10-Q 1 nov1201_10q.htm 10Q
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549

__________

FORM 10-Q
__________


     
[X]   QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
     
For the quarterly period ended September 29, 2001
     
OR
     
[_]   TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
     
For the transition period from ___________ to __________
     
1-6112
(Commission File Number)
__________
     
NORTEK, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
__________


            Delaware   05-0314991
(State or other jurisdiction of   (I.R.S. Employer
incorporation or organization)   Identification No.)
     
50 Kennedy Plaza, Providence, RI   02903-2360
    (Address of principal executive offices)       (Zip Code)
 
(401) 751-1600
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)
__________


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



The total number of shares of the registrant’s Common Stock:


Class   Shares Outstanding
November 02, 2001

Common stock, $1.00 par value   10,438,626

Special common stock, $1.00 par value   526,318





NORTEK, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET

September 29, Dec. 31,
2001
2000
(Dollar amounts in thousands)
(Unaudited)
 
Assets            
 
Current Assets:  
Unrestricted  
  Cash and cash equivalents   $ 79,462   $ 130,929  
  Marketable securities available for sale    110,121    8,042  
Restricted  
  Investments and marketable securities at cost, which approximates market    7,365    10,774  
Accounts receivable, less allowances of $10,355,000 and $8,161,000    255,957    225,794  
Inventories:  
  Raw materials    77,163    69,627  
  Work in process    21,015    21,185  
  Finished goods    98,528    105,481  

     196,706    196,293  

 
Prepaid expenses    12,497    10,304  
Other current assets    16,303    12,940  
Prepaid income taxes    43,900    40,517  
Assets of discontinued operations    --    128,023  

      Total current assets    722,311    763,616  

 
Property and Equipment, at Cost:  
Land    16,122    16,744  
Buildings and improvements    126,186    120,948  
Machinery and equipment    357,820    328,301  

     500,128    465,993  
Less accumulated depreciation    211,122    183,539  

      Total property and equipment, net    289,006    282,454  

 
Other Assets:  
 
Goodwill, less accumulated amortization of $85,217,000 and $73,235,000    562,560    582,436  
Intangible assets, less accumulated amortization of $25,961,000 and  
  $21,378,000    116,050    113,117  
Deferred debt expense    19,571    18,916  
Restricted investments and marketable securities held by pension trusts    56,004    32,436  
Other    44,267    43,837  

     798,452    790,742  

    $ 1,809,769   $ 1,836,812  

 
Liabilities and Stockholders’ Investment            
 
Current Liabilities:  
Notes payable and other short-term obligations   $ 7,052   $ 11,581  
Current maturities of long-term debt    58,278    9,817  
Accounts payable    128,823    133,963  
Accrued expenses and taxes, net    149,524    140,814  
Liabilities of discontinued operations    --    55,291  

      Total current liabilities    343,677    351,466  

 
Other Liabilities:  
Deferred income taxes    53,436    52,434  
Other    154,715    130,375  

     208,151    182,809  

 
Notes, Mortgage Notes and Obligations  
  Payable, Less Current Maturities    991,419    1,020,326  

Stockholders’ Investment:  
Preference stock, $1 par value; authorized      
  7,000,000 shares, none issued    --    --  
Common stock, $1 par value; authorized 40,000,000 shares;  
  18,814,764 and 18,752,974 shares issued    18,815    18,753  
Special common stock, $1 par value; authorized 5,000,000      
  shares; 817,018 and 827,504 shares issued    817    828  
Additional paid-in capital    210,006    208,813  
Retained earnings    185,366    184,866  
Accumulated other comprehensive loss    (36,798 )  (19,367 )
Less --treasury common stock at cost, 8,377,910 and      
        8,377,834 shares    (109,615 )  (109,613 )
        --treasury special common stock  
        at cost, 290,128 and 290,107 shares    (2,069 )  (2,069 )

        Total stockholders’ investment    266,522    282,211  

    $ 1,809,769   $ 1,836,812  


The accompanying notes are an integral part of these unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.


NORTEK, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
(In thousands except per share amounts)

For The
Three Months Ended
September 29, September 30,
2001
2000
(Unaudited)
 
Net Sales     $ 487,510   $ 494,627  

 
Costs and Expenses:  
  Cost of products sold    359,218    367,480  
  Selling, general and administrative expense    82,800    72,933  
  Amortization of goodwill and intangible assets    5,745    5,666  

     447,763    446,079  

 
Operating earnings    39,747    48,548  
Interest expense    (26,405 )  (24,400 )
Investment income    4,058    1,752  
 
Earnings from continuing operations before provision  
  for income taxes    17,400    25,900  
Provision for income taxes    10,500    12,900  

Earnings from continuing operations    6,900    13,000  
Earnings (loss) from discontinued operations    (20,100 )  2,700  
Extraordinary loss from debt retirement    (3,600 )  --  

Net Earnings(loss)   $ (16,800 ) $ 15,700  

Earnings (loss) per share of common stock:  
Earnings from continuing operations:  
  Basic   $ .63   $ 1.18  

  Diluted   $ .61   $ 1.18  

 
Earnings (loss) from discontinued operations:  
  Basic   $ (1.84 ) $ .24  

  Diluted   $ (1.79 ) $ .24  

 
Extraordinary loss from debt retirement:  
  Basic   $ (.33 ) $ --  

  Diluted   $ (.32 ) $ --  

 
Net earnings (loss):  
  Basic   $ (1.54 ) $ 1.42  

  Diluted   $ (1.50 ) $ 1.42  

 
Weighted Average Number of Shares:  
  Basic    10,941    11,025  

  Diluted    11,220    11,057  


The accompanying notes are an integral part of these unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.


NORTEK, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
(In thousands except per share amounts)

For The
Nine Months Ended
September 29, September 30,
2001
2000
(Unaudited)
 
Net Sales     $ 1,411,113   $ 1,420,264  

 
Costs and Expenses:  
  Cost of products sold    1,043,382    1,053,332  
  Selling, general and administrative expense    229,742    212,647  
  Amortization of goodwill and intangible assets    17,011    16,816  

     1,290,135    1,282,795  

 
Operating earnings    120,978    137,469  
Interest expense    (77,437 )  (72,994 )
Investment income    8,259    5,125  

 
Earnings from continuing operations before provision  
  for income taxes    51,800    69,600  
Provision for income taxes    24,800    32,300  

Earnings from continuing operations    27,000    37,300  
Earnings (loss) from discontinued operations    (22,900 )  1,500  
Extraordinary loss from debt retirement    (3,600 )  --  

Net Earnings   $ 500   $ 38,800  

Earnings (loss) per share of common stock:  
Earnings from continuing operations:  
  Basic   $ 2.47   $ 3.30  

  Diluted   $ 2.41   $ 3.29  

 
Earnings (loss) from discontinued operations:  
  Basic   $ (2.09 ) $ .13  

  Diluted   $ (2.05 ) $ .13  

 
Extraordinary loss from debt retirement:  
  Basic   $ (.33 ) $ --  

  Diluted   $ (.32 ) $ --  

 
Net earnings:  
  Basic   $ .05   $ 3.43  

  Diluted   $ .04   $ 3.42  

 
Weighted Average Number of Shares:  
  Basic    10,927    11,299  

  Diluted    11,195    11,344  


The accompanying notes are an integral part of these unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.


NORTEK, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
(Amounts in thousands)

For the
Nine Months Ended
September 29, September 30,
2001
2000
(Unaudited)
 
Cash flows from operating activities:            
     Net earnings from continuing operations   $ 27,000   $ 37,300  
     Earnings (loss) from discontinued operations    (22,900 )  1,500  
     Extraordinary loss from debt retirement    (3,600 )  --  

     Net earnings   $ 500   $ 38,800  

 
Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to cash:  
     Depreciation and amortization expense    43,936    41,236  
     Non-cash interest expense    4,571    3,111  
     Gain on sale of land    --    (1,704 )
     Loss on sale of discontinued operations    34,000    --  
     Loss on debt retirement    5,500    --  
Changes in certain assets and liabilities, net  
  of effects from acquisitions and dispositions:  
     Accounts receivable, net    (32,228 )  (49,722 )
     Inventories    (21 )  (33,031 )
     Prepaid and other current assets    (1,829 )  (935 )
     Net assets of discontinued operations    (5,503 )  (983 )
     Accounts payable    (3,999 )  17,277  
     Accrued expenses and taxes    11,311    11,698  
     Long-term assets, liabilities and other, net    (58 )  2,206  

       Total adjustments to net earnings    55,680    (10,847 )

       Net cash provided by operating activities    56,180    27,953  

 
Cash flows from investing activities:  
     Capital expenditures    (33,364 )  (18,557 )
     Net cash paid for businesses acquired    --    (10,053 )
     Net cash received from the sale of discontinued operations    41,250    --  
     Purchase of investments and marketable securities    (178,717 )  (4,004 )
     Proceeds from the sale of investments and marketable securities    76,638    38,435  
     Proceeds from the sale of fixed assets    --    5,574  
     Change in restricted cash and investments    (20,272 )  (6,544 )
     Other, net    (465 )  (3,385 )

       Net cash (used in)provided by investing activities   $ (114,930 ) $1,466  

 
Cash flows from financing activities:            
     Sale of 9 7/8% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2011   $ 241,800   $ --  
     Redemption of 9 7/8% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2004    (207,700 )  --  
     Change in borrowings, net    (27,925 )  (5,694 )
     Purchase of Nortek common and special common stock    --    (11,776 )
     Exercise of stock options    1,093    --  
     Other, net    15    (28 )

 
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities    7,283    (17,498 )

Net (decrease)increase in unrestricted cash and cash equivalents    (51,467 )  11,921  
Unrestricted cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the period    130,929    77,355  

Unrestricted cash and cash equivalents at the end of the period   $79,462   $89,276  

Interest paid   $87,926   $90,891  

Income taxes paid, net   $ 2,848   $ 9,782  


The accompanying notes are an integral part of these unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.




NORTEK, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF STOCKHOLDERS’ INVESTMENT
FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2000
(Dollar amounts in thousands)





Addi- Accumulated
Special tional Other
Common Common Paid in Retained Treasury Comprehensive Comprehensive
Stock
Stock
Capital
Earnings
Stock
Loss
Income(Loss)
(Unaudited)
 
Balance, July 1, 2000     $ 18,744   $ 836   $ 208,808   $ 166,366   $ (102,703 ) $ (14,277 ) $ --  
Net earnings    --    --    --    15,700    --    --    15,700  
Other comprehensive income (loss):  
  Currency translation adjustment    --    --    --    --    --    (2,650 )  (2,650 )
  Unrealized decline in the value  
    of marketable securities    --    --    --    --    --    (100 )  (100 )
 
Comprehensive income       $ 12,950  
 
5,313 shares of special common stock  
  converted into 5,313 shares of  
  common stock    5    (5 )  --    --    --    --  
448,200 shares of treasury stock      
  acquired       --     --     --     --     (8,979 )   --  

 
Balance, September 30, 2000   $ 18,749   $ 831   $ 208,808   $ 182,066   $ (111,682 ) $ (17,027 )

 

























The accompanying notes are an integral part of these unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.


NORTEK, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF STOCKHOLDERS’ INVESTMENT
FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 29, 2001
(Dollar amounts in thousands)





Addi- Accumulated
Special tional Other
Common Common Paid in Retained Treasury Comprehensive Comprehensive
Stock
Stock
Capital
Earnings
Stock
Loss
Loss
(Unaudited)
 
Balance, June 30, 2001     $ 18,775   $ 819   $ 209,243   $ 202,166   $ (111,684 ) $ (22,660 ) $ --  
Net loss    --    --    --    (16,800 )  --    --    (16,800 )
Other comprehensive loss:  
  Currency translation adjustment    --    --    --    --    --    (229 )  (229 )
  Unrealized decline in the value  
    of marketable securities    --    --    --    --    --    (70 )  (70 )
  Minimum pension liability, net      
    of tax of $7,906     --    --    --    --    --    (13,839 )  (13,839 )
 
Comprehensive loss       $ (30,938 )
 
1,852 shares of special common stock      
  converted into 1,852 shares of      
  common stock       2     (2 )   --     --     --     --  
38,050 shares of common stock issued  
  upon exercise of stock options    38    --    763    --    --    --  

 
Balance, September 29, 2001   $ 18,815   $ 817   $ 210,006   $ 185,366   $ (111,684 ) $ (36,798 )

 

























The accompanying notes are an integral part of these unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.




NORTEK, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF STOCKHOLDERS’ INVESTMENT
FOR THE NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2000
(Dollar amounts in thousands)





Addi- Accumulated
Special tional Other
Common Common Paid in Retained Treasury Comprehensive Comprehensive
Stock
Stock
Capital
Earnings
Stock
Loss
Income(Loss)
(Unaudited)
 
Balance, December 31, 1999     $ 18,738   $ 841   $ 208,755   $ 143,266   $ (99,961 ) $ (11,822 ) $ --  
Net earnings    --    --    --    38,800    --    --    38,800  
Other comprehensive income(loss):  
  Currency translation adjustment    --    --    --    --    --    (4,960 )  (4,960 )
  Unrealized decline in the value of  
    marketable securities    --    --    --    --    --    (245 )  (245 )
 
Comprehensive income       $ 33,595  
 
10,159 shares of special common stock  
  converted into 10,159 shares of  
  of common stock    10    (10 )  --    --    --    --  
1,500 shares of common stock issued      
  upon exercise of stock options    1    --    53    --    --    --  
584,665 shares of treasury stock  
  acquired    --    --    --    --    (11,721 )  --  

 
Balance, September 30, 2000   $ 18,749   $ 831   $ 208,808   $ 182,066   $ (111,682 ) $ (17,027 )

 

























The accompanying notes are an integral part of these unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.




NORTEK, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF STOCKHOLDERS’ INVESTMENT
FOR THE NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 29, 2001
(Dollar amounts in thousands)





Addi- Accumulated
Special tional Other
Common Common Paid in Retained Treasury Comprehensive Comprehensive
Stock
Stock
Capital
Earnings
Stock
Loss
Income(Loss)
(Unaudited)
 
Balance, December 31, 2000     $ 18,753   $ 828   $ 208,813   $ 184,866   $ (111,682 ) $ (19,367 ) $ --  
Net earnings    --    --    --    500    --    --    500  
Other comprehensive loss:  
  Currency translation adjustment    --    --    --    --    --    (3,535 )  (3,535 )
  Unrealized decline in the value of  
    marketable securities    --    --    --    --    --    (57 )  (57 )
  Minimum pension liability, net of      
    tax of $7,906    --    --    --    --    --    (13,839 )  (13,839 )
 
Comprehensive loss       $ (16,931 )
 
10,486 shares of special common stock      
  converted into 10,486 shares of      
  of common stock    11    (11 )  --    --    --    --  
51,304 shares of common stock issued  
  upon exercise of stock options    51    --    1,193    --    --    --  
76 shares of treasury stock      
  acquired    --    --    --    --    (2 )  --  

 
Balance, September 29, 2001   $ 18,815   $ 817   $ 210,006   $ 185,366   $ (111,684 ) $ (36,798 )

 



























The accompanying notes are an integral part of these unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.




NORTEK, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
SEPTEMBER 29, 2001 AND SEPTEMBER 30, 2000

(A)

The unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements (the “Unaudited Financial Statements”) presented have been prepared by Nortek, Inc. and include the accounts of Nortek, Inc., and all of its significant wholly-owned subsidiaries (the “Company”) after elimination of intercompany accounts and transactions, without audit and, in the opinion of management, reflect all adjustments of a normal recurring nature necessary for a fair statement of the interim periods presented. Although certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States have been omitted, the Company believes that the disclosures included are adequate to make the information presented not misleading. Effective in the third quarter of 2001, the Company adopted Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 144, “Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets” (“SFAS No. 144”) and accordingly the presentation for all periods has been reclassified to conform with the new standard. See Notes D and M. It is suggested that these Unaudited Financial Statements be read in conjunction with the financial statements and the notes included in the Company’s latest Annual Report on Form 10-K as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.


(B)

The Financial Accounting Standards Board’s Emerging Issues Task Force reached final consensus in 2000 with respect to the accounting for shipping and handling fees and costs and the accounting for certain sales incentives. As a result, the Company has reclassified certain amounts among net sales, cost of products sold and selling, general and administrative expenses in accordance with these pronouncements for all periods presented in the accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated statement of operations. These reclassifications did not have any effect on operating earnings, net earnings or net earnings per share for any period presented.


(C)

In July 2001, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued SFAS No. 141, “Business Combinations” (“SFAS No. 141”). SFAS No. 141 requires all business combinations initiated after June 30, 2001 to be accounted for using the purchase method. This statement is effective for all business combinations initiated after June 30, 2001.


 

In July 2001, the FASB issued SFAS No. 142, “Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets” (“SFAS No. 142”). SFAS No. 142 applies to goodwill and intangible assets acquired after June 30, 2001, as well as previously acquired goodwill and intangible assets. Under SFAS No. 142 goodwill, as well as certain other intangible assets, determined to have an infinite life will no longer be amortized, instead these assets will be reviewed for impairment on a periodic basis. SFAS No. 142 is effective beginning January 1, 2002. Management is evaluating the impact that this statement will have on the Company’s consolidated financial statements. Goodwill amortization was approximately $4,000,000 and $12,300,000 in the third quarter and first nine months of 2001, respectively, and was approximately $4,200,000 and $12,300,000 in the third quarter and first nine months of 2000, respectively, as determined under accounting principles generally accepted in the United States currently in effect.


 

In July 2001, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 143 (“SFAS No. 143”), “Accounting for Asset Retirement Obligations”. SFAS No. 143 addresses financial accounting and reporting for obligations associated with the retirement of tangible long-lived assets and the associated asset retirement costs. SFAS No. 143 requires that the fair value of a liability for an asset retirement obligation be recognized in the period in which it is incurred if a reasonable estimate of fair value can be made. The associated asset retirement costs are capitalized as part of the carrying amount of the long-lived asset. SFAS No. 143 is effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after June 15, 2002 with early adoption permitted. Management is currently assessing the impact of SFAS No. 143 and has not yet determined the impact, if any, on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.


(D)

In October 2001, the FASB issued SFAS No. 144 (“SFAS No. 144”), “Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets”. SFAS No. 144 addresses financial accounting and reporting for the impairment or disposal of long-lived assets and does not apply to goodwill or intangible assets that are not being amortized and certain other long-lived assets. This Statement supersedes FASB Statement No. 121, “Accounting for the Impairment of Long-Lived Assets and for Long-Lived Assets to Be Disposed Of”, and the accounting and reporting provisions of APB Opinion No. 30 “Reporting the Results of Operations — Reporting the Effects of Disposal of a Segment of a Business and Extraordinary, Unusual and Infrequently Occurring Events and Transactions”, for the disposal of a segment of a business (as previously defined in that Opinion). This Statement also amends ARB No. 51, “Consolidated Financial Statements”, to eliminate the exception to consolidation for a subsidiary for which control is likely to be temporary. SFAS No. 144 is effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2001 with early adoption encouraged. The Company adopted SFAS No. 144 in the third quarter of 2001 and applied this accounting standard as of the beginning of the year. Adoption of this accounting standard did not result in any material changes in net earnings (loss) from accounting standards previously applied. Adoption of this standard did result in the accounting for the loss on the sale of certain businesses and their related operating results as discontinued operations (see Note M).


(E)

In the first quarter of 2001, the Company adopted Statement of Financial Accounting Standards SFAS No. 133 “Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities”, as amended (“SFAS No. 133”) by recording a liability of approximately $800,000 in its balance sheet at March 31, 2001, representing the fair value of the Company’s interest rate collar agreement. The cumulative affect of adopting this accounting method as of December 31, 2000 was not material. As a result, interest expense includes a non-cash charge of approximately $525,000 ($.03 per share, net of tax) and $1,400,000 ($.08 per share, net of tax) in the third quarter and first nine months of 2001, respectively.


(F)

Comprehensive loss, included in stockholders’ investment, was $30,938,000 and $16,931,000 for the third quarter and first nine months of 2001, respectively. Included in the loss for the third quarter and first nine months of 2001 was a loss of approximately $14,682,000 (net of tax benefits of approximately $7,900,000) principally as a result of actuarial losses due to market declines in plan assets of certain of the Company’s employee retirement benefit plans.


(G)

Acquisitions are accounted for as purchases and, accordingly, have been included in the Company’s consolidated results of operations since the acquisition date. Purchase price allocations are subject to refinement until all pertinent information regarding the acquisitions is obtained. On July 3, 2000, the Company acquired Eaton-Williams Holdings Limited (“Eaton-Williams”), of Edenbridge, England. Eaton-Williams designs, manufactures, installs and services custom-made and standard air conditioning and humidification equipment. On June 15, 2001, the Company acquired Senior Air Systems (“SAS”) from a wholly-owned subsidiary of Senior Plc. SAS, of Stoke-on-Trent, England, manufactures and sells air conditioning equipment and will be integrated into the operations of Eaton-Williams.


(H)

In the third quarter and first nine months of 2001, the Company expensed approximately $600,000 and approximately $2,800,000, respectively, of manufacturing costs incurred in connection with the start up of a residential air conditioning facility and a vinyl fence and decking facility. Also, in the third quarter and first nine months of 2001 the Company expensed as a charge to continuing operations approximately $4,200,000 and $6,300,000, respectively, of fees and expenses associated with the Company’s material procurement strategy and estimates that it has realized approximately $2,000,000 of benefits to date. Approximately $1,300,000 and $2,700,000 of these fees and expenses were charged to the Residential Building Products Segment, $2,200,000 and $2,800,000 to the Air Conditioning and Heating Products Segment, $500,000 and $600,000 to the Windows, Doors and Siding Products Segment and $200,000 and $200,000 to the Other Segment, in the third quarter and first nine months of 2001, respectively. In the first half of 2001, the Company recorded in operating earnings a non-taxable gain of approximately $3,200,000 ($.29 per share) from net death benefit insurance proceeds relating to life insurance maintained on former managers. In the third quarter and first nine months of 2001, the Company also incurred certain duplicative net interest expense as discussed in Note J. In the third quarter of 2001, the Company recorded approximately $1,700,000 of interest income resulting from the favorable abatement of state income taxes. The abatement of state income taxes did not have a significant effect on the overall annual effective income tax rate. In the second quarter of 2000, the Company sold a parcel of land resulting in a pre-tax gain of approximately $1,700,000 ($.10 per share, net of tax) which is included in operating earnings.


(I)

The Company’s Board of Directors has authorized a number of programs to purchase shares of the Company’s Common and Special Common Stock. The most recent of these programs was announced on May 4, 2000, to purchase up to 1,000,000 shares of the Company’s Common and Special Common Stock in open market or negotiated transactions, subject to market conditions, cash availability and provisions of the Company’s outstanding debt instruments. As of November 2, 2001, the Company had purchased approximately 461,000 shares of its Common and Special Common stock for approximately $9,200,000 under this program and accounted for such purchases as treasury stock.


 

At November 2, 2001, approximately $116,200,000 was available for the payment of cash dividends, stock purchases or other restricted payments as defined under the terms of the Company’s most restrictive debt covenant related to such payments.


(J)

In June 2001, the Company sold $250,000,000 principal amount of its 9 7/8% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2011 (“9 7/8% Notes”) at a slight discount. Net proceeds from the sale of the 9 7/8% Notes, after deducting underwriting commissions and expenses amounted to approximately $241,800,000 and a portion of such proceeds was used to redeem, on July 11, 2001, $204,822,000 principal amount of the Company’s 9 7/8% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2004 (which notes were called for redemption on June 13, 2001), plus an approximate $2,900,000 redemption premium thereon and approximately $7,400,000 of accrued interest thereon. As a result of this redemption, the Company recorded an extraordinary loss of approximately $5,500,000 ($.32 per share, net of tax) in the third quarter of 2001. In the third quarter and first nine months of 2001, the Company incurred approximately $450,000 ($.03 per share, net of tax) and $1,250,000 ($.07 per share, net of tax) respectively, of duplicative interest expense, net of interest income, since the redemption of the 9 7/8% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2004 did not occur on the same day as the financing.


(K)

During the third quarter of 2001, one of the trusts related to the Company’s supplemental retirement plans loaned funds to certain officers of the Company who have fully vested retirement benefits in such plans. At September 29, 2001, approximately $17,100,000 of notes receivable bearing interest at 5.43% and maturing in 2016, approximately $6,415,000 of notes receivable bearing interest at 5.57% and maturing in 2016 and approximately $13,400,000 of notes receivable, bearing interest at 6.75% and maturing in 2015, are due from such officers of the Company and are included in restricted investments and marketable securities held by pension trusts in the accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheet.


(L)

Basic earnings per share amounts have been computed using the weighted average number of common and common equivalent shares outstanding during each period. Special Common Stock is treated as the equivalent of Common Stock in determining earnings per share results. Diluted earnings per share amounts have been computed using the weighted average number of common and common equivalent shares and the dilutive potential common and special common shares outstanding during each period.


 

A reconciliation between basic and diluted earnings per share from continuing operations is presented in the following table:


Three Nine
Months Ended Months Ended
Sept. 29, Sept. 30, Sept. 29, Sept. 30,
2001
2000
2001
2000
(In thousands except per share amounts)
 
Earnings from continuing                    
    operations   $ 6,900   $ 13,000   $ 27,000   $ 37,300  

 
  Basic EPS:  
    Basic common shares    10,941    11,025    10,927    11,299  

    Basic EPS on earnings from  
      continuing operations   $ .63   $ 1.18   $ 2.47   $ 3.30  

 
  Diluted EPS:  
    Basic common shares    10,941    11,025    10,927    11,299  
    Plus:Impact of stock options    279    32    268    45  

    Diluted common shares    11,220    11,057    11,195    11,344  

    Diluted EPS on earnings from  
      continuing operations   $ .61   $ 1.18   $ 2.41   $ 3.29  


(M.)

In the third quarter of 2001, the Company decided to dispose of Peachtree Doors and Windows, Inc. (“Peachtree”) and SNE Enterprises, Inc. (“SNE”), subsidiaries of the Company’s Ply Gem Industries, Inc. subsidiary (“Ply Gem”) in order to commit additional financial and management resources to vinyl products and other Company operations. On September 21, 2001, Ply Gem sold the capital stock of its Peachtree and SNE subsidiaries for approximately $45,000,000, and recorded in the third quarter of 2001, a pre-tax loss on the sale of approximately $34,000,000 ($1.79 per share, net of tax), including the write off of approximately $11,700,000 of unamortized intangible assets. Peachtree and SNE were previously part of the Windows, Doors and Siding Products Segment. A portion of the cash proceeds was used to pay down approximately $20,500,000 of outstanding debt under the Company’s Ply Gem credit facility.


 

The table that follows presents a summary of the results of discontinued operations for the third quarter and first nine months of 2001 and 2000 and for the year ended December 31, 2000:


Three Months Ended
Nine Months Ended
Year Ended
Sept.29, Sept. 30, Sept.29, Sept. 30, Dec. 31,
2001
2000
2001
2000
2000
(Unaudited)
(Amounts in thousands)
 
Net Sales     $ 83,200   $ 95,400   $ 225,600   $ 262,100   $ 341,800  

 
Earnings (loss) before income taxes    (100 )  4,100    (4,400 )  2,300    (200 )
Income tax provision (benefit)    --    1,400    (1,500 )  800    (100 )

Earnings (loss) from discontinued operations    (100 )  2,700    (2,900 )  1,500    (100 )
Loss on sale of discontinued operations,      
  net of tax benefits of $14,000,000       (20,000 )   --     (20,000 )   --     --  

Earnings (loss) from discontinued  
  operations   $ (20,100 ) $ 2,700   $ (22,900 ) $ 1,500   $ (100 )

 
Depreciation and Amortization Expense   $ 1,315   $ 1,103   $ 3,529   $ 3,986   $ 5,078  


 

The table that follows presents a summary of the results of discontinued operations for the second quarter and first six months of 2001 and 2000:


Three Months Ended
Six Months Ended
June 30, July 1, June 30, July 1,
2001
2000
2001
2000
(Unaudited)
(Amounts in thousands)
 
Net sales     $ 86,400   $ 95,500   $ 142,500   $ 166,700  

 
Earnings (loss) before income taxes    1,800    3,400    (4,300 )  (1,800 )
Income tax provision (benefit)    600    1,200    (1,500 )  (600 )

Earnings (loss) from discontinued operations   $ 1,200   $ 2,200   $ (2,800 ) $ (1,200 )

 
Depreciation and amortization expense   $ 1,168   $ 1,428   $ 2,214   $ 2,883  


 

The table that follows presents a breakdown of the major components of assets and liabilities of discontinued operations at December 31, 2000:


  Dec. 31, 2000
(Unaudited)
Assets: (Amounts in thousands)
 
Accounts receivable, less allowance of $1,638,000     $ 24,774  
Net Inventories    27,908  
Property and equipment, net    52,323  
Intangible assets, less accumulated amortization of $900,000    12,415  
Other assets    10,603  

Total assets of discontinued operations   $128,023  

 
Liabilities:  
Accounts payable   $ 21,418  
Accrued expenses    16,264  
Deferred income taxes    8,516  
Notes, mortgage notes and obligations payable    266  
Other liabilities    8,827  

Total liabilities of discontinued operations   $ 55,291  


(N)

The Company has three reportable segments: the Residential Building Products Segment; the Air Conditioning and Heating Products Segment; and the Windows, Doors and Siding Products Segment. In the tables below, Other includes corporate related items, results of insignificant operations, intersegment eliminations and certain income and expense items not allocated to reportable segments.


 

On September 21, 2001, the Company sold the capital stock of Peachtree and SNE, subsidiaries of Ply Gem. Accordingly, the results of Peachtree and SNE, which were previously part of the Windows, Doors and Siding Products Segment, have been excluded from earnings from continuing operations and classified separately as discontinued operations for all periods presented (see Notes D and M). Accordingly the Windows, Doors and Siding Products Segment information presented below excludes Peachtree and SNE for all periods.


 

The Company evaluates segment performance based on operating earnings before allocations of corporate overhead costs. The income statement impact of all purchase accounting adjustments, including goodwill and intangible asset amortization, is included in the operating earnings of the applicable segment. Intersegment net sales and eliminations were not material for any of the periods presented.


 

Summarized financial information for the Company’s reportable segments is presented in the tables that follow for the three and nine months ended September 29, 2001 and September 30, 2000.


Three Nine
Months Ended Months Ended
Sept. 29, Sept. 30, Sept. 29, Sept. 30,
2001
2000
2001
2000
(Amounts in thousands)
 
Net Sales:                    
   Residential building products   $ 163,390   $ 163,726   $ 488,726   $ 502,937  
   Air conditioning and heating products    166,833    176,749    493,369    483,836  
   Windows, doors and siding products    138,451    136,490    376,806    377,841  
   Other    18,836    17,662    52,212    55,650  

    $ 487,510   $ 494,627   $ 1,411,113   $ 1,420,264  

 
Operating Earnings (Loss):  
   Residential building products   $ 23,011   $ 22,117   $ 64,782   $ 70,491  
   Air conditioning and heating products    9,969    22,355    42,094    59,221  
   Windows, doors and siding products    15,151    10,667    32,108    23,643  
   Other, net    (8,384 )  (6,591 )  (18,006 )  (15,886 )

     39,747    48,548    120,978    137,469  
 
Unallocated:  
   Interest expense    (26,405 )  (24,400 )  (77,437 )  (72,994 )
   Investment income    4,058    1,752    8,259    5,125  

     Earnings from continuing operations      
       before provision for income taxes   $ 17,400   $ 25,900   $ 51,800   $ 69,600  


Three Nine
Months Ended Months Ended
Sept. 29, Sept. 30, Sept. 29, Sept. 30,
2001
2000
2001
2000
(Amounts in thousands)
 
Depreciation and Amortization:                    
   Residential building products   $ 5,546   $ 4,817   $ 17,072   $ 15,660  
   Air conditioning and heating products    3,265    2,977    9,609    8,991  
   Windows, doors and siding products    5,424    5,003    16,154    15,465  
   Other    368    369    1,101    1,120  

    $ 14,603   $ 13,166   $ 43,936   $ 41,236  


(O)

The Company has recorded liabilities in connection with acquisitions related to employee terminations and other exit costs associated with management’s plans to eliminate certain activities of acquired entities. No additional liabilities were recorded during the nine months ended September 29, 2001 in connection with these activities. As of September 29, 2001, plans for eliminating certain activities have been finalized for all significant acquisitions. Charges to these liabilities for employee termination costs include payroll, payroll taxes and insurance benefits related to severance arrangements and were approximately $600,000 for the first nine months ended September 29, 2001. The remaining liabilities accrued at September 29, 2001 in connection with acquisitions related to employee terminations and other exit costs totaled approximately $900,000.


(P)

The Company provides income taxes for continuing operations on an interim basis based upon the Company’s estimated annual effective income tax rate. Based on this method, the following reconciles the federal statutory income tax rate to the estimated effective tax rate of approximately 47.9% and 46.4% for the nine months of 2001 and 2000, respectively.


Nine
Months Ended
September 29, September 30,
2001
2000
Unaudited
 
Income tax provision at the federal statutory rate       35 .0%   35 .0%
Net change from federal statutory rate:  
  Amortization not deductible for income tax purposes    9 .5  6 .4
  Non-taxable gain on life insurance proceeds       (2 .2)     --
  State income taxes, net of federal income tax effect    2 .4  1 .7
  Tax effect resulting from foreign activities    3 .5  1 .6
  Change in tax reserves, net      ---    .9
  Other, net    ( .3)   .8

     47 .9%  46 .4%


NORTEK, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
OF THE UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE THIRD QUARTER AND NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 29, 2001
AND FOR THE THIRD QUARTER AND NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2000

 

The Company is a diversified manufacturer of residential and commercial building products, operating within three principal segments: the Residential Building Products Segment, the Air Conditioning and Heating Products Segment, and the Windows, Doors and Siding Products Segment. In the results of operations presented below, Other includes corporate related items, results of insignificant operations and certain income and expenses not allocable to reportable segments. Through its principal segments, the Company manufactures and sells, primarily in the United States, Canada and Europe, a wide variety of products for the residential and commercial construction, manufactured housing, the do-it-yourself (“DIY”) and professional remodeling and renovation markets. (As used in this report, the terms “Company” and “Nortek” refer to Nortek, Inc., together with its subsidiaries, unless the context indicates otherwise. Such terms as “Company” and “Nortek” are used for convenience only and are not intended as a precise description of any of the separate corporations, each of which manages its own affairs.)


 

In October 2001, the FASB issued SFAS No. 144, “Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets” (“SFAS No. 144”). SFAS No. 144 addresses financial accounting and reporting for the impairment or disposal of long-lived assets and does not apply to goodwill or intangible assets that are not being amortized and certain other long-lived assets. The Company adopted SFAS No. 144 in the third quarter of 2001 and applied this accounting standard as of the beginning of the year. Adoption of this standard resulted in the accounting for the loss on the sale of Peachtree Windows and Doors, Inc (“Peachtree”) and SNE Enterprises, Inc. (“SNE”), subsidiaries of the Company’s Ply Gem Industries, Inc. subsidiary (“Ply Gem”) and their related operating results as discontinued operations. Accordingly the results of Peachtree and SNE have been excluded from earnings from continuing operations and classified separately as discontinued operations for all periods presented. (See Notes D and M of the Notes to the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements (the “Unaudited Financial Statements”) included elsewhere herein).


 

The Residential Building Products Segment manufactures and distributes built-in products primarily for the residential new construction, DIY and professional remodeling and renovation markets. The principal products sold by the segment include, kitchen range hoods, built-in exhaust fans (such as bath fans and fan, heater and light combination units) and indoor air quality products. The Air Conditioning and Heating Products Segment manufactures and sells heating, ventilating, and air conditioning systems (“HVAC”) for custom-designed commercial applications and for residential, light commercial and manufactured structures. The Windows, Doors and Siding Products Segment, principally manufactures and distributes; (i) vinyl siding, skirting, soffit and accessories, (ii) vinyl and composite windows, (iii) vinyl patio and entry doors, (iv) vinyl blocks, vents, shutters, sunrooms, fencing, railing and decking and (v) aluminum trim coil for use in the residential construction, DIY and professional renovation markets.


 

The Company acquired Eaton-Williams Holdings Limited (“Eaton-Williams”) on July 3, 2000 and Senior Air Systems (“SAS”) on June 15, 2001. These acquisitions have been accounted for under the purchase method of accounting. Accordingly, the results of Eaton-Williams and SAS, which are part of the Air Conditioning and Heating Products Segment, are included in the Company’s consolidated results since the dates of their acquisitions.


 

The Financial Accounting Standards Board’s Emerging Issues Task Force reached final consensus in 2000 with respect to the accounting for shipping and handling fees and costs and the accounting for certain sales incentives. As a result, the Company has reclassified certain amounts among net sales, cost of products sold and selling, general and administrative expenses in accordance with these pronouncements for all periods presented in Management’s Discussion and Analysis of the Unaudited Financial Statements. See Note B of the Notes to the Unaudited Financial Statements. These reclassifications did not have any effect on operating earnings, net earnings or net earnings per share for any period.


Results of Operations
 

The tables that follow present the unaudited net sales and operating earnings for the Company’s principal segments for the third quarter and nine months ended September 29, 2001 and September 30, 2000, and the dollar amount and percentage change of such results as compared to the prior comparable period. The Windows, Doors and Siding Products Segment information presented below excludes Peachtree and SNE which have been classified as discontinued operations.


Change in
       Third Quarter Ended        Third Quarter 2001
September 29, September 30,    as Compared to 2000   
2001
2000
$
%
(Dollar amounts in thousands)
 
Net Sales:                    
Residential building products   $ 163,390   $ 163,726   $ (336 )  ( .2)%
Air conditioning and heating products    166,833    176,749    (9,916 )  (5 .6)
Windows, doors and siding products    138,451    136,490    1,961    1 .4
Other    18,836    17,662    1,174    6 .6

    $ 487,510   $ 494,627   $ (7,117 )  (1 .4)%

 
Operating Earnings (Loss):  
 
Residential building products   $ 23,011   $ 22,117   $ 894    4 .0%
Air conditioning and heating products    9,969    22,355    (12,386 )  (55 .4)
Windows, doors and siding products    15,151    10,667    4,484    42 .0
Other, net    (8,384 )  (6,591 )  (1,793 )  (27 .2)

    $ 39,747   $ 48,548   $ (8,801 )  (18 .1)%


Change in
      Nine Months Ended       First Nine Months 2001
September 29, September 30,   as Compared to 2000  
2001 2000 $ %
(Dollar amounts in thousands)
 
Net Sales:                    
Residential building products   $ 488,726   $ 502,937   $ (14,211 )  (2 .8)%
Air conditioning and heating products    493,369    483,836    9,533    2 .0
Windows, doors and siding products    376,806    377,841    (1,035 )  ( .3)
Other    52,212    55,650    (3,438 )  (6 .2)

    $ 1,411,113   $ 1,420,264   $ (9,151 )  ( .6)%

 
Operating Earnings (Loss):  
 
Residential building products   $ 64,782   $ 70,491   $ (5,709 )  (8 .1)%
Air conditioning and heating products    42,094    59,221    (17,127 )  (28 .9)
Windows, doors and siding products    32,108    23,643    8,465    35 .8
Other, net    (18,006 )  (15,886 )  (2,120 )  (13 .3)

    $ 120,978   $ 137,469   $ (16,491 )  (12 .0)%


 

The tables that follow, set forth, for the periods presented, (a) certain unaudited consolidated operating results, (b) the change in the amount and the percentage change of such results as compared to the prior comparable period, (c) the percentage which such results bear to net sales, and (d) the change of such percentages as compared to the prior comparable period. The results of operations for the third quarter and nine months ended September 29, 2001 are not necessarily indicative of the results of operations to be expected for any other interim period or the full year.


Change in
       Third Quarter Ended        Third Quarter 2001
September 29, September 30,    as Compared to 2000   
2001
2000
$
%
(Dollar amounts in thousands)
 
Net sales     $ 487 .5 $ 494 .6 $ (7 .1)   (1 .4)%
Cost of products sold    359 .2  367 .4  8 .2  2 .2
Selling, general and administrative expense    82 .8  73 .0  (9 .8)  (13 .4)
Amortization of goodwill and intangible assets       5 .8   5 .7   ( .1)   (1 .8)

Operating earnings    39 .7  48 .5  (8 .8)  (18 .1)
Interest expense    (26 .4)  (24 .4)  (2 .0)  (8 .2)
Investment income    4 .1  1 .8  2 .3  127 .8

Earnings from continuing operations before  
  provision for income taxes    17 .4  25 .9  (8 .5)  (32 .8)
Provision for income taxes    10 .5  12 .9  2 .4  18 .6

Earnings from continuing operations    6 .9  13 .0  (6 .1)  (46 .9)
Earnings (loss) from discontinued operations    (20 .1)  2 .7  (22 .8)  (844 .4)
Extraordinary loss from debt retirement       (3 .6)     --   (3 .6)     --

Net earnings (loss)   $ (16 .8) $ 15 .7 $ (32 .5)  (207 .0)%


Change in
Percentage of Net Sales Percentage
          Third Quarter Ended            For the Third
September 29, September 30, Quarter 2001
2001
2000
as Compared to 2000
 
Net sales       100 .0%   100 .0%   ---   %
Cost of products sold    73 .7  74 .3   .6
Selling, general and administrative expense    17 .0  14 .8  (2 .2)
Amortization of goodwill and intangible assets    1 .1  1 .1  --  

Operating earnings    8 .2  9 .8  (1 .6)
Interest expense    (5 .4)  (4 .9)  ( .5)
Investment income     .8   .3   .5

Earnings from continuing operations before  
  provision for income taxes    3 .6  5 .2  (1 .6)
Provision for income taxes    2 .2  2 .6   .4

Earnings from continuing operations    1 .4  2 .6  (1 .2)
Earnings (loss) from discontinued operations    (4 .1)   .6  (4 .7)
Extraordinary loss from debt retirement    ( .7)  --    ( .7)

Net earnings (loss)    (3 .4)%  3 .2%  (6 .6)%


Change in
      Nine Months Ended       First Nine Months 2001
September 29, September 30,   as Compared to 2000  
2001 2000 $ %
(Dollar amounts in thousands)
 
Net sales     $ 1,411 .1 $ 1,420 .3 $ (9 .2)   ( .6)%
Cost of products sold    1,043 .4  1,053 .3  9 .9   .9
Selling, general and administrative expense    229 .7  212 .7  (17 .0)  (8 .0)
Amortization of goodwill and intangible assets    17 .0  16 .8  ( .2)  (1 .2)

Operating earnings    121 .0  137 .5  (16 .5)  (12 .0)
Interest expense    (77 .5)  (73 .0)  (4 .5)  (6 .2)
Investment income    8 .3  5 .1  3 .2  62 .7

Earnings from continued operations before  
  provision for income taxes    51 .8  69 .6  (17 .8)  (25 .6)
Provision for income taxes    24 .8  32 .3  7 .5  23 .2

Earnings from continued operations    27 .0  37 .3  (10 .3)  (27 .6)
Earnings (loss) from discontinued operations    (22 .9)  1 .5  (24 .4)    (*)
Extraordinary loss from debt retirement    (3 .6)  --    (3 .6)   ---

Net earnings   $ .5 $ 38 .8 $ (38 .3)  (98 .7)%


 

(*) Not meaningful


Change in
Percentage of Net Sales Percentage
          Nine Months Ended            for the First
September 29, September 30, Nine Months 2001
2001
2000
as Compared to 2000
 
Net sales       100 .0%   100 .0%     ---%
Cost of products sold    73 .9  74 .1   .2
Selling, general and administrative expense    16 .3  15 .0  (1 .3)
Amortization of goodwill and intangible assets    1 .2  1 .2  --  

Operating earnings    8 .6  9 .7  (1 .1)
Interest expense    (5 .5)  (5 .2)  ( .3)
Investment income     .6   .4   .2

Earnings from continued operations before  
  provision for income taxes    3 .7  4 .9  (1 .2)
Provision for income taxes    1 .8  2 .3   .5

Earnings from continued operations    1 .9  2 .6  ( .7)
Earnings (loss) from discontinued operations    (1 .6)   .1  (1 .7)
Extraordinary loss from debt retirement    ( .3)  --    ( .3)

Net earnings    --    2 .7%  (2 .7)%


 

Net sales decreased approximately $7,100,000 or approximately 1.4% for the third quarter of 2001, as compared to the third quarter of 2000 (or decreased approximately $5,500,000 or approximately 1.1% excluding the effect of changes in foreign currency exchange rates) and decreased approximately $9,200,000 or approximately .6% for the first nine months of 2001 as compared to the first nine months of 2000 (or decreased approximately $1,900,000 or approximately .1% excluding the effect of changes in foreign currency exchange rates). The acquisition on July 3, 2000 of Eaton-Williams in the Air Conditioning and Heating Products Segment contributed approximately $24,100,000 to net sales in the first nine months of 2001 as compared to 2000. Excluding the effect of this acquisition, consolidated net sales decreased approximately $33,300,000 or approximately 2.3% for the first nine months of 2001 as compared to the first nine months of 2000. Sales levels in the first nine months were adversely affected by the general economic slowdown in the United States, a prolonged period of cold and wet weather which hampered building and remodeling activity in the first quarter of 2001, cooler than normal weather in the North American market during the late spring and prime summer selling months which reduced demand for residential air conditioning products, the worldwide slowdown in expenditures for telecommunications infrastructure equipment and the continuing general slowdown in the manufactured housing market. Additionally, the tragic events that occurred on September 11, 2001 caused a slowdown of incoming orders and order releases throughout the Company’s operations in September. In the Residential Building Products Segment, net sales decreased approximately $300,000 or .2% (or increased approximately $500,000 or approximately .3% excluding the effect of foreign currency exchange rates) and decreased approximately $14,200,000 or approximately 2.8% (approximately $9,200,000 or approximately 1.8% excluding the effect of foreign currency exchange rates), in the third quarter and first nine months of 2001 as compared to 2000, respectively. In the Windows, Doors and Siding Products Segment net sales increased approximately $2,000,000 or approximately 1.4% and decreased approximately $1,000,000 or approximately .3% in the third quarter and first nine months of 2001 as compared to 2000, respectively. The decline in net sales in the first nine months in the Windows, Doors and Siding Products Segment was principally due to lower sales volume of siding and related accessories and was partially offset by higher sales prices of siding and related products and increased sales prices of certain window product lines. Excluding the effect of the acquisition of Eaton-Williams, net sales decreased approximately $9,900,000, or approximately 5.6% and approximately $14,600,000, or approximately 3.0%, in the third quarter and first nine months of 2001 as compared to 2000, respectively, in the Air Conditioning and Heating Products Segment, principally as a result of the general economic slowdown, a continued decline in sales to customers serving the manufactured housing industry, in line with the overall softness being experienced in this industry and cooler than normal weather in the North American market during the late spring and prime summer selling months for residential air conditioning products, particularly in the third quarter. It is anticipated that the weakness in the manufactured housing industry will continue throughout 2001 and is expected to continue to have an adverse effect on this Segment’s sales as compared to 2000. The decrease in sales in the Air Conditioning and Heating Products Segment was partially offset by increased sales volume of products sold to customers serving certain commercial markets. The worldwide slowdown in expenditures for telecommunications infrastructure equipment and the overall general economic slowdown has adversely affected third quarter sales and incoming orders and order releases for commercial air conditioning and heating products.


 

Cost of products sold, as a percentage of net sales, decreased from approximately 74.3% in the third quarter of 2000 to approximately 73.7% in the third quarter of 2001, and from approximately 74.1% in the first nine months of 2000 to approximately 73.9% in the first nine months of 2001. The effect of the acquisition of Eaton-Williams, which has a higher cost of products sold as a percentage of net sales than the overall group of businesses owned prior to the acquisition, was to increase the consolidated percentages of cost of products sold as a percentage of net sales for the first nine months of 2001. Included in cost of products sold was approximately $600,000 in the third quarter of 2001 and $2,800,000 in the first nine months of 2001 of costs incurred in the start-up of a residential HVAC manufacturing facility and a vinyl fence and decking facility. Excluding the effect of the Eaton-Williams acquisition and the costs incurred in the start-up of facilities, cost of products sold as a percentage of net sales decreased from approximately 74.3% in the third quarter of 2000 to approximately 73.6% in the third quarter of 2001 and decreased from approximately 74.2% in the first nine months of 2000 to approximately 73.5% in the first nine months of 2001. These decreases in the percentages in the third quarter and first nine months of 2001 principally resulted from cost reduction measures, lower PVC resin costs, improved sales prices of vinyl siding and related products and increased sales prices of certain window product lines in the Windows, Doors and Siding Products Segment, and to a lesser extent, lower manufacturing costs (principally in the third quarter of 2001) in the Residential Building Products Segment, partially offset by the effect of higher cost levels of commercial HVAC products and lower sales volume of residential products to customers serving both the manufactured and site built housing markets without a proportionate decrease in costs in the Air Conditioning and Heating Products Segment and, to a lesser extent, lower sales volume (principally in the first half of 2001) in the Residential Building Products Segment, without a proportionate decrease in cost. The Company estimates that it has realized in the third quarter of 2001 approximately $2,000,000 of lower cost of sales related to the Company’s material procurement strategy as discussed in the next paragraph. This strategy is expected to result in between $3,000,000 and $5,000,000 in savings, before implementation costs, in 2001 and approximately $20,000,000 in annualized savings when fully implemented. Overall, changes in the cost of products sold as a percentage of net sales for one period as compared to another period may reflect a number of factors including changes in the relative mix of products sold, the effect of changes in sales prices, material costs and changes in productivity levels.


 

Selling, general and administrative expense as a percentage of net sales, increased from approximately 14.8% in the third quarter of 2000 to approximately 17.0% in the third quarter of 2001 and from approximately 15.0% in the first nine months of 2000 to approximately 16.3% in the first nine months of 2001. The effect of the acquisition of Eaton-Williams, which has a higher level of selling, general and administrative expense as a percentage of net sales than the overall group of businesses owned prior to the acquisition, was to contribute slightly to the increase in the consolidated percentages of selling, general and administrative expense to net sales. Selling, general and administrative expense in the first nine months of 2001 was reduced by approximately $3,200,000 related to a non-taxable gain from net death benefit insurance proceeds related to life insurance maintained on former managers recorded in the first half of 2001. Selling, general and administrative expense included approximately $4,200,000 in the third quarter of 2001 and approximately $6,300,000 in the first nine months of 2001 of consulting fees and expenses related to the Company’s material procurement strategy. Selling, general and administrative expense in the first nine months of 2000 was reduced by approximately $1,700,000 from the gain on the sale of land recorded in the first half of 2000. Excluding the effect of the Eaton-Williams acquisition, the net life insurance proceeds, costs related to the Company’s material procurement strategy and the gain on the sale of land in 2000, selling, general and administrative expense increased from approximately 14.8% in the third quarter of 2000 to approximately 16.1% in the third quarter of 2001 and increased from approximately 15.1% in the first nine months of 2000 to approximately 16.0% in the first nine months of 2001. These increases in the percentages are principally as a result of lower sales volume of siding and related products in the Windows, Doors and Siding Products Segment and lower sales volume of residential products to customers serving both the manufactured and site built housing markets in the Air Conditioning and Heating Products Segment without a proportionate decrease in expense in both segments.


 

Amortization of goodwill and intangible assets, as a percentage of net sales, remained unchanged at approximately 1.1% in the third quarter of 2000 and 2001 and at approximately 1.2% in the first nine months of 2000 and 2001.


 

Consolidated operating earnings decreased approximately $8,800,000 from approximately $48,500,000 in the third quarter of 2000 to approximately $39,700,000 in the third quarter of 2001 and approximately $16,500,000 from approximately $137,500,000 in the first nine months of 2000 to approximately $121,000,000 in the first nine months of 2001 as a result of the factors discussed above. The acquisition of Eaton-Williams on July 3, 2000 contributed approximately $1,000,000 for the first nine months of 2001 to the decrease in operating earnings in the Air Conditioning and Heating Products Segment.


 

Consolidated operating earnings have been reduced by depreciation and amortization expense (other than amortization of deferred debt expense and debt discount) of approximately $14,600,000 and $13,200,000 for the third quarter ended September 29, 2001 and September 30, 2000, respectively, and approximately $43,900,000 and $41,200,000 for the first nine months ended September 29, 2001 and September 30, 2000, respectively.


 

In the third quarter of 2001, operating earnings increased approximately $900,000 and $4,500,000 in the Residential Building Products Segment and the Windows, Doors and Siding Products Segment, respectively, and decreased approximately $12,400,000 in the Air Conditioning and Heating Products Segment as compared to the third quarter of 2000. In the first nine months of 2001 operating earnings decreased approximately $5,700,000 and $17,100,000 in the Residential Building Products Segment and the Air Conditioning and Heating Products Segment, respectively, and increased approximately $8,500,000 in the Windows, Doors and Siding Products Segment as compared to the first nine months of 2000. The increase in operating earnings in the Windows, Doors and Siding Products Segment in the third quarter and first nine months was principally due to an increase in earnings from vinyl siding and related products which benefited from reduced energy costs and price and cost improvements initiated earlier in the year. The increase in earnings in the Residential Building Products Segment in the third quarter was due to improved manufacturing efficiencies while the decrease in earnings in the first nine months in this segment was due principally to decreased sales volume during the first half of 2001. The decrease in operating earnings in the Air Conditioning and Heating Products Segment, was principally due to a decline in the sales level of residential products sold to customers serving both the manufactured and site built housing markets and, to a lesser extent, higher cost levels of certain commercial products and costs incurred in the start up of a residential HVAC manufacturing facility as noted above. The slowdown in the manufactured housing industry is expected to continue to adversely effect this Segment’s operating earnings during the balance of 2001 as compared to 2000.


 

Operating earnings of foreign operations, consisting primarily of the results of operations of the Company’s Canadian and European subsidiaries, were approximately 9.5% and 10.2% of operating earnings (before corporate overhead) in the third quarter of 2001 and 2000, respectively and approximately 6.6% and 7.2% of operating earnings (before corporate overhead) in the first nine months of 2001 and 2000, respectively. Sales and earnings derived from international markets are subject to the risks of currency fluctuations.


 

Interest expense in the third quarter of 2001 increased approximately $2,000,000 or approximately 8.2% as compared to the third quarter of 2000 and approximately $4,500,000 or approximately 6.2% in the first nine months of 2001 as compared to the first nine months of 2000, primarily as a result of duplicative interest expense of approximately $650,000 in the third quarter and approximately $1,750,000 in the first nine months of 2001 associated with the redemption of the Company’s 9 7/8% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2004. See Note J of the Notes to the Unaudited Financial Statements. The adoption of SFAS No. 133 in the first quarter of 2001 resulted in a non-cash increase in interest expense of approximately $525,000 in the third quarter of 2001 and approximately $1,400,000 in the first nine months of 2001 as compared to 2000 (see Note E of the Notes to the Unaudited Financial Statements). Also, higher average borrowings during the third quarter and first nine months ended September 29, 2001 also contributed to the increase in interest expense.


 

Investment income increased approximately $2,300,000 or approximately 127.8% and approximately $3,200,000 or approximately 62.7% in the third quarter and first nine months of 2001, respectively, as compared to the third quarter and first nine months of 2000, primarily as a result of approximately $1,700,000 of interest income resulting from the favorable abatement of state income taxes in the third quarter of 2001, additional interest income of approximately $200,000 and approximately $500,000, in the third quarter and first nine months of 2001, respectively, earned on the funds held in escrow for the redemption of the 9 7/8% Senior Subordinated Notes, due 2004 and higher average invested balances.


 

The provision for income taxes from continuing operations for the third quarter of 2001 was approximately $10,500,000, as compared to approximately $12,900,000 for the third quarter of 2000 and approximately $24,800,000 for the first nine months of 2001 compared to approximately $32,300,000 for the first nine months of 2000. The income tax rates differed from the United States Federal statutory rate of 35% principally as a result of non-deductible amortization expense (for tax purposes), non-taxable gain on life insurance policies (for tax purposes), state income tax provisions and the effect of foreign income tax on foreign source income.


 

The loss from discontinued operations was approximately $20,100,000 for the third quarter of 2001 as compared to earnings of approximately $2,700,000 for the third quarter of 2000, and a loss of approximately $22,900,000 for the first nine months of 2001 compared to earnings of approximately $1,500,000 for the first nine months of 2000. The loss in the third quarter and first nine months of 2001 included an after tax loss on the sale of discontinued operations of approximately $20,000,000, net of tax benefits of approximately $14,000,000. The table that follows presents a summary of the operating results of discontinued operations for the third quarter and first nine months ended September 29, 2001 and September 30, 2000. (See Notes D and M of the Notes to the Unaudited Financial Statements included elsewhere herein).


Three Months Ended
Nine Months Ended
Sept. 29, Sept. 30, Sept. 29, Sept. 30,
2001
2000
2001
2000
(Unaudited)
(Amounts in thousands)
 
Net sales     $ 83,200   $ 95,400   $ 225,600   $ 262,100  

 
Earnings (loss) before income taxes    (100 )  4,100    (4,400 )  2,300  
Income tax provision (benefit)    --    1,400    (1,500 )  800  

Earnings (loss) from discontinued operations    (100 )  2,700    (2,900 )  1,500  
Loss on sale of discontinued operations,      
  net of tax benefits of $14,000,000    (20,000 )  --    (20,000 )  --  

Earnings (loss) from discontinued  
  operations   $ (20,100 ) $ 2,700   $ (22,900 ) $ 1,500  

 
Depreciation and amortization expense   $ 1,315   $ 1,103   $ 3,529   $ 3,986  


 

On July 11, 2001, the Company redeemed $204,822,000 principal amount of the Company’s 9 7/8% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2004 (which notes were called for redemption on June 13, 2001), plus an approximate $2,900,000 redemption premium thereon. As a result of this redemption, the Company recorded an extraordinary loss of approximately $5,500,000 ($.32 per share, net of tax) in the third quarter of 2001. (See Note J of the Notes to the Unaudited Financial Statements included elsewhere herein).


 

In July 2001, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued SFAS No. 141, “Business Combinations” (“SFAS No. 141”). SFAS No. 141 requires all business combinations initiated after June 30, 2001 to be accounted for using the purchase method. This statement is effective for all business combinations initiated after June 30, 2001.


 

In July 2001, the FASB issued SFAS No. 142, “Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets” (“SFAS No. 142”). SFAS No. 142 applies to goodwill and intangible assets acquired after June 30, 2001, as well as previously acquired goodwill and intangible assets. Under SFAS No. 142 goodwill, as well as certain other intangible assets, determined to have an infinite life will no longer be amortized, instead these assets will be reviewed for impairment on a periodic basis. SFAS No. 142 is effective beginning January 1, 2002. Management is evaluating the impact that this statement will have on the Company’s consolidated financial statements. Goodwill amortization was approximately $4,000,000 and $12,300,000 in the third quarter and first nine months of 2001, respectively, and was approximately $4,200,000 and $12,300,000 in the third quarter and first nine months of 2000, respectively, as determined under accounting principles generally accepted in the United States currently in effect.


 

In July 2001, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 143 (SFAS No. 143), “Accounting for Asset Retirement Obligations”. SFAS No. 143 addresses financial accounting and reporting for obligations associated with the retirement of tangible long-lived assets and the associated asset retirement costs. SFAS No. 143 requires that the fair value of a liability for an asset retirement obligation be recognized in the period in which it is incurred if a reasonable estimate of fair value can be made. The associated asset retirement costs are capitalized as part of the carrying amount of the long-lived asset. SFAS No. 143 is effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after June 15, 2002 with early adoption permitted. Management is currently assessing the impact of SFAS No. 143 and has not yet determined the impact, if any, on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.


 

Comprehensive loss, included in stockholders’ investment, was $30,938,000 and $16,931,000 for the third quarter and first nine months of 2001, respectively. Included in the loss for the third quarter and first nine months of 2001 was a loss of approximately $14,682,000 (net of tax benefits of $7,900,000) principally as a result of actuarial losses due to market declines in plan assets of certain of the Company’s employee retirement benefit plans. (See Note F to the Unaudited Financial Statements and the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Stockholders’ Investment, included elsewhere herein.)


Liquidity and Capital Resources

 

During 2001, the Company improved its liquidity. In June 2001, the Company sold $250,000,000 principal amount of its 9 7/8% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2011 (“9 7/8% Notes”) at a slight discount. Net proceeds from the sale of the 9 7/8% Notes, after deducting underwriting commissions and expenses amounted to approximately $241,800,000. A portion of such proceeds, approximately $215,000,000 was held in escrow and was used to redeem on July 11, 2001, $204,822,000 principal amount of the Company’s 9 7/8% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2004 (the “Redeemed Notes”), and pay approximately $2,900,000 and $7,400,000 of redemption premium and accrued interest, respectively. In September 2001, the Company sold SNE and Peachtree for approximately $45,000,000 and used a portion of the cash proceeds to pay down approximately $20,500,000 of outstanding debt under the Company’s Ply Gem Credit facility. The remaining balance of approximately $53,424,000 due on August 26, 2002, under the Ply Gem Credit facility, has been included as a current liability in current maturities of long-term debt in the Company’s accompanying Unaudited Financial Statements at September 29, 2001. (See Note J and M of the Notes to the Unaudited Financial Statements included elsewhere herein.)


 

The Company is highly leveraged and expects to continue to be highly leveraged for the foreseeable future. The Company had consolidated debt at September 29, 2001, of approximately $1,056,749,000 consisting of (i) $65,330,000 of short-term borrowings and current maturities of long-term debt, (ii) $52,086,000 of notes, mortgage notes and other indebtedness, (iii) $209,418,000 of the 8 7/8% Senior Notes due 2008 (“8 7/8% Notes”), (iv) $308,258,000 of the 9 1/8% Senior Notes due 2007 (“9 1/8% Notes”), (v) $174,335,000 of the 9 1/4% Senior Notes due 2007 (“9 1/4% Notes”) and (vi) $247,322,000 of the 9 7/8% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2011 (“9 7/8% Notes”).


 

At September 29, 2001, the Company had consolidated unrestricted cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities of approximately $189,583,000 as compared to approximately $138,971,000 at December 31, 2000. The Company’s debt to equity ratio was approximately 4.0:1 at September 29, 2001 as compared to approximately 3.7:1 at December 31, 2000. The change in the ratio was primarily due to an increase in indebtedness and a decrease in stockholders’investment relating to an increase in comprehensive loss as a result of actuarial losses of certain of the Company’s employee retirement benefit plans and decreases in changes in the currency translation adjustment. (See Note F of the Notes to the Unaudited Financial Statements included elsewhere herein.).


 

The Company’s ability to pay interest on or to refinance its indebtedness depends on the Company’s future performance, which, is subject to general economic, financial, competitive, legislative, regulatory and other factors beyond its control. There can be no assurance that the Company will generate sufficient cash flow from the operation of its subsidiaries or that future financings will be available on acceptable terms or in amounts sufficient to enable the Company to service or refinance its indebtedness, or to make necessary capital expenditures.


 

The Company has evaluated and expects to continue to evaluate possible acquisition transactions and possible dispositions of certain of its businesses on an ongoing basis and at any given time may be engaged in discussions or negotiations with respect to possible acquisitions or dispositions.


 

The indentures and other agreements governing the Company and its subsidiaries’ indebtedness (including the indentures for the 8 7/8% Notes, the 9 1/8% Notes, the 9 1/4% Notes and the 9 7/8% Notes and a credit agreement for the Ply Gem credit facility) contain restrictive financial and operating covenants including covenants that restrict the ability of the Company and its subsidiaries to complete acquisitions, pay dividends, incur indebtedness, make investments, sell assets and take certain other corporate actions.


 

The Company expects to meet its cash flow requirements through fiscal 2001 from cash generated from operations, existing cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities, and financings, which may include securitization of accounts receivable and mortgage, capital lease or other financings.


 

Unrestricted cash and cash equivalents decreased from approximately $130,929,000 at December 31, 2000 to approximately $79,462,000 at September 29, 2001. Marketable securities available for sale increased from approximately $8,042,000 at December 31, 2000 to approximately $110,121,000 at September 29, 2001. The Company’s investment in marketable securities at September 29, 2001 consisted of commercial paper. The Company has classified as restricted, in the accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheet, certain investments and marketable securities that are not fully available for use in its operations. At September 29, 2001, approximately $63,369,000 (of which approximately $7,365,000 is included in current assets) of the Company’s cash, investments and marketable securities are held in pension trusts or have been pledged as collateral for employee retirement benefit plans, insurance and other requirements.


 

Capital expenditures were approximately $33,364,000 in the first nine months of 2001 compared to approximately $18,557,000 in the first nine months of 2000. Capital expenditures were approximately $38,072,000 (including capital leases of approximately $5,701,000), for the year ended December 31, 2000 and are expected to range between approximately $45,000,000 and $50,000,000 in 2001.


 

The Company’s Board of Directors has authorized a number of programs to purchase shares of the Company’s Common and Special Common Stock. The most recent of these programs was announced on May 4, 2000, and allows the Company to purchase up to 1,000,000 shares of the Company’s Common and Special Common Stock in open market or negotiated transactions, subject to market conditions, cash availability and provisions of the Company’s outstanding debt instruments. As of November 2, 2001, the Company has purchased approximately 461,000 shares of its Common and Special Common Stock under this program for approximately $9,200,000 and accounted for such share purchases as treasury stock.


 

At November 2, 2001, approximately $116,200,000 was available for the payment of cash dividends, stock purchases or other restricted payments as defined under the terms of the Company’s most restrictive Indenture. (See Note I of the Notes to the Unaudited Financial Statements included elsewhere herein.)


 

The Company’s working capital and current ratio decreased from approximately $412,150,000 and 2.2:1, respectively, at December 31, 2000 to approximately $378,634,000 and 2.1:1, respectively, at September 29, 2001. Changes in the components of working capital are impacted by the seasonal nature of demand for the Company’s products. (See Inflation, Trends and General Considerations included elsewhere herein.)


 

Accounts receivable increased approximately $30,163,000 or approximately 13.4%, between December 31, 2000 and September 29, 2001, while net sales increased approximately $54,700,000 or approximately 12.6% in the third quarter of 2001 as compared to the fourth quarter of 2000. The rate of change in accounts receivable in certain periods may be different than the rate of change in sales in such periods principally due to the timing of net sales. Increases or decreases in net sales near the end of any period generally result in significant changes in the amount of accounts receivable on the date of the balance sheet at the end of such period, as was the situation on September 29, 2001 as compared to December 31, 2000. The Company has not experienced any significant overall adverse changes in credit terms, collection efforts, credit utilization or delinquency in accounts receivable in 2001.


 

Inventories increased approximately $413,000 or approximately .2%, between December 31, 2000 and September 29, 2001.


 

Accounts payable decreased approximately $5,140,000 or approximately 3.8%, between December 31, 2000 and September 29, 2001.


 

Unrestricted cash and cash equivalents decreased approximately $51,467,000 from December 31, 2000 to September 29, 2001, principally as a result of the following:


Condensed
Consolidated
Cash Flows*
 
Operating Activities--        
   Cash flow from operations, net   $ 88,507,000  
   Increase in accounts receivable, net    (32,228,000 )
   Increase in inventories    (21,000 )
   Increase in prepaids and other current assets    (1,829,000 )
   Increase in net assets of discontinued operations    (5,503,000 )
   Decrease in accounts payable    (3,999,000 )
   Increase in accrued expenses and taxes    11,311,000  
Investing Activities---  
   Net cash received from the sale of discontinued operations    41,250,000  
   Purchase of marketable securities, net    (102,079,000 )
   Capital expenditures    (33,364,000 )
   Increase in restricted cash and investments    (20,272,000 )
Financing Activities---  
   Sale of 9 7/8% Senior Notes due 2011    241,800,000  
   Redemption of 9 7/8% Senior Notes due 2004    (207,700,000 )
   Payment of borrowings, net    (27,925,000 )
    Exercise of stock options    1,093,000  
   Other, net    (508,000 )
 
    $ (51,467,000 )
 

 

(*)Prepared from the Company’s Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows for the nine months ended September 29, 2001. (See Nortek, Inc. and Subsidiaries Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements included elsewhere herein.)


 

The impact of changes in foreign currency exchange rates on cash was not material and has been included in other, net.


Inflation, Trends and General Considerations
 

The Company has evaluated and expects to continue to evaluate possible acquisition transactions and the possible dispositions of certain of its businesses on an ongoing basis and at any given time may be engaged in discussions or negotiations with respect to possible acquisitions or dispositions.


 

The demand for the Company’s products is seasonal, particularly in the Northeast and Midwest regions of the United States where inclement weather during the winter months usually reduces the level of building and remodeling activity in both the home improvement and new construction markets. The Company’s lower sales levels usually occur during the first and fourth quarters. Since a high percentage of the Company’s manufacturing overhead and operating expenses are relatively fixed throughout the year, operating income and net earnings tend to be lower in quarters with lower sales levels. In addition, the demand for cash to fund the working capital of the Company’s subsidiaries is greater from late in the first quarter until early in the fourth quarter.


Market Risk
 

As discussed more specifically below, the Company is exposed to market risks related to changes in interest rates, foreign currencies and commodity pricing. The Company does not use derivative financial instruments, except on a limited basis, to hedge certain economic exposures. The Company does not enter into derivative financial instruments or other financial instruments for trading purposes.


 

There have been no significant changes in market risk from the December 31, 2000 disclosures included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K.


A. Interest Rate Risk
 

The Company is exposed to market risk from changes in interest rates primarily through its investing and borrowing activities. In addition, the Company’s ability to finance future acquisition transactions may be impacted if the Company is unable to obtain appropriate financing at acceptable interest rates.


 

The Company’s investing strategy to manage interest rate exposure, is to invest in short-term, highly liquid investments and marketable securities. Short-term investments primarily consist of money market accounts and corporate commercial paper with original maturities of 90 days or less.


 

The Company manages its borrowing exposure to changes in interest rates by optimizing the use of fixed rate debt with extended maturities. In addition, the Company has set a substantial portion of its variable rate debt by entering into an interest rate collar transaction to lock in the interest rate between a floor of 5.76% and a cap of 7%.


B. Foreign Currency Risk
 

The Company’s results of operations are affected by fluctuations in the value of the U.S. dollar as compared to the value of currencies in foreign markets primarily related to changes in the Italian Lira, British Pound and the Canadian Dollar. For the first nine months of 2001, the net impact of foreign currency changes related to transactions was not material to the Company’s financial condition or results of operations. The impact of foreign currency changes related to translation resulted in a decrease in stockholders’ investment of approximately $229,000 in the third quarter of 2001 and a decrease in stockholders’ investment of approximately $3,535,000 in the first nine months of 2001. The Company manages its exposure to foreign currency exchange risk principally by trying to minimize the Company’s net investment in foreign assets through the use of strategic short and long-term borrowings at the foreign subsidiary level. The Company generally does not enter into derivative financial instruments to manage foreign currency exposure. At September 29, 2001 the Company did not have any outstanding foreign currency hedging contracts.


C. Commodity Pricing Risk
 

The Company is subject to significant market risk with respect to the pricing of its principal raw materials, which include, among others, steel, copper, packaging material, plastics, resins, glass, wood and aluminum. If prices of these raw materials were to increase dramatically, the Company may not be able to pass such increases on to its customers and, as a result, gross margins could decline significantly. The Company manages its exposure to commodity pricing risk by continuing to diversify its product mix, strategic buying programs and vendor partnering.


 

The Company generally does not enter into derivative financial instruments to manage commodity-pricing exposure. At September 29, 2001, the Company did not have any outstanding commodity forward contracts.


Forward-Looking Statements
 

This document contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. When used in this discussion and throughout this document, words, such as “intends,” “plans,” “estimates,” “believes,” “anticipates” and “expects” or similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. These statements are based on the Company’s current plans and expectations and involve risks and uncertainties, over which the Company has no control, that could cause actual future activities and results of operations to be materially different from those set forth in the forward-looking statements. Important factors that could cause actual future activities and operating results to differ include the availability and cost of certain raw materials, (including, among others, steel, copper, packaging materials, plastics resins, glass and aluminum) and purchased components, the level of domestic and foreign construction and remodeling activity affecting residential and commercial markets, interest rates, employment, inflation, currency translation, consumer spending levels, operating in international economies, the rate of sales growth, price, and product and warranty liability claims. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements which speak only as of the date hereof. The Company undertakes no obligation to update publicly any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. All subsequent written and oral forward-looking statements attributable to the Company or persons acting on its behalf are expressly qualified in their entirety by these cautionary statements. Readers are also urged to carefully review and consider the various disclosures made by the Company, in this document, as well as the Company’s periodic reports on Forms 10-K, 10-Q and 8-K, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.


PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

Item 6. Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K
 
(a) Exhibits
 
10.1 Fourth Amendment dated July 18, 2001 to the Nortek, Inc.
Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan effective as of January
1, 1996 (filed herewith).
 
(b) Reports on Form 8-K.
 
No reports on Form 8-K were filed during
period.



SIGNATURE
 
 
 
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.
 
 
    NORTEK, INC.
    (Registrant)
 
 
 
 
 
 
    /s/ Almon C. Hall                    
    Almon C. Hall, Vice President and
    Controller and Chief Accounting Officer
 
 
 
 
 
 
November 13, 2001    
(Date)