10-Q 1 mil1031q.htm QUARTERLY REPORT Prepared by Kilpatrick Stockton EDGAR Services

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, DC 20549

FORM 10-Q

QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d)
OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the quarterly period ended October 31, 2001
Commission File No. 0-24298

 

MILLER INDUSTRIES, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Tennessee

62-1566286

(State or other jurisdiction of

(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)

incorporation or organization)

 
   

8503 Hilltop Drive

 

Ooltewah, Tennessee

37363

(Address of principal executive offices)

(Zip Code)

Registrant's telephone number, including area code:  (423)  238-4171

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

YES  X                NO __

The number of shares outstanding of the registrant's Common Stock, $.01 par value, as of November 30, 2001 was 9,341,436.


 

INDEX

       

PART I.

FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Page Number

       
 

Item 1.

Financial Statements (Unaudited)

 
       
   

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets -

 
   

October 31, 2001 and April 30, 2001

3

       
   

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations

 
   

for the Three and Six Months Ended October 31, 2001 and 2000

4

       
   

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

 
   

for the Six Months Ended October 31, 2001 and 2000

5

       
   

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial

 
   

Statements

6

       
 

Item 2.

Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial

 
   

Condition and Results of Operations

12

       
       
       

PART II.

OTHER INFORMATION

 
       
 

Item 1.

Legal Proceedings

16

 

Item 4.

Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders

16

 

Item 6.

Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K

16

       
       
       

SIGNATURES

   

17

2


 

PART 1.       FINANCIAL INFORMATION

ITEM 1.       Financial Statements (Unaudited)

MILLER INDUSTRIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(In thousands, except share data)
(Unaudited)

ASSETS

   

October 31,
2001

 

April 30,
2001

   
 

CURRENT ASSETS:

       

Cash and temporary investments

$

8,781 

$

6,627 

Accounts receivable, net

 

73,602 

 

75,104 

Inventories

 

63,614 

 

67,835 

Deferred income taxes

 

5,361 

 

5,371 

Prepaid expenses and other

 

9,215 

 

12,010 

   
 

Total current assets

 

160,573 

 

166,947 

         

PROPERTY, PLANT, AND EQUIPMENT, net

 

54,761 

 

58,564 

   

 

 

 

GOODWILL, net

 

45,954 

 

46,736 

   

 

 

 

OTHER ASSETS, net

 

10,870 

 

9,040 

   
 

$

272,158 

$

281,287 

   
 
         

LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY

         

CURRENT LIABILITIES:

       

Current portion of long-term debt

$

6,221 

$

7,213 

Accounts payable

 

44,721 

 

43,064 

Accrued liabilities and other

 

21,659 

 

25,356 

   
 

Total current liabilities

 

72,601 

 

75,633 

   
 
         

LONG-TERM DEBT, less current portion

 

95,412 

 

99,121 

   
 
         

SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY (Note 2):

     

 

Preferred stock, $.01 par value, 5,000,000 shares authorized;
       none issued or outstanding

 


 


Common stock, $.01 par value, 100,000,000 shares authorized;
       9,341,436 shares issued and outstanding at October 31, 2001
       and April 30, 2001

 

93 



93 

Additional paid-in capital

145,088 

145,088 

Accumulated deficit

 

(39,037)

 

(36,509)

Accumulated other comprehensive loss

 

(1,999)

 

(2,139)

   
 

Total shareholders' equity

104,145 

106,533 

   
 

$

272,158 

$

281,287 



See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

3


 

MILLER INDUSTRIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(In thousands, except per share data)
(Unaudited)

   

Three Months Ended
October 31,

 

Six Months Ended
October 31,



   

2001

 

2000

 

2001

 

2000





NET SALES:

 

Towing and Recovery Equipment

$

 76,624

$

82,100

$

153,859

$

159,656

Towing Services

38,298

47,580

78,009

97,176





 

114,922

129,680 

231,868 

256,832 





                 

COSTS AND EXPENSES:

               

Costs of operations:

       

     Towing and Recovery Equipment

67,518

71,498

135,952 

138,678 

     Towing Services

32,289

39,625

65,290 

80,766 





 

99,807

 

111,123 

 

201,242 

 

219,444 

Selling, general, and
       administrative expenses

 


12,802

 


16,652 

 


26,880 

 


34,689 

Interest expense, net

 

2,202

 

4,663 

 

5,994 

 

8,629 





Total costs and expenses

 

114,811

 

132,438 

 

234,116 

 

262,762 





 

           

INCOME (LOSS) BEFORE
       INCOME TAXES

 


111

 


(2,758)

 


(2,248)

 


(5,930)

INCOME TAX PROVISION
       (BENEFIT)

 


90

 


(927)

 


280 

 


(2,006)





NET INCOME (LOSS)

$

21

$

(1,831)

$

(2,528)

$

(3,924)





                 

NET INCOME (LOSS) PER
       COMMON SHARE:

               

Basic

$

0.00

$

(0.20)

$

(0.27)

$

(0.42)





Diluted

$

0.00

$

(0.20)

$

(0.27)

$

(0.42)





                 
WEIGHTED AVERAGE
       SHARES OUTSTANDING:
               
                 

Basic

 

9,341

 

9,341 

 

9,341 

 

9,341 





Diluted

 

9,342

 

9,341 

 

9,341 

 

9,341 





See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

4


 

MILLER INDUSTRIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(in thousands)
(Unaudited)

   

Six Months Ended October 31,


   

2001

 

2000



OPERATING ACTIVITIES:

Net loss

$

(2,528)

$

(3,924)

Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash provided
       by operating activities:

       

Depreciation and amortization

 

6,559 

 

6,806 

Deferred income tax provision

 

14 

 

119 

Gain on disposals of property, plant, and equipment

 

(12)

 

(371)

Gain on disposal of other long-term asset

 

 

(357)

Changes in operating assets and liabilities:

       

Accounts receivable

 

408 

 

14,496 

Inventories

 

4,364 

 

215 

Prepaid expenses and other

 

1,072 

 

(2,631)

Other assets

 

71 

 

(1,021)

Accounts payable

 

1,784 

 

(8,521)

Accrued liabilities

 

(946)

 

3,738 



Net cash provided by operating activities

 

10,786 

 

8,549 



INVESTING ACTIVITIES:

       

Purchases of property, plant, and equipment

 

(2,155)

 

(1,791)

Proceeds from sale of property, plant, and equipment

 

658 

 

2,417 

Proceeds from sale of other long-term asset

 

 

3,371 

Proceeds from sale of businesses

 

1,077 

 

Acquisition of businesses, net of cash acquired

 

 

(71)

Proceeds from payments of notes receivable

 

160 

212 



Net cash (used in) provided by investing
activities

 

(260)

 

4,138 



FINANCING ACTIVITIES:

Net borrowings under new credit facility

83,600 

Borrowings under subordinated credit facility

14,000 

 

Net payments under former credit facility

(100,000)

 

(7,000)

Repayment of long-term obligations

 

(2,688)

 

(1,700)

Additions to deferred financing costs

 

(3,209)

 

Proceeds from exercise of stock options

 

 



Net cash used in financing activities

 

(8,297)

 

(8,694)



EFFECT OF EXCHANGE RATE CHANGES ON CASH AND
       TEMPORARY INVESTMENTS

 

(75)

 

(262)



NET INCREASE IN CASH AND
       TEMPORARY INVESTMENTS

 

2,154 

 

3,731 

CASH AND TEMPORARY INVESTMENTS, beginning of period

 

6,627 

 

5,990 



CASH AND TEMPORARY INVESTMENTS, end of period

$

8,781 

$

9,721 



SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE OF CASH FLOW
       INFORMATION:

       

Cash payments for interest

$

4,597 

$

8,730 



Cash payments for income taxes

$

383 

$

349 



See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

5


 

MILLER INDUSTRIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)

1.

Basis of Presentation

   
 

The condensed consolidated financial statements of Miller Industries, Inc. and subsidiaries (the "Company") included herein have been prepared by the Company pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission. Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in annual financial statements prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States have been condensed or omitted pursuant to such rules and regulations. Nevertheless, the Company believes that the disclosures are adequate to make the financial information presented not misleading. In the opinion of management, the accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements reflect all adjustments, which are of a normal recurring nature, to present fairly the Company's financial position, results of operations and cash flows at the dates and for the periods presented. Cost of goods sold for interim periods for certain entities in the towing and recovery equipment segment is determined based on estimated gross profit rates. Interim results of operations are not necessarily indicative of results to be expected for the fiscal year. These condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended April 30, 2001.

   
 

On September 25, 2001, the Company announced that its Board of Directors had approved a change in the Company’s fiscal year from April 30 to December 31, effective December 31, 2001. The Company will file with the Securities and Exchange Commission a Form 10-K report for the eight-month period ended December 31, 2001 in March 2002 to effect the change.

   

2.

Net Income (Loss) Per Share

   
 

Basic net income (loss) per share is computed by dividing net income (loss) by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding. Diluted net income (loss) per share is calculated by dividing net income (loss) by the weighted average number of common and potential dilutive common shares outstanding. Diluted net income per share takes into consideration the assumed conversion of outstanding stock options resulting in 1,000 potential dilutive common shares for the three months ended October 31, 2001. Diluted net loss per share for the three months ended October 30, 2000 and six months ended October 31, 2001 and 2000 does not assume exercise of any stock options as the effect would be anti-dilutive.

 
On October 1, 2001, the Company effected a one-for-five reverse common stock split. All historical and per share amounts have been retroactively restated to reflect the reverse common stock split.

 

6


 

 

3.

Inventories

   
 

Inventory costs include materials, labor and factory overhead. Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market, determined on a first-in, first-out basis.

   
 

Inventories at October 31, 2001 and April 30, 2001 consisted of the following (in thousands):

 

     

October 31,
2001


 

April 30,
2001


 

Chassis

$

9,139

$

8,650

 

Raw Materials

 

13,715

 

14,133

 

Work in process

 

10,178

 

10,544

 

Finished goods

 

30,582

 

34,508



   

$

63,614

$

67,835



4.

Special Charges and Disposition of Towing Services Assets

   
 

During the second quarter of fiscal 2000, the Company announced plans to rationalize its towing services operations. The Company recorded pretax special charges of $6,041,000 for costs related to the rationalization. These charges include approximately $4,589,000 for the cost of early termination of certain employment contracts, approximately $857,000 for the cost of early termination of facility leases and $595,000 for losses on the disposal of certain excess equipment and other property-related charges. At October 31, 2001, execution of the rationalization plan was complete and approximately $4,856,000 had been charged against the related reserves. The remaining reserve will be utilized as payments are made under the terms of employment termination agreements.

   
 

The Company periodically reviews the carrying amount of the long-lived assets and goodwill in both its towing services and towing equipment businesses to determine if those assets may be recoverable based upon the future operating cash flows expected to be generated by those assets. As a result of such review during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2000, the Company concluded that the carrying value of such assets in certain towing services markets and certain assets within the Company’s towing and recovery equipment segment were not fully recoverable.

   
 

An impairment charge of $50,542,000 was recorded in the fourth quarter of 2000 to write-down the goodwill in certain towing services markets to its estimated fair value. Additionally, charges of $18,576,000 were recorded to write-down the carrying value of certain fixed assets (primarily property and equipment) in related markets to estimated fair value. The Company determined fair value for these assets on a market by market basis taking into consideration various factors affecting the valuation in each market.

   
 

The Company also reviewed the carrying values of goodwill associated with certain investments within its towing and recovery equipment segment. This evaluation indicated that the recorded amounts of goodwill for certain of these investments were not fully recoverable. An impairment charge of $4,967,000 was recorded to reduce the carrying amount of goodwill to estimated fair value. The Company also recorded $2,770,000 of additional costs related to the write-down of the carrying value of other long-lived assets of its towing and recovery equipment segment in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2000.

7


 
   
 

During the six months ended October 31, 2001, the Company continued efforts to reduce expenses in the towing services segment. As part of these efforts, the Company disposed of assets in two underperforming market, as well as certain assets in other markets. Total proceeds from these sales were approximately $1,447,000. No significant gains or losses were realized upon the sale of these assets. The Company continues to investigate financial alternatives with respect to the overall towing services segment in order to enhance shareholder value.

   

5.

Long-Term Obligations

   
 

In July 2001, the Company entered into a new four year senior credit facility (the "Credit Facility") with a syndicate of lenders to replace the existing credit facility. As part of this agreement, the existing credit facility was reduced with proceeds from the Credit Facility and amended to provide for a $14.0 million subordinated secured facility. The Credit Facility consists of a $102.0 million revolving credit facility and an $8.0 million term loan. At October 31, 2001, $97.1 million was outstanding under these obligations.

   
 

Availability under the revolving Credit Facility is based on a formula of eligible accounts receivable, inventory and fleet vehicles. Borrowings under the term loan are secured by the Company’s property, plant, and equipment. The Company is required to make monthly amortization payments on the term loan of $167,000. The Credit Facility bears interest at the option of the Company at either the rate of LIBOR plus 2.75% or prime rate (as defined) plus 0.75% on the revolving portion and LIBOR plus 3.0% or prime rate (as defined) plus 1.0% on the term portion.

   
 

The Credit Facility matures in July 2005 and is secured by substantially all the assets of the Company. The Credit Facility contains requirements related to maintaining minimum excess availability at all times and minimum quarterly levels of earnings before income taxes, depreciation and amortization (as defined) and a minimum quarterly fixed charge coverage ratio (as defined). In addition, the Credit Facility contains restrictions on capital expenditures, incurrence of indebtedness, mergers and acquisitions, distributions and transfers and sales of assets. The Credit Facility also contains requirements related to weekly and monthly collateral reporting.

   
 

The subordinated secured facility is by its terms expressly subordinated only to the Credit Facility. The subordinated secured facility matures in July 2003 and bears interest at 6.0% over the prime rate. The Company is required to make quarterly amortization payments on the subordinated secured facility of $875,000 beginning not later than May 2002 provided that certain conditions are met, including satisfying a fixed charge coverage ratio test and a minimum availability limit. The subordinated secured facility is secured by certain specified assets of the Company and by a second priority lien and security interest in substantially all other assets of the Company. The subordinated secured facility contains requirements for certain fees to be paid at six month intervals beginning in January 2002 based on the outstanding balance of the subordinated secured facility at the time. The subordinated secured facility also contains provisions for the issuance of warrants for up to 0.5% of the outstanding shares of the Company’s common stock in July 2002 and up to an additional 1.5% in July, 2003. The number of warrants which may be issued would be reduced pro rata as the balance of the subordinated secured facility is reduced.

8


 
 

The subordinated secured credit facility contains, among other restrictions, requirements for the maintenance of certain financial covenants and imposes restrictions on capital expenditures, incurrence of indebtedness, mergers and acquisitions, distributions and transfers and sales of assets.

   

6.

Litigation

   
 

The Company is a party to litigation arising in the normal course of its business. The ultimate disposition of such matters cannot be determined presently, but, in the opinion of management, based in part on the advice of legal counsel, will not have a material adverse effect on the financial position or results of operations of the Company.

   
7. Income Taxes
 
As of October 31, 2001, the Company had net deferred tax assets of $10.9 million, including an income tax benefit of $0.6 million for the six months then ended.  Management's assessment is that the character and nature of future taxable income may not allow the company to realize the certain tax benefits of net operating losses and tax credits within the prescribed carryforward period.  Accordingly, a valuation allowance of $0.6 million has been recorded as of and for the six months ended October 31, 2001.
     

8.

Comprehensive Income

   
 

The Company has other comprehensive income (loss) in the form of cumulative translation adjustments which resulted in total other comprehensive income (loss) of approximately $273,000 and $(496,000) for the three months ended October 31, 2001 and 2000, respectively; and $140,000 and $(615,000) for the six months ended October 31, 2001 and 2000.

 
9. Recent Accounting Pronouncements
 
SFAS No. 133, "Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities", as amended, is effective for the Company's fiscal year beginning May 1, 2001. SFAS No. 133 establishes accounting and reporting standards requiring that every derivative instrument (including certain derivative instruments embedded in other contracts) be recorded in the balance sheet as either an asset or liability measured at its fair value. SFAS No. 133 requires that changes in the derivative’s fair value be recognized currently in earnings unless specific hedge accounting criteria are met. Special accounting for qualifying hedges allows a derivative’s gains and losses to offset related results on the hedged item in the income statement, and requires that a company must formally document, designate, and assess the effectiveness of transactions that receive hedge accounting. At the date of adoption and October 31, 2001, the Company had no material derivative instruments.
 
In September 2000, the Emerging Issues Task Force ("EITF") of the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") reached a final consensus on Issue No. 00-10, "Accounting for Shipping and Handling Fees and Costs". EITF 00-10 is effective for fiscal year 2001 and addresses the income statement classification of amounts charged to customers for shipping and handling, as well as costs incurred related to shipping and handling. The Company classifies shipping and handling costs billed to the customer as revenues and costs incurred related to shipping and handling as cost of sales, which is in accordance with the consensus in EITF 00-10.
 
In June 2001, the FASB issued SFAS No. 141, "Business Combinations" and SFAS No. 142, "Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets" (collectively the "Standards"). The Standards will be effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2001. Companies with fiscal years beginning after March 15, 2001 may early adopt, but only as of the beginning of that fiscal year and only if all existing goodwill is evaluated for 

9


 
impairment by the end of that fiscal year. SFAS No. 141 will require companies to recognize acquired identifiable intangible assets separately from goodwill if control over the future economic benefits of the asset results from contractual or other legal rights or the intangible asset is capable of being separated or divided and sold, transferred, licensed, rented, or exchanged. The Standards will require the value of a separately identifiable intangible asset meeting any of the criteria to be measured at its fair value. SFAS No. 142 will require that goodwill not be amortized and that amounts recorded as goodwill be tested for impairment. Upon adoption of SFAS No. 142, goodwill will be reduced if it is found to be impaired. Annual impairment tests will have to be performed at the lowest level of an entity that is a business and that can be distinguished, physically and operationally and for internal reporting purposes, from the other activities, operations, and assets of the entity. The Company will adopt these standards on January 1, 2002.  However, the Company has not yet determined the impact of the new goodwill impairment standards.

 

10


 

10.

Segment Information

   
 

The Company operates in two principal operating segments: (i) towing and recovery equipment and (ii) towing services. The table below presents information about reported segments for the three and six months ended October 31, 2001 and 2000 (in thousands):

 

 

Towing and
Recovery
Equipment

Towing
Services

Eliminations

Consolidated

 



For the three months ended
       October 31, 2001

       

Net sales-external

76,624

38,298 

-    

114,922 

Net sales-internal

74

-    

(74)

-    

Operating income (loss)

2,526

(251)

38 

2,313 

Interest expense, net

1,421

781 

-    

2,202 

Income (loss) before income taxes

1,105

(1,032)

38 

111 

Total assets

251,012

91,890 

(70,744)

272,158 

         

For the three months ended
       October 31, 2000

       

Net sales-external

82,100

47,580 

-    

129,680 

Net sales-internal

-    

-    

-    

Operating income (loss)

3,253

(1,348)

-    

1,905 

Interest expense, net

2,420

2,243 

-    

4,663 

Income (loss) before income taxes

833

(3,591)

-    

(2,758)

Total assets

261,852

101,749 

(57,882)

305,719 

         

For the six months ended
       October 31, 2001

   

Net sales-external

153,859

78,009 

-    

231,868 

Net sales-internal

415

-    

(415)

Operating income (loss)

4,353

(648)

41 

3,746 

Interest expense, net

2,975

3,019 

-    

5,994 

Income (loss) before income taxes

1,378

(3,667)

41 

(2,248)

Total assets

251,012

91,890 

(70,744)

272,158 

         

For the six months ended
       October 31, 2000

       

Net sales-external

159,656

97,176 

-    

256,832 

Net sales-internal

-    

-    

-   

-    

Operating income (loss)

5,713

(3,014)

-   

2,699 

Interest expense, net

3,873

4,119 

-   

7,992 

Income (loss) before income taxes

1,203

(7,133)

-   

(5,930)

Total assets

261,852

101,749 

(57,882)

305,719 

11


 

11.

Reclassifications

   
 

Certain amounts in the prior period financial information have been reclassified to conform to the current presentation.

 

Item 2.

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

Recent Developments

Towing Services Initiatives

During the six months ended October 31, 2001, the Company continued its efforts to reduce expenses in the towing services segment. As part of these efforts, the Company disposed of assets in two underperforming markets, as well as assets in certain other markets for proceeds of approximately $1,447,000. No significant gains or losses were realized upon the sale of these assets. The Company continues to investigate all financial alternatives with respect to the overall towing services segment in order to enhance shareholder value.

Change in Fiscal Year

On September 25, 2001, the Company announced that its Board of Directors had approved a change in the Company’s fiscal year, from April 30 to December 31, effective December 31, 2001. The Company will file with the Securities and Exchange Commission a Form 10-K report for the eight month period ended December 31, 2001 in March 2002 to effect the change. The change to a December 31 fiscal year will enable the Company to report results on a conventional calendar basis beginning in 2002.

Results of Operations--Three Months Ended October 31, 2001 Compared to Three Months Ended October 31, 2000

Net sales for the three months ended October 31, 2001, decreased 11.4% to $114.9 million from $129.7 million for the comparable period in 2000. Net sales in the towing and recovery equipment segment decreased 6.7% from $82.1 million to $76.6 million as demand for the Company’s towing and recovery equipment continued to be negatively impacted by the cost pressures facing its customers. Net sales in the towing services segment decreased 19.5% from $47.6 million to $38.3 million primarily due to the disposition of twelve underperforming markets during the fiscal year ended April 30, 2001 and during the current fiscal year.

Costs of operations for the three months ended October 31, 2001, decreased 10.2% to $99.8 from $111.1 million for the comparable period in 2000. Costs of operations of the towing and recovery equipment segment increased as a percentage of net sales from 87.1% to 88.1%. The increase as a percentage of net sales was primarily due to declines in sales volume as discussed above. In the towing services segment, costs of operations as a percentage of net sales increased from 83.3% to 84.3% primarily due to an increase in labor costs.

Selling, general, and administrative expenses for the three months ended October 31, 2001, decreased 23.1% to $12.8 million from $16.7 million for the comparable period of 2000. The decrease was due primarily to the continued cost reduction efforts implemented in prior fiscal years.

12


 

Net interest expense decreased $2.5 million to $2.2 million for the three months ended October 31, 2001 from $4.7 million for the three months ended October 31, 2000, primarily due to lower interest rates on the Company’s line of credit, which was refinanced in July 2001.

Income taxes are accounted for on a consolidated basis and are not allocated by segment. Tax expenses for the quarter relate primarily to income taxes of foreign subsidiaries. The effective rate of the provision for (benefit from) income taxes was 81.1% for the three months ended October 31, 2001 and (33.6)% for the three months ended October 31, 2000.

Results of Operations--Six Months Ended October 31, 2001 Compared to Six Months Ended October 31, 2000

Net sales for the six months ended October 31, 2001, decreased 9.7% to $231.9 million from $256.8 million for the comparable period in 2000. Net sales in the towing and recovery equipment segment decreased 3.6% from $159.7 million to $153.9 million as demand for the Company’s towing and recovery equipment continued to be negatively impacted by the cost pressures facing its customers. Net sales in the towing services segment decreased 19.7% from $97.2 million to $78.0 million primarily due to the disposition of twelve underperforming markets during the fiscal year ended April 30, 2001and the six months ended October 31, 2001.

Costs of operations for the six months ended October 31, 2001, decreased 8.3% to $201.2 from $219.4 million for the comparable period in 2000. Costs of operations of the towing and recovery equipment segment increased as a percentage of net sales from 86.9% to 88.4%. The increase as a percentage of net sales was primarily due to declines in sales volume as discussed above. In the towing services segment, costs of operations as a percentage of net sales increased slightly from 83.1% to 83.7% primarily due to an increase in labor costs.

Selling, general, and administrative expenses for the six months ended October 31, 2001, decreased 22.5% to $26.9 million from $34.7 million for the comparable period of 2000. The decrease was due primarily to the continued cost reduction efforts implemented in prior fiscal years.

Net interest expense decreased $2.6 million to $6.0 million for the six months ended October 31, 2001 from $8.6 million for the six months ended October 31, 2000, primarily due to lower interest rates on the Company’s line of credit, which was refinanced in July 2001.

Income taxes are accounted for on a consolidated basis and are not allocated by segment. Tax expenses for the six months ended October 31, 2001 relate primarily to income taxes of foreign subsidiaries. The effective rate of the provision for (benefit from) income taxes was not meaningful for the six months ended October 31, 2001 and (33.8)% for the six months ended October 31, 2000.

As of October 31, 2001, the Company had net deferred tax assets of $10.9 million, including an income tax benefit of $0.6 million for the six months then ended.  Management's assessment is that the character and nature of future taxable income may not allow the company to realize the certain tax benefits of net operating losses and tax credits within the prescribed carryforward period.  Accordingly, a valuation allowance of $0.6 million has been recorded as of and for the six months ended October 31, 2001.

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Liquidity and Capital Resources

Cash provided by operating activities was $10.8 million for the six months ended October 31, 2001 compared to $8.5 million for the comparable period of 2000. The cash provided by operating activities for the six months ended October 31, 2001 was primarily the result of decreases in inventory.

Cash used in investing activities was $0.3 million for the six months ended October 31, 2001 compared to $4.1 million provided by investing activities for the comparable period in 2000. The cash used in investing activities was primarily for the purchase of equipment in the towing services segment.

Cash used in financing activities was $8.2 million for the six months ended October 31, 2001 and $8.7 million for the comparable period in the prior year. The cash was used primarily to reduce borrowing under Company's credit facilities and other outstanding long-term debt and capital lease obligations.

In July 2001, the Company entered into a new four year senior credit facility (the "Credit Facility") with a syndicate of lenders to replace the existing credit facility. As part of this agreement, the existing credit facility was reduced with proceeds from the Credit Facility and amended to provide for a $14.0 million subordinated secured facility. The Credit Facility consists of a $102.0 million revolving credit facility and an $8.0 million term loan. At October 31, 2001, $97.1 million was outstanding under these obligations.

Availability under the Credit Facility is based on a formula of eligible accounts receivable, inventory and fleet vehicles. Borrowings under the term loan are secured by the Company’s property, plant, and equipment. The Company is required to make monthly amortization payments on the term loan of $167,000. The Credit Facility bears interest at the option of the Company at either the rate of LIBOR plus 2.75% or prime rate (as defined) plus 0.75% on the revolving portion and LIBOR plus 3.0% or prime rate (as defined) plus 1.00% on the term portion.

The Credit Facility matures in July 2005 and is secured by substantially all the assets of the Company. The Credit Facility contains requirements related to maintaining minimum excess availability at all times and minimum quarterly levels of earnings before income taxes, depreciation and amortization (as defined) and a minimum quarterly fixed charge coverage ratio (as defined). In addition, the Credit Facility contains restrictions on capital expenditures, incurrence of indebtedness, mergers and acquisitions, distributions and transfers and sales of assets. The Credit Facility also contains requirements related to weekly and monthly collateral reporting.

The subordinated secured facility is by its terms expressly subordinated only to the Credit Facility. The subordinated secured credit facility matures in July 2003 and bears interest at 6.0% over the prime rate. The Company is required to make quarterly amortization payments on the subordinated secured facility of $875,000 beginning not later than May 2002 provided that certain conditions are met, including satisfying a fixed charge coverage ratio test and a minimum availability limit. The subordinated secured facility is secured by certain specified assets of the Company and by a second priority lien and security interest in substantially all other assets of the Company. The subordinated secured facility contains requirements for certain fees to be paid at six month intervals beginning in January 2002 based on the outstanding balance of the subordinated secured facility at the time. The subordinated secured facility also contains provisions for the issuance of warrants for up to 0.5% of the outstanding shares of the Company’s common stock in July 2002 and up to an additional 1.5% in July 2003. The number of warrants which may be issued would be reduced pro rata as the balance of the subordinated secured facility is reduced.

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The subordinated secured credit facility contains, among other restrictions, requirements for the maintenance of certain financial covenants and imposes restrictions on capital expenditures, incurrence of indebtedness, mergers and acquisitions, distributions and transfers and sales of assets.

In connection with the Credit Facility, during the quarter ended October 31, 2001, the Company put in place derivative transactions that have no material impact on financial position or results of operations.

Excluding the capital commitments set forth above, the Company has no other material capital commitments. The Company believes that cash on hand, cash flows from operations and unused borrowing capacity under the Credit Facility will be sufficient to fund its operating needs, capital expenditures and debt service requirements for the next fiscal year. No assurance in this regard can be given, however, since future cash flows and the availability of financing will depend on a number of factors, including prevailing economic conditions and financial, business and other factors beyond the Company’s control.

 

 

 

 

15


 

PART II.       OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1.

Legal Proceedings

   
 

The Company is a party to litigation arising in the normal course of its business. The ultimate disposition of such matters cannot be determined presently, but, in the opinion of management, based in part on the advice of legal counsel, will not have a material adverse effect on the financial position or results of operations of the Company.

Item 4.            Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders

The Annual Meeting of Shareholders was held on Monday, September 24, 2001 in Norcross, Georgia, at which the following matters were submitted to a vote of the shareholders:

  1. Votes cast for or withheld regarding the election of five (5) Directors for a term of one (1) year were as follows:

FOR

WITHHELD

Jeffrey I. Badgley

38,168,107

1,025,521

A. Russell Chandler III

38,172,434

1,021,194

Paul A. Drack

38,167,934

1,025,694

William G. Miller

38,163,514

1,030,114

Richard H. Roberts

38,170,824

1,022,804

  1. Votes cast for or against and the number of abstentions regarding the proposal to amend Article Eight of the Charter of the Company to authorize a reverse split of the shares of the Company Common Stock at a ratio of one-for-five were as follows:

For

36,849,631

Against

2,293,324

Abstained

50,673

Item 6.

Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K

   
 

(a)

Exhibits. – None

     
 

(b)

Reports on Form 8-K – The Registrant filed a report on Form 8-K on October 4, 2001 under Item 5 and Item 8.

 

 

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SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, Miller Industries, Inc. has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

 

 

MILLER INDUSTRIES, INC.

   
   
 

By:   /s/ J. Vincent Mish                                

 

     J. Vincent Mish

 

     Vice President and

 

     Chief Financial Officer

Date: December 17, 2001