10-Q 1 hast10q111401.htm HASTINGS FORM 10-Q HASTINGS FORM 10-Q - 3RD QTR 2001

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549


FORM 10-Q

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



For the Quarter Ended

September 30, 2001

Commission File Number

1-3574



HASTINGS MANUFACTURING COMPANY
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)


Michigan
(State or Other Jurisdiction of
Incorporation or Organization)

38-0633740
(I.R.S. Employer
Identification No.)

 

 

325 North Hanover Street
Hastings, Michigan
(Address of Principal Executive Offices)


49058
(Zip Code)


Registrant's telephone number, including area code: 616-945-2491


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

 

Yes   X  

 

No       


Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer's classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date.



Class

Outstanding at
October 22, 2001

 

 

Common stock, $2 par value

761,366 shares








Hastings Manufacturing Company and Subsidiaries

Contents


Part I - Financial Information

 

 

 

 

Page

 

Item 1 - Financial Statements:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Report on Review by Independent Certified Public Accountants

3

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets -

 

 

 

 

September 30, 2001 and December 31, 2000

4-5

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income -

 

 

 

 

Three Months and Nine Months Ended September 30, 2001 and
2000


6

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows -

 

 

 

 

Nine Months Ended September 30, 2001 and 2000

7

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

8-10

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Review by Independent Certified Public Accountants

11

 

 

 

 

 

 

Item 2 - Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial

 

 

 

 

Condition and Results of Operations

12-18

 

 

 

 

 

 

Item 3 - Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

18-19

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Part II - Other Information

 

 

 

 

 

Item 1 - Legal Proceedings

20

 

 

 

 

 

 

Item 6 - Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K

20-21









-2-


Report on Review by Independent Certified Public Accountants


Board of Directors
Hastings Manufacturing Company
Hastings, Michigan

We have reviewed the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheet of Hastings Manufacturing Company and subsidiaries as of September 30, 2001, and the related condensed consolidated statements of income for the three-month and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2001 and 2000, and cash flows for the nine-month periods ended September 30, 2001 and 2000, included in the accompanying Securities and Exchange Commission Form 10-Q for the period ended September 30, 2001. These condensed consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management.

We conducted our reviews in accordance with standards established by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants. A review of interim financial information consists principally of applying analytical procedures to financial data and making inquiries of persons responsible for financial and accounting matters. It is substantially less in scope than an audit conducted in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards, the objective of which is the expression of an opinion regarding the financial statements taken as a whole. Accordingly, we do not express such an opinion.

As described in Note 4, on January 24, 2000, a class action lawsuit was filed against the Company by its retirees with respect to the 1997 amendment of the Company's postretirement benefit plans. The outcome of the lawsuit is uncertain at this time.

Based on our reviews, we are not aware of any material modifications that should be made to the accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements for them to be in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

We have previously audited, in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted in the United States of America, the consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2000, and the related consolidated statements of income, stockholders' equity and cash flows for the year then ended (not presented herein). In our report dated March 1, 2001, we expressed an unqualified opinion on those consolidated financial statements. In our opinion, the information set forth in the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2000, is fairly stated in all material respects in relation to the consolidated balance sheet from which it has been derived.



/s/BDO Seidman, LLP

BDO Seidman, LLP
Grand Rapids, Michigan
October 22, 2001




-3-


PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1.     Financial Statements

Hastings Manufacturing Company and Subsidiaries

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets



Assets

September 30,
2001


 

December 31,
2000


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Current Assets

 

 

 

 

 

 

     Cash

$

294,266

 

$

593,763

 

     Accounts receivable, less allowance
          for possible losses of $425,000
          and $225,000

 



5,010,135

 

 



4,393,759

 

     Refundable income taxes

 

-

 

 

72,295

 

     Inventories:

 

 

 

 

 

 

          Finished products

 

7,740,194

 

 

8,616,438

 

          Work in process

 

568,786

 

 

622,897

 

          Raw materials

 

1,350,950

 

 

1,686,435

 

     Prepaid expenses and other assets

 

100,471

 

 

117,718

 

     Future income tax benefits

 


1,130,469


 

 


1,420,469


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total Current Assets

 


16,195,271


 

 


17,523,774


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Property and Equipment

 

 

 

 

 

 

     Land and improvements

 

627,765

 

 

643,209

 

     Buildings

 

5,307,599

 

 

5,349,185

 

     Machinery and equipment

 


21,604,136


 

 


21,169,016


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

27,539,500

 

 

27,161,410

 

     Less accumulated depreciation

 


20,243,960


 

 


19,224,955


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net Property and Equipment

 


7,295,540


 

 


7,936,455


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Prepaid Pension Asset

 

2,322,646

 

 

2,438,707

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Intangible Pension Asset

 

188,315

 

 

188,315

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Future Income Tax Benefits

 

5,509,768

 

 

5,477,040

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other Assets

 


159,931


 

 


136,957


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

$


31,671,471


 

$


33,701,248


 









-4-


Hastings Manufacturing Company and Subsidiaries

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets



Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity

September 30,
2001


 

December 31,
2000


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Current Liabilities

 

 

 

 

 

 

     Notes payable to banks

$

3,650,000

 

$

5,000,000

 

     Accounts payable

 

1,327,265

 

 

2,008,666

 

     Accruals:

 

 

 

 

 

 

          Compensation

 

362,202

 

 

318,375

 

          Income taxes

 

29,847

 

 

-

 

          Taxes other than income

 

221,979

 

 

144,252

 

          Miscellaneous

 

434,614

 

 

339,636

 

     Current portion of postretirement benefit obligation

 

1,015,002

 

 

1,015,002

 

     Current maturities of long-term debt

 


3,260,000


 

 


600,000


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total Current Liabilities

 

10,300,909

 

 

9,425,931

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Long-Term Debt, less current maturities

 

-

 

 

3,060,000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Pension and Deferred Compensation Obligations, less
  current portion

 


2,477,138

 

 


2,503,318

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Postretirement Benefit Obligation, less current portion

 

12,526,204

 

 

12,752,246

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other Liabilities

 


71,533


 

 


-


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total Liabilities

 


25,375,784


 

 


27,741,495


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Contingency (Note 4)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Stockholders' Equity

 

 

 

 

 

 

     Preferred stock, $2 par value, authorized and
          unissued 500,000 shares

 


-

 

 


-

 

     Common stock, $2 par value, 1,750,000 shares authorized;
          761,366 shares issued and outstanding

 


1,522,732

 

 


1,522,732

 

     Additional paid-in capital

 

264,862

 

 

264,862

 

     Retained earnings

 

7,049,951

 

 

6,497,125

 

     Accumulated other comprehensive income (Note 3):

 

 

 

 

 

 

          Cumulative foreign currency translation adjustment

 

(1,075,385

)

 

(905,705

)

          Derivative adjustment

 

(47,212

)

 

-

 

          Pension liability adjustment

 


(1,419,261


)

 


(1,419,261


)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

     Total accumulated other comprehensive income

 


(2,541,858


)

 


(2,324,966


)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total Stockholders' Equity

 


6,295,687


 

 


5,959,753


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

$


31,671,471


 

$


33,701,248


 


See accompanying independent accountants' review report and notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.




-5-


Hastings Manufacturing Company and Subsidiaries

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income


 

Three months ended


 

Nine months ended


 

September 30,

2001


 

2000


 

2001


 

2000


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net Sales

$  8,243,101

 

$  8,194,947

 

$  26,874,147

 

$   27,072,204

 

Cost of Sales

5,848,661


 

5,810,040


 

18,738,008


 

18,944,164


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gross profit

2,394,440


 

2,384,907


 

8,136,139


 

8,128,040


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating Expenses

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

     Advertising

73,839

 

93,615

 

242,902

 

220,468

 

     Selling

727,803

 

745,335

 

2,331,670

 

2,329,605

 

     General and administrative

1,350,216


 

1,354,854


 

4,128,688


 

4,220,731


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2,151,858


 

2,193,804


 

6,703,260


 

6,770,804


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating income

242,582


 

191,103


 

1,432,879


 

1,357,236


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other Expense (Income)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

     Interest expense

168,108

 

169,090

 

520,753

 

500,089

 

     Other, net

3,380


 

(20,318


)

(52,700


)

(43,546


)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

171,488


 

148,772


 

468,053


 

456,543


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income before income tax expense

71,094

 

42,331

 

964,826

 

900,693

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income Tax Expense

36,000


 

17,000


 

412,000


 

364,000


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net Income

$    35,094


 

$   25,331


 

$   552,826


 

$   536,693


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic and Diluted Net Income Per
     Share of Common Stock (Note 2)


$.05

 


$.03

 


$.74

 


$.72

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dividends Per Share of Common Stock

$   -

 

$.08

 

$   -

 

$.24

 



See accompanying independent accountants' review report and notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.







-6-


Hastings Manufacturing Company and Subsidiaries

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows


Nine months ended September 30,

 


2001


 

 


2000


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating Activities

 

 

 

 

 

 

     Net income

$

552,826

 

$

536,693

 

     Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash from

 

 

 

 

 

 

          operating activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

          Depreciation

 

1,076,766

 

 

1,152,369

 

          Deferred income taxes

 

290,000

 

 

248,000

 

          Gain on sale of property and equipment

 

(1,627

)

 

(14,529

)

          Change in postretirement benefit obligation

 

(226,042

)

 

(812,075

)

          Changes in operating assets and liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

               Accounts receivable

 

(658,066

)

 

(167,799

)

               Refundable income taxes

 

71,280

 

 

23,945

 

               Inventories

 

1,187,841

 

 

132,143

 

               Prepaid expenses and other current assets

 

16,471

 

 

(8,772

)

               Other assets

 

93,087

 

 

(134,058

)

               Accounts payable and accruals

 


(436,611


)

 


(448,027


)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net cash from operating activities

 


1,965,925


 

 


507,890


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Investing Activities

 

 

 

 

 

 

     Capital expenditures

 

(494,737

)

 

(737,728

)

     Proceeds from sale of property and equipment

 

1,627

 

 

14,529

 

     Investment in joint venture

 


-


 

 


(75,000


)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net cash for investing activities

 


(493,110


)

 


(798,199


)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Financing Activities

 

 

 

 

 

 

     Proceeds from issuance of notes payable to banks

 

5,700,000

 

 

6,700,000

 

     Principal payments on notes payable to banks

 

(7,050,000

)

 

(6,200,000

)

     Principal payments on long-term debt

 

(400,000

)

 

(720,000

)

     Repurchase of common stock

 

-

 

 

(230,629

)

     Dividends paid

 


-


 

 


(182,584


)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net cash for financing activities

 


(1,750,000


)

 


(633,213


)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Effect of Exchange Rate Changes on Cash

 


(22,312


)

 


(13,453


)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net Decrease in Cash

 

(299,497

)

 

(936,975

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash, beginning of period

 


593,763


 

 


1,011,630


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash, end of period

$


294,266


 

$


74,655


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Supplemental Disclosures of Cash Flow Information

 

 

 

 

 

 

     Cash paid during the period for:

 

 

 

 

 

 

          Interest

$

693,372

 

$

517,197

 

          Income taxes, net of refunds

 

56,799

 

 

150,133

 


See accompanying independent accountants' review report and notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.



-7-


Hastings Manufacturing Company and Subsidiaries

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements


Note 1 - Basis of Presentation

In the opinion of the management of Hastings Manufacturing Company and subsidiaries (the "Company"), the accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements include all normal recurring adjustments considered necessary to present fairly the financial position as of September 30, 2001, and the results of operations for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2001 and 2000, and cash flows for the nine months ended September 30, 2001 and 2000.

The results of operations for the nine months ended September 30, 2001 are not necessarily indicative of the expected results for all of 2001.

The condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its wholly owned subsidiaries. All significant intercompany balances, transactions and stockholdings have been eliminated.

The accompanying consolidated financial statements are condensed and do not contain all of the information and footnote disclosures required by generally accepted accounting principles in a complete set of financial statements.

In accordance with Emerging Issues Task Force (EITF) 00-10, Accounting for Shipping and Handling Fees and Costs, the Company records as revenue all amounts billed to customers for shipping and handling and classifies the related costs in cost of sales. In previous years, shipping and handling revenues and costs were included in revenues on a net basis. For the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2000, $196,397 and $560,468, respectively, have been reclassified to increase sales and cost of sales over the amounts previously reported to conform with the current year presentation.

Note 2 - Earnings Per Share

A reconciliation of the numerators and denominators used in the "basic" and "diluted" earnings per share (EPS) calculations follows:

 

Three months ended

 

Nine months ended

September 30,

2001


 

2000


 

2001


 

2000


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Numerator:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income used for both basic and diluted
     EPS calculation


$   35,094


 


$   25,331


 


$   552,826


 


$   536,693


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Denominator:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Weighted average shares outstanding
     for the period - used for basic EPS calculation

745,046

 

745,046

 

745,046

 

749,864

Dilutive effect of stock options and contingently
     issuable shares

-


 

-


 

-


 

-


Weighted average shares outstanding
     for the period - used for diluted EPS calculation


745,046


 


745,046


 


745,046


 


749,864





-8-


Note 3 - Comprehensive Income

Comprehensive income and its components consist of the following:

 

Three months ended

 

Nine months ended

 

September 30,

2001


 

2000


 

2001


 

2000


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income

$     35,094

 

$    25,331

 

$  552,826

 

$  536,693

 

Other comprehensive income, net of tax:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

     Foreign currency translation adjustments

(131,034

)

(45,203

)

(169,680

)

(133,073

)

     Derivative adjustment

(16,385

)

-

 

(47,212

)

-

 

     Minimum pension liability adjustment

-


 

-


 

-


 

-


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other comprehensive loss

(147,419


)

(45,203


)

(216,892


)

(133,073


)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Comprehensive income (loss)

$   (112,325


)

$   (19,872


)

$  335,934


 

$  403,620


 


The above $(16,385) and $(47,212) other comprehensive loss, net of tax related to the derivative adjustment for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2001, are made up of the following components:

 

Three months ended

 

Nine months ended

 

September 30, 2001

Before Tax


 

Net of Tax


 

Before Tax


 

Net of Tax


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cumulative effect of a change in accounting

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

     principle, as of January 1, 2001

$                -

 

$               -

 

$      (6,569

)

$      (4,336

)

Change in fair value of derivative

(39,773

)

(26,250

)

(83,704

)

(55,244

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Reclassification adjustment to expense

14,948


 

9,865


 

18,740


 

12,368


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other comprehensive loss

$     (24,825


)

$    (16,385


)

$   (71,533


)

$   (47,212


)















-9-


Note 4 - Contingency

In early April 1997, the Company announced the amendment of its postretirement benefit plans, principally to adjust the cost-sharing provisions. As a result of the amendment, the Company's retirees filed a class action lawsuit in the Western District of Michigan on January 24, 2000, under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) and the Labor Management Relations Act of 1947 (LMRA). The suit alleges that the Company denied retirees and their dependents certain health insurance benefits to which the retirees have "vested" rights pursuant to the terms of the Company's collective bargaining agreements (1964 to the present). Specifically, the retiree class disputes the increase in their health insurance deductibles, the elimination of their prescription drug card and the requirement that they pay a portion of their health insurance premiums. The Company has denied any wrongdoing in this suit, and intends to defend it and any related class certification vigorously. Minimal discovery has taken place to date in the lawsuit because the parties have been attempting to reach a settlement. As of the date of this report, the Company believes that it is close to reaching a settlement of this lawsuit, but there are still a number of contingencies to be satisfied before any settlement can be finalized, and ultimately any settlement must be approved by the court. Therefore, although the Company is hopeful that a settlement will soon be reached, there is still the possibility that the case will not be settled, and that this lawsuit will be tried. If this case is tried, the Company's ultimate chances of success are uncertain. If the retirees prevail, the Company anticipates that a requirement to provide postretirement benefits at the pre-amendment level would have a material adverse effect on the Company's future financial position, results of operations and cash flows.















-10-


Hastings Manufacturing Company and Subsidiaries

Review by Independent Certified Public Accountants



The September 30, 2001 and 2000 condensed consolidated financial statements included in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q have been reviewed by BDO Seidman, LLP, Independent Certified Public Accountants, in accordance with established professional standards and procedures for such a review.























-11-


Item 2.

Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations


RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

NET SALES

2001 Compared to 2000

Net sales in the third quarter of 2001 increased $48,154, or 0.6%, from $8,194,947 in the third quarter of 2000 to $8,243,101. Net sales for the first nine months of 2001 decreased $198,057, or 0.7%, from $27,072,204 in the first nine months of 2000 to $26,874,147. The net sales increase in the third quarter of 2001 reflects volume increases in the export and original equipment markets, combined with the positive net sales impact from the March 2001 marketing and distribution agreement with Karl Schmidt Unisia relating to Zollner brand pistons, as described below. This net sales increase was slightly offset by a volume decrease in the domestic aftermarket. The volumes in the Canadian aftermarket and private brand market were relatively flat for the third quarter of 2001. The net sales increase in the export volume in the third quarter of 2001 reflects the broadening of the Company's customer base into new export markets. The increase in the original equipment volume reflects increased sales to the domestic automotive and light-duty truck manufacturers. The decrease in the domestic aftermarket volume reflects an industry-wide softness in the replacement parts industry.

For the first nine months of 2001, net sales have increased in the export market and domestic aftermarket, and the Company has realized a positive net sales impact from the marketing and distribution of Zollner brand pistons. These increases, however, have been more than offset by decreases in the private brand and original equipment volumes. The increase in the export volume reflects the broadening of the Company's export customer base, as noted above. The increase in the domestic aftermarket volume reflects improved sales to a major customer as part of an expansion of the customer's product offerings. However, net of the sales to this major customer, the Company, as noted above, is experiencing a sales decrease in the domestic aftermarket due to an industry-wide softness in the replacement parts industry. The Company is currently evaluating the depth of this softness in the replacement parts market and is developing operating options to help offset this decline. The decrease in the private brand volume reflects reduced sales to a specific industry, while the decrease in the original equipment volume is consistent with the decreased production volume of the domestic automotive and light-duty truck manufacturers. As noted above, the Company experienced increased volume in the original equipment market during the third quarter of 2001 compared to the same period in 2000. However, the Company has observed deteriorating business conditions in the original equipment market during the latter part of the third quarter of 2001, through decreased orders from this market. The Company is developing operating options to help offset this reduction in orders. The volume in the Canadian aftermarket was relatively flat for the first nine months of this year.

In March 2001, the Company signed an agreement with Karl Schmidt Unisia to market and distribute Zollner brand pistons into the domestic and Mexican aftermarkets. Under the terms of the agreement, the Company will retain a portion of the net piston revenue in exchange for providing marketing and distribution services. The net proceeds from the piston sales are included in the Company's net sales.

In early November 2001, the Company signed an agreement with Automotive Components Limited (ACL) to market and distribute ACL brand engine bearings, gaskets and import pistons into the domestic and Mexican aftermarkets. Under the terms of the agreement, the Company will retain a portion of the


-12-


net ACL product revenue in exchange for providing marketing and distribution services. The Company expects that the new venture will contribute positively to its profitability beginning in the first quarter of 2002.

2000 Compared to 1999

Net sales in the third quarter of 2000 decreased $983,487, or 10.7%, from the third quarter of 1999. For the first nine months of 2000, net sales decreased $1,207,291, or 4.3%, from the first nine months of 1999. The overall net sales decrease widened in the third quarter of 2000 which reflected year-to-date sales declines in the domestic aftermarket, private brand and original equipment markets and Canadian aftermarket, partially offset by a modest increase in the export market. The sales decreases in the domestic and Canadian aftermarket reflected an industry-wide softness in the replacement parts industry. The decreases in the private brand and original equipment markets were primarily due to the loss of certain customers through market consolidations. The improvement in the export market reflected a continued sales recovery by one of the Company's primary export customers.

COST OF SALES AND GROSS PROFIT

2001 Compared to 2000

Cost of sales in the third quarter of 2001 increased $38,621, or 0.7%, from the third quarter of 2000. For the first nine months of 2001, cost of sales decreased $206,156, or 1.1%, from the first nine months of 2000. The gross profit margin on net sales decreased slightly for the third quarter of 2001, from 29.1% for the third quarter of 2000, to 29.0%. The gross profit margin on net sales for the third quarter of 2001 decreased from the six-month level of 30.8%, primarily due to the sales mix change noted above. Export volume increased in the third quarter and on a year-to-date basis. This volume has traditionally carried a lower gross profit margin than domestic sales due to the lower level of operating expenses (not included in cost of sales) that are required to service that volume. Domestic aftermarket sales, on the other hand, decreased in the third quarter of 2001. Sales in this market have traditionally carried a higher gross profit margin in order to support the higher level of operating expenses (not included in cost of sales) associated with that volume. This change in sales mix resulted in the reduced gross profit margin on sales in the third quarter of 2001. For the first nine months of 2001, the gross profit margin on net sales increased, from 30.0% in the first nine months of 2000, to 30.3%. The decreased gross profit margin on sales from the export volume was more than offset by the gross profit margin generated on a nine-month total increase in domestic aftermarket sales, combined with the positive gross profit impact on the net sales generated from the marketing and distribution of Zollner brand pistons. Finally, the gross profit margin was positively affected by the reduction in some of the individual inventory cost factors (material, labor and overhead costs). While material costs remained relatively unchanged from the prior year average, labor costs continue to decrease modestly from the prior year average. This labor cost reduction reflects efficiencies gained through lean manufacturing and a decrease resulting from the work force reduction implemented in the first quarter of this year. Overhead costs also decreased, reflecting an increased effort by the Company to control the non-fixed portion of these costs.

2000 Compared to 1999

Cost of sales in the third quarter of 2000 decreased $997,012, or 14.6%, from the third quarter of 1999. For the first nine months of 2000, cost of sales decreased $1,735,135, or 8.4%, from the first nine months of 1999. The gross profit margin on net sales increased for the third quarter of 2000, from 25.8% for the third quarter of 1999, to 29.1%. For the first nine months of 2000, the gross profit margin on net sales also increased, from 26.9% in the first nine months of 1999, to 30.0%. The overall decrease in cost of



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sales and the improved gross profit margin on net sales for the first nine months of 2000 were both primarily the result of non-recurring costs that negatively affected the 1999 figures. Those 1999 costs were associated with the conversion and start-up of various production processes. As a result of that conversion, productivity levels were not at their anticipated needs. In order to cover the production deficiencies, and thus improve production levels, the Company incurred additional labor and overhead costs throughout 1999. The Company spent much of 1999 aggressively addressing the issues that caused the increased cost of sales and the resulting decreased gross profit margin in 1999.

OPERATING EXPENSES

2001 Compared to 2000

Total operating expenses for the third quarter of 2001 decreased $41,946, or 1.9%, from the third quarter of 2000. For the first nine months of 2001, total operating expenses decreased $67,544, or 1.0%, from the first nine months of 2000. Advertising costs for the third quarter of 2001 decreased $19,776, or 21.1%, from the third quarter of 2000. This decrease reflects a decline in co-op advertising claims and other advertising support costs. For the first nine months of 2001, advertising costs increased $22,434, or 10.2%, from the first nine months of 2000. This increase primarily reflects an increase in printed material costs relating to a one-time charge for the start-up of the marketing and distribution of Zollner brand pistons. Selling costs for the third quarter of 2001 decreased $17,532, or 2.4%, from the third quarter of 2000. This decrease reflects a decline in various selling support and sales personnel costs. For the first nine months of 2001, selling costs increased $2,065, or 0.1%, from the first nine months of 2000. This slight increase reflects an increase in agents' commissions and salesmen's travel, largely offset by decreases in various selling support and sales personnel costs. General and administrative costs for the third quarter of 2001 decreased $4,638, or 0.3%, from the third quarter of 2000. For the first nine months of 2001, general and administrative costs decreased $92,043, or 2.2%, from the first nine months of 2000. These decreases reflect declines in various general support and personnel costs resulting from the cost containment measures implemented by the Company during the first quarter of 2001. These cost decreases were slightly offset by an increase in the provision for doubtful accounts receivable, which resulted from the Chapter 11 (reorganization) bankruptcy protection sought by several of the Company's customers. These customers service the Company's domestic aftermarket and original equipment market. The current allowance for doubtful accounts receivable ($425,000 at September 30, 2001) is considered adequate to cover any potential losses resulting from these bankruptcy proceedings.

2000 Compared to 1999

Total operating expenses for the third quarter of 2000 increased $74,388, or 3.5%, from the third quarter of 1999. For the first nine months of 2000, total operating expenses increased $193,096, or 2.9%, from the first nine months of 1999. Advertising expenses for the third quarter of 2000 increased $48,889, or 109.3%, from the third quarter of 1999. For the first nine months of 2000, advertising expenses increased $21,135, or 10.6%, from the first nine months of 1999. These increases reflected an influx of co-op advertising expenses in the third quarter of 2000, combined with the expenses related to a new piston ring catalog in 2000 that had been incurred throughout the year. Selling expenses for the third quarter of 2000 increased $32,409, or 4.5%, from the third quarter of 1999. For the first nine months of 2000, selling expenses increased $98,106, or 4.4%, from the first nine months of 1999. These increases reflected a slight decrease in volume-driven agents' commissions, offset by increases in various selling support and sales personnel expenses. General and administrative expenses for the third quarter of 2000 decreased $6,910, or 0.5%, from the third quarter of 1999. This decrease reflected the reversal of previously accrued performance-based personnel expenses, offset substantially by increases in general personnel support expenses and legal and professional fees. For the first nine months of 2000, general and



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administrative expenses increased $73,855, or 1.8%, from the first nine months of 1999. This increase reflected slight year-to-date increases in the aforementioned general personnel support expenses and legal and professional fees, combined with an increase in insurance expense. The increase in legal and professional fees was related to the Company retiree's class action lawsuit described in Note 4 to the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements. The increased insurance expense represented the deductible portion of an insured fire loss that took place in the second quarter of 2000 within the finished goods storage area of the Company's production facility. The effect of this event on the Company's ability to service its customers, and its effect on earnings, was minimal.

OTHER EXPENSES

2001 Compared to 2000

Other expenses netted to $171,488 for the third quarter of 2001, compared to $148,772 for the third quarter of 2000. This increase primarily reflects the other, net expense, in 2001, derived from the Company's investment in its Casite brand products joint venture, combined with the inclusion, in the third quarter of 2000, of the income associated with a gain on the sale of excess production equipment. For the first nine months of 2001, other expenses netted to $468,053 versus a net expense of $456,543 in the first nine months of 2000. This increase reflects higher interest expense in 2001 related to the increased short-term line utilization during the first quarter of 2001. The interest expense was comparable to 2000 levels for the second and third quarters of 2001, as cash flow has improved during this time period, resulting in less reliance on the short-term lines of credit. This higher interest expense in 2001 was partially offset by other, net income derived from the year-to-date earnings from the Casite joint venture, combined with the income derived from the gain recognized on the sale of stock received from one of the Company's pension fund administrators. This stock was received when the administrator converted from a mutual to a stock ownership company.

2000 Compared to 1999

Other expenses netted to $148,772 for the third quarter of 2000, compared to $148,101 for the third quarter of 1999. For the first nine months of 2000, these expenses netted to $456,543, compared to a net expense of $407,708 for the first nine months of 1999. These increases primarily reflected a higher interest expense in 2000 related to increased utilization of the Company's short-term lines of credit. The other, net income for the third quarter and first nine months of 2000 reflected the income associated with the gain on the sale of excess production equipment, combined with the income derived from the Casite joint venture. There was no income or expense generated by this joint venture in 1999. The other, net income for 1999 primarily reflected a gain on the sale of obsolete equipment.

TAXES ON INCOME

The 2001 and 2000 effective tax rates of 42.7% and 40.4%, respectively, are higher than the domestic statutory federal tax rate of 34.0% due primarily to the impact of various state income taxes and the impact of a higher statutory rate applicable to the earnings of the Canadian subsidiary. The 2001 effective tax rate also reflects the tax effect of specific inter-company transactions. The effect of these transactions on the earnings and cash flows of the Company have been eliminated during consolidation.

As of September 30, 2001, the Company recorded net deferred income tax assets of $6,640,237. The major components of those assets are the tax effects of the net operating loss carryforwards and net accrued retirement and postretirement benefit obligations. The realization of these recorded benefits is dependent upon the generation of future taxable income. Management believes that it is more likely than


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not that adequate levels of future taxable income will be generated to absorb the net operating loss carryforwards, the deductible amounts related to the retirement and postretirement benefit obligations and the remaining net deductible temporary differences. However, based on the net operating loss carryforwards at September 30, 2001 (which must be utilized before foreign tax credit carryforwards can be utilized), management believes that it is more likely than not that the foreign tax credit carryforwards will go unutilized prior to their expiration. As a result, a valuation allowance has been recorded for the total foreign tax credits of $311,508 at September 30, 2001.

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

On February 22, 2001, the Company announced that it had instituted a series of cost-containment measures in an effort to reduce its operating expenses and improve its profitability. The cost-containment measures were in response to a continued softness in the domestic piston ring aftermarket and a downturn in the original equipment market. The cost-containment measures consisted of reductions in the salaried and hourly workforces and identification of reductions in various non-payroll related expenses. The workforce reductions resulted in approximately $36,000 in severance payments. The Company also announced an indefinite suspension of its regular quarterly cash dividend and has identified certain assets for possible future sale in an effort to further improve its cash position. In early November 2001, the Company sold a piece of real property. The gain on the sale of this property is approximately $650,000, and will be recognized as other, net income in the fourth quarter. The results to date of these on-going cost-containment measures and the asset sale event are encouraging, as each of these items should add to the profitability of the Company in future periods.

The Company's primary cash requirements continue to be for operating expenses such as labor costs, and for funding accounts receivable, capital expenditures and long-term debt service. Historically, the Company's primary sources of cash have been from operations and from bank borrowings. In late March 2001, the Company's loan agreement with its primary lender relating to its short-term and long-term borrowing was amended. The primary changes to the loan agreement are detailed in Note 13 to the Company's December 31, 2000 Consolidated Financial Statements. Total short-term lines available to the Company as of September 30, 2001 totaled $6,450,000, of which $2,800,000 was unused.

During the first nine months of 2001, the Company generated $1,965,925 of net cash from operating activities. The realized net income, depreciation and decreases in deferred income taxes and inventories were partially offset by an increase in accounts receivable and decreases in accounts payable and accruals and the postretirement benefit obligation. The decrease in deferred income taxes reflects the utilization of a portion of the net operating loss carryforward based on earnings for the first nine months, combined with the tax effect of the inter-company transactions discussed earlier. The decrease in inventories reflects a planned reduction in the Company's inventory to certain levels, combined with the shortfall of production output versus customer demand during the first half of 2001. Production output aligned with customer demand during the third quarter. The increase in accounts receivable reflects the timing of customer sales and the related payment terms associated with those sales. The decrease in accounts payable and accruals is due to several large payments being made over the first nine months of the year on year-end accruals for interest and general accounts payable, partially offset by increases in current year accruals for compensation, taxes other than income and miscellaneous payables. The decrease in the postretirement benefit obligation reflects the excess of actual postretirement benefit claims paid over the actuarially determined annual expense. The investing activities for the first nine months of 2001 primarily reflect the Company's continued support of its lean manufacturing environment. The financing activities for the first nine months of 2001 reflect the working capital requirements that were primarily needed to fund the operating activity items noted above. The financing activities also reflect the principal payments under the amended loan agreement, as well as the restriction of paying dividends and



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repurchasing the Company's common stock, as detailed in Note 13 to the Company's December 31, 2000 Consolidated Financial Statements.

During the first nine months of 2000, the Company generated $507,890 of net cash from operating activities. The realized net income, depreciation and decreases in deferred income taxes and inventories were partially offset by increases in accounts receivable and other assets, and decreases in accounts payable and accruals and the postretirement benefit obligation. The decrease in deferred income taxes reflected the utilization of a portion of the tax net operating loss carryforward based on earnings for the first nine months of the year. The decrease in inventories reflected a slight reduction in inventory requirements in relation to customer demand. The increase in accounts receivable reflected the timing of customer sales and the related payment terms associated with those sales. The increase in other assets reflected the additional funding of one of the Company's defined benefit pension plans to specified limits. The decrease in accounts payable and accruals was due to several large payments being made in the first nine months of 2000 related to workers' compensation and general accounts payable, offset slightly by an increase in the compensation accrual. The decrease in the postretirement benefit obligation reflected the excess of actual postretirement benefit claims paid over the actuarially determined annual expense. The investing activities for the first nine months of 2000 primarily reflected the Company's increased support if its lean manufacturing environment. The investing activities also reflected the Company's investment in the Casite joint venture. The financing activities for the first nine months of 2000 reflected the working capital requirements that were primarily needed to fund the operating activity items noted above. The financing activities also reflected the amortization of the Company's long-term debt obligation as well as the purchase and retirement of 30,000 shares of the Company's common stock.

As noted earlier in this discussion, the Company instituted cost-containment measures in February 2001 in order to reduce its operating expenses and improve its profitability and cash position. Through the first nine months of the year, the measures taken have had a positive impact on earnings and cash flow, and are expected to continue to have a positive impact for the remainder of the year, although the Company cannot assure you that this will happen. These cost-containment measures should help to offset the softness currently observed in the original equipment market and domestic aftermarket. The cost-containment measures have allowed the Company to improve the availability on its short-term lines of credit which, when combined with future anticipated earnings from operations (which will be subject to minimal current cash outflows for U.S. income taxes due to the utilization of the net operating loss carryforwards), will generate cash flows sufficient to fund the Company's working capital and capital expenditure requirements through 2001.

LITIGATION CONTINGENCY

As a result of the Company's amendment of its postretirement benefit plans, as disclosed in Note 6 to the December 31, 2000 Consolidated Financial Statements, the Company's retirees filed a class action lawsuit in the Western District of Michigan on January 24, 2000, under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) and the Labor Management Relations Act of 1947 (LMRA). The suit alleges that the Company denied retirees and their dependents certain health insurance benefits to which the retirees have "vested" rights pursuant to the terms of the Company's collective bargaining agreements (1964 to the present). Specifically, the retiree class disputes the increase in their health insurance deductibles, the elimination of their prescription drug card and the requirement that they pay a portion of their health insurance premiums. The Company has denied any wrongdoing in this suit, and intends to defend it and any related class certification vigorously. Minimal discovery has taken place to date in the lawsuit because the parties have been attempting to reach a settlement. As of the date of this report, the Company believes that it is close to reaching a settlement of this lawsuit, but there are still a number of contingencies to be satisfied before any settlement can be finalized, and ultimately any settlement must be


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approved by the court. Therefore, although the Company is hopeful that a settlement will soon be reached, there is still the possibility that the case will not be settled, and that this lawsuit will be tried. If this case is tried, the Company's ultimate chances of success are uncertain. If the retirees prevail, the Company anticipates that a requirement to provide postretirement benefits at the pre-amendment level would have a material adverse effect on the Company's future financial position, results of operations and cash flows.

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

With the exception of historical matters, the matters discussed in this commentary include forward-looking statements that describe the Company's plans, objectives, goals, expectations or projections. These forward-looking statements are identifiable by words or phrases indicating that the Company or management "expects," "anticipates," "projects," "plans" or "believes" that a particular event "may occur" or "will likely occur" in the future, or similar statements. In addition to other risks and uncertainties described in connection with the forward-looking statements contained in this commentary, there were many important factors that could cause actual results to be materially different from the Company's current expectations.

Anticipated future sales are subject to competitive pressures from many sources. As an example, future sales could be affected by consolidation within the automotive replacement parts industry, whereby the Company could lose sales due to a competitor purchasing a current customer of the Company. Future sales could also be affected by current and future political and economic factors in the foreign markets where the Company conducts business.

Cost of sales and operating expenses may be adversely affected by unexpected costs associated with various issues. For example, future cost of sales could be affected by unexpected expenses related to the future maintenance of a lean manufacturing environment. Future operating expenses could be adversely affected, for example, by such items as unexpected large claims within the Company's self-funded group health insurance plan, increased retiree health insurance claim exposure as a result of an adverse court ruling on the current retiree health issue, or bad debt expenses related to deterioration in the credit worthiness of a customer or customers. Furthermore, the Company's cost-containment measures described above under the heading "Liquidity and Capital Resources" may not be as effective as the Company anticipates.

The Company may also be adversely affected by recent events relating to the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001. These events, especially when coupled with weakening economic indicators prior to the tragedy, create considerable economic and political uncertainties which could adversely affect consumer buying behavior, automobile production, shipping and transportation costs, and other factors affecting the Company and the automotive industry generally.

The foregoing is intended to provide meaningful cautionary statements for purposes of the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. The foregoing should not be construed as an exhaustive list of all economic, competitive, governmental and technological factors that could adversely affect the Company's expected consolidated financial position, results of operations or liquidity. The Company disclaims any obligation to update its forward-looking statements to reflect subsequent events or circumstances.

Item 3.

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk


The Company is exposed to market risks, which include changes in interest rates and changes in the foreign currency exchange rate as measured against the U.S. dollar.



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The Company's interest rate risk management objectives are to limit the impact of interest rate changes on earnings and cash flows and to lower overall borrowing costs. The Company is exposed to interest rate changes primarily as a result of its variable rate lines of credit used to finance its short-term working capital needs and for general corporate purposes, and a portion of its variable rate long-term borrowings, as discussed below. Of the $6,450,000 total short-term lines available to the Company at September 30, 2001, $3,650,000 was outstanding. Management believes that the fluctuation in interest rates in the near future will not have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements taken as a whole.

With respect to its variable rate long-term borrowings, the Company has entered into an interest swap agreement essentially to fix the interest rate on $2,310,000 of the total $3,260,000 outstanding borrowings at September 30, 2001. The Company does not use derivative financial instruments for trading purposes.

The Company has a manufacturing/distribution facility in Canada. That facility's sales are denominated in Canadian dollars, thereby creating exposures to changes in exchange rates. Changes in the Canadian/U.S. exchange rate may positively or negatively affect the Company's sales, gross margins and retained earnings. The Company attempts to minimize currency exposure through working capital management. The Company does not hedge its exposure to translation gains and losses relating to foreign currency net asset exposures.




















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PART II - OTHER INFORMATION


Item 1.

Legal Proceedings


For a discussion of pending litigation involving the Company, see Note 4 to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements included in Item 1 of Part I of this Form 10-Q, which is here incorporated by reference.


Item 6.

Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K


          (a)          Exhibits

Exhibit
Number


Document

 

 

3(a)

Amended Articles of Incorporation of Hastings Manufacturing Company, filed as an exhibit to the Form 10-Q Quarterly Report for the period ended June 30, 1998, are here incorporated by reference.

 

 

3(b)

Bylaws of Hastings Manufacturing Company, as amended to date, filed as an exhibit to the Form 10-K Annual Report for the year ended December 31, 2000, are here incorporated by reference.

 

 

4(a)

NBD Bank Amended and Restated Letter Agreement for $6,600,000 Term Loan and $3,000,000 Credit Authorization to Make Revolving Credit Loans and Issue Letters of Credit dated August 28, 1998, filed as an exhibit to the Form 10-Q Quarterly Report for the period ended September 30, 1998, is here incorporated by reference.

 

 

4(b)

First Amendment to Amended and Restated Letter Agreement, dated November 11, 1999 between Hastings Manufacturing Company and Bank One, Michigan (formerly NBD Bank), filed as an exhibit to the Form 10-Q Quarterly Report for the period ended September 30, 1999, is here incorporated by reference.

 

 

4(c)

Second Amendment to Amended and Restated Letter Agreement, dated March 30, 2000, between Hastings Manufacturing Company and Bank One (formerly NBD), filed as an exhibit to the Form 10-Q Quarterly Report for the period ended March 31, 2000, is here incorporated by reference.

 

 

4(d)

Third Amendment to Amended and Restated Letter Agreement, dated October 31, 2000, between Hastings Manufacturing Company and Bank One (formerly NBD), filed as an exhibit to the Form 10-K Annual Report for the year ended December 31, 2000, is here incorporated by reference.

 

 

4(e)

Fourth Amendment to Amended and Restated Letter Agreement, dated March 21, 2001, between Hastings Manufacturing Company and Bank One (formerly NBD), filed as an exhibit to the Form 10-K Annual Report for the year ended December 31, 2000, is here incorporated by reference.



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4(f)

Restated Master Agreement dated August 10, 1998, regarding an interest rate swap transaction between Hastings Manufacturing Company and NBD Bank, filed as an exhibit to the Form 10-Q Quarterly Report for the period ended September 30, 1998, is here incorporated by reference.

 

 

4(g)

Business Loan Agreement, dated as of January 24, 2001, between Hastings Manufacturing Company and Hastings City Bank.

 

 

4(h)

Preferred Stock Purchase Rights Plan, filed as an exhibit to the Form 8-A filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on February 15, 1996, is here incorporated by reference.

 

 

15

Letter Regarding Unaudited Interim Financial Information.

 

 



          (b)          The Company filed the following Current Report on Form 8-K during the quarter ended September 30, 2001.


Date of Report


 

Filing Date


 

Item(s) Reported


 

 

 

 

 

August 7, 2001

 

August 7, 2001

 

This Form 8-K included a press release that reported the Company's financial results for the quarter ended June 30, 2001. The press release included summary consolidated income statement data for the quarters and six-month periods ended June 30, 2001 and 2000.

 

 

 

 

 



          This Form 8-K was furnished pursuant to Regulation FD and is considered to have been "furnished" but not "filed" with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
















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SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.






Date:  November 14, 2001

HASTINGS MANUFACTURING COMPANY



/s/Thomas J. Bellgraph


Thomas J. Bellgraph
Its Vice-President, Finance
















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EXHIBIT INDEX

Exhibit
Number


Document

 

 

3(a)

Amended Articles of Incorporation of Hastings Manufacturing Company, filed as an exhibit to the Form 10-Q Quarterly Report for the period ended June 30, 1998, are here incorporated by reference.

 

 

3(b)

Bylaws of Hastings Manufacturing Company, as amended to date, filed as an exhibit to the Form 10-K Annual Report for the year ended December 31, 2000, are here incorporated by reference.

 

 

4(a)

NBD Bank Amended and Restated Letter Agreement for $6,600,000 Term Loan and $3,000,000 Credit Authorization to Make Revolving Credit Loans and Issue Letters of Credit dated August 28, 1998, filed as an exhibit to the Form 10-Q Quarterly Report for the period ended September 30, 1998, is here incorporated by reference.

 

 

4(b)

First Amendment to Amended and Restated Letter Agreement, dated November 11, 1999 between Hastings Manufacturing Company and Bank One, Michigan (formerly NBD Bank), filed as an exhibit to the Form 10-Q Quarterly Report for the period ended September 30, 1999, is here incorporated by reference.

 

 

4(c)

Second Amendment to Amended and Restated Letter Agreement, dated March 30, 2000, between Hastings Manufacturing Company and Bank One (formerly NBD), filed as an exhibit to the Form 10-Q Quarterly Report for the period ended March 31, 2000, is here incorporated by reference.

 

 

4(d)

Third Amendment to Amended and Restated Letter Agreement, dated October 31, 2000, between Hastings Manufacturing Company and Bank One (formerly NBD), filed as an exhibit to the Form 10-K Annual Report for the year ended December 31, 2000, is here incorporated by reference.

 

 

4(e)

Fourth Amendment to Amended and Restated Letter Agreement, dated March 21, 2001, between Hastings Manufacturing Company and Bank One (formerly NBD), filed as an exhibit to the Form 10-K Annual Report for the year ended December 31, 2000, is here incorporated by reference.

 

 

4(f)

Restated Master Agreement dated August 10, 1998, regarding an interest rate swap transaction between Hastings Manufacturing Company and NBD Bank, filed as an exhibit to the Form 10-Q Quarterly Report for the period ended September 30, 1998, is here incorporated by reference.

 

 

4(g)

Business Loan Agreement, dated as of January 24, 2001, between Hastings Manufacturing Company and Hastings City Bank.

 

 

4(h)

Preferred Stock Purchase Rights Plan, filed as an exhibit to the Form 8-A filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on February 15, 1996, is here incorporated by reference.

 

 

15

Letter Regarding Unaudited Interim Financial Information.





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