus on lower volume potential markets. Verson's major customers are the U.S. automobile manufacturers (both U.S. and foreign owned) and first and second tier automotive parts producing companies, which, on average, account for approximately 85% of Verson's annual revenue. The other major market served by Verson is the appliance industry where the division's customers include all major brand names. The Company believes Verson is the technology leader, having designed the world's first transfer press in 1939, the world's first electronic feed in 1981, a cross bar feed in 1992 which significantly improves production, and most recently, a Dynamic Orientation-TM- system which further improves production and saves space. COMPETITION. There are only a few companies in the world that supply large transfer press systems similar to those provided by Verson. Verson is now the only American owned company competing in this upper end segment. Principal competition comes from German and Japanese manufacturers. Press manufacturers compete on the basis of technology, capability, reliability and price. The barriers to entry for new competitors are high due to the large capital expenditures required. 4 INDUSTRY. Domestic automobile manufacturers are seeking to become more cost-effective by requiring quality parts, implementing just-in-time concepts, obtaining price reductions from suppliers, redesigning cost out of automobiles, and restructuring and automating their manufacturing processes. Demand from the appliance industry remains strong as the major manufacturers seek to increase capacity, reduce costs and gear up to produce water conserving clothes washers. The Company believes the Verson division is in a strong position to capitalize on major retooling and modernization programs as they come on stream. The second wave of this demand is being felt now as the major suppliers to the automakers convert to new technology. In response to these market factors and an unprecedented incoming order rate in 1994, the Verson division completed a 40,000 square foot expansion of its assembly facilities in 1995. An additional 117,000 square foot expansion of its assembly facilities was completed at the end of 1998. These additions have and will significantly expand the division's capacity for manufacturing large transfer presses. SALES BACKLOG Sales backlog as of December 31, 1998 was $180,617,000 compared to $204,988,000 at December 31, 1997. Over 80% of the backlog orders are expected to be filled prior to the end of 1999. EMPLOYEES The Company currently employs approximately 1,800 individuals, including approximately 500 employees in the Verson division who are represented by a union. While the Company considers its relations with its Verson Division employees to be satisfactory, the Company suffered a strike during the summer of 1997 at the expiration of the last union contract. The contract agreed to upon settlement of the strike expires in June 2000. RAW MATERIALS AND SOURCES OF SUPPLY The principal raw materials used by all of the Company's manufacturing operations include steel and other metals and purchased components. During 1998, the materials needed by Allied Products generally were available from a variety of sources in adequate quantities and at prevailing market prices. No one supplier is responsible for supplying more than 10% of the principal raw materials used by Allied Products. PATENTS, TRADEMARKS AND LICENSES Allied Products owns the federally registered trademarks "Bush Hog," which is used on its agricultural, landscape, and turf and golf course equipment, "Verson," which is used on its metal forming presses, and "ETF", "MultiMode" and "Dynamic Orientation" which are used on the electronically controlled transfer feeds manufactured by the Verson division. Allied Products considers each of the above registered trademarks to be material to its business. While Allied Products believes that the other trademarks used by each of its operations are important, none of the patents, licenses, franchises or such other trademarks are considered material to the operations of its business. MAJOR CUSTOMERS Approximately 26%, 31% and 39% of the Company's net sales in 1998, 1997 and 1996, respectively, were derived from sales by the Industrial Products Group to the three major U.S. automobile manufacturers. During 1998, General Motors accounted for approximately 10.9% of net sales and Daimler-Chrysler and Ford each accounted for less than 10% of net sales. With the exception of the three major automobile manufacturers, no material part of the Company's business is dependent upon a single customer. SEASONALITY Retail sales of and cash collected for farm equipment tend to occur during or just preceding the use seasons previously described. Sales and cash receipts for the other divisions are not affected by seasonality. ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS Reference is made to Note 10 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements regarding environmental factors and matters. FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS Some of the information contained in the above discussion may contain forward-looking statements that are subject to certain risks, uncertainties and assumptions. Such forward-looking statements are intended to be identified in this document by the words "anticipate," "expect," "estimate," "objective," "possible" and similar expressions. Actual results may vary. Reference is made to the "Safe Harbor Statement" contained under Item 7--Management Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations. 5 EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE COMPANY The following table sets forth the names and ages of the Company's Executive Officers, together with all positions and offices held with the Company by such officers as of March 31, 1999.
NAME POSITION WITH ALLIED PRODUCTS AGE ---- ----------------------------- -------- Richard A. Drexler.................. Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer 51 Bobby M. Middlebrooks............... Senior Vice President 63 Robert J. Fleck..................... Vice President--Accounting, Chief Accounting and Administrative Officer 51 Mark C. Standefer................... Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary 44
No family relationships exist among the executive officers, however, Mr. Richard A. Drexler is the son of Lloyd A. Drexler, a director of the Company. In early 1999, Richard W. Metzger resigned from the Company. Each executive officer has been employed by Allied Products for over 10 years. Pursuant to Allied Products' By-laws, each officer is elected annually by the Board of Directors. Mr. Drexler, who became Chairman in 1993, has been President and a Director of Allied Products since 1982 and has been Chief Executive Officer since 1986. Mr. Drexler served as Acting Chief Financial Officer from 1991 to 1992, Chief Financial Officer from 1989 to 1990 and Chief Operating Officer from 1981 to 1986. He was also Chief Financial Officer from 1977 to 1987. Prior to becoming President, Mr. Drexler served as Executive Vice President, Senior Vice President of Administration, Vice President of Administration, Staff Vice President--Development, and Director of Planning. Mr. Drexler is also acting Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Verson division of the Industrial Products Group. Mr. Middlebrooks has been Senior Vice President since 1985 and was Vice President of Allied Products from 1984 to 1985 in charge of the former Agricultural Equipment Group. Prior to that, he was President--Bush Hog Implements Division. He joined Bush Hog in 1955. Mr. Fleck has been Vice President--Accounting since 1985, Chief Accounting Officer since 1986 and Chief Administrative Officer since 1997. From 1983 to 1985 he was Staff Vice President--Accounting and prior to that he served as Corporate Controller and in various other accounting positions for Allied Products. Prior to joining Allied Products in 1974, he was an internal auditor with Marquette Cement Company, a national cement manufacturing company. Mr. Standefer was elected Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary in 1997. From 1995 to 1997 he was Staff Vice President, Assistant General Counsel and Assistant Secretary, and from 1986 to 1995 Assistant General Counsel and Assistant Secretary. Mr. Standefer joined Allied Products in 1984 as Staff Attorney. Prior to joining Allied Products, he was Staff Attorney for Sun Electric Corporation. 6 ITEM 2. PROPERTIES Allied Products leases one and owns five manufacturing facilities in four states for the production of its various products and maintains warehouse facilities in various locations throughout the United States and Canada. Management is of the opinion that all facilities are of sound construction, in good operating condition and are adequately equipped for carrying on the business of the Company. Operations of the Agricultural Products Group are conducted in Selma and Opp, Alabama and Great Bend, Kansas in three owned facilities and one leased facility containing approximately 940,000 square feet in total. The group also maintains several leased facilities in various states and Canada which are used as warehouses and parts depots. Operations of the Industrial Products Group are conducted in Chicago, Illinois and Hobart, Indiana in owned facilities containing approximately 561,000 square feet. In addition, a small office located in Netphen-Werthenbach, Germany is being leased by Verson Pressentechnik. ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS In May 1999 and June 1999, the Company was served with two complaints purporting to be class action lawsuits on behalf of shareholders who purchased the Company 's common stock between February 6, 1997 and March 11, 1999. The complaints, which were filed in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois, appear to be virtually identical. They allege various violations of the federal securities laws, including misrepresentation or failure to disclose material information about the Company's results of operations, financial condition, weakness in its financial internal controls, accounting for long-term construction contracts and employee stock option compensation expense. In August 1999, the District Court ordered that the two cases be consolidated for all purposes. A Consolidated Amended Complaint was filed on October 12, 1999. The claims in the Consolidated Amended Complaint appear to be virtually identical to the claims in the prior complaints filed in May 1999 and June 1999. The Company filed a Motion to Dismiss on December 13, 1999. Reference is made to Note 10 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements with respect to the Company's involvement in legal proceedings as a defending party. ITEM 4. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS None. 7 PART II ITEM 5. MARKET PRICE OF THE COMPANY'S COMMON STOCK AND RELATED SECURITY HOLDER MATTERS The Company's common stock is listed on the New York and Pacific Stock Exchanges. The price range of the common stock on the New York Stock Exchange, as adjusted for the three-for-two stock split effected on August 15, 1997, is as follows: - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- BEGINNING OF 1998 YEAR END OF YEAR 1998 QTR HIGH LOW DIVIDEND - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Common $24 $ 6 5/16 1 $25 3/16 $20 1/4 $.0400 - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2 24 3/4 20 1/16 .0400 - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 3 22 7/8 6 3/16 .0400 - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 4 8 7/8 5 7/8 .0400 - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- BEGINNING OF 1997 YEAR END OF YEAR 1997 QTR HIGH LOW DIVIDEND - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Common $19 13/16 $24 1 $21 13/16 $18 1/2 $.0333 - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2 23 5/16 18 9/16 .0333 - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 3 26 21 3/16 .0400 - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 4 27 23 1/4 .0400 - ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
As of March 31, 1999, the approximate number of holders of record of the Company's common stock ($.01 par value) was 2,200. The Company paid no dividends from 1982 until 1995. Restrictions from paying dividends were removed in 1995. Subsequent to the end of 1995, the Company increased its quarterly dividend from $.0167 per share to $.0333 per share. During the third quarter of 1997, the Company increased its quarterly dividend to $.04 per share. Subsequent to the end of 1998, dividend payments are limited to $2,000,000 per year under the Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement and the First Amendment and Waiver to the Credit Agreement--see Note 5 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements. ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
1998 1997 1996 1995 1994 ------------- ------------- ------------- ------------- ------------- Net sales from continuing operations......................... $273,834,000 $270,562,000 $274,414,000 $260,861,000 $215,529,000 Income (loss) from continuing operations......................... $(14,113,000) $ 15,646,000(C) $ 16,089,000(C) $ 33,989,000 $ 19,687,000 Earnings (loss) per common share (diluted) from continuing operations (A)(B).................. $(1.19) $1.27(C) $1.17(C) $2.34 $1.28 Total assets......................... $275,804,000 $195,064,000(C) $172,509,000(C) $167,303,000(C) $150,555,000 Long-term debt (including capitalized leases and redeemable preferred stock)............................. $ 2,298,000 $ 670,000 $ 489,000 $ 315,000 $ 12,130,000 Cash dividend declared per common share (A).......................... $.16 $.147 $.133 $.05 $--
- -------------------------- (A) Restated prior to 1997 to reflect the effect of a three-for-two stock split in 1997. (B) Restated prior to 1997 to reflect the effect of adopting SFAS 128--Earnings per Share--in 1997. (C) Restated--See Note 1 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements. The accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements are an integral part of this summary. 8 ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS OVERVIEW In August, 1996 and April, 1997, the Company's Verson division received major orders from Ford and General Motors, respectively, for the design and manufacture of a total of six automated, multi-station stamping presses. Ford ordered two and General Motors ordered four of the presses. All six of the presses incorporated a new state-of-the-art "three-slide" design which was considered superior in speed and efficiency to any transfer press previously manufactured. Verson believes that it was the first manufacturer to design and manufacture a stamping press incorporating this design. These orders were to be completed over a three-year period from 1997 through 1999. The contracts for the two presses to be manufactured for Ford specified delivery in January and April of 1998, while the contracts for the four presses to be manufactured for General Motors specified delivery in February, April, August, and October of 1999. By agreement, the specified delivery dates were revised to May, August, September, and December of 1999 shortly after the orders were accepted. Projected revenues from the orders for the six presses approximated $120 million. In June, 1997 and May, 1998, Verson received orders from Chrysler Corporation totaling approximately $75 million for four identical large automated multi-station stamping presses with two slides only, but incorporating other new design features. The orders called for completion of these presses during 1998 and 1999. Specifically, the contract for the press ordered by Chrysler in June of 1997 required delivery in June of 1999. While we were designing and building these multi-slide presses described above, Verson also accepted orders to manufacture and deliver approximately 15 smaller presses. Most of these presses were to be delivered between November of 1998 and September of 1999. While these presses were of a smaller and less complicated design, the combined impact on engineering and production was significant. In hindsight, it appears that when added to Verson's other press business, the orders for the ten large, newly designed multi-slide presses severely strained Verson's then existing press manufacturing capacity. During 1997 and 1998 the Company took steps to expand Verson's facility, hire more engineering and manufacturing staff and increase its total capacity. The cost of the physical expansion at Verson was approximately $30,000,000, and included the addition of approximately 117,000 square feet to the Verson assembly building plus other infrastructure improvements. The expansion was not completed early enough to alleviate production scheduling difficulties, however. The expansion in fixed assets together with significant increases in indirect labor increased Verson's overhead costs. In addition, Verson experienced significant difficulties during 1998 in the manufacture of the multi-slide and other presses under the above-described orders in a timely and cost effective manner. The decline in manufacturing efficiency was traceable in part to overcrowded conditions and in part to the inefficiencies which can occasionally arise in the manufacture of new products. These manufacturing delays in turn caused delays and additional costs in the manufacture of virtually all presses in 1998 and led Verson to rely heavily on subcontractors for the manufacture of certain components in order to meet delivery commitments. As described in more detail below, difficulties primarily associated with the manufacture of presses under the three orders described above and the resulting stresses on manufacturing capacity caused Verson and the Company to incur losses in 1998. These difficulties, along with an increased cost structure which has adversely affected margins on new press orders during 1999 and is expected to continue to adversely affect margins in the near future, are expected to continue to have a negative impact on earnings in 2000. Verson began work in 1997 on the two presses covered by the Ford order. As work progressed on the first press, several component parts had to be re-engineered and reworked, significantly increasing costs. In view of these difficulties, Verson revised its cost estimates on these presses by $3,700,000 in February, 1998 and at the same time increased its cost estimates on other presses by $1,600,000. By the third quarter of 1998, the first Ford press was assembled and was in the final test phase. In the testing process, the electronic controls furnished by subcontractors proved to be incompatible, causing the press to physically crash on more than one occasion, resulting in extensive damage to the press and requiring replacement of many press components. The crashes caused a significant escalation in Verson's costs and resulted in a production bottleneck, delaying the work on the presses being manufactured behind it and requiring Verson to incur overtime and increase the amount of work subcontracted out rather than done in house. Verson ultimately delivered the first Ford press approximately one year after the original specified delivery date, and the second Ford press approximately four months after the original specified delivery date. Also during the third quarter of 1998, in view of its experiences on the two Ford presses, Verson significantly revised its cost estimates on all six of the three-slide presses (the Ford and GM orders), as well as on other presses. As a consequence, the Company announced the recognition of a pretax charge of approximately $16,000,000. Approximately $5,300,000 of this charge was subsequently recorded in 1997 as noted below. In the fourth quarter of 1998, events of the third 9 quarter continued to have a significant negative impact on costs to complete projects. Given these ongoing circumstances and concern over further escalation of costs, Verson undertook a comprehensive review of the compilation of costs and revenue recognition associated with each press in relation to revised delivery schedules, current estimated costs to complete the presses in production and available manufacturing capacity. Verson recorded additional changes to cost estimates of approximately $21,000,000 to reflect the recognition of estimated losses on certain orders in process and a revision of estimated costs on other orders. The Company restated its financial statements for 1997 and for the first three quarters of 1998. Reference is made to Note 13 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements. The Verson division's gross loss for 1998 for the six "three-slide" transfer presses under construction for Ford and General Motors totaled approximately $14 million, including reserves for future losses of approximately $10 million. This more than offset gross profits of approximately $4 million on the remainder of the division's operations in 1998. The Company believes that the identifiable factors contributing to its failure to generate positive gross margins and instead to incur losses on the six "three-slide" transfer presses included, in particular, unanticipated subcontracting costs and increases in overhead costs. Verson's increased workload translated into the need for additional manufacturing, office and hourly personnel and to increases in recruitment costs and exempt and hourly wages along with related fringe benefits. The pressure to meet delivery schedules resulted in increased shop overtime and the new facility added higher depreciation costs. A prolonged computer system implementation and the lower productivity associated with recently hired employees altered the historical relationship between direct and indirect hours. The Company believes that the reduction in gross margins for its standard press business during 1998 was also attributable primarily to unanticipated subcontracting costs associated with the overload in the Verson factory and increases in overhead costs. Verson's backlog as of December 31, 1998, composed of revenues to be recorded in future years on orders received, included revenues of approximately $ on orders for which estimated losses were recorded in 1998 and on which no gross margin is expected to be recognized in 1999 through 2001. Uncertainties associated with these contracts make it reasonably possible that additional losses could occur. The December 31, 1998 backlog for Verson also included future revenue of approximately $ to be recorded principally in 1999 for which Verson anticipates gross margins lower than levels prior to 1998. The remaining backlog at December 31, 1998 (approximately $ ) includes future press revenues as well as orders for parts and field services with anticipated pre-1998 historical gross margins. In view of the difficulties in estimating costs encountered by Verson in 1998, the Company has determined that on press orders where margin levels could not be reasonably estimated, the Company will not recognize any gross profit margin until the particular press in process reaches a point in production where the gross profit margin can be reasonably estimated. Reference is made to Note 1 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements Revenue Recognition and Inventories. This method of accounting for gross margins on presses will be continued until such time as Verson is satisfied that its methods of estimating costs have been validated. The backlog of low margin and no margin work in process as of December 31, 1998, December 31, 1999 backlog will have a substantial negative effect on Verson's earnings in 1999 and, to a lesser extent, in 2000 and 2001. In addition, the deferral of the recognition of gross margins until the later stages of the production of a press may result in fluctuations in quarter-to-quarter results. Because of the difficulties Verson encountered in 1998, Verson has failed to meet delivery date requirements provided in several press orders. Verson reserved for penalties of approximately $1.2 million in 1998 as a result of delays in shipments. The Company may receive additional claims for significant penalty payments or damages in the remainder of 1999 and 2000. The Company has established an additional reserve of $750,000 for these potential claims. Reference is made to Note 10 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements. The Company's difficulties in completing orders during 1998 and 1999 could adversely affect its relationships with one or more of its customers and therefore could have a negative impact on the Company's ability to obtain future business from such customers. In particular, the Company experienced delays in completing presses for each of the three major auto manufacturers during 1998 and 1999. Together these customers accounted for approximately 26% of the Company's (52% of the Industrial Products Group) sales. The Company also experienced delays in completing many of its smaller presses. In addition, failure to complete the Joint Venture and the resulting financial strain that it would impose on the Company could further exacerbate problems with existing customers and make it more difficult to attract new customers. In response to General Motors' concerns that the Company's cash flow problems would further delay or preclude the Company from completing four presses that were in various stages of production, 10 the Company recently entered into two amendments to purchase orders with General Motors. The aggregate sales price of the presses covered by these purchase orders exceeds $75 million. Under the terms of the first amendment, the Company and General Motors agreed to revised shipping, payment and testing schedules that allow the Company to ship components of, and receive payments for, the first two of the four presses earlier than it would have been able to under the terms of the original purchase orders. Most of the components of the first press were shipped in the fall of 1999, approximately five months later than the specified delivery date. The components for the second press will be shipped in the near future, approximately six months later than the specified delivery date. Payment terms for the third and fourth presses were largely unchanged from the original order (i.e., 90% upon completion, testing and shipment), however, delivery dates (and related payments) have been extended so that the components of the last press will not be shipped until the fourth quarter of 2000 and final payment will not be received until the first quarter of 2002, following completion of assembly and testing at the General Motors facility. The third press must be assembled and tested at Verson by the end of January, 2001, approximately nine months later than the specified delivery date. Upon fulfillment of certain conditions set forth in the first amendment, General Motors will waive and release the Company from all claims arising from or attributable to the Company's alleged late delivery defaults on all presses and will accept delivery of the last two (2) presses covered by this order. Among the conditions set forth in the first amendment was the requirement that the Company complete the sale of the Agricultural Products Group by the earlier of the expiration of the Company's financing arrangements with its secured lenders or December 31, 1999. Final shareholder approval and closing of the sale of the Agricultural Products Group is not expected to occur until the first quarter of 2000. The Company and its lenders recently amended the Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement to extend the maturity date of this agreement to the earlier of the termination of the purchase agreement or March 7, 2000. The Company and General Motors also recently entered into a second amendment to their purchase order to reflect the change in the projected closing date of the sale of the Agricultural Products Group. The amendment requires the Company to complete the sale and establish a commitment for sufficient working capital by February 29, 2000. The Company has requested that General Motors extend that date to at least March 7, 2000. In addition, the Company also has had discussions with some of its suppliers who have expressed concern that the Company's financial condition has caused increasingly slower payment on invoices. To date, the Company has been able to convince its major suppliers to continue to supply the Company with the raw materials necessary for the Company to fulfill its press orders, but there can be no assurance that such deliveries will continue if the Company is unable to timely pay its suppliers. RESTATEMENT OF PRIOR PERIOD FINANCIALS Subsequent to the end of 1998, the Company determined that the accounting for certain stock option exercise transactions during 1996 and 1997 was incorrect. Compensation expense for certain stock option exercises during 1996 and 1997 should have been recognized for cashless stock option exercises and treasury stock transactions involving non-mature stock option shares acquired by the Company. Compensation expense which was not recognized in previously issued financial statements is now reflected in the accompanying restated financial statements. The periods restated were the only periods where material exercises occurred that gave rise to the restatement. As described in the Overview section above, the Company also determined that gross profit margins at the Verson division of the Industrial Products Group required restatement in 1997. During December 1998 through March 1999, Verson undertook a comprehensive review of the compilation of costs and revenue recognition associated with each press in production during 1998. In connection with that review, Verson's auditors advised corporate management that because information regarding increased February 1998 cost estimates with respect to the two Ford jobs was available to Verson Division personnel prior to the release of the Company's Form 10-K for 1997 (but after the public release of the Company's earnings for 1997), that under these circumstances the effect of the increased cost estimates of the Ford jobs should have been reflected in the Company's 1997 financial statements. Since the cost estimates on the Ford jobs were revised in February 1998 following the release of the Company's earnings for 1997, management mistakenly believed that the revised cost estimates on those jobs should be reflected in the financial statements issued subsequent to the revisions using the reallocation method. As interpreted by management, the accounting rules permitted the use of the reallocation method of accounting for these changes in estimates. Consequently, the Company prorated the increase in costs for the Ford jobs over the remaining months of production for each job. The information regarding the increased cost estimates was not excluded from the Company's periodic remaining cost estimation. As noted above, the Company was subsequently informed by its auditors that the reallocation method was not generally accepted and that the Company should have used the cumulative catch-up method, 11 which immediately recognizes these changes in estimates, rather than the reallocation method. The effect of the change to the cumulative catch-up method was included in the restated 1997 financial statements as well as in the restated quarterly results for 1998. Reference is made to Note 1 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for a reconciliation of the amounts previously reported to the amounts currently being reported in the consolidated statements of income (loss) for the years ended December 31, 1997 and 1996. Reference is also made to Note 13 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements regarding the reconciliation of amounts previously reported to the amounts currently being reported in the quarterly consolidated statements of income (loss) for the years ended December 31, 1998 and 1997. It was further determined that the Company should have accrued for product liability claims incurred but not reported prior to 1996. The product liability adjustment ($1,040,000 net of tax) had no impact on operating results reported on within this report, had no impact on the appropriateness of the revenue recognition associated with related sales and is reflected as an adjustment to retained earnings at December 31, 1995. The products to which the claims primarily relate are products currently manufactured by the Company's Agricultural Products Group and products related to discontinued operations for which the Company contractually retained certain product liability claims, generally claims arising prior to sale of the related business. To reasonably estimate the liability for such claims, the Company historically used estimates provided by legal counsel based on existing claims experience in all years, and in 1998 also obtained actuarial information which was based on the Company's historical claim experience to estimate incurred but not reported claims for the period December 31, 1995 to December 31, 1998. The results of such analysis supported the Company's accrual estimates for periods subsequent to December 31, 1995. OPERATING RESULTS Reference is made to Note 11 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements regarding the disclosure of segmental information with respect to the Company's operations. The Company's operations consist of two business segments, the Agricultural Products Group and the Industrial Products Group. The Agricultural Products Group consists of the Company's Bush Hog division (including products manufactured by Universal Turf which was acquired in 1998) and the recently acquired Great Bend division. As described in Part I, Item 2 above, the Company has entered into an agreement to sell 80.1% of the Agricultural Products Group. Since the sale of the Company's Coz division in 1997, the Industrial Products Group consists of the Company's Verson, Precision Press Industries (PPI) and Verson Pressentechnik operations. PPI was established in the fourth quarter of 1997 and is engaged in the fabrication of large components for the Verson division. In October 1998, the Company's Verson division formed a joint venture with Theodor Grabener GmbH & Co. KG of Germany and Automatic Feed Company of Napoleon, Ohio, that will help the two American companies more effectively penetrate the European market for large stamping presses and related systems. The new entity, Verson Pressentechnik GmbH, is located in Netphen-Werthenbach, Germany. 1998 COMPARED TO 1997 Net sales for 1998 were $273,834,000 compared to net sales of $270,562,000 reported in 1997. Loss before taxes in 1998 was $21,643,000 compared to income before taxes of $24,835,000 in 1997. The net loss in 1998 was $14,113,000 ($1.19 per diluted share) versus net income of $15,646,000 ($1.27 per diluted share) in 1997. Within the Agricultural Products Group, net sales in 1998 increased to $136,814,000 from $119,471,000 in 1997. Approximately half of the increase was related to the acquisitions of the Great Bend and Universal Turf operations in the second quarter of 1998. The remainder of the increase was principally associated with increased cutter sales by the Bush Hog division to cattle ranchers, particularly in the first half of the year. Cattle ranchers use the cutters for grazing pasture maintenance. Cutter sales in 1998 were also favorably affected by new/redesigned products for the turf and landscaping market for utilization by commercial turf (sod) growers and by golf courses for maintenance. During the last half of 1998, sales were negatively affected by lower prices for major crops (corn, wheat, soybeans) and livestock commodities (cattle and hogs), which reduced farm income. Strong crop yields in the Midwest and fewer exports are expected to keep crop and livestock prices at a low level in 1999. Within the Agricultural Products Group, income before taxes decreased slightly in 1998 compared to the prior year. Gross profit margins decreased slightly in 1998. Decreases were principally related to increased discounts offered to dealers and the impact of the mix of products sold. These decreases were partially offset by favorable manufacturing variances resulting from increased facility utilization and increased labor efficiencies at the Bush Hog division in 1998 and the effect of increased sales volume noted above from the acquisitions of Great Bend and Universal Turf. Selling and administrative expenses increased in 1998 within the Agricultural Products Group compared to the prior year. The majority of the increase related to the acquired operations of Great Bend and Universal Turf. Other increases were associated with increased commissions (due to increased sales volume) and advertising costs in 1998. 12 Within the Industrial Products Group, sales decreased in 1998 to $137,020,000 compared to net sales of $151,091,000 reported in 1997. The entire decrease was related to the loss of revenue from the Coz division which was sold in the early part of the fourth quarter of 1997. Revenue and profits are recognized on a percentage of completion basis at the Verson division. Loss before taxes for the Industrial Products Group was $23,129,000 in 1998 compared to income before taxes of $16,584,000 in 1997. Operating results in 1998 and 1997 were favorably affected by the Company's recovery of a claim associated with prior periods of $5,000,000 in 1998 and $2,500,000 in 1997. Selling and administrative expenses increased approximately $3,700,000 within the Industrial Products Group in 1998 due to staff expansions in these areas at the Verson division. During 1997, Verson established an international sales and marketing department, resulting in increased salaries and travel costs. Corporate expenses consisted primarily of administrative charges and other (income) expense. Administrative expenses decreased due to a reduction in staffing levels, the subleasing of a portion of the Corporate Office during 1998 and decreased compensation expense related to stock option exercises--see Note 11 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements. Reference is made to Note 12 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for an analysis of other (income) expense in 1998 and 1997. Interest expense in 1998 was $6,201,000 compared to interest expense of $3,306,000 in the prior year. Increased borrowing needs were related to higher consolidated receivable levels (associated with increases at all manufacturing operations of the Company) and increased inventory levels (primarily associated with the Verson division where orders for a total of 9 multi-station transfer presses are currently in production and shipment and production delays have occurred). Other borrowing needs include fixed asset additions over the past year ($38,837,000 including the Verson plant expansion), the acquisitions of Great Bend and Universal Turf in the second quarter of 1998 and the impact of the stock buyback program from the prior years. Interest expense in 1998 was partially offset by the capitalization of $979,000 of interest costs relating to the Company's building expansion project at the Verson division. Reference is made to Note 4 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for an analysis and explanation of the current and deferred provision (benefit) for income taxes in 1998 and 1997. 1997 COMPARED TO 1996 The Company's net sales in 1997 were $270,562,000 compared to net sales of $274,414,000 in 1996. The decrease in consolidated net sales in 1997 was associated with the effects of the sale of the Coz division as noted above. Net sales of the Coz division for 1997 were $11,000,000 less than net sales of the prior year. Income before taxes in 1997 was $24,835,000 compared to income before taxes of $25,223,000 for the prior year. Net income in 1997 was $15,646,000 ($1.27 per diluted share) compared to net income of $16,089,000 ($1.17 per diluted share) in 1996. Earnings per common share and weighted average shares outstanding for 1996 have been adjusted to reflect the effects of a three-for-two stock split which occurred during the third quarter of 1997. Net sales within the Agricultural Products Group increased to $119,471,000 in 1997 compared to net sales of $108,355,000 in 1996. The majority of the increase was associated with the cutter and loader product lines. Sales increases in the cutter and loader product lines were associated with the upturn in cow/calf prices in the spring of 1997. Cattle ranchers use the cutters and loaders for grazing pasture and feed lot maintenance, respectively. Cutter sales were also favorably affected by new/redesigned products introduced in prior years aimed at the turf and landscaping market for utilization by commercial turf (sod) growers and for maintenance of golf courses. Service parts sales also increased in 1997. Gross profits and gross profit margins increased within the Agricultural Products Group in 1997 compared to the prior year. Approximately half of the increase in the gross profit was associated with the increased sales volume discussed above. The improved gross profit margin resulted primarily from continued improvements in the manufacturing process resulting in greater direct labor efficiencies and better control of overhead costs. The group also benefitted from increased facility utilization during 1997. Selling and administrative expenses decreased within the Agricultural Products Group in 1997. These decreases were associated with a commission rate decrease in 1997 and lower advertising costs. 13 At the Industrial Products Group, net sales decreased to $151,091,000 in 1997 compared to net sales of $166,059,000 reported in 1996. The decrease in net sales was associated with the effects of the disposition of the Coz division in the fourth quarter of 1997 and lower revenue recognized on press production at the Verson division due to the mix of products in process during each respective year. Revenue and profits are recognized on a percentage of completion basis for press production at the Verson division. During the first quarter of 1997, production was completed on the last press of an order for three "A" size transfer presses for Chrysler. The first two presses related to this order were produced and shipped in 1996. Production in 1997 reflected a smaller portion of production against this order and a larger portion of production related to smaller presses with lower margins. Production was also affected in 1997 by a four week strike in the middle of the year. Production continued on a limited basis during the strike through the use of supervisory employees. Gross profits and gross profit margins decreased within the Industrial Products Group in 1997 compared to 1996. The decrease in gross profits and gross profit margins was primarily associated with decreased facility utilization at the Verson division in 1997. Production hours decreased by 14% in 1997 due to the effects of the impact of outsourced production, a four week strike and the mix of products manufactured as noted above. Also impacting gross profits and margins were increased overtime costs necessary to meet delivery schedules following the strike and costs associated with a program undertaken to identify improvements in the manufacturing process. These cost increases were offset in part by the recovery of a claim associated with prior periods of $2,500,000 and lower warranty costs. Selling and administrative expenses increased within the Industrial Products Group in 1997. These increases included the effect of the establishment of an international sales and marketing department at the Verson division during 1997 resulting in personnel and travel cost additions. Administrative staffing levels were also increased at this operation during 1997. These increases were partially offset by the effect of the sale of the Coz division as noted above. Corporate expenses consisted primarily of administrative charges and other (income) expense. Administrative expenses decreased due to a reduction in compensation expenses related to stock option exercises--see Note 11 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements. Reference is made to Note 12 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for an analysis of other (income) expense in 1997 and 1996. Interest expense in 1997 increased to $3,306,000 from $1,557,000 in the prior year. Increased borrowing needs were associated with the Verson division where the number of presses in process increased and the division was awaiting final payment on presses being installed. The Company also purchased over $21,500,000 of treasury stock during 1997 as a part of a program to purchase up to 2,250,000 shares of the Company's common stock. Reference is made to Note 4 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for an analysis and explanation of the current and deferred provisions for income taxes in 1997 and 1996. FINANCIAL CONDITION 1998 Working capital at December 31, 1998 was $(14,955,000) and the current ratio was .92 to 1.00. Net accounts receivable increased by $14,098,000 since the end of 1997. Approximately two-thirds of this increase was related to the Agricultural Products Group. Receivable levels within this group have been impacted by the overall downturn in the agricultural economy in the United States brought about by lower commodity prices, excess grain inventory levels and decreased exports of grain, particularly to the far eastern countries. These economic factors have led to decreased agricultural equipment sales by dealers and, in turn increased dealer receivable levels. Other factors leading to increased receivables within the Agricultural Products Group include record sales to dealers by the Bush Hog division and the effect of the acquisitions of the Great Bend and Universal Turf operations during 1998. The Company acquired these operations for $10,953,000 in cash and the assumption of $1,369,000 of liabilities. These acquisitions were funded through increased borrowings under the Company's existing bank credit agreement. The remainder of the net receivable increase was associated with the Industrial Products Group where a large press order was shipped in the last quarter of 1998. Net inventory levels increased by $23,421,000 during 1998. Approximately 30% of this increase was related to the Agricultural Products Group. Cutter sales at the Bush Hog division decreased in the last half of 1998 beyond production expectations resulting in increased inventory levels. The previously mentioned acquisitions in 1998 also contributed to the group's inventory level increase. Within the Industrial Products Group, inventory levels also increased as a large number of presses were in production at the end of 1998. Fixed asset additions ($38,837,000) included construction costs associated with an assembly building expansion project at the Verson division. The project approximately doubled the size of Verson's assembly facility and is expected to increase the division's assembly capacity by approximately 30%. A new powder paint 14 system was installed at the Bush Hog division during 1998. The system is expected to result in a higher quality finish on equipment manufactured and overall reduced paint costs and environmental emissions. Remaining capital expenditures included improved production machinery and equipment, which are expected to result in reduced manufacturing costs and improvements in product quality, and upgrades in computer hardware and software. Funds to finance these additions include borrowings under the Amended and Restated Credit Agreement. Other than the sale of the former White-New Idea facility in Coldwater, Ohio (which had been leased to the purchaser of the operation since 1994), there were no major asset dispositions in 1998. The changes in the net deferred tax assets (classified as both current and other assets) were associated with changes in timing differences between book and tax income. The Company continued to evaluate the appropriateness of the net deferred tax asset valuation allowance associated with net operating loss and tax credit carryforwards, particularly in light of current operating results. Such evaluation is performed periodically in conjunction with the Company's periodic financial reporting. Reference is made to Note 4 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements regarding the Company's current tax position. Net borrowings under the Amended and Restated Credit Agreement increased by $68,900,000 since the end of 1997. These borrowings were used to finance working capital needs and fixed asset additions as described above, the acquisitions of the Great Bend and Universal Turf operations and the purchase of approximately 145,000 treasury shares during 1998. During 1998, the Company completed the purchase of treasury shares under a plan announced in 1996 to purchase 2,250,000 shares of common stock. During the third quarter of 1998, the Company announced the authorization to purchase an additional 500,000 shares, of which approximately 74,000 shares have been purchased through the end of 1998. Subsequent to the end of 1998, the Company entered into a Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement and a subsequent amendment thereto--see Note 5 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements--replacing the then current Amended and Restated Credit Agreement. Under the terms of the new agreement, the purchase of additional shares of the Company's common stock is not permitted. 1997 Working capital at December 31, 1997 was $46,213,000 and the current ratio was 1.48 to 1.0. Net accounts receivables increased by $1,815,000 in 1997. Within the Agricultural Products Group, net receivables increased by approximately $7,000,000 in 1997. Net sales levels increased to record levels in 1997, including an increase in net sales of over 20% in the fourth quarter, resulting in increased receivable levels at the end of 1997. Within the Industrial Products Group, net receivables decreased in 1997. The majority of the decrease was related to the sale of the Coz division as noted above. On a consolidated basis, net inventories increased by $16,633,000 in 1997. Agricultural Products Group inventories decreased slightly in 1997. Within the Industrial Products Group, inventories increased by over $17,000,000 in 1997. The entire increase was associated with the Verson division. While the level of accumulated costs of presses in process decreased at the end of 1997, the level of customer deposits and progress payments decreased by a greater amount (over $36,000,000) at the end of 1997, resulting in a net increase in the work in process inventory level. The above noted increase was partially offset by the effects of the sale of the Coz division as noted above. Fixed asset additions ($15,334,000) included the purchase of a 40,000 square foot facility for the PPI division (for manufacturing capabilities and the opportunity to expand the Verson business with the manufacturing of other related equipment), the upgrade of the Verson engineering area and new machinery and equipment at the Bush Hog and Verson operations (to reduce manufacturing costs and improve product quality). During the fourth quarter of 1997, the Company announced a $28,000,000 capital expansion project as part of a three-year program to increase production capacity at the Verson division. This project more than doubled the size of Verson's assembly facility and is expected to increase the division's capacity by approximately 30%. This expansion was completed at the end of 1998. Funds to finance these additions include borrowings under the Amended and Restated Credit Agreement. Other than the sale of the Coz division (cash proceeds in excess of $14,700,000), there were no major asset dispositions in 1997. The changes in the net deferred tax assets (classified as both current and other assets) were associated with changes in timing differences between book and tax income. The continued earnings history of the Company and prospects for future earnings makes it more likely than not that the Company will utilize the benefits arising from the deferred tax assets noted above. See Note 4 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements. Net borrowings under the Amended and Restated Credit Agreement increased by $23,400,000 since the end of 1996. These borrowings, along with the proceeds from the sale of the Coz division and internally generated cash, were used to finance working capital needs and fixed asset additions described above and the purchase of approximately 975,000 treasury shares during 1997. Through the end of 1997, the Company had purchased approximately 2,182,000 shares of its common 15 stock under the 1996 authorization to repurchase up to 2,250,000 shares of the common stock. Some treasury shares purchased have been reissued upon the exercise of stock options. During the third quarter of 1997, the Company's Board of Directors authorized a three-for-two stock split for stockholders of record on August 15, 1997. The Board also authorized a dividend increase of 20% over the second quarter's dividend. LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES At the end of 1998, the Company's sales backlog was $180,617,000. The majority of this amount was related to the Industrial Products Group and consists of orders for new presses as well as revenue not yet recorded representing the uncompleted portion of presses currently being manufactured. Production against these orders (and orders received subsequent to the end of 1998) extends out to the middle part of 2000. Accumulated production costs of these orders are not invoiced until shipment of the related press. Orders for new presses recorded in 1998 exceeded $100,000,000 and a significant portion of the new orders were accompanied by deposits and/or progress payments. Cash requirements for these new press orders will be less dependent on internally generated cash and borrowings under current loan arrangements. However, the production and delivery of many press orders currently in process have been delayed by numerous factors including late delivery of subcontracted and internally manufactured components, capacity constraints in the assembly area related to the number of presses in this phase of production and revised delivery schedules at the request of customers. These situations will result in delayed invoicing of the presses and final collection of amounts due as well as the possible cancellations of orders, imposition of penalties or claims for damages under certain contracts. Within the Agricultural Products Group, cash collections associated with machine sales generally occur upon the retail sale of the product by the dealer. The retail season for most farm equipment begins in March/ April and, depending upon the product, ends in September/October. Due to capacity and shipping constraints, the Company cannot build and ship $130 million of products during this time frame. To manage these constraints, the Company levels out its factory production schedule and offers dealers extended payment terms with cash discount incentives for their orders, to benefit both the Company and the dealers. The extended payment terms are offered in the form of floor plan financing which is customary within the industry. The dealer cash discount provides the dealer with an incentive to sell the equipment as early as possible or pay for the equipment early in the floor plan financing period in order to take advantage of the cash discount. The Company retains a security interest in the inventory held by dealers. This approach to managing the capacity and shipping constraints reduces the Company's inventory carrying costs, as it requires less warehouse space. As a result, the Agricultural Products Group typically experiences a build up of receivables and inventory beginning in the fourth quarter through the first quarter. This seasonal fluctuation is typical in the agricultural equipment business. The Company does, however, try to reduce the seasonality where it can. For instance, the Company has expanded its loader business, which is less seasonal, through the acquisition of Great Bend and the development of new loader products. The Company also has made capital equipment expenditures to reduce manufacturing lead times and coordinated production plans with its vendors, thus allowing both the Company and its vendors to react more quickly. Net farm cash income decreased in 1998 as prices for major crops (corn, wheat, soybeans) decreased. This condition was brought about by strong crop yields in the Midwest and a significant reduction in commodity exports to the Far East. Livestock (cattle and hogs) prices also decreased during 1998. Extreme weather conditions (flooding in California, severe drought in Texas and Oklahoma and moderate drought conditions in the South) also resulted in lower crop yields and loss of income to farmers during 1998. The Company expects farm income to continue to decline in 1999 despite a recently enacted emergency government aid package and anticipates that retail demand for agricultural equipment will decline in 1999. The Company anticipates that the Agricultural Products Group's financial results for 1999 will be adversely affected by decreased production of certain product lines associated with the lower level of demand. These decreases may be partially offset by expansions within the loader product line and improved sales in the turf and landscape product lines associated with new products developed in 1998. Due to significant losses in the last quarter, no current Federal tax provision was recorded in 1998. Reference is made to Note 4 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for an explanation of the $5,639,000 deferred tax benefit recorded in 1998. The Company projects that future Federal income tax provisions and payments will be based upon the Alternative Minimum Tax rate as substantial tax loss carryforwards still exist for tax reporting purposes. Reference is made to Note 10 of Note to Consolidated Financial Statements for a current discussion of outstanding environmental and legal issues and other contingent liabilities. To the extent that any of these claims are not covered by insurance or are ultimately 16 resolved for amounts in excess of the Company's applicable insurance coverage, it could have a significant negative impact on the Company's cash flow and its ability to finance its operations. Subsequent to the end of 1998, the Company entered into a Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement replacing the former Amended and Restated Credit Agreement. This new agreement was amended in April 1999. Reference is made to Note 5 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for a description of the major terms of this agreement. The loan agreement as amended obligates the Company to repay all outstanding borrowings on expiration of the agreement on February 28, 2000 (subsequently extended to March 7, 2000). Before that date the Company must either negotiate an extension of the loan with its current lenders, refinance the loan with other lenders or develop other sources of liquidity to repay the loan. The Company's ability to achieve any of these three options may depend upon the results of its operations during 1999. As of December 31, 1998, the Company had cash and cash equivalents of $727,000 and additional funds of $23,863,000 available under its Amended and Restated Credit Agreement. Had the Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement and the related amendment been in effect at December 31, 1998, additional funds of $18,863,000 would have been available under this agreement. The Company believes that its expected operating cash flow and funds available under the Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement and the related amendment are adequate to finance its operations and capital expenditures in 1999. At the end of the third and fourth quarters of 1998, the Company was not in compliance with certain provisions under the Amended and Restated Credit Agreement. Subsequent to the end of each of these quarters, the lenders waived compliance. MARKET RISK The Company's market risk is the exposure to adverse changes in interest rates. From time to time, the Company enters into interest rate swap agreements as a vehicle to manage its exposure related to the ratio of fixed to floating rate debt with the objective of achieving a mix that management believes is appropriate. At December 31, 1998, the Company's total debt outstanding (revolving credit agreement and capitalized leases) totaled $122,225,000. Capitalized lease debt ($2,925,000) is represented by fixed rate financing and is not subject to market rate fluctuations. The remaining portion of the Company's debt at December 31, 1998 ($119,300,000) was subject to the terms of the Amended and Restated Credit Agreement that provides for interest rates at either a floating prime or fixed LIBOR rate, plus 1.5%. The base interest rates are periodically agreed to with the lender for fixed periods of 30 to 90 days. With the interest rate swap agreement entered into during 1998, the Company effectively capped increases in LIBOR base interest rates at 7.49% on $50,000,000 of its outstanding borrowings under the Credit Agreement through May 2001. The swap fair market value at December 31, 1998 was a negative $1,100,000. The remaining balance of the Credit Agreement debt outstanding at December 31, 1998 of $69,300,000 was not covered by the swap agreement and approximates fair market value. A hypothetical immediate 10% increase in interest rates would adversely affect 1999 earnings and cash flows by approximately $485,000 based on the composition of debt levels at December 31, 1998. The interest rate swap was terminated subsequent to the end of the second quarter of 1999 at no cost to the Company. The Company may enter into interest rate swap agreements from time to time in the future to the extent management determines such agreements are an appropriate vehicle to manage interest rate market risk. IMPACT FROM NOT YET EFFECTIVE RULES In June 1998, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (SFAS) No. 133--Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities. This statement establishes accounting and reporting standards for derivative instruments, including certain derivative instruments embedded in other contracts (collectively referred to as derivatives) and for hedging activities. This statement is effective for all quarters of fiscal years beginning after June 15, 1999. The Company is in the process of evaluating the impact of this statement on its financial reporting. YEAR 2000 COMPLIANCE Many older computer software programs refer to years in terms of their final two digits only. Such programs may interpret the year 2000 to mean the year 1900 instead. If not corrected, these programs could cause date-related transaction failures. The Company's program to address this year 2000 compliance issue is broken down into the following major categories: 1. Financial related hardware/software. 2. Manufacturing/engineering process controls. 3. Equipment manufactured for sale. 4. Outside source suppliers. The general phases of the year 2000 compliance program common to all of the above categories are: 1. Identifying items that are not year 2000 compliant. 2. Assigning priorities to identified items, including the assessment of items material to the operations of the Company. 17 3. Repairing or replacing material items determined not to be year 2000 compliant. 4. Testing of material items repaired or replaced. The Company has completed the identification process in relation to the four categories noted above. Outside service bureau financial software currently in place has been determined and tested to be year 2000 compliant. The Company recently purchased and installed financial software which is year 2000 compliant. Divisions not currently using year 2000 compliant software will be utilizing these new programs during 1999. Payroll services for the Company are currently being provided by an outside service. Payroll software is not year 2000 compliant. The Company is in the process of having this software upgraded and anticipates that it will be year 2000 compliant by June 1999. Compliance certificates have been received for non personal computer systems owned/leased by the Company. Compliance testing is currently being conducted. The majority of all personal computers used within the Company (both financial and non financial applications) have been purchased within the last two years and have been successfully tested for compliancy. Remaining non compliant personal computers will be replaced with year 2000 compliant units during 1999 as a part of the Company's normal upgrade program. Manufacturing/engineering process controls and equipment includes equipment to manufacture and design products sold by the Company. Design equipment used in the engineering of agricultural equipment has been tested and determined to be year 2000 compliant. At the Verson division, year 2000 compliance certificates have been received on all major purchased hardware and software applications for designing equipment and programs. While the intent of the division is to rely on these certificates (due to the quality of the information received and the reputation of the vendors involved), some testing will take place in 1999. The Company is giving consideration to the use of outside experts in the testing of the related software and hardware. The process will be completed in 1999. The majority of internally developed design software at Verson has been determined not to contain date fields. Programs which do contain date fields have been determined to be year 2000 compliant. The Company does not have a significant amount of manufacturing equipment with embedded computer chips or hardware/software which would present a problem at the beginning of the year 2000. Compliancy certificates have been received from the majority of equipment manufacturers and testing, where necessary, should be completed by the end of the first half of 1999. None of the equipment manufactured by the Agricultural Products Group include hardware/software or embedded computer chips. Stamping presses manufactured by the Verson division contain software and embedded computer chips. Compliance certificates have been received on all software included in the presses sold. Some internal testing has also been performed. The Company believes that it has little, if any, exposure related to equipment manufactured by its divisions in relation to the year 2000 issue. The Company has identified key outside vendors which provide services which, if not year 2000 compliant, could have an effect on the operations of the Company. Sources include banking, investment, pension obligations, insurance, utilities, etc. businesses. During 1999, these service providers will be asked to update the Company on the status of their year 2000 compliance. The Company will then need to evaluate these responses and determine if a contingency plan would be necessary should the vendor not be compliant. The total cost associated with required modifications to become year 2000 compliant (both incurred to date and to be incurred in the future) is not expected to be material to the Company's financial position. This total cost does not include the cost of internal efforts to complete the project. The costs associated with the replacement of computerized systems, substantially all of which were capitalized, are not included in the above estimate as such replacements or upgrades were necessary to operate efficiently and such costs would have been incurred even if year 2000 compliance was not an issue. The Company anticipates that additional amounts will be spent in completing the year 2000 compliance project. These costs are being funded through operating cash flow. The Company's year 2000 compliance program is an ongoing process and the estimates of costs and completion dates for various components of the program described above are subject to change. Other major system projects have not been deferred due to the year 2000 compliance project. The risk to the Company from the failure of suppliers of goods and services (over which the Company does not have control) to attain year 2000 compliance is the same to other business enterprises generally. Failure of information systems by financial institutions (banks, service bureaus, insurance companies, etc.) would disrupt the flow of funds to and from the Company until systems can be remedied or replaced by these providers. Failure of delivery of critical components by suppliers and subcontractors resulting from non year 2000 compliance could result in disruptions of manufacturing processes with delays in the delivery of our products to our customers until non-compliant conditions or components can be remedied or replaced. The Company has identified major suppliers of goods and services and is in the process of determining their year 2000 compliance status. Alternate suppliers of critical components are 18 also in the process of being identified. The Company believes it is taking the necessary steps to resolve year 2000 issues. However, given the possible consequences of failure to resolve significant year 2000 issues, there can be no assurance that any one or more such failures would not have a material adverse effect on the Company. The Company is currently assessing the need for contingency planning. The Company believes, however, that with the completion of the year 2000 project as scheduled, the possibility of significant interruptions of normal operations should be reduced. SAFE HARBOR STATEMENT Statements contained within the description of the business of the Company contained in Item 1, the Management Discussion and Analysis of Financial Conditions and Results of Operations as well as within the non 10-K portion of the 1998 Annual Report that relate to future operating periods are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ from management's projections. Operations of the Company include the manufacturing and sale of agricultural and industrial machinery. In relation to the Agricultural Products Group, forward-looking statements involve certain factors that are subject to change. These elements encompass interrelated factors that affect farmers and cattle ranchers' confidence, including demand for agricultural products, grain stock levels, commodity prices, weather conditions, crop and animal diseases, crop yields, farm land values and government farm programs. Other factors affecting all operations of the Company include actions of competitors in the industries served by the Company, production difficulties including capacity and supply constraints, labor relations, interest rates and other risks and uncertainties. The Company's outlook is based upon assumptions relating to the factors discussed above. ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK The information required by this item is incorporated herein by reference to the section entitled, "Market Risk" in the Company's Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations. 19 ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA REPORT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS To the Shareholders and Board of Directors of Allied Products Corporation In our opinion, the accompanying consolidated balance sheets and the related consolidated statements of income (loss), shareholders' investment and cash flows listed in the index appearing under Part IV of Form 10-K (Item 14(a)1), present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of Allied Products Corporation and its subsidiaries at December 31, 1998 and 1997, and the consolidated results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 1998 (1997 and prior as restated--see Note 1), in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles. In addition, in our opinion, the financial statement schedule listed in the index appearing under Part IV of Form 10-K (Item 14(a)2) presents fairly, in all material respects, the information set forth therein when read in conjunction with the related consolidated financial statements. These financial statements and the financial statement schedule are the responsibility of the Company's management; our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements and the financial statement schedule based on our audits. We conducted our audits of these statements in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards which require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit 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 the opinion expressed above. As discussed in Note 1 to the consolidated financial statements, Allied Products Corporation has restated previously issued consolidated financial statements to change its accounting for certain stock option exercises, revisions to contract cost estimates impacting the percentage of completion gross profit margin computation and unreported product liability claims. [SIGNATURE] PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP Chicago, Illinois April 15, 1999 20 ALLIED PRODUCTS CORPORATION AND CONSOLIDATED SUBSIDIARIES CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME (LOSS)
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, --------------------------------------------- 1998 1997 1996 ------------- ------------- ------------- Net sales....................................... $ 273,834,000 $270,562,000 $274,414,000 Cost of products sold........................... 250,169,000 210,033,000 209,118,000 ------------- ------------ ------------ Gross profit.................................. $ 23,665,000 $ 60,529,000 $ 65,296,000 ------------- ------------ ------------ Other costs and expenses: Selling and administrative expenses........... $ 38,145,000 $ 35,499,000 $ 37,885,000 Interest expense.............................. 6,201,000 3,306,000 1,557,000 Other (income) expense, net................... 962,000 (3,111,000) 631,000 ------------- ------------ ------------ $ 45,308,000 $ 35,694,000 $ 40,073,000 ------------- ------------ ------------ Income (loss) before taxes...................... $ (21,643,000) $ 24,835,000 $ 25,223,000 Provision (benefit) for income taxes: Current....................................... 109,000 1,195,000 921,000 Deferred...................................... (7,639,000) 7,994,000 8,213,000 ------------- ------------ ------------ Net income (loss)............................... $ (14,113,000) $ 15,646,000 $ 16,089,000 ============= ============ ============ Earnings (loss) per common share: Basic......................................... $(1.19) $1.29 $1.19 ------ ---- ---- ------ ----- ----- Diluted....................................... $(1.19) $1.27 $1.17 ------ ---- ---- ------ ----- ----- Weighted average shares outstanding: Basic......................................... 11,895,000 12,107,000 13,505,000 ============= ============ ============ Diluted....................................... 11,895,000 12,353,000 13,718,000 ============= ============ ============
The accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements are an integral part of these statements. 21 ALLIED PRODUCTS CORPORATION AND CONSOLIDATED SUBSIDIARIES CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS ASSETS
DECEMBER 31, ----------------------------- 1998 1997 ------------- ------------- Current Assets: Cash and cash equivalents................................. $ 727,000 $ 609,000 ------------ ------------ Notes and accounts receivable, less allowances of $519,000 and $531,000, respectively..................... $ 68,827,000 $ 54,729,000 ------------ ------------ Inventories: Raw materials........................................... $ 11,529,000 $ 6,193,000 Work in process......................................... 68,296,000 52,811,000 Finished goods.......................................... 17,019,000 14,419,000 ------------ ------------ $ 96,844,000 $ 73,423,000 ------------ ------------ Deferred tax asset........................................ $ 15,060,000 $ 12,773,000 ------------ ------------ Prepaid expenses.......................................... $ 406,000 $ 415,000 ------------ ------------ Total current assets.................................. $181,864,000 $141,949,000 ------------ ------------ Plant and Equipment, at cost: Land...................................................... $ 2,430,000 $ 2,243,000 Buildings and improvements................................ 57,022,000 40,750,000 Machinery and equipment................................... 69,196,000 51,339,000 ------------ ------------ $128,648,000 $ 94,332,000 Less--Accumulated depreciation and amortization........... 48,181,000 48,811,000 ------------ ------------ $ 80,467,000 $ 45,521,000 ------------ ------------ Other Assets: Deferred tax asset........................................ $ 4,165,000 $ 4,631,000 Deferred charges (goodwill), net of amortization.......... 6,154,000 1,491,000 Other..................................................... 3,154,000 1,472,000 ------------ ------------ $ 13,473,000 $ 7,594,000 ------------ ------------ $275,804,000 $195,064,000 ============ ============
The accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements are an integral part of these statements. 22 ALLIED PRODUCTS CORPORATION AND CONSOLIDATED SUBSIDIARIES CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' INVESTMENT
DECEMBER 31, ----------------------------- 1998 1997 ------------- ------------- Current Liabilities: Revolving credit agreement................................ $119,300,000 $ 50,400,000 Current portion of long-term debt......................... 627,000 268,000 Accounts payable.......................................... 52,634,000 19,923,000 Accrued expenses.......................................... 24,258,000 25,145,000 ------------ ------------- Total current liabilities............................. $196,819,000 $ 95,736,000 ------------ ------------- Long-term debt, less current portion shown above............ $ 2,298,000 $ 670,000 ------------ ------------- Other long-term liabilities................................. $ 4,957,000 $ 10,105,000 ------------ ------------- Commitments and Contingencies Shareholders' Investment: Preferred stock: Undesignated--authorized 1,500,000 shares at December 31, 1998 and 1997; none issued............... $ -- $ -- Common stock, par value $.01 per share; authorized 25,000,000 shares; issued 14,047,249 shares at December 31, 1998 and 1997.............................. 140,000 140,000 Additional paid-in capital................................ 98,377,000 98,518,000 Retained earnings......................................... 16,131,000 32,148,000 ------------ ------------- $114,648,000 $ 130,806,000 Less: Treasury stock, at cost: 2,228,640 and 2,144,263 shares at December 31, 1998 and 1997, respectively...... (42,918,000) (42,253,000) ------------ ------------- Total shareholders' investment........................ $ 71,730,000 $ 88,553,000 ------------ ------------- $275,804,000 $ 195,064,000 ============ =============
The accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements are an integral part of these statements. 23 ALLIED PRODUCTS CORPORATION AND CONSOLIDATED SUBSIDIARIES CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, --------------------------------------------- 1998 1997 1996 ------------- ------------- ------------- Cash Flows from Operating Activities: Net income (loss)............................. $(14,113,000) $ 15,646,000 $ 16,089,000 Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided from (used for) operating activities: Gains on sales of operating and nonoperating assets..................................... (1,936,000) (1,662,000) (106,000) Depreciation and amortization............... 6,096,000 5,026,000 5,075,000 Amortization of deferred charges............ 356,000 177,000 177,000 Deferred income tax provision (benefit)..... (7,639,000) 7,994,000 7,964,000 Provision for inventory valuation........... 8,813,000 -- -- Stock option compensation................... 1,119,000 1,375,000 4,485,000 Changes in noncash assets and liabilities, net of effects of assets/businesses acquired or sold and noncash transactions: (Increase) in accounts receivable......... (11,577,000) (5,976,000) (8,835,000) (Increase) in inventories................. (29,395,000) (20,615,000) (4,384,000) (Increase) decrease in prepaid expenses... 27,000 (294,000) 132,000 Increase (decrease) in accounts payable and accrued expenses..................... 30,635,000 (3,230,000) (6,621,000) Other, net.................................. (975,000) (456,000) 478,000 ------------ ------------ ------------ Net cash provided from (used for) operating activities................................... $(18,589,000) $ (2,015,000) $ 14,454,000 ------------ ------------ ------------ Cash Flows from Investing Activities: Additions to plant and equipment.............. $(38,837,000) $(15,334,000) $ (4,684,000) Payment for businesses acquired, net of cash acquired..................................... (10,953,000) -- -- Proceeds from sales of plant and equipment.... 3,426,000 504,000 207,000 Proceeds from sales of assets/businesses...... -- 14,737,000 -- ------------ ------------ ------------ Net cash used for investing activities........ $(46,364,000) $ (93,000) $ (4,477,000) ------------ ------------ ------------ Cash Flows from Financing Activities: Borrowings under revolving credit agreements.................................. $186,000,000 $122,000,000 $119,650,000 Payments under revolving credit agreements.... (117,100,000) (98,600,000) (103,850,000) Payments of short and long-term debt.......... (392,000) (270,000) (696,000) Common stock issued........................... -- -- 1,501,000 Purchases of treasury stock................... (1,624,000) (21,572,000) (25,993,000) Dividends paid................................ (1,904,000) (1,770,000) (1,808,000) Stock option transactions..................... 91,000 2,096,000 1,308,000 ------------ ------------ ------------ Net cash provided from (used for) financing activities................................... $ 65,071,000 $ 1,884,000 $ (9,888,000) ------------ ------------ ------------ Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents.................................... $ 118,000 $ (224,000) $ 89,000 Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year........................................... 609,000 833,000 744,000 ------------ ------------ ------------ Cash and cash equivalents at end of year........ $ 727,000 $ 609,000 $ 833,000 ============ ============ ============
The accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements are an integral part of these statements. 24 ALLIED PRODUCTS CORPORATION AND CONSOLIDATED SUBSIDIARIES CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, ------------------------------------ 1998 1997 1996 ---------- ---------- ---------- Supplemental Information: (A) Noncash investing and financing activities: 1. Assets acquired through the assumption of debt.......................................... $1,559,000 $ 526,000 $ 442,000 ========== ========== ========== 2. Treasury shares received in lieu of cash for stock option exercise......................... $ -- $ -- $ 86,000 ========== ========== ========== 3. Treasury shares issued for non cash exercise of stock options................................. $ -- $ -- $ 773,000 ========== ========== ========== (B) Interest paid during year....................... $6,033,000 $3,225,000 $1,636,000 ========== ========== ========== (C) Income/franchise taxes paid during year, net of refunds....................................... $1,072,000 $1,313,000 $1,291,000 ========== ========== ==========
The accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements are an integral part of these statements. 25 ALLIED PRODUCTS CORPORATION AND CONSOLIDATED SUBSIDIARIES CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS' INVESTMENT COMMON AND TREASURY STOCK
COMMON TREASURY ($.01 PAR VALUE STOCK, PER SHARE) AT COST --------------- ------------- Balance at December 31, 1995................................ $ 91,000 $ -- Issuance of 226,500 common shares in connection with the exercises of stock options............................... 3,000 -- Purchase of 1,016,309 common shares for treasury purposes................................................. -- (26,079,000) Treasury shares issued (111,238) in connection with the exercises of stock options............................... -- 2,540,000 -------- ------------- Balance at December 31, 1996................................ $ 94,000 $ (23,539,000) Issuance of 4,682,405 common shares in connection with a three-for-two stock split................................ 46,000 -- Purchase of 974,930 common shares for treasury purposes... -- (21,572,000) Treasury shares issued (188,273) in connection with the exercises of stock options............................... -- 2,858,000 -------- ------------- Balance at December 31, 1997................................ $140,000 $ (42,253,000) Purchase of 144,943 common shares for treasury purposes... -- (1,624,000) Treasury shares issued (60,566) in connection with the exercises of stock options............................... -- 959,000 -------- ------------- Balance at December 31, 1998................................ $140,000 $ (42,918,000) ======== =============
The accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements are an integral part of these statements. 26 ALLIED PRODUCTS CORPORATION AND CONSOLIDATED SUBSIDIARIES CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS' INVESTMENT ADDITIONAL PAID-IN CAPITAL AND RETAINED EARNINGS
ADDITIONAL RETAINED PAID-IN EARNINGS CAPITAL (DEFICIT) ----------- ------------ Balance at December 31, 1995, as previously reported........ $93,143,000 $ 5,031,000 Restatement for the cumulative effect on prior years related to product liability reserves, net of tax........ -- (1,040,000) ----------- ------------ Balance at December 31, 1995, as restated................... $93,143,000 $ 3,991,000 Net income for the year................................... -- 16,089,000 Common dividends declared and paid--$.133 per share....... -- (1,808,000) Issuance of 226,500 common shares in connection with the exercises of stock options............................... 4,912,000 -- Treasury shares issued in connection with the exercises of stock options............................................ (597,000) -- Tax benefit associated with stock option exercises........ 128,000 -- ----------- ------------ Balance at December 31, 1996................................ $97,586,000 $ 18,272,000 Net income for the year................................... -- 15,646,000 Common dividends declared and paid--$.147 per share....... -- (1,770,000) Issuance of 4,682,405 common shares in connection with a three-for-two stock split................................ (46,000) -- Treasury shares issued in connection with the exercises of stock options............................................ 613,000 -- Tax benefit associated with stock option exercises........ 365,000 -- ----------- ------------ Balance at December 31, 1997................................ $98,518,000 $ 32,148,000 Net loss for the year..................................... -- (14,113,000) Common dividends declared and paid--$.16 per share........ -- (1,904,000) Treasury shares issued in connection with the exercises of stock options............................................ (141,000) -- ----------- ------------ Balance at December 31, 1998................................ $98,377,000 $ 16,131,000 =========== ============
The accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements are an integral part of these statements 27 ALLIED PRODUCTS CORPORATION AND CONSOLIDATED SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 1. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES: RESTATEMENT OF PREVIOUSLY ISSUED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-- Subsequent to the end of 1998, the Company determined that the accounting for certain stock option exercise transactions during 1996 and 1997 was incorrect. Compensation expense for certain stock option exercises during 1996 and 1997 should have been recognized for cashless stock option exercises and treasury stock transactions involving non-mature stock option shares acquired by the Company. Compensation expense which was not recognized in previously issued financial statements is now reflected in the accompanying restated financial statements. Periods restated were the only periods where material exercises occurred of the type that gave rise to the restatement. The Company also determined that the percentage of completion gross profit margins on contracts at the Verson division of the Industrial Products Group required restatement in 1997 and interim periods in 1998 (See Note 13). Certain significant contract cost estimate revisions should have been recognized at December 31, 1997. During December 1998 through March 1999, Verson undertook a comprehensive review of the compilation of costs and revenue recognition associated with each press in production during 1998. In connection with that review, Verson's auditors advised corporate management that because information regarding increased February 1998 cost estimates with respect to the two Ford jobs was available to Verson Division personnel prior to the release of the Company's Form 10-K for 1997 (but after the public release of the Company's earnings for 1997), that under these circumstances the effect of the increased cost estimates of the Ford jobs should have been reflected in the Company's 1997 financial statements. Additionally, revisions in contract cost estimates impacting the percentage of completion gross profit margin computation were computed using the reallocation method, which allocates the revisions in the contract cost estimates over the remaining life of the contract, rather than the cumulative catch-up method, which immediately recognizes these changes in estimates. The following table reconciles the amounts previously reported to the amounts currently being reported in the consolidated statement of income (loss) for the years ended December 31, 1997 and 1996:
EARNINGS EARNINGS INCOME TAX (LOSS) PER (LOSS) PER BEFORE PROVISION NET COMMON COMMON TAXES (BENEFIT) INCOME SHARE--BASIC SHARE--DILUTED ----------- ----------- ----------- ------------ -------------- 1997 As previously reported..... $31,489,000 $11,518,000 $19,971,000 $1.65 $1.62 Restatement associated with Verson gross profit margin.................... 5,279,000) (1,848,000) (3,431,000)(1) (.28) (.28) Restatement associated with stock option compensation.............. (1,375,000) (481,000) (894,000) (.08) (.07) ----------- ----------- ----------- ----- ----- As restated................ $24,835,000 $ 9,189,000 $15,646,000 $1.29 $1.27 =========== =========== =========== ===== ===== 1996 As previously reported..... $29,708,000 $10,704,000 $19,004,000 $1.41 $1.39 Restatement associated with stock option compensation.............. 4,485,000) (1,570,000) (2,915,000) (.22) (.22) ----------- ----------- ----------- ----- ----- As restated................ $25,223,000 $ 9,134,000 $16,089,000 $1.19 $1.17 =========== =========== =========== ===== =====
(1) Amount attributable to changing from the reallocation method to the cumulative catch-up method was ($1,018). For quarterly amounts in 1997 and 1998, see Note 13. It was further determined that the Company should have accrued, prior to 1996, for product liability claims incurred but not reported. This adjustment ($1,600,000 less a tax benefit of $560,000) 28 ALLIED PRODUCTS CORPORATION AND CONSOLIDATED SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED) had no impact on the operating results reported on for the years ended December 31, 1998, 1997 and 1996 and is reflected as an adjustment to retained earnings at December 31, 1995. The products to which the claims primarily relate are products currently manufactured by the Company's Agricultural Products Group and products related to discontinued operations for which the Company contractually retained certain product liability claims, generally claims arising prior to sale of the related business. To reasonably estimate the liability of such claims, the Company historically used estimates provided by legal counsel based on existing claims experience in all years, and in 1998 also obtained actuarial information which was based on the Company's historical claim experience to estimate incurred but not reported claims for the period December 31, 1995 to December 31, 1998. The results of such analysis supported the Company's accrual estimates for periods subsequent to December 31, 1995. The impact of the restatement associated with Verson's gross profit margins in 1997 was offset in the current year by a like amount resulting in a restatement of operating results for the first three quarters of 1998--see Note 13. Operating results for the first quarter of 1998 were also restated for compensation expense not previously recognized in connection with certain stock option exercises during this period--see Note 13. PRINCIPLES OF CONSOLIDATION-- The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its majority owned subsidiaries. All significant intercompany items and transactions have been eliminated. NATURE OF OPERATIONS-- Allied Products Corporation manufactures large metal stamping presses (through its Industrial Products Group) and implements and machinery used in agriculture, landscaping and ground maintenance businesses (through its Agricultural Products Group). The Company's Coz division, which was part of the Industrial Products Group and supplied thermoplastic compounds and additives, was sold in the fourth quarter of 1997. All manufacturing operations are within the United States. Implements and machinery manufactured by the Agricultural Products Group are primarily sold through dealerships in the United States with some limited export sales to Canada. Metal stamping presses produced by the Industrial Products Group are sold directly to the end users which include automobile manufacturers, first and second tier automotive parts producing companies and the appliance industry. Automobile manufacturers and automotive parts producing companies account for approximately 85% of the Industrial Products Group's revenues in 1998. Press sales generally are concentrated in the United States and Mexico. 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 reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Due to the nature of percentage of completion estimates, it is reasonably possible that cost estimates will be revised in the near term. REVENUE RECOGNITION-- Sales by the Agricultural Products Group are recorded when products are shipped to independent dealers in accordance with industry practices. Provisions for sales incentives and other sales related expenses are made at the time of the sale. Revenue and costs related to press manufacturing within the Industrial Products Group are recognized on the percentage of completion method. Prior to 1997, the Company's basis for measuring progress on contracts was based primarily on internal labor hours. At the time, labor hours of Company employees was considered a reasonable indicator of the progress on the contract. In late 1996, because of a significant increase in the Company's backlog, significantly more subcontracting was starting to be initiated on each project. In the first quarter of 1997, it was concluded that using 29 ALLIED PRODUCTS CORPORATION AND CONSOLIDATED SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED) Verson labor hours as a basis for measuring progress was not consistent with how business was being done. The Company concluded that it was more appropriate to use a production milestone approach by individual press in the first quarter of 1997. This approach to measuring progress focused on engineering, manufacturing and final check-out as the key measures on individual presses manufactured under one contract. At the beginning of each job, cost and revenue estimates were made for both engineering and manufacturing work. Estimates were also made on the amount of time the engineering and manufacturing work would take to complete. Under this contract milestone approach, the key progress measures were based on the estimated timeframe associated with the engineering and production process of each individual press. The determination of progress was based upon the months of engineering or production incurred, compared to total engineering or production scheduled for each individual press. Verson personnel monitored progress on individual presses on an ongoing basis. Such monitoring would result in changes based upon changes in the estimated time to complete engineering and manufacturing work. In the fourth quarter of 1998, the Company undertook a comprehensive review of the compilation of costs and revenue recognition associated with each press and recorded additional changes to cost estimates of approximately $21 million. The Company determined that, in an environment where there were significant production delays, sub-contract delays, internal space constraints, cost overruns and inefficiencies, reassessment of the appropriateness of measuring progress based on contract milestones was required. Commencing in the fourth quarter of 1998, the Company discontinued using contact milestones to measure contract progress and began measuring progress on contracts based on the percentage that incurred costs to date bear to the total estimated costs after giving effect to the most recent estimates of total costs. The cumulative impact of revisions in total cost estimates during the manufacturing process is reflected in the period in which the changes become known. On press orders where margin levels cannot be reasonably estimated, the Company does not recognize any gross profit margin until the particular press in process reaches a point in production where the gross profit margin can be reasonably estimated. Margins are then recognized over the remaining period of production. Certain press orders contain penalties for late delivery. Such penalties are considered part of the cost of the press when late delivery of the press appears probable. Losses expected to be incurred on jobs in process are charged to income as soon as such losses are known. The Company has recorded contract losses of $12,079,000 (including reserves of $8,813,000 for estimated future losses expected to be incurred on jobs in process) associated with several jobs in process having a total sales value of $104,734,000 at December 31, 1998. While these contracts contain no penalty provision for late delivery, other uncertainties associated with these contacts make it reasonably possible that additional losses could occur in the near term -- see Note 10. ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE-- Current accounts receivables for the Agricultural Products Group are net of provisions for sales incentive programs and returns and allowances. Extended payment terms (up to one year) are offered to dealers in the form of floor plan financing which is customary within the industry. Such receivables (with the exception of receivables associated with service parts) are generally not collected until the dealer sells the related piece of equipment to a retail customer. The Company maintains a security interest in the equipment related to such receivables to minimize the risk of loss. INVENTORIES-- The basis of all of the Company's inventories is determined by using the lower of FIFO cost or market method. Included in work in process inventory are accumulated costs ($70,400,000 at December 31, 1998 and $47,256,000 at December 31, 1997) associated with contracts under which the Company recognizes revenue on a percentage of completion basis. These balances include unbilled actual production 30 ALLIED PRODUCTS CORPORATION AND CONSOLIDATED SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED) costs incurred plus a measure of estimated profit ($695,000 at December 31, 1998 and $13,883,000 at December 31, 1997) recognized in relation to the sales recorded, less customer payments ($25,902,000 at December 31, 1998 and $7,357,000 at December 31, 1997) associated with the work in process inventory. A significant portion of the work in process inventory will be completed, shipped and invoiced prior to the end of the following year. PLANT AND EQUIPMENT-- Expenditures for the maintenance and repair of plant and equipment are charged to expense as incurred. Expenditures for major replacement or betterment are capitalized. Interest costs of $979,000 were capitalized in 1998 (none in 1997 or 1996) in relation to the construction of a building addition at the Verson division of the Industrial Products Group. The cost and related accumulated depreciation of plant and equipment replaced, retired or otherwise disposed of is removed from the accounts and any gain or loss is reflected in earnings. DEPRECIATION-- Depreciation of the original cost of plant and equipment is charged to expense over the estimated useful lives of such assets calculated under the straight-line method. Estimated useful lives are 20 to 40 years for buildings and improvements and 3 to 12 years for machinery and equipment. DEFERRED CHARGES (GOODWILL)-- Deferred charges (goodwill) associated with the 1998 acquisition of the Great Bend Manufacturing Company (approximately $5,019,000) and the 1986 acquisition of Verson (approximately $13,113,000) are being amortized on a straight line basis over a period of 20 years. The Company assesses at each balance sheet date whether there has been a permanent impairment in the value of goodwill. Such assessment includes obsolescence, demand, new technology, competition and other pertinent economic factors and trends that may have an impact on the value of remaining useful life of goodwill. STOCK SPLIT-- On July 24, 1997, the Company announced that the Board of Directors authorized a three-for-two stock split effected by means of a stock dividend to shareholders of record on August 15, 1997. A total of 4,682,405 additional common shares were issued in conjunction with the stock split. The Company distributed cash in lieu of fractional shares resulting from the stock split. All applicable share and per share data have been adjusted for the stock split. EARNINGS (LOSS) PER COMMON SHARE-- During 1997, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 128 (SFAS 128)--Earnings per Share. Basic earnings (loss) per common share is based on the average number of common shares outstanding--11,895,000, 12,107,000 and 13,505,000 for the years ended December 31, 1998, 1997 and 1996, respectively. Diluted earnings (loss) per common share is based on the average number of common shares outstanding, as noted above, increased by the dilutive effect of outstanding stock options--246,000 and 213,000 for the years ended December 31, 1997 and 1996, respectively. For the year ended December 31, 1998, dilutive securities were excluded from the calculation of diluted loss per share as their effect would have been antidilutive. INCOME TAXES-- Income taxes are accounted for under the asset and liability method in accordance with FASB SFAS 109--Accounting for Income Taxes. See Note 4. STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS-- For purposes of the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows, the Company considers investments with original maturities of three months or less to be cash equivalents. 31 ALLIED PRODUCTS CORPORATION AND CONSOLIDATED SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED) FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS-- The fair value of cash and cash equivalents approximates the carrying value of these assets due to the short maturity of these instruments. The fair value of the Company's debt, current and long-term, is estimated to approximate the carrying value of these liabilities based upon borrowing rates currently available to the Company for borrowings with similar terms. RECENTLY ISSUED ACCOUNTING STANDARDS-- In June 1998, the FASB issued SFAS 133--Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities. This statement establishes accounting and reporting standards for derivative instruments, including certain derivative instruments embedded in other contracts (collectively referred to as derivatives) and for hedging activities. This statement is effective for all quarters of fiscal years beginning after June 15, 1999. The Company is in the process of evaluating the impact of this statement on its financial reporting. 2. ACCRUED EXPENSES: The Company's accrued expenses consist of the following:
DECEMBER 31, ------------------------- 1998 1997 ----------- ----------- Salaries and wages.......................................... $ 6,573,000 $ 5,560,000 Warranty.................................................... 5,794,000 4,938,000 Self insurance accruals..................................... 2,905,000 2,858,000 Pensions, including retirees' health........................ 4,644,000 6,439,000 Taxes, other than income taxes.............................. 888,000 1,158,000 Environmental matters....................................... 1,225,000 1,810,000 Other....................................................... 2,229,000 2,382,000 ----------- ----------- $24,258,000 $25,145,000 =========== ===========
3. ACQUISITIONS AND DISPOSITIONS: ACQUISITIONS-- In April 1998, the Company acquired for cash substantially all of the assets and assumed certain liabilities of Great Bend Manufacturing Company (Great Bend) located in Great Bend, Kansas. Great Bend manufactures and sells tractor-mounted front end loaders which are used principally in agricultural applications. The Company also acquired for cash in April 1998 substantially all of the assets of Universal Turf Equipment Corporation (Universal Turf) located in Opp, Alabama. Universal Turf manufactures and sells turf maintenance implements including reel mowers, verti-cut mowers, reel grinders and spraying equipment. Both operations acquired are part of the Agricultural Products Group. Total cash purchase price for both of these operations was $10,953,000. In October 1998, the Company's Verson division formed a joint venture with Theodor Grabener GmbH & Co. KG of Germany and Automatic Feed Company of Napoleon, Ohio, that will help the two American companies more effectively penetrate the European market for large stamping presses and related systems. The new entity, Verson Pressentechnik GmbH, is located in Netphen-Werthenbach, Germany. This operation, in which Verson holds a 60% stake, is part of the Industrial Products Group. These acquisitions, taken individually and in the aggregate, are not material to the Company's consolidated operations. DISPOSITIONS-- During the fourth quarter of 1997, the Company sold for cash (approximately $14,700,000) substantially all of the assets of its Coz division. The purchaser also assumed certain specified liabilities associated with this division. The sale resulted in a pretax gain of approximately $1,530,000 32 ALLIED PRODUCTS CORPORATION AND CONSOLIDATED SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED) and is included in Other (income) expense under the caption "Net gain on sales of operating and non-operating assets"--see Note 12. At the end of 1993, the Company sold for cash substantially all of the assets and liabilities of the White-New Idea Farm Equipment division. In connection with this sale, the purchaser was required to purchase the real estate located in Coldwater, Ohio upon the issuance of a covenant not to sue and related no further action letter by the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency. The Company completed the necessary environmental remediation during 1997 and, in 1998, the purchaser acquired the real estate for cash resulting in a gain of approximately $1,947,000, which is included in Other (income) expense under the caption "Net gain on sales of operating and non-operating assets"--see Note 12. RESTRUCTURING COSTS-- Prior to 1994, the Company provided $14,700,000 for the impact of an operational restructuring plan designed to reduce operating losses by closing, consolidating or scaling back certain operations. The restructuring of the Company was substantially completed during 1996 with the remaining reserve being allocated to accruals associated with certain noncontinuing businesses. Net charges to the restructuring reserve in 1996 was $748,000. 4. INCOME TAXES: Provision (benefit) for income taxes in 1998, 1997 and 1996 consists of the following:
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, -------------------------------------- 1998 1997 1996 ------------ ---------- ---------- Federal--current.................................. $ -- $ 617,000 688,000 Federal--deferred................................. (7,639,000) 7,994,000 8,213,000 State--current.................................... 109,000 578,000 233,000 ------------ ---------- ---------- Total provision (benefit)......................... $ (7,530,000) $9,189,000 $9,134,000 ============ ========== ==========
The provision (benefit) for income taxes in 1998, 1997 and 1996 differs from amounts computed by applying the statutory rate to pretax income as follows:
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, -------------------------------------- 1998 1997 1996 ------------ ---------- ---------- Income tax provision (benefit) at statutory rate............................................. $ (7,575,000) $8,692,000 $8,828,000 Current net operating loss not benefitted......... 5,598,000 -- -- State income tax, net of federal tax benefit...... 71,000 376,000 151,000 Permanent book over tax differences on acquired assets........................................... 62,000 62,000 104,000 Reversal of deferred tax liability................ (5,639,000) -- -- Other, net........................................ (47,000) 59,000 51,000 ------------ ---------- ---------- Total provision (benefit)......................... $ (7,530,000) $9,189,000 $9,134,000 ============ ========== ==========
33 ALLIED PRODUCTS CORPORATION AND CONSOLIDATED SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED) The significant components of net deferred tax assets were as follows:
DECEMBER 31, ----------------------------- 1998 1997 ------------- ------------- Deferred tax assets: Net operating loss and tax credit carryforwards......... $ 52,052,000 $ 52,845,000 Self-insurance accruals................................. 2,507,000 2,424,000 Inventories............................................. 4,635,000 2,421,000 Receivables............................................. 172,000 417,000 Sale/leaseback transaction.............................. 1,557,000 1,557,000 Employee benefits, including pensions................... 4,338,000 4,928,000 Warranty................................................ 2,096,000 1,803,000 Sales allowances........................................ 3,107,000 2,616,000 Environmental matters................................... 447,000 658,000 Other................................................... 366,000 580,000 ------------- ------------- Net deferred tax asset before valuation allowance....... $ 71,277,000 $ 70,249,000 Valuation allowance..................................... (52,052,000) (52,845,000) ------------- ------------- Net deferred tax asset.................................. $ 19,225,000 $ 17,404,000 ============= =============
The prospects for future earnings of the Company makes it more likely than not that the Company will utilize the benefits arising from the net deferred tax asset noted above. During 1998, the Company recorded a deferred tax benefit of $5,639,000 as a part of the current year's tax provision. This benefit represents a reversal of a tax liability accumulated in years prior to 1998. The net operating loss carryforwards expire between 1999 and 2013, and investment tax credit carryforwards of $1,217,000 expire between 1999 and 2004. The Company provided a valuation allowance in both 1998 and 1997 for deferred tax assets related to net operating loss and tax credit carryforwards based upon a determination that current negative evidence out weighs positive evidence with respect to realization being more likely than not in the future for this component of the net deferred tax asset. The Company projects that future Federal income tax provisions and payments will be based upon the Alternative Minimum Tax rate as substantial tax loss carryforwards still exist for tax reporting purposes. Tax returns for the years subsequent to 1994 are potentially subject to audit by the Internal Revenue Service. 34 ALLIED PRODUCTS CORPORATION AND CONSOLIDATED SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(Continued) 5. FINANCIAL ARRANGEMENTS: The Company's debt consists of the following:
DECEMBER 31, ---------------------- 1998 1997 ---------- --------- Capitalized lease obligations, at interest rates up to 12% (weighted average of 7.8% and 10.4% at December 31, 1998 and 1997, respectively), due in varying amounts through 2004 (Note 6).............................................. $2,925,000 $938,000 Less current portion........................................ 627,000 268,000 ---------- -------- $2,298,000 $670,000 ========== ========
Scheduled maturities of the noncurrent portion of long-term debt at December 31, 1998 are due as follows: 2000........................................................ $ 628,000 2001........................................................ 448,000 2002........................................................ 339,000 2003........................................................ 321,000 2004........................................................ 562,000 ---------- $2,298,000 ==========
During 1996, the Company entered into an Amended and Restated Credit Agreement with two banks. The Amended and Restated Credit Agreement was subsequently amended during 1997 and 1998. The amended agreement provided for up to $145,000,000 of borrowings and/or letters of credit at either a floating prime or fixed LIBOR (with the rate dependent on the ratio of Funded Debt to Operating Cash Flow) rate. Under the Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, the Company was required to meet certain periodic financial tests, including minimum net worth, debt coverage and fixed charge coverage ratio and maximum funded debt/operating cash flow ratio. Beginning in 1998, the Company was required to reduce revolving loans under this agreement to $60,000,000 or less for thirty (30) consecutive days during each fiscal year while the agreement remained in effect. At the end of the third and fourth quarters of 1998, the Company was not in compliance with certain provisions under the Amended and Restated Credit Agreement. Subsequent to the end of each of these quarters, the lenders waived compliance. During 1998, the Company entered into an interest rate lock in anticipation of a private debt placement of up to $75,000,000. The Company anticipated that by entering into a private placement agreement, favorable fixed interest rates could be obtained on a long-term basis and that exposure to floating interest rates under the Amended and Restated Credit Agreement would be reduced. During the fourth quarter of 1998, the Company suspended efforts to secure financing through a private placement. Hedging losses of $3,005,000 were incurred in 1998 in the final settlement of the interest rate lock and are included in Other (income) expense under the caption "Treasury lock settlement"--see Note 12. During 1998, the Company entered into an interest rate swap agreement for a notional amount of $50,000,000, expiring May 2001. Under the terms of the swap agreement, the Company paid the counterparty a fixed rate of interest (5.99%) and received in return a floating rate based on LIBOR. This interest rate swap had the effect of turning $50,000,000 of the Company's floating rate debt under its credit agreement into a fixed rate obligation. At December 31, 1998, the fixed interest rate paid by the Company under the swap agreement exceeded the average borrowing rate under the Credit Agreement by .64%. This rate differential was recorded as interest expense on a monthly basis. The swap fair market value at December 31, 1998 was a negative $1,100,000. The Company's 35 ALLIED PRODUCTS CORPORATION AND CONSOLIDATED SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED) weighted average interest rate, independent of the interest paid on the interest rate swap, was approximately 7% at December 31, 1998 (7.2% including the interest paid on the interest rate swap). Subsequent to the end of the second quarter of 1999, the interest rate swap was terminated at no cost to the Company. The weighted average interest rate on borrowings outstanding at December 31, 1998 and 1997 were 7.2% and 6.9%, respectively. SUBSEQUENT EVENT-- Effective February 1, 1999, the Company entered into a Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement ("Credit Agreement") with the same two banks, replacing the Amended and Restated Credit Agreement. Effective April 15, 1999, the Company entered into a First Amendment and Waiver to the Credit Agreement ("First Amendment"). The amended agreement provides for up to $140,000,000 (decreasing at specified dates through January 31, 2000 to $110,000,000) of borrowings and/or letters of credit at either a floating prime or fixed LIBOR (LIBOR plus 3.5%) rate. The amount available under this agreement is determined monthly by a borrowing base formula related to receivable, inventory and machinery and equipment balances plus an over advance allowance of $40,000,000 initially, increasing to $47,600,000 in June 1999 then decreasing over the next seven months to $27,800,000 in January 2000. Under this agreement, the Company must, on or before May 15, 1999, grant a lien upon and security interests in all of the assets (except real estate) of the Company and its subsidiaries to the lenders and meet certain periodic financial tests, including minimum debt coverage, operating cash flow and fixed charge coverage ratio. Upon the grant of the lien and security interests to the lenders, the ratios to be met by the Company are lowered. Capital expenditures, stock purchases and dividends (limited to $2,000,000 in 1999) are also limited on an annual basis throughout the term of the loan. The agreement, which expires on February 28, 2000, permits the lenders to accelerate the obligations in the event of a material adverse event and requires prepayment in certain circumstances. The terms of the interest rate swap agreement described above as a part of the Amended and Restated Credit Agreement are applicable to the Credit Agreement and First Amendment. If the Credit Agreement and First Amendment had been in effect as of December 31, 1998, the Company had the capacity to borrow up to $18,863,000. 6. LEASES: CAPITAL LEASES-- The Company leases various types of manufacturing, office and transportation equipment. Capital leases included in Machinery and equipment in the accompanying balance sheets are as follows:
DECEMBER 31, ----------------------- 1998 1997 ---------- ---------- Capitalized cost................................... $3,622,000 $2,490,000 Less--Accumulated amortization..................... 1,081,000 1,528,000 ---------- ---------- $2,541,000 $ 962,000 ========== ==========
See Note 5 for information as to future debt payments relating to the above leases. 36 ALLIED PRODUCTS CORPORATION AND CONSOLIDATED SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED) OPERATING LEASES-- Rent expense for operating leases, which is charged against income, was as follows:
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, ------------------------------------ 1998 1997 1996 ---------- ---------- ---------- Minimum rentals........................ $1,215,000 $1,989,000 $1,943,000 Contingent rentals..................... 87,000 41,000 79,000 ---------- ---------- ---------- $1,302,000 $2,030,000 $2,022,000 ========== ========== ==========
Contingent rentals are composed primarily of truck fleet unit charges for actual usage. Some leases contain renewal and purchase options. The leases generally provide that the Company pay taxes, maintenance, insurance and certain other operating expenses. At December 31, 1998, future minimum rental payment commitments under operating leases that have initial or remaining noncancelable lease terms in excess of one year are as follows:
NET MINIMUM MINIMUM ANNUAL SUBLEASE ANNUAL RENTAL RENTAL RENTAL PAYMENTS INCOME PAYMENTS ------------ ------------ ----------- Year ending December 31, 1999............................. $ 1,376,000 $ (728,000) $ 648,000 2000............................. 1,424,000 (794,000) 630,000 2001............................. 594,000 (64,000) 530,000 2002............................. 447,000 (67,000) 380,000 2003............................. 403,000 (68,000) 335,000 Later............................ 123,000 (22,000) 101,000 ------------ ------------ ----------- $ 4,367,000 $ (1,743,000) $ 2,624,000 ============ ============ ===========
7. PREFERRED STOCK: The Company has 2,000,000 shares of authorized preferred stock of which 350,000 shares are designated as Series B Variable Rate Cumulative Preferred Stock and 150,000 shares are designated as Series C Cumulative Preferred Stock. All shares of the Series B and Series C Preferred Stock have been redeemed. The remaining 1,500,000 shares of authorized preferred stock are undesignated and unissued at December 31, 1998. 8. COMMON STOCK AND OPTIONS: The Company has an incentive stock plan (the 1977 plan) which authorizes stock incentives for key employees in the form of stock awards, stock appreciation rights and stock options. Options under the 1977 plan, which are granted at fair market value at date of grant, are non-qualified options (not "incentive stock options" as defined by the Internal Revenue Code). Options currently outstanding under the 1977 plan become exercisable to the extent of 25% one year from date of grant and 25% in each of the next three years, and expire 10 years from the date of grant. There were no stock awards issued under this plan in 1998, 1997 or 1996. No stock appreciation rights have been granted to date under this plan. There are 22,065 options outstanding under this plan at December 31, 1998 and are included in the following table. Additional stock incentives will not be issued under this plan. In 1990, the Company's Board of Directors approved a new incentive stock plan, the 1990 Long Term Incentive Stock Plan (the 1990 plan) which authorizes stock incentives for key employees in the form of stock awards and stock options. The 1990 plan, as amended, authorizes the issuance of up to 1,500,000 shares of the Company's Common Stock. Options under the 1990 plan, which are granted at 37 ALLIED PRODUCTS CORPORATION AND CONSOLIDATED SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED) fair market value at date of grant, may be granted as either incentive stock options or non-statutory stock options. Options granted become exercisable to the extent of 50% one year from date of grant and the remaining 50% two years from date of grant. Since the inception of the 1990 plan, the Company has issued options to purchase 1,436,252 shares (net of forfeitures) of the Company's Common Stock at prices between $1.00 and $19.00 per share. There are 347,025 options outstanding under this plan at December 31, 1998 and are included in the following table. At December 31, 1998, the Company has the capacity to issue an additional 63,748 stock incentives under the 1990 plan. In 1994, shareholders approved a new incentive plan, the 1993 Directors Incentive Plan (the 1993 plan) which authorizes the issuance of stock options to members of the Board of Directors who are not employees of the Company. Options under the 1993 plan, which are granted at fair market value at date of grant, are granted as non-statutory stock options. Options granted become exercisable to the extent of 50% one year from date of grant and the remaining 50% two years from date of grant. Since the inception of the 1993 plan, the Company has issued options to purchase 114,750 shares of the Company's Common Stock at prices between $8.34 and $19.01 per share. All options issued are outstanding under this plan at December 31, 1998 and are included in the table below. In 1997, shareholders approved a new incentive stock plan, the 1997 Incentive Stock Plan (the 1997 plan) to replace the 1990 plan and the 1993 plan described above. The 1997 plan permits a committee of the Company's Board of Directors to grant incentive awards in the form of non-qualified stock options, incentive stock options, stock awards including restricted stock, stock appreciation rights and performance units to key employees and non-employee directors. The 1997 plan authorizes the issuance of up to 750,000 shares of the Company's Common Stock pursuant to the grant or exercise of stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock and performance units. Non-qualified stock options issued under this plan were granted at fair market value at date of grant. Options granted become exercisable over a period of up to three years from date of grant with no option exercisable prior to one year from date of grant. Since the inception of the 1997 plan, the Company has issued options to purchase 576,100 shares (net of forfeitures) of the Company's Common Stock at prices between $7.9375 and $24.875. All options issued under this plan (net of forfeitures) are outstanding at December 31, 1998 and are included in the table below. At December 31, 1998, the Company has the capacity to issue an additional 173,900 stock incentives under the 1997 plan. Stock option transactions in 1998, 1997 and 1996 were as follows:
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, ------------------------------------------------------------------- 1998 1997 1996 -------------------- -------------------- --------------------- WEIGHTED WEIGHTED WEIGHTED AVERAGE AVERAGE AVERAGE EXERCISE EXERCISE EXERCISE SHARES PRICE SHARES PRICE SHARES PRICE --------- -------- --------- -------- ---------- -------- Outstanding at beginning of year....................... 810,360 $13.89 931,758 $12.15 1,148,025 $ 7.71 Granted................... 369,100 8.31 110,000 24.65 413,250 16.18 Exercised................. (111,520) 12.09 (188,273) 11.14 (627,018) 6.69 Expired................... -- -- (375) 16.09 -- -- Forfeited................. (8,000) 16.41 (42,750) 15.87 (2,499) 9.50 --------- ------ --------- ------ ---------- ------ Outstanding at end of year....................... 1,059,940 $12.11 810,360 $13.89 931,758 $12.15 ========= ====== ========= ====== ========== ====== Options exercisable at end of year.................... 610,340 $13.09 523,529 $10.93 474,509 $ 9.60 Weighted average fair value of options granted during the year................... $ 1.89 $ 6.60 $ 3.81
38 ALLIED PRODUCTS CORPORATION AND CONSOLIDATED SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(Continued) The fair value of each option grant was estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model with the following assumptions:
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, ------------------------------ 1998 1997 1996 -------- -------- -------- Risk free interest rate.................................. 4.29% 6.10% 5.80% Dividend yield........................................... 0.97% 0.70% 0.80% Expected lives........................................... 4 years 4 years 4 years Volatility............................................... 22.50% 23.00% 22.00%
The following table summarizes information about stock options outstanding at December 31, 1998:
OPTIONS OUTSTANDING OPTIONS EXERCISABLE ---------------------------------- ------------------- WEIGHTED AVERAGE WEIGHTED WEIGHTED REMAINING AVERAGE AVERAGE CONTRACTUAL EXERCISE EXERCISE RANGES OF EXERCISE PRICES SHARES LIFE PRICE SHARES PRICE ------------------------- --------- ----------- -------- -------- -------- $1.75-3.84 30,525 3.0 years $ 2.62 30,525 $ 2.62 7.9375-12.92 606,850 8.0 years 8.31 252,750 8.83 15.26-24.875 422,565 7.7 years 18.27 327,065 17.37 --------- ------- $1.75-24.875 1,059,940 7.7 years $12.11 610,340 $13.09 ========= =======
At December 31, 1998, the Company has four stock options plans, which are described above. The Company applied Accounting Principles Board (APB) Opinion 25 and related interpretations in accounting for these plans. Compensation costs recognized in relation to certain stock option exercises discussed in Note 1 amounted to $1,119,000, $1,375,000 and $4,485,000 for the years ended December 31, 1998, 1997 and 1996, respectively. No compensation costs have been recognized for the years ended December 31, 1998, 1997 and 1996 in relation to the issuances of options in each of the respective years. Had compensation costs for the Company's stock option plans been determined based on the fair value at the grant date for options granted under these plans consistent with the method of SFAS 123--Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation, the Company's net income (loss) and earnings (loss) per share would have been revised to the pro forma amounts indicated below:
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, ---------------------------------------- 1998 1997 1996 ------------ ----------- ----------- Net income (loss) As reported $(14,113,000) $15,646,000 $16,089,000 Pro forma (14,978,000) 15,135,000 15,666,000 Basic earnings (loss) per share As reported $ (1.19) $ 1.29 $ 1.19 Pro forma (1.26) 1.25 1.16 Diluted earnings (loss) per share As reported $ (1.19) $ 1.27 $ 1.17 Pro forma (1.26) 1.23 1.14
On February 15, 1991, the Company declared a dividend distribution of one right ("Right") to purchase an additional 1.5 shares of the Company's Common Stock for $50 on each 1.5 shares of Common Stock outstanding. The Rights become exercisable 10 days after a person or group acquires, or tenders for, 20% or more of the Company's Common Stock. The Company is entitled to redeem the Rights at $.01 per Right at any time until 10 days after any person or group has acquired 20% of the Common Shares. If a person or group acquires 20% or more of the Company's Common Stock (other than pursuant to an acquisition from the Company or pursuant to a tender offer deemed fair by the Board of Directors), then each Right, other than Rights held by the acquiring person or group, entitles the holder to purchase for $50 that number of shares of the Company's Common Stock having a 39 ALLIED PRODUCTS CORPORATION AND CONSOLIDATED SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED) current market value of $100. If a person or group acquires 20% or more of the Company's Common Stock and prior to the person or group acquiring 50% of such outstanding stock, the Company may convert each outstanding Right, other than the Rights held by the acquiring person or group, into 1.5 new shares of the Company's Common Stock. If a person or group acquiring more than 20% of the Company's Common Stock merges with the Company or engages in certain other transactions with the Company, each Right, other than Rights held by the acquiring person or group, entitles the holder to purchase shares of common stock of the acquiring person or group having a current market value of $100 for $50. The Rights attach to all of the Company's Common Stock outstanding as of February 15, 1991, or subsequently issued, and have a term of 10 years. The Rights also expire upon a merger or acquisition of the Company undertaken with the consent of the Company's Board of Directors. 9. RETIREMENT, PENSION AND POSTRETIREMENT HEALTH PLANS: In 1998, the Company adopted the revised disclosure requirements of SFAS 132--Employers' Disclosures about Pensions and Other Postretirement Benefits. SFAS 132 standardized the disclosures of pensions and other postretirement benefits into a combined format, but did not change the accounting for these benefits. Prior years' information has been reclassified to conform to the 1998 disclosure format. The Company sponsors several defined benefit pension plans which cover certain union and office employees. Benefits under these plans generally are based on the employee's years of service and compensation during the years immediately preceding retirement. The Company's general funding policy is to contribute amounts deductible for Federal income tax purposes. The following tables provide a reconciliation of the changes in the plans' benefit obligations and fair value of assets over the two-year period ending December 31, 1998, and a statement of the financial status as of December 31, 1998 and 1997:
DECEMBER 31, ------------------------- 1998 1997 ----------- ----------- Change in Benefit Obligation: Benefit obligation at beginning of year........ $38,606,000 $33,762,000 Service cost................................... 718,000 758,000 Interest cost.................................. 2,684,000 2,717,000 Amendments..................................... 56,000 -- Actuarial losses............................... 2,227,000 3,797,000 Benefits paid.................................. (3,690,000) (2,428,000) ----------- ----------- Benefit obligation at end of year.............. $40,601,000 $38,606,000 =========== =========== Change in Plan Assets: Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year......................................... $46,162,000 $41,270,000 Actual return on plan assets................... (6,849,000) 7,320,000 Employer contributions......................... 1,145,000 -- Benefits paid.................................. (3,690,000) (2,428,000) ----------- ----------- Fair value of plan assets at end of year....... $36,768,000 $46,162,000 =========== =========== Funded Status: Funded status at end of year................... $(3,833,000) $ 7,556,000 Unrecognized transition obligation............. (482,000) (954,000) Unrecognized prior service cost................ 1,927,000 2,147,000 Adjustment for minimum liability............... -- (289,000) Unrecognized net actuarial (loss).............. (772,000) (13,196,000) ----------- ----------- Accrued pension cost at end of year............ $(3,160,000) $(4,736,000) =========== ===========
40 ALLIED PRODUCTS CORPORATION AND CONSOLIDATED SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED) The projected benefit obligation and accumulated benefit obligation for pension plans with accumulated benefit obligations in excess of plan assets were $1,484,000 and $802,000, respectively, as of December 31, 1998 and $2,200,000 and $1,815,000, respectively, as of December 31, 1997. There were no assets associated with these related plans. The expected long-term rate of return used in determining the net periodic pension cost in all years was 7.5%. The actuarial present value of the benefit obligation was determined using a discount rate of 6.75% in 1998, 7.5% in 1997 and 7.75% in 1996. The rate of compensation increase used to measure the benefit obligation in three plans was 5%. All other plans are based on current compensation levels. The plans' assets include common stocks, fixed income securities, short-term investments and cash. Common stock investments include approximately 281,810 and 246,000 shares of the Company's Common Stock at December 31, 1998 and 1997. The following table provides the amounts recognized in the balance sheet as of December 31, 1998 and 1997:
DECEMBER 31, --------------------------- 1998 1997 ------------ ------------ Accrued benefit liability................................... $ (3,299,000) $ (5,026,000) Intangible asset............................................ 139,000 290,000 ------------ ------------ Accrued pension cost at end of year......................... $ (3,160,000) $ (4,736,000) ============ ============
Net periodic pension costs as they relate to defined benefit plans were as follows:
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, ------------------------------------------------- 1998 1997 1996 ----------- --------------------- ----------- Service cost................................ $ 718,000 $ 758,000 $ 658,000 Interest cost............................... 2,684,000 2,717,000 2,438,000 Expected return on plan assets.............. (2,938,000) (2,678,000) (2,274,000) Amortization of transition obligation....... (472,000) (473,000) (473,000) Amortization of prior service costs......... 277,000 328,000 153,000 Amortization of actuarial (gain) loss....... (409,000) (327,000) 123,000 ----------- ----------- ----------- Net periodic pension cost (income).......... $ (140,000) $ 325,000 $ 625,000 Curtailment loss............................ -- 210,000 -- ----------- ----------- ----------- Net periodic pension cost (income) after curtailment............................... $ (140,000) $ 535,000 $ 625,000 =========== =========== ===========
Curtailment loss in 1997 was related to the retirement of certain Corporate executives. Certain employees of the Company are also eligible to become participants in the Save Money and Reduce Taxes (SMART) 401(k) plan. Under terms of the plan, the trustee is directed by each employee on how to invest the employee's deposit. Investment alternatives include a money market fund, four mutual funds and a fixed income fund. As of December 31, 1998 and 1997, assets of the SMART plan include approximately 434,000 and 511,000 shares, respectively, of the Company's Common Stock. Effective October 1, 1998, the Company instituted the Allied Products Corporation Savings Incentive 401(k) Plan for Bush Hog salaried employees. Except for supplemental contributions that are payable under the SMART Plan, terms of the plan are identical to those of the SMART plan. Employees eligible under the new plan are not eligible for the SMART plan. 41 ALLIED PRODUCTS CORPORATION AND CONSOLIDATED SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED) Also effective October 1, 1998, the Company instituted a matching provision for voluntary deposits by employees (up to 6% of their salaries) on the basis of $1 for every $2 deposited. This matching feature is available to participants in the SMART plan and the Allied Products Corporation Savings Incentive Plan. Matching funds are allocated by the employee to the investment alternatives noted above. The Company's total contribution into these plans amounted to $205,000 in 1998. Effective January 1, 1998, the Company instituted a supplemental contribution feature to the SMART plan described above. This discretionary noncontributory feature replaces the Target Benefit Plan and a defined contribution plan--see below. Currently, all employees eligible for the SMART plan receive an allocation which is based upon a percentage of the earnings of the employees. This supplemental contribution is allocated by the employee to the same investment alternatives as the SMART plan. The Company's total supplemental contribution amounted to $680,000 in 1998. Effective January 1, 1995, the Company instituted a noncontributory defined contribution retirement plan called the Target Benefit Plan. All non union employees not covered by pension plans were covered under the Target Benefit Plan. Under the terms of the Target Benefit Plan, the Company made an actuarially determined annual contribution based upon each eligible employee's years of service and earnings as defined. Employee investment alternatives include a money market fund, four mutual funds and a fixed income fund. Provisions for the contribution to this plan in 1997 and 1996 were $664,000 and $773,000, respectively. Effective January 1, 1998, this plan was terminated. On this date, all employees previously receiving benefits under this plan now receive benefits under the SMART plan described above. Benefits earned under the Target Benefit Plan were transferred to the SMART plan. The Company also has a defined contribution retirement plan which covers certain employees. There are no prior service costs associated with this plan. The Company follows the policy of funding retirement contributions under this plan as accrued. Contributions to this plan were $222,000 in 1997 and $217,000 in 1996. Benefits under this plan were frozen effective January 1, 1998. On this date, all employees previously receiving benefits under this plan now receive benefits under the SMART plan described above. The Company provides medical benefits for retirees and their spouses at one operating division and certain other former employees of several discontinued operations. Accruals for such costs are recognized in the financial statements over the service lives of these employees. Contributions are required of most retirees for medical coverage. The current obligation was determined by application of the terms of the related medical plans, including the effects of established maximums on covered costs, together with relevant actuarial assumptions and health-care cost trend rates projected at annual rates ranging ratably from 7.4% for retirees under age 65 (7% for retirees age 65 and older) in 1999 to 5.5% over 22 years. The effect of a 1% annual increase (decrease) in these assumed cost trend rates would increase the accumulated postretirement benefit obligation by approximately $68,000 and $74,000 for the years ended December 31, 1998 and 1997, respectively. The annual service and interest costs would not be materially affected. 42 ALLIED PRODUCTS CORPORATION AND CONSOLIDATED SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED) The following table provides a reconciliation of the changes in the plans' benefit obligations over the two year period ending December 31, 1998 and a statement of the financial status as of December 31, 1998 and 1997:
DECEMBER 31, ------------------------- 1998 1997 ----------- ----------- Change in Benefit Obligation: Benefit obligation at beginning of year................... $ 799,000 $ 767,000 Service cost.............................................. 55,000 50,000 Interest cost............................................. 56,000 56,000 Actuarial (gains) losses.................................. 50,000 15,000 Benefits paid............................................. (96,000) (89,000) ----------- ----------- Benefit obligation at end of year......................... $ 864,000 $ 799,000 =========== =========== Funded Status: Funded status at end of year.............................. $ (864,000) $ (799,000) Unrecognized prior service cost........................... 10,000 11,000 Unrecognized net actuarial (loss)......................... (175,000) (241,000) ----------- ----------- Accrued postretirement benefit cost at end of year........ $(1,029,000) $(1,029,000) =========== ===========
Net periodic postretirement benefit costs include the following:
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, -------------------------------- 1998 1997 1996 --------- -------- --------- Service cost................................................ $ 55,000 $ 50,000 $ 50,000 Interest cost............................................... 56,000 56,000 53,000 Amortization of unrecognized net (gains) losses............. (10,000) (11,000) (4,000) Amortization of prior plan amendments....................... 1,000 1,000 1,000 -------- -------- -------- Net periodic postretirement benefit cost.................... $102,000 $ 96,000 $100,000 ======== ======== ========
Measurement of the postretirement benefit obligation was based on a discount rate of 6.75% in 1998, 7.5% in 1997 and 7.75% in 1996. 10. ENVIRONMENTAL, LEGAL AND CONTINGENT LIABILITIES: ENVIRONMENTAL MATTERS-- The Company's manufacturing plants generate both hazardous and nonhazardous wastes, the treatment, storage, transportation and disposal of which are subject to federal, state and local laws and regulations. The Company believes that its manufacturing plants are in substantial compliance with the various federal, state and local laws and regulations, and does not anticipate any material expenditures to remain in compliance. Under the Comprehensive Environmental Response Compensation and Liability Act of 1980, as amended (CERCLA), and other statutes, the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the states have the authority to impose liability on waste generators, site owners and operators, and others regardless of fault or the legality of the original disposal activity. Accordingly, the Company has been named as a potentially responsible party (PRP), or may otherwise face potential liability for environmental remediation or cleanup, in connection with the sites described below that are in various stages of investigation or remediation. Under applicable law, the Company, along with each other PRP, could be held jointly and severally liable for the total remediation costs of PRP sites. 43 ALLIED PRODUCTS CORPORATION AND CONSOLIDATED SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(Continued) At one site, the Company is one of seven PRP's because of its apparent absentee ownership of four parcels of land from 1967 to 1969 which may have held part or all of one or more settling ponds operated by a tenant business. The Company has already paid $85,000 as its share of a settlement of an EPA demand for $415,000 in past response costs, and the EPA has sought payment from the PRP's of an additional $572,000 in response costs. The Company is not aware of any other parties' inability to pay. The EPA has ordered the Company and one other PRP to undertake the design and construction of the remediation project. All PRP's have agreed to undertake the design and construction of the remediation project pursuant to a financial participation agreement. The EPA estimates the present value of the cost to implement its selected cleanup method to be approximately $1,869,000. The Company has accrued its estimated share of the remaining cleanup cost which is not considered significant. The Company has also filed a claim against its insurers. Pursuant to a consent decree entered into in November 1991 with the U.S. Department of Justice, the Company closed and remediated a landfill leased by the Company and formerly used for the disposal of spent foundry sands. During 1995, remedial action required by the consent decree was completed, and the EPA approved the Remedial Action Report submitted by the Company. The Company's remaining obligations under the consent decree include periodic inspections, monitoring and maintenance as needed. The Company has also been named as a PRP, along with numerous parties, at various hazardous waste sites undergoing cleanup or investigation for cleanup. The Company believes that at each of these sites, it has been improperly named or will be considered to be a "de minimis" party. The Company is a defendant in an action filed in July 1991 in the United States District Court, Northern District of New York where a private party, ITT Commercial Finance Corp., seeks recovery of costs associated with an environmental cleanup at a site formerly owned by the Company. At this site, which the Company or one of its subsidiaries owned from 1968 until 1976, the plaintiff and current owner seeks to recover in excess of $4,000,000, including attorney fees, from the Company and other defendants. The Company has denied liability and asserted cross-claims against the co-defendants. The Company has also filed claims against its insurers. The Company is in the process of investigating or has determined the need to perform environmental remediation or clean up at certain manufacturing sites formerly operated and still owned by the Company. At the sites where the Company has determined that some remediation or cleanup is required, the Company has provided for the estimated cost for such remediation or cleanup. One site, located in Coldwater, Ohio, was sold to the purchaser of the White-New Idea business. That sale was contingent on the issuance of a covenant not to sue and related no further action letter by the State of Ohio under the Ohio Voluntary Action Program. The Company completed all necessary investigation and remediation, and expended approximately $1,300,000 in this effort. Upon submission of the final report, a covenant not to sue and no further action letter was issued by the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency. While this project was underway, the Company entered into a series of agreements for financial contribution with both the prior owner and the purchaser of the facility, and recovered approximately 50% of the $1,300,000 spent. During 1998, 1997 and 1996, the Company recorded credits of approximately $151,000, $1,181,000 and $418,000, respectively, toward various environmental matters discussed above. At December 31, 1998, the Company has accruals on a non-discounted basis, including those discussed above, of $1,225,000 for the estimated cost to resolve its potential liability with the above and other, less significant, matters. Additional liabilities are possible and the ultimate outcome of these matters may have an effect on the financial position or results of operations in a future period. However, the Company believes that the above accruals are adequate for the resolution of known environmental matters and the outcome of these matters is not expected to have a material adverse effect on the Company's financial position or its ongoing results of operations. 44 ALLIED PRODUCTS CORPORATION AND CONSOLIDATED SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED) OTHER-- In connection with the sale of the business and assets of the Littell division in 1991, the Company entered into a "License Agreement" pursuant to which the Company licensed certain technology to the purchaser for which the purchaser agreed to pay royalties totaling $8,063,000 plus interest, in minimum quarterly installments of $312,500 commencing in November 1992, with a final lump sum payment of approximately $7,300,000 due May 22, 1996. The purchaser's payment obligation was secured by the technology license and was guaranteed by the purchaser's parent. The Company initially recorded this agreement as a long-term note receivable. In 1995, however, the Company established a reserve of $7,699,000 (reduced to $7,165,000 at December 31, 1996) against the receivable, due to published adverse financial information about the purchaser and its parent which raised serious concerns about the collectability of the receivable. During 1997, the Company entered into a settlement agreement with the purchaser of the business. Under the terms of the agreement, the purchaser agreed to pay the Company $3,000,000 and all parties agreed to the dismissal/release of certain actions, claims and security interests. All amounts due under this agreement were collected in 1998 ($610,000) and 1997 ($2,390,000). In January 1998, an adversary proceeding was filed against the Company in United States Bankruptcy Court, Southern District of Texas, Houston Division by Cooper Manufacturing Corp. a debtor in a bankruptcy proceeding. The transactions and occurrences on which the adversary proceeding is based are the Company's sale of the assets of a former division and certain financial transactions related thereto. Causes of action described in the adversary proceeding include accounting, turnover, fraudulent transfers, "alter ego," economic duress, unjust enrichment and restitution. One case pending against the Company in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Alabama, Southern Division, is a race discrimination class action lawsuit brought by seven plaintiffs who are current or former employees. The complaint, which was filed in May 1998, but not served on the Company until October 1998, alleges discrimination with respect to compensation, promotions, job assignments, discipline and other terms and conditions of employment and seeks injunctive relief, back pay, compensatory and punitive damages, attorney fees and costs. The potential class identified by plaintiffs could include several hundred current or former employees. No class certification hearing has been held and no order has been entered. The Company denies the allegations of the plaintiffs and is vigorously defending this claim. No estimate can currently be made as to the ultimate outcome of these two claims, however, an unfavorable outcome in either of these two claims could have a material adverse effect on the Company's financial position and results of operations. The Company is involved in a number of other legal proceedings as a defending party, including product liability claims for which additional liability is reasonably possible. It is the Company's policy to reserve on a non-discounted basis for all known and estimated unreported product liability claims, with necessary reserves ($4,674,000 and $4,200,000 at December 31, 1998 and 1997, respectively) determined in consultation with independent insurance companies and legal counsel. Payment of these claims may take place over the next several years. Additional liabilities are possible and the ultimate outcome of these matters may have an effect on the financial position or results of operations in a future period. For one product liability claim filed in December of 1998 in the Circuit Court of Hinds County, Mississippi, First Judicial District, the amount of damages claimed against all defendants is $100 million, which exceeds the Company's liability insurance limits of $50 million. Although there is no guarantee that the ultimate outcome of this claim against the Company will not exceed such limits, the Company currently believes that the ultimate outcome of this claim will not exceed its insurance coverage. However, changes in the estimate in the near term could be material to the financial position and results of operations if an unfavorable outcome were to occur. For all other matters, As described in Note 1, the Verson division may not be able to meet delivery schedules for certain presses currently on order or in production. Certain customers of this division have advised the 45 ALLIED PRODUCTS CORPORATION AND CONSOLIDATED SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED) Company that they will seek to recover damages for late delivery, which could include downtime, lost sales and lost profit. The Company cannot at this time determine the amount of any potential claim that may be asserted due to late delivery, however, such claims could have a material adverse effect on the financial position and results of operations in the near term, if an unfavorable outcome were to occur. At December 31, 1998, the Company was contingently liable for approximately $1,632,000 primarily relating to outstanding letters of credit. The Company has entered into agreements with certain executive officers of the Company which provide that, if within one year following a defined change in ownership or control of the Company there shall be an involuntary termination of such executive's employment, or if there shall be defined patterns of activity during such period by the Company causing such executive to resign, then, subject to prevailing tax laws and regulations, the executive shall be entitled to payments of up to approximately three years' compensation. 11. OPERATIONS BY INDUSTRY SEGMENT: During 1998, the Company adopted SFAS 131--Disclosures about Segments of a Business Enterprise and Related Information. The determination of business segments is based upon the nature of the products manufactured and current management and internal financial reporting. The prior years' segment information has been restated to reflect its business segments noted below. The Company's operations are divided into two business segments--the Agricultural Products Group (which consists of the Bush Hog and Great Bend divisions) and the Industrial Products Group (which consists of the Verson, Precision Press Industries and Verson Pressentechnik operations) as well as the Coz division (net sales and pretax income of $22,887,000 and $1,093,000, respectively, for the year ended December 31, 1997 and net sales and pretax income of $33,892,000 and $2,419,000, respectively, for the year ended December 31, 1996) which was sold in the last quarter of 1997. The nature of the products offered by the Company's operations is described elsewhere in this Annual Report. Approximately 3%, 6% and 16% of the Company's net sales in 1998, 1997 and 1996, respectively, were exported principally to Canada (48%, 46% and 15% of export sales in 1998, 1997 and 1996, respectively) and Mexico (48%, 43% and 84% of export sales in 1998, 1997 and 1996, respectively). Approximately 26%, 31% and 39% of the Company's total net sales in 1998, 1997 and 1996, respectively, were derived from sales by the Industrial Products Group to the three major U.S. automobile manufacturers. 46 ALLIED PRODUCTS CORPORATION AND CONSOLIDATED SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED) Information relating to operations by industry segment follows (in thousands of dollars):
AGRICULTURAL INDUSTRIAL PRODUCTS PRODUCTS CORPORATE CONSOLIDATED ------------ ---------- --------- ------------ 1998 Net sales to unaffiliated customers..... $136,814 $137,020 $ -- $273,834 Income (loss) before taxes (a).......... 18,570(c) (23,129) (17,084)(d) (21,643) Depreciation and amortization........... 2,780 2,988 328 6,096 Capital expenditures.................... 9,603 30,438 355 40,396 Total assets............................ 102,069 149,911 21,824(b) 273,804 1997 Net sales to unaffiliated customers..... $119,471 $151,091 $ -- $270,562 Income (loss) before taxes (a).......... 19,735(c) 16,584 (11,484)(d) 24,835 Depreciation and amortization........... 2,159 2,254 613 5,026 Capital expenditures.................... 4,902 10,709 249 15,860 Total assets............................ 71,700 101,061 22,303(b) 195,064 1996 Net sales to unaffiliated customers..... $108,355 $166,059 $ -- $274,414 Income (loss) before taxes (a).......... 12,256(c) 29,382 (16,415)(d) 25,223 Depreciation and amortization........... 2,048 2,249 778 5,075 Capital expenditures.................... 1,055 3,898 173 5,126 Total assets............................ 62,256 83,457 26,796(b) 172,509
- ------------------------ (a) Segment income (loss) before taxes does not reflect an allocation or charge for general corporate income or expenses, or interest expense. (b) Corporate assets consist principally of cash, deferred income taxes, other assets, properties not used in operations and investment in a unconsolidated joint venture. (c) Includes interest income of $111,000 in 1998, $77,000 in 1997 and $108,000 in 1996. (d) Corporate income (loss) before taxes consists of the following:
1998 1997 1996 --------- --------- --------- General corporate income and expense....... $ (6,845) $ (6,853) $ (10,377) Treasury lock settlement (Note 5).......... (3,005) -- -- Stock option compensation (Note 1)......... (1,119) (1,375) (4,485) Interest expense........................... (6,201) (3,306) (1,557) Interest income............................ 86 50 4 --------- --------- --------- Total...................................... $ (17,084) $ (11,484) $ (16,415) ========= ========= =========
47 ALLIED PRODUCTS CORPORATION AND CONSOLIDATED SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED) 12. SUMMARY OF OTHER (INCOME) EXPENSE: Other (income) expense consists of the following:
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, -------------------------------------- 1998 1997 1996 ----------- ----------- ---------- Interest income............................... $ (197,000) $ (127,000) $ (112,000) Goodwill amortization......................... 355,000 177,000 177,000 Loan cost expenses/amortization............... 284,000 -- 333,000 Environmental related expenses (credits)...... (151,000) (1,181,000) (418,000) Net gain on sales of operating and non- operating assets............................. (1,936,000) (1,662,000) (106,000) Provision (credit) for collectability (recovery) of long-term note receivable (Note 10).................................... (610,000) (2,390,000) (534,000) Idle facility income.......................... (183,000) (368,000) (147,000) Litigation settlements/insurance provisions... -- 2,125,000 1,512,000 Treasury lock settlement...................... 3,005,000 -- -- Other miscellaneous........................... 395,000 315,000 (74,000) ----------- ----------- ---------- $ 962,000 $(3,111,000) $ 631,000 =========== =========== ==========
13. QUARTERLY FINANCIAL DATA (UNAUDITED): Summarized restated quarterly financial data for 1998 and 1997 are as follows (in thousands of dollars, except per share data):
QUARTER ENDING ------------------------------------------------ MARCH 31 JUNE 30 SEPTEMBER 30 DECEMBER 31 -------- -------- ------------ ----------- 1998 Net sales............................ $62,831 $88,985 $77,184 $44,834 Gross profit (loss).................. 19,155 19,215 956 (15,661) Net income (loss).................... 5,330 7,101 (7,148) (19,396) Net income (loss) per common share-- diluted............................. .44 .59 (.60) (1.64) 1997 Net sales............................ $72,881 $76,902 $63,714 $57,065 Gross profit......................... 18,258 18,337 16,621 7,313 Net income (loss).................... 5,506 5,399 5,287 (546) Net income (loss) per common share-- diluted............................. .44 .44 .43 (.05)
48 ALLIED PRODUCTS CORPORATION AND CONSOLIDATED SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(Continued) Subsequent to the end of 1998 and as discussed in Note 1, the Company determined that the accounting for certain stock option exercise transactions during 1997 and 1998 was incorrect. Compensation expense for certain option exercises during each of these periods should have been recognized. The Company also determined that gross profit margins at the Verson division were incorrect in all quarters of 1997 and the first three quarters of 1998. The following table reconciles the quarterly operating results as previously reported to the restated amounts presented above:
QUARTER ENDING --------------------------------------------------- MARCH 31 JUNE 30 SEPTEMBER 30 DECEMBER 31 --------- -------- ------------- ------------ 1998 Gross profit (loss): As previously reported....................... $18,857 $19,077 $ (3,887) (1) Net change associated with Verson gross profit margins............................. 298 138 4,843 (1) ------- ------- -------- ------- Restated..................................... $19,155 $19,215 $ 956 (1) ======= ======= ======== ======= Net income (loss): As previously reported....................... $ 5,865 $ 7,010 $(10,296) (1) Net change associated with Verson gross profit margins............................. 298(2) 138(2) 4,843(3) (1) Net change associated with stock option compensation............................... (1,119) -- -- (1) Tax impact of above changes.................. 286 (47) (1695) (1) ------- ------- -------- ------- Restated..................................... $ 5,330 $ 7,101 $ (7,148) (1) ======= ======= ======== ======= 1997 Gross profit: As previously reported....................... $17,655 $19,579 $ 16,199 $12,375 Net change associated with Verson gross profit margins............................. 603(2) (1,242)(2) 422(2) (5,062)(4) ------- ------- -------- ------- Restated..................................... $18,258 $18,337 $ 16,621 $ 7,313 ======= ======= ======== ======= Net income (loss): As previously reported....................... $ 5,171 $ 6,206 $ 5,013 $ 3,581 Net change associated with Verson gross profit margins............................. 603(2) (1,242)(2) 422(2) (5,062)(4) Net change associated with stock option compensation............................... (87) (1,288) Tax impact of above changes.................. (181) 435 (148) 2,223 ------- ------- -------- ------- Restated..................................... $ 5,506 $ 5,399 $ 5,287 $ (546) ======= ======= ======== =======
- ------------------------ (1) No restatements occurred during this quarter. (2) Entire amount was attributable to changing from the reallocation method to the cumulative catch-up method. (3) Amount attributable to changing from the reallocation method to the cumulative catch-up method was $582. The balance was attributable to a subsequent event that affected 1997 (See Note 1). 49 ALLIED PRODUCTS CORPORATION AND CONSOLIDATED SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED) (4) Amount attributable to changing from the reallocation method to the cumulative catch-up method was ($801). The balance was attributable to a subsequent event that affected 1997 (See Note 1). Operating results in the fourth quarter of 1998 included the effects of charges to cost of sales for increased estimated costs on contracts of $9,324,000, reduced estimated gross profit margins on contracts to reflect the lower end of the range of margin of $3,516,000 and an additional contract loss estimate of $8,538,000. It also included a $3,005,000 charge to other (income) expense related to hedging losses associated with an interest rate lock see -- Note 5. 14. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS (UNAUDITED) During this first quarter of 1999, the Company entered into a Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement replacing the former Amended and Restated Credit Agreement. This new agreement was amended in April 1999. Effective July 31, 1999, the Company entered into a Second Amendment and Waiver to the Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement ("Second Amendment"). Under the terms of the Second Amendment, the maximum indebtedness under the agreement may remain at $135,000,000 from July 31 through November 29, 1999 rather than decrease on specific dates to $110,000,000 as originally scheduled. Interest rates related to amounts outstanding under this amendment have also been increased. The final maturity date of the agreement was accelerated from February 28, 2000 to November 30, 1999. The Second Amendment refers to the below noted letter of intent between CC Industries, Inc. and the Company. The Second Amendment specifies that termination of or a materially adverse change in the letter of intent or in any succeeding agreement will constitute an event of default under the credit agreement. The Second Amendment also provides for a waiver of noncompliance by the Company as of June 30, 1999 with the minimum consolidated operating cash flow provision of the agreement. See Note 5 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for more detailed explanation of financial arrangements. The amendment dated July 31, 1999 was subsequently modified on October 15, 1999, and in return for a waiver of non-compliance with certain covenants, the banks required that events of default under the credit agreement be expanded to include (i) termination or material amendment of the letter of intent or any agreement succeeding the letter of intent, or (ii) any other event which materially adversely affects the Company's receipt on or before December 31, 1999 of the cash proceeds contemplated under the letter of intent. In addition, the final maturity date of the indebtedness under the credit agreement was accelerated from February 28, 2000 to December 31, 1999. Effective December 15, 1999, the Company entered into a Fourth Amendment and Waiver to the Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement to extend the maturity date to February 15, 2000 (subsequently extended to the earlier of the termination of the Purchase Agreement or March 7, 2000). Therefore, our failure to complete the Joint Venture by March 7, 2000, will be an event of default under our bank agreement, and could also lead, among other things, to cancellation of one or more of the major press orders of our Industrial Products Group. On July 15, 1999, the Company and CC Industries, Inc., a privately held firm headquartered in Chicago, signed a letter of intent to form a joint venture for the ownership and operation of the Company's Agricultural Products Group. On October 26, 1999 the Company announced that it had signed a definitive agreement to sell 80.1% of the Agricultural Products Group for approximately $120,000,000, which was reduced on February 10, 2000 to approximately $112,100,000. If the transaction is approved by the Company's shareholders, Bush Hog L.L.C., a new joint-venture company, will acquire the business, assets and certain liabilities of the division within the Agricultural Products Group. Under the final agreement, the Company will sell an 80.1% interest in Bush Hog L.L.C. to an affiliate of C.C. Industries, Inc. Final shareholder approval and closing of the transaction is not expected to occur until the first quarter of 2000. 50 ALLIED PRODUCTS CORPORATION AND CONSOLIDATED SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED) 14. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS (UNAUDITED) (CONTINUED) On July 29, 1999, the Company announced that its Board of Directors approved the redemption of its current Common Share Purchase Rights and adopted a new Stockholder Rights Plan. The new plan is designed to continue the assurance of fair and equal treatment of all stockholders in the event of any proposed takeover. The plan involves the distribution of the new rights and a redemption payment for current rights to all common stockholders of record as of July 30, 1999. Those stockholders will receive one purchase right for a new series of junior preferred stock for each outstanding share of the Company's common stock and a redemption payment on August 10, 1999 of $0.01 per share for the Common Share Purchase Rights declared under a 10-year rights agreement adopted in January 1990. Each Preferred Share Purchase Right entitles the holder to purchase from the Company under certain circumstances one one-thousandth of a share of the new junior preferred stock. The rights may be exercised if a person or group announces its intention to acquire or acquires 15% or more of Allied Products' common stock. However, an exception is made for certain significant stockholders of the Company who are holding the Company's common stock for investment purposes. They may acquire up to 20% of Allied Product's common stock without triggering the Rights Plan. Under certain circumstances, the holders of the rights will be entitled to purchase at below market value either shares of common stock of Allied Products Corporation or the common stock of the acquiring company. Unless redeemed or exchanged earlier, the Preferred Share Purchase Rights will expire in 10 years. In response to General Motors' concerns that the Company's cash flow problems would further delay or preclude the Company from completing four presses that were in various stages of production, the Company recently entered into two amendments to purchase orders with General Motors. The aggregate sales price of the presses covered by these purchase orders exceeds $75 million. Under the terms of the first amendment, the Company and General Motors agreed to revised shipping, payment and testing schedules that allow the Company to ship components of, and receive payments for, the first two of the four presses earlier than it would have been able to under the terms of the original purchase orders. Payment terms for the third and fourth presses were largely unchanged from the original order (i.e., 90% upon completion, testing and shipment), however, delivery dates (and related payments) have been extended so that the last press will not be shipped until the first quarter of 2001 and final payment will not be received until the first quarter of 2002. Upon fulfillment of certain conditions set forth in the first amendment, General Motors will waive and release the Company from all claims arising from or attributable to the Company's alleged late delivery defaults on all presses and will accept delivery of the last two (2) presses covered by this order. Among the conditions set forth in the first amendment was the requirement that the Company complete the sale of the Agricultural Products Group by the earlier of the expiration of the Company's financing arrangements with its secured lenders or December 31, 1999. Final shareholder approval and closing of the sale of the Agricultural Products Group is not expected to occur until the first quarter of 2000. The Company has recently amended the Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement to extend the maturity date of this agreement to the earlier of the termination of the Purchase Agreement or March 7, 2000. The Company and General Motors have recently entered into a second amendment to their purchase order to reflect the change in the projected closing date of the sale of the Agricultural Products Group. The amendment requires the Company to complete the sale and establish a commitment for sufficient working capital by February 29, 2000. The Company has requested that General Motors extend that date to at least March 7, 2000. As discussed in Note 10, Cooper Manufacturing Corp., a debtor in a bankruptcy proceeding had filed an adversary proceeding against the Company. On November 4, 1999, the Company entered into an agreement to settle the adversary proceeding. Under the terms of the agreement, the Company paid $615,000, plus interest accruing at the rate of 8% per annum on any amount unpaid after November 12, 1999. Final payment of the entire settlement amount, plus accrued interest, has been made. 51 ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE None. PART III ITEM 10. DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE COMPANY See the Company's Proxy Statement incorporated by reference as part of this Part III, under the caption "Proposal 1: Election of Directors" for information with respect to the directors. In addition, see the information under the caption "Executive Officers of the Company" as part of Part I, Item 1 of this Report which is incorporated herein by reference. ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION See the Company's Proxy Statement incorporated by reference as part of Part III, Item 10 of this report, under the captions "Management Compensation" for information with respect to executive compensation. ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT (a) Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners. See the Company's Proxy Statement incorporated by reference as part of Part III, Item 10 of this report, under the captions "Outstanding Stock and Voting Rights", "Beneficial Owners" and "Principal Stockholders and Management Ownership" for information with respect to the ownership of certain beneficial owners of Common Stock of the Company. (b) Security Ownership of Management. See the Company's Proxy Statement incorporated by reference as part of Part III, Item 10 of this report, under the caption "Principal Stockholders and Management Ownership" for information with respect to the beneficial ownership by management of Common Stock of the Company. (c) Changes in Control. There is no arrangement known to the Company, the operation of which may at a subsequent date result in a change in control of the Company. ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS See the Company's Proxy Statement incorporated by reference as part of Part III, Item 10 of this report, under the captions "Proposal 1: Election of Directors" and "Management Compensation" for information with respect to certain relationships and related transactions with management. PART IV ITEM 14. EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K (a) 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Included in Part II of this report: Report of Independent Accountants Consolidated statements of income (loss) for the years ended December 31, 1998, 1997 and 1996 Consolidated balance sheets as of December 31, 1998 and 1997 Consolidated statements of cash flows for the years ended December 31, 1998, 1997 and 1996 Consolidated statements of shareholders' investment for the years ended December 31, 1998, 1997 and 1996 Notes to consolidated financial statements 52 (a) 2. FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES Included in Part IV of this report: Schedule II-Valuation and qualifying accounts for the years ended December 31, 1998, 1997 and 1996 (a) 3. EXHIBITS The following exhibits are incorporated by reference as noted below: 3(a) The Registrant's Restated Certificate of Incorporation, as amended, is incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3 of the Company's 1988 Annual Report on Form 10-K (File No. 1-5530). 3(b) The Registrant's Amendments to Restated Certificate of Incorporation is incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3 of the Company's 1990 Annual Report on Form 10-K (File No. 1-5530). 3(c) The Registrant's By-Laws of the Company, as amended, are incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3 of the Company's 1989 Annual Report on Form 10-K (File No. 1-5530). 10(a) The Registrant's 1977 Incentive Stock Plan is incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10(a) of the Company's 1980 Annual Report on Form 10-K (File No. 1-5530). 10(b) The Registrant's SMART Plan is incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10(d) of the Company's 1984 Annual Report on Form 10-K (File No. 1-5530). 10(c) The Registrant's 1990 Long-Term Incentive Stock Plan is incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10 of the Company's 1991 Annual Report on Form 10-K (File No. 1-5530). 10(d) The Registrant's Agreement for the sale of the assets of the White-New Idea Farm Equipment Division of Allied Products Corporation is incorporated by reference to Exhibit (c)(2)(a)(i) of the Company's report on Form 8-K dated January 14, 1994 (File No. 1-5530). 10(e) The Registrant's Allied Products Corporation Executive Retirement Plan dated April 4, 1994 is incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10(a) of the Company's 1994 Annual Report on Form 10-K (File No. 1-5530). 10(f) The Registrant's Executive Officer's Agreement in Event of Change in Control or Ownership of Allied Products Corporation dated April 1, 1994 is incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10(b) of the Company's 1994 Annual Report on Form 10-K (File No. 1-5530). 10(g) The Registrant's Allied Products Corporation Retirement Plan dated as of December 31, 1993 is incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10(d) of the Company's 1994 Annual Report on Form 10-K (File No. 1-5530). 10(h) The Registrant's Bush Hog Segment of the Allied Products Corporation Combined Retirement Plan effective December 31, 1993 is incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10(e) of the Company's 1994 Annual Report on Form 10-K (File No. 1-5530). 10(i) The Registrant's Verson Segment of the Allied Products Corporation Combined Retirement Plan effective December 31, 1993 is incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10(f) of the Company's 1994 Annual Report on Form 10-K (File No. 1-5530). 10(j) The Registrant's Littell Segment of the Allied Products Corporation Combined Retirement Plan effective December 31, 1993 is incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10(g) of the Company's 1994 Annual Report on Form 10-K (File No. 1-5530).
53 10(k) The Registrant's Amended and Restated Credit Agreement dated as of August 23, 1996 among Allied Products Corporation, the banks named herein and Bank of America Illinois, individually and as Agent is incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10A of the Company's 1996 Annual Report on Form 10-K (File No. 1-5530). 10(l) The Registrant's Consent to Stock Repurchases dated as of November 27, 1996 is incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10B of the Company's 1996 Annual Report on Form 10-K (File No. 1-5530). 10(m) The Registrant's 1997 Incentive Stock Plan is incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10 of the Company's June 30, 1997 Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q (File No. 1-5530). 10(n) The Registrant's Amendment No. 2 to the Registrant's Amended and Restated Credit Agreement dated as of August 23, 1996 among Allied Products Corporation, the banks named herein and Bank of America National Trust and Savings Association (as successor by merger to Bank of America Illinois) individually and as Agent is incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10A of the Company's 1997 Annual Report on Form 10-K (File No. 1-5530). 10(o) The Registrant's Amendment No. 3 to the Registrant's Amended and Restated Credit Agreement dated as of August 23, 1996 among Allied Products Corporation, the banks named herein and Bank of America National Trust and Savings Association (as successor by merger to Bank of America Illinois) individually and as Agent is incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10 of the Company's quarterly report on Form 10-Q dated August 13, 1998 (File No. 1-5530). 10(p) The Registrant's Amendment No. 4 to the Registrant's Amended and Restated Credit Agreement dated as of August 23, 1996 among Allied Products Corporation, the banks named herein and Bank of America National Trust and Savings Association (as successor by merger to Bank of America Illinois) individually and as Agent is incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10 of the Company's quarterly report on Form 10-Q dated November 13, 1998 (File No. 1-5530).
The following exhibits are attached only to the copies of this report filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission:
EXHIBIT NO. NAME OF EXHIBIT ----------- --------------- 3 By-Laws of Allied Products Corporation.* 10A Material Contract-Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement.* 10B First Amendment and Waiver to Credit Agreement.* 21 Subsidiaries of the Registrant.* 23 Consent of Independent Accountants. 24 Power of Attorney.* 27 Financial Data Schedules.*
* Previously filed. Other financial statements, schedules and exhibits not included above have been omitted as inapplicable or because the required information is included in the consolidated financial statements or notes thereto. 54 (b) REPORTS ON FORM 8-K On October 6, 1998, the Company filed a report under Item 5--Other Events. This report was filed in connection with a press release dated September 24, 1998, reporting that the Registrant would record a pretax charge of approximately $16 million in the third quarter of 1998. No financial statements were filed with this report. ALLIED PRODUCTS CORPORATION AND CONSOLIDATED SUBSIDIARIES SCHEDULE II--VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, ---------------------------------------------- 1998 1997 1996 ----------- ---------- ----------- Allowance for doubtful accounts-- Current receivables: Balance at beginning of year............. $ 531,000 $ 629,000 $ 948,000 Add (deduct)-- Provision charged to income............ 129,000 114,000 214,000 Allowance applicable to receivables acquired............................. 47,000 -- -- Receivables charged off as bad debts, net of recoveries.................... (188,000) (212,000) (533,000) ----------- ---------- ----------- Balance at end of year................... $ 519,000 $ 531,000 $ 629,000 =========== ========== =========== Long-term receivables: Balance at beginning of year............. $ 610,000 $7,165,000 $ 7,699,000 Add (deduct)-- Provision charged to income............ -- -- -- Receivables charged off as bad debts, net of recoveries.................... (610,000) (6,555,000) (534,000) ----------- ---------- ----------- Balance at end of year................... $ -- $ 610,000 $ 7,165,000 =========== ========== ===========
55 SIGNATURES Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this Amendment to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized. ALLIED PRODUCTS CORPORATION (Registrant) February 22, 2000 By: /s/ RICHARD A. DREXLER ----------------------------------------- RICHARD A. DREXLER, CHAIRMAN, PRESIDENT AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
56
EX-23 2 EXHIBIT 23 EXHIBIT 23 CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS We consent to the incorporation by reference in the Allied Products Corporation registration statement on Form S-8 (File No. 33-60058) of our report, dated April 15, 1999, on our audits of the consolidated financial statements and financial statement schedule of Allied Products Corporation and consolidated subsidiaries as of December 31, 1998 and 1997 and for the three years in the period December 31, 1998, which report is included in the 1998 Annual Report of Form 10-K. PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP Chicago, Illinois February 21, 2000 - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
-----END PRIVACY-ENHANCED MESSAGE-----