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UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549

________________

FORM 10-K

 

☒

ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023

 

OR

☐

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

 For the transition period from ___________________ to ___________________

 

Commission File Number 001-33582

 

THE SHYFT GROUP, INC.
(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)

Michigan
(State or Other Jurisdiction of
Incorporation or Organization)

 

38-2078923
(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)

   

41280 Bridge Street

Novi, Michigan
(Address of Principal Executive Offices)

 


48375
(Zip Code)

 

Registrant’s Telephone Number, Including Area Code: (517) 543-6400

 

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Securities Exchange Act:

 

Title of Each Class
Common Stock

Trading Symbol(s)

SHYF

Name of Each Exchange on which Registered
The NASDAQ Stock Market LLC

 

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Securities Exchange Act: None

 

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act.

 

Yes

☐

 

No

☒

 

 

 

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act.

 

Yes

☐

 

No

☒

 

 

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

☒

 

No

☐

 

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§ 232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files). 

 

Yes

☒

 

No

☐

 

 

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

 

Large accelerated filer

☒

 

Accelerated filer

☐ 

Non-accelerated filer

☐

 

Smaller reporting company

☐

 

Emerging growth company

☐

 

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act.     ☐

 

 
 

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has filed a report on and attestation to its management’s assessment of the effectiveness of its internal control over financial reporting under Section 404(b) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act (15 U.S.C. 7262(b)) by the registered public accounting firm that prepared or issued its audit report.   ☒

 

If securities are registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act, indicate by check mark whether the financial statements of the registrant included in the filing reflect the correction of an error to previously issued financial statements.   ☐

 

Indicate by check mark whether any of those error corrections are restatements that required a recovery analysis of incentive-based compensation received by any of the registrant’s executive officers during the relevant recovery period pursuant to §240.10D-1(b).   ☐

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).

 

Yes

☐

 

No

☒

 

 

The aggregate market value of the registrant’s common stock held by non-affiliates of the registrant, based on the last sales price of such stock on NASDAQ Global Select Market on June 30, 2023, the last business day of the registrant’s most recently completed second fiscal quarter: $754,096,182

 

The number of shares outstanding of the registrant’s Common Stock as of February 16, 2024: 34,314,252 shares

 

Documents Incorporated by Reference

 

Portions of the definitive proxy statement for the registrant’s May 15, 2024 annual meeting of shareholders, to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission no later than 120 days after December 31, 2023 are incorporated by reference in Part III.

 

 
 
 

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

 

This Form 10-K contains some statements that are not historical facts. These statements are called “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. These statements involve important known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors and generally can be identified by phrases using “estimate,” “anticipate,” “believe,” “project,” “expect,” “intend,” “predict,” “potential,” “future,” “may,” “will,” “should” or similar expressions or words. The Shyft Group, Inc.'s (the “Company,” “we,” “us” or “our”) future results, performance or achievements may differ materially from the results, performance or achievements discussed in the forward-looking statements. These statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve certain risks, uncertainties and assumptions (“Risk Factors”) that are difficult to predict with regard to timing, extent, likelihood and degree of occurrence. Therefore, actual results and outcomes may materially differ from what may be expressed or forecasted in such forward-looking statements.

 

Risk Factors include the risk factors listed and more fully described in Item 1A below, “Risk Factors,” as well as risk factors that we have discussed in previous public reports and other documents filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The list in Item 1A below includes the primary risks our management believes could materially affect the potential results described by forward-looking statements contained in this Form 10-K. However, these risks may not be the only risks we face. Our business, operations and financial performance could also be affected by additional factors that are not presently known to us or that we currently consider to be immaterial to our operations. In addition, new Risk Factors may emerge from time to time that may cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statements. Given these risks and uncertainties, although we believe that the forward-looking statements contained in this Form 10-K are reasonable, we cannot provide you with any guarantee that the results described in those forward-looking statements will be achieved. All forward-looking statements in this Form 10-K are expressly qualified in their entirety by the cautionary statements contained in this section, and investors should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements as a prediction of actual results. The Company undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements to reflect developments or information obtained after the date this Form 10-K is filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

 

Trademarks and Service Marks


We own or have rights to trademarks, service marks or trade names that we use in connection with the operation of our business. Solely for convenience, some of the copyrights, trademarks, service marks and trade names referred to in this Annual Report on Form 10-K are listed without the ©, ® and ™ symbols, but we will assert, to the fullest extent under applicable law, our rights to our copyrights, trademarks, service marks, trade names and domain names. The trademarks, service marks and trade names of other companies appearing in this Annual Report on Form 10-K are, to our knowledge, the property of their respective owners.

 

 

2
 

  

PART I

Item 1.

Business.

 

General

 

As used herein, the term “Company”, “we”, “us” or “our” refers to The Shyft Group, Inc. and its subsidiaries unless designated or identified otherwise.

 

We are a niche market leader in specialty vehicle manufacturing and assembly for the commercial vehicle (including last-mile delivery, specialty service and vocation-specific upfit segments) and recreational vehicle industries. Our products include walk-in vans, truck bodies, and cargo van and pick-up truck upfits used in e-commerce/parcel delivery, upfit equipment used in the mobile retail and utility trades, as well as luxury Class A diesel motorhome custom chassis and contract manufacturing and assembly services. We also supply replacement parts and offer repair, maintenance, field service and refurbishment services for the vehicles that we manufacture. Our operating activities are conducted through our wholly-owned operating subsidiary, The Shyft Group USA, Inc., with locations in Novi, Charlotte, Plymouth and Wixom, Michigan; Bristol, Indiana; Waterville, Maine; Landisville, Pennsylvania; Pompano Beach and West Palm Beach, Florida; Kansas City, Missouri; Carson and McClellan Park, California; Mesa, Arizona; Dallas and Weatherford, Texas; Lebanon; Tennessee; and Saltillo, Mexico.

 

Our vehicles, parts and services are sold to commercial users, original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), dealers, individual end users, and municipalities and other governmental entities. Our diversification across several sectors provides numerous opportunities while reducing overall risk as the various markets we serve tend to have different cyclicality. We have an innovative team focused on building lasting relationships with our customers by designing and delivering market leading specialty vehicles, vehicle components and services. Additionally, our business structure provides agility to quickly respond to market needs, take advantage of strategic opportunities when they arise and correctly size and scale operations to ensure stability and growth.

 

Performance Overview

 

Unless noted otherwise, the data in this Form 10-K reflects our continuing operations and, therefore, excludes the performance of our previously divested Emergency Response Vehicles (“ERV”) business. Over the past five years our sales have increased by $115.7 million, a compound annual growth rate ("CAGR") of 3.6%, while income from continuing operations has declined by $30.3 million, a CAGR of (35.2%), and Adjusted EBITDA has declined by $24.0 million, a CAGR of (11.1%). Please see the reconciliation of income from continuing operations to Adjusted EBITDA near the end of Item 1 of this Form 10-K.

 
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3
 

 

Our Segments

 

We identify our reportable segments based on our management structure and the financial data utilized by our chief operating decision maker to assess segment performance and allocate resources among our operating units. We have two reportable segments: Fleet Vehicles and Services (“FVS”) and Specialty Vehicles (“SV”). Sales by segment are as follows:

 

sales21.jpg
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 salespie23.jpg

 

Fleet Vehicles and Services Segment


We manufacture commercial vehicles used in the e-commerce/last mile/parcel delivery, beverage and grocery delivery, laundry and linen, mobile retail, and trades and construction industries. Our commercial vehicles are marketed under the Utilimaster brand name, which serves a diverse customer base and sells aftermarket parts and accessories for walk-in vans and other delivery vehicles. We also provide vocation-specific equipment upfit services, through our manufacturing operations. Our Fleet Vehicles and Services segment employed approximately 1,500 employees and 300 contractors as of December 31, 2023.

 

We offer fleet vehicles in Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (“GVWR”) Class 1 through Class 7, the largest range of product offerings amongst our competitors.

 

Cargo Van Upfit “Velocity” Traditional Walk-in-Van Truck Body
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Class 1 & 2 Class 2 & 3 Class 4 & 5 Class 6 & 7

 

Innovation

 

Our Solution Experts employ a customer-centric approach by working with customers through a process of listening and learning, needs assessment, and design innovation through building and implementing solutions designed with our customers and their end customers in mind. Innovations implemented by our Solution Experts include efficiency improvements and cost saving solutions for the service segment, utility industry, food and beverage delivery, and mobile retail industry, such as safe loading equipment, keyless entry and cargo access systems, backup camera systems, and refrigeration solutions. Our teams can deliver product customization ranging from out-of-the-box to 100% custom solutions, based on customer needs and business requirements. 

 

4
 

 

Products

 

traditionalwiv.jpg

Walk-in Vans

Assembled on a de-contented or “stripped” truck chassis supplied with engine and drive train components, our walk-in vans are used across a variety of vocations for multiple delivery and mobile service options. The vehicles feature a durable and lightweight aluminum body with a highly modularized cargo area, featuring extensive driver ergonomics options and a low step-in height for easy entry and egress.

 

 
truckbodyv2.jpg

Truck Bodies

Utilimaster dry van truck bodies are the industry standard for heavy-duty commercial delivery and are installed on chassis from a variety of manufacturers, which are supplied with a finished cab. They feature a highly customizable cargo area for maximum versatility and are manufactured with anti-rust galvanized steel, Utiliplate, and aluminum component parts. Available with cargo lengths from 10 to 28 feet and interior heights ranging from 72 to 108 inches.

 

 
cutawayv2.jpg

Cutaway

Utilimaster cutaway truck bodies are the industry standard for medium-duty commercial delivery and are installed on chassis from a variety of manufacturers that are supplied with a finished cab. The highly configurable design can be configured with a set-back walk-through bulkhead allowing access to the cargo area from the cab. Available with cargo lengths from 10 to 18 feet and interior heights ranging from 72 to 90 inches.

 

 
velocityv2.jpg

Velocity®

A nimble, fuel efficient, and ergonomically designed walk-in van lineup built on commercial cargo van chassis across OEMs is designed to combine the cargo capacity of a traditional walk-in-van with the drivability of a smaller format vehicle. The Velocity lineup makes large product/package deliveries easy, with lower entry/egress height and 3-point grab rails at side and rear doors. Economical to operate, the Velocity features lower operating costs than that of a traditional walk-in van.

 

 
cargovanupfitbackv2.jpg

Specialty Upfit

We install specialty interior and exterior upfit equipment for walk-in vans, truck bodies, cargo vans, and light duty pick-up trucks for added safety, cargo handling efficiency, and vocational functionality.
   
utilimaster_acchairsmallv2.jpg

Parts and Accessories

We provide a full line of parts and accessories for our walk-in vans and truck bodies. We are solution focused and design and integrate a full line of parts and accessories to meet customer needs.

 

5
 

 

Marketing

 

We market our commercial vehicles, including walk-in vans, cutaway vans, and truck bodies, under the Aeromaster®, Velocity, Trademaster®, and Utilivan® product brand names. We sell our fleet vehicles to leasing companies, national and fleet accounts (national accounts typically have 1,000+ vehicle fleets and fleet accounts typically have 100+ vehicle fleets), and through a network of independent truck dealers in the U.S. and Canada. We also market our truck bodies direct to retail customers in select markets. We provide aftermarket support, including parts sales and field services, to all of our fleet vehicle customers through our Customer Service Department located in Bristol, Indiana.

 

Manufacturing

 

We employ lean manufacturing and continuous improvement in all of our fleet vehicle facilities in order to maximize efficiency and reduce costs. Our facilities are aligned with our commercial and OEM customers for the installation of upfit equipment. Our walk-in vans and truck bodies are manufactured on non-automated assembly lines utilizing a combination of high-skilled tradespeople and assemblers. Our upfit facilities utilize teams of workers requiring minimal capital investment for efficient and timely installation of a variety of equipment for various vocations.

 

Specialty Vehicles Segment

 

Our Specialty Vehicles segment includes a portfolio of business that provides service bodies, RV chassis, vocational upfit and contract manufacturing products and services. We manufacture and assemble truck bodies for a variety of trades and vocations. Our specialty vehicle products are manufactured to customer specifications upon receipt of confirmed purchase orders. As a specialty chassis and vehicle manufacturer, we believe we hold a unique position for continued growth due to the high quality and performance of our products, our proactive engineering, manufacturing expertise and flexibility, and the scalability of our operations. Our specialty vehicle products are generally sold through original equipment manufacturers in the case of chassis and vehicles and to dealers, distributors or directly to consumers for service bodies and aftermarket parts and accessories. The Specialty Vehicles segment employed approximately 1,000 employees and less than 100 contractors as of December 31, 2023.

 

Innovation

 

At trade shows and motorhome rallies, we engage with a diverse group of motorhome owners to understand their needs and ensure our motorhome and specialty chassis incorporate the latest technology and highest quality. Our innovations include new lines of Magnum truck accessories including a cross-body toolbox and ladder rack as well as a new steel XP service body that is precision engineered to eliminate water, salt and chemical traps and features a proprietary high-endurance coating system for a glossy and durable finish to seal out weather and wear. We strategically sell our aftermarket truck products to enthusiasts, dealerships and distributors. We continue to expand our product portfolio and execute innovations in that segment.

 

Products

 

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Service Bodies

We manufacture and assemble truck bodies for a variety of trades and vocations. Those body configurations include utility bodies, stake bodies, contractor bodies, dump/landscape bodies and vocational dry freight bodies under the Royal Truck Body and DuraMag brand names.

 

6
 

 

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Motorhome Chassis

We custom manufacture diesel chassis for luxury Class A motorhome to the individual specifications of our motorhome OEM customers under the Spartan RV Chassis brand name. These specifications vary based on specific interior and exterior design specifications, gross vehicle weight, horsepower, and electrical needs of the motorhome bodies to be attached to our chassis. Our motorhome chassis feature diesel engines of 360 to 605 horsepower and are used in motorhomes ranging from 34 to 45 feet.
   
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Contract Manufacturing

We provide final assembly services for Isuzu N-gas and F-series chassis for the North American market under the Builtmore Contract Manufacturing brand name. These class 3 and class 5 chassis are utilized in a variety of final configurations for light duty freight hauling and industrial uses. We have an efficient, flexible and a highly skilled team of assembly workers and management, which, along with a dedication to lean manufacturing and continuous improvement, allow us to deliver superior quality and value in contract manufacturing.
   
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Specialty Upfit

We design and install custom lighting and upfit solutions to meet the unique needs of certain fleet industries including a range of specialty industries such as law enforcement, municipalities, security companies, and providers of utility services. We provide durable, reliable, and high-quality product installations for any vehicle requiring specialty exterior and interior accessory upfits.
   
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Parts and Accessories

We provide truck accessories under our Magnum brand and provide a full line of parts and accessories as well as maintenance and repair services for our motorhome and specialty chassis.

 

Marketing

 

We sell our service bodies through a commercial dealer network and through OEM pools, and we actively participate in a variety of regional and national trade shows that promote our products. We sell our Class A diesel motorhome chassis to OEMs for use in the manufacturing of luxury motorhomes. We actively participate in a variety of trade shows and motorhome rallies that promote our products and Red Diamond aftermarket solutions in addition to providing an opportunity to communicate with our end customers to showcase our latest innovations and identify needs and opportunities for continuous improvement of our chassis. We also provide vocation-specific equipment upfit services, which are marketed and sold under the Strobes-R-Us brand. We are expanding the marketing of Magnum accessories beyond work trucks to include outdoor enthusiasts and truck owners.

 

Manufacturing

 

Our motorhome chassis, service body, and specialty manufacturing operations employ lean manufacturing, and continuous improvement to bring efficiency and cost reduction throughout our Specialty Vehicles segment. We engineer, manufacture, and assemble Spartan RV chassis, as well as other specialty vehicles on non-automated assembly lines. We assemble both the Isuzu N-gas and F-series chassis on high-volume assembly lines that utilize a variety of state-of-the-art automation and testing equipment. Our upfit facilities utilize teams of workers requiring minimal capital investment for efficient and timely installation of a variety of equipment.

 

Competition

 

The principal methods we use to build competitive advantages include custom design capability, high product quality, superior customer service and quick delivery. We employ a solutions-based approach to offer specialized products tailored to customer needs across the spectrum of our products. We compete with companies that manufacture for similar markets, including some divisions of large diversified organizations that have total sales and financial resources exceeding ours. Our competition in the fleet vehicle market ranges from one large manufacturer in the walk-in van market to a number of smaller manufacturers in the truck body and equipment upfit markets. Our competitors in the specialty vehicle market are principally large multi-product line manufacturers of specialty and heavy-duty vehicles. In addition to established mature competitors, we also face competition from new market entrants including technology companies.

 

7
 

 

Suppliers

 

We are dedicated to establishing long-term and mutually beneficial relationships with our suppliers. Through these relationships, we benefit from new innovations, higher quality, reduced lead times, smoother/faster manufacturing ramp-up of new vehicle introductions and lower total costs of doing business. Our accelerating growth and company-wide supply chain management initiatives allow us to benefit from economies of scale and maximize focus on a common vision.

 

The single largest commodity directly utilized in production is aluminum, which we purchase under purchase agreements based on forecasted production requirements. To a lesser extent we are dependent upon suppliers of lumber, fiberglass and steel for our manufacturing. We have initiated long-term supplier agreements and are consolidating suppliers where beneficial to gain pricing advantages, good quality and delivery. There are several readily available sources for the majority of these raw materials. However, we are heavily dependent on specific component part products from a few single source vendors. We maintain a qualification, on-site inspection, assistance, and performance measurement system to control risks associated with reliance on suppliers. We normally do not carry inventories of such raw materials or components in excess of those reasonably required to meet production and shipping schedules. Material and component cost increases are passed on to our customers whenever possible. There can be no assurance that there will not be any supply issues over the long-term. 

 

In the assembly of certain of our vehicles, we use chassis supplied by third parties, and we generally do not purchase these chassis for inventory. For this market, we typically accept shipment of truck chassis owned by dealers or end users, for the purpose of installing and/or manufacturing our specialized commercial vehicles on such chassis, but from time to time we do purchase chassis for use in fulfilling certain customer orders.

 

Research and Development

 

Our success depends on our ability to innovate and add new products and features ahead of changing market demands and new regulatory requirements. Thus, we emphasize research and development and commit significant resources to develop and adapt new products and production techniques. Our engineering group's goal throughout the company: to deliver world class products and manufacturing processes regardless of product line or location. Results are accomplished with the appropriate blend of predictive analysis and physical property testing in our Research and Development facilities along with ride-and-drive analysis. Our efforts range from executing special orders for current production; to new production development for new functionality and product improvements; to exciting technologies that are new to the markets we serve, like vehicle electrification. Our engineering actions are driven by our firm commitment to safety, quality, delivery, and productivity. We spent $25.2 million, $25.3 million, and $8.5 million on research and development in 2023, 2022, and 2021, respectively.

 

Shyft’s Blue Arc™ EV Solutions brought forward an all-electric purpose-built Class 3, 4, and 5 chassis platform built from the ground up and designed to serve a wide array of medium-duty truck markets, from last mile parcel delivery fleets to work trucks, passenger busses, recreational vehicles, and more. The EV-powered chassis will feature customizable length and wheelbase, making it well-suited for a variety of vehicle types. The chassis’ modular design can accommodate multiple GVWR classifications, based on build out and usage.

 

Product Warranties

 

We provide limited warranties against assembly and construction defects. These warranties generally provide for the replacement or repair of defective parts or workmanship for specified periods, ranging from one year to twenty years, following the date of sale. With the use of validation testing, predictive analysis tools and engineering and design standards, we strive to continuously improve product quality and durability, and reduce our exposure to warranty claims. The end users also may receive limited warranties from suppliers of components that are incorporated into our chassis and vehicles. For more information concerning our product warranties, see “Note 9 – Commitments and Contingent Liabilities” of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 appearing in this Form 10-K.

 

8
 

 

Patents, Trademarks and Licenses

 

We have 23 United States patents, which include rights to the design and structure of chassis and certain peripheral equipment, and we have 23 United States, Canada, and Patent Cooperation Treaty pending patent applications. The existing patents will expire on various dates from 2025 through 2042 and utility patents are subject to payment of required maintenance fees. We also own or license 73 federal and international trademark and service mark registrations. The trademark and service mark registrations are generally renewable under applicable laws, subject to payment of required fees and the filing of affidavits of use. In addition, we have 49 pending trademark applications.

 

Our products and services are identified by our trademarks and service marks. Our trademarks and service marks are valuable assets to both of our business segments. We are not aware of any infringing uses or any prior claims of ownership of our trademarks that could materially affect our business. It is our policy to pursue registration of our primary marks whenever possible and to vigorously defend our patents, trademarks and other proprietary marks against infringement or other threats to the extent practicable under applicable laws.

 

Human Capital Management

 

We believe people are the most critical component in our continued success, and we strive to attract high-performing talent. As of December 31, 2023, we employed approximately 3,000 employees and contractors. Approximately 11% of our total workforce consists of contractors, including all personnel at our Saltillo, Mexico operation. Our production processes leverage a combination of skilled tradespeople and high-touch assemblers working in body, electrical, mechanical, paint, and assembly operations. We strive to create a workplace of choice to attract, retain, and develop top talent to achieve our vision and deliver shareholder results.

 

In our locations, we compete with many local companies for talent. We have implemented talent strategies and market competitive wages and benefits to support talent acquisition and retention. In addition to these actions, we have implemented employee surveys and focus groups that encourage our employees to share their opinions and feedback on the culture of our company. The results of the surveys are analyzed and measured to learn how we can enhance and accelerate improvements in the attraction and retention in a difficult talent environment.

 

We adhere to a philosophy that includes, among other things, commitments to create ongoing job opportunities, pay fair wages, and protect worker health and safety. Fundamental to these commitments are our Company’s core values of honesty and integrity, accountability, trust, and performance excellence. Management considers relations with the Company’s workforce to be positive.

 

Compensation and Benefits

 

We believe the structure of our compensation packages provides the appropriate incentives to attract, retain and motivate our employees. We provide base pay that is competitive and that aligns with employee positions, skill levels, experience and geographic location. In addition to base pay, we seek to reward employees with incentive awards, recognition programs, educational opportunities, paid time off, and equity awards for employees in certain roles.

 

Diversity and Inclusion

 

We value and advance the diversity and inclusion of the people with whom we work. We are committed to equal opportunity and are intolerant of discrimination and harassment. We strive to maintain workplaces that are free from discrimination or harassment on the basis of race, sex, color, national or social origin, ethnicity, religion, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identification or expression, political opinion or any other status protected by applicable law.

 

The basis for recruitment, hiring, placement, development, training, compensation and advancement at the Company includes qualifications, performance, skills and experience.

 

We do not tolerate disrespectful or inappropriate behavior, unfair treatment or retaliation of any kind. Harassment is not tolerated in the workplace and in any work-related circumstance outside the workplace.

 

9
 

 

Customer Base

 

We serve customers ranging from municipalities to OEMs to commercial customers and vehicle dealers throughout our product lines. Sales to our top 10 customers in 2023 accounted for 54.3% of our sales. No customer individually exceeded 10% of our consolidated sales for 2023. Sales to customers that individually exceeded 10% of our consolidated sales for 2022 and 2021 are detailed in the chart below.

 

Year

  

Customer

  

Sales

($ millions)

    

Percentage of

consolidated

sales

    

Segment
2022   Amazon   $ 153.6       15.0 %   FVS
2022   Newmar   $ 107.7       10.5 %   SV
                         
2021   Amazon   $ 248.6       25.1 %   FVS

 

We do have other significant customers which, if the relationship changes significantly, could have a material adverse impact on our financial position and results of operations. We believe that we have developed strong relationships with our customers and continually work to develop new customers and markets. See related risk factors in Item 1A of this Form 10-K.

 

Sales to customers outside the United States were $24.7 million, $7.7 million, and $11.7 million for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021, respectively, or 2.8%, 0.7%, and 1.2%, respectively, of sales for those years. Substantially all of our long-lived assets are located in the United States.

 

Order Backlog

 

Our order backlog by reportable segment is summarized in the following table (in thousands).

 

   

December 31,

2023

    

December 31,

2022

    

Decrease

  

FVS

   $ 325,003     $ 736,690     $ (411,687 )

SV

      84,269       96,023       (11,754 )

Total consolidated

   $ 409,272     $ 832,713     $ (423,441 )

 

Our FVS backlog decreased by $411.7 million, or 55.9%. Our SV segment backlog decreased by $11.8 million, or 12.2%.

 

Orders in the backlog are subject to modification, cancellation or rescheduling by customers. Although the backlog of unfilled orders is one of many indicators of market demand, several factors, such as chassis and component availability, changes in production rates, available capacity, new product introductions and competitive pricing actions, may affect actual sales. Accordingly, a comparison of backlog from period-to-period is not necessarily indicative of eventual actual shipments.

  

Non-GAAP Financial Measure

 

This Form 10-K presents Adjusted EBITDA (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization), which is a non-GAAP financial measure. This non-GAAP measure is calculated by excluding items that we believe to be infrequent or not indicative of our underlying operating performance, as well as certain non-cash expenses. We define Adjusted EBITDA as income from continuing operations before interest, income taxes, depreciation and amortization, as adjusted to eliminate the impact of restructuring charges, acquisition related expenses and adjustments, non-cash stock-based compensation expenses, and other gains and losses not reflective of our ongoing operations.

  

10
 

 

We present the non-GAAP measure Adjusted EBITDA because we consider it to be an important supplemental measure of our performance. The presentation of Adjusted EBITDA enables investors to better understand our operations by removing items that we believe are not representative of our continuing operations and may distort our longer-term operating trends. We believe this measure to be useful to improve the comparability of our results from period to period and with our competitors, as well as to show ongoing results from operations distinct from items that are infrequent or not indicative of our continuing operating performance. We believe that presenting this non-GAAP measure is useful to investors because it permits investors to view performance using the same tools that management uses to budget, make operating and strategic decisions, and evaluate our historical performance. We believe that the presentation of this non-GAAP measure, when considered together with the corresponding GAAP financial measures and the reconciliations to that measure, provides investors with additional understanding of the factors and trends affecting our business than could be obtained in the absence of this disclosure.

 

Our management uses Adjusted EBITDA to evaluate the performance of and allocate resources to our segments. Adjusted EBITDA is also used, along with other financial and non-financial measures, for purposes of determining annual incentive compensation for our management team.

 

The following table reconciles Income from continuing operations to Adjusted EBITDA for the periods indicated.

 

    2023     2022    

2021

    

2020

    

2019

  

Income from continuing operations

   $ 6,464     $ 36,558     $ 69,974     $ 38,289     $ 36,790  

Net (income) loss attributable to non-controlling interest

     32       -       (1,230 )     (347

)

     (140

)

Interest expense

      6,527       2,833       414       1,293       1,839  

Income tax expense (benefit)

      (5,768 )     7,368       14,506       9,867       10,355  

Depreciation and amortization

      16,953       14,774       11,356       13,903       6,073  

Restructuring and other related charges

      1,741       757       505       1,873       316  

Acquisition related expenses and adjustments

      440       884       1,585       1,332       3,531  

Non-cash stock-based compensation expense

      7,834       7,619       8,745       7,706       5,281  

Loss from write-off of assets

      1,872       -       -       2,430       -  
Legacy legal matters      956       -       -       -       -  
Non-recurring professional fees      288       -       1,568       -       -  
CEO transition      2,629       -       -       -       -  
Loss from liquidation of JV     -       -       643       -       -  

Adjusted EBITDA

   $ 39,968     $ 70,793     $ 108,066     $ 76,346     $ 64,045  

 

Available Information

 

Our Annual Reports on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, Current Reports on Form 8-K and other reports (and amendments thereto) filed or furnished pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Securities Exchange Act are available, free of charge, on our internet website (www.TheShyftGroup.com) as soon as reasonably practicable after we electronically file or furnish such materials with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”).

 

The SEC maintains an internet website (www.sec.gov) that contains reports, proxy and information statements, and other information regarding issuers that file electronically with the SEC.

 

11
 

 

Information About our Executive Officers

 

The executive officers of the Company, their business experience and their ages as of February 1, 2024, are as follows:

 

Name

Position

  

Business Experience

  

Age

Executive Officer Since

John Dunn

President and Chief Executive Officer

  

President and Chief Executive Officer and Director, since October 2023. President, Shyft Fleet Vehicles and Services from January to October 2023. President and CEO, North and South America of Plastic Omnium, Clean Energy Systems from April 2014 to December 2022. President, Brose North America from July 2012 to April 2014.

  

57

2023

Jonathan C. Douyard

Chief Financial Officer

  

Chief Financial Officer since March 2020. Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, Fluke Corporation from June 2016 to February 2020. Prior roles included finance leadership positions with Commercial Systems & Services business unit, Sikorsky Aircraft (United Technologies) and General Electric subsidiaries. 

  

44

2020

Jacob Farmer

President, Fleet Vehicles and Services

  

President, Fleet Vehicles and Services since January 2024. President, Specialty Vehicles from July 2023 to January 2024. President and Chief Executive Officer, Trialon Corporation from January 2020 to July 2023. Global Vice President & General Manager, Cooper Standard from July 2018 to December 2019 and Managing Director from October 2014 to July 2018.

  

46

2023

Joshua A. Sherbin

Chief Legal Officer, Chief Compliance Officer and Corporate Secretary

  

Chief Legal Officer, Chief Compliance Officer and Corporate Secretary since May 2021. Senior Vice President, General Counsel, Chief Compliance Officer and Corporate Secretary, TriMas Corporation from March 2016 to May 2021.

  

60

2021
Colin Hindman Chief Human Resources Officer   Chief Human Resources Officer since June 2020. Chief Human Resources Officer, Dayco Products LLC from March 2017 to June 2020. Vice President, Human Resources, TriMas Corporation from March 2010 to November 2016.   49 2022

 

Item 1A.

Risk Factors.

 

Our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows are subject to various risks, many of which are not exclusively within our control that may cause actual performance to differ materially from historical or projected future performance. The risks described below are the primary risks known to us that we believe could materially affect our business, financial condition, results of operations, or cash flows. However, these risks may not be the only risks we face. Our business could also be affected by additional factors that are not presently known to us, factors we currently consider to be immaterial to our operations, or factors that emerge as new risks in the future. Readers should not interpret the disclosure of any risk factor to imply that the risk has not already materialized.

 

Risks Related to Global Events


Uncertain global macro-economic and political conditions could materially adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations, or cash flows.

 

Global and local business conditions include inflation, recession, interest rates, availability of capital, energy and commodity prices, trade laws and the effects of governmental initiatives to manage economic conditions. We have experienced, and are continuing to experience, challenges and increases in costs for logistics and in our supply chains, such as increased port congestion, intermittent supplier delays, and volatility in prices of commodities such as base metals and raw materials. Further unfavorable conditions such as a general slowdown of the U.S. economy, uncertainty and volatility in the financial markets, uncertainty or volatility in commodity prices or additional inflationary factors and rising interest rates could result in higher operating costs and expenses for our Company as well as softer demand for our products from customers and could make it more difficult and expensive for us or our customers to obtain financing.

 

12
 

 

Ongoing military conflicts, such as in the Middle East and Ukraine, for example, could lead to sanctions or other market disruptions, including significant volatility in commodity prices, credit and capital markets, as well as supply chain interruptions for equipment, which could have an adverse impact on our business, financial condition, results of operations, or cash flows.

 

These challenges also impact our suppliers, and we have experienced supply chain disruptions as a result. Our inability to obtain raw materials, chassis and other supplies on a timely basis negatively impacts our ability to fulfill customer orders, which may have a material adverse impact on our results of operations, financial condition, and liquidity.

 

Risks Related to Our Company and Business

 

Any negative change in our relationship with our major customers could have significant adverse effects on revenues and profits.

 

Our financial success is directly related to the willingness of our customers to continue to purchase our products. Failure to fill customers’ orders in a timely manner or on the terms and conditions they may impose could harm our relationships with our customers. The importance of maintaining excellent relationships with our major customers may also give these customers leverage in our negotiations with them, including pricing and other supply terms, as well as post-sale disputes. This leverage may lead to increased costs to us. Furthermore, if any of our major customers experience a significant downturn in their business or fail to remain committed to our products or brands, then these customers may reduce or discontinue purchases from us, which could have an adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition. Sales to our top 10 customers in 2023 accounted for 54.3 percent of our sales in the aggregate. In addition, a key customer owns a significant share of a new entrant competitor, and our business may be adversely affected if the customer’s ownership of or our competitive relationship in the marketplace with our competitor results in a decline or discontinuation of the customer’s purchases from us.

 

We may not be able to remain competitive in the rapidly changing markets in which we compete.

 

The markets we serve are undergoing rapid transformation, particularly with respect to parcel delivery services and electric vehicle (“EV”) technologies. Our current and potential competitors include companies that have significantly greater financial, technical, manufacturing, marketing and other resources than we do, including OEMs and certain of our customers, and which are highly motivated by market opportunities to deploy those resources to the design, development, manufacturing, distribution, promotion, sale and support of their products, including their EVs. In addition to these established, mature competitors, we also face competition from new market entrants, including technology companies. As a result of these market opportunities, OEMs and other companies have taken actions to reduce costs, including through in-sourcing and supply base consolidation. We expect these trends to continue and even accelerate. We expect competition for EVs to intensify due to increased demand and a regulatory push for alternative fuel vehicles, continuing globalization, and consolidation in the worldwide vehicle industry. Increased competition may lead to lower vehicle unit sales and increased inventory, which may result in downward price pressure and adversely affect our business, financial condition, operating results, and prospects. Our business will be adversely affected if we are unable to adequately respond to these pressures or otherwise continue to compete in these markets.

 

Amounts included in order backlog may not result in actual revenue and are an uncertain indicator of our future revenue.

 

Backlog is generally comprised of agreements and purchase orders from customers that are subject to modification, cancellation, or rescheduling. While realization of revenue related to order backlog has not been a major issue in the past, we cannot assure that we will recognize revenue with respect to each order included in order backlog. Should a cancellation occur, our order backlog and anticipated revenue would be reduced unless we are able to replace the cancelled order. As a result, the order backlog may not be indicative of future sales and can vary significantly from period to period. Reductions in our order backlog could negatively impact our future results of operations. 

 

We evaluate our order backlog at least quarterly to determine if the orders continue to meet our criteria for inclusion in order backlog. We may adjust our reported order backlog to account for any changes, including those arising from continued customer intent and ability to fulfill order, supply base capacity, and changes in our ability, or the methodology used, to determine whether an order is likely to be completed. We cannot assure that our order backlog will result in revenue on a timely basis or at all, or that any cancelled contracts will be replaced.

 

As a result, the order backlog may not be indicative of future sales and can vary significantly from period to period. In addition, it is possible that the methodology for determining the order backlog may not be comparable to methods used by other companies.

 

13
 

 

The integration of businesses or assets we have acquired or may acquire in the future involves challenges that could disrupt our business and harm our financial condition.

 

As part of our growth strategy, we have pursued and expect we will continue to selectively pursue acquisitions of businesses or assets in order to diversify, expand our capabilities, enter new markets, or increase our market share. Integrating any newly acquired business or assets can be expensive and can require a great deal of management time and other resources. We cannot guarantee that we will be able to identify attractive acquisition targets or assets. If we are unable to successfully integrate the newly acquired businesses with our existing business, we may not realize the synergies we expect from the acquisition and our business and results of operations may be adversely impacted.

 

Re-configuration or relocation of our production operations could negatively impact our earnings.

 

We may, from time to time, reconfigure our production lines or relocate production of products between buildings or locations or to new locations to maximize the efficient utilization of our existing production capacity or take advantage of opportunities to increase manufacturing efficiencies. Costs incurred to affect these reconfigurations or relocations may exceed our estimates, and efficiencies gained may be less than anticipated, each of which may have a negative impact on our results of operations and financial position.

 

Disruptions within our dealer network could adversely affect our business.

 

We rely, for certain of our products, on a network of independent dealers to market, stock, deliver, provide training for, and service our products to and for customers. Our business is influenced by our ability to initiate and manage new and existing relationships with dealers.

 

From time to time, we or an individual dealer may choose to terminate the relationship, or the dealership could face financial difficulty leading to failure or difficulty in transitioning to new ownership. In addition, our competitors could engage in a strategy to attempt to acquire or convert our dealers to carry their products. We do not believe our business is dependent on any single dealer, the loss of which would have a sustained material adverse effect upon our business.

 

However, disruption of dealer coverage within a specific local market could have an adverse impact on our business within the affected market. The loss or termination of a significant number of dealers could cause difficulties in marketing and distributing our products and have an adverse effect on our business, operating results or financial condition. In the event that a dealer in a strategic market experiences financial difficulty, we may choose to provide financial support such as extending credit to a dealership, reducing the risk of disruption, but increasing our financial exposure.

 

We may not be able to successfully implement and manage our growth strategy.

 

Our growth strategy includes expanding existing market share through product innovation, continued expansion into industrial and global markets and merger or acquisition related activities. We believe our future success depends in part on our research and development and engineering efforts, our ability to manufacture or source the products and customer acceptance of our products. As it relates to new markets, our success also depends on our ability to create and implement local supply chain, sales and distribution strategies to reach these markets.

 

The potential inability to successfully implement and manage our growth strategy could adversely affect our business and our results of operations. The successful implementation of our growth strategy will depend, in part, on our ability to integrate operations with acquired companies.

 

We also make investments in new business development initiatives which could have a relatively high failure rate. We limit our investments in these initiatives and establish governance procedures to contain the associated risks, but losses could result and may be material. Our growth strategy also may involve acquisitions, joint venture alliances and additional arrangements of distribution. We may not be able to enter into acquisitions or joint venture arrangements on acceptable terms, and we may not successfully integrate these activities into our operations. We also may not be successful in implementing new distribution channels, and changes could create discord in our existing channels of distribution.

 

14
 

 

Increased costs, including costs of raw materials, component parts and labor costs, potentially impacted by changes in labor rates and practices, disruptions in supply chains and/or new or increased tariffs or similar restrictions, could reduce our operating income.

 

Our results of operations may be significantly affected by the availability and pricing of manufacturing components and labor, changes in labor rates and practices, and increases in tariffs or similar restrictions on materials we import. Increases in costs of raw materials used in our products could affect the cost of our supply materials and components, as rising steel and aluminum prices as well as increased tariffs have impacted the cost of certain of our manufacturing components. In addition, a growth in popularity of EVs without a significant expansion in battery cell production capacity could result in shortages, which could result in increased materials costs to us and could adversely impact our projected manufacturing and delivery timelines. Although we attempt to mitigate the effect of any escalation in components, labor costs, and tariffs by negotiating with current or new suppliers and by increasing productivity or, where possible, by increasing the sales prices of our products, we cannot be certain that we will be able to do so without it having an adverse impact on the competitiveness of our products and, therefore, our sales volume. If we cannot successfully offset increases in our manufacturing costs, this could have a material adverse impact on our margins, operating income and cash flows. Our profit margins may decrease if prices of purchased component parts, labor rates, and/or tariffs increase, and we are unable to pass on those increases to our customers.

 

Implementing new information systems could interfere with our business or operations.

 

We are in the process of implementing new information systems infrastructure and applications that impact multiple locations. These projects require significant investment of capital and human resources, the re-engineering of many processes of our business, and the attention of many employees and managers who would otherwise be focused on other aspects of our business. Should the systems not be implemented successfully, we may incur impairment charges that could materially impact our financial results. If the systems do not perform in a satisfactory manner once implementation is complete, our business and operations could be disrupted and our results of operations negatively affected, including our ability to report accurate and timely financial results.

 

Our EVs will rely on software and hardware that is highly technical, and if these systems contain errors, bugs, vulnerabilities, or design defects, or if we are unsuccessful in addressing or mitigating technical limitations in our systems, our EV business could be adversely affected.

 

Our EVs will rely on software and hardware that is highly technical and complex and will require modification and updates over the life of the vehicles. Our software and hardware may contain errors, bugs, vulnerabilities or design defects, and our systems are subject to certain technical limitations that may compromise our ability to meet our objectives. Some errors, bugs, vulnerabilities, or design defects inherently may be difficult to detect and may only be discovered after the product has been released. Although we will attempt to remedy any issues we observe in our vehicles effectively and rapidly, such efforts may not be timely, may hamper production or may not be to the satisfaction of our customers.

 

If we are unable to prevent or effectively remedy errors, bugs, vulnerabilities or defects in our software and hardware, or fail to deploy updates to our software properly, we would suffer damage to our reputation, loss of customers, loss of revenue or liability for damages, any of which could adversely affect our business, prospects, financial condition, results of operations, and cash flows.

 

There are complex software and technology systems that need to be developed by us and in coordination with vendors and suppliers to reach mass production for our EVs, and there can be no assurance such systems will be successfully developed or integrated.
 
Our EVs and EV operations will use a substantial amount of complex third-party and in-house software and hardware. The development and integration of such advanced technologies are inherently complex, and we will need to coordinate with our vendors and suppliers to reach mass production for our EVs. Defects and errors may be revealed over time and our control over the performance of third-party services and systems may be limited. Thus, our potential inability to develop and integrate the necessary software and technology systems may adversely affect our EV business.

 

We rely on third-party suppliers to develop a number of emerging technologies for use in our EVs, including battery technology and the use of different battery cell chemistries. Certain of these technologies and chemistries are not today, and may not ever be, commercially viable. There can be no assurances that our suppliers will be able to meet the technological requirements, production timing, and volume requirements to support our business plan. Furthermore, if we experience delays by our third-party suppliers (including due to their financial viability or technology), we could experience delays in delivering on our timelines. In addition, the technology may not comply with the cost, performance useful life, and warranty characteristics we anticipate in our business plan. As a result, our business plan could be significantly impacted and we may incur significant liabilities under warranty claims which could materially and adversely affect our business, prospects, financial condition, results of operations, and cash flows.

 

15
 

 

Our EVs will make use of lithium-ion battery cells, which, if not appropriately managed and controlled, have been observed to catch fire or vent smoke and flame.

 
The battery packs within our EVs will make use of lithium-ion cells. If not properly managed or subject to environmental stresses, lithium-ion cells can rapidly release the energy they contain by venting smoke and flames in a manner that can ignite nearby materials as well as other lithium-ion cells. While the battery pack is designed to contain any single cell’s release of energy without spreading to neighboring cells, a field or testing failure of battery packs in our vehicles could occur, which could result in bodily injury or death and could subject us to lawsuits, field actions (including product recalls), or redesign efforts, all of which would be time consuming and expensive and could harm our brand image. Also, negative public perceptions regarding the suitability of lithium-ion cells for automotive applications, the social and environmental impacts of mineral mining or procurement associated with the constituents of lithium-ion cells, or any future incident involving lithium-ion cells, such as a vehicle or other fire, could materially and adversely affect our reputation and business, prospects, financial condition, results of operations, and cash flows.

 

Disruption of our supply base could affect our ability to obtain component parts.

 

We increasingly rely on component parts from global sources in order to manufacture our products. Disruption of this supply base due to international political events, natural disasters or adverse weather conditions (including any disasters or weather conditions caused by climate change), or other factors could affect our ability to obtain component parts at acceptable prices, or at all, and have a negative impact on our sales, results of operations and financial position.

 

When we introduce new products, we may incur expenses that we did not anticipate, such as recall expenses, resulting in reduced earnings.

 

The introduction of new products is critical to our future success. We have additional costs when we introduce new products, such as initial labor or purchasing inefficiencies, but we may also incur unexpected expenses. For example, we may experience unexpected engineering or design issues that will force a recall of a new product or increase production costs of the product above levels needed to ensure profitability. In addition, we may make business decisions that include offering incentives to stimulate the sales of products not adequately accepted by the market, or to stimulate sales of older or less marketable products. The costs resulting from these types of problems could be substantial and have a significant adverse effect on our earnings.

 

We depend on a small group of suppliers for some of our components, and the loss of any of these suppliers could affect our ability to obtain components at competitive prices, which would decrease our sales or earnings.

 

Most chassis and specialty vehicle commodity components are readily available from a variety of sources. However, a few proprietary or specialty components are produced by a small group of suppliers.

 

In addition, we generally do not purchase chassis for our delivery vehicles. Rather, we accept shipments of vehicle chassis owned by dealers or end-users for the purpose of installing and/or manufacturing our specialized truck bodies on such chassis.  There are four primary sources for commercial chassis, and we have established relationships with all major chassis manufacturers.

 

Changes in our relationships with these suppliers, shortages, production delays, their ability to secure components required for chassis production or work stoppages by the employees of such suppliers could have a material adverse effect on our ability to timely manufacture our products and secure sales. If we cannot obtain an adequate supply of components or commercial chassis, this could result in a decrease in our sales and earnings.

 

Our business could be adversely affected by the decision of our employees to unionize.


Currently, none of our U.S. employees are represented by a collective bargaining agreement. If in the future our employees decide to unionize, this would increase our operating costs and potentially force us to alter the way we operate causing an adverse effect on our operating results.

 

16
 

 

The ability to hire or retain management and other key personnel is critical to our continued success, and the loss of or inability to hire such personnel could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.


Our ability to sustain and grow our business requires us to hire, retain and develop a highly skilled and diverse management team and workforce. Overall, there is intense competition for qualified and skilled employees. As all key personnel devote their full time to our business, the loss of any member of our management team, or other key persons, or the inability to hire key persons, could have an adverse effect on us. If we lose key members of our senior management team or are unable to effect successful transitions from one executive to another as part of our succession plan, we may not be able to effectively manage our current operations or meet ongoing and future business challenges, and this could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

 

Risks associated with international sales and contracts could have a negative effect on our business.

 

In 2023, 2022, and 2021, we derived 2.8%, 0.7%, and 1.2% of our revenue from sales to, or related to, end customers outside the United States. We face numerous risks associated with conducting international operations, any of which could negatively affect our financial performance, including changes in foreign country regulatory requirements, the strength of the U.S. dollar compared to foreign currencies, import/export restrictions, the imposition of foreign tariffs and other trade barriers and disruptions in the shipping of exported products.

 

Additionally, as a public company, we are subject to the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, which may place us at a competitive disadvantage to foreign companies that are not subject to similar regulations.

 

More General Risks Applicable to Our Industry

 

General economic, market, and/or political conditions, whether on a global, national, or more regional scale, could have a negative effect on our business.

 

Wars, acts of terrorism, armed conflicts, natural disasters (including those caused by climate change), budget shortfalls, cyber events, civil unrest, governmental actions, and epidemics have in the past and could in the future create significant uncertainties that may have material and adverse effects on consumer demand, shipping and transportation, the availability of manufacturing components, commodity prices and our ability to engage in overseas markets as tariffs are implemented. An economic recession, whether resulting from one of these events or others, would have a material adverse impact on our financial condition and results of operations.

 

If there is a rise in the frequency and size of product liability, warranty and other claims against us, including wrongful death claims, our business, results of operations and financial condition may be harmed.

 

We are frequently subject, in the ordinary course of business, to litigation involving product liability and other claims, including wrongful death claims, related to personal injury and warranties. We insure our product liability claims in the commercial insurance market. We cannot be certain that our insurance coverage will be sufficient to cover all future claims against us. Any increase in the frequency and size of these claims, as compared to our experience in prior years, may cause the premiums that we are required to pay for such insurance to rise significantly. It may also increase the amounts we pay in punitive damages, which may not be covered by our insurance. In addition, a major product recall or increased levels of warranty claims could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations.

 

Changes to laws and regulations governing our business could have a material impact on our operations.

 

Our manufactured products and the industries in which we operate are subject to extensive federal and state regulations. Changes to any of these regulations or the implementation of new regulations could significantly increase the costs of manufacturing, purchasing, operating or selling our products, managing our data and systems, and could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations. Our failure to comply with present or future regulations could result in fines, potential civil and criminal liability, suspension of sales or production, or cessation of operations.

 

Certain U.S. tax laws currently afford favorable tax treatment for financing the purchase of recreational vehicles that are used as the equivalent of second homes. These laws and regulations have historically been amended frequently, and it is likely that further amendments and additional regulations will be applicable to us and our products in the future. Amendments to these laws and regulations and the implementation of new regulations could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations.

 

17
 

 

Our operations are subject to a variety of federal and state environmental regulations relating to noise pollution and the use, generation, storage, treatment, emission and disposal of hazardous materials and wastes. Our failure to comply with present or future regulations could result in fines, potential civil and criminal liability, suspension of production or operations, alterations to the manufacturing process, costly cleanup or capital expenditures. Climate change regulations at the federal, state or local level could require us to change our manufacturing processes or product portfolio or undertake other activities that may require us to incur additional expense, which may be material.

 

Our vehicles are subject to motor vehicle safety standards, and the failure to satisfy such mandated safety standards could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations, and cash flows.

 
All vehicles sold must comply with international, federal, and state motor vehicle safety standards. In the United States, vehicles that meet or exceed all federally mandated safety standards are self-certified by the manufacturer under the federal regulations. Rigorous testing and the use of approved materials and equipment are among the requirements for achieving federal certification. Other jurisdictions outside the United States require us to meet Type Approval requirements proving to regulators that our vehicles meet those relevant safety standards in effect in those countries. Failure by us to maintain compliance of our current vehicles or obtain certification of compliance for any future vehicle, including future EV models, with motor vehicle safety standards in the United States, Canada or other jurisdictions could have a material adverse effect on our business, prospects, financial condition, results of operations, and cash flows.

 

Our operating results may fluctuate significantly on a quarter-to-quarter basis.

 

Our quarterly operating results depend on a variety of factors including the timing and volume of orders, the completion of product inspections and acceptance by our customers, and various restructuring initiatives that may be undertaken from time to time. As an example, our Fleet Vehicles and Services segment experiences seasonality whereby product shipments in the first and fourth quarters are generally lower than other quarters as a result of the busy holiday delivery operations experienced by some of its largest customers. Accordingly, our financial results may be subject to significant and/or unanticipated quarter-to-quarter fluctuations.

 

Our businesses are cyclical, and this can lead to fluctuations in our operating results.

 

The industries in which we operate are highly cyclical and there can be substantial fluctuations in our manufacturing, shipments and operating results, and the results for any prior period may not be indicative of results for any future period. Companies within these industries are subject to volatility in operating results due to external factors such as economic, demographic and political changes. Factors affecting the manufacture of chassis, specialty vehicles, delivery vehicles and other of our products include but are not limited to:

 

●

Commodity prices;

●

Fuel availability and prices.

●

Unemployment trends;

●

International tensions and hostilities;

●

General economic conditions;

●

Various tax incentives;

●

Strength of the U.S. dollar compared to foreign currencies;

●

Overall consumer confidence and the level of discretionary consumer spending;

●

Dealers’ and manufacturers’ inventory levels; and

●

Interest rates and the availability of financing.

 

Economic, legal and other factors could impact our customers’ ability to pay accounts receivable balances due from them.

 

In the ordinary course of business, customers are granted terms related to the sale of goods and services delivered to them. These terms typically include a period between when the goods and services are tendered for delivery to the customer and when the customer needs to pay for these goods and services. The amounts due under these payment terms are listed as accounts receivable on our balance sheet. Prior to collection of these accounts receivable, our customers could encounter drops in sales, unexpected increases in expenses, or other factors which could impact their ability to continue as a going concern and which could affect the collectability of these amounts. Writing off uncollectible accounts receivable could have a material adverse effect on our earnings and cash flow as we have major customers with material accounts receivable balances at any given time.

 

18
 

 

Our business operations could be disrupted if our information technology systems fail to perform adequately or experience a cybersecurity incident.

 

We rely on our information technology systems to effectively manage our business data, communications, supply chain, product engineering, manufacturing, accounting and other business processes. If these systems are damaged, cease to function properly or are subject to a cybersecurity breach such as ransomware, phishing, infection with viruses or intentional attacks aimed at theft or destruction of sensitive data, we may suffer an interruption in our ability to manage and operate the business, and our results of operations and financial condition may be adversely affected.

 

Like most corporations, our information systems are a target of attacks.  In addition, third-party providers of data hosting or cloud services, as well as our suppliers, may experience cybersecurity incidents that may involve data we share with them. There can be no assurance that cybersecurity incidents, whether with respect to us or such third-party providers, will not have a material adverse effect on us in the future. In order to mitigate risks to our information systems, we continue to make investments in personnel, technologies and training of personnel.

 

Fuel shortages, or higher prices for fuel, could have a negative effect on sales.

 

Gasoline or diesel fuel is required for the operation of the specialty vehicles we manufacture. There can be no assurance that the supply of these petroleum products will continue uninterrupted, that rationing will not be imposed or that the price of or tax on these petroleum products will not significantly increase in the future. Increases in gasoline and diesel prices and speculation about potential fuel shortages have had an unfavorable effect on consumer demand for motorhome from time to time in the past and may continue to do so in the future. This, in turn, may have a material adverse effect on our sales volume. Increases in the price of oil also can result in significant increases in the price of many of the components in our products, which may have an adverse impact on margins or sales volumes.

 

We could incur asset impairment charges for goodwill, intangible assets or other long-lived assets.

 

We have a significant amount of goodwill, intangible assets and other long-lived assets. At least annually, we review goodwill and non-amortizing intangible assets for impairment. Identifiable intangible assets, goodwill and other long-lived assets are also reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable from future cash flows.  If the operating performance at one or more of our reporting units fails to meet future forecasts, or if future cash flow estimates decline, we could be required, under current U.S. accounting rules, to record impairment charges for our goodwill, intangible assets or other long-lived assets. Any write-off of a material portion of such assets could negatively affect our results of operations or financial position. See “Note 4 – Goodwill and Intangible Assets” of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements appearing in Item 8 of this Form 10-K for further discussion of goodwill, intangibles and other long-lived assets.

 

We may be unable to adequately protect our intellectual property.

 
While we believe that our patents, trademarks, know-how and other intellectual property have significant value, it is uncertain that this intellectual property or any intellectual property acquired or developed by us in the future will provide a meaningful competitive advantage. Our patents or pending applications may be challenged, invalidated or circumvented by competitors or rights granted thereunder may not provide meaningful proprietary protection. Moreover, competitors may infringe on our patents or successfully avoid them through design innovation. Policing unauthorized use of our intellectual property is difficult and expensive, and we may not be able to, or have the resources to, prevent misappropriation of our proprietary rights, particularly in countries where the laws may not protect such rights as fully as in the U.S. The cost of protecting our intellectual property may be significant and have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and future results of operations.

 

19
 

 

The unavailability, reduction, elimination or adverse application of government incentives could have an adverse effect on our business, prospects, financial condition and operating results.

 

The growth of our EV business depends in part on the availability and amounts of government incentives. Any reduction, elimination or discriminatory application of government incentives because of budgetary challenges, policy changes, the reduced need for such incentives due to the perceived success of EVs or other reasons may result in the diminished price competitiveness of the alternative fuel vehicle industry, which could have an adverse effect on our business, prospects, financial condition and operating results.

 

Expectations relating to environmental, social and governance considerations expose us to potential liabilities, increased costs, reputational harm and other adverse effects on our business.

 
Many governments, regulators, investors, employees, customers and other stakeholders are increasingly focused on environmental, social and governance (“ESG”) considerations relating to businesses, including climate change and greenhouse gas emissions, human capital and diversity, equity and inclusion. We make statements about our ESG goals and initiatives through information provided on our website, press statements and other communications, including through our Sustainability Report. Responding to these ESG considerations and implementation of these goals and initiatives involves risks and uncertainties, including those described under “Forward-Looking Statements,” requires investments and are impacted by factors that may be outside of our control. In addition, some stakeholders may disagree with our goals and initiatives and the focus of stakeholders may change and evolve over time. Stakeholders also may have very different views on where ESG focus should be placed, including differing views of regulators in various jurisdictions in which we operate. Any failure, or perceived failure, by us to achieve our goals, further our initiatives, adhere to our public statements, comply with federal, state or international ESG laws and regulations, or meet evolving and varied stakeholder expectations and standards could result in legal and regulatory proceedings against us and materially adversely affect our business, reputation, results of operations, financial condition and stock price.

 

Emerging issues related to the development and use of artificial intelligence (“AI”) could give rise to legal or regulatory action, damage our reputation or otherwise materially harm of our business.

 

Our development and use of AI technology in our products and operations remains in the early phases. While we aim to develop and use AI responsibly and attempt to mitigate ethical and legal issues presented by its use, we may ultimately be unsuccessful in identifying or resolving issues before they arise. AI technologies are complex and rapidly evolving and the technologies that we develop or use may ultimately be flawed. Moreover, AI technology is subject to rapidly evolving domestic and international laws and regulations, which could impose significant costs and obligations on the company. For example, in 2023 the Biden Administration issued a new, executive order on safe, secure and trustworthy AI and the EU introduced the AI Act to establish rules for providers and users. Emerging regulations may pertain to data privacy, data protection, and the ethical use of AI, as well as clarifying intellectual property considerations. Our use of AI could give rise to legal or regulatory action, increased scrutiny or liability, damage our reputation or otherwise materially harm our business.

 

Risk Applicable to Our Securities

 

Our stock price has been and may continue to be volatile, which may result in losses to our shareholders.

 

The market price of our common stock has been and may continue to be subject to wide fluctuations in response to, among other things, quarterly fluctuations in operating results, a failure to meet published estimates of or changes in earnings estimates by securities analysts, sales of common stock by existing stockholders, loss of key personnel, market conditions in our industries, shortages of key product inventory components and general economic conditions.

 

Item 1B.

Unresolved Staff Comments.

 

None.

 

20
 

 

Item 1C.

Cybersecurity.

 

We rely on information technology systems across our operations, including for management, supply chain and financial information and various other processes and transactions. Our ability to effectively manage our business depends on the security, reliability and capacity of these systems. We have established a range of security measures that are designed to protect against the unauthorized access to and misappropriation of our information, corruption of data, intentional or unintentional disclosure of confidential information, or disruption of operations. We have implemented additional controls, security processes and monitoring of our manufacturing systems. We have also implemented additional cloud security tools and governance processes for assessing, identifying and managing material risks from cybersecurity threats. In addition, we maintain an information security training program that encompasses the following areas: phishing and email security, password security, data handling security, cloud security, operational technology security processes, and cyber-incident response and reporting processes.

 

The oversight of our cybersecurity risk management process is integrated into our overall risk management process. Through our enterprise risk management process, which involves a broad cross-functional group across many areas of expertise and is structurally independent of our business lines, we identify and assess risk and risk-mitigation actions, including with respect to cybersecurity risks. Continuing oversight of our cybersecurity risk is addressed by a group of stakeholders that includes our information technology (“IT”) and cybersecurity leadership and IT leaders within our various facilities, with cybersecurity risk input provided from this team to our senior leadership team on a regular basis. In turn, our Chief Information Officer provides key updates on risk and mitigation strategies to the Audit Committee.

 

We rely on third-party service providers to execute certain business processes, maintain certain information systems and infrastructure, evaluate defenses, and implement recommendations. We periodically have external information security assessments performed by third parties to analyze our internal assessment results and to stay informed of information security risks. Additionally, we maintain a supplier validation process, which involves approval by our cybersecurity group for significant suppliers that will have access to any of our databases or technology. We also maintain processes to oversee and identify risks from cybersecurity threats associated with our use of third-party service providers.

 

While we have experienced cybersecurity incidents in the past, to date, none have materially affected, or reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company, including our business strategy, results of operations or financial position. We continue to invest in the cybersecurity and resiliency of our networks and to enhance our internal controls and processes, which are designed to help protect our systems and infrastructure, and the information they contain. For more information regarding the risks we face from cybersecurity threats, please see “Risk Factors-- More General Risks Applicable to Our Industry.”

 

Governance

 

The Board of Directors is responsible for overseeing risk for the Company and has delegated to the Audit Committee responsibility for overseeing the cybersecurity risk management strategy for the Company. The Audit Committee reviews how we are executing against our comprehensive cybersecurity framework, including reviewing our cybersecurity reporting protocol. The Audit Committee receives regular updates on cybersecurity risks from our Chief Information Officer (“CIO”). The Audit Committee also regularly receives updates on efforts regarding data loss prevention, regulatory compliance, data privacy, threat and vulnerability management, cyber-crisis management, and other topics as applicable. Additionally, management provides the Audit Committee with a cybersecurity dashboard, which the full Board of Directors can access as well.

 

The Company’s cybersecurity program is overseen by our CIO, who is responsible for assessing and managing material risks from cybersecurity threats, including monitoring the prevention, detection, mitigation and remediation of cybersecurity incidents. Our CIO has over 20 years of global automotive technology and cybersecurity experience and reports to our President and Chief Executive Officer. 

 

The Company’s Security Manager reports to our CIO and is the head of our cybersecurity team. The Security Manager is responsible for assessing and managing our cyber risk management program, informs senior management, together with the CIO, regarding the prevention, detection, mitigation, and remediation of cybersecurity incidents and supervises such efforts. Our Security Manager has over 15 years of experience in technology and cybersecurity, a master’s degree in information security and industry certifications, including CISSP, CDPSE, ITIL, and COBIT.

 

21
 

 

Item 2.

Properties.

 

We operate facilities in a total of 18 locations, 17 throughout the U.S. and one location in Mexico. The number of physical locations we operate is part of our strategy to develop coast-to-coast manufacturing and distribution capabilities.

 

Our Fleet Vehicles and Services segment operates facilities in Bristol, Indiana; Charlotte, Michigan; Landisville, Pennsylvania; and Kansas City, Missouri. All of these facilities are leased except for facilities in Charlotte, which are owned by the Company. FVS also operates facilities in Saltillo, Mexico.

 

Our Specialty Vehicles segment operates facilities in Charlotte, Michigan; Carson and McClellan Park, California; Dallas and Weatherford, Texas; Mesa, Arizona; Waterville, Maine; and Pompano Beach and West Palm Beach, Florida; Lebanon, Tennessee. All of these facilities are leased except for the Charlotte and Pompano Beach facilities, which are owned by the Company.

 

In addition, our corporate headquarters are located in an office building and showroom in Novi, Michigan, that we lease. We also have certain corporate functions that operate out of our campus in Charlotte, Wixom and Plymouth, Michigan.

 

We consider our properties to generally be in good condition, well maintained, and suitable and adequate to meet our business requirements for the foreseeable future. We do not anticipate difficulty in renewing existing leases as they expire or in finding alternative facilities.

 

Item 3.

Legal Proceedings.

 

At December 31, 2023, we were parties, both as plaintiff or defendant, to a number of lawsuits and claims arising out of the normal conduct of our businesses. Our management does not currently expect our financial position, future operating results or cash flows to be materially affected by the final outcome of these legal proceedings. The information contained in “Note 9 – Commitments and Contingent Liabilities” of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements appearing in Item 8 of this Form 10-K is incorporated herein by reference.

 

Item 4.

Mine Safety Disclosures.

 

Not applicable.

 

22
 

 

PART II

 

Item 5.

Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters, and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities.

 

Our common stock is traded on the NASDAQ Global Select Market under the symbol “SHYF.” The number of shareholders of record of our common stock on February 16, 2024 was 238. See Item 12 below for information concerning our equity compensation plans.

 

We paid dividends on our outstanding common shares in 2023 and 2022 as shown in the table below.

 

Date dividend

declared

  

Record date

  

Payment date

  

Dividend per

share ($)
Oct. 31, 2023   Nov. 16, 2023   Dec. 15, 2023     0.05
Aug. 2, 2023   Aug. 17, 2023   Sep. 18, 2023     0.05
May 2, 2023   May 17, 2023   Jun. 20, 2023     0.05
Jan. 31, 2023   Feb. 17, 2023   Mar. 17, 2023     0.05
Nov. 1, 2022   Nov. 16, 2022   Dec. 15, 2022     0.05
Aug. 5, 2022   Aug. 17, 2022   Sep. 16, 2022     0.05
May 2, 2022   May 17, 2022   Jun. 17, 2022     0.05
Feb. 16, 2022   Feb. 17, 2022   Mar. 17, 2022     0.05

 

No assurance, however, can be given that any future dividends will be made or, if made, as to the amounts or timing of any future dividends as such dividends are subject to earnings, financial condition, liquidity, capital requirements, and such other factors as our Board of Directors deems relevant.

 

The following graph compares the cumulative total stockholder return on our common stock with the cumulative total return on the NASDAQ Composite Index and the Dow Jones U.S. Commercial Vehicles & Trucks Total Stock Market Index for the period beginning on December 31, 2018 and ending on the last day of 2023. The graph assumes an investment of $100 in our stock, the NASDAQ Composite Index, and the Dow Jones U.S. Commercial Vehicles & Trucks Total Stock Market Index on December 31, 2018, and further assumes the reinvestment of all dividends. Stock price performance, presented for the period from December 31, 2018 to December 31, 2023, is not necessarily indicative of future results.

 

23
 

 

yrgraph2023.jpg

 

   

12/31/2018

    

12/31/2019

    

12/31/2020

    

12/31/2021

     12/31/2022     12/31/2023  

The Shyft Group, Inc.

   $ 100.00     $ 252.16     $ 397.99     $ 690.68     $ 351.93     $ 174.97  

NASDAQ Composite Index

   $ 100.00     $ 136.69     $ 198.10     $ 242.03     $ 163.28     $ 236.17  

Dow Jones U.S. Commercial Vehicles & Trucks Total Stock Market Index

   $ 100.00     $ 126.19     $ 162.53     $ 191.21     $ 224.54     $ 258.68  

 

The stock price performance graph and related information shall not be deemed “filed” with the Securities and Exchange Commission, nor shall such information be incorporated by reference by any general statement incorporating by reference this Form 10-K into any filing under the Securities Act of 1933 or the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, each as amended, except to the extent that we specifically incorporate this information by reference.

 

Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

 

On February 17, 2022, our Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of up to $250.0 million of our common stock in open market transactions. In 2023, we repurchased 1,022,449 shares for $19.1 million. We believe that we have sufficient resources to fund any potential stock buyback in which we may engage over the long term.

 

24
 

 

During the quarter ended December 31, 2023, no shares were repurchased under this authorization. A summary of our purchases of our common stock during the fourth quarter of 2023 is as follows:

 





Period

  


Total
Number of
Shares
Purchased (1)

    

Average
Price Paid
per Share

    

Total Number of
Shares Purchased
as Part of Publicly
Announced Plans
or Programs

    

Approximate Dollar Value of Shares That
May Yet be Purchased Under Announced Plans or Programs (2) (In millions)

  

October 2023

     -     $ -       -     $ 223.0  

November 2023

     2,258        11.38       -       223.0  

December 2023

     193     $  12.55       -     $ 223.0  

Total

     2,451                          

 

(1) During the quarter ended December 31, 2023, 2,451 shares were delivered by employees in satisfaction of tax withholding obligations that occurred upon the vesting of restricted shares. These shares are not repurchased pursuant to the Board of Directors authorization disclosed above.

(2) This column reflects the number of shares that may yet be purchased pursuant to the Board of Directors authorization described above.

 

Item 6.

[Reserved]

 

25
 

 

Item 7.

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

 

General

 

The Shyft Group, Inc. was organized as a Michigan corporation and is headquartered in Novi, Michigan. We are a niche market leader in specialty vehicle manufacturing and assembly for the commercial vehicle (including last-mile delivery, specialty service and vocation-specific upfit segments) and recreational vehicle industries. Our products include walk-in vans and truck bodies used in e-commerce/parcel delivery, upfit equipment used in the mobile retail and utility trades, service and vocational truck bodies, luxury Class A diesel motorhome chassis and contract manufacturing and assembly services. We also supply replacement parts and offer repair, maintenance, field service and refurbishment services for the vehicles that we manufacture as well as truck accessories.

 

Our vehicles, parts and services are sold to commercial users, original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), dealers, individual end users, and municipalities and other governmental entities. Our diversification across several sectors provides numerous opportunities while reducing overall risk as the various markets we serve tend to have different cyclicality. We have an innovative team focused on building lasting relationships with our customers by designing and delivering market leading specialty vehicles, vehicle components, and services. Additionally, our business structure is agile and able to quickly respond to market needs, take advantage of strategic opportunities when they arise and correctly size and scale operations to ensure stability and growth.

 

We believe we can best carry out our long-term business plan and obtain optimal financial flexibility by using a combination of borrowings under our credit facilities, and internally or externally generated equity capital, as sources of expansion capital.

 

Executive Overview

 

 

●

Sales of $872.2 million in 2023, compared to $1,027.2 million in 2022
 

●

Gross margin of 17.2% in 2023, compared to 17.6% in 2022
 

●

Operating expense of $143.6 million ($25.2 million related to research and development), or 16.5% of sales in 2023, compared to $132.9 million ($25.3 million related to research and development), or 12.9% of sales in 2022
 

●

Operating income of $6.8 million in 2023, compared to $47.5 million in 2022
 

●

Income tax benefit of $5.8 million in 2023, compared to income tax expense of $7.4 million in 2022
 

●

Income from continuing operations of $6.5 million in 2023, compared to $36.6 million in 2022
 

●

Diluted earnings per share from continuing operations of $0.19 in 2023, compared to $1.03 in 2022
 

●

Operating cash flow of $56.2 million in 2023, compared to $(18.8) million in 2022,
 

●

Order backlog of $409.3 million at the end of 2023, compared to $832.7 million at the end of 2022

 

The following table shows our sales by market for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021 as a percentage of total sales:

 

    2023    

2022

    

2021

  

Fleet vehicles sales

     55.8 %     58.9

%

     63.0

%

Motorhome chassis sales

     12.0 %     17.0

%

     17.0

%

Other specialty vehicles sales

     23.5 %     18.1

%

     14.6

%

Aftermarket parts and accessories sales

     8.7 %     6.0

%

     5.4

%

Total sales

     100.0 %     100.0

%

     100.0

%

 

We continue to seek out opportunities to grow the business, both organically and by acquisition, by expanding relationships with existing customers, seeking out new business wins, and pursuing acquisitions in a strategic fashion.

 

26
 

 

We believe we are well positioned to take advantage of long-term opportunities and continue our efforts to bring product innovations to each of the markets we serve. Some of our recent innovations and strategic developments include:

 

 

●

In March 2022, we announced Blue Arc™ Electric Vehicle (“EV”) Solutions, a new go-to-market brand alongside two initial product offerings—an industry-first commercial grade purpose-built EV chassis and a fully reimagined from the ground up all-electric delivery walk-in van.

 

     ○ The proprietary battery-powered chassis features customizable length and wheelbase, making it well-suited to serve a wide range of medium-duty trucks and end uses. The chassis’ modular design will accommodate multiple weight ratings and classifications, based on build-out and usage. The lithium-ion battery packs provide an approximate range of 150 to 175 miles with the opportunity to enhance range through expanded battery options.

 

     ○ Leveraging a scalable design, the full Blue Arc EV portfolio is available in Class 3, 4 and 5 walk-in van configurations with body length options from 12 to 22 feet. Designed for high-frequency, last-mile delivery fleets, these vehicles are powered by lithium-ion battery packs that can deliver 150 mile range at 50% payload in parcel mode with optional extended range packs available. With these options, Shyft customers can maximize productivity and minimize cost of ownership, including fuel and maintenance costs.

 

 

●

The Velocity lineup of last-mile delivery vehicles span Gross Vehicle Weight Rating class sizes 2 and 3 and are available on Ford Transit, Mercedes Sprinter, and RAM Promaster chassis. The Velocity combines fuel efficiency, comfort, and maneuverability with the cargo space, access, and load capacity similar to a traditional walk-in van.

 

 

●

Royal Truck Body’s new Severe Duty body, built to fit General Motors’ medium duty truck class and Ford's Super Duty truck class, includes more standard features than any other service body on the market. With its fortress five-point lock system, 10-gauge steel box tops treated with a protective Polyeurea coating and 3/8″ tread plate steel floors, this work truck is built to last and is ideal for contractors and business owners that need heavy-duty work trucks.

 

 

●

Feature motorhome chassis are equipped with the Spartan® RV Chassis Connected Coach®, featuring the new 15-inch anti-glare digital dash that is custom designed for the RV customer to meet their specific display or operational needs. Integrating with the digital dash is the new Tri-Pod Steering Wheel, which places driving features and instrumentation right at the driver's fingertips, enabling a more effortless engagement with driving features and controls.

 

The following section provides a narrative discussion about our financial condition and results of operations. Certain amounts in the narrative may not sum due to rounding. The comments should be read in conjunction with our Consolidated Financial Statements and related Notes thereto appearing in Item 8 of this Form 10-K.

 

27
 

 

Results of Operations

 

The discussion of our 2022 consolidated operating results compared to our 2021 consolidated operating results is included in Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (“MD&A”) of our 2022 Annual Report on Form 10-K filed February 23, 2023 and is incorporated by reference into this MD&A.

 

The following table sets forth, for the periods indicated, the components of our consolidated statements of operations, as a percentage of sales (percentages may not sum due to rounding):

 

   

Year Ended December 31,

  
    2023    

2022

  

Sales

     100.0       100.0  

Cost of products sold

     82.8       82.4  

Gross profit

     17.2     17.6  

Operating expenses:

                

Research and development

     2.9       2.5  

Selling, general and administrative

     13.6       10.5  

Operating income

     0.7       4.6  

Other expense, net

     (0.7 )     (0.3 )

Income from continuing operations before income taxes

     -       4.3  

Income tax expense (benefit)

     (0.7 )     0.7  

Income from continuing operations

     0.7       3.6  

Non-controlling interest

     -       -  

Net income attributable to The Shyft Group, Inc.

     0.7       3.6  

 

Sales

Consolidated sales for the year ended December 31, 2023 decreased by $155.0 million, or 15.1% to $872.2 million from $1,027.2 million in 2022. This decrease reflects lower sales volumes in our FVS segment primarily attributable to lower walk-in van sales partially offset by higher truck body sales including $34.1 million in pass-through chassis sales, lower sales volumes in our SV segment primarily attributable to lower motorhome chassis demand partially offset by higher service body and contract manufacturing volume and favorable pricing implemented to offset material and labor inflation. These changes in sales are discussed more fully in the discussion of our segments below.

 
Cost of Products Sold

Cost of products sold decreased by $124.9 million, or 14.7%, to $721.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2023 from $846.7 million in 2022. The decrease was due to $155.4 million in lower volume and mix and $8.3 million due to higher productivity, partially offset by $34.1 million in pass-through chassis costs, and $4.7 million in higher material, labor, and other costs. As a percentage of sales, cost of products sold increased to 82.8% in 2023, compared to 82.4% in 2022.

 

Gross Profit

Gross profit decreased by $30.0 million, or 16.7%, to $150.4 million in 2023 from $180.4 million in 2022. The decrease was due to $33.6 million lower volume and mix net of favorable pricing and $4.7 million in higher material and labor and other costs, partially offset by $8.3 million in higher productivity. Gross margin decreased to 17.2% in 2023 from 17.6% over 2022 due to the items mentioned above.

 

Operating Expenses

Operating expenses for the year ended December 31, 2023 increased by $10.7 million, or 8.0%, to $143.6 million from $132.9 million in 2022. Research and development expense decreased $0.1 million in 2023 primarily related to EV development initiatives including materials and components associated with building prototype vehicles. Selling, general and administrative expense increased by $10.8 million, or 10.1%, to $118.4 million in 2023 from $107.6 million in 2022 primarily driven by $2.6 million of CEO transition costs, $1.0 million of severance related cost reduction initiatives, $3.2 million of EV program management costs and $4.0 million of other employee costs.

 

28
 

 

Other Income and Expense

Interest expense for the year ended December 31, 2023 increased by $3.7 million to $6.5 million from $2.8 million in 2022. The increase was due to additional borrowings and higher borrowing costs on our variable rate debt. Other income was $0.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2023 compared to other expense of $0.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2022.

 

Income Tax Expense (Benefit)

Income tax expense (benefit) from continuing operations for the year ended December 31, 2023 was a benefit of ($5.8) million as compared to the prior year expense of $7.4 million. The year-over-year change was mainly due to a reduction in pre-tax income, a $2.5 million tax benefit related to reductions in unrecognized tax benefits and a $3.6 million tax benefit for research and development credits.

 

Income from Continuing Operations

Income from continuing operations for the year ended December 31, 2023 decreased by $30.1 million, or 82.3%, to $6.5 million compared to $36.6 million in 2022. On a diluted per share basis, income from continuing operations decreased $0.84 to $0.19 in 2023 compared to $1.03 per share in 2022. Driving this decrease were the factors noted above.

 

Our Segments

 

This Form 10-K presents Adjusted EBITDA (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization), which is a non-GAAP financial measure when presented on a consolidated basis. This non-GAAP measure is calculated by excluding items that we believe to be infrequent or not indicative of our underlying operating performance, as well as certain non-cash expenses. We define Adjusted EBITDA as income from continuing operations before interest, income taxes, depreciation and amortization, as adjusted to eliminate the impact of restructuring charges, acquisition related expenses and adjustments, non-cash stock-based compensation expenses, and other gains and losses not reflective of our ongoing operations.

 

We present the non-GAAP measure Adjusted EBITDA because we consider it to be an important supplemental measure of our performance. The presentation of Adjusted EBITDA enables investors to better understand our operations by removing items that we believe are not representative of our continuing operations and may distort our longer-term operating trends. We believe this measure to be useful to improve the comparability of our results from period to period and with our competitors, as well as to show ongoing results from operations distinct from items that are infrequent or not indicative of our continuing operating performance. We believe that presenting this non-GAAP measure is useful to investors because it permits investors to view performance using the same tools that management uses to budget, make operating and strategic decisions, and evaluate our historical performance. We believe that the presentation of this non-GAAP measure, when considered together with the corresponding GAAP financial measures and the reconciliations to that measure, provides investors with additional understanding of the factors and trends affecting our business than could be obtained in the absence of this disclosure.

 

Our management uses Adjusted EBITDA to evaluate the performance of and allocate resources to our segments. Adjusted EBITDA is also used, along with other financial and non-financial measures, for purposes of determining annual incentive compensation for our management team.

 

The following table reconciles Income from continuing operations to Adjusted EBITDA for the periods indicated.

 

   

Year Ended

December 31,

2023

    

Year Ended

December 31,

2022

  

Income from continuing operations

   $ 6,464     $ 36,558  

Net loss attributable to non-controlling interest

      32       -  

Interest expense

      6,527       2,833  

Income tax expense (benefit)

      (5,768 )     7,368  

Depreciation and amortization expense

      16,953       14,774  

Restructuring and other related charges

      1,741       757  

Acquisition related expenses and adjustments

      440       884  

Non-cash stock-based compensation expense

      7,834       7,619  
Loss from write-off of assets      1,872       -  
Legacy legal matters      956       -  
Non-recurring professional fees      288       -  
CEO transition      2,629       -  

Adjusted EBITDA

   $ 39,968     $ 70,793  

 

29
 


Our FVS segment focuses on designing and manufacturing walk-in vans for the parcel delivery, mobile retail, and trades and construction industries; the production of commercial truck bodies, upfit services, and supply of related aftermarket parts and services under the Utilimaster brand name.

 
Our SV segment consists of service bodies operations, operations that engineer and manufacture motorhome chassis, other specialty chassis and distribution of related aftermarket parts and assemblies. We also provide vocation-specific equipment upfit services, which are marketed and sold under the Strobes-R-Us brand.

 

The accounting policies of the segments are the same as those described, or referred to, in “Note 1 – Nature of Operations and Basis of Presentation.” Interest expense and Taxes on income are not included in the information utilized by the chief operating decision maker to assess segment performance and allocate resources, and accordingly, are excluded from the segment results presented below. Appropriate expense amounts are allocated to the two reportable segments and are included in their reported operating income or loss.

 

For certain financial information related to each segment, see “Note 15 – Business Segments” of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements appearing in Item 8 of this Form 10-K.

 

Fleet Vehicles and Services

 

Segment Financial Data

(Dollars in Thousands)

  

Year Ended December 31,
    2023    

2022

  
    Amount     Percentage    

Amount

    

Percentage

  
                                 

Sales

   $ 541,638       100.0 %   $ 647,003       100.0 %

Adjusted EBITDA

   $ 30,326       5.6 %   $ 65,719       10.2 %

Segment assets

   $ 241,546             $ 308,357          

 

Sales in our FVS segment decreased by $105.4 million, or 16.3%, to $541.6 million in 2023 from $647.0 million in 2022. This decrease was primarily attributable to a sales volume decrease due to softening in the delivery van markets, partially offset by increased truck body sales volume, including $34.1 million pass-through chassis sales.

 

Adjusted EBITDA in our FVS segment was $30.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2023, a decrease of $35.4 million compared to $65.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2022. This decrease was primarily attributable to $26.5 million in lower volume and $20.1 million unfavorable mix net of pricing, partially offset by $6.2 million of favorable material, labor costs and other costs and $5.0 million of favorable productivity.

 

FVS segment assets decreased $66.8 million primarily attributable to a $64.1 million decrease in accounts receivable and contract assets driven by decreased sales and the completion of in-process orders.

 

Order backlog for our FVS segment decreased by $411.7 million, or 55.9%, to $325.0 million at December 31, 2023 compared to $736.7 million at December 31, 2022. This decrease was primarily due to softer parcel delivery vehicle demand. Our backlog enables visibility into future sales which can normally range from two to twelve months depending on the product, however more recently this range has extended to greater than one year for certain product lines due to increased inventories in the dealer network.

 

30
 

 

Specialty Vehicles

 

Segment Financial Data

(Dollars in Thousands)

  

Year Ended December 31,
    2023    

2022

  
    Amount     Percentage    

Amount

    

Percentage

  
                                 

Sales

   $ 334,743       100.0 %   $ 386,644       100.0 %

Adjusted EBITDA

   $ 66,186       19.8 %   $ 54,413       14.1 %

Segment assets

   $ 213,509             $ 220,768          

 

Sales in our SV segment decreased by $51.9 million or 13.4%, to $334.7 million in 2023 compared to $386.6 million in 2022. This decrease was primarily attributable to lower motorhome chassis market demand, partially offset by higher service body sales.

 

Adjusted EBITDA for our SV segment was $66.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2023, an increase of $11.8 million compared to $54.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2022. This increase was primarily attributable to $26.6 million of favorable pricing and mix and $4.4 million of favorable productivity, partially offset by $14.2 million due to lower volume and $5.0 million due to material, labor and other costs.

 

SV segment assets decreased $7.3 million primarily attributable to a $12.0 million decrease in accounts receivable driven by lower sales, a $3.6 million decrease in intangible assets driven by amortization, a $2.6 million net decrease in right-of-use operating assets driven by amortization, partially offset by a $14.7 million increase in Other receivables - chassis pool agreements.

 

Order backlog for our SV segment decreased by $11.7 million, or 12.2%, to $84.3 million at December 31, 2023 compared to $96.0 million at December 31, 2022. This decrease was due to lower motorhome orders, partially offset by strong demand for service bodies. Our backlog enables visibility into future sales which can normally range from less than one month to twelve months depending on the product.

 

Liquidity and Capital Resources

 

Cash Flows

 

Our cash flows from operating, investing and financing activities, as reflected in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows appearing in Item 8 of this Form 10-K, are summarized in the following table (in thousands):

 

   

Year Ended December 31,

  
    2023    

2022

  

Cash provided by (used in):

                

Operating activities

   $ 56,244     $  (18,843 )

Investing activities

     (21,114 )     (20,416 )

Financing activities

     (36,721 )     13,649  

Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents

   $ (1,591 )   $ (25,610 )

 

During 2023, cash and cash equivalents decreased by $1.6 million to a balance of $9.9 million as of December 31, 2023. These funds, in addition to cash generated from future operations and available credit facilities, are expected to be sufficient to finance our foreseeable liquidity and capital needs, including potential future acquisitions.

 

31
 

 

Cash Flow from Operating Activities

 

We generated $56.2 million of cash from operating activities during the year ended December 31, 2023, an increase in cash provided of $75.0 million from $18.8 million of cash used by operating activities during the year ended December 31, 2022. The $56.2 million of cash generated in 2023 was driven by a $31.5 million net inflow related to the change in net working capital and a $24.7 million net inflow related to income adjusted for non-cash charges to operations. The change in working capital in 2023 was driven by a $72.9 million inflow related to decreased receivables and contract assets primarily attributable to the completion of in process vehicles, partially offset by a $28.0 million outflow related to decreased payables primarily attributable to timing of payments within the period and a $13.4 million net outflow related to a net increase in remaining other assets and liabilities, including inventory, accrued compensation and warranty.

 

Cash Flow from Investing Activities

 

We used $21.1 million in investing activities during the year ended December 31, 2023, a $0.7 million increase compared to the $20.4 million used during the year ended December 31, 2022. The increase in cash used in investing activities is primarily attributable to business acquisition costs.

 

Cash Flow from Financing Activities

 

We used $36.7 million of cash through financing activities during the year ended December 31, 2023, compared to $13.6 million generated during the year ended December 31, 2022. The $50.3 million increase in cash used by financing activities is primarily attributable to $62.0 million of increased repayments on long-term debt net of borrowings partially offset by $7.7 million of decreased purchase and retirement of common stock and $4.0 million of decreased exercise and vesting of stock incentive awards.

 

Effect of Inflation

 

Inflation affects us in two principal ways. First, our revolving credit facility is generally tied to the prime and Secured Overnight Financing Rate ("SOFR") interest rates so that increases in those interest rates would be translated into additional interest expense. Second, general inflation impacts prices paid for labor, parts and supplies. Whenever possible, we attempt to cover increased costs of production and capital by adjusting the sales prices of our products. However, we generally do not attempt to negotiate inflation-based price adjustment provisions into our contracts. We have limited ability to pass on cost increases to our customers on a short-term basis. In addition, the markets we serve are competitive in nature, and competition limits our ability to pass through cost increases in many cases. We strive to minimize the effect of inflation through cost reductions and improved productivity. Refer to the Commodities Risk section in Item 7A of this Form 10-K for further information regarding commodity cost fluctuations.

 

Contingent Liabilities

 

Legal Proceedings Relating to Environmental Matters

 

As previously disclosed, in May 2020, the Company received an information request from the United States Environmental Protection Agency (“EPA”) requesting certain information regarding emissions labels on chassis, vocational vehicles, and vehicles that the Company manufactured or imported into the U.S. between January 1, 2017 to the date the Company received the request in May 2020. The Company responded to the EPA’s request and furnished the requested materials in the third quarter of 2020.

 

On April 6, 2022, the Company received a Notice of Violation from the EPA alleging a failure to secure certain certifications on manufactured chassis and a failure to comply with recordkeeping and reporting requirements related to supplier-provided chassis. The Company continues to investigate this matter, including potential defenses, and is continuing to discuss the allegations with the EPA. At this time, it is not possible to estimate the potential fines or penalties that the Company may incur for this matter.

 

32
 

 

Debt

 

On November 30, 2021, we entered into an Amended and Restated Credit Agreement (the "Credit Agreement") by and among us and certain of our subsidiaries as borrowers, Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., as administrative agent, and the lenders party thereto consisting of Wells Fargo, N.A., JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., PNC Bank, N.A. and Bank of America, N.A. (the "Lenders"). Certain of our other subsidiaries have executed guaranties guarantying the borrowers' obligations under the Credit Agreement.

 

On May 31, 2023, the Company amended the Credit Agreement to effectuate the transition of the underlying variable interest rate from LIBOR to the Secured Overnight Financing Rate ("SOFR"). Increased interest expense and/or disruption in the financial market could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, or results of operations.

 

Under the Credit Agreement, we may borrow up to $400.0 million from the Lenders under a secured revolving credit facility which matures November 30, 2026. We may also request an increase in the facility of up to $200.0 million in the aggregate, subject to customary conditions. The revolving credit facility is also available for the issuance of letters of credit of up to $20.0 million and swing line loans of up to $10.0 million, subject to certain limitations and restrictions. The revolving credit facility carries an interest rate of either (i) the highest of prime rate, the federal funds effective rate from time to time plus 0.5%, or the one month adjusted SOFR including a credit spread adjustment plus 1.0%; or (ii) adjusted SOFR, in each case plus a margin based upon our ratio of debt to earnings from time to time. The applicable borrowing rate including the margin was 6.45% (or one-month SOFR including a credit spread adjustment plus 1.00%) at December 31, 2023. The revolving credit facility is secured by security interests in, and liens on, all assets of the borrowers and guarantors, other than real property and certain other excluded assets. At December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, we had outstanding letters of credit totaling $1.6 million and $1.2 million, respectively, related to our workers’ compensation insurance.

 

Under the terms of our Credit Agreement, available borrowings (exclusive of outstanding borrowings) totaled $83.2 million and $187.2 million at December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, respectively. The Credit Agreement requires us to maintain certain financial ratios and other financial covenants; prohibits us from incurring additional indebtedness; limits certain acquisitions, investments, advances or loans; limits our ability to pay dividends in certain circumstances; and restricts substantial asset sales, all subject to certain exceptions and baskets. At December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, we were in compliance with all covenants in our Credit Agreement.

 

Material Cash Requirements

 

We are party to contractual obligations involving commitments to make payments to third parties, and such commitments require a material amount of cash. As part of our normal course of business, we enter into contracts with suppliers for purchases of certain raw materials, components, and services to facilitate adequate supply of these materials and services. These arrangements may contain fixed or minimum quantity purchase requirements.

 

Our current cash position, available borrowing capacity on our credit facilities, and the cash flows we expect to generate from continuing operations are expected to be sufficient to finance our operating and capital needs, including day to day operations, capital expenditures, research and development, investments in information technology systems, dividends and potential future acquisitions, for at least the next twelve months and the foreseeable future thereafter.

 

Our future contractual obligations, as described above, are summarized below.

 

    Payments Due by Period (in thousands)  
           

Less than

                    

More than

  
   

Total

    

1 Year

    

1-3 Years

    

4-5 Years

    

5 Years

  
                                         

Debt (1)

   $ 59,675       3,225       56,450       -       -  

Operating lease obligations

      52,198        10,475        17,824        9,532        14,367  

Purchase obligations

     2,300       2,300       -       -       -  
                                         

Total contractual obligations

   $ 114,173     $ 16,000     $ 74,274     $ 9,532     $ 14,367  

 

(1)

Debt includes revolving credit facility estimated interest payments and payments on finance leases. The interest payments on the related variable rate debt were calculated using the effective interest rate of 6.45% at December 31, 2023.

 

33
 

 

Equity Securities

 

February 22, 2022, we announced that our Board of Directors had authorized the repurchase of up to $250.0 million of our common stock. The repurchase authorization does not have an expiration date. We believe that we have sufficient resources to fund any potential stock buyback in which we may engage over the long-term.

 

Dividends

 

We paid dividends on our outstanding common shares in 2023 and 2022 as shown in the table below.

 

Date dividend

declared

  

Record date

  

Payment date

  

Dividend per

share ($)

  
Oct. 31, 2023   Nov. 16, 2023   Dec. 15, 2023     0.05  
Aug. 2, 2023   Aug. 17, 2023   Sep. 18, 2023     0.05  
May 2, 2023   May 17, 2023   Jun. 20, 2023     0.05  
Jan. 31, 2023   Feb. 17, 2023   Mar. 17, 2023     0.05  
Nov. 1, 2022   Nov. 16, 2022   Dec. 15, 2022     0.05  
Aug. 5, 2022   Aug. 17, 2022   Sep. 16, 2022     0.05  
May 2, 2022   May 17, 2022   Jun. 17, 2022     0.05  
Feb. 16, 2022   Feb. 17, 2022   Mar. 17, 2022     0.05  

 

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

 

The following discussion of critical accounting policies and estimates is intended to supplement “Note 1 – Nature of Operations and Basis of Presentation” of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements appearing in Item 8 of this Form 10-K. These policies were selected because they are broadly applicable within our operating units and they involve additional management judgment due to the sensitivity of the methods, assumptions and estimates necessary in determining the related statement of income, asset and/or liability amounts. 

 

 

Revenue Recognition 

 

Essentially all of our revenue is generated through contracts with our customers. We may recognize revenue over time or at a point in time when or as obligations under the terms of a contract with our customer are satisfied, depending on the terms and features of the contract and the products supplied. Our contracts generally do not have any significant variable consideration. The collectability of consideration on the contract is reasonably assured before revenue is recognized. On certain vehicles, payment may be received in advance of us satisfying our performance obligations. Such payments are recorded in Contract liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. The corresponding performance obligations are generally satisfied within one year of the contract inception. We have elected to utilize the practical expedient to recognize the incremental costs of obtaining a contract as an expense when incurred because the amortization period for the prepaid costs that would have otherwise been deferred and amortized is one year or less. We use an observable price to allocate the stand-alone selling price to separate performance obligations within a contract or a cost-plus margin approach when an observable price is not available. The estimated costs to fulfill our base warranties are recognized as expense when the products are sold.

 

Revenue for parts sales for both segments is recognized at the time that control and risk of ownership has passed to the customer, which is generally, when the ordered part is shipped to the customer. Historical return rates on parts sales have been immaterial.

 

Revenue for upfit and field service contracts and walk-in vans and truck bodies built on a chassis owned and controlled by the customer is recognized over time, as equipment is installed in the customer’s vehicle, repairs and enhancements are made to the customer’s vehicles, or as the vehicles are built.

 

For certain of our vehicles and chassis, we sell separately priced service contracts that provide roadside assistance or extend certain warranty coverage beyond our base warranty agreements. These separately priced contracts range from one to six years from the date of the shipment of the related vehicle or chassis. We receive payment with the shipment of the related vehicle or at the inception of the extended service contract, if later, and recognize revenue over the coverage term of the agreement, generally on a straight-line basis, which approximates the pattern of costs expected to be incurred in satisfying the obligations under the contract.

 

34
 

 

Business Combinations

 

When acquiring other businesses, we recognize identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed at their acquisition date estimated fair values, and separately from any goodwill that may be required to be recognized. Goodwill, when recognizable, is measured as the excess amount of any consideration transferred, which is measured at fair value, over the acquisition date fair values of the identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed. Amounts recorded in a business combination may change during the measurement period, which is a period not to exceed one year from the date of acquisition, as additional information about conditions existing at the acquisition date becomes available.

 

Accounting for such acquisitions requires us to make significant assumptions and estimates and are adjusted during the measurement period for a period of up to one year after the acquisition date. Costs incurred to effect an acquisition, such as legal, accounting, valuation or other third-party costs, as well as internal general and administrative costs incurred are charged to expense in the periods incurred.

 

Goodwill and Other Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets

 

In accordance with authoritative guidance on goodwill and other indefinite-lived intangible assets, such assets are tested for impairment at least annually, and written down when and to the extent impaired. We perform our annual impairment test for goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets as of October 1 of each year, or more frequently if an event occurs or conditions change that would more likely than not reduce the fair value of the asset below its carrying value.

 

As of October 1, 2023, the most recent annual goodwill impairment assessment date, two reporting units were determined for goodwill impairment testing: Fleet Vehicles and Services and Specialty Vehicles. We qualitatively assessed goodwill assigned to the Fleet Vehicles and Services and Specialty Vehicles reporting units and found no indicators of impairment.

 

We first assess qualitative factors including, but not limited to, macroeconomic conditions, industry conditions, the competitive environment, changes in the market for our products and current and forecasted financial performance to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount. If we determine that it is more likely than not that the fair value of the reporting unit is greater than its carrying amount, we are not required to calculate the fair value of a reporting unit. We have the option to bypass this qualitative assessment and proceed to a quantitative goodwill impairment assessment. If we elect to bypass the qualitative assessment, or if after completing the assessment it is determined to be more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying value, we perform an impairment test by comparing the fair value of a reporting unit with its carrying amount, including goodwill. The fair value of the reporting unit is determined by estimating the future cash flows of the reporting unit to which the goodwill relates, and then discounting the future cash flows at a market-participant-derived weighted-average cost of capital (“WACC”). In determining the estimated future cash flows, we consider current and projected future levels of income based on our plans for that business; business trends, prospects and market and economic conditions; and market-participant considerations. If the fair value of a reporting unit exceeds its carrying amount, goodwill of the reporting unit is considered to not be impaired. If the carrying amount of the reporting unit exceeds its fair value, an impairment loss is recognized in an amount equal to the excess, up to the value of the goodwill.

 

We evaluate the recoverability of our indefinite lived intangible assets by comparing the estimated fair value of the trade names with their carrying values. We estimate the fair value of our trade names based on estimates of future royalty payments that are avoided through our ownership of the trade name, discounted to their present value. In determining the estimated fair value of the trade names, we consider current and projected future levels of revenue based on our plans for branded products, business trends, prospects and market and economic conditions.

 

Significant judgments inherent in these analyses include assumptions about appropriate sales growth rates, WACC and the amount of expected future net cash flows. The judgments and assumptions used in the estimate of fair value are generally consistent with the projections and assumptions that are used in current operating plans. Such assumptions are subject to change as a result of changing economic and competitive conditions. The determination of fair value is highly sensitive to differences between estimated and actual cash flows and changes in the related discount rate used to evaluate the fair value of the reporting units and trade name.

 

See “Note 4 – Goodwill and Intangible Assets” in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements appearing in Item 8 of this Form 10-K for further details on our goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets.

 

35
 

 

Warranties 

 

Our policy is to record a provision for the estimated cost of warranty-related claims at the time of the sale, and periodically adjust the warranty liability to reflect actual experience. The amount of warranty liability accrued reflects actual historical warranty cost, which is accumulated on specific identifiable units. From that point, there is a projection of the expected future cost of honoring our obligations under the warranty agreements. Historically, the cost of fulfilling our warranty obligations has principally involved replacement parts and labor for field retrofit campaigns and recalls, which increase the reserve. Our estimates are based on historical experience, the number of units involved, and the extent of features and components included in product models. See “Note 9 – Commitments and Contingent Liabilities” in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements appearing in Item 8 of this Form 10-K for further information regarding warranties.

 

Provision for Income Taxes 

 

We account for income taxes under a method that requires deferred income tax assets and liabilities to be recognized using enacted tax rates for the effect of temporary differences between the book and tax bases of recorded assets and liabilities. Authoritative guidance also requires deferred income tax assets, which include state tax credit carryforwards, operating loss carryforwards and deductible temporary differences, be reduced by a valuation allowance if it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred income tax assets will not be realized.

 

We evaluate the likelihood of realizing our deferred income tax assets by assessing our valuation allowance and by adjusting the amount of such allowance, if necessary. The factors used to assess the likelihood of realization include our forecast of future taxable income, the projected reversal of temporary differences and available tax planning strategies that could be implemented to realize the net deferred income tax assets.

 

We recognize the tax benefit from an uncertain tax position only if it is more likely than not that the tax position will be sustained on examination by the taxing authorities. The determination is based on the technical merits of the position and presumes that each uncertain tax position will be examined by the relevant taxing authority that has full knowledge of all relevant information. Although management believes the estimates are reasonable, no assurance can be given that the final outcome of these matters will not be different than what is reflected in the historical income tax provisions and accruals.

 

Interest and penalties attributable to income taxes are recorded as a component of income taxes.

 

The Organization Economic Co-operation and Development (“OECD”) introduced the Base Erosion and Profit Shifting (“BEPS”) Pillar Two rules that impose a global minimum tax rate of 15%. Numerous countries, including European Union member states, have enacted or are expected to enact legislation to be effective as early as January 1, 2024, with general implementation of a global minimum tax by January 1, 2025. We are currently evaluating the potential impact on our consolidated financial statements and related disclosures and do not anticipate an impact from Pillar Two to the Company.

 

New and Pending Accounting Policies

 

See “Note 1 – Nature of Operations and Basis of Presentation” in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements appearing in Item 8 of this Form 10-K.

 

36
 

 

Item 7A.

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk.

 

Interest Rate Risk

 

We are exposed to market risks related to changes in interest rates and the effect of such a change on outstanding variable rate short-term and long-term debt. At December 31, 2023, we had $50.0 million debt outstanding under our revolving credit facility. An increase of 100 basis points in interest rates would result in $0.5 million of incremental interest expense on an annualized basis. We believe that we have sufficient financial resources to accommodate this hypothetical increase in interest rates. We do not enter into market-risk-sensitive instruments for trading or other purposes.

 

On May 31, 2023, the Company amended the Credit Agreement to effectuate the transition of the underlying variable interest rate from LIBOR to SOFR. The interest rate charged on our outstanding borrowings pursuant to our revolving credit facility is currently based on SOFR, as described in Part 2, Item 8, "Note 11 – Debt" of this Form 10-K. Increased interest expense and/or disruption in the financial market could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, or results of operations.

 

Commodities Risk

 

We are also exposed to changes in the prices of raw materials, primarily steel and aluminum, along with components that are made from these raw materials. We generally do not enter into derivative instruments for the purpose of managing exposures associated with fluctuations in steel and aluminum prices. We do, from time to time, engage in pre-buys of components that are impacted by changes in steel, aluminum and other commodity prices in order to mitigate our exposure to such price increases and align our costs with prices quoted in specific customer orders. We also actively manage our material supply sourcing and may employ various methods to limit risk associated with commodity cost fluctuations due to normal market conditions and other factors including tariffs. See Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations included in Part 1, Item 7 of this Form 10-K for information on the impacts of changes in input costs during the year ended December 31, 2023.

 

We do not believe that there has been a material change in the nature or categories of the primary market risk exposures or in the particular markets that present our primary risk of loss. As of the date of this report, we do not know of or expect any material changes in the general nature of our primary market risk exposure in the near term. In this discussion, “near term” means a period of one year following the date of the most recent balance sheet contained in this report.

 

Prevailing interest rates, interest rate relationships and commodity costs are primarily determined by market factors that are beyond our control. All information provided in response to this item consists of forward-looking statements. Reference is made to the section captioned “Forward-Looking Statements” before Part I of this Form 10-K for a discussion of the limitations on our responsibility for such statements.

 

37
 

 

 

Item 8.

Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.

 

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

 

To the shareholders and the Board of Directors of The Shyft Group, Inc.

 

Opinions on the Financial Statements and Internal Control over Financial Reporting

 

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of The Shyft Group, Inc. and subsidiaries (the "Company") as of December 31, 2023 and 2022, the related consolidated statements of operations, shareholders' equity, and cash flows, for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2023, and the related notes and the schedule listed in the Index at Item 15 (collectively referred to as the "financial statements"). We also have audited the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2023, based on criteria established in Internal Control — Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO).

 

In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of December 31, 2023 and 2022, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2023, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. Also, in our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2023, based on criteria established in Internal Control — Integrated Framework (2013) issued by COSO.

 

Basis for Opinions

 

The Company’s management is responsible for these financial statements, for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting, and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in the accompanying Management's Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements and an opinion on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB) and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.

 

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audits to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud, and whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects.

 

Our audits of the financial statements included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures to respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. Our audit of internal control over financial reporting included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, and testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk. Our audits also included performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinions.

 

Definition and Limitations of Internal Control over Financial Reporting

 

A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

 

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

 

38
 

 

Critical Audit Matter

 

The critical audit matter communicated below is a matter arising from the current-period audit of the financial statements that was communicated or required to be communicated to the audit committee and that (1) relates to accounts or disclosures that are material to the financial statements and (2) involved our especially challenging, subjective, or complex judgments. The communication of critical audit matters does not alter in any way our opinion on the financial statements, taken as a whole, and we are not, by communicating the critical audit matter below, providing a separate opinion on the critical audit matter or on the accounts or disclosures to which it relates.

 

Qualitative assessment of goodwill impairment – Refer to Notes 1 and 4 to the consolidated financial statements

 

Critical Audit Matter Description

 

The Company performs its annual impairment test for goodwill as of October 1 of each year, or more frequently if an event occurs or conditions change that would more likely than not reduce the fair value of the asset below its carrying value. The Company assesses qualitative factors to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount. The qualitative assessment involves significant use of management’s judgment and assumptions including, but not limited to, macroeconomic conditions, industry conditions, the competitive environment, changes in the market for the Company’s products and current and forecasted financial performance. Changes in these assumptions could have a significant impact on either the fair value, the amount of any goodwill impairment charge, or both.

 

The Company’s goodwill balance was $48.9 million as of December 31, 2023, of which $15.3 million was allocated to the Fleet Vehicles and Services reporting unit (“FVS”) and $33.6 million was allocated to the Specialty Vehicles reporting unit (“SV”) (collectively referred to as the “reporting units”). The Company concluded there were no indications that the fair value of any reporting unit was less than the carrying amount, therefore a quantitative assessment was not performed, and no impairment was recognized.

 

We identified the Company’s qualitative assessment that concluded that it is not more likely than not that the fair value of each reporting unit was less than its carrying amount as a critical audit matter because of the significant judgments and assumptions used in the qualitative assessment. Auditing management’s judgments related to the impact of macroeconomic conditions, industry and market considerations, overall financial performance, entity and reporting unit specific events, capital markets pricing, and most recent fair value estimates required a high degree of auditor judgment and an increased extent of effort, including the need to involve our fair value specialists.

 

How the Critical Audit Matter Was Addressed in the Audit

 

Our audit procedures related to management’s qualitative assessment of goodwill for the FVS and SV reporting units included the following, among others:

 

●We tested the effectiveness of controls over goodwill, including those over management's judgments and assumptions related to macroeconomic conditions, industry and market considerations, overall financial performance, entity and reporting unit specific events, capital markets pricing, the Company’s most recent fair value estimate and carrying amount.

 

●We performed breakeven sensitivity analyses over management’s projections to evaluate sensitivity of key assumptions and their effect on fair value.

 

●With the assistance of fair value specialists, we compared the qualitative factors used by management to current macroeconomic conditions, industry conditions, analyzed current breakeven valuation multiples from guideline public companies and changes of revenue and operating profits as compared to the Company’s most recent fair value estimate, and other relevant factors including contrary evidence.

 

●We considered the completeness of management's identification of qualitative factors effecting the reporting units by considering other information obtained in our review of board minutes and inquiries with management.

 

/s/ Deloitte & Touche LLP

 

Detroit, Michigan

February 22, 2024

 

We have served as the Company's auditor since 2021.

 

39
  
 

THE SHYFT GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(In thousands)

 

  December 31,  

December 31,

 
  2023  

2022

 

ASSETS

        

Current assets:

        

Cash and cash equivalents

 $9,957  $11,548 

Accounts receivable, less allowance of $276 and $246

  79,573   115,742 

Contract assets

  50,305   86,993 

Inventories

  105,135   100,161 

Other receivables – chassis pool agreements

  34,496   19,544 

Other current assets

  7,462   11,779 

Total current assets

  286,928   345,767 

Property, plant and equipment, net

  83,437   70,753 

Right of use assets – operating leases

  45,827   53,386 

Goodwill

  48,880   48,880 

Intangible assets, net

  45,268   49,078 
Net deferred tax assets  17,300   10,390 

Other assets

  2,409   2,227 

TOTAL ASSETS

 $530,049  $580,481 
         

LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY

        

Current liabilities:

        

Accounts payable

 $99,855  $124,309 

Accrued warranty

  7,231   7,161 

Accrued compensation and related taxes

  13,526   14,434 

Contract liabilities

  4,756   5,255 

Operating lease liability

  10,817   10,888 

Other current liabilities and accrued expenses

  11,965   19,452 

Short-term debt – chassis pool agreements

  34,496   19,544 

Current portion of long-term debt

  185   189 

Total current liabilities

  182,831   201,232 

Other non-current liabilities

  8,184   10,033 

Long-term operating lease liability

  36,724   44,256 

Long-term debt, less current portion

  50,144   56,266 

Total liabilities

  

277,883

   311,787 

Commitments and contingent liabilities

          

Shareholders' equity:

        

Preferred stock, no par value: 2,000 shares authorized (none issued)

  -   - 

Common stock, no par value: 80,000 shares authorized; 34,303 and 35,066 outstanding

  93,705   92,982 

Retained earnings

  158,461   175,611 

Total Shyft Group, Inc. shareholders’ equity

  252,166   268,593 

Non-controlling interest

  -   101 

Total shareholders' equity

  252,166   268,694 

TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY

 $530,049  $580,481 

 

See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

40
 
 

THE SHYFT GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

(In thousands, except per share data)

 

   

Year Ended December 31,

  
    2023    

2022

    

2021

  
                         

Sales

   $ 872,198     $ 1,027,164     $ 991,792  

Cost of products sold

     721,840       846,731       792,527  

Gross profit

     150,358       180,433       199,265  
                         

Operating expenses:

                        

Research and development

     25,185       25,324       8,541  

Selling, general and administrative

     118,420       107,600       106,672  

Total operating expenses

     143,605       132,924       115,213  
                         

Operating income

    6,753       47,509       84,052  
                         

Other income (expense):

                        

Interest expense

     (6,527 )     (2,833 )     (414

)

Other income (expense)

     470       (750 )     842  

Total other income (expense)

     (6,057 )     (3,583 )     428

 
                         

Income from continuing operations before income taxes

     696       43,926       84,480  

Income tax expense (benefit)

     (5,768 )     7,368       14,506  

Income from continuing operations

     6,464       36,558       69,974  

Income from discontinued operations, net of income taxes

     -       -       181

 

Net income

     6,464       36,558       70,155  

Less: net income (loss) attributable to non-controlling interest

     (32 )     -       1,230  
                         

Net income attributable to Shyft Group, Inc.

   $ 6,496     $ 36,558     $ 68,925  
                         

Basic earnings per share

                        

Continuing operations

   $ 0.19     $ 1.04     $ 1.94  

Discontinued operations

     -       -       0.01

 

Basic earnings per share

   $ 0.19     $ 1.04     $ 1.95  

Diluted earnings per share

                        

Continuing operations

   $ 0.19     $ 1.03     $ 1.91  

Discontinued operations

     -       -       -

 

Diluted earnings per share

   $ 0.19     $ 1.03     $ 1.91  
                         

Basic weighted average common shares outstanding

     34,721       35,073       35,333  
                         

Diluted weighted average common shares outstanding

     34,861       35,494       36,097  

 

See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

41
 
 

THE SHYFT GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

(In thousands, except per share data)

 

   

Number of

Shares

    

Common

Stock

    

Retained

Earnings

    

Non-

Controlling

Interest

    

Total

Shareholders'

Equity

  
                                         

Balance at January 1, 2021

     35,344     $ 91,044     $ 109,286     $ (171

)

   $ 200,159  

Issuance of common stock and tax impact of stock incentive plan

     11       (2,950 )     -       -       (2,950

)

Dividends declared ($0.10 per share)

     -       -       (3,744 )     -       (3,744 )

Purchase and retirement of common stock

     (100 )     (260 )     (3,088 )     -       (3,348 )

Purchase of non-controlling interest

     -       (1,204 )     -       (958 )     (2,162 )
Issuance of restricted stock, net of cancellation     161       -       -       -       -  

Stock-based compensation expense

     -       8,745       -       -       8,745  

Net income

     -       -       68,925       1,230       70,155  

Balance at December 31, 2021

     35,416     $ 95,375     $ 171,379     $ 101     $ 266,855  

Issuance of common stock and tax impact of stock incentive plan

     18       (8,414 )     -       -        (8,414 )

Dividends declared ($0.20 per share)

     -       -       (7,135 )     -        (7,135 )

Purchase and retirement of common stock

     (607 )     (1,598 )     (25,191 )     -       (26,789 )

Issuance of restricted stock, net of cancellation

     239       -       -       -       -  

Stock-based compensation expense

     -       7,619       -       -       7,619  

Net income

     -       -       36,558             36,558  

Balance at December 31, 2022

     35,066     $ 92,982     $ 175,611     $ 101     $ 268,694  
Issuance of common stock and tax impact of stock incentive plan     21       (4,460 )     -       -        (4,460 )
Dividends declared ($0.20 per share)     -       -       (7,101 )     -        (7,101 )
Purchase and retirement of common stock     (1,023 )     (2,651 )     (16,545 )     -       (19,196 )
Distribution to Non-controlling interest owner     -       -       -       (69 )     (69 )
Issuance of restricted stock, net of cancellation     239       -       -       -       -  
Stock-based compensation expense     -       7,834       -       -       7,834  
Net income (loss)     -       -       6,496       (32 )     6,464  
Balance at December 31, 2023     34,303     $ 93,705     $ 158,461     $ -     $ 252,166  

 

See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

42
 
 

THE SHYFT GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(In thousands)

 

   

Year Ended December 31,

  
    2023     2022    

2021

  

Cash flows from operating activities:

                        

Net income

   $ 6,464     $ 36,558     $ 70,155  

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

                        

Depreciation and amortization

     16,953       14,774       11,356  

Non-cash stock based compensation expense

     7,834       7,619       8,745  

Deferred income taxes

     (6,911 )     (5,510 )     880  

Loss (gain) on disposal of assets

     389       826       (110 )

Changes in accounts receivable and contract assets

     72,857       (93,989 )     (34,522

)

Changes in inventories

     (4,975 )     (32,977 )     (20,756 )

Changes in accounts payable

     (27,963 )     41,302       34,954  

Changes in accrued compensation and related taxes

     (908 )     (4,630 )     1,930  

Changes in accrued warranty

     70       1,186       53  

Changes in other assets and liabilities

     (7,566 )     15,998       1,324  

Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities

     56,244       (18,843 )     74,009  
                         

Cash flows from investing activities:

                        

Purchases of property, plant and equipment

     (20,733 )     (20,564 )     (23,002

)

Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment

     119       148       22  
Acquisition of businesses, net of cash acquired     (500 )     -       904  

Net cash used in investing activities

     (21,114 )     (20,416 )     (22,076 )
                         

Cash flows from financing activities:

                        

Proceeds from long-term debt

     132,500       145,000       45,000  

Payments on long-term debt

     (138,500 )     (89,000 )     (67,400

)
Payments of debt issuance costs     -       -       (1,360 )

Payments of dividends

     (7,109 )     (7,148 )     (3,551

)

Purchase and retirement of common stock

     (19,083 )     (26,789 )     (3,348

)

Exercise and vesting of stock incentive awards

     (4,460 )     (8,414 )     (2,949

)
Distribution to non-controlling interest owner     (69 )     -       (2,162 )

Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities

     (36,721 )     13,649       (35,770

)
                         

Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

     (1,591 )     (25,610 )     16,163  

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year

     11,548       37,158       20,995  

Cash and cash equivalents at end of year

   $ 9,957     $ 11,548     $ 37,158  

 

See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

    

43
 
 
THE SHYFT GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Dollar amounts in thousands, except per share data)
 

NOTE 1 – NATURE OF OPERATIONS AND BASIS OF PRESENTATION

 

As used herein, the term “Company”, “we”, “us” or “our” refers to The Shyft Group, Inc. and its subsidiaries unless designated or identified otherwise.

 

Nature of Operations

 

We are a niche market leader in specialty vehicle manufacturing and assembly for the commercial vehicle (including last-mile delivery, specialty service and vocation-specific upfit) and recreational vehicle industries. Our products include walk-in vans and truck bodies used in e-commerce/parcel delivery, upfit equipment used in the mobile retail and utility trades, service and vocational truck bodies, luxury Class A diesel motorhome chassis and contract manufacturing and assembly services. We also supply replacement parts and offer repair, maintenance, field service and refurbishment services for the vehicles that we manufacture as well as truck accessories.

 

Principles of Consolidation

 

The consolidated financial statements include our accounts and the accounts of our wholly owned subsidiary, The Shyft Group USA, Inc. and its subsidiaries. All inter-company transactions have been eliminated.

 

Non-Controlling Interest. In the fourth quarter of 2023, the liquidation of the Spartan-Gimaex joint venture was completed. At December 31, 2022, The Shyft Group USA, Inc. held a 50% share in Spartan-Gimaex, however, due to the management and operational structure of the joint venture, The Shyft Group USA, Inc. was considered to have had the ability to control the operations of Spartan-Gimaex. Accordingly, Spartan-Gimaex was reported as a consolidated subsidiary of The Shyft Group, Inc. The joint venture was not active and the liquidation was substantially complete. In December 2021, the Company purchased the remaining 20% ownership interest in Strobes-R-Us (“SRUS”) for $2,162 and, thus, there was no non-controlling interest in SRUS as of December 31, 2021.

 

Use of Estimates. In the preparation of our financial statements in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”), management uses estimates and makes judgments and assumptions that affect asset and liability values and the amounts reported as income and expense during the periods presented. Certain of these estimates, judgments and assumptions, such as the allowance for credit losses, warranty expenses, impairment assessments of tangible and intangible assets, and the provision for income taxes, are particularly sensitive. If actual results are different from estimates used by management, they may have a material impact on the financial statements.

 

Revenue Recognition. Essentially all of our revenue is generated through contracts with our customers. We may recognize revenue over time or at a point in time when or as obligations under the terms of a contract with our customer are satisfied, depending on the terms and features of the contract and the products supplied. Our contracts generally do not have any significant variable consideration. The collectability of consideration on the contract is reasonably assured before revenue is recognized. On certain vehicles, payment may be received in advance of us satisfying our performance obligations. Such payments are recorded in Contract liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. The corresponding performance obligations are generally satisfied within one year of the contract inception. In such cases, we have elected to apply the practical expedient to not adjust the promised amount of consideration for the effects of a significant financing component. The financing impact on contracts that contain performance obligations that are not expected to be satisfied within one year are expected to be immaterial to our consolidated financial statements.

 

We have elected to utilize the practical expedient to recognize the incremental costs of obtaining a contract as an expense when incurred because the amortization period for the prepaid costs that would have otherwise been deferred and amortized is one year or less. We use an observable price to allocate the stand-alone selling price to separate performance obligations within a contract or a cost-plus margin approach when an observable price is not available. The estimated costs to fulfill our base warranties are recognized as expense when the products are sold (see “Note 9 – Commitments and Contingent Liabilities” for further information on warranties). Our contracts with customers do not contain a provision for product returns, except for contracts related to certain parts sales.

 

Revenue for parts sales for all segments is recognized at the time that control and risk of ownership has passed to the customer, which is generally when the ordered part is shipped to the customer. Historical return rates on parts sales have been immaterial.

 

44
 
 
THE SHYFT GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Dollar amounts in thousands, except per share data)
 

For certain of our vehicles and chassis, we sell separately priced service contracts that provide roadside assistance or extend certain warranty coverage beyond our base warranty agreements. These separately priced contracts range from one to six years from the date of the shipment of the related vehicle or chassis. We receive payment with the shipment of the related vehicle or at the inception of the extended service contract, if later, and recognize revenue over the coverage term of the agreement, generally on a straight-line basis, which approximates the pattern of costs expected to be incurred in satisfying the obligations under the contract.

 

Distinct revenue recognition policies for our segments are as follows:

 

Fleet Vehicles and Services (“FVS”)

 

Our walk-in vans and truck bodies are generally built on a chassis that is owned and controlled by the customer. Due to the customer ownership of the chassis, the performance obligation for these walk-in vans and truck bodies is satisfied as the vehicles are built. Accordingly, the revenue and corresponding cost of products sold associated with these contracts are recognized over time based on the inputs completed for a given performance obligation during the reporting period. Certain contracts will specify that a walk-in van or truck body is to be built on a chassis that we purchase and subsequently sell to the customer. The revenue on these contracts is recognized at the time that the performance obligation is satisfied, and control and risk of ownership has passed to the customer, which is generally upon shipment of the vehicle from our manufacturing facility to the customer or receipt of the vehicle by the customer, depending on contract terms. We have elected to treat shipping and handling costs subsequent to transfer of control as fulfillment activities and, accordingly, recognize these costs as the revenue is recognized.

 

Revenue for upfit and field service contracts is recognized over time, as equipment is installed in the customer’s vehicle or as repairs and enhancements are made to the customer’s vehicles. Revenue and the corresponding cost of products sold is estimated based on the inputs completed for a given performance obligation. Our receivables are generally collected in less than three months, in accordance with our underlying payment terms.  

 

Specialty Vehicles (“SV”)

 

We recognize revenue and the corresponding cost of products sold on the sale of motorhome chassis and service bodies where we own the chassis when the performance obligation is completed and control and risk of ownership of the chassis has passed to our customer, which is generally upon shipment of the chassis or vehicle to the customer. We have elected to treat shipping and handling costs subsequent to transfer of control as fulfillment activities and, accordingly, recognize these costs as the revenue is recognized.

 

Revenue for service bodies where the customer owns the chassis, upfit and field service contracts is recognized over time, as equipment is installed in the customer’s vehicle or as repairs and enhancements are made to the customer’s vehicles. Revenue and the corresponding cost of products sold is estimated based on the inputs completed for a given performance obligation. Our receivables are generally collected in less than three months, in accordance with our underlying payment terms.

 

Business Combinations. When acquiring other businesses, we recognize identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed at their acquisition date estimated fair values, and separately from any goodwill that may be required to be recognized. Goodwill, when recognizable, is measured as the excess amount of any consideration transferred, which is measured at fair value, over the acquisition date fair values of the identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed. Amounts recorded in a business combination may change during the measurement period, which is a period not to exceed one year from the date of acquisition, as additional information about conditions existing at the acquisition date becomes available.

 

Accounting for such acquisitions requires us to make significant assumptions and estimates and are adjusted during the measurement period for a period of up to one year after the acquisition date. Costs incurred to effect an acquisition, such as legal, accounting, valuation or other third-party costs, as well as internal general and administrative costs incurred are charged to expense in the periods incurred.

 

Shipping and Handling of Products. Costs incurred related to the shipment and handling of products are classified in cost of products sold. Amounts billed to customers for shipping and handling of products are included in sales.

 

45
 
 
THE SHYFT GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Dollar amounts in thousands, except per share data)
 

Cash and Cash Equivalents. Cash and cash equivalents include cash on hand, cash on deposit, treasuries and money market funds. We consider all highly liquid investments purchased with an original maturity of three months or less to be cash equivalents.

 

Accounts Receivable. Our receivables are subject to credit risk, and we do not typically require collateral on our accounts receivable. We perform periodic credit evaluations of our customers’ financial condition and generally require a security interest in the products sold. Receivables generally are due within 30 to 60 days. We maintain an allowance for customer accounts that reduces receivables to amounts that are expected to be collected. In estimating the allowance for doubtful accounts consistent with it reflecting related lifetime expected credit losses, management considers relevant information about past events, current conditions and reasonable and supportable forecasts that affect the collectability of financial assets.

 

Inventories. Inventories are stated at the lower of first-in, first-out cost or net realizable value. Net realizable value is the estimated selling price in the ordinary course of business less cost to sell and considers our current assessment of general market and economic conditions, slow-moving inventory, and future demands.

 

Contract Assets. Contract assets arise upon the transfer of goods or services to a customer before the customer pays consideration. The Company presents the contract as either a contract asset or as a receivable, depending on the nature of the entity’s right to consideration for its performance. Contract assets are a right to consideration in exchange for goods or services that the Company has transferred to a customer, when the right is conditioned on something other than the passage of time.

 

Property, Plant and Equipment. Property, plant and equipment is stated at cost and the related assets are depreciated over their estimated useful lives on a straight-line basis for financial statement purposes and an accelerated method for income tax purposes. Cost includes an amount of interest associated with significant capital projects. Estimated useful lives range from 20 years for buildings and improvements, three to 15 years for plant machinery and equipment, three to seven years for furniture and fixtures and three to five years for vehicles. Leasehold improvements are depreciated over the shorter of the lease term or the estimated useful life of the asset. Maintenance and repair costs are charged to earnings, while expenditures that increase asset lives are capitalized. We review our property, plant and equipment, along with all other long-lived assets that have finite lives, including finite-lived intangible assets, for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that their carrying amounts may not be recoverable. See “Note 5 – Property, Plant and Equipment” for further information on our property and equipment.

 

Assets and Liabilities Held for Sale.  We classify assets and liabilities (disposal groups) to be sold as held for sale in the period in which all of the following criteria are met: management, having the authority to approve the action, commits to a plan to sell the disposal group; the disposal group is available for immediate sale in its present condition subject only to terms that are usual and customary for sales of such disposal groups; an active program to locate a buyer and other actions required to complete the plan to sell the disposal group have been initiated; the sale of the disposal group is probable, and transfer of the disposal group is expected to qualify for recognition as a completed sale within one year, except if events or circumstances beyond the Company's control extend the period of time required to sell the disposal group beyond one year; the disposal group is being actively marketed for sale at a price that is reasonable in relation to its current fair value; and actions required to complete the plan indicate that it is unlikely that significant changes to the plan will be made or that the plan will be withdrawn.

 

We initially measure a disposal group that is classified as held for sale at the lower of its carrying value or fair value less costs to sell. Any loss resulting from this measurement is recognized in the period in which the held for sale criteria are met. Conversely, gains are not recognized on the sale of a disposal group until the date of sale. We assess the fair value of a disposal group each reporting period it remains classified as held for sale and any subsequent changes are reported as an adjustment to the carrying value of the disposal group, as long as the new carrying value does not exceed the carrying value of the disposal group at the time it was initially classified as held for sale.

 

Upon determining that a disposal group meets the criteria to be classified as held for sale, the Company reports the assets and liabilities of the disposal group, if material, in the line items assets held for sale and liabilities held for sale in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Depreciation is not recorded during the period in which the long-lived assets, included in the disposal group, are classified as held for sale.

 

Additionally, we report the reporting results for a disposal group in discontinued operations separately from continuing operations to distinguish the financial impact of disposal transactions from ongoing operations if the disposal represents a strategic shift that has or will have a major effect on our operations and financial results.  

 

46
 
 
THE SHYFT GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Dollar amounts in thousands, except per share data)
 

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets. Goodwill represents the excess of the cost of a business combination over the fair value of the net assets acquired.  Goodwill and intangible assets deemed to have indefinite lives are not amortized but are subject to impairment tests on an annual basis, or whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value may not be recoverable. Goodwill is allocated to the reporting unit from which it was created. A reporting unit is an operating segment or sub-segment to which goodwill is assigned when initially recorded. We review indefinite lived intangible assets annually for impairment by comparing the carrying value of those assets to their fair value.

 

Other intangible assets with finite lives are amortized over their estimated useful lives and are tested for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that their carrying amounts may not be recoverable.

 

We perform our annual goodwill and indefinite lived intangible assets impairment test as of October 1 and monitor for interim triggering events on an ongoing basis. For goodwill we first assess qualitative factors to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount. Under authoritative guidance, we are not required to calculate the fair value of a reporting unit unless we determine that it is more likely than not that the fair value of the reporting unit is less than its carrying amount. We have the option to bypass the qualitative assessment and proceed to a quantitative impairment test.

 

If we elect to bypass the qualitative assessment for a reporting unit, or if after completing the assessment we determine that it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying value, we perform a quantitative impairment test, whereby we compare the fair value of a reporting unit with its carrying amount, including goodwill. The fair value of the reporting unit is determined by estimating the future cash flows of the reporting unit to which the goodwill relates, and then discounting the future cash flows at a market-participant-derived weighted-average cost of capital (“WACC”). In determining the estimated future cash flows, we consider current and projected future levels of income based on our plans for that business; business trends, prospects and market and economic conditions; and market-participant considerations. If the fair value of a reporting unit exceeds its carrying amount, goodwill of the reporting unit is considered to not be impaired. If the carrying amount of the reporting unit exceeds its estimated fair value, an impairment loss is recognized in an amount equal to the excess, up to the carrying value of the goodwill.

 

We evaluate the recoverability of our indefinite lived intangible assets by comparing the estimated fair value of the trade names with their carrying values. We estimate the fair value of our trade names based on estimates of future royalty payments that are avoided through our ownership of the trade name, discounted to their present value. In determining the estimated fair value of the trade names, we consider current and projected future levels of sales based on our plans for those branded products, business trends, prospects and market and economic conditions.

 

Significant judgments inherent in these assessments and analyses include assumptions about macroeconomic and industry conditions, appropriate sales growth rates, WACC and the amount of expected future net cash flows. The judgments and assumptions used in the estimate of fair value are generally consistent with the projections and assumptions that are used in current operating plans. Such assumptions are subject to change because of changing economic and competitive conditions. The determination of fair value is highly sensitive to differences between estimated and actual cash flows and changes in the related discount rate used to evaluate the fair value of the reporting units and trade names. See “Note 4 – Goodwill and Intangible Assets” for further details on our goodwill and other intangible assets.

 

Warranties. Our policy is to record a provision for the estimated cost of warranty-related claims at the time of the sale, and periodically adjust the warranty liability to reflect actual experience. The amount of warranty liability accrued reflects management’s best estimate of the expected future cost of honoring our obligations under the warranty agreements. Expense related to warranty liabilities accrued for product sales, as well as adjustments to pre-existing warranty liabilities, are reflected within Cost of products sold on our Consolidated Statements of Operations. Our estimates are based on historical experience, the number of units involved, and the extent of features and components included in product models. See “Note 9 – Commitments and Contingent Liabilities” for further information regarding warranties.

 

Contract Liabilities. We sometimes receive advance payments from customers for product orders and record these amounts as liabilities. We accept such deposits when presented by customers seeking improved pricing in connection with orders that are placed for products to be manufactured and sold at a future date. Sales associated with these deposits are recognized over time based on the inputs completed for a given performance obligation during the reporting period or deferred and recognized upon shipment of the related product to the customer depending on the terms of the contract.

 

47
 
 
THE SHYFT GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Dollar amounts in thousands, except per share data)
 

Research and Development. Our research and development costs, which consist of compensation costs, travel and entertainment, administrative expenses and new product development among other items, are expensed as incurred.

 

Taxes on Income. We recognize deferred income tax assets and liabilities using enacted tax rates for the effect of temporary differences between the book and tax bases of recorded assets and liabilities. Deferred tax liabilities or assets are recognized for the estimated future tax effects attributable to temporary differences and carryforwards that result from events that have been recognized in either the financial statements or the tax returns, but not both.

 

We establish valuation allowances for deferred income tax assets in accordance with GAAP, which provides that such valuation allowances shall be established unless realization of the income tax benefits is more likely than not. The ultimate realization of deferred tax assets is dependent upon the generation of future taxable income during the periods in which those temporary differences become deductible. At each reporting period, we consider the scheduled reversal of deferred tax liabilities, available taxes in carryback periods, tax planning strategies and projected future taxable income in making this assessment.

 

We recognize the tax benefit from an uncertain tax position only if it is more likely than not that the tax position will be sustained on examination by the taxing authorities. The determination is based on the technical merits of the position and presumes that each uncertain tax position will be examined by the relevant taxing authority that has full knowledge of all relevant information. Although we believe the estimates are reasonable, no assurance can be given that the final outcome of these matters will not be different than what is reflected in the historical income tax provisions and accruals.

 

Interest and penalties attributable to income taxes are recorded as a component of income taxes. See “Note 7 – Taxes on Income” for further details on our income taxes.

 

Earnings Per Share. Basic earnings per share is based on the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted earnings per share also include the dilutive effect of additional potential common shares issuable from stock-based awards and are determined using the treasury stock method. Basic earnings per share represents net earnings divided by basic weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted earnings per share represents net earnings divided by diluted weighted average number of common shares outstanding, which includes the average dilutive effect of all potentially dilutive securities that are outstanding during the period. Our unvested restricted stock units and performance stock units are included in the number of shares outstanding for diluted earnings per share calculations, unless a net loss is reported, in which situation unvested stock awards are excluded from the number of shares outstanding for diluted earnings per share calculations. See “Note 12 – Stock-Based Compensation” and “Note 14 – Earnings Per Share” for further details.

 

Stock-Based Compensation. Stock based compensation cost for equity-based awards is measured on the grant date based on the estimated fair value of the award at that date, and is recognized over the requisite service period, net of estimated forfeitures. Fair value of restricted stock awards, restricted stock units and performance stock units subject to a performance condition is based upon the quoted market price of the common stock on the date of grant. Fair value of performance stock units subject to a market condition is calculated using the Monte Carlo simulation model. Our stock-based compensation plans are described in more detail in “Note 12 – Stock Based Compensation”.

 

Fair Value. We are required to disclose the estimated fair value of our financial instruments. The carrying value at December 31, 2023 and 2022 of cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable and accounts payable approximate their fair value due to their short-term nature. The carrying value of variable rate debt instruments approximate their fair value based on their relative terms and market rates.

 

Segment Reporting. We identify our reportable segments based on our management structure and the financial data utilized by the chief operating decision maker to assess segment performance and allocate resources among our operating units. We have two reportable segments: Fleet Vehicles and Services and Specialty Vehicles. More detailed information about our reportable segments can be found in “Note 15 – Business Segments”.

 

48
 
 
THE SHYFT GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Dollar amounts in thousands, except per share data)
 

Supplemental Disclosures of Cash Flow Information. Cash paid for interest was $5,620, $2,176 and $592 for 2023, 2022, and 2021. Cash paid for income taxes, net of refunds, was $5,585, $1,319 and $12,199 for 2023, 2022 and 2021. Non-cash investing included $5,585 of capital expenditures in 2023, $2,489 in 2022, and $1,511 in 2021. The Company has Chassis Pool Agreements, where it participates in a chassis converter pool that is a non-cash arrangement and is offsetting between current assets and current liabilities on the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheets. See “Note 11 – Debt” for further information about the Chassis Pool Agreements.

 

New Accounting Standards. In November 2023, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2023-07, Segment Reporting (Topic 280): Improvements to Reportable Segment Disclosures (“ASU 2023-07”). ASU 2023-07 is intended to improve financial reporting by requiring disclosure of incremental segment information on an annual and interim basis for all public entities to enable investors to develop more decision-useful financial analyses. The amendments in ASU 2023-07 are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2023, and interim periods within fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2024. Early adoption is permitted.

 

49
 
 
THE SHYFT GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Dollar amounts in thousands, except per share data)
 

NOTE 2 – REVENUE

 

Contract Assets and Liabilities 

The tables below disclose changes in contract assets and liabilities as of the periods indicated.

 

  

December 31,

2023

  

December 31,

2022

 

Contract Assets

        

Contract assets, beginning of year

 $ 86,993  $21,483 

Reclassification of the beginning contract assets to receivables, as the result of rights to consideration becoming unconditional

   (86,627)  (21,483)

Contract assets recognized, net of reclassification to receivables

  49,939   86,993 

Contract assets, end of year

 $50,305  $86,993 
         

Contract Liabilities

        

Contract liabilities, beginning of year

 $5,255  $988 

Reclassification of the beginning contract liabilities to revenue, as the result of performance obligations satisfied

  (5,182)  (988)

Cash received in advance and not recognized as revenue

  4,683   5,255 

Contract liabilities, end of year

 $4,756  $5,255 

 

The aggregate amount of the transaction price allocated to remaining performance obligations in existing contracts that are yet to be completed in the FVS and SV segments are $325,003 and $84,269, respectively, with substantially all revenue expected to be recognized within one year as of December 31, 2023.

 

For performance obligations that are satisfied over time, revenue is expected to be recognized over the time period to complete the contract. For performance obligations that are satisfied at a point in time, revenue is expected to be recognized when the customer obtains control of the product, which is generally upon shipment from our facility. No amounts have been excluded from the transaction prices above related to the guidance on constraining estimates of variable consideration.

 

In the following tables, revenue is disaggregated by primary geographical market and timing of revenue recognition for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022, and 2021. The tables also include a reconciliation of the disaggregated revenue with the reportable segments.

 

  

Year Ended December 31, 2023

 
  

FVS

  

SV

  

Total

Reportable

Segments

  

Eliminations and Other

  

Total

 

Primary geographical markets

                    

United States

 $517,116  $334,559  $851,675  $(4,183) $847,492 

Other

  24,522   184   24,706   -   24,706 

Total sales

 $541,638  $334,743  $876,381  $(4,183) $872,198 
                     

Timing of revenue recognition

                    

Products transferred at a point in time

 $54,566  $147,766  $202,332  $467  $202,799 

Products and services transferred over time

  487,072   186,977   674,049   (4,650)  669,399 

Total sales

 $541,638  $334,743  $876,381  $(4,183) $872,198 

  

50
 
 
THE SHYFT GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Dollar amounts in thousands, except per share data)
  
  

Year Ended December 31, 2022

 
  

FVS

  

SV

  

Total

Reportable

Segments

  

Eliminations and Other

  

Total

 

Primary geographical markets

                    

United States

 $639,441  $386,536  $1,025,977  $(6,483) $1,019,494 

Other

  7,562   108   7,670   -   7,670 

Total sales

 $647,003  $386,644  $1,033,647  $(6,483) $1,027,164 
                     

Timing of revenue recognition

                    

Products transferred at a point in time

 $41,750  $208,645  $250,395  $-  $250,395 

Products and services transferred over time

  605,253   177,999   783,252   (6,483)  776,769 

Total sales

 $647,003  $386,644  $1,033,647  $(6,483) $1,027,164 

    

 

  

Year Ended December 31, 2021

 
  

FVS

  

SV

  

Total

Reportable

Segments

  

Eliminations and Other

  

Total

 

Primary geographical markets

                    

United States

 $647,842  $332,293  $980,135  $-  $980,135 

Other

  11,590   67   11,657   -   11,657 

Total sales

 $659,432  $332,360  $991,792  $-  $991,792 
                     

Timing of revenue recognition

                    

Products transferred at a point in time

 $34,558  $198,852  $233,410  $-  $233,410 

Products and services transferred over time

  624,874   133,508   758,382   -   758,382 

Total sales

 $659,432  $332,360  $991,792  $-  $991,792 

  
 

NOTE 3 – INVENTORIES

 

Inventories are summarized as follows:

 

  

December 31,

 
  2023  

2022

 

Finished goods

 $9,374  $13,361 

Work in process

  2,543   5,200 

Raw materials and purchased components

  93,218   81,600 

Total Inventories

 $105,135  $100,161 

 
51
 
 
THE SHYFT GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Dollar amounts in thousands, except per share data)
 

NOTE 4 – GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS

 

Goodwill

 

We test goodwill for impairment at the reporting unit level on an annual basis as of October 1, or whenever an event or change in circumstances occurs that would more likely than not reduce the fair value of a reporting unit below its carrying amount. See “Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets” within “Note 1 – Nature of Operations and Basis of Presentation” for a description of our accounting policies regarding goodwill and other intangible assets.

 

As of October 1, 2023, the most recent annual goodwill impairment assessment date, two reporting units were determined for goodwill impairment testing: Fleet Vehicles and Services and Specialty Vehicles. We qualitatively assessed goodwill assigned to the Fleet Vehicles and Services and Specialty Vehicles reporting units and found no indicators of impairment.

 

As discussed in “Note 1 – Nature of Operations and Basis of Presentation” there are significant judgments inherent in our impairment assessments and discounted cash flow analyses. These discounted cash flow analyses are most sensitive to the WACC assumption.

 

The change in the carrying amount of goodwill for the year ended December 31, 2023 and 2022 were as follows (in thousands):

 

  

FVS

  

SV

  

Total

 
  

December 31,

  

December 31,

  

December 31,

 
  2023  

2022

  2023  

2022

  2023  

2022

 

Goodwill, beginning of year

 $15,323  $15,323  $33,557  $33,557  $48,880  $48,880 

Acquisition and measurement period adjustments

  -   -   -   -   -   - 

Goodwill, end of year

 $15,323  $15,323  $33,557  $33,557  $48,880  $48,880 

 

OtherIntangible Assets

 

At December 31, 2023, we had other intangible assets, including customer and dealer relationships, non-compete agreements, trade names, trademarks, unpatented technology, patented technology. Certain non-compete agreements and certain other intangible assets are being amortized over their expected remaining useful lives based on the pattern of estimated after-tax operating income generated, or on a straight-line basis. Unpatented technology, patented technology and certain non-compete agreements are amortized utilizing a straight-line approach over the estimated useful lives. We amortize the customer relationships utilizing an accelerated approach over the estimated remaining life. The Royal, DuraMag, Magnum, Utilimaster, and Strobes-R-Us trade names and trademarks are considered to have indefinite lives and are not amortized.

 

We evaluate the recoverability of our indefinite lived intangible assets, which, as of October 1, 2023, consisted of our Royal, DuraMag, and Magnum trade names, by comparing the estimated fair value of the trade names with their carrying values. We estimate the fair value of our trade names based on estimates of future royalty payments that are avoided through our ownership of the trade name, discounted to their present value. In determining the estimated fair value of the trade names, we consider current and projected future levels of sales based on our plans for these trade name branded products, business trends, prospects and market and economic conditions. The fair value of our Royal, DuraMag, and Magnum trade names exceeded their carrying values, and therefore do not result in an impairment. We qualitatively assessed Utilimaster and Strobes-R-Us trade names and trademarks and found no indicators of impairment.

 

52
 
 
THE SHYFT GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Dollar amounts in thousands, except per share data)
   

The following table provides information regarding our other intangible assets:

 

  As of December 31, 2023  

As of December 31, 2022

 
  

Gross

carrying

amount

  

Accumulated

amortization

  Net  

Gross

carrying

amount

  

Accumulated

amortization

  

Net

 

Customer relationships

 $39,080  $15,068  $24,012  $39,080  $12,174  $26,906 

Unpatented technology

  540   195   345   540   135   405 

Patented technology

  2,200   1,169   1,031   2,200   894   1,306 

Non-compete agreements

  2,980   2,490   490   2,980   1,909   1,071 

Trade Names

  19,390   -   19,390   19,390   -   19,390 
  $64,190  $18,922  $45,268  $64,190  $15,112  $49,078 

 

We recorded $3,810, $3,903, and $3,405 of intangible asset amortization expense during 2023, 2022 and 2021.

 

The estimated remaining amortization associated with finite-lived intangible assets is expected to be expensed as follows:

 

  

Amount

 

2024

 $3,477 

2025

  3,070 
2026  2,944 
2027  2,706 
2028  2,391 

Thereafter

  11,290 

Total

 $25,878 

 
 

NOTE 5 – PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT

 

Property, plant and equipment are summarized by major classifications as follows:

 

  

December 31,

 
  

2023

  

2022

 

Land and improvements

 $12,578  $12,314 

Buildings and improvements

  53,789   42,827 

Plant machinery and equipment

  60,517   55,969 

Furniture and fixtures

  19,474   18,334 

Vehicles

  2,015   2,083 

Construction in process

  10,570   9,946 

Subtotal

  158,943   141,473 

Less accumulated depreciation

  (75,506)  (70,720)

Total property, plant and equipment, net

 $83,437  $70,753 

 

We recorded depreciation expense of $13,143, $10,871, and $7,977 during 2023, 2022, and 2021, respectively. There were no capitalized interest costs in 2023, 2022, or 2021.

  

53
 
 
THE SHYFT GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Dollar amounts in thousands, except per share data)
 

NOTE 6 – LEASES

 

We have operating and finance leases for land, buildings and certain equipment. Our leases have remaining lease terms of one year to 16 years, some of which include options to extend the leases for up to 15 years. Our leases do not contain residual value guarantees. As of December 31, 2023 and 2022, assets recorded under finance leases were immaterial (See “Note 11 – Debt”). Lease expense totaled $12,673, $10,603, and $8,679 for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021, respectively.

 

Operating lease expenses are classified as cost of products sold and operating expenses on the Consolidated Statements of Operations. The components of lease expense were as follows:

 

  

Year ended

December 31,

2023

  

Year ended

December 31,

2022

  

Year ended

December 31,

2021

 

Operating leases

 $11,388  $10,302  $8,233 

Short-term leases (1)

  1,285   301   446 

Total lease expense

 $12,673  $10,603  $8,679 

 

(1) Includes expenses for month-to-month equipment leases, which are classified as short-term as the Company is not reasonably certain to renew the lease term beyond one month.

 

The weighted average remaining lease term and weighted average discount rate were as follows:

 

  

Year ended

December 31,

2023

  

Year ended

December 31,

2022

 

Weighted average remaining lease term of operating leases (in years)

  7.2   8.0 

Weighted average discount rate of operating leases

  2.9%  2.7%

 

Supplemental cash flow information related to leases was as follows:

 

  

Year ended

December 31,

2023

  

Year ended

December 31,

2022

  

Year ended

December 31,

2021

 
Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities:            
Operating cash flow for operating leases $11,041  $9,500  $7,958 
             

Right of use assets obtained in exchange for lease obligations:

            

Operating leases

 $7,025  $19,159  $7,137 

Finance leases

 $95  $304  $271 

 

Maturities of operating lease liabilities as of December 31, 2023 are as follows:

 

Years ending December 31:

    

2024

 $10,475 

2025

  9,984 

2026

  7,840 

2027

  5,384 
2028  4,148 

Thereafter

  14,367 

Total lease payments

  52,198 

Less: imputed interest

  (4,657

)

Total lease liabilities

 $47,541 

 
54
 
 
THE SHYFT GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Dollar amounts in thousands, except per share data)
 

NOTE 7 – TAXES ON INCOME

 

Income taxes consist of the following:

 

  

Year Ended December 31,

 
  2023  

2022

  

2021

 

Taxes (benefit) on income from continuing operations

 $(5,768) $7,368  $14,506 

Income tax expense from discontinued operations

  -   -   62

 

Total taxes (benefit) on income

 $(5,768) $7,368  $14,568 

 

Income taxes (benefit) from continuing operations consist of the following:

 

  

Year Ended December 31,

 
  2023  

2022

  

2021

 

Current (benefit):

            

Federal

 $(610) $10,672  $10,891 

State

  1,521   1,960   2,745 

Foreign

  231   175   286 

Total current

  1,142   12,807   13,922 

Deferred (benefit):

            

Federal

  (5,828)  (4,976)  554

 

State

  (1,082)  (463)  30 

Total deferred

  (6,910)  (5,439)  584

 

Total taxes (benefit) on income

 $(5,768) $7,368  $14,506 

 

Differences between the expected income tax expense derived from applying the federal statutory income tax rate to earnings from continuing operations before taxes on income and the actual tax expense (benefit) are as follows:

 

  

Year Ended December 31,

 
  2023  

2022

  

2021

 

Federal income taxes at the statutory rate

 $146  $9,224  $17,741 

State tax expense, net of federal income tax benefit

  509   1,132   2,481 

Increase (decrease) in income taxes resulting from:

            

Non-deductible compensation

  422   851   958 

Stock based compensation

  (82)  (819)  (1,504)
Foreign-derived intangible income deduction  (515)  -   - 

Valuation allowance adjustment

  -   -   (82)
Unrecognized tax benefit adjustment  (2,234)  -   - 

Federal research and development tax credit

  (3,645)  (2,681)  (4,413)

Other

  (369)  (339)  (675)

Total

 $(5,768) $7,368  $14,506 

   

The 2023 tax benefit of $5,768 includes a $2,527 tax benefit related to reductions in unrecognized tax benefits and a $3,645 tax benefit for research and development credits.

 

55
 
 
THE SHYFT GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Dollar amounts in thousands, except per share data)
  

Temporary differences which give rise to deferred income tax assets (liabilities) are as follows:

 

  

December 31,

 
  2023  

2022

 

Deferred income tax assets:

        

Operating lease liability

 $11,783  $13,664 
Research and development costs  19,937   12,066 

Warranty reserve

  1,164   1,592 

Inventory costs and reserves

  5,784   5,926 

Contract assets

  5,181   10,030 

Stock-based compensation

  1,699   1,261 
Net operating loss carry-forwards, net of federal income tax benefit  504   556 
Compensation related accruals  916   621 
Credit carry-forwards net of federal income tax benefit  1,752   1,454 

Other

  857   879 
Total deferred income tax assets $49,577  $48,049 
         

Deferred income tax liabilities:

        
Cost offset method $(8,304) $(14,371)

Right of use assets

  (11,231)  (13,121)

Depreciation

  (8,551)  (7,901)

Intangible assets

  (2,709)  (2,010)

Prepaid expenses

  (1,482)  (256)

Total deferred income tax liabilities

 $(32,277) $(37,659)
         

Net deferred tax asset

 $17,300  $10,390 

 

Based upon an assessment of the available positive and negative evidence at December 31, 2023 and 2022, the total deferred income tax assets are more likely than not to be realized based on the consideration of deferred tax liability reversals and projected future taxable income. Therefore, no valuation allowance was recorded at December 31, 2023 and 2022.

 

At December 31, 2023 and 2022, we had state tax NOL carry-forwards of $638 and $704, respectively, which expire between years 2029-2043. At December 31, 2023 and 2022, we had state tax credit carry-forwards of $2,938 and $2,353, respectively, which expire between years 2026-2033. 

 

A reconciliation of the change in the unrecognized tax benefits (“UTB”) for the three years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021 is as follows:

 

  2023  

2022

  

2021

 

Balance, beginning of year

 $5,748  $5,247  $1,234 

Increase (decrease) related to prior year tax positions

  362   (139)  2,935

 

Increase related to current year tax positions

  679   775   1,161 
Settlement  -   (97)  - 

Expiration of statute

  (2,125)  (38)  (83

)

Balance, end of year

 $4,664  $5,748  $5,247 

 

56
 
 
THE SHYFT GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Dollar amounts in thousands, except per share data)
  

As of December 31, 2023, we had an ending UTB balance of $4,664 along with $626 of interest and penalties, for a total liability of $5,290, of which $4,698 is recorded as a non-current liability and $592 as a credit offsetting deferred tax assets. The change in interest and penalties amounted to a decrease of $63 in 2023, an increase of $160 in 2022, and an increase of $199 in 2021, which were reflected in Income tax expense within our Consolidated Statement of Operations.

 

At December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021, we had total amounts of UTB that, if recognized, would impact our effective tax rate of $4,933, $5,463 and $4,989, respectively.

 

As of December 31, 2023, the U.S. federal statute of limitations for tax years 2020 and forward remains open. We also file tax returns in several states and those jurisdictions remain subject to audit in accordance with relevant state statutes. These audits can involve complex issues that may require an extended period of time to resolve and may cover multiple years.

 

We do not expect the total amount of UTB to significantly increase or decrease over the next twelve months.

 

 

NOTE 8 – TRANSACTIONS WITH MAJOR CUSTOMERS

 

Major customers are defined as those with sales greater than 10 percent of consolidated sales in a given year. No customer individually exceeded 10% of our consolidated sales for 2023. Sales to customers that individually exceeded 10% of our consolidated sales for 2022 and 2021 are as follows: 

 

Year

 

Number of major customers

  

Combined percentage of consolidated sales

  

Segment

2022

  2   25.4% 

FVS and SV

2021

  1   25.1% 

FVS

   
 

NOTE 9 – COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENT LIABILITIES

 

At  December 31, 2023, we and our subsidiaries were parties, both as plaintiff and defendant, to a number of lawsuits and claims arising out of the normal course of our businesses. In the opinion of management, our financial position, future operating results or cash flows will not be materially affected by the final outcome of these legal proceedings.

 

Warranty Related

 

We provide limited warranties against assembly/construction defects. These warranties generally provide for the replacement or repair of defective parts or workmanship for a specified period following the date of sale. The end users also  may receive limited warranties from suppliers of components that are incorporated into our chassis and vehicles.

 

Certain warranty and other related claims involve matters of dispute that ultimately are resolved by negotiation, arbitration or litigation. Infrequently, a material warranty issue can arise which is beyond the scope of our historical experience. We provide for any such warranty issues as they become known and are estimable. It is reasonably possible that additional warranty and other related claims could arise from disputes or other matters beyond the scope of our historical experience. An estimate of possible penalty or loss, if any, cannot be made at this time.

 

57
 
 
THE SHYFT GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Dollar amounts in thousands, except per share data)
 

Changes in our warranty liability during the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022 were as follows:

 

  2023  

2022

 

Balance of accrued warranty, beginning of year

 $7,161  $5,975 

Provisions for current period sales

  5,882   4,904 

Cash settlements

  (4,503)  (4,681)

Changes in liability for pre-existing warranties

  (1,309)  963 

Balance of accrued warranty, end of year

 $7,231  $7,161 

 

Legal Proceedings Relating to Environmental Matters

 

As previously disclosed, in May 2020, the Company received an information request from the United States Environmental Protection Agency (“EPA”) requesting certain information regarding emissions labels on chassis, vocational vehicles, and vehicles that the Company manufactured or imported into the U.S. between January 1, 2017 to the date the Company received the request in May 2020. The Company responded to the EPA’s request and furnished the requested materials in the third quarter of 2020.

 

On April 6, 2022, the Company received a Notice of Violation from the EPA alleging a failure to secure certain certifications on manufactured chassis and a failure to comply with recordkeeping and reporting requirements related to supplier-provided chassis. The Company continues to investigate this matter, including potential defenses, and is continuing to discuss the allegations with the EPA. At this time, it is not possible to estimate the potential fines or penalties that the Company may incur for this matter.

 

 

NOTE 10 – DEFINED CONTRIBUTION PLANS

 

We sponsor defined contribution retirement plans which cover all employees who meet length of service and minimum age requirements. Our matching contributions vest over five years and were $3,631, $3,291, and $2,572 in 2023, 2022, and 2021, respectively. These amounts are expensed as incurred.

 

 

NOTE 11 – DEBT

 

Short-term debt consists of the following: 

 

  

December 31,
2023

  

December 31,
2022

 

Chassis pool agreements

 $34,496  $19,544 

Total short-term debt

 $34,496  $19,544 

   

Chassis Pool Agreements

 

The Company obtains certain vehicle chassis for its walk-in vans, service bodies and specialty vehicles directly from the chassis manufacturers under converter pool agreements. Chassis are obtained from the manufacturers based on orders from customers, and in some cases, for unallocated orders. The agreements generally state that the manufacturer will provide a supply of chassis to be maintained at the Company’s facilities with the condition that we will store such chassis and will not move, sell, or otherwise dispose of such chassis except under the terms of the agreement. In addition, the manufacturer typically retains the sole authority to authorize commencement of work on the chassis and to make certain other decisions with respect to the chassis including the terms and pricing of sales of the chassis to the manufacturer’s dealers. The manufacturer also does not transfer the certificate of origin to the Company nor permit the Company to sell or transfer the chassis to anyone other than the manufacturer (for ultimate resale to a dealer).

 

58
 
 
THE SHYFT GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Dollar amounts in thousands, except per share data)
 

Although the Company is party to related finance agreements with manufacturers, the Company has not historically settled related obligations in cash, except as required under our credit agreement. Instead, the obligation is settled by the manufacturer upon reassignment of the chassis to an accepted dealer, and the dealer is invoiced for the chassis by the manufacturer. Accordingly, as of December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, the Company’s outstanding chassis converter pool with manufacturers totaled $34,496 and $19,544, respectively, and the Company has included this financing agreement on the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheets within Other receivables – chassis pool agreements and Short-term debt – chassis pool agreements. Typically, chassis are converted and delivered to customers within 90 days of the receipt of the chassis by the Company. The chassis converter pool is a non-cash arrangement and is offsetting between current assets and current liabilities on the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheets.

 

Long-term debt consists of the following:

 

  

December 31,
2023

  

December 31,
2022

 

Revolving credit facility

 $50,000  $56,000 

Finance lease obligations

  329   455 

Total debt

  50,329   56,455 

Less current portion of long-term debt

  (185)  (189)

Total long-term debt

 $50,144  $56,266 

 

Revolving Credit Facility

 

On November 30, 2021, we entered into an Amended and Restated Credit Agreement (the "Credit Agreement") by and among us and certain of our subsidiaries as borrowers, Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., as administrative agent, and the lenders party thereto consisting of Wells Fargo, N.A., JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., PNC Bank, N.A. and Bank of America, N.A. (the "Lenders"). Certain of our other subsidiaries have executed guaranties guarantying the borrowers' obligations under the Credit Agreement.

 

On May 31, 2023, the Company amended the Credit Agreement to effectuate the transition of the underlying variable interest rate from LIBOR to the Secured Overnight Financing Rate ("SOFR"). Increased interest expense and/or disruption in the financial market could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, or results of operations.

 

Under the Credit Agreement, we may borrow up to $400,000 from the Lenders under a secured revolving credit facility which matures November 30, 2026. We may also request an increase in the facility of up to $200,000 in the aggregate, subject to customary conditions. The revolving credit facility is also available for the issuance of letters of credit of up to $20,000 and swing line loans of up to $10,000, subject to certain limitations and restrictions. The revolving credit facility carries an interest rate of either (i) the highest of prime rate, the federal funds effective rate from time to time plus 0.5%, or the one month adjusted SOFR including a credit spread adjustment plus 1.0%; or (ii) adjusted SOFR, in each case plus a margin based upon our ratio of debt to earnings from time to time. The applicable borrowing rate including the margin was 6.45% (or one-month SOFR including a credit spread adjustment plus 1.00%) at December 31, 2023. The revolving credit facility is secured by security interests in, and liens on, all assets of the borrowers and guarantors, other than real property and certain other excluded assets. At December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, we had outstanding letters of credit totaling $1,550 and $1,200, respectively, related to our workers’ compensation insurance.

 

Under the terms of our Credit Agreement, available borrowings (exclusive of outstanding borrowings) totaled $83,243 and $187,162 at December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, respectively. The Credit Agreement requires us to maintain certain financial ratios and other financial covenants; prohibits us from incurring additional indebtedness; limits certain acquisitions, investments, advances or loans; limits our ability to pay dividends in certain circumstances; and restricts substantial asset sales, all subject to certain exceptions and baskets. At December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, we were in compliance with all covenants in our Credit Agreement.

  

59
 
 
THE SHYFT GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Dollar amounts in thousands, except per share data)
 

NOTE 12 – STOCK BASED COMPENSATION

 

We have stock incentive plans covering certain employees and non-employee directors. Shares reserved for stock awards under these plans total 5,056,250. Total shares remaining available for stock incentive grants under these plans totaled 1,643,385 at December 31, 2023. We are currently authorized to grant new restricted stock, restricted stock units, performance stock units, stock options and stock appreciation rights under our Stock Incentive Plan of 2016.

 

Restricted Stock

 

We issue restricted stock, at no cash cost, to our key employees. Shares awarded entitle the shareholder to all rights of common stock ownership except that the shares are subject to the risk of forfeiture and may not be sold, transferred, pledged, exchanged or otherwise disposed of during the vesting period, which is three years. The unearned stock-based compensation related to restricted stock awards, using the market price on the date of grant, is being amortized to compensation expense over the applicable vesting periods.

 

We receive an excess tax benefit or liability during the period the restricted shares vest. The excess tax benefit (liability) is determined by the excess (shortfall) of the market price of the stock on date of vesting over (under) the grant date market price used to amortize the awards to compensation expense. As required, any excess tax benefits or liabilities are reported in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows as operating cash flows.

 

Restricted stock activity for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022, and 2021, is as follows:

 

  

Total
Number of
Non-vested
Shares

(000)

  

Weighted
Average
Grant Date
Fair Value

  

Weighted
Average
Remaining
Vesting Life
(Years)

 
Non-vested shares outstanding at January 1, 2021  370  $10.02   1.0 
Granted  85   36.76     
Vested  (230)  11.26     
Forfeited  (35)  20.45     

Non-vested shares outstanding at December 31, 2021

  190   21.81   1.0 

Vested

  (91

)

  17.62     

Forfeited

  (28

)

  21.98     

Non-vested shares outstanding at December 31, 2022

  71   27.14   0.6 

Vested

  (47)  22.28     

Forfeited

  (4)  36.31     

Non-vested shares outstanding at December 31, 2023

  20  $36.72   0.3 

 

The weighted-average grant date fair value of non-vested shares granted was none, none, and $36.76 for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021. During 2023, 2022 and 2021, we recorded compensation expense, net of cancellations, of $790, $1,189, and $2,542, related to restricted stock awards and direct stock grants. The total income tax benefit related to restricted stock awards was $196, $275, and $595 for 2023, 2022 and 2021. For the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022, and 2021, restricted shares vested with a fair market value of $1,049, $1,591, and $1,929. As of December 31, 2023, we had unearned stock-based compensation of $259 associated with these restricted stock grants, which will be recognized over a weighted average of 0.3 years.

 

60
 
 
THE SHYFT GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Dollar amounts in thousands, except per share data)
 

Performance Stock Units

 

During the year ended December 31, 2023, 2022, and 2021, we granted 294,191, 124,427, and 84,740 performance stock units (“PSUs”), respectively, to certain employees, which are earned over a three-year service period.

 

After completion of the performance period, the number of PSUs earned will be issued as shares of common stock. The aggregate number of shares of common stock that ultimately may be issued under PSUs where the performance period has not been completed can range from 0% to 200% of the target amount. The awards will generally be forfeited if a participant leaves the Company for reasons other than retirement, disability or death.

 

A dividend equivalent is calculated based on the actual number of units earned at the end of the performance period equal to the dividends that would have been payable on the earned units had they been held during the entire performance period as common stock. At the end of the performance period, the dividend equivalents are paid in the form of cash at the discretion of the Human Resources and Compensation Committee.

 

89,804, 49,769 and 30,770 of the PSUs granted in 2023, 2022, and 2021, respectively, are earned based on our three-year cumulative GAAP net income, subject to such adjustments as approved by the Company’s Human Resources and Compensation Committee in its sole discretion (“Net Income PSUs”), which is a performance condition. none, none, and 7,814 of the PSUs granted in 2023, 2022, and 2021, respectively, were based on certain performance criteria, subject to such adjustments as approved by the Company’s Human Resources and Compensation Committee in its sole discretion (“Exceptional Performance PSUs”), which is a performance condition. The number of shares that may be earned under the Net Income PSUs and Exceptional Performance PSUs can range from 0% to 200% of the target amount. The Net Income PSUs and Exceptional Performance PSUs are expensed and recorded in Common stock on the Consolidated Balance Sheets over the performance period based on the probability that the performance conditions will be met. The expense recorded will be adjusted as the estimate of the total number of Net Income PSUs and Exceptional Performance PSUs that will ultimately be earned changes. The grant date fair value per unit is equal to the closing price of the Company’s stock on the date of grant.

 

204,387, 74,658, and 46,156 of the PSUs granted in 2023, 2022, and 2021, respectively, are earned based on achievement of certain total shareholder return results relative to a comparison group of companies (“TSR PSUs”), which is a market condition. The number of shares that may be earned under the TSR PSUs can range from 0% to 200% of the target amount. The TSR PSUs are expensed and recorded in Common stock on the Consolidated Balance Sheets over the performance period.

 

The fair value of the TSR PSUs granted was calculated using the Monte Carlo simulation model which resulted in the weighted average grant date fair value for these TSR PSUs of $24.35, $43.41 and $57.11 per unit in 2023, 2022, and 2021, respectively. 

 

The Monte Carlo simulation was computed using the following assumptions:

 

  Granted in 2023  Granted in 2022  Granted in 2021 

Risk-free rate of return (1)

  4.15%  2.41

%

  0.29%

Expected term (in years)

  2.8   2.7   2.8 

Estimated volatility (2)

  49.5%  55.6

%

  61.9%

 

(1)

Based on the U.S. government bond benchmark on the grant date.

(2)

Represents the historical price volatility of the Company’s common stock for the three-year period preceding the grant date.

 

The total PSU expense and associated tax benefit for all outstanding awards for the year ended December 31, 2023 was $2,790 and $70, respectively, for the year ended December 31, 2022 was $3,176 and $197, respectively, and for the year ended December 31, 2021 was $3,663 and $310, respectively.

 

61
 
 
THE SHYFT GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Dollar amounts in thousands, except per share data)
 

The PSU activity for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022, and 2021, is as follows:

 

  

 

 

 

Total Number of Non-vested Shares

(000)

  

Weighted-

Average

Grant Date

Fair Value

per Unit

 
Non-vested as of January 1, 2021  410  $13.63 
Granted  85   48.08 
Forfeited  (12)  26.94 
Non-vested as of December 31, 2021  483   19.33 
Granted  124   40.49 
Vested  (194)  11.82 
Forfeited  (38)  28.27 

Non-vested as of December 31, 2022

  375   29.31 

Granted

  294   23.86 
Vested  (187)  20.89 
Forfeited  (39)  36.89 

Non-vested as of December 31, 2023

  443  $30.99 

 

As of December 31, 2023 there was $3,859 of remaining unrecognized compensation cost related to non-vested PSUs, which is expected to be recognized over a remaining weighted-average period of 1.5 years.

 

Restricted Stock Units

 

During the year ended December 31, 2023, 2022, and 2021, we awarded 273,904, 241,217, and 110,599 restricted stock units (“RSUs”), respectively, to certain employees and Board members. These RSUs generally vest ratably over three years after the date of grant for employees and vest one year after date of grant for Board members, at which time the units will be issued as unrestricted shares of common stock. RSUs are expensed and recorded in Common stock on the Consolidated Balance Sheets over the requisite service period based on the value of the underlying shares on the date of grant. Upon vesting, the dividend equivalents are paid in the form of cash at the discretion of the Human Resources and Compensation Committee.

 
The RSU expense and associated tax benefit for all outstanding awards for the year ended December 31, 2023 was $4,254 and $742, respectively, awards for the year ended December 31, 2022 was $3,253 and $668, respectively and, for the year ended December 31, 2021 was $2,540 and $499, respectively.

 

62
 
 
THE SHYFT GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Dollar amounts in thousands, except per share data)
 

The RSU activity for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022, and 2021, is as follows:

 

  

 

 

 

Total Number of Non-vested Shares

(000)

  

Weighted-

Average

Grant Date

Fair Value

per Unit

 
Non-vested as of January 1, 2021  212  $12.43 
Granted  111   36.67 
Vested  (119)  14.08 
Forfeited  (3)  37.09 
Non-vested as of December 31, 2021  201   24.51 
Granted  241   29.58 
Vested  (105)  22.15 
Forfeited  (30)  32.96 

Non-vested as of December 31, 2022

  307   28.38 

Granted

  274   19.38 
Vested  (154)  25.53 
Forfeited  (42)  28.47 

Non-vested as of December 31, 2023

  385  $21.05 

 

As of December 31, 2023 there was $6,473 of remaining unrecognized compensation cost related to non-vested RSUs, which is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 1.6 years.

 

Employee Stock Purchase Plan 

 

We instituted an employee stock purchase plan (“ESPP”) beginning on October 1, 2011 whereby essentially all employees who meet certain service requirements can purchase our common stock on quarterly offering dates at 90% of the fair market value of the shares on the purchase date. A maximum of 750,000 shares are authorized for purchase. During the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022, and 2021, we received proceeds of $393, $434, and $389 for the purchase of approximately 26,000, 20,000, and 11,000 shares under the ESPP.

 

 

NOTE 13 – SHAREHOLDERS EQUITY

 

On February 17, 2022, we announced that our Board of Directors had authorized the repurchase of up to $250.0 million of our common stock. The repurchase authorization does not have an expiration date.

 

The following table represents our purchases of our common stock during the year ended December 31, 2023 and 2022 under the share repurchase program. 

 

Year Ended

December 31,

 

Shares

purchased

(000)

  

Purchase

value

  

Approximate Dollar Value of Shares That
May Yet be Purchased Under Announced Plans or Programs

 
2023  1,022  $19,083  $

223,019

 
2022  607  $26,789  $242,102 

 

63
 
 
THE SHYFT GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Dollar amounts in thousands, except per share data)
 

During the year ended December 31, 2021, 100,000 shares were purchased under a prior authorization approved in 2016 for $3,348. As of December 31, 2021, 408,994 shares remained allowable to be purchased under the 2016 authorization.

 

In January 2022, we repurchased the remaining 408,994 shares available under the prior authorization for $18,884.

 

  

 

NOTE 14 – EARNINGS PER SHARE

 

The table below reconciles basic weighted average common shares outstanding to diluted weighted average shares outstanding for 2023, 2022, and 2021 (in thousands). Basic earnings per share is based on the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted earnings per share also include the dilutive effect of additional potential common shares issuable from stock-based awards and are determined using the treasury stock method. Basic earnings per share represents net earnings divided by basic weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted earnings per share represents net earnings divided by diluted weighted average number of common shares outstanding, which includes the average dilutive effect of all potentially dilutive securities that are outstanding during the period. Our unvested restricted stock units and performance stock units are included in the number of shares outstanding for diluted earnings per share calculations, unless a net loss is reported, in which situation unvested stock awards are excluded from the number of shares outstanding for diluted earnings per share calculations.

 

  

Year Ended December 31,

 
  2023  

2022

  

2021

 

Basic weighted average common shares outstanding

  34,721   35,073   35,333 

Plus dilutive effect of Restricted Stock Units and Performance Stock Units

  140   421   764 

Diluted weighted average common shares outstanding

  34,861   35,494   36,097 

 
 

NOTE 15 – BUSINESS SEGMENTS

 

We identify our reportable segments based on our management structure and the financial data utilized by our chief operating decision maker to assess segment performance and allocate resources among our operating units. We have two reportable segments: Fleet Vehicles and Services and Specialty Vehicles.

 

We evaluate the performance of our reportable segments based on Adjusted EBITDA (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization), which is defined as income from continuing operations before interest, income taxes, depreciation and amortization, as adjusted to eliminate the impact of restructuring charges, acquisition related expenses and adjustments, non-cash stock-based compensation expenses, and other gains and losses not reflective of our ongoing operations.

 

Our FVS segment focuses on designing and manufacturing walk-in vans for parcel delivery, mobile retail, and trades and construction industries, the production of commercial truck bodies, and the distribution of related aftermarket parts and accessories.

 

Our SV segment consists of service bodies operations, operations that engineer and manufacture motorhome chassis, other specialty chassis and distributes related aftermarket parts and assemblies. We also provide vocation-specific equipment upfit services, which are marketed and sold under the Strobes-R-Us brand.

 

The accounting policies of the segments are the same as those described, or referred to, in “Note 1 – Nature of Operations and Basis of Presentation”. Assets and related depreciation expense in the column labeled “Eliminations and Other” pertain to capital assets maintained at the corporate level. Eliminations for inter-segment sales are shown in the column labeled “Eliminations and other”. Segment loss from operations in the “Eliminations and other” column contains corporate related expenses not allocable to the operating segments. Interest expense and Taxes on income are not included in the information utilized by the chief operating decision makers to assess segment performance and allocate resources, and accordingly, are excluded from the segment results presented below.

 

64
 
 
THE SHYFT GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Dollar amounts in thousands, except per share data)
 

Sales to customers outside the United States were $24,706, $7,670, and $11,657 for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022, and 2021, or 2.8%, 0.7%, and 1.2%, respectively, of sales for those years. Substantially all of our long-lived assets are located in the United States.

  

Sales and other financial information by business segment are as follows:

 

Year Ended December 31, 2023

 

  

Segment

 
  

FVS

  

SV

  

Eliminations

and Other

  

Consolidated

 

Fleet vehicles sales

 $487,072  $-  $-  $487,072 

Motorhome chassis sales

  -   104,882   -   104,882 

Other specialty vehicles sales

  -   209,434   (4,183)  205,251 

Aftermarket parts and accessories sales

  54,566   20,427   -   74,993 

Total sales

 $541,638  $334,743  $(4,183) $872,198 
                 

Depreciation and amortization expense

 $6,552  $6,720  $3,681  $16,953 

Adjusted EBITDA

 $30,326  $66,186  $(56,544) $39,968 

Segment assets

 $241,546  $213,509  $74,994  $530,049 
Capital expenditures $5,065  $2,567  $17,844  $25,476 

  

Year Ended December 31, 2022

 

  

Segment

 
  

FVS

  

SV

  

Eliminations

and Other

  

Consolidated

 

Fleet vehicles sales

 $605,253  $-  $-  $605,253 

Motorhome chassis sales

  -   175,030   -   175,030 

Other specialty vehicles sales

  -   191,882   (6,483)  185,399 

Aftermarket parts and accessories sales

  41,750   19,732   -   61,482 

Total sales

 $647,003  $386,644  $(6,483) $1,027,164 
                 

Depreciation and amortization expense

 $4,555  $7,011  $3,208  $14,774 

Adjusted EBITDA

 $65,719  $54,413  $(49,339) $70,793 

Segment assets

 $308,357  $220,768  $51,356  $580,481 

Capital expenditures

 $13,381  $1,268  $6,893  $21,542 

 

65
 
 
THE SHYFT GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Dollar amounts in thousands, except per share data)
 

Year Ended December 31, 2021

 

  

Segment

 
  

FVS

  

SV

  

Eliminations

and Other

  

Consolidated

 

Fleet vehicles sales

 $624,874  $-  $-  $624,874 

Motorhome chassis sales

  -   168,166   -   168,166 

Other specialty vehicles sales

  -   145,134   -   145,134 

Aftermarket parts and accessories sales

  34,558   19,060   -   53,618 

Total sales

 $659,432  $332,360  $-  $991,792 
                 

Depreciation and amortization expense

 $2,654  $6,832  $1,870  $11,356 

Adjusted EBITDA

 $108,621  $32,668  $(33,223

)

 $108,066 

Segment assets

 $174,799  $202,302  $70,766  $447,867 

Capital expenditures

 $16,647  $4,198  $2,163  $23,008 
 

 
66
 
 

 

Item 9.

Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure.

 

None.

 

Item 9A.

Controls and Procedures.

 

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

 

Our management, with the participation of our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, has evaluated the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended), as of the end of the period covered by this Annual Report. Based on the evaluation of our disclosure controls and procedures as of December 31, 2023, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective.

 

Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

 

Management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate “internal control over financial reporting,” as defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d- 15(f) under the Exchange Act. Our internal control over financial reporting is designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles and includes those policies and procedures that (i.) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the Company; (ii.) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the Company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the Company; and (iii.) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the Company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

 

Under the supervision of and with the participation of management, including the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer, the Company conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting based on the framework in Internal Control—Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). Based on this evaluation, management concluded that the Company's internal control over financial reporting was effective as of December 31, 2023.

 

Deloitte & Touche LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, has audited the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2023, as stated in their report which is included herein.

 

Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting

 

During the last fiscal quarter of the period covered by this report, there were no changes in our internal controls over financial reporting that have materially affected or are reasonably likely to materially affect such controls.

 

Inherent Limitations on Effectiveness of Controls

 

An effective internal control system, no matter how well designed, has inherent limitations, including the possibility of human error or overriding of controls, and therefore can provide only reasonable assurance with respect to reliable financial reporting. Because of its inherent limitations, our internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect all misstatements, including the possibility of human error, the circumvention or overriding of controls, or fraud. Effective internal controls can provide only reasonable assurance with respect to the preparation and fair presentation of financial statements.

 

Item 9B.

Other Information.

 

 

Rule 10b5-1 Trading Arrangements

 

During the quarter ended December 31, 2023, no director or officer (as defined in Rule 16a-1(f) under the Exchange Act) of the Company adopted, modified or terminated a “Rule 10b5-1 trading arrangement” or “non-Rule 10b5-1 trading arrangement” (as each term is defined in Item 408 of Regulation S-K).
 

 

67
 

 

Amendments to Bylaws

 

 

On February 20, 2024, our Board of Directors approved amendments to our Second Amended and Restated Bylaws, effective as of such date, relating to the issuance of shares without certificates. The foregoing general description of the Second Amended and Restated Bylaws, as amended, is qualified in its entirety by reference to the full text of the Second Amended and Restated Bylaws, as amended, a copy of which is attached as Exhibit 3.2 to this Form 10-K and is incorporated by reference herein.

 

Item 9C.

Disclosure Regarding Foreign Jurisdictions that Prevent Inspections

 

Not applicable. 

 

68
 

 

PART III

 

Item 10.

Directors, Executive Officers, and Corporate Governance.

 

Information regarding our executive officers is included in Part I of this Form 10-K under the heading “Information about our Executive Officers.” 

 

The Code of Ethics is available on the “Corporate Responsibility” portion of the Company's website under the “Policies and Charters” link. The Company's website address is www.theshyftgroup.com.

 

The information required by this item is incorporated by reference from our definitive proxy statement for the 2024 Annual Meeting of Shareholders.

 

Item 11.

Executive Compensation.

 

The information required by this item is incorporated by reference from our definitive proxy statement for the 2024 Annual Meeting of Shareholders.

 

Item 12.

Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters.

 

The information required by this item (other than as set forth below) is incorporated by reference from our definitive proxy statement for the 2024 Annual Meeting of Shareholders. 

 

The following table provides information about our equity compensation plans regarding the number of securities to be issued under these plans upon the exercise of outstanding options, warrants and rights, the weighted-average exercise prices of options outstanding under these plans, and the number of securities available for future issuance as of December 31, 2023.

 

Equity Compensation Plan Information
                           

Plan category

  

Number of

securities to
be issued upon

exercise
of outstanding

options,
warrants and

rights (a)

    

Weighted average
exercise price of
outstanding options,
warrants and rights

    

Number of securities
remaining available for
future issuance under

equity compensation

plans (excluding

securities reflected in

column (a)) (4)

Equity compensation plans approved by security holders (1)

     828,179       N/A (3)       1,592,067    

Equity compensation plans not approved by security holders (2)

     -       N/A       51,318    

Total

     828,179       N/A       1,643,385    

 

(1)

Consists of the Stock Incentive Plan of 2016 (as amended and restated, the “Stock Incentive Plan”). See “Note 12 – Stock-Based Compensation” for more information regarding this plan.
   
(2) Consists of The Shyft Group, Inc. Directors’ Stock Purchase Plan. This plan provides that non-employee directors of the Company may elect to receive at least 25% and up to 100% of their “director’s fees” in the form of the Company’s common stock. The term “director’s fees” means the amount of income payable to a non-employee director for his or her service as a director of the Company, including payments for attendance at meetings of the Company’s Board of Directors or meetings of committees of the Board, and any retainer fee paid to such persons as members of the Board. A non-employee director who elects to receive Company common stock in lieu of some or all of his or her director’s fees will, on or shortly after each “applicable date,” receive a number of shares of common stock (rounded down to the nearest whole share) determined by dividing (1) the dollar amount of the director’s fees payable to him or her on the applicable date that he or she has elected to receive in common stock by (2) the market value of common stock on the applicable date. The term “applicable date” means any date on which a director’s fee is payable to the participant. No shares have been issued under this plan. All of the shares reflected in column (c) for this plan may be issued as described above other than upon the exercise of options, warrants or rights.

 

69
 

 

(3) The number of shares reflected in column (a) in the table above represents shares issuable pursuant to outstanding PSUs and RSUs, for which there is no exercise price.
   
(4) Each of the plans reflected in the above table contains customary anti-dilution provisions that are applicable in the event of a stock split or certain other changes in the Company’s capitalization. In addition, the Stock Incentive Plan provides that if a stock option is canceled, surrendered, modified, expires or is terminated during the term of the plan but before the exercise of the option, the shares subject to the option will be available for other awards under the plan. All of the shares reflected in column (c) for the Stock Incentive Plan may be issued other than upon the exercise of options, warrants or rights.
   
  The numbers of shares reflected in column (c) in the table above with respect to the Stock Incentive Plan represent new shares that may be granted by the Company, and not shares issuable upon the exercise of an existing option, warrant or right.

  

Item 13.

Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence.

 

The information required by this item is incorporated by reference from our definitive proxy statement for the 2024 Annual Meeting of Shareholders.

 

Item 14.

Principal Accountant Fees and Services.

 

The information required by this item about aggregate fees billed to us by our principal accountant, Deloitte & Touche LLP [PCAOB ID No.34] is incorporated by reference from our definitive proxy statement for the 2024 Annual Meeting of Shareholders.

 

70
 

 

PART IV

 

Item 15.

Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules.

 

 

Item 15(a)(1).

List of Financial Statements.

 

The following consolidated financial statements of the Company and its subsidiaries, and reports of our registered independent public accounting firm, are filed as a part of this report under Item 8 - Financial Statements and Supplementary Data:

 

  Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm’s Report on Consolidated Financial Statements and Internal Control over Financial Reporting – Year Ended December 31, 2023, 2022, and 2021
   
  Consolidated Balance Sheets – December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022
   
  Consolidated Statements of Operations – Years Ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021
   
  Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ Equity – Years Ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021
   
  Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows – Years Ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021
   
  Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

  

 

 

Item 15(a)(2).

Financial Statement Schedules. Attached as Appendix A.

 

The following consolidated financial statement schedule of the Company and its subsidiaries is filed as part of this report:

 

  Schedule II-Valuation and Qualifying Accounts

 

All other financial statement schedules are not required under the related instructions or are inapplicable and therefore have been omitted.

   

 

Item 15(a)(3).

List of Exhibits. The following exhibits are filed as a part of this report:

 

Exhibit
Number

  

Document
     

3.1

  

The Shyft Group, Inc. Restated Articles of Incorporation (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Form 10-K filed March 25, 2021).
     

3.2

  

The Shyft Group, Inc. Second Amended and Restated Bylaws.
     
4.1   Description of Common Stock (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.3 to the Form 10-K filed March 16, 2020).

 

71
 

   

Exhibit

Number

    
     

10.1

  

The Shyft Group, Inc. Directors’ Stock Purchase Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.5 to the Form S-8 filed August 14, 2002).*
     

10.2

  

Form of Indemnification Agreement for directors and executive officers (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Form 10-K filed February 24, 2022)*
     

10.3

  

The Shyft Group, Inc. Leadership Team Compensation Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Form 10-Q filed August 5, 2015). *
     

10.4

  

The Shyft Group, Inc. Executive Severance Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Form 8-K filed August 10, 2022).*
     

10.5

  

Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.14 to the Form 10-K filed March 14, 2008).*
     

10.6

  

The Shyft Group, Inc. Stock Incentive Plan of 2016, as amended by the First Amendment to Stock Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Appendix B to the definitive proxy statement on Schedule 14A filed April 10, 2020).*
     
10.7   The Shyft Group, Inc. Stock Incentive Plan (Amended and Restated Effective May 17, 2023) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Form 8-K filed May 18, 2023).*
     

10.8

  

Form of Performance Share Unit Agreement (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.15 to the Form 10-K filed March 25, 2021).*
     

10.9

  

Form of Restricted Stock Unit Agreement (employees) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.16 to the Form 10-K filed March 25, 2021).*
     

10.10

  

Form of Restricted Stock Unit Agreement (non-employee directors) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.10 to the Form 10-K filed February 24, 2022).*
     
10.11   Form of Performance Share Unit Agreement (2022 LTI) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.8.1 to the Form 10-Q filed April 28, 2022).*
     
10.12   Form of Restricted Stock Unit Agreement (2022 LTI) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.9.1 to the Form 10-Q filed April 28, 2022).*
     
10.13   Form of Restricted Stock Unit Agreement (2022 LTI) (non-employee directors) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.9.1 to the Form 10-Q filed July 28, 2022).*
     
10.14   Employment Offer Letter dated July 22, 2014, from the Company to Daryl M. Adams (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Form 10-Q filed November 4, 2014).*
     
10.15   Employment Offer Letter dated January 21, 2020 from the Company to Jonathan C. Douyard (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.25 to the Form 10-K filed March 16, 2020).*
     
10.16   Employment Offer Letter dated May 31, 2019 from the Company to Todd A. Heavin (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Form 10-Q filed August 1, 2019).*
     
10.17   Employment Offer Letter dated December 23, 2014 from the Company to Steve Guillaume (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.24 to the Form 10-K filed March 9, 2016), as updated by a letter dated May 11, 2015 from the Company to Mr. Guillaume (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.25 to the Form 10-K filed March 9, 2016).*

 

72
 

 

Exhibit

Number

    
     
10.18   Amended and Restated Credit Agreement dated November 30, 2021, by and among the Company and certain of the Company’s subsidiaries, as borrowers, Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as administrative agent, and the lenders party thereto (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Form 8-K filed December 1, 2021)
     
10.19   First Amendment to Amended and Restated Credit Agreement dated May 31, 2023 to Amended and Restated Credit Agreement dated November 30, 2021, by and among the Company and its affiliates, Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as administrative agent, and the lenders party thereto (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Form 10-Q filed July 27, 2023).
     
10.20   Form of Performance Share Unit Agreement (2023 LTI) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.8.2 to the Form 10-Q filed April 27, 2023).*
     
10.21   Form of Restricted Stock Unit Agreement (2023 LTI) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.9.2 to the Form 10-Q filed April 27, 2023).*
     
10.22   Letter Agreement dated April 26, 2023 between the Company and Todd A. Heavin (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Form 8-K filed April 27, 2023).*
     
10.23   Employment Offer Letters dated December 6, 2022 and October 25, 2023 from the Company to John Dunn.*
     
10.24   Employment Offer Letters dated June 27, 2023 and December 27, 2023 from the Company to Jacob Farmer.*
     
10.25   Employment Offer Letter dated April 2,2021 from the Company to Joshua Sherbin.*
     
10.26   Employment Offer Letter dated June 2, 2020 from the Company to Colin Hindman.*
     
10.27   Transition and Separation Agreement dated June 7, 2023 with Daryl M. Adams (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the Form 10-Q filed July 27, 2023).
     
10.28   Restricted Stock Unit Agreement dated as of September 1, 2023 (under The Shyft Group, Inc. Stock Incentive Plan (as amended and restated effective May 17, 2023)), between the Company and Paul Mascarenas (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Form 10-Q filed October 26, 2023).*
     
10.29   Performance Share Unit Agreement dated as of November 24, 2023 (under The Shyft Group, Inc. Stock Incentive Plan (as amended and restated effective May 17, 2023)) between the Company and John Dunn.*

  

73
 

 

Exhibit

Number

    
     
21   Subsidiaries of Registrant
     
23.1   Consent of Deloitte & Touche LLP, Independent Registered Public Accounting firm.
     
31.1   Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act.
     
31.2   Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act.
     

32

  

Certification pursuant to 18 U.S.C. § 1350.
     
97   Shyft Group Compensation Clawback Policy
     

101.INS

  

Inline XBRL Instance Document (the Instance Document does not appear in the Interactive Data File because its XBRL tags are embedded within the Inline XBRL document)
     

101.SCH

  

Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document
     

101.CAL

  

Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document
     
101.DEF   Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document
     
101.LAB   Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document
     
101.PRE   Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document
     

104

  

Cover Page Interactive Data File (Embedded within the Inline XBRL document and included in Exhibit 101)

_________________________

 

*Management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement.

 

The Company will furnish a copy of any exhibit listed above to any shareholder of the Company without charge upon written request to: Chief Financial Officer, The Shyft Group, Inc., 41280 Bridge Street, Novi, Michigan 48375.

 

 

Item 16.

Form 10-K Summary

 

None.

 

74
 

 

SIGNATURES

 

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) 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.

 

 

THE SHYFT GROUP, INC.

 

 

 

                           February 22, 2024

By

/s/ Jonathan C. Douyard

 

 

Jonathan C. Douyard
Chief Financial Officer

(Principal Financial Officer)

 

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.

 

                           February 22, 2024

By

/s/ John Dunn

 

 

John Dunn

Director, President and Chief Executive Officer
(Principal Executive Officer)

 

 

 
                           February 22, 2024

By

/s/ Jonathan C. Douyard

 

 

Jonathan C. Douyard
Chief Financial Officer

(Principal Financial Officer)
     
                           February 22, 2024 By /s/ Scott M. Ocholik

 

 

Scott M. Ocholik

Vice President, Chief Accounting Officer and Corporate Controller

(Principal Accounting Officer)
     
                           February 22, 2024

By

/s/ James A. Sharman

 

 

James A. Sharman, Director

 

 

 
                           February 22, 2024

By

/s/ Michael Dinkins

 

 

Michael Dinkins, Director

 

 

 
                           February 22, 2024

By

/s/ Carl Esposito

 

 

Carl Esposito, Director

 

 

 
                           February 22, 2024

By

/s/ Angela K. Freeman

 

 

Angela K. Freeman, Director
     
                           February 22, 2024 By /s/ Pamela L. Kermisch
    Pamela L. Kermisch, Director

 

 

 
                           February 22, 2024

By

/s/ Paul A. Mascarenas

 

 

Paul A. Mascarenas, Director

 

 

 
                           February 22, 2024

By

/s/ Terri Pizzuto

 

 

Terri Pizzuto, Director

 

 

 
                           February 22, 2024

By

/s/ Mark Rourke

 

 

Mark Rourke, Director

 

75
 
 

APPENDIX A

SCHEDULE II
VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS
THE SHYFT GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

Column A

 

Column B

  

Column C

  

Column D

  

Column E

 
                     

Description

 

Balance at
Beginning
of Period

  

Additions
Charged to
Costs and
Expenses

  

Additions
Charged to
Other
Accounts
(Acquisition)

  

Deductions

  

Balance
at End
of Period

 
Year ended December 31, 2023:                    
                     
Allowance for doubtful accounts $246  $159  $-  $(129) $276 
                     
                     

Year ended December 31, 2022:

                    
                     

Allowance for doubtful accounts

 $187  $240  $-  $(181) $246 
                     
                     

Year ended December 31, 2021:

                    
                     

Allowance for doubtful accounts

 $116  $149  $-  $(78

)

 $187 

   
76