-----BEGIN PRIVACY-ENHANCED MESSAGE----- Proc-Type: 2001,MIC-CLEAR Originator-Name: webmaster@www.sec.gov Originator-Key-Asymmetric: MFgwCgYEVQgBAQICAf8DSgAwRwJAW2sNKK9AVtBzYZmr6aGjlWyK3XmZv3dTINen TWSM7vrzLADbmYQaionwg5sDW3P6oaM5D3tdezXMm7z1T+B+twIDAQAB MIC-Info: RSA-MD5,RSA, WDUEUJgNCDprXOZbkkfc9oxdamPYlHWEL7LYkB1CwXueWxxG/XBWbqf0fYpevotX fOMsiD9nlO7YUhXZa/k7wg== 0001193125-04-063138.txt : 20040415 0001193125-04-063138.hdr.sgml : 20040415 20040415161152 ACCESSION NUMBER: 0001193125-04-063138 CONFORMED SUBMISSION TYPE: 10-K PUBLIC DOCUMENT COUNT: 14 CONFORMED PERIOD OF REPORT: 20031231 FILED AS OF DATE: 20040415 FILER: COMPANY DATA: COMPANY CONFORMED NAME: FEATHERLITE INC CENTRAL INDEX KEY: 0000928064 STANDARD INDUSTRIAL CLASSIFICATION: TRUCK TRAILERS [3715] IRS NUMBER: 411621676 STATE OF INCORPORATION: MN FISCAL YEAR END: 1231 FILING VALUES: FORM TYPE: 10-K SEC ACT: 1934 Act SEC FILE NUMBER: 000-24804 FILM NUMBER: 04736017 BUSINESS ADDRESS: STREET 1: HIGHWAYS 63 & 9 STREET 2: PO BOX 320 CITY: CRESCO STATE: IA ZIP: 52136 BUSINESS PHONE: 3195476000 MAIL ADDRESS: STREET 1: HWY 63 & 9 STREET 2: PO BOX 320 CITY: CRESCO STATE: IA ZIP: 52136 FORMER COMPANY: FORMER CONFORMED NAME: FEATHERLITE MFG INC DATE OF NAME CHANGE: 19940809 10-K 1 d10k.htm FORM 10-K Form 10-K
Table of Contents

U.S. SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 


 

FORM 10-K

 


 

ANNUAL REPORT UNDER SECTION 13 OR 15(d)

OF

THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

 

For the Fiscal Year Ended   Commission File No.: 0-24804
December 31, 2003    

 


 

FEATHERLITE, INC.

(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in its Charter)

 


 

Minnesota   41-1621676
(State of Incorporation)   (IRS Employer Identification Number)

 

Highways 63 and 9

Cresco, Iowa 52136

(563) 547-6000

(Address of principal executive offices;

Issuer’s telephone number)

 


 

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

None

 

Securities registered under Section 12(g) of the Exchange Act:

Common Stock, no par value

 


 

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

 

Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K.    ¨

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an accelerated filer (as defined in Exchange Act Rule 12b-2).    Yes  ¨    No  x

 

The aggregate market value of the Common Stock held by non-affiliates of the registrant as of March 31, 2004, was $10,760,000 (based on the last sale price of the registrant’s Common Stock on such date).

 

Number of shares of Common Stock, no par value, outstanding at March 31, 2004: 7,198,428.

 

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

 

Portions of the Company’s definitive Proxy Statement for its 2004 Annual Meeting of Shareholders are incorporated by reference into Part II

 



Table of Contents

FEATHERLITE, INC

FORM 10-K

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

    

Description


   Page

PART 1

         

Item 1

  

Business

   3

Item 2

  

Properties

   15

Item 3

  

Legal Proceedings

   16

Item 4

  

Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders

   16

Item 4A

  

Executive Officers of the Registrant

   16

PART II

         

Item 5

  

Market for Registrant’s Common Equity and Related Stockholder Matters

   17

Item 6

  

Selected Financial Data

   17
    

Quarterly Financial Data

   18

Item 7

  

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

   18

Item 7A

  

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

   25

Item 8

  

Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

   26

Item 9

  

Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure

   27

Item 9A

  

Controls and Procedures

   27

PART III

         

Item 10

  

Directors and Executive Officers of Registrant

   28

Item 11

  

Executive Compensation

   28

Item 12

  

Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management

   28

Item 13

  

Certain Relationships and Related Transactions

   28

Item 14

  

Principal Accounting Fees and Services

   28

PART IV

         

Item 15

  

Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules and Reports on Form 8-K

   29
    

Signatures

   29
    

Consolidated Balance Sheets

   31
    

Consolidated Statements of Operations

   32
    

Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ Investment and Comprehensive Income (loss)

   32
    

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

   33
    

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

   34
    

Exhibit Index

   48

 

We make available, free of charge, copies of our annual report on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K and amendments to those reports filed or furnished pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act on our web site, www.fthr.com, as soon as reasonable practical after filing such material electronically or otherwise furnishing it to the SEC. We are not including the information on our web site as part of, or incorporating it by reference into, this annual report on Form 10-K.

 

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PART I

 

ITEM 1. DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS

 

Overview

 

Featherlite, Inc. (referred to as “Featherlite,” “we,” “us,” “our,” or the “Company,”) is a Minnesota corporation formed in 1988 to acquire the assets of a non-affiliated business that had manufactured trailers since the early 1970s under the FEATHERLITE® brand name. Our principal operations have historically involved designing, manufacturing and marketing over 400 models of both custom-made and standard model specialty aluminum and steel trailers. We market our trailers primarily through a network of over 240 full-line dealers located in the United States and Canada. The Company markets its trailers primarily under the FEATHERLITE® brand name.

 

We make a majority of our FEATHERLITE® trailers from aluminum, which differentiates the Company from most of its competitors that primarily make steel trailers. Aluminum trailers are generally believed to be superior to steel in terms of weight, durability, corrosion resistance, maintenance and weight-to-load ratio. Although the Company’s focus is on manufacturing and marketing aluminum trailers, it also markets a line of composite steel and aluminum trailers under the FEATHERLITE-STL® series and DIAMOND D® brands in order to provide dealers and customers with a high quality, but less expensive, alternative to our aluminum trailers.

 

Since 1996, the Company has also been designing, manufacturing and marketing custom luxury motorcoaches through its acquisition of Vantare International, Inc. In 1998, the Company expanded its presence in this market by acquiring the assets of Mitchell Motorcoach Sales, Inc. We market our motorcoaches under the trade names “Featherlite Vantare® , Featherlite Vogue®, and Featherlite Luxury Coaches® directly rather than selling them through a dealer network. The Company discontinued production of the Featherlite Vogue® model in 2001, but beginning in 2004, new models manufactured for the Company by a third party will be sold under this trade name.

 

The Company continually monitors the trailer market for opportunities to leverage its brand names and expertise. Featherlite pioneered the introduction of standard model aluminum horse and livestock trailers, which traditionally had been custom made. It has also responded to the increasing demand for customizing the interiors of trailers, a capability which helps distinguish the Company from its competition. Typical interiors range from a simple interior, such as a dressing room, closet and mirror in the nose of a horse trailer, to upscale interiors such as upholstered seating and sleeping areas, kitchens, bathrooms and modern electronics, including fax machines, cellular phones and satellite dishes, in race car transporters. In addition, Featherlite refines the products it already offers by introducing new features to satisfy the increasing demands of its customers. In 2003, 60 new models or existing model changes were introduced and more changes are planned for 2004.

 

Featherlite luxury motorcoach customers have over 200 amenities and state-of-the-art options to choose from in detailing their luxury motorcoach. In 2004, the list of options and choices will grow as the Company strives to offer features that meet or exceed customer preferences and to offer customers uncommon conveniences and luxury in their motorcoaches. Engineering advancements now offer customers an inside look into their future motorcoach through enhanced 3-D graphic illustrations.

 

The Company pays special attention to its target customers and attempts to reach them through a variety of media. Featherlite benefits from national advertising and sponsorship of major events that are visible to its customers. These sponsorships include Featherlite’s designation as the “Official Trailer” of NASCAR, Champ Car, Indy Racing League (IRL), American Speed Association (ASA), World of Outlaws (W.O.O.), CASCAR, Grand Am Road Racing, American Race Car Association (ARCA) and the Indianapolis Motor Speedway race track. Featherlite also is the title sponsor of the Featherlite Modified Series National Touring and is the NASCAR Award and Contingency Program Sponsor of the NASCAR Featherlite Most Improved Driver Special Award Program. Additionally, we are a sponsor of the Ohio All American Quarter Horse Congress, the National Western Livestock Show, Appaloosa Horse Club, United States Team Roping Competition, the National High School Rodeo Association, the Professional Women’s Rodeo Association, and the World’s Toughest Rodeo. The Company’s luxury motorcoach is the “Official Coach” of NASCAR, IRL, Grand Am Road Racing and The Golf Channel and is a sponsor of the World Billfish Series.

 

In 2001, the Company began a three-year agreement with NBC and TNT and in 2002 with FOX Sports Network to broadcast Featherlite TV commercials as part of their nationwide telecasts of certain NASCAR races. The Company has a similar agreement with MRN (Motor Racing Network) through 2006. As a program sponsor of The Golf Channel, the Company currently has annual television commercial package rights as well as onsite promotional activity rights.

 

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The Company is optimistic that sales growth will improve in 2004. At December 31, 2003, our total order backlog was 85 percent greater than at December 31, 2002, with trailer backlog ahead 74 percent and motorcoach backlog ahead 105 percent. Since then, total order backlog has continued to increase above first quarter levels in 2003, and was 36 percent ahead at March 31, 2004 compared to March 31, 2003. While the Company does not know how long the current order trend will last, it will continue its aggressive measures to promote sales and manage costs. Management believes Featherlite is positioned to continue as a leading provider of trailers and motorcoaches for leisure, recreation and entertainment purposes and mobile marketing and command uses and trailers for farm operations and certain service industries.

 

Specialty Trailer and Motorcoach Industries

 

The Company operates in two principal industries: specialty trailers and motorcoaches.

 

Specialty Trailer Industry

 

Specialty trailers are designed for specific hauling purposes rather than for general commercial freight. The customers of the specialty trailer industry consist of broad segments of the general public, such as hobbyists, sports enthusiasts, farmers and ranchers and certain service providers. In contrast, commercial freight trailers are generally made for non-specific purposes and the customers are typically trucking companies and manufacturers with fleets of trucks and trailers. Unlike the commercial freight trailer industry, which is dominated by a few large manufacturers, the specialty trailer industry is comprised of many small manufacturers. No published statistics are available on the size of the specialty trailer industry or its subcategories. However, the Company believes that there may be as many as 500 manufacturers of specialty trailers in the United States, of which approximately 30 manufacture specialty aluminum trailers.

 

Historically, specialty trailers were made of steel, principally because they cost approximately 30% to 40% less than trailers made primarily of aluminum. Entry into the production of steel trailers is relatively easy and inexpensive because of the widespread availability of steel components and simple production techniques. The relative lack of barriers to entry into the steel trailer industry, differing regional demands for trailer types and the relatively high cost of long distance delivery have contributed to the fragmented status of the specialty steel trailer industry. Specialty steel trailer manufacturers generally produce relatively small numbers of trailers for sale in limited geographical markets without the efficiencies of high volume production, quality controls, significant warranty and service capabilities, substantial dealer networks, or national advertising and marketing programs.

 

In comparison, we believe barriers to entry into the aluminum trailer production are moderately higher since production requires larger capital investment in dies, extrusion molds and equipment, more sophisticated welding and production techniques, and greater design capabilities to maximize the strength-to-weight ratio advantage of aluminum over steel.

 

In dollar sales, the Company estimates that aluminum trailers presently constitute 10 to 20 percent of the total market for specialty trailers, but that this percentage is increasing. The Company believes that an increase in demand for aluminum rather than steel trailers will be driven by a number of factors. Aluminum trailers offer substantial advantages over steel trailers in weight, ease of maintenance, durability and useful life. Aluminum trailers resist rust and corrosion, and weigh 30% to 40% less than comparable steel models. Maintenance is substantially less on aluminum trailers because of the absence of rust and because they typically are not painted or are pre-painted with a baked-on enamel. As a result, aluminum trailers can be offered with superior warranties and provide greater customer satisfaction. The lighter weight of aluminum trailers reduces the demands on the towing vehicle, affords better gas mileage and allows a greater percentage of gross trailer weight for carrying cargo.

 

Motorcoach Industry

 

Motorcoaches are the most luxurious of all recreational vehicles. There are various models of motorcoaches, including bus conversions and “Highline” luxury Class A models. Bus conversion motorcoaches represent a high-end market niche, with selling prices for the most luxurious motorcoaches ranging from $800,000 to $1,200,000 or more. The most expensive models are primarily converted from a bus shell that is purchased and converted to provide an interior area designed to customers’ specifications. “Highline” luxury Class A motorcoaches are built on specially-designed chasses and are also available at lower prices, ranging from $375,000 to $800,000. The Company believes that there are presently seven or more companies in the motorcoach industry. The Company views Marathon, Royale and Liberty as being its principal competitors in the bus conversion market. Monaco, Thor, Winnebago and Fleetwood are the principal manufacturers in the specially-designed chasses.

 

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The target market for the Company’s motorcoaches is typically affluent business owners, retirees, professionals and those in the entertainment and sports industries. The number of affluent retirees and business owners who represent the target market for luxury motorcoaches produced by Featherlite is also continuing to grow as the “baby boomer” generation ages. The Company has also developed a motorcoach to be used for command and control purposes by fire and law enforcement teams in cities and states throughout the nation.

 

Products and Services

 

The Company’s primary business activity is the manufacture and sale of specialty aluminum trailers and motorcoaches. Rework and warranty services are also provided for Company-built trailers and motorcoaches at the Company’s facilities and dealer locations. For 2003, approximately 93% of the Company’s revenues were derived from trailer and motorcoach sales.

 

The following data illustrates the percentage of the Company’s net sales in 2001, 2002 and 2003 (dollars in thousands):

 

     Years ended December 31,

     2001

   2002

   2003

     Amount

   Percent

   Amount

   Percent

   Amount

   Percent

Trailers

   $ 97,348    45.7    $ 96,661    50.0    $ 94,091    52.3

Motorcoaches

     103,911    48.9      84,743    43.9      73,511    40.8

Other

     11,527    5.4      11,762    6.1      12,372    6.9
    

  
  

  
  

  

Net sales

   $ 212,786    100.0    $ 193,166    100.0    $ 179,974    100.0
    

  
  

  
  

  

 

Specialty Trailers

 

The Company believes it is unique among trailer manufacturers because of the many types of trailers it manufactures and markets. The Company’s FEATHERLITE®, FEATHERLITE-STL® series and DIAMOND D® trailers may be broadly classified into several trailer types, which can be further subdivided into over 400 models depending on their intended use and resulting design. The Company’s primary trailer types are horse, livestock, utility recreational, commercial and car trailers as well as race car and specialty transporters, including mobile marketing, mobile office, mobile classroom, vending and command centers. Within these broad product categories, the Company generally offers different features, such as various lengths, heights and widths, open and enclosed models, gooseneck and bumper pulls, straight and slant loaders, and aluminum, steel, fiberglass and wood frames, floors, sides and roofs. The Company believes FEATHERLITE® brand trailers, which are “all aluminum” with the exception of steel axle and hitch assemblies, enjoy a premier image in the industry. Sales of FEATHERLITE® brand trailers currently represent approximately 92% of the Company’s total trailer sales. FEATHERLITE-STL® series and DIAMOND D® brand trailers, which generally are a composite of steel frame, aluminum skin and galvanized roof, allow the Company to place its product line at the lower-priced end of the market.

 

FEATHERLITE®, FEATHERLITE-STL® series and DIAMOND D® trailers are built as standard models or to customer order from selected options. Depending on the model, the Company’s trailers generally include name brand tires, reflectors and exterior running and license plate lights, sealed and enclosed wires, and safety chains and breakaway switches. Popular options to standard designs include paint schemes, logos, lettering and graphics, winches and generators, viewing platforms, workbenches and cabinets, vents and other airflow designs, roll-up doors, access and side doors and windows, aluminum wheels and hubcaps, and hydraulic or air brakes.

 

The Company’s standard model trailers are normally available for quicker delivery to dealers than custom trailers. In an industry consisting historically of manufacturers who custom build trailers, the Company’s introduction in 1991 of standard model aluminum trailers represented an innovative step. Standard model trailer sales now represent approximately 57% of the Company’s total trailer sales. The Company’s dealer network has enthusiastically endorsed and supported the standard model concept.

 

In recent years, the Company has experienced increased demand for special-order trailers with more luxurious interior amenities and custom-designed features. For that reason, the Company’s Interiors Division offers options ranging from simple shelves, cupboards, lockers and dressing rooms to complete living quarters, including upholstered furniture, electronics, wood or laminated Formica finishes, air conditioning, refrigerators, dinettes and bath packages. The Company stresses its ability and willingness to build trailers “from the ground up” with unique, even luxurious, custom designed features and amenities tailored to customer specifications. This distinguishes the Company from many other trailer manufacturers.

 

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Management believes that growth in the demand for the Company’s trailers coincides with an overall market expansion for trailers generally, particularly in uses related to entertainment and leisure. Demand for the Company’s trailers has been significantly driven by the lifestyles, hobbies and events that are important to Featherlite’s target customers. Some of the common hobbies and activities for our specialty trailers include hauling all-terrain-vehicles and snowmobiles; transporting cars and accessories to auto races and classic car shows; hauling motorcycles to rallies; many uses for hobby farming; raising and showing horses; transporting products to art and craft fairs and expositions; and selling crafts, food and other concessions such as T-shirts, souvenirs, apparel or novelty items. Demand for our specialty trailers has also been driven by certain product and service sectors such as lawn care services, house painters, construction crews, traveling museum exhibitions, concert tours, musical groups and fiber optic utility crews that require clean environments in which to splice and store cable.

 

Our specialty trailers are also increasingly being used as mobile marketing transporters that serve a wide variety of sales and marketing needs for Fortune 500 companies, as well as medical, larger non-profit and governmental clients and event and sports promotions. The Company has also provided command center and hazardous materials trailers to a number of fire and law enforcement departments and continues to pursue opportunities in the developing “homeland security” market.

 

Retail prices for the Company’s aluminum model trailers range from approximately $1,200 for the least expensive utility trailer to over $300,000 for a custom built race car transporter and hospitality trailer. Specialty custom transporters with slide-outs may sell for $900,000 or more. Representative FEATHERLITE® aluminum trailer retail prices are approximately $7,200 for a bumper pull livestock trailer, $8,200 for a two horse trailer, and $16,000 for a gooseneck car trailer.

 

Motorcoaches

 

The Company offers different motorcoach conversion body styles based on the XL and the H models made by a single bus shell manufacturer (Prevost Car Company). The “H” body style is much taller and the layout is considerably different than a typical XL motorcoach, and it has become the model most requested by customers. The Company offers single or multiple “slide-out” models that expand the livable space within the motorcoach. The Company’s motorcoaches are now primarily marketed under the trade names FEATHERLITE VANTARE® and FEATHERLITE LUXURY COACHES®. Production of the Featherlite Vogue® model was discontinued in 2001. However, in 2003, the Company entered into a contract with Amadas Coach Corporation to perform interior conversion work on a limited number of Prevost XLII model shells, which the Company will market as Featherlite XLV motorcoaches. As of December 31, 2003, the Company had contracted for the completion of two such coaches but expects more will be completed in 2004.

 

In 2003, the Company became a dealer of Foretravel® motorcoaches manufactured since 1967 by Foretravel, Inc., Nacogdoches, Texas. Foretravel® motorcoaches are “highline” Class A series motorcoaches. These motorcoaches sell in the price range $359,000 to $475,000. The Company expects that a minimum of 4 of these coaches will be purchased from Foretravel each year, with the potential for higher purchase levels depending on customer demand.

 

The Company’s primary goal is to produce the best performing and most reliable motorcoaches while keeping a low overall gross weight and extremely low ambient noise level. It incorporates into motorcoaches many of the features and quality often present in luxury yachts that were previously developed by Vantare International, Inc. when it was in the business of building yachts.

 

The Company builds a number of luxury motorcoaches on a speculative basis (59 percent of work in process at December 31, 2003). While it is the Company’s expectation that substantially all of these motorcoaches will be sold to specific customers before production is completed or shortly thereafter at retail prices ranging from $800,000 to $1,200,000 or more, there is no assurance this will occur. There is a risk that certain of the motorcoaches built on a speculative basis may not be sold on a timely basis or at normal profit margins. This may require additional working capital investment and cause the Company to incur additional interest and inventory carrying costs, which would have an adverse impact on operating margins and results and capital liquidity.

 

The Company also sells used motorcoaches that are taken as trade-ins from customers on sales of new motorcoaches as well as other used motorcoach sales. There is a risk that the market value of these trade-ins will be reduced before they are resold and adversely impact the Company’s operating margins and results. In 2003, the Company recorded motorcoach inventory write-downs of $1.4 million, primarily related to used motorcoaches.

 

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Servicing, maintenance and warranty services for motorcoaches of customers and others are provided at the Vantare facility in Sanford, Florida, as well as at a Company service centers in Mocksville, North Carolina and Cresco, Iowa.

 

In February 2003, the Company entered into a Master Sales Agreement with Universal Luxury Coaches, LLC (ULC) under which ULC has the option to purchase from Featherlite up to 20 Featherlite Vantare and Featherlite Vogue motorcoaches over a one-year period at market prices. ULC purchased 6 coaches from Featherlite in 2003 and the Company expects additional coaches will be purchased in 2004. ULC is a related party controlled by Nevada Coach Partners, LLP, an entity with a majority interest owned by Conrad Clement, Tracy Clement, Eric Clement and James Wooley, officers and shareholders of Featherlite. ULC received approval by Florida’s Department of Business & Professional Regulators to sell timeshares of luxury coaches and will purchase motorcoaches exclusively from Featherlite as the timeshare units are sold. Featherlite also entered into agreements with ULC to lease ULC office space and to provide service on ULC motorcoaches.

 

Other Business Activities

 

In addition to the manufacture and sale of specialty trailers and motorcoaches, the Company sells replacement and specialty trailer and motorcoach parts to its dealers and to others. It coordinates delivery of completed trailers to customers and to dealers for a fee, and in 2003 delivered approximately 50% of the trailers sold to dealers, with the remainder picked up at its Iowa facilities. The Company owns and maintains a fleet of trucks and leases semi tractors for this purpose. These other business activities, in the aggregate, accounted for approximately 5.4%, 6.1% and 6.9% of the Company’s net sales for 2001, 2002 and 2003, respectively, and are included as part of the trailer and motorcoach segments in Note 13 to the consolidated financial statements included in this annual report on Form 10-K.

 

The Company is a licensed aircraft dealer and markets used business class aircraft. Featherlite Aviation Company, a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company, conducts such aircraft dealer activities. There have been no purchases or sales of aircraft in 2001, 2002 or 2003. Featherlite Aviation Company held for resale one used aircraft at December 31, 2003. In 2003, the Company reduced the aircraft’s recorded value by $480,000, which is included in selling and administrative expenses and reflects a decline in its value during the year. These activities are included as part of the Corporate and other segment in Note 13 to the consolidated financial statements included in this annual report on Form 10-K. Gains or losses, if any, on aircraft sales are included in the “Other income” caption in the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Operations.

 

In 2003, the Company entered into an operating agreement with Benbow Chemical Packaging, Inc. (Benbow) to form Featherlite Chemicals, LLC, a New Jersey limited liability corporation (FCC). Featherlite Chemical Holdings, LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary, was then formed to hold Featherlite’s 51 percent interest in FCC with the remaining 49 percent ownership held by Benbow. The principal business activity of FCC is to market and sell car care products manufactured by Benbow under the Featherlite brand name and a NASCAR license agreement to use the “Winston Cup Series” name in 2003 and “NASCAR Nextel Cup Series” name in 2004. The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of FCC as of December 31, 2003 and for the twelve month period then ended, the initial period of FCC’s operation. These activities are included as part of the Corporate and other segment in Note 13 to the consolidated financial statements included in this annual report on Form 10-K because they were insignificant in 2003.

 

Marketing and Sales

 

Specialty Trailers

 

The Company markets its trailers primarily through a network of over 240 full-line dealers located in the United States and Canada. The Company also sells trailers directly at its sales and service center in Sanford, Florida. Dealers typically handle only a portion of the entire FEATHERLITE®, FEATHERLITE-STL® series and DIAMOND D® product lines and may sell other steel trailer brands. Certain Featherlite dealers are prohibited by their agreements with the Company from selling other brands of aluminum trailers if they receive all of the discounts and other benefits available from the Company and are required to maintain defined inventory levels. No single dealer represents more than 10% of the Company’s net sales. The Company’s top 50 dealers accounted for approximately 50% of the Company’s net trailer sales for 2001, 2002 and 2003. For these periods, 76% or more of the Company’s trailer sales were made by its dealer network, with the remainder representing direct Company sales to end users. Company sales to end users are primarily specialty mobile marketing trailers and race car transporters. For these periods, the dealer network sold approximately 97% of the number of units sold.

 

Dealers sell our products under contractual arrangements with the Company, which can be terminated by either party on specified notice. Laws in certain states govern terms and conditions under which dealers may be terminated.

 

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Such laws have not materially adversely affected the Company to date. Changes in dealers take place from time to time. The Company believes that a sufficient number of prospective dealers exist across the United States and Canada to permit orderly transitions whenever necessary. The Company is continually seeking to expand the size and upgrade the quality of its dealer network. The Company believes that significant areas of the United States and Canada are not served by a sufficient number of dealers and the Company intends to substantially increase its number of dealers over the next several years in underserved markets.

 

The Company employs territory managers to assist in the marketing and sales process. These managers assist the Company’s dealers in coordinating the selection of custom options by customers and the production of orders. They also participate with the dealers at trade shows, fairs, rodeos, races and other events to promote the FEATHERLITE® brand. Factory representatives also actively seek out potential new dealers and provide sales and product training to dealers and their staff.

 

Motorcoaches

 

All motorcoaches are sold directly by Company personnel to end user customers. The Company’s main motorcoach sales location is in Sanford, Florida, with other sales locations in Mocksville, North Carolina, Cresco, Iowa, Pryor, Oklahoma and Coburg, Oregon. Company sales representatives participate in trade shows, fairs, motorsports races and other events to promote FEATHERLITE VANTARE®, FEATHERLITE VOGUE®, FEATHERLITE LUXURY COACHES® and Foretravel® motorcoaches

 

Financing

 

A substantial portion of the Company’s sales of motorcoaches and trailers are paid for within 10 days of invoicing. The Company has arrangements with Bank of America, GE Commercial Distribution Finance (GE), Bombardier Capital, Textron Financial Corporation and TransAmerica Commercial Finance Corp. to provide floor plan financing for its trailer dealers. Under these floor plan arrangements, the Company may be required to repurchase trailers repossessed from a Featherlite trailer dealer by these financial institutions, for the remaining unpaid balance, including finance charges plus costs and expenses if the trailers are in salable condition. The Company has not been required to make any significant payments or repurchases to date from its trailer dealers (approximately $235,000 in 2001, $273,000 in 2002 and $38,000 in 2003). The Company also has wholesale floor plan agreements with GE and Regions Bank, Birmingham, Alabama (Regions) to finance substantially all of the new and used motorcoaches held in inventory.

 

Featherlite Credit Corporation, a related party corporation owned by certain of the Company’s officers and directors, provides retail financing to end user customers of the Company’s dealers through financing companies such as Wells Fargo Equipment Finance, Inc., Conseco Finance, Inc. and Deutsche Bank. Beginning in 2004, Featherlite Credit Corporation will also provide such financing directly through funds provided by a credit line with Associated Bank, Milwaukee, Wisconsin (Associated). Featherlite Credit also provides lease financing for trailers and motorcoaches, which was funded by a line of credit from U.S. Bank National Association. In 2004, this line of credit was refinanced with funds provided by Associated. The Company has arrangements with several companies to provide motorcoach retail financing to end user customers. There is no recourse to the Company on any of these retail financing arrangements.

 

Promotions

 

Specialty Trailers

 

The Company’s trailer marketing is designed to advance consumer awareness of the FEATHERLITE® brand and position it so that the unique strengths and benefits of these products are clearly known. The Company’s national advertising campaigns are designed to motivate customers into action: to call a toll-free number for free product information and the locations of their nearest Featherlite dealers and/or visit the Company’s website for a more comprehensive description of product features and benefits. The Company produces approximately 30 different brochures, catalogues and flyers that support direct mail initiatives and help satisfy consumer inquiries, and maintains product and sales information at its web site www.fthr.com.

 

Market intelligence is gathered which helps the Company craft its message and reach the most productive target constituencies. Benefit and demographic segmentations are utilized to more accurately target specific groupings of people within each product cluster. Quarter Horse Journal, Western Horseman, Horse & Rider, Thoroughbred Times and Horse Illustrated are some of the various publications utilized to reach a diverse customer base in the horse market. Similar selected groupings of publications are utilized to target the Company’s various markets: automotive, livestock/farm, recreational and utility, and mobile marketing. Over 100 publications in

 

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various product segments contain advertisements for the Company’s trailers. The Company also sponsors a nationally syndicated radio program, which is broadcast over approximately 100 stations in 30 states targeting the equine markets. Featherlite video is supplied to large arenas for use on sponsor jumbotrons and electronic message boards.

 

Motorcoaches

 

The Company promotes its motorcoach segment directly in user group publications such as Family Motorcoaching magazine and RV Trader, which can target specific high potential markets for new and pre-owned motorcoaches. In addition, the Company places classified and display advertising during high sales-potential periods in selected regional metropolitan newspapers near the Company’s sales centers. Outdoor advertising is also used along high-traffic interstate corridors. In addition, the Company participates in the Family Motor Coach Association rallies twice each year, the Tampa RV Show and numerous other shows and rallies. The Company’s motorcoach products are also represented at motorsports events where other Featherlite products are promoted and where Featherlite already has a customer base. Other sports venues where Featherlite motorcoach products are being promoted include PGA golf events and World Billfish tournaments. The Company also sponsors the Featherlite VIP Club and the Featherlite VIP Bikers’ Club. These lifestyle clubs are an excellent marketing platform to introduce people around America to new motorcoach and trailer products.

 

Affiliations and Sponsorships

 

The Company’s public and media relations focus actively pursues regional and national media coverage of the uniqueness of the Company as well as its new product introductions. In 2001, the Company began a three-year agreement with NBC and TNT networks to broadcast Featherlite TV commercials as part of their nationwide telecasts of certain NASCAR races. In 2002, a similar agreement was reached with FOX Sports Network. Also in 2002, a contract was finalized with MRN (Motor Racing Network) to air Featherlite commercial announcements nationally through 2006. In 2003, the Company became a program sponsor of The Golf Channel and currently has annual commercial television package rights as well as onsite promotional activity rights.

 

An example of the Company’s specialized niche market promotional efforts is the motor sports industry. Featherlite currently is the “Official Trailer” of NASCAR, Champ Car, Indy Racing League (IRL), American Speed Association (ASA), World of Outlaws (W.O.O.), CASCAR, Grand Am Road Racing, American Race Car Association (ARCA) and the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Featherlite is the “Official Coach” of NASCAR, IRL, Grand Am Road Racing, and The Golf Channel and is also a sponsor of the World Billfish Series, Power Boat International and The Golf Channel.

 

Featherlite is the title sponsor of the Featherlite Modified Series National Touring. The Featherlite Modified Series National Tour schedule features 19 races primarily in the northeastern United States. In 2004, Featherlite will be the NASCAR Award and Contingency Sponsor of the NASCAR Featherlite Most Improved Driver Special Award Program, which includes over 100 races as well as year-end award programs for each series. The Company expects to continue to design and build trailers to fit the needs of all types of racing, including NASCAR, NHRA, IndyCar, nostalgic, sprint car, off road, motorcycle and motorcross.

 

In addition to the racing industry, the Company sponsors or is a sponsor of the All American Quarter Horse Congress, United States Team Roping Championship, Appaloosa Horse Club, National High School Rodeo Association, World’s Toughest Rodeo, Professional Women’s Rodeo Association, and the National Western Livestock Show, as well as various rodeos and state and local fairs and expos. Annually, Featherlite territory managers attend in excess of 250 races, rodeos, fairs, trade shows and other special events. The Company’s dealers attend over 1,000 such events each year staffing display and sales booths and meeting with the public.

 

Payment for some of the advertising and promotional services related to the affiliations and sponsorships described above involve the exchange or lease of trailers and coaches of an equivalent value as discussed further in Notes 2 and 3 to the consolidated financial statements.

 

Competition

 

Specialty Trailers

 

The specialty trailer industry is highly competitive, especially with respect to the most commonly sold models, such as standard model gooseneck and bumper pull horse trailers. Competition is based upon a number of factors, including brand name recognition, quality, price, reliability, product design features, breadth of product line, warranty and service. The Company believes it competes favorably with its competitors with respect to each of these factors. The

 

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primary competition to FEATHERLITE® aluminum trailers is steel trailers, which typically sell for approximately 30% to 40% less but are subject to rust and corrosion and are heavier. There are no significant technological or manufacturing barriers to entry into the production of steel trailers and only moderate barriers to the production of aluminum trailers.

 

Because the Company has a broad based product line, its competition varies by product category. There is no single company that provides competition in all product lines. Certain of the Company’s competitors and potential competitors are more established in segments of the Company’s business. The Company’s principal competitors, all of which are located domestically, include the following:

 

Trailer Types


  

Principal Competitors’ Brands


Horse and Livestock

   4 Star, Barrett, Sooner, Wilson, Sundowner, Kiefer Built, W-W, Exiss

Utility

   Wells Cargo, PACE, Haulmark, US Cargo, Cargo Mate
Car Trailers and Race Car Transporters    HighTech, Competition, Wells Cargo, Haulmark, PACE, Goldrush, Champion

 

Motorcoaches

 

The motorcoach industry is highly competitive, particularly in XL and “highline” Class A models. Featherlite is the dominant producer of Prevost H model bus conversion motorcoaches, but also manufactures Prevost XL models. In 2003, the Company became a dealer for Foretravel Class A motorcoaches manufactured by Foretravel, Inc. Competition is based primarily on quality and price although other factors such as brand name, reliability, design features, warranty and service are also important. The Company believes it competes favorably with its competitors with respect to each of these factors. The brand names of the Company’s principal bus conversion competitors, all of which are located domestically, include: Marathon, Liberty, and Royale. The principal manufacturers in the specially-designed chassis “highline” Class A models include: Monaco, Fleetwood, Winnebago and Thor.

 

Manufacturing

 

Trailers

 

The Company manufactures all of its trailers at plants located in Cresco, and Shenandoah, Iowa. In April 2001, the Company closed its Nashua, Iowa trailer production facility and consolidated some or all of this production into the Cresco, Iowa facility. Except for tires, brakes, couplers, axles and various other purchased items, the Company fabricates its component parts for its trailers. Most raw materials and standard parts, including aluminum extrusions and sheet metal, are available from multiple sources.

 

In the manufacturing process, the Company seeks to maximize production efficiency by using weekly production schedules which allocate scheduled trailers to specific production lines within each plant. The Company generally follows a build-to-order policy to control inventory levels. Inventory pool trailers may be scheduled to maximize the efficiency of the production lines. Lean manufacturing concepts and principles are being taught and implemented in all areas of manufacturing. Lean manufacturing is a systematic approach to identifying and eliminating waste through continuous improvement techniques. If successfully implemented, benefits of lean manufacturing can include reduction in work in process, shorter lead times, productivity increases, quality improvement and better utilization of space. There is no assurance the Company will be successful in achieving any of these benefits.

 

The Company also utilizes certain production lines solely for standard model trailers. The Company utilizes an independent outside contractor to provide customer specified paint and graphic designs on specialty trailers. There is a risk related to delays in completing trailer delivery to the customer due to delays by the subcontractor. This could adversely affect reported sales and operating income.

 

In November 2002, Featherlite ended an agreement with one independent company to manufacture certain trailers. Under the agreement, the Company supplied specifications to the manufacturer. The manufacturer, which was prohibited from manufacturing trailers for any other entities without Featherlite’s consent, purchased the materials and provided labor and overhead expenses to manufacture the trailers for contractually agreed upon prices. Such trailers constituted less than 1% of net trailer sales for 2002.

 

Motorcoaches

 

The Company manufactures all of its Featherlite Vantare model motorcoaches at a plant located in Sanford, Florida. Except for the motorcoach shell and electronic equipment, various kitchen and bathroom fixtures and

 

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accessories and other purchased items, the Company fabricates most of the components for its motorcoaches. The Company completes the conversion by finishing the interior of the purchased shell to the layout and design requirements of the customer or its specifications. All design engineering, plumbing, cabinetry and upholstery required to complete the motorcoach are done by Company personnel. In 2001, the Company transferred production of certain bus conversion models from its Pryor, Oklahoma facility to its Sanford, Florida facility, shut down its Pryor, Oklahoma, manufacturing facility and suspended development and manufacturing of the Vogue 6000 motorcoach.

 

The Company purchases its motorcoach shells from one manufacturer, Prevost Car Company, Inc. (Prevost) of Sainte-Claire, Quebec, Canada, although the Company could purchase certain shells from other manufacturers. The Company provides Prevost with its estimated yearly motorcoach requirements. Once Prevost releases an order to production, Prevost becomes obligated to fill the order and the Company becomes obligated to take delivery of the order. In the event Prevost was unable to deliver motorcoach shells to the Company, the Company’s revenues and profits could be materially and adversely affected.

 

In 2003, the Company entered into an agreement with Amadas Coach Corporation (Amadas) by which Amadas agreed to perform conversion work on a limited number of Prevost XLII motorcoach shells in accordance with the specifications provided by the Company for a defined price. These motorcoaches will be marketed for sale under the Featherlite XLV beginning in 2004.

 

Raw Materials

 

The Company purchases substantial amounts of aluminum extrusions from a number of major suppliers, including: Alcoa Extrusions, Inc., and Indalex, Inc. and the majority of its sheet metal from one large supplier, Integris Metals. The identity of particular suppliers and the quantities purchased from each varies from period to period. Prices of aluminum, the principal commodity used in the Company’s business, fluctuate daily in the open market. The Company has obtained fixed price contracts from suppliers to reduce the risk related to fluctuations in the cost of aluminum for 2004 for approximately 90% of its anticipated aluminum requirements. The Company has not engaged in hedging or the purchase and sale of future contracts other than contracts for delivery to fill its own needs. In the event that one or more of the Company’s suppliers were unable to deliver raw materials to the Company for an extended period of time, the Company’s production and profits could be materially and adversely affected if an adequate replacement supplier could not be found within a reasonable amount of time. There is a potential risk of loss related to fixed price contracts if there is a substantial drop in the actual cost of aluminum in relation to the contract price, which would affect the competitive price of the Company’s product. Increases in the prices of aluminum and other supplies may adversely affect margins on the Company’s products if our requirements exceed the amount of our aluminum purchases covered by fixed price contracts.

 

In addition to obtaining long-term contracts from suppliers, the Company may in the future also try to reduce the price risk associated with aluminum by buying London Metal Exchange hedge contracts or options for future delivery. These contracts would “lock in” the aluminum cost for the Company for anticipated aluminum requirements during the periods covered by the contracts. There is a potential risk of loss related to such contracts if the quantity of materials hedged significantly exceeds the Company’s actual requirements and the contract is closed without taking physical delivery of the aluminum or if there is a substantial drop in the actual cost of aluminum in relation to the hedge contract price which would affect the competitive price of the Company’s product. The Company has no such contracts at December 31, 2003.

 

Backlog

 

At December 31, 2003 the Company had unfilled confirmed orders from its customers in an aggregate amount of approximately $29.8 million, including $11.5 million in motorcoach orders, compared to an aggregate amount of $16.1 million at December 31, 2002, with $5.6 million in motorcoach orders. At March 31, 2004, the Company had unfilled confirmed orders from its customers in an aggregate amount of approximately $29.4 million, including $8.6 million in motorcoach orders, compared to an aggregate amount of $21.6 at March 31, 2003, with $5.8 million of motorcoach orders. All orders in backlog at December 31, 2003 and March 31, 2004, are expected to be filled during 2004.

 

Quality Assurance

 

The Company monitors quality at various points of the manufacturing process. Due to the variety of custom products that the Company builds, employee skill training and individual responsibility for workmanship are emphasized. Inventory specialists assess the overall quality, physical dimensions, and imperfections or damage to the raw materials. Extruded and sheet aluminum, which is outside of specified tolerances, is rejected and replaced by the vendor. Line foremen train and monitor work cells of employees. Quality control inspectors inspect trailers and motorcoaches for quality of workmanship, material quality and conformity of options to order specifications.

 

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Government and Industry Regulation

 

The Company and its products are subject to various foreign, federal, state and local laws, rules and regulations. The Company builds its trailers and motorcoaches to standards of the federal Department of Transportation. The Company is a member of the National Association of Trailer Manufacturers (“NATM”) and manufactures its trailers to NATM standards. The Company is also governed by regulations relating to employee safety and working conditions and other activities. A change in any such laws, rules, regulations or standards, or a mandated federal recall by the National Highway Transportation Safety Board, could have a material adverse effect on the Company.

 

In 2002, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), enacted a new reporting requirement referred to as the Tread Act. This act requires certain transportation manufacturers, including the Company, to provide detailed reporting of various repairs performed on products produced by transportation manufacturers. The Company has met these new requirements during the 2003 fiscal year and expects to maintain compliance with these requirements in the future.

 

Patents and Trademarks

 

The Company has registered FEATHERLITE® as a trademark for use in conjunction with trailers in the United States, Canada and Germany. It has also registered this trademark for a variety of promotional items. In general, such registrations were effective through the year 2001, with continuous ten-year renewal periods thereafter. The Company has a United States trademark with respect to FEATHERLITE-STL® series. In October 1995, the Company acquired the rights to the DIAMOND D® trademark and has registered it as a trademark in the United States. In 1993, the Company purchased the rights to two design patents, which expired in 1997, relating to the V-nose design of certain of its horse, livestock and snowmobile trailers. The Company believes that the patented designs are useful, but that the expiration of the patents will not have a material effect on the Company. In addition, the Company has obtained certain trailer design and utility patents relating to racecar transporters, snowmobile trailers and horse trailers. The Company considers these patents, which have expiration dates ranging from 2011 to 2014, to be important to the trailer business.

 

The Company has a United States registered trademark for VANTARE BY FEATHERLITE®, FEATHERLITE VOGUE®, “FEATHERLITE VANTARE®” and “FEATHERLITE LUXURY COACHES®” for motorcoaches in the United States.

 

Warranty

 

The Company warrants the workmanship and materials of certain parts of the main frame of its aluminum trailers under a limited warranty for a period of six years and such parts of certain other Company trailers as well as other products manufactured by the Company for periods of one to four years. The limited warranty does not include normal wear items, such as brakes, bearings and tires. The Company’s warranty obligations are expressly limited to repairs and replacement of parts. Historically, there have been no significant recalls of the Company’s trailers for replacement of major components or parts, except in 2002 there was a recall issued on certain models of steel gooseneck trailers. The expense of warranty claims for repairs or replacement of parts, including the previously mentioned recall, has been less than 1% of the Company’s net trailer sales.

 

The Company warrants for one year the workmanship and materials related to certain parts of its motorcoaches. Otherwise, warranties applicable to components purchased from vendors are applicable. The warranty of the manufacturer of the shell, transmission and engine generally is for two years. In August 2000, the Company began offering a more limited warranty on certain specified components of the FEATHERLITE VANTARE® motorcoach for an additional 24 months. Historically, there have been no recalls of the Company’s motorcoaches for replacement of major components or parts and warranty claims for repairs or replacement of parts have been less than 2 percent on net motorcoach sales.

 

Product Liability

 

Although the Company has never been required to pay any significant amount in a product liability action, as a manufacturing company it is subject to an inherent risk of product liability claims. The Company maintains product liability insurance policies in an amount it believes is adequate, but there is no assurance that its coverage will continue to be available at an acceptable price or be sufficient to protect the Company from adverse financial effects in the event of product liability claims.

 

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Employees

 

As of December 31, 2003, the Company had 1,212 employees, of whom 1,185 are full-time and 27 are part-time, as follows: Production and production support – 1,020, Sales and Marketing - 107, and Administration - 85.

 

The Company is not a party to any collective bargaining agreements and believes that it has good working relationships with its employees.

 

The Company’s success is highly dependent on its senior management, including Conrad D. Clement, President and Chief Executive Officer. The loss of Mr. Clement’s services could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business and development. There can be no assurance that an adequate replacement could be found for Mr. Clement in the event of his departure. The Company carries a $10 million term life insurance policy on Mr. Clement.

 

The Company has an agreement with an Iowa community college which provides approximately $250,000 for job training purposes over a period ending in 2008. The amounts borrowed under this agreement are to be repaid, together with interest, over a ten year period, from state withholding taxes on employees wages earned at the Company’s Iowa facilities. This agreement began in 1998 and is partially repaid. The Company may be required to provide funds for the repayment of this training credit if sufficient withholding and unused training funds are not available when this agreement is completed in 2008.

 

Forward-looking Information and Risks

 

We have made, and may continue to make, various written or verbal forward-looking statements with respect to our business, including statements contained in this annual report on Form 10-K, other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, and reports to stockholders.

 

The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 (the “Reform Act”) provides a safe harbor for forward-looking statements made by us or on our behalf. Forward-looking statements are those involving the outcome of future events that are based upon current expectations, estimates, forecasts and projects as well as the current beliefs and assumptions of our management. Any statement that is not a historical fact, including any statement regarding estimates, projections, future trends and the outcome of events that have not occurred, is a forward-looking statement.

 

The words “believe,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intend,” “may,” “could,” “will,” “plan,” “anticipate’” and similar words and expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of the date made, are based on current expectations, are inherently uncertain and should be viewed with caution. The Company makes no commitment to update any forward-looking statement or to disclose any facts, events, or circumstances after the date hereof that may affect the accuracy of any forward-looking statement, other than as required by law.

 

Forward-looking statements cannot be guaranteed and actual results may vary materially due to the uncertainties and risks, known and unknown, associated with such statements. Featherlite wishes to caution readers that the following important factors, among others, in some cases have affected, and in the future could affect, Featherlite’s actual results and could cause Featherlite’s actual consolidated results to differ materially from those expressed in any forward-looking statements made by, or on behalf of, Featherlite:

 

1. Our strategy involves, to a substantial degree, increasing revenues while at the same time reducing and controlling operating expenses. In furtherance of this strategy, we have engaged in ongoing, company-wide efficiency activities intended to increase productivity and reduce costs. These activities have included personnel reductions, reduction or elimination of non-personnel expenses, facility closures and realigning and streamlining operations. We cannot assure you that our efforts will result in increased profitability for any meaningful period of time. Moreover, our cost reduction efforts may adversely affect our ability to manufacture and distribute products in required volumes to meet customer demand and may result in disruptions that affect our products and customer service.

 

2. A large portion of our sales involve discretionary spending by our customers, and may be delayed or cancelled in times of economic uncertainty. In recent years, we have experienced declining revenues as the national economy has weakened and become more uncertain. A continued static or declining growth rate in the overall demand for our products may continue to harm our sales and hinder our ability to improve our liquidity.

 

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3.. The industries in which we operate are competitive, and we face continued pressure to increase selling prices to reduce the impact on margins of increasing aluminum and other materials costs, labor rates and overhead costs related to the expanded production facilities and organization to support expected increases in sales. Our product mix from period to period can have an important impact on our gross profit since products include varying combinations of material and labor costs. To the extent we are unable to improve or maintain our profit margins, our liquidity may be harmed.

 

4. The Company takes trade-ins on both new and used motorcoach sales. These trade-in units are marketed on a retail basis to other customers. In the three years ended December 31, 2003, the Company experienced a significant decline in the market value of trade-in units and certain non-current new models and wrote down the carrying value of the used inventory by an aggregate amount of $4.4 million in order to facilitate their sale, including write-downs of $1.3 million, $632,000 and $2.5 million in 2003, 2002 and 2001, respectively. There is a risk that additional write-downs of this inventory will occur if these trade-in units are not sold at current selling prices, which could adversely impact the Company’s future operating results.

 

5. During 2002 the Company signed long-term financing agreements with its principal lenders (U.S. Bank and GE). (These agreements are discussed more fully in Note 8 to the consolidated financial statements). Each of these agreements contain affirmative and restrictive covenants. The Company was not in compliance with certain of these covenants as of December 31, 2003. The Company has obtained waivers of these defaults as of December 31, 2003. (Both lenders have amended their credit agreements to reduce the requirements of certain covenants for compliance in 2004 and beyond). The Company cannot provide assurance that it will maintain compliance with these covenants in the future. Although management believes it will be able to achieve such covenants in 2004, violations could occur allowing the lenders the option to accelerate payment of the debt.

 

6. Advance rates under the Company’s financing arrangement with GE have been based on 90 percent of the cost of eligible new motorcoach inventory and 70 percent of the defined value of eligible used motorcoach inventory. After July 31, 2003, however, the agreement provided for a reduction in these advance rates. GE has not required the Company to be subject to the reduced advance rates while discussions regarding modification of the agreement continued. On March 17, 2004, GE advised the Company that the terms of the existing agreement will be modified as follows: (i) there will be a 1.5% per month reduction in amounts borrowed on a used coach acquired after August 31, 2003 when it has been financed more than 360 days and all financing will be due in full on day 720; (ii) no curtailments will be required on used units that are in the used borrowing base as of August 31,2003, except that all financing is due in full on any coach held 720 days and (iii) after 360 days new units will be converted to used financing at an advance rate of 70 percent versus 90 percent and no curtailments will be due until day 361 when a 1.5% per month curtailment will begin until day 720 when any financing will be due in full. As of March 17, 2004, the Company has borrowings of $1.3 million which will be due on the effective date of this change if not already paid due to sale of the motorcoach. Future aggregate availability under this agreement could be reduced if the Company is unable to sell certain new or used coaches before financing rates are reduced or eliminated. Either event may require the Company to obtain additional financing from other sources. There can be no assurance such financing will be available.

 

7. We may have difficulty receiving our requirements for aluminum (our principal raw material component) if we lose one of our major suppliers of aluminum. In the past, this risk has been relatively nominal as there have been alternate sources of supply. In recent years, however, the number of alternate sources of supply has been reduced due to mergers within the aluminum industry. Also, additional time may be required to replace an extruded aluminum supplier due to the fact that dies are required and would have to be made. The Company routinely tries to keep at least three suppliers of each shape so it has a backup supplier if necessary. However, if the number of suppliers of aluminum is further reduced, or if the Company is otherwise unable to obtain its aluminum requirements on a timely basis and on favorable terms, the Company’s operations may be harmed.

 

8. There is a risk related to the loss or interruption in the supply of bus conversion shells from the Company’s sole supplier of these shells. The Company purchases all of its bus conversion shells from Prevost. Although the Company has insurance to cover certain losses it may sustain due to fire or other catastrophe at Prevost’s plant, the Company may not be able to obtain conversion shells from another manufacturer on favorable terms or at all. Additionally, if the Company is unable to maintain a good working relationship with Prevost, it may be required to locate a new supplier of its conversion shells. In the event of any significant loss or interruptions in Prevost’s ability to provide such services, the Company’s operations may be harmed.

 

9. The Company begins production of most of the luxury motorcoaches before a customer order is received. While it is the Company’s expectation that substantially all of these motorcoaches will be sold to specific customers before production is completed, or shortly thereafter, there is no assurance this will occur. Failure to sell these motorcoaches on a timely basis at prevailing prices could further decrease the liquidity of the Company.

 

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10. The Company uses one subcontractor to provide paint and graphic design work to meet customer specifications on certain custom trailers and specialty transporters. There is a risk to the timely delivery of these trailers in the event of an unforeseen interruption in the subcontractor’s ability to provide these services or if the customer delays providing the specifications to the subcontractor. Any long-term interruptions in the subcontractor’s ability to provide such services may harm the Company’s operations.

 

11. As discussed in Note 5 to the consolidated financial statements included in this annual report on Form 10-K, the Company discontinued use of its Pryor, Oklahoma manufacturing facility in 2001. It accrued the estimated rental and other costs of holding this facility through December 31, 2002. In 2002, the Company began formulating a plan to use this facility as a sales facility for used coaches owned by others and held on consignment by the Company. Implementation of this plan was delayed until the third quarter of 2003 and an additional accrual was made for the estimated lease and other costs to be incurred until this facility can be profitable. This facility reopened in October 2003 and the remaining balance in the accrual account was written off to operations to offset startup costs of approximately $154,000. In the event the facility cannot generate sufficient income to absorb the annual lease cost and other costs of operation by December 31, 2004, the Company may be required to continue to accrue additional costs related to this facility. This could have an adverse impact on the Company’s future operating results and liquidity.

 

ITEM 2. PROPERTIES

 

The Company’s principal sales, marketing and executive offices are located in a 20,000 square foot building constructed in 1993 and owned by the Company near Cresco, Iowa. The Company owns a 50,000 square foot parts distribution center and a custom, maintenance and trailer distribution facility adjacent to its principal offices, from which substantially all trailer deliveries to dealers are made.

 

The Company owns trailer production and warehouse facilities in Cresco and Shenandoah, Iowa. The Cresco facilities presently consist of five buildings and include approximately 258,000 square feet, as follows: Three buildings, totaling approximately 186,000 square feet are used for production of trailers and fabrication of components; one 58,000 square foot building is used for custom interior finishing and one 14,000 square foot building is used for storage of raw materials. The Shenandoah facilities include a 117,000 square foot manufacturing facility purchased in October 1995 in connection with the DIAMOND D® acquisition. This facility is used to produce trailers. The Company believes these facilities will be sufficient to meet its production requirements for the foreseeable future.

 

The Company-owned Nashua, Iowa facilities include a 51,000 square foot manufacturing plant and an 18,000 square foot plant/office building. This property is now idle and no longer used for production. The Company is attempting to sell or lease this facility.

 

The Company leases motorcoach production and office facilities from Seminole Port Authority in Sanford, Florida at an approximate annual cost of $388,000 under the terms of an operating lease that expires in 2007. This facility includes approximately 79,000 square of inside space as well as 6,000 square feet for outside service bays. In October 1999, the Company completed construction of an 18,000 square foot sales office and a 21,000 square foot service center with seventeen service bays. The cost of this entire project including land and development costs was approximately $5.5 million. In 2002, the sales office and service center were sold to an unrelated outside party and leased back by the Company with an initial term of 7 years under the terms of a capitalized lease as described in Note 8 to consolidated financial statements included in this annual report on Form 10-K. The Company has the option to repurchase this facility on August 1, 2005.

 

The Company leases property in Mocksville, North Carolina, under the terms of an operating lease at an approximate annual cost of $80,000, which has an initial term of ten years ending in 2006, with options to extend the initial term up to an additional ten years. These facilities are being used to provide service for Featherlite trailers and transporters and for the retail sale of Featherlite luxury motorcoaches.

 

The Company acquired the rights to certain office and production facilities and other assets of Mitchell Motorcoach Sales, Inc. in Pryor, Oklahoma in 1998. This facility includes approximately 150,000 square feet of production and office space and was used to manufacture luxury motorcoaches. The facility is owned by Oklahoma Ordnance Works Authority and is being leased to the Company at an approximate annual cost of $299,000 under the terms of an operating lease which expires in March, 2011. In September 2000, the Company leased approximately 15 acres of land adjacent to this facility at an approximate annual cost of $27,000 for a period expiring in March 2011. In 2001, the Company shut down its Pryor, Oklahoma, manufacturing facility. The Company has not been successful in subleasing this facility and as discussed in Note 5, in October 2003 reopened this location as a sales facility for recreational vehicles and motorcoaches, including units owned by others and recreational vehicles repossessed by financial institutions.

 

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ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

 

The Company, in the course of its business, has been named as a defendant in various legal actions that arise in the ordinary course of its business. Most, but not all, of such actions are product liability or workers’ compensation claims for which the Company is covered by insurance subject to applicable deductibles. Except as described below, although the ultimate outcome of such claims cannot be ascertained at this time, it is the opinion of management, after consultation with counsel handling such matters, that the resolution of such suits will not have a material adverse effect on the Company or operating results or any particular period. During 2003, a jury reached a verdict in favor of a plaintiff requiring the Company to repurchase a motorcoach. The Company has accrued a liability and charged cost of sales for $354,000 in the accompanying consolidated financial statements representing the estimated loss on the resale of the motorcoach to be reacquired and related legal costs. The Company is appealing this verdict

 

ITEM 4. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS

 

No matter was submitted during the fourth quarter of the fiscal year covered by this report to a vote of security holders.

 

ITEM 4A. EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANT

 

The following table sets forth certain information concerning the executive officers of the Company:

 

Name


   Age

  

Present Position with Company


Conrad D. Clement

   59    President, Chief Executive Officer and Director

Jeffery A. Mason

   63    Chief Financial Officer and Director

Tracy J. Clement

   37    Executive Vice President and Director

Gary H. Ihrke

   57    Vice President of Operations & Secretary

Eric P. Clement

   34    Vice President of Sales

James S. Wooley

   56    Vice President and President Luxury Motorcoach Division

Larry D. Clement

   58    Treasurer

 

The term of office of each executive officer is from one annual meeting of directors until the next annual meeting of directors or until a successor is elected.

 

The business experience of the executive officers during the past five years is as follows:

 

Conrad D. Clement has been the Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer and a director of the Company since its inception in 1988. Mr. Clement is also the President and Chief Executive Officer and a director and shareholder of Featherlite Credit Corporation, an affiliate of the Company (“Featherlite Credit”). Mr. Clement is a shareholder of Nevada Coach Partners, LLP, the entity that owns a controlling interest in ULC. He is also owner of Valley Trailer Sales, a Featherlite dealer, an owner of Clement Enterprises and Clement Properties, affiliates of the Company. Mr. Clement is the brother of Larry D. Clement and the father of Tracy J. Clement and Eric P. Clement.

 

Jeffery A. Mason has been the Chief Financial Officer of the Company since August 1989 and has been a director of the Company since June 1993. Mr. Mason is also an officer of Featherlite Credit Corporation, an affiliate of the Company. Mr. Mason is also certified public accountant with an inactive status.

 

Tracy J. Clement has been Executive Vice President and a director of the Company since 1988. Mr. Clement is also an officer and shareholder of Featherlite Credit Corporation and an owner of Valley Trailers, a Featherlite dealer and Clement Properties, an affiliate of the Company. Mr. Clement is a shareholder of Nevada Coach Partners, LLP, the entity that owns a controlling interest in ULC.

 

Gary H. Ihrke was appointed Secretary in August 1996 and Vice President of Operations in March 1996 after service as Vice President of Manufacturing since June 1993.

 

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Eric P. Clement has been Vice President of Sales since March 1996 after service as Vice President of Operations since January 1991. Mr. Clement is also an officer and shareholder of Featherlite Credit Corporation and an owner of Clement Properties, an affiliate of the Company. Mr. Clement is a shareholder of Nevada Coach Partners, LLP, the entity that owns a controlling interest in ULC.

 

James S. Wooley has been Vice President and President of the Featherlite Luxury Coach Division since April 2002 and was previously the Chief Operating Officer of the Division since joining the Company in January, 2001. Prior to that Mr. Wooley was Chairman of the Board and Chief Operating Officer of Autumn Home Care Facilities, Inc. where he served in those positions from 1994 to 1998. Mr. Wooley is also an attorney. Mr. Wooley is a shareholder of Nevada Coach Partners, LLP, the entity that owns a controlling interest in ULC.

 

Larry D. Clement has been Treasurer of the Company since 1988 and was previously secretary and a director of the Company. Mr. Clement is also an officer and shareholder of Featherlite Credit Corporation and is the President and Secretary of Clement Auto & Truck, Inc., a FEATHERLITE® dealer. Mr. Clement is the brother of Conrad D. Clement.

 

PART II

 

ITEM 5. MARKET FOR COMMON EQUITY AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS

 

The Company’s common stock is traded on the Nasdaq Smallcap Market under the Nasdaq symbol “FTHR”. Quotations below represent the high and low closing sales price, by quarter, for the years ended December 31, 2003 and 2002.

 

     2003

   2002

     High

   Low

   High

   Low

First Quarter

   $ 3.00    $ 1.96    $ 1.77    $ 1.02

Second Quarter

     2.30      1.76      3.78      1.25

Third Quarter

     2.35      1.87      3.10      1.75

Fourth Quarter

     3.55      2.13      3.14      1.40

 

As of March 31, 2004, the Company had approximately 300 shareholders of record and approximately 2,100 beneficial shareholders. The Company is restricted from paying dividends by its agreements with lenders. See Liquidity and Capital Resources in Item 7 for a discussion of these restrictions.

 

ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA - FIVE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31,

 

STATEMENT OF INCOME DATA (In thousands, except per share data)

 

     2003

    2002

    2001

    2000

    1999

 

Net sales

   $ 179,974     $ 193,166     $ 212,786     $ 242,486     $ 224,813  

Cost of goods sold

     157,113       167,288       194,754       212,813       192,621  
    


 


 


 


 


Gross profit

     22,861       25,878       18,032       29,673       32,192  

Selling and administration

     20,615       20,447       21,910       26,599       22,723  

Amortization of intangibles

     —         —         —         636       520  

Restructuring charge (credit)

     (222 )     400       1,572       —         —    

Asset impairment charge

     —         —         —         8,781       —    
    


 


 


 


 


Operating income (loss)

     2,468       5,031       (5,450 )     (6,343 )     8,949  

Interest expense

     (2,466 )     (3,032 )     (4,300 )     (4,996 )     (3,768 )

Other income (expense), net

     492       438       (337 )     747       1,229  
    


 


 


 


 


Income (loss) before taxes

     494       2,437       (10,087 )     (10,592 )     6,410  

Benefit (provision) for income taxes

     106       258       1,240       728       (2,436 )

Minority interest in subsidiary

     105       —         —         —         —    
    


 


 


 


 


Net income (loss)

   $ 705     $ 2,695     $ (8,847 )   $ (9,864 )   $ 3,974  
    


 


 


 


 


Net income (loss) per share

                                        

Basic

   $ 0.11     $ 0.41     $ (1.35 )   $ (1.51 )   $ 0.61  
    


 


 


 


 


Diluted

   $ 0.10     $ 0.38     $ (1.35 )   $ (1.51 )   $ 0.61  
    


 


 


 


 


Weighted average shares outstanding

                                        

Basic

     6,689       6,535       6,535       6,531       6,506  

Diluted

     7,300       7,158       6,535       6,531       6,545  
    


 


 


 


 


 

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BALANCE SHEET DATA

(End of Period, in thousands)

 

     2003

   2002

   2001

   2000

   1999

Working capital

   $ 18,148    $ 6,092    $ 1,641    $ 12,149    $ 32,065

Total assets

     86,600      92,271      97,171      123,959      119,784

Long-term debt, net of current maturities

     11,964      7,230      7,386      11,821      30,563

Total shareholders’ investment

     20,292      17,955      15,141      24,012      33,726

 

QUARTERLY FINANCIAL DATA

(Unaudited, in thousands except per share data)

 

     Net Sales

   Gross
Margin


   Operating
Income
(Loss)


    Net Income
(Loss)


    Net Income (loss)
Per Share


 
               Basic

    Diluted

 

2003

                                              

First Quarter

   $ 41,710    $ 5,138    $ (392 )   $ (676 )   $ (0.10 )   $ (0.10 )

Second Quarter **

     47,364      6,512      1,859       898       0.14       0.12  

Third Quarter **

     45,731      6,355      1,155       467       0.07       0.06  

Fourth Quarter **

     45,169      4,856      (154 )     16       0.00       0.00  

2002

                                              

First Quarter

   $ 60,605    $ 7,855    $ 2,545     $ 1,101     $ 0.17     $ 0.16  

Second Quarter

     47,624      7,671      2,195       1,023       0.16       0.14  

Third Quarter

     40,601      5,833      915       753       0.12       0.10  

Fourth Quarter*

     44,336      4,519      (464 )     (182 )     (0.03 )     (0.02 )

* Includes a restructuring charge of $400,000 and an inventory write-down of $632,000 in the fourth quarter of 2002.
** Includes inventory write-downs of $325,000, $402,000 and $642,000 in second, third and fourth quarters, respectively, in 2003 and restructuring credits of $70,000 and $152,000 in the second and fourth quarters, respectively, in 2003.

 

ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

 

The following discussion pertains to the Company’s results of operations and financial condition, including information on the Company’s two principal business segments as set forth in Note 13 to the consolidated financial statements for the years ended December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001 included in this annual report on Form 10-K.

 

Results of Operations

 

Despite periods of solid performance, the Company remains disappointed with its overall financial results in 2003. However, the Company remains encouraged as it enters 2004 due in part to the recovery it experienced in 2003 after a difficult first quarter. Whereas 2002 started out with a $1.0 million improvement in net income in the first quarter compared to 2001, the first quarter of 2003 began with a $676,000 loss as sales volume declined by 31 percent. Despite this $1.7 million decrease in profitability in the first quarter of 2003 compared to the same quarter in 2002, the remainder of 2003 was nearly comparable to 2002 in net income and sales increased by 4 percent. Following is a more detailed description of the components of changes in profitability during 2003 and 2002.

 

Fiscal Year 2003 Compared to Fiscal Year 2002

 

On a consolidated basis, the Company’s net income for the year ended December 31, 2003, was $705,000 or $0.10 cents per diluted share, compared with net income of $2.7 million, or $0.38 cents per diluted share for the same period in 2002. This significant reduction primarily reflects: decreased gross profit from (1) reduced sales volume as the overall number of trailer and motorcoach units sold declined in 2003 as compared to the same period last year; and (2) increased write-downs of used motorcoaches due to lower estimated resale market values. These decreases were partially offset by a reduction in interest expense and selling costs and by the realization of certain income tax benefits.

 

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Consolidated net sales for 2003 decreased by $13.2 million (6.8 percent) to $180.0 million compared with $193.2 million in 2002. This decrease primarily reflects an overall decline of 6.5 percent in unit sales. Sales of specialty trailers and transporters decreased by 3.3 percent as unit sales declined 6.4 percent with reductions in all product categories except car hauler and utility trailers. This decline was partially offset by an increase of 3.2 percent in average net revenue per unit due to a more favorable mix of products with a higher average price and the affect of 3.0 percent price increases in both 2003 and 2002 on most trailer models, partially offset by an increase in sales program rebates and discounts in 2003 compared to 2002. Motorcoach segment sales decreased 11.0 percent as unit sales declined 14.9 percent. This reduction in unit sales was partially offset by a 4.5 percent increase in the average revenue per unit as there were more higher priced units that were sold. Unit sales of new motorcoaches decreased by 15.8 percent as the result of lower sales of less popular XL models and discontinued Featherlite Vogue® models. Unit sales of used coaches also declined 14.5 percent in part due to fewer trade-ins and reduced new unit sales. These decreases occurred primarily in the first quarter of 2003 compared to 2002 when sales were stronger.

 

Consolidated gross profit margin decreased by $3.0 million to $22.9 million in 2003 from $25.9 million in 2002. As a percentage of sales, consolidated gross profit margin was 12.7 percent in 2003 compared to 13.4 percent in 2002. This overall decline in consolidated gross profit margin reflects the decline in net sales as discussed above, but was also partially attributable to lower percentage margins on trailer sales and reduced percentage margins realized in the motorcoach segment. Trailer margins were 0.5 percentage points lower in 2003 compared to the same period in 2002. This was primarily the result of increased material costs attributable to changes in product mix, including increased sales of used units, partially offset by reduced labor and overhead costs due to improved efficiencies resulting from changes in sales volume and product mix. Motorcoach gross profit margins decreased by 1.1 percentage points as lower margins were realized on sales of new and used units as prices were reduced to sell less popular/discontinued models and as the result of the following additional charges: (1) A provision of $1.4 million in 2003 to reduce the inventory cost of used coaches to estimated market value compared to a similar provision of $722,000 in 2002; (2) a charge of $354,000 for the loss on a litigation settlement and (3) additional warranty costs of $112,000 on Vogue model motorcoaches sold compared to $480,000 in 2002.

 

Consolidated selling and administrative expenses increased by $168,000 in 2003 to $20.6 million, a 1.0 percent increase from $20.4 million in 2002. As a percentage of sales, these expenses increased to 11.5 percent in 2003 from 10.6 percent in 2002, primarily reflecting the reduced sales volume. Trailer segment expenses decreased by about $107,000 (1.0 percent) primarily as a result of reduced legal fees and other administrative expenses. Motorcoach segment expenses decreased by about $452,000 (6.0 percent) due mainly to reduced commissions as the result of lower sales and lower advertising and promotion costs. Corporate and other expenses increased by $728,000 (34.0 percent) as the result of, increased depreciation on the aircraft and the inclusion of $187,000 of FCC’s selling and administration expenses in 2003.

 

A net restructuring credit of $222,000 was realized in 2003. This resulted from a favorable lawsuit settlement that cancelled accounts payable in the amount of $170,000 included in restructuring charges recorded in 2001 and the elimination of the balance of the accrual related to the Pryor, Oklahoma facility, which was reopened in October 2003 (as discussed further in Note 5 to consolidated financial statements included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K).

 

Consolidated interest expense decreased by $566,000 in 2003 compared to 2002 as the result of lower average interest rates and borrowing levels in 2003. Other income, net, increased by $54,000 in 2003 due mainly to the non-recurrence of financial advisory fees related to investigating strategic financing alternatives in 2002 partially offset by a reduction in gains on property and equipment sales and royalties received.

 

Minority interest in subsidiary earnings represents the equity interest of the 49 percent owner in FCC. FCC was formed in 2003 to market car care products. The accompanying consolidated statement of operations for the year ended December 31, 2003 include the accounts of FCC, which reflect a total operating loss of $216,000 for this period.

 

Consolidated income before taxes (IBT) was $494,000 in 2003 compared to $2.4 million in 2002. This decrease of $1.9 million (80.0 percent) in 2003 includes a decrease in trailer segment IBT of $986,000 due mainly to decreased sales volume, a decrease in motorcoach segment IBT of $697,000 mainly due to decreased sales volume and increased write-downs in used motorcoach inventory; and an increase in corporate and other net expense by $260,000 primarily due to the increased FCC expenses in 2003, for the reasons discussed above.

 

An income tax benefit of $106,000 was provided in 2003 compared to a benefit of $258,000 in 2002. In 2003, this benefit resulted from a $545,000 reduction in the valuation allowance because of a net decrease in net deferred tax assets. The 2002 benefit reflects a $690,000 tax refund as a result of the Job Creation and Worker Assistance Act of 2002 and a $495,000 reduction in the valuation allowance resulting from a decrease in net deferred tax assets.

 

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Table of Contents

Fiscal Year 2002 Compared to Fiscal Year 2001

 

On a consolidated basis, the Company’s net income for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2002, was $2.7 million or $0.38 per diluted share, compared with a loss of $8.8 million, or ($1.35) per diluted share, for the same period in 2001. This significant improvement in profitability for the year 2002 reflects: (i) the non-recurrence in 2002 of $4.1 million in restructuring charges incurred in connection with closing the Pryor, Oklahoma facility in 2001; (ii) higher gross profit (despite lower sales) resulting from improved efficiencies and reduced manufacturing costs; (iii) reduced selling and administrative costs and lower interest expense, and (iv) tax benefits received from the realization of deferred tax benefits, as discussed further below.

 

Net consolidated sales decreased by $19.6 million (9.2 percent) to $193.2 million in 2002 compared with $212.8 million in 2001 as overall unit sales increased by about 1.0 percent while average revenue per unit sold declined by 9.2 percent. This included a 1.4 percent increase in unit sales of specialty trailers and transporters as increases in horse and livestock sales were offset by declines in the other product categories. The increase in unit sales was offset by a decline of 1.7 percent in the average revenue per unit reflecting changes in product mix and an increase in sales program rebates and discounts in 2002 compared to 2001. There was a 3.0 percent price increase on most trailer models effective for orders placed after June 30, 2002. There were no price increases in 2001. Motorcoach segment sales were down 18.0 percent with a $19.4 million reduction in sales due to the closing of the Pryor, Oklahoma facility, in 2001. Sales of new motorcoaches decreased 21.0 percent as unit sales declined by 26.9 percent and sales of used coaches were down 16.1 percent as unit sales declined 6.8 percent compared to 2001. The average revenue per unit sold also declined by 4.5 percent as less popular and discontinued models were sold at discounted prices. If the effect of sales at the Pryor, Oklahoma facility is excluded from 2001, net consolidated sales for 2002 would have remained essentially unchanged and motorcoach segment sales would have increased by less than 1.0 percent, which the Company believes is reflective of a sluggish economy and general economic uncertainties.

 

Consolidated gross profit increased by $7.8 million to $25.9 million in 2002 from $18.0 million in 2001. As a percentage of sales, gross profit was 13.4 percent in 2002 compared to 8.5 percent in 2001. This improvement in gross profit reflects: (1) a $2.9 million increase as a result of the non-recurrence of the restructuring charge included in cost of sales in 2001 (which reduced the 2001 gross margin by 1.4 percentage points); (2) a $2.4 million increase as a result of lower charges to reduce the inventory carrying value of new and used motorcoaches in 2002 compared to 2001; and (3) improved margins of $1.8 million realized on sales in the trailer segment. Trailer margins were 1.8 percentage points higher in 2002 due to lower material costs and improved labor and overhead utilization compared to 2001. The Nashua, Iowa plant closure in 2001 reduced inefficiencies and resulted in other cost improvements. Motorcoach gross profit margins improved slightly as higher margins were realized on sales of used units, but were offset by lower margins realized on new motorcoach sales as non-current models were sold at reduced prices and an additional accrual was made for estimated warranty costs on previously sold Vogue motorcoaches.

 

Consolidated selling and administrative expenses decreased in 2002 by $1.5 million to $20.4 million, a 6.7 percent decrease, from $21.9 million in 2001. As a percentage of sales, these expenses increased to 10.6 percent in 2002 from 10.3 percent in 2001. Trailer segment expenses remained essentially unchanged while motorcoach segment expenses decreased by 12.9 percent primarily due to reduced marketing and administrative costs resulting from closing the Pryor, Oklahoma facility in 2001. Corporate expenses decreased by about 9.0 percent. There were no management bonuses paid or accrued in 2002.

 

In 2002, an additional charge of $400,000 was recorded for costs related to the Pryor, Oklahoma facility. The Company is in the process of developing an alternative plan to begin utilizing this facility in 2003 as discussed in “Liquidity and Capital Resources.” The restructuring charge of $1.6 million in 2001 included the estimated payroll, severance and other costs paid in connection with closing the Pryor, Oklahoma facility in 2001

 

Consolidated interest expense decreased by $1.3 million to $3.0 million in 2002 compared to $4.3 million in the same period in 2001. This decrease was due to lower average levels of debt in 2002 as well as lower average interest rates in 2002. Other income (expense), net, increased by $616,000, primarily as the result of a $530,000 reduction in aircraft write-downs in 2002 compared to 2001.

 

Income before taxes (IBT) in 2002 was $2.4 million compared to a loss of $10.1 million in 2001. This improvement reflects an increase in trailer segment IBT of $2.9 million due mainly to improved margins on sales; an improvement of $8.9 million in motorcoach segment IBT due to non-recurrence of restructuring write-downs, decreased write-downs in the carrying value of motorcoaches and reduced selling and administrative costs and interest expense and a decrease in corporate net expense by $667,000, all for the reasons discussed above.

 

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A benefit from income taxes of $258,000 was provided in 2002. This benefit resulted primarily from a $690,000 income tax refund as a result of the Job Creation and Worker Assistance Act of 2002 and a $495,000 reduction in the valuation allowance resulting from a decrease in net deferred tax assets. The 2001 provision rate reflects a reduction due to the anticipated benefit from the carry back of certain book losses to prior year’s Federal income tax returns for a refund and a $1.9 million valuation provision for deferred tax assets. No benefit was provided on state income tax losses due to the uncertainty of realization.

 

Outlook

 

We are optimistic about the rate of sales growth in 2004 as unfilled confirmed order backlog has increased significantly in both our specialty trailer and motorcoach segments. At December 31, 2002 the new order backlog for trailers of $10.5 million was 18 percent below its level of $12.8 million at December 31, 2001. However, at December 31, 2003 order backlog for trailers is $18.3 million, which is 73 percent greater than at December 31, 2002. The motorcoach backlog has also shown significant improvement growing from $5.6 million at December 31, 2002 to $11.5 million at December 31, 2003. These backlogs have continued to be strong in the early months of 2004, with trailer backlog at $20.8 million and motorcoach at $8.6 million at March 31, 2004. We are optimistic that these trends will continue in 2004 as the economy strengthens and consumer uncertainty diminishes. There is continuing focus by the Company on sales and marketing related activities that have been effective in increasing sales in the past, but there is no assurance they will be successful in increasing order levels to maintain or exceed the 2003 sales volume.

 

The Company believes its name recognition and close affiliation with the motorsports industry will continue to have a positive impact on its sales of specialty trailer, transporters and luxury motorcoaches. With more than 75 percent of its revenue from end users in motorsports and leisure and entertainment categories, which also includes horse trailers, and its strong position in the livestock trailer market, the Company believes it is strategically well-positioned to continue to benefit from these markets. The Company introduced 55 new and enhanced models of trailers in 2003 and added motorcoach models with enhanced features.

 

Liquidity and Capital Resources

 

General

 

The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared on a going concern basis, which contemplates the realization of assets and the satisfaction of liabilities in the normal course of business. Although the Company was not in compliance with certain of the restrictive financial covenants in the financing agreements with U.S. Bank and GE, both lenders waived events of default with respect to these violations at December 31, 2003 and have amended various of the financial covenants to reduce or eliminate their requirements for compliance in 2004. Based on the Company’s business plan for 2004, management believes that the Company will meet all the restrictive covenants of its lenders (including those with U.S. Bank and GE as revised). See Note 8 for a detailed discussion of the amended covenants. Management’s belief in the achievability of the 2004 covenants is supported by the fact that it continues to experience favorable business conditions (including a substantial backlog), continued cost controls and manufacturing efficiencies, and financial covenants that as amended, and agreed to by the Company’s lenders, management believes will be achieved.

 

The Company’s liquidity is primarily affected most directly by its cash flow from operations together with changes in amounts available to borrow on its approved lines of credit with U.S. Bank and with GE. During the year ended December 31, 2003, the Company’s operating activities provided net cash of $7.1 million. With the waiver of covenant violations, at December 31, 2003, the Company had approximately $6.7 million available to borrow under its credit lines compared to $1.8 million at December 31, 2002, an increase of $4.9 million as availability under these lines increased due to changes in eligible receivables and inventories and the addition of a new $3.0 million credit line by Regions Bank as discussed further below.

 

The Company’s liquidity can be measured by two key indicators, its current ratio and its ratio of debt to shareholders equity. The Company’s ratio of current assets to current liabilities was 1.37 to 1 at December 31, 2003, compared with a ratio of 1.09 to 1 at December 31, 2002. This ratio has improved as a result of classifying only the portion of the U.S Bank debt payable in the next 12 months in current liabilities (the 2002 financial statements reflect all such debt in current liabilities as a result of the uncertainty about the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern at that time.) The ratio of total debt to shareholders’ investment decreased to 2.15 to 1 at December 31, 2003 from 2.75 to 1 at December 31, 2002. This ratio improved as stockholders’ investment increased during 2003 as a result of the $1.5 million conversion of subordinated debt into common stock in accordance with its terms.

 

Increased expenditures for working capital items may be required to support production levels in excess of sales from time to time. A significant increase in trailer backlog in the fourth quarter of 2003 and in the early months of the first quarter of 2004 has resulted in the purchase of additional raw materials and a build up of work in process. In November 2003, the Company requested a $2.0 million, 90-day special advance from U.S. Bank to provide cash to fund an anticipated inventory build-up. In March 2004, U.S. Bank agreed to provide the Company with advances in excess of credit availability in an aggregate amount of $1.0 million for a maximum of 60 days during 2004 and to reduce monthly principal payments on existing real estate terms notes as discussed further below.

 

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To maintain a level production schedule, production may begin on coaches before an order has been received from a specific buyer. As of December 31, 2003, approximately 59 percent of the coaches in production and to be completed over the next four months have not been sold to specific customers as compared to 87 percent at December 31, 2002. For the year ended December 31 2003, total units sold exceeded units produced by 3 units. While it is the Company’s expectation that substantially all of these motorcoaches will be sold to specific customers before production is completed, or shortly thereafter, there is no assurance this will occur. Accordingly, this could adversely impact the liquidity of the Company.

 

During the first quarter of 2004, the Company has scheduled payments for debt principal and interest, trade creditor repayment plan and other fixed obligations that will require cash flows of $3.1 million. Additional payments may be required for the commitments and contingencies referred to in Note 8 to the consolidated financial statements included in this annual report on Form 10-K. These payments are expected to be funded by cash generated from operations and from other available borrowings sources.

 

Credit Facilities and Other Financing Activities

 

The following, read in conjunction with Note 8 to the consolidated financial statements included in this annual report on Form 10-K, is a summary of the Company’s agreements with its principal lenders:

 

  1. The Company’s Amended and Restated Loan Agreement with U.S. Bank is in an aggregate amount of $24.2 million, including $14 million in an asset-based revolving credit commitment, $7.2 million in term loans on existing real estate and equipment and the remaining $2.0 million as a term loan for new equipment purchases. As of December 31, 2003, net availability on the revolving credit line was $10.6 million with about $6.5 million outstanding. The $7.2 million term notes are repayable over 36 months with aggregate monthly principal payments of $120,000 plus interest with the remaining unpaid balance due on June 30, 2005. Monthly principal payments of $21,300 plus interest are required on the outstanding principal balance on the equipment term loan ($1.1 million at December 31, 2003) with the unpaid balance due on June 30, 2005. The Company was not in compliance with the fixed charge coverage ratio and minimum annual EBITDA covenants of this agreement at December 31, 2003 and has received waivers of these violations at December 31, 2003.

 

On April 7, 2004, U.S. Bank advised the Company that it has agreed to further amend the agreement to: (i) provide a $1.0 million special 60 day advance during 2004; (ii) reduce the monthly principal payments on the real estate note term note over its remaining term by an amount of $43,000 per month, which will provide the Company additional cash flow of $516,000 on an annual basis; (iii) change the following financial covenants: reduce the quarterly fixed charge coverage ratio from 1.05 to 1.0 and reduce the annual EBITDA requirement from $9.0 million to $6.5 million for 2004, and (iv) to quantify certain subjective notice requirements.

 

  2. The Company’s Amended Wholesale Financing Agreement with GE provides for aggregate financing of $25 million on new and used motorcoaches held as inventory by the Company. As of December 31, 2003, the aggregate availability under this agreement based upon motorcoach inventory levels and composition was $23.3 million with $20.6 million outstanding. The Company was not in compliance with the tangible current ratio and three month positive net income requirements under this agreement at December 31, 2003 and has received waivers of these violations at December 31, 2003. On March 17, 2004 GE advised the Company that it had agreed to amend the agreement to reduce the tangible current ratio requirement from 1.2 to 1.15 and eliminate the three month positive net income requirement for 2004.

 

Financing available under the Company’s agreement with GE was scheduled to, but did not, change on July 31, 2003. GE has continued to provide the Company with capital based upon advance rates scheduled effective prior to July 31, 2003 (calculated as 90% of the cost of eligible new inventory and 70% of the defined value of eligible used inventory). On March 17, 2004, GE modified the terms of the existing agreement as follows: (i) there will be a 1.5% per month reduction in amounts borrowed on a used coach acquired after August 31, 2003 when it has been financed more than 360 days and all financing will be due in full on day 720; (ii) no curtailments will be required on used units that are in the used borrowing base as of August 31, 2003, except that all financing is due in full on any coach held 720 days and (iii) after 360 days new units will be converted to used financing at an advance rate of 70 percent versus 90 percent and no curtailments will be due until day 361 when a 1.5% per month curtailment will begin until day 720 when any financing will be due in full. As of March 17, 2004, the Company has borrowings of $1.3 million which will be due on the effective date of this change if not already paid due to sale of the motorcoach. It is expected this amount will be provided by availability on the Company’s existing lines of credit.

 

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  3. In October, 2003, the Company entered into a Floor Plan Financing Agreement with Regions, for aggregate financing of $3.0 million to fund 100 percent of the cost of new motorcoaches purchased for resale from Foretravel,, the manufacturer. As of December 31, 2003, $1.5 million was outstanding on this agreement. The Company was in compliance with the financial covenants of this agreement.

 

  4. The Company’s motorcoach shell manufacturer provides shells to the Company on a 4-month consignment basis. Payment is required at the time a motorcoach is sold or at the end of the consignment period. At December 31, 2003, the amount due the Company’s shell manufacturer for consigned shells was $6.5 million and there were no shells with an expired consignment term.

 

Certain Other Obligations

 

As described in Note 9 to the consolidated financial statements included in this annual report on Form 10-K, the Company is subject to a number of commitments and contingencies that may affect our liquidity.

 

Statement of Cash Flows

 

Following is a discussion of the principal components of the Company’s cash flow for the year ended December 31, 2003, as reflected in the condensed consolidated statements of cash flow:

 

Operating activities provided net cash of $7.1 million. The Company’s net income of $705,000 included non-cash depreciation and amortization of $2.5 million and other non-cash items in an aggregate net amount of $160,000. Net changes in receivables, inventories and prepaid assets provided cash of $3.9 million, including an income tax refund of $1.0 million received in the first quarter of 2003. The substantial portion of this change resulted from total inventory levels decreasing by about $3.1 million as a $5.9 million decrease in new and used trailer and motorcoach inventories was partially offset by a $2.8 million increase in work in process. Reductions in new and used inventories resulted from the sale of non-current new models and used coaches held more than 365 days. Net changes in accounts payable, customer deposits and other current liabilities provided cash of $114,000. Changes in these liabilities included, among other items: an increase of $863,000 in motorcoach shells payable as work in process increased, a $164,000 decrease in other trade payables; a decrease of $1.9 million in accrued liabilities due mainly to reduced payroll and restructuring accruals; and an increase of $1.3 million in customer deposits.

 

The Company’s investing activities used cash of $855,000, net of $142,000 proceeds from property sales. The Company’s capital expenditures for plant and equipment were $997,000. In 2001, U.S. Bank renewed the availability of a capital expenditure financing under a $2.0 million Capital Expenditure Term Note to finance certain of the Company’s capital expenditures for machinery and equipment in 2002 and 2003. Borrowings against this term note were almost $1.1 million at December 31, 2003, including $928,000 received during the year for capital expenditures made in both 2002 and 2003. During the year ended December 31, 2003 the Company paid $90,000 of its $102,000 capital contribution to Featherlite Chemicals Holdings, LLC, with the remaining balance of $12,500 to be paid in the first quarter of 2004.

 

The Company’s financing activities used net cash of $6.3 million, including $3.3 million for net reductions in line of credit borrowings, a $1.0 million net reduction in other long term debt, which is net of $928,000 received by the Company on its Capital Expenditure Term Note, as discussed in the preceding paragraph, and $2.6 million for Trade Creditor Repayment Plan payments. Checks issued but not presented for payment increased by $668,000. Borrowings on the U.S. Bank line of credit are used to fund these checks as they are presented for payment at the bank.

 

Management believes that continued improvement in the national economy and the Company’s efforts to increase revenues and improve efficiencies and control costs will provide sufficient cash flow (along with available borrowing capacity) to fund continued operations and capital requirements for the next twelve months. As described above, the Company has agreements with its two major lenders to continue funding in 2004 and beyond, assuming ongoing compliance with applicable covenants.

 

For the foreseeable future, the Company does not plan to pay dividends but instead will follow the policy of reinvesting any earnings in order to finance the expansion and development of its business. The Company is a party to certain loan agreements that prohibit the payment of dividends without the lenders’ consent.

 

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Contractual Obligations

 

Contractual obligation

In 000’s


   Total

  

1 year

or less


  

2-3

Years


  

4-5

Years


  

More Than

5 years


Long-term debt (1)

   $ 9,408    $ 1,878    $ 7,519    $ 11    $ —  

Capitalized lease (1)

     4,669      235      530      622    $ 3,282

Operating leases (2)

     4,281      1,138      1,642      885      616

Purchase obligations (3)

     19,200      19,200      —        —        —  

Total

   $ 37,558    $ 22,451    $ 9,691    $ 1,518    $ 3,898

(1) See Note 8 to consolidated financial statements included in this annual report on Form 10-K.
(2) See Note 9 to consolidated financial statements included in this annual report on Form 10-K.
(3) The Company has contracts with certain suppliers to buy a specified quantity of aluminum in 2004 at agreed upon prices.

 

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

 

The Company did not have any material off-balance sheet arrangements at December 31, 2003 or during the year then ended.

 

Critical Accounting Policies

 

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make decisions based upon estimates, assumptions, and factors it considers as relevant to the circumstances. Such decisions include the selection of applicable accounting principles and the use of judgment in their application, the results of which impact reported amounts and disclosures. Changes in economic conditions or other business circumstances may affect the outcomes of management’s estimates and assumptions. Accordingly, actual results could differ from those anticipated.

 

Our critical accounting policies include the following:

 

Inventories: Inventories are stated at the lower of cost, as determined on a first-in, first-out (FIFO) basis, or market and includes materials, labor and overhead costs. Raw materials consist of the cost of materials required to produce trailers and complete motorcoach conversions and to support parts sales and service. Work in process consists of costs related to materials, bus conversion shells, labor and overhead related to the production process. The Company writes down its inventory for obsolescence, and the difference between the cost of inventory and its estimated market value. These write-downs are based on assumptions about future sales demand and market conditions. If actual sales demand or market conditions change from those projected by management, additional inventory write-downs may be required.

 

Revenue Recognition: The Company recognizes revenue from the sale of trailers and motorcoaches when title and risks of ownership are transferred to the customer, which generally is upon shipment or customer pick-up. A customer may be invoiced for and receive title prior to taking physical possession when the customer has made a fixed, written commitment to purchase, the trailer or motorcoach has been completed and is available for pick-up or delivery, and the customer has requested the Company to hold the trailer or motorcoach until the customer determines the most economical means of taking physical possession. Upon such a request, the Company has no further obligation except to segregate the trailer or motorcoach, issue its Manufacturer’s Statement of Origin, invoice the customer under normal billing and credit terms and hold the trailer or motorcoach for a short period of time as is customary in the industry, until pick-up or delivery. Products are built to customer specification and no rights of return or exchange privileges are granted except in unusually circumstances. Accordingly, no provision for sales allowances or returns is normally recorded.

 

Long-lived Assets: Management periodically reviews the carrying value of long-lived assets for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that carrying value may not be recoverable. In performing the review for recoverability, management estimates the non-discounted future cash flows expected to result from the use of the asset and its eventual disposition.

 

Product Warranty: The Company’s products are covered by product warranties ranging from one to six years after the date of sale. At the time of sale, the Company recognizes estimated warranty costs based on prior history and expected future claims and records an accrued liability. The accrued liability is reduced as actual warranty costs are paid and is evaluated periodically to validate previous estimates and known requirements and is adjusted as necessary.

 

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Other: The Company has reserves for other loss exposures, such as litigation, taxes, product liability, worker’s compensation, employee medical claims, and accounts receivable. Establishing loss reserves for these matters requires use of estimates and judgment in regards to risk exposure and ultimate liability. The Company estimates losses under the programs using consistent and appropriate methods; however, as better information becomes available or as actual amounts are determinable, the recorded estimates are revised. Ultimate results could differ from these estimates.

 

New Accounting Pronouncements

 

In November 2002, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued FASB Interpretation No. (FIN) 45, Guarantor’s Accounting and Disclosure Requirements for Guarantees, Including Indirect Guarantees of Indebtedness of Others. FIN 45 clarifies the requirements for a guarantor’s accounting for the disclosure of certain guarantees issued and outstanding and warranty disclosures. The initial recognition and measurement provisions of FIN 45 are applicable to guarantees issued or modified after December 31, 2002. The disclosure requirement of FIN 45 are effective for financial statements of interim or annual periods ending after December 15, 2002. The adoption of FIN 45 did not have an impact on the Company’s consolidated results of operation, financial position or cash flows.

 

In December 2002, The FASB issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 148, Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation- Transition and Disclosure- an amendment to SFAS No. 123. SFAS No. 148 provides alternative methods of transition for a voluntary change to the fair value based method of accounting for stock-based employee compensation. In addition, SFAS No. 148 amends the disclosure requirements of SFAS No. 123 to require prominent disclosures in both annual and interim financial statements about the method of accounting for stock-based compensation and the effect of the method used on reported results. The Company has adopted the transition provisions allowed by SFAS No. 148 beginning in 2003 and expensed options issued during the year.

 

In January 2003, the FASB issued Financial Interpretation No. (FIN) 46, Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities (FIN 46), revised in December 2003. FIN 46 clarifies the application of Accounting Research Bulletin No. 51, Consolidated Financial Statements, to certain entities in which equity investors do not have the characteristics of a controlling financial interest or do not have sufficient equity at risk for the entity to finance its activities without additional subordinated support from other parties. FIN 46 requires existing unconsolidated variable interest entities to be consolidated by their primary beneficiaries if the entities do not effectively disperse risks among parties involved. The effective date of FIN 46 for the Company has been delayed until financial statements issued after March 15, 2004. The Company does not expect the impact of this new interpretation to have any material impact on the Company’s financial position or results of operation.

 

In May 2003, the FASB issued SFAS No. 150, “Accounting for Certain Financial Instruments with Characteristics of Both Liabilities and Equity.” SFAS No. 150 establishes standards for how an issuer classifies and measures certain financial instruments with characteristics of both liabilities and equity. It requires that an issuer classify a financial instrument that is within the scope of SFAS No. 150 as a liability (or an asset in some circumstances). SFAS No. 150 is effective for financial instruments entered into or modified after May 31, 2003, and otherwise is effective at the beginning of the first interim period beginning after June 15, 2003. The Company adopted SFAS No. 150 for any financial instruments entered into or modified after May 31, 2003 and it has had no impact on the Company’s financial position or results of operations.

 

ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE & QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

 

Commodity Risk

 

The Company is exposed to market risks related to changes in the cost of aluminum. Aluminum is a commodity that is traded daily on the commodity markets and fluctuates in price. The average Midwest delivered cash price per pound for ingot aluminum during the three years ended December 31, 2003, as reported to the Company by its suppliers was $0.68 in 2003, $0.65 in 2002, and $0.69 in 2001. The Company’s cost of aluminum varies from these market prices due to vendor processing charges, timing of purchases, and contractual commitments with suppliers for specific prices and other factors. The Company has obtained commitments from suppliers to provide, at an agreed upon fixed price, about 90 percent of its anticipated requirements for 2004, which reduces a portion of the risk of aluminum cost fluctuations for the year. There is a potential risk of loss related to fixed price contracts if there is a substantial drop in the actual cost of aluminum in relation to the contract price, which would affect the competitive price of the Company’s product. If the Company is unable to obtain such commitments

 

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from suppliers or otherwise reduce the price risk related to the balance of the purchases to meet the balance of its requirements in 2004 and in the years beyond 2004, this could have an adverse impact on the Company’s operating results if the cost of aluminum increases significantly above levels in 2003.

 

Interest Rate Risk

 

The Company is exposed to market risks related to changes in U.S. and international interest rates. Substantially all of the Company’s debt bears interest at a variable rate. An interest rate increase by one percentage point would reduce the Company’s future annual net income by approximately $230,000 at current debt levels.

 

ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA

 

Except for the report of the Company’s independent auditors, which is set forth below, the consolidated financial statements and notes appear on pages 31 through 47. Quarterly financial data appears in Item 6.

 

INDEPENDENT AUDITORS’ REPORT

 

Featherlite, Inc.

 

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Featherlite, Inc. (a Minnesota Corporation) and Subsidiaries (the Company) as of December 31, 2003 and 2002 and the related consolidated statement of operations, shareholders’ investment and comprehensive income (loss), and cash flows for the years then ended. Our audits also included the 2003 and 2002 financial statement schedules listed in Item 15. These consolidated financial statements and financial statement schedules are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated financial statements based on our audits. The consolidated financial statements and financial statement schedule for the year ended December 31, 2001, were audited by other auditors who have ceased operations. Those auditors expressed an unqualified opinion on those consolidated financial statements and included an explanatory paragraph regarding certain matters raising substantial doubt as to the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern as discussed in Note 2 to the 2001 consolidated financial statements. Those auditors also expressed an unqualified opinion that such 2001 financial statement schedule taken as a whole presented fairly, in all material respects, the information set forth therein in their reports dated February 19, 2002.

 

We conducted our audits in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted in the United States of America. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the 2003 and 2002 consolidated financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the consolidated financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

 

In our opinion, the 2003 and 2002 consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of December 31, 2003 and 2002, and the results of its operations and cash flows for the years then ended are in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. Also, in our opinion, the financial statement schedules, when considered in relation to the 2003 and 2002 basic consolidated financial statements taken as a whole, present fairly in all material respects the information set forth therein.

 

DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP

 

Minneapolis, Minnesota

April 14, 2004

 

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THIS IS A COPY OF A REPORT PREVIOUSLY ISSUED BY ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP. THIS REPORT HAS NOT BEEN REISSUED BY ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP, NOR HAS ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP PROVIDED A CONSENT TO THE INCLUSION OF ITS REPORT IN THIS ANNUAL REPORT.

 

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS

 

To Featherlite, Inc.

 

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Featherlite, Inc. (a Minnesota corporation) and subsidiary as of December 31, 2001 and the related consolidated statements of operations, shareholders’ investment and cash flows for the year then ended. These consolidated financial statements and the schedule referred to below are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated financial statements based on our audits

 

We conducted our audits in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted in the United States. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

 

In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Featherlite, Inc. and Subsidiary as of December 31, 2001, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for the year then ended in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States.

 

The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared assuming that the Company will continue as a going concern. As discussed in Note 2 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company is unable to ascertain whether it will have sufficient liquidity available under its existing lines of credit to fund operations or whether the Company will meet various covenant requirements contained in its revolving loan and security agreement. These matters raise substantial doubt about the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern. Management’s plans in regard to these matters are also described in Note 2. The accompanying consolidated financial statements do not include adjustments that might result from the outcome of this uncertainty.

 

Our audit was made for the purpose of forming an opinion on the basic consolidated financial statements taken as a whole. The schedule listed in the index to consolidated financial statements is presented for purposes of complying with the Securities and Exchange Commission’s rules and is not part of the basic financial statements. The information in this schedule has been subjected to the auditing procedures applied in our audit of the basic consolidated financial statements and, in our opinion, the information is fairly stated in all material respects in relation to the basic financial statements taken as a whole.

 

ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP

 

Minneapolis, Minnesota

February 19, 2002

 

ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE

 

The information required in Item 9 is incorporated by reference to Item 4 of the Form 8-K report filed August 2, 2002.

 

ITEM 9A. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

 

(a) Evaluation of disclosure controls and procedures. After evaluating the effectiveness of the Company’s “disclosure controls and procedures” pursuant to Rule 13a-15(b) of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934 (the Exchange Act) as of the end of the period covered by this annual report, our chief executive officer and chief financial officer, with the participation of the Company’s management, have concluded that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures are effective to ensure that information that is required to be disclosed by the Company in reports that it files under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission.

 

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Table of Contents

(b) Changes in internal controls. There were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the period covered by this annual report that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect the Company’s control over financial reporting.

 

PART III

 

ITEM 10. DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS

 

Other than “Executive Officers of the Registrant”, which is set forth at the end of Part I of this Form 10-K, the information required by Item 10 relating to directors, codes of ethics and compliance with Section 16(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 is incorporated herein by reference to the sections labeled “Election of Directors”, “Corporate Governance” and “Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance” that appear in the Company’s definitive Proxy Statement for its 2004 Annual Meeting of Shareholders.

 

ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

 

The information required by Item 11 is incorporated herein by reference to the section labeled “Executive Compensation” which appears in the Company’s definitive Proxy Statement for its 2004 Annual Meeting of Shareholders.

 

ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT

 

The information required by Item 12 is incorporated herein by reference to the sections labeled “Principal Shareholders”, “Management Shareholdings” and Equity Compensation Plans” that appear in the Company’s definitive Proxy Statement for its 2004 Annual Meeting of Shareholders.

 

ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS

 

The information required by Item 13 is incorporated herein by reference to the section labeled “Certain Transactions” that appears in the Company’s definitive Proxy Statement for its 2004 Annual Meeting of Shareholders.

 

ITEM 14. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES

 

The information required by Item 14 is incorporated herein by reference to the section labeled “Fees of Independent Public Accountants” that appears in the Company’s definitive Proxy Statement for its 2004 Annual Meeting of Shareholders.

 

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Table of Contents

PART IV

 

ITEM 15. EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K

 

(a) Documents filed as part of this report:

 

(1)

  Consolidated Financial Statements:
    The following consolidated financial statements of the Company and subsidiary are filed as part of this Form 10-K:
         Form 10-K
Page


   

Independent Auditors’ Reports

   26
   

Consolidated Balance Sheets at December 31, 2003 and 2002

   31
   

Consolidated Statements of Operations for the years ended December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001

   32
   

Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ Investment and Comprehensive Income (loss) for the years ended December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2002

   32
   

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001

   33
   

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

   34

(2)

  Financial Statement Schedules:     
   

Schedule II—Valuation and Qualifying Accounts

   51

(3)

  Exhibits. See Exhibit Index on page    48

 

(b) Reports on Form 8-K. A report on Form 8-K dated November 3, 2003 was furnished on November 3, 2003 pursuant to Item 12 and related to the issuance of a press release dated October 30, 2003, announcing the Company’s third quarter financial results.

 

SIGNATURES

 

In accordance with 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.

 

FEATHERLITE, INC.

By:

 

/s/ Conrad D. Clement


   

Conrad D. Clement

   

President and Chief Executive Officer

 

Date: April 14, 2004

 

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POWER OF ATTORNEY

 

Each person whose signature appears below constitutes CONRAD D. CLEMENT and TRACY J. CLEMENT his true and lawful attorneys-in-fact and agents, each acting alone, with full power of substitution and resubstitution, for him and in his name, place and stead, in any and all capacities, to sign any or all amendments to this Annual Report on Form 10-K and to file the same, with all exhibits thereto, and other documents in connection therewith, with the Securities and Exchange Commission, granting unto said attorneys-in-fact and agents, each acting alone, full power and authority to do and perform each and every act and thing requisite and necessary to be done in and about the premises, as fully to all intents and purposes as he might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all said attorneys-in-fact and agents, each acting alone, or his substitute or substitutes, may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue thereof.

 

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 in the capacities and on the dates indicated.

 

Signature


  

Title


 

Date


/s/ Conrad D. Clement


Conrad D. Clement

  

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

  April 14 , 2004

/s/ Jeffery A. Mason


Jeffery A. Mason

  

Chief Financial Officer and Director (Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)

  April 14 , 2004

/s/ Tracy J. Clement


Tracy J. Clement

  

Executive Vice President and Director

  April 14 , 2004

/s/ Charles A. Elliott


Charles A. Elliott

  

Director

  April 14, 2004

/s/ Thomas J. Winkel


Thomas J. Winkel

  

Director

  April 14, 2004

/s/ Kenneth D. Larson


Kenneth D. Larson

  

Director

  April 14, 2004

/s/ Terry E. Branstad


Terry E. Branstad

  

Director

  April 14, 2004

 

30


Table of Contents

Featherlite, Inc.

Consolidated Balance Sheets

December 31, 2003 and 2002

( In thousands)

     2003

    2002

 

ASSETS

                

CURRENT ASSETS:

                

Cash

   $ 173     $ 218  

Receivables, net

     6,033       5,948  

Refundable income taxes

     783       1,129  

Inventories

     55,638       58,693  

Leased promotional trailers

     1,850       2,307  

Prepaid expenses

     1,501       1,897  
    


 


Total current assets

     65,978       70,192  
    


 


PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT :

                

Land and improvements

     4,501       4,488  

Buildings and improvements

     12,159       11,559  

Machinery and equipment

     15,181       14,475  
    


 


       31,841       30,522  

Less- accumulated depreciation

     (15,610 )     (13,672 )
    


 


Net property and equipment

     16,231       16,850  
    


 


OTHER ASSETS

     4,391       5,229  
    


 


     $ 86,600     $ 92,271  
    


 


LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ INVESTMENT

                

CURRENT LIABILITIES:

                

Current maturities of long-term debt

   $ 2,113     $ 7,886  

Bank line of credit

     —         6,799  

Checks issued but not yet presented

     2,076       1,408  

Wholesale financing and other notes payable

     23,034       25,963  

Subordinated convertible promissory note payable

     —         1,500  

Motorcoach shell costs payable

     6,519       5,655  

Trade accounts payable

     3,088       3,423  

Trade creditors repayment plan

     2,064       2,515  

Accrued liabilities

     6,323       8,375  

Customer deposits

     2,613       1,317  
    


 


Total current liabilities

     47,830       64,841  
    


 


BANK LINE OF CREDIT

     6,454       —    

LONG-TERM DEBT, net of current maturities

     11,964       7,230  

TRADE CREDITORS REPAYMENT PLAN, net of current maturities

     —         2,170  

DEFERRED GRANT INCOME

     60       75  

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (Note 9)

                

SHAREHOLDERS’ INVESTMENT

                

Common stock - 7,196 and 6,535 shares outstanding

     18,214       16,595  

Additional paid-in capital

     4,170       4,157  

Retained deficit

     (2,092 )     (2,797 )

Accumulated other comprehensive loss

     —         —    
    


 


Total shareholders’ investment

     20,292       17,955  
    


 


     $ 86,600     $ 92,271  
    


 


 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated balance sheets.

 

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Table of Contents

Featherlite, Inc.

Consolidated Statements of Operations

For the years ended December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001

(In thousands, except per share data)

     2003

    2002

    2001

 

Net sales

   $ 179,974     $ 193,166     $ 212,786  

Cost of sales

     157,113       167,288       194,754  
    


 


 


Gross profit

     22,861       25,878       18,032  

Selling and administrative expenses

     20,615       20,447       21,910  

Restructuring charge (credit) (Note 6)

     (222 )     400       1,572  
    


 


 


Income (loss) from operations

     2,468       5,031       (5,450 )
    


 


 


Other income (expense):

                        

Interest expense

     (2,466 )     (3,032 )     (4,300 )

Other income(expense), net

     492       438       (337 )
    


 


 


Total other expense

     (1,974 )     (2,594 )     (4,637 )
    


 


 


Income (loss) before taxes

     494       2,437       (10,087 )

Income tax benefit

     106       258       1,240  

Minority interest in subsidiary

     105       —         —    
    


 


 


Net income (loss)

   $ 705     $ 2,695     $ (8,847 )
    


 


 


Net income (loss) per share -basic

   $ 0.11     $ 0.41     $ (1.35 )
    


 


 


      -diluted

   $ 0.10     $ 0.38     $ (1.35 )
    


 


 


 

Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ Investment and Comprehensive Income (Loss)

For the years ended December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001

(In thousands)

 

    —Common Stock—

   Additional
Paid-in Capital


   Retained
Earnings
(Deficit)


    Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Income (Loss)


    Total
Shareholders’
Investment


 
    Outstanding
Shares


   Amount

         

Balance, December 31, 2000

  6,535      16,595      4,062      3,355       —         24,012  

Comprehensive loss:

                                          

Net loss for the period

                       (8,847 )             (8,847 )

Cumulative effect adjustment of interest rate swap agreement, net of tax

                               11       11  

Unrealized loss on interest rate swap agreement, net of tax

                               (35 )     (35 )
                                      


Total comprehensive loss

                                       (8,871 )
   
  

  

  


 


 


Balance, December 31, 2001

  6,535      16,595      4,062      (5,492 )     (24 )     15,141  

Fair value of warrants issued

                95                      95  

Comprehensive income:

                                          

Net income for the period

                       2,695               2,695  

Realized loss on interest rate swap agreement, net of tax

                               24       24  
                                      


Total comprehensive income

                                       2,719  
   
  

  

  


 


 


Balance, December 31, 2002

  6,535    $ 16,595    $ 4,157    $ (2,797 )   $ —       $ 17,955  

Common stock issued upon conversion of subordinated promissory note and interest

  661      1,619                             1,619  

Fair value of warrants issued

                13                      13  

Comprehensive income:

                                          

Net income for the period

                       705               705  

Total comprehensive income

                                       705  
   
  

  

  


 


 


Balance, December 31, 2003

  7,196    $ 18,214    $ 4,170    $ (2,092 )   $ —       $ 20,292  
   
  

  

  


 


 


 

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

 

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Featherlite, Inc.

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

For the years ended December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001 (In thousands)

 

     2003

    2002

    2001

 

CASH FLOWS FROM (USED FOR) OPERATING ACTIVITIES:

                        

Net income (loss)

   $ 705     $ 2,695     $ (8,847 )

Adjustments to reconcile net income(loss) to net cash from (used for) operating activities-

                        

Depreciation and amortization

     2,536       2,135       2,280  

Fair value of stock option issued

     13       —         —    

Non-cash restructuring charge (credit)

     (222 )     400       3,400  

Amortization of prepaid advertising, net

     117       163       167  

Amortization of warrant

     —         95       —    

Grant income

     (15 )     (15 )     (15 )

Minority interest

     (7 )     —         —    

Provision for (benefit from) deferred income taxes

     —         —         1,889  

Loss (gain) on sales of property

     (45 )     (109 )     536  

Changes in current operating items

                        

Receivables

     (85 )     (1,098 )     1,305  

Refundable income taxes

     346       1,625       (2,755 )

Inventories

     3,071       4,383       18,414  

Leased promotional trailers

     535       (175 )     817  

Prepaid expenses

     13       (289 )     174  

Trade accounts payable

     (164 )     (2,650 )     (4,219 )

Motorcoach shell costs payable

     863       (1,875 )     (8,302 )

Accrued liabilities

     (1,881 )     (414 )     169  

Customer deposits

     1,296       (887 )     (874 )
    


 


 


Net cash from operations

     7,076       3,984       4,139  
    


 


 


CASH FLOWS FROM (USED FOR) INVESTING ACTIVITIES:

                        

Purchases of property and equipment

     (997 )     (1,629 )     (562 )

Proceeds from sale of equipment and facilities

     142       299       312  

Payment for non-compete agreement

     —         (25 )     —    
    


 


 


Net cash used for investing activities

     (855 )     (1,355 )     (250 )
    


 


 


CASH FLOWS FROM (USED FOR) FINANCING ACTIVITIES

                        

Borrowings on trade creditors repayment plan

     —         —         7,493  

Repayments on trade creditors repayment plan

     (2,620 )     (2,808 )     —    

Proceeds from wholesale financing and other notes payable

     6,872       9,221       20,700  

Repayments of wholesale financing and other notes payable

     (9,802 )     (10,971 )     (23,202 )

Proceeds from bank line of credit

     193,191       219,568       238,733  

Repayments of bank line of credit

     (193,536 )     (219,995 )     (244,387 )

Change in checks issued not yet presented

     668       (1,653 )     (1,879 )

Proceeds from other long-term debt

     983       12,732       916  

Repayments of other long-term debt

     (2,022 )     (10,029 )     (2,347 )

Payment of loan acquisition costs

     —         (223 )     —    

Proceeds from subordinated convertible note

     —         1,500       —    
    


 


 


Net cash used for financing activities

     (6,266 )     (2,658 )     (3,973 )
    


 


 


Net cash decrease for period

     (45 )     (29 )     (84 )

Cash, beginning of period

     218       247       331  
    


 


 


Cash, end of period

   $ 173     $ 218     $ 247  
    


 


 


Supplemental disclosures: Interest payments

   $ 2,553     $ 4,343     $ 5,009  

                Trailers exchanged for advertising

     —         551       100  

                Income tax payments

     477       1,557       1,144  

                Issuance of earnout shares

     —         —         150  

 

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

 

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Table of Contents

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

Note 1. Nature of Business and Basis of Presentation

 

Featherlite, Inc. is engaged in the manufacture and distribution of various types of specialty trailers and luxury motorcoaches as well as related parts, accessories and services. Specialty trailers are manufactured at facilities in Iowa, while luxury motorcoaches are currently manufactured in Florida. Its Oklahoma motorcoach manufacturing location was closed in 2001; the Company reopened this facility as a motorcoach resale center in October, 2003 (see Note 5). Trailers are primarily sold to authorized dealers throughout the United States and Canada. Terms and conditions for business are defined by standard agreements with each authorized dealer. Luxury motorcoaches are sold directly to end-user customers. Featherlite Aviation Company, a wholly owned subsidiary, is involved in the purchase and resale of used business class aircraft, but has not had any purchases or sales of aircraft in 2003, 2002 or 2001. Featherlite Chemicals Holdings, LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary, owns a 51 percent interest in Featherlite Chemicals, LLC (FCC) that was formed and began operations in 2003 to market and sell car care products as discussed in Note 4.

 

The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared on a going concern basis, which contemplates the realization of assets and the satisfaction of liabilities in the normal course of business. Although the Company was not in compliance with certain of the restrictive financial covenants in the financing agreements with U.S. Bank and GE, both lenders waived events of default with respect to these violations at December 31, 2003 and have amended various of the financial covenants to reduce or eliminate their requirements for compliance in 2004. Based on the Company’s business plan for 2004, management believes that the Company will meet all the restrictive covenants of its lenders (including those with U.S. Bank and GE as revised). See Note 8 for a detailed discussion of the amended covenants. Management’s belief in the achievability of the 2004 covenants is supported by the fact that it continues to experience favorable business conditions (including a substantial backlog), continued cost controls and manufacturing efficiencies, and financial covenants that as amended, and agreed to by the Company’s lenders, management believes will be achieved.

 

Note 2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

 

Principles of Consolidation: The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Featherlite, Inc., Featherlite Aviation Company, a wholly owned subsidiary, FCC, a 51 percent owned subsidiary, as discussed in Note 4, which are referred to herein as the Company. All material intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

 

Fair Values of Financial Instruments: The carrying values of cash, accounts receivable and payable, short-term debt and accrued liabilities approximate fair value due to the short-term maturities of these assets and liabilities. The carrying value of long-term debt, including current maturities, approximates its fair value because the related interest rates either fluctuate with the lending bank’s current prime rate or approximate current rates of debt of a similar nature or maturity.

 

Financial Statement Estimates: The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the period. The more significant estimates are used for such items as: valuation of used trailer and motorcoach inventory, depreciable lives of property and equipment, allowance for doubtful accounts, and reserves for excess inventory, warranty and self-insurance and Pryor Oklahoma facility lease costs. As better information becomes available or as actual amounts are determinable, the recorded estimates are revised. Ultimate results could differ from these estimates.

 

Concentrations: The Company purchases all of its conversion motorcoach shells from one supplier. The purchases represented approximately 9%, 9%, and 11% of consolidated cost of sales for the years ended December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001, respectively. Although there are a limited number of manufacturers of motorcoach shells, management believes that other suppliers could provide similar shells on comparable terms. A change in suppliers, however, could cause a delay in manufacturing and a possible loss of sales, which would affect operating results adversely.

 

Receivables: Receivables are stated net of an allowance for doubtful accounts of $312,000 and $365,000 at December 31, 2003 and 2002, respectively.

 

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Table of Contents

Inventories: Inventories are stated at the lower of cost, as determined on a first-in, first-out (FIFO) basis, or market and includes materials, labor and overhead costs. Raw materials consist of the cost of materials required to produce trailers and complete motorcoach conversions and to support parts sales and service. Work in process consists of costs related to materials, bus conversion shells, labor and overhead related to the production process. Inventories were as follows at December 31, 2003 and 2002 (in thousands):

 

     2003

   2002

Raw materials

   $ 6,176    $ 6,330

Work in progress

     13,116      10,125

Finished trailers and motorcoaches

     18,199      20,094

Used trailers and motorcoaches

     18,147      22,144
    

  

Total

   $ 55,638    $ 58,693

 

In 2003 and 2002, the Company evaluated the carrying value of its motorcoach inventories and recorded total charges of $1.4 million and $632,000, respectively, to cost of sales to reduce the carrying cost of this inventory to its estimated net realizable value. Finished and used inventories are presented net of $946,000 and $1.7 million of specific valuation allowances to reflect such inventories at lower of cost or market at December 31, 2003 and 2002, respectively.

 

Prepaids: Prepaids primarily include the unamortized portion of annual property, casualty and third party liability insurance premiums. These premiums are amortized to expense over the insurance year.

 

Leased promotional trailers: The Company leases trailers to third parties for promotional purposes at a nominal lease cost when the Company believes it will derive an economic benefit from these arrangements. Normally, the leases on these trailers are for a one year period, with longer periods in some instances. Trailers with leases maturing in more than one year are classified as long-term in “other assets” in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets whereas trailers with leases maturing within the next year are classified as current. The carrying cost of these trailers is reduced over the lease period by the estimated diminution in gross margin that will occur during the lease period. These trailers were previously included in finished trailer inventory.

 

Property and Equipment: Property and equipment are stated at cost, while repair and maintenance items are charged to expense as incurred. Depreciation is provided for financial reporting purposes using straight-line and accelerated methods over estimated useful lives of 31 to 39 years for buildings and improvements, 15 years for land improvements and 5 to 7 years for machinery and equipment. Management periodically reviews the carrying value to long-lived assets for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that carrying value may not be recoverable. In performing the review for recoverability, management estimates the non-discounted future cash flows expected to result from the use of the asset and its eventual disposition.

 

Product Warranty: The Company’s products are covered by product warranties ranging from one to six years after the date of sale. At the time of sale, the Company recognizes estimated warranty costs, based on prior history and expected future claims, by a charge to cost of sales and records an accrued liability. The accrued liability is reduced as actual warranty costs are paid and is evaluated periodically to validate previous estimates and known requirements and adjusted as necessary.

 

Revenue Recognition: The Company recognizes revenue from the sale of trailers and motorcoaches when title and risks of ownership are transferred to the customer, which generally is upon shipment or customer pick-up. A customer may be invoiced for and receive title prior to taking physical possession when the customer has made a fixed, written commitment to purchase, the trailer or motorcoach has been completed and is available for pick-up or delivery, and the customer has requested the Company to hold the trailer or motorcoach until the customer determines the most economical means of taking physical possession. Upon such a request, the Company has no further obligation except to segregate the trailer or motorcoach, issue its Manufacturer’s Statement of Origin (MSO), invoice the customer under normal billing and credit terms and hold the trailer or motorcoach and related MSO for a short period of time, as is customary in the industry, until pick-up or delivery and receipt of payment. Products are built to customer specification and no right of return or exchange privileges are granted. Accordingly, no provision for sales allowances or returns is normally required except in unusual circumstances. At December 31, 2003 a reserve of $67,000 was provided for certain agreed upon trailer repurchases.

 

Revenue from sales of parts is recognized when the part has been shipped. Revenue from the delivery and servicing of trailers and motorcoaches is recognized when the service is completed. Revenues related to shipping and deliveries are included as a component of net sales and the related shipping costs are included as a component of cost of sales.

 

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Table of Contents

Stock-based compensation: The Company has a stock option plan for directors, officers and key employees. In 2003, it adopted SFAS No. 123, “Accounting for Stock Based Compensation” under the transition provisions allowed by SFAS No. 148, “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation-Transition and Disclosure.” Prior to 2003, it accounted for these option plans in accordance with Accounting Principles Board (APB) Opinion No. 25 under which no compensation cost has been recognized. For more information on the Company’s stock-based compensation, see Note 12 to these consolidated financial statements.

 

The following table illustrates the effect on earnings (loss) and earnings (loss) per common share for the years ended December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001, as if the Company had applied SFAS No. 123 in those years:

 

     2003

    2002

    2001

 

Net income (loss) (000’s)

                        

As reported

   $ 705     $ 2,695     $ (8,847 )

Stock-based compensation expense included in reported earnings, net of related tax effects

     13       —         —    

Stock-based compensation expense, determined under fair value method of all awards, net of related tax effects

     (64 )     (615 )     (347 )
    


 


 


Pro forma earnings (loss) on common stock

   $ 654     $ 2,080     $ (9,194 )

Basic net income (loss) per share

                        

As reported

   $ 0.11     $ 0.41     $ (1.35 )

Pro forma

     0.10       0.32       (1.41 )

Diluted net income (loss) per share

                        

As reported

   $ 0.10     $ 0.38     $ (1.35 )

Pro forma

     0.09       0.29       (1.41 )

 

The fair value of each option shown below has been estimated at the grant date using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model with the following assumptions for grants in 2003, 2002, and 2001:

 

     2003

    2002

    2001

 

Weighted average fair value of options granted during the year

   $ 1.13     $ 1.43     $ 1.68  

Dividend Rate

     0 %     0 %     0 %

Price Volatility- 5 year options

     71.3 %     71.0 %     55.7 %

Price Volatility- 10 year options

             71.5 %     56.8 %

Risk-free interest rate-5-year options

     2.7 %     4.4 %     4.9 %

Risk-free interest rate- 10-year options

             4.0 %     4.1 %

Expected life- 5 year options

     5 yrs.       5 yrs.       5 yrs.  

Expected life- 10 year options

             10 yrs.       10 yrs.  

 

Research and Development Expenses: No research and development expenses were incurred in 2003 and 2002 and approximately $19,000 in 2001 and are included in selling and administrative expenses.

 

Income Taxes: Deferred taxes are provided on a liability method whereby deferred tax assets are recognized for deductible temporary differences and deferred tax liabilities are recognized for taxable temporary differences. Temporary differences are the differences between the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and their tax bases. Deferred tax assets are reduced by a valuation allowance when, in the opinion of management, it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are adjusted for the effects of changes in tax laws and rates on the date of enactment. See Note 7 to these consolidated financial statements.

 

Comprehensive Income or Loss: Comprehensive income or loss consists of the Company’s net (loss) and unrealized losses from an interest rate swap agreement and is presented in the consolidated statements of shareholders’ investment and comprehensive loss.

 

Reclassifications: Certain prior year information has been reclassified to conform to the current year presentation. This reclassification had no affect on net income (loss) or stockholders’ equity as previously reported

 

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Table of Contents

New Accounting Pronouncements:

 

In November 2002, the FASB issued FASB Interpretation No. 45, “Guarantor’s Accounting and Disclosure Requirements for Guarantees, Including Indirect Guarantees of Indebtedness of Others” (Interpretation No. 45). Interpretation No. 45 clarifies the disclosures to be made by a guarantor in its interim and annual financial statements about its obligations under certain guarantees that it has issued. Interpretation No. 45 also requires a guarantor to recognize, at the inception of a guarantee, a liability for the fair value of the obligation undertaken in issuing certain types of guarantees. Certain types of guarantees are not subject to the initial recognition and measurement provisions of Interpretation No. 45 but are subject to its disclosure requirements. The initial recognition and initial measurement provisions of Interpretation No. 45 are applicable on a prospective basis to guarantees issued or modified after December 31, 2002, regardless of the guarantor’s fiscal year-end. The guarantor’s previous accounting for guarantees issued prior to the date of the initial application of Interpretation No. 45 shall not be revised or restated. The disclosure requirements in Interpretation No. 45 are effective for financial statements of interim or annual periods ended after December 15, 2002. The Company will apply the initial recognition and initial measurement provisions of Interpretation No. 45 to guarantees issued or modified after December 31, 2002. For more information on the Company’s guarantees and the disclosure requirements of Interpretation No. 45, as applicable to the Company, see Notes 2 and 8 to these consolidated financial statements.

 

In December 2002, the FASB approved Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 148, “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation-Transition and Disclosure- an amendment of FASB Statement No. 123” (SFAS 148). SFAS No. 148 amends SFAS No. 123 to provide alternative methods of transition for a voluntary change to the fair value based method of accounting for stock-based employee compensation. In addition, SFAS No. 148 amends the disclosure requirements of SFAS No. 123 to require prominent disclosures in both annual and interim financial statements about the method of accounting for stock-based employee compensation and the effect of the method used on reported results. SFAS No. 148 is effective for financial statements for fiscal years ending after December 15, 2002. The Company adopted the transitional disclosure provisions of SFAS No. 148 for the year ended December 31, 2003.

 

In May 2003, the FASB issued SFAS No. 150, “Accounting for Certain Financial Instruments with Characteristics of Both Liabilities and Equity.” SFAS No. 150 establishes standards for how an issuer classifies and measures certain financial instruments with characteristics of both liabilities and equity. It requires that an issuer classify a financial instrument that is within the scope of SFAS No. 150 as a liability (or an asset in some circumstances). SFAS No. 150 is effective for financial instruments entered into or modified after May 31, 2003, and otherwise is effective at the beginning of the first interim period beginning after June 15, 2003. The Company will apply SFAS No. 150 to any financial instruments entered into or modified after May 31, 2003. The transition to SFAS No. 150 did not have a material effect on the Company’s financial position or results of operations.

 

In January 2003, the FASB issued FASB Interpretation No. 46, Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities (FIN 46), revised December 2003. FIN 46 clarifies the application of Accounting Research Bulletin No. 51, Consolidated Financial Statements, to certain entities in which equity investors do not have the characteristics of a controlling financial interest or do not have sufficient equity at risk for the entity to finance its activities without additional subordinated support from other parties. FIN 46 requires existing unconsolidated variable interest entities to be consolidated by their primary beneficiaries if the entities do not effectively disperse risks among parties involved. All companies with variable interests in variable interest entities created after January 31, 2003, shall apply the provisions of this Interpretation to those entities immediately. The Company will prospectively apply the provisions of this new pronouncement after its effective which has been delayed until after March 15, 2004. The Company does not expect the impact of this new interpretation to have a material impact on the Company’s financial position or results of operations because it does not have any such entities.

 

Note 3. Other Assets

 

Other assets consist of the following at December 31, 2003 and 2002 (in thousands):

 

     2003

   2002

Aircraft held for resale

   $ 2,760    $ 3,240

Deposits

     649      602

Leased promotional trailers

     578      307

Advertising and promotion

     238      385

Idle facility

     —        435

Other

     166      260
    

  

Total

   $ 4,391    $ 5,229

 

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Table of Contents

Aircraft Held for Resale: The Company is a licensed aircraft dealer and markets used business-class aircraft. At December 31, 2003 and 2002, the Company owned one aircraft. Aircraft purchased for resale are stated at the lower of cost or estimated net realizable value. The Company periodically evaluates the aircraft’s net realizable value and, if necessary, reduces the carrying value. During 2003 and 2002, the Company wrote down the aircraft by $480,000 and $160,000, respectively, with charges to selling and administrative expenses to reflect declines in its estimated market value. Gain or loss on the sale of aircraft or losses are included in other income (expense) during the period in which the aircraft is sold rather than sales and cost of sales because these transactions are incidental to the Company’s principal business segments and occur on an irregular basis.

 

Deposits: The Company has deposits on motorcoach shells in the amount of $320,000 at December 31, 2003 and 2002. The motorcoach shell manufacturer will hold these deposits as long as the Company holds motorcoaches on a consignment basis as discussed in Note 8. The Company also has other deposits with its workers compensation administrators and others in the amount of $329,000 and $282,000 and December 31, 2003 and 2002, respectively.

 

Leased promotional trailers: Leases of promotional trailers beyond one year are classified as long-term as discussed in Note 2.

 

Advertising and promotion: The Company exchanged trailers and coaches primarily for promotional and advertising services of an equivalent value. These contracts were capitalized at the cost basis of the inventory exchanged and are being amortized over the period the services will be rendered. Amortization of these agreements to advertising expense was $117,000 in 2003, $163,000 in 2002 and $167,000 in 2001.

 

Idle facility: The Company owns a manufacturing plant with a net cost of $435,000 at December 31, 2002 that was previously used by the Company for manufacturing trailers. This property has been held for resale for more than one year and has not been sold. During the third quarter of 2003, the Company changed the classification of this facility and reclassified $382,000 from an “asset held for sale” included in Other Assets back to Property and Equipment as an “asset in use” in accordance with the guidance of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 144 “Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets.” Depreciation of $53,000 was charged to operations related to the time period the asset was classified as “held for sale.”

 

Note 4. Investment in Featherlite Chemicals LLC (FCC)

 

During the year ended December 31, 2003, the Company paid a $89,500 capital contribution to FCC. The Company expects to contribute additional capital of $12,500 in 2004. The accounts of FCC are consolidated with the accounts of Featherlite. The principal business activity of FCC is to market and sell car care products manufactured by Benbow Chemical Packaging, Inc. (the 49 percent minority owner) under the Featherlite Car Care brand name and a NASCAR license agreement. At December 31, 2003, the losses of FCC exceeded the capital contributions of the owners. The minority interest’s share of that excess loss was $7,000 at December 31, 2003 and is recorded in other assets in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet. The Company and Benbow are committed to continue to make additional capital contributions to fund the operations of FCC in 2004, as necessary.

 

Note 5. Restructuring Charge

 

In June, 2001, the Company adopted a plan to shut-down and sublease its Pryor, Oklahoma, manufacturing facility and suspend development and manufacturing of the Vogue 6000 motorcoach line because of unacceptable delays experienced in obtaining materials essential to the manufacture of this motorcoach. The Company closed this facility in August 2001 and 80 employees were either terminated or reassigned elsewhere in the Company. An accrual in the amount of $4.5 million was made in the financial statements in 2001, including $2.9 million charged to cost of sales, to provide for exit and other costs related to this restructuring following the guidance of EITF 94-3, “Liability Recognition for Certain Employee Termination Benefits and Other Costs to Exit an Activity (including Certain Costs Incurred in a Restructuring)”. As a result of the Company’s inability to sublease this facility in 2002, the Company began exploring alternative options to use this facility again including the alternative to use the facility as a consignment sales facility for used coaches owned by others. In 2003 and 2002, prior to the decision to open the facility as a sales facility, an additional $100,000 and $400,000, respectively, in additional restructuring charges were recorded. In October, 2003 the Company opened this facility as a sales center for recreational vehicles and motorcoaches. The remaining unused balance in the accrual, which was not material to the consolidated financial statements, was reversed against restructuring charges resulting in a net credit of $222,000. Following is a summary of this accrual, amounts used and the balance unused at December 31, 2003:

 

     2003

   2002

     Accrued

   Used

    Unused

   Accrued

   Used

    Unused

Impairment of inventory

   $ —      $ —       $ —      $ —      $ —       $ —  

Impairment of property and equipment

     —        —         —        —        —         —  

Payroll and severance pay

     —        —         —        —        —         —  

Lease and other costs

     100      (500 )     —        400      (400 )     400

Total

   $ 100    $ (500 )   $ —      $ 400    $ (400 )   $ 400

 

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Table of Contents

Note 6. Trade Creditor Repayment Plan

 

In November 2001 the Company implemented a Trade Creditor Repayment Plan (the Plan) with certain of its trade creditors. During 2003 and 2002 the Company made payments in accordance with the Plan of $2.6 million and $2.8 million, respectively, with $2.1 million payable in 2004.

 

Note 7. Income Tax Matters

 

The components of the provision (benefit) for income taxes for the years ended December 31 2003, 2002 and 2001 are as follows (in thousands):

 

     2003

    2002

    2001

 

Current

                        

Federal

   $ (258 )   $ (258 )   $ (3,109 )

State

     94       —         —    
    


 


 


     $ (106 )     (258 )     (3,109 )
    


 


 


Deferred

                        

Federal

     —         —         1,720  

State

     —         —         149  
    


 


 


       —         —         1,869  
    


 


 


Total

   $ (106 )   $ (258 )   $ (1,240 )
    


 


 


 

A reconciliation of the provision (benefit) for income taxes at the federal statutory rate to the provision (benefit) for income taxes in the consolidated financial statements for the years ended December 31, 2003, 2002, and 2001 is as follows (in thousands):

 

     2003

    2002

    2001

 

Provision (benefit) at federal statutory rate (34%)

   $ 204     $ 828     $ (3,429 )

State income taxes, net of Federal income tax effect

     94       —         —    

Valuation allowance increase (decrease)

     (545 )     (495 )     1,869  

Benefit from carryback claim to prior years

     —         (690 )     —    

Other

     141       99       320  
    


 


 


Total

   $ (106 )   $ (258 )   $ (1,240 )
    


 


 


 

The Job Creation and Workers Assistance Act of 2002 enabled the Company to amend its 2001 Federal income tax return and claim additional deductions relating to its self-insured employee medical plan. These deductions increased the 2001 income tax loss, which carried back to prior years resulting in refunds of taxes paid in those years. In addition, law changes enabled the Company to claim refunds for Alternative Minimum tax payments made in prior years. These refunds, which totaled $690,000, were recorded as a reduction of the provision for income taxes in the third quarter of 2002.

 

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Table of Contents

Deferred tax assets and liabilities consist of the following components as of December 31, 2003 and 2002 (in thousands) :

 

     2003

    2002

 

Non-current deferred tax liabilities:

                

Depreciation

   $ (856 )   $ (480 )
    


 


Current deferred tax assets:

                

Accrued expenses

     973       936  

Accrued warranty expenses

     452       544  

Inventory allowances

     159       283  

Receivable allowances

     101       91  
    


 


Total current

     1,685       1,854  
    


 


Net deferred tax asset

     829       1,374  
    


 


Valuation allowance

   $ (829 )   $ (1,374 )
    


 


 

A deferred tax asset valuation allowance equal to the net deferred tax asset has been recorded in 2003 and 2002 because the Company is uncertain that future taxable income will be sufficient to realize the asset within a reasonable period of time.

 

At December 31, 2003, the Company had refundable income taxes of $783,000, including $548,000 of deposits made during the year on estimated taxable income and a $235,000 carryback claim from the current year’s Federal net operating loss. The Company has no Federal net operating loss carryforwards but has carryforwards available to offset certain state income taxes. Benefit will be recorded on the utilization of these state carryforwards in the years in which they are realized.

 

Note 8. Financing Arrangements

 

Wholesale Financing and Other Notes Payable: Wholesale financing and other notes payable includes unpaid balances of $22.1 million and $24.8 million at December 31, 2003 and 2002, respectively, on the motorcoach wholesale financing agreements with GE Commercial Distribution Finance Company (GE) and Regions Bank (Regions) and $938,000 and $1.1 million at December 31, 2003 and 2002, respectively, with an insurance premium finance company. The motorcoach wholesale financing agreement with GE, which was amended in 2002, provides for a $25 million line of credit to finance completed new and used motorcoaches held in inventory. Amounts borrowed are limited to 90% of the cost of eligible new inventory and 70% of the defined value of eligible used inventory. After July 31, 2002, the Agreement provided for reducing advance rates on new coaches more than 365 days old based on date of completion from 90% to 70% and providing no financing on used coaches more than 365 days old based on date of acquisition or older than 10 model years. GE elected to not require the Company to comply with these reduced advance rates while discussions to modify the agreement were in process. On March 17, 2004, GE notified the Company that the terms of the existing agreement will be modified as follows: (i) there will be a 1.5% per month reduction in amounts borrowed on a used coach acquired after August 31, 2003 when it has been financed more than 360 days and all financing will be due in full on day 720; (ii) no curtailments will be required on used units that are in the used borrowing base as of August 31, 2003 except that all financing is due in full on any coach held 720 days, and (iii) after 360 days new units will be converted to used financing at an advance rate of 70 percent versus 90 percent and no curtailments will be due until day 361 thereafter when a 1.5% per month curtailment will begin until day 720 when any financing will be due in full. As of March 17, 2004, the Company had borrowings of $1.3 million which will then be due on the effective date of this change if not already paid due to sale of the motorcoach to be excluded. It is expected this amount will be provided by availability on the Company’s existing lines of credit. Borrowings bear interest of 4.25% and 4.5% at December 31, 2003 and 2002, respectively, which is prime plus 0.25% when prime is less than 6.25%, otherwise prime, and are secured by the financed motorcoaches and other assets of the Company. The agreement requires certain covenants, which are summarized in the table on the following page. The Company was not in compliance with the three month positive net income covenant in October and November, 2003 and did not achieve the minimum tangible current ratio for the quarter ended December 31, 2003. On March 17, 2004, GE waived violations of these covenants as of December 31, 2003 and amended the agreement to reduce the current ratio requirement from 1.20:1 to 1.15:1, and eliminated the three month positive net income covenant for 2004. This agreement is subject to cancellation by GE at any time. The Company must pay a fee of up to 1% of the aggregate outstanding borrowings under the Agreement if it cancels the Agreement before June 30, 2004.

 

In 2003, the Company entered into a Floor Plan Financing Agreement with Regions Bank, Birmingham, Alabama, to provide up to $3.0 million of wholesale financing for 100 percent of the cost of new motorcoaches purchased by the Company from Foretravel, Inc. for resale. Borrowings of $1.5 million on this line at December 31, 2003, bear

 

40


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interest on a monthly basis at prime plus 0.5 percent (4.5 percent at December 31, 2003. The agreement requires, among other covenants, a minimum current ratio of 1.2:1 and a leverage ratio of 5:1 or less. The Company was in compliance with these covenants at December 31, 2003.

 

Line of Credit: On July 31, 2002, the Company entered into an Amended and Restated Loan Agreement (Agreement) with U.S. Bank in an aggregate amount of $24.2 million, including $14 million in an asset-based revolving credit commitment, $7.2 million in term loans on existing real estate and equipment and a $2.0 million as a term loan for new equipment purchases. The Agreement also provided a special advance of $1.0 million for any 60 day period requested by the Company until July 31, 2003. This Agreement is for a three-year period ending July 31, 2005 with annual interest accruing on outstanding balances at 4.50% and 4.75%, which is prime plus 0.50 percent at December 31, 2003 and December 31, 2002, respectively. The proceeds from the $7.2 million term notes were used to repay $4.4 million of existing term notes with the balance of $2.8 million reducing borrowings on the revolving credit note. The $7.2 million term notes are repayable over 36 months with aggregate monthly principal payments of $120,000 plus interest with the remaining unpaid balance due on June 30, 2005. Repayment of advances on the new equipment term note, which total $928,000 at December 31, 2003, are based on a 60 month amortization, with the unpaid balance due on June 30, 2005. Advances under the revolving credit commitment range from 70 to 85 percent on eligible accounts receivable and from 30 to 70 percent on eligible inventory. As of December 31, 2003, net availability on the revolving credit line was $10.6 million with about $6.5 million outstanding. The Agreement requires the Company to notify the Bank of material adverse changes in its operations and financial condition, among other matters, and to comply with the financial covenants summarized in the table that follows. As described in the following table, the Company was not in compliance with the amended minimum fixed charge and annual EBITDA covenant requirements as required for the quarter and year ended December 31, 2003. On April 7 , 2004, the bank waived these violations at December 31, 2003, and amended the Agreement to: (i) provide the Company with a $1.0 million special advance for any 60 days in 2004; (ii) reduced the principal payment of the real estate term note by about $43,000 per month during the remaining term of the note, which is a $516,000 reduction on an annual basis; (iii) amended the following financial covenants: reduced the quarterly fixed charge coverage ratio from 1.05 to 1.0 and reduce the annual EBITDA requirement from $9.0 million to $6.5 million in 2004 and (iv) amended the agreement to quantify certain subjective notice requirements.

 

Although the Company was not in compliance with certain of the restrictive financial covenants in the financing agreements with U.S. Bank and GE, both lenders waived events of default with respect to these violations at December 31, 2003 and have amended various of the financial covenants to reduce or eliminate their requirements for compliance in 2004. Based on the Company’s business plan for 2004, management believes that the Company will meet all the restrictive covenants of its lenders (including those with U.S. Bank and GE as revised). As discussed previously, management’s belief in the achievability of the 2004 covenants is supported by the fact that it continues to experience favorable business conditions (including a substantial backlog), continued cost controls and manufacturing efficiencies and amended financial covenants, as agreed to by the Company’s lenders, that are more likely to be achieved. The more restrictive of the Company’s 2004 covenants include the annual EBITDA requirement of $6.5 million, which was not achieved during 2003. However, there are certain unusual items recorded in 2003 that have been identified by the Company that, if considered, would indicate that the 2004 EBITDA covenant would have been achieved when compared to 2003 actual results net of such items. The Company’s business plan for 2004 would also indicate that the Company would be in compliance with this covenant in 2004 if such plan were achieved.

 

Financial Covenant


   Lender

   2003 Covenant

   2003 Actual

   2004 Covenant

Minimum Tangible Net Worth

   GE    $15,000,000    $16,996,000    $15,000,000

Maximum Leverage

   GE    5 : 1    3.9 : 1    5 : 1

Minimum Current Ratio

   GE    1.2 : 1    1.37 : 1    1.15 : 1

Trailing Three Month Net Income

   GE    Positive total
measured monthly
   Failed various
months
   Eliminated

Minimum Consolidated Fixed Charge Ratio

   U.S. Bank    1.05 : 1    1.04 : 1    1 : 1

Minimum Tangible Net Worth

   U.S. Bank    4.25 : 1    3.34 : 1    4.25 : 1

Minimum Annual EBITDA

   U.S. Bank    $  9,000,000    $  5,667,000    $  6,500,000

 

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Motorcoach Shell Cost payables: The shell manufacturer provides the Company with a certain number of motorcoach shells on a consignment basis for a defined period of time (generally 4 months). Payment is required for each shell at the time it is sold or at the end of the consignment period, whichever occurs sooner. The consignor has the right to demand payment for the shell or to have the consigned unit returned at the end of the consignment term of each shell.

 

Checks Issued Not Yet Presented: In connection with the U.S Bank line of credit, the Company has a controlled disbursement bank account. Deposits are applied to reduce the outstanding balance on the line of credit and advances from the line of credit are used to pay the checks issued when they are presented to the bank for payment. As of December 31, 2003 and 2002, there was $2.1 million and $1.4 million, respectively, of checks that had been issued but not yet presented for payment.

 

Subordinated Promissory Note: On January 31, 2002, the Company received $1.5 million from a private investor in the form of a subordinated convertible promissory note and a warrant for 150,000 shares on the Company’s common stock. The maturity of the note and the holder’s option to convert the note into common stock was extended from December 31, 2002 to April 15, 2003 and then until October 15, 2003. The accrual of interest on the note at a rate of 6.5% per year ceased on April 15, 2003. As discussed further in Note 13 on October 8, 2003, the holder of the note exercised the option to convert the entire amount of the note and accrued interest of $118,000 into common stock.

 

Other Long-Term Debt: Other long-term debt consisted of the following at December 31, 2003 and 2002 (in thousands):

 

     2003

    2002

 

Bank term notes payable; interest at prime plus 0.5% (4.5% at December 31, 2003) payable in monthly installments of $141 plus interest; balance due June 30, 2005; contains same collateral and covenant provisions as Revolving Loan and Security Agreement. Refinanced on July 31, 2002

   $ 6,393     $ 7,064  

Capitalized lease of Florida real estate; payable in monthly installments of $50 thru July 31, 2007 with 5% annual increase thereafter until initial term ends on July 31, 2009

     4,669       4,886  

Bank notes payable; interest at 6.5%; interest only until August 2002, then $27 payable monthly including interest; balance due July 2005; collateralized by aircraft

     2,882       3,007  

Notes and capitalized leases to banks and others, interest at average of 2.4%, payable in varying monthly installments through 2007; collateralized by real estate and vehicles

     133       159  

Total

     14,077       15,116  

Less current maturities

     (2,113 )     (7,886 )
    


 


     $ 11,964     $ 7,230  
    


 


 

Capitalized lease: In July, 2002, GBNM Partnership purchased the Company’s sales and service center in Sanford, Florida for $5.0 million. The Company then entered into an agreement with GBNM Partnership to lease the Sanford facility beginning August 1, 2002 for an initial term of 7 years plus a 3 year renewal option, at a rental rate of $50,000 per month for the first 5 years. Since the Company has an option to repurchase this facility for $5.4 million on August 1, 2005, this has been recorded as a sale/leaseback financing transaction and no gain or loss was recognized.

 

Interest Rate Swap Agreement: The Company was a party to an interest rate swap with First Union Bank. This agreement terminated on June 30, 2002, when the related debt was paid. It was accounted for as a hedge, with any realized gains or losses recognized currently as an adjustment to interest expense. During 2001, the fair market value of this swap decreased by $159,000 to a cumulative loss of $142,000 at December 31, 2001, including $109,000 which was recorded as “other expense” in 2001 and $24,000, net of tax, which was recorded as shown in the Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ Investment and Comprehensive Loss as a comprehensive loss and adjustment to notes payable and deferred tax assets. The unrealized portion of this swap was recognized on June 30, 2002, when the First Union note is paid in full and swap is terminated with a payment of $149,000.

 

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Annual maturities of total long-term debt during the five years subsequent to December 31, 2003 and thereafter are as follows (in thousands):

 

Year


   Amount

2004

   $ 2,113

2005

     7,709

2006

     307

2007

     309

2008

     323

Thereafter

     3,283

 

Note 9. Commitments and Contingencies

 

Inventory Repurchase Arrangements: Pursuant to dealer inventory floor plan financing arrangements, the Company may be required, in the event of default by a financed dealer, to purchase certain repossessed products from the financial institutions or to reimburse the institutions for unpaid balances including finance charges, plus costs and expenses. The Company was contingently liable under these arrangements for a maximum amount of $11.7 million at December 31, 2003. During 2003, the Company repurchased $38,000 from a financial institution due to the default of a dealer. In the opinion of management, no reserve is required for this contingency because the aggregate amount of such repurchases on annual basis has been less than 1 percent of annual sales and the repossessed inventory has been sold to other dealers without a loss. The Company has no motorcoach dealers and, accordingly, has no repurchase obligation with respect to motorcoaches.

 

Self Insurance: The Company is partially self-insured for a portion of certain health benefit and workers’ compensation insurance claims. The Company’s maximum annual exposure under these programs varies as follows: For health claims there is an annual stop loss limit of $125,000 per claim but no aggregate loss limit. For workers compensation claims there is a $250,000 occurrence limit and an aggregate limit of $2.2 million. At December 31, 2003, $2.0 million was accrued for estimated incurred but not reported and unpaid claims. The Company has obtained irrevocable standby letters of credit in the amount of $2.8 million in favor of the workers’ compensation claims administrators to guarantee settlement of claims. Additional letters of credit of $242,500 are required to be provided in each of February, May and August, 2004, but are expected to be partially offset by reductions in existing letters of credit.

 

Operating leases: The Company leases certain office and production facilities under various operating leases that expire at varying dates through 2011. Rental expense under these operating leases for the years ended December 31, 2003, 2002, and 2001, was approximately $1.3 million, $1.3 million, and $1.2 million, respectively. The approximate annual minimum future lease payments under these operating leases for the five years subsequent to December 31, 2003 are as follows (in thousands):

 

Year


   Amount

2004

   $ 1,138

2005

     881

2006

     761

2007

     606

2008

     279

Thereafter

     616

 

Litigation: The Company, in the course of its business, has been named as a defendant in various legal actions. These actions are primarily product liability or workers’ compensation claims in which the Company is covered by insurance subject to applicable deductibles. Except as described below, although the ultimate outcome of such claims cannot be ascertained at this time, it is the opinion of management, after consultation with counsel handling such matters, that the resolution of such matters will not have a material adverse effect on the financial position of the Company. During 2003, a jury reached a verdict in favor of a plaintiff requiring the Company to repurchase a motorcoach. The Company has accrued a liability and charged cost of sales for $354,000 in the accompanying consolidated financial statements representing the estimated loss on the resale of a motorcoach to be reacquired and related legal costs. The Company is appealing this verdict.

 

Aluminum purchase commitments: The Company has obtained fixed price commitments from certain suppliers in an aggregate amount of $19.2 million for about 90 percent of its expected aluminum requirements in 2004 to reduce the risk

 

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related to fluctuations in the cost of aluminum, the principal commodity used in the Company’s trailer segment. In certain instances there may be a carrying charge added to the fixed price if the Company requests a deferral of a portion of its purchase commitment to the following year.

 

Warranty: The Company is not a guarantor of any obligations that would require it to recognize a liability for the fair value of the underlying obligation at its inception. However, it does have product warranty liabilities that are provided for as described in Note 2 to these consolidated financial statements. Following is a summary of the changes in these liabilities during the years ended December 31, 2003 and 2002 (In thousands):

 

     2003

    2002

 

Provision for units sold during period

   $ 1,261     $ 1,516  

Adjustments of prior period provision

     88       236  

Claims paid during the period

     (1,555 )     (2,156 )

Net decrease in liability

     (206 )     (404 )

Balance, beginning of year

     1,431       1,835  

Balance, end of year

   $ 1,225     $ 1,431  

 

Other: The Company has an agreement with an Iowa community college that provides approximately $250,000 for job training purposes from the State of Iowa. This amount is to be repaid, together with interest, over a ten-year period ending in 2008, from state withholding taxes on employees wages earned at the Company’s Iowa facilities. The Company may be required to provide funds for the repayment of these training credits if sufficient withholding and unused training funds are not available.

 

Note 10. Employee Retirement Savings Plan

 

The Company sponsors a 401(k) employee retirement savings plan, which covers substantially all employees after one year of employment. The Company may annually elect to match a portion of the each employee’s contributions and has elected to match a portion of the first four percent of such contributions in the years ended December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001. No matching contributions were made for the years ended December 31, 2003 or 2001. The Company’s contribution to the plan was $180,000 for the year ended December 31 2002.

 

Note 11. Related-Party Transactions

 

The Company recorded sales of approximately $6.7 million, $3.3 million, and $2.8 million in 2003, 2002, and 2001, respectively, to certain Featherlite dealers and Featherlite Credit Corporation, which are entities owned by majority shareholders and executives of the Company. These sales were made at the same prices offered other Featherlite dealers. The Company has no repurchase commitments to these entities. However, the Company purchased trailers and motorcoaches that were previously leased to third parties from Featherlite Credit Corporation and resold them to unrelated customers. These purchases aggregated $908,000,$400,000 and $0 in 2003, 2002 and 2001, respectively, and were resold for $947,000 and $425,000 The Company had receivables from these related parties of $134,000 at December 31, 2003 and $100,000 at December 31, 2002.

 

The Company has leased equipment from certain shareholders/executives during current and prior periods. Payments related to these leases totaled $84,000 in 2003, $86,000 in 2002 and $82,000 in 2001. During 2003, 2002, and 2001, the Company also leased various aircraft from certain shareholders. Payments for leased aircraft totaled $11,000 in 2003, $26,000 in 2002, and $49,000 in 2001.

 

Featherlite Credit Corporation reimbursed the Company $89,000, $87,000, and $86,000 for salaries and other costs paid by the Company in 2003, 2002, and 2001, respectively.

 

In 2001, the Company agreed to pay $303,000 to Clement Properties, an entity owned by the majority shareholders of the Company for costs incurred related to the acquisition and development of land for a sales and service center in North Carolina. The Company decided not to lease this property and agreed to pay this amount to be released from this obligation. This amount is being paid in equal monthly installments over a three year period without interest ending in February 2005, with $108,000 and $90,000 paid in 2003 and 2002, respectively.

 

In 2003, the Company entered into a Master Sales Agreement with Universal Luxury Coaches, LLC (ULC) under which ULC will purchase from Featherlite up to 20 Featherlite Vantare and Featherlite Vogue motorcoaches over a one year period at market prices. ULC is a related party controlled by executive officers and majority shareholders of the Company. ULC received approval by Florida’s Department of Business & Professional Regulators to sell

 

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timeshares of luxury coaches and will purchase motorcoaches exclusively from Featherlite as the timeshare units are sold. Featherlite has agreements with ULC to lease it office space and to provide service work on the ULC motorcoaches. During 2003, ULC purchased six motorcoaches and various services from the Company in an aggregate amount of $3.6 million. The Company had receivables of $21,500 from ULC at December 31, 2003.

 

In 2003, the Company purchased a motorcoach from Clement Enterprises, LLC, a company owned by Conrad Clement, at its estimated fair market value of $600,000. This motorcoach was then resold to ULC by the Company for $630,000. In 2004, the Company leased this motorcoach back from ULC under the terms of a ten month operating lease for a total rental payment of $120,000. This motorcoach is being used by a third party for sales promotion purposes.

 

Note 12. Shareholders’ Investment

 

Capitalization: The Company’s authorized capital is 40 million shares of no par common stock and 10 million shares of undesignated stock. No shares of undesignated stock are outstanding and no rights or preferences have been established for these shares by the Board of Directors.

 

Subordinated Convertible Promissory Note: On January 31, 2002, the Company received $1.5 million from a private investor in the form of a subordinated convertible promissory note and a warrant for 150,000 shares on the Company’s common stock. The maturity of the note and the holder’s option to convert the note into common stock was extended from December 31, 2002 to April 15, 2003 and then until October 15, 2003. The accrual of interest on the note at a rate of 6.5% per year ceased on April 15, 2003. On October 8, 2003, the holder of the note exercised the option to convert the note and accrued interest of $118,000 into common stock. The entire amount was converted to 661,314 shares of common stock at the daily average closing market price during the period from April 30, 2003 until October 31, 2002 of $2.448 per share according to the terms of the agreement. In 2002, the warrant was assigned a fair value of $95,000 using the Black-Sholes option pricing model. The face amount of the convertible note was reduced and paid-in capital increased by the fair value assigned to the warrant. This amount was amortized to interest expense in 2002 over the original term of the note that matured on December 31, 2002. The warrant may be exercised at any time before January 31, 2007 at a price of $2.00 per common share.

 

Stock Option Plan: At December 31, 1998, the Company reserved 1,100,000 shares of common stock for issuance as options under the Company’s 1994 Stock Option Plan (the Plan). These options may be granted to employees and directors at the discretion of the Board of Directors, which may grant either incentive stock options or non-statutory stock options.

 

All incentive options must be granted at no less than 100 percent of the fair market value of the stock on the date of grant (110 percent for employees owning more than 10 percent of the outstanding stock on the date of grant). The options are non-transferable and expire at varying dates, but do not exceed ten years from date of grant. Options granted during 2003 with a fair value of $13,500 as determined by the Black-Scholes option pricing model were charged against selling and administrative expenses in 2003.

 

A summary of the status of the Plan at December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001 and changes during the years ended on those dates is as follows:

 

     Shares

   

Weighted
Average

Exercise Price


2001

            

Outstanding, beginning of year

   475,606     $ 6.00

Granted

   389,300       2.54

Forfeited or cancelled

   (29,506 )     5.83

Outstanding, end of year

   835,400       4.95

Exercisable at end of year

   508,200        

2002

            

Outstanding, beginning of year

   835,400     $ 4.95

Granted

   380,500       1.95

Forfeited or cancelled

   (378,000 )     5.44

Outstanding, end of year

   837,900       2.60

Exercisable at end of year

   637,300        

2003

            

Outstanding, beginning of year

   837,900     $ 2.60

Granted

   12,000       1.88

Forfeited or cancelled

   (41,000 )     6.58

Outstanding, end of year

   808,900       2.39

Exercisable at end of year

   709,800        

 

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In February 2002, the Board of Directors authorized the officers of the Company to offer the holders of 396,500 outstanding stock options the opportunity to voluntarily cancel all or certain of these options and replace them with an equal number of new stock options to be issued with an exercise price equal to the fair market value of one share of common stock as determined six months and one day from the effective date of cancellation of such outstanding options, which enabled the Company to avoid recognizing any compensation expense for these cancelled and reissued options. Stock options totaling 344,500 shares were cancelled as of May 25, 2002 and reissued on November 25, 2002 at the closing market price ($1.81) on that date.

 

At December 31, 2003, options outstanding have exercise prices ranging from $1.11 to $6.13 and a weighted average remaining contractual life of 6.0 years. Following is a summary of exercise price ranges of the options outstanding at December 31, 2003:

 

Exercise Price Range


   Options Outstanding

$1.00 to $1.99

   375,500

$2.00 to $2.99

   356,400

$3.00 to $4.99

   51,000

$5.00 to $6.99

   26,000
    

Total

   808,900
    

 

Net Income (Loss) Per Share: Following is a reconciliation of the weighted average shares outstanding used to determine basic and diluted net income (loss) per share for the years ended December 31, 2003, 2002, and 2001 (in thousands, except per share data):

 

     2003

   2002

   2001

 

Net income (loss) available to common shareholders

   $ 705    $ 2,695    $ (8,847 )

Weighted average number of shares outstanding – basic

     6,689      6,535      6,535  

Dilutive effect of:

                      

Stock Options

     83      27      —    

Convertible promissory note and interest

     507      596      —    

Warrants

     20      18      —    

Weighted average number of shares outstanding - diluted

     7,300      7,158      6,535  

Net income (loss) per share – basic

   $ 0.11    $ 0.41    $ (1.35 )

Net income (loss) per share –diluted

   $ 0.10    $ 0 38    $ (1.35 )

 

Stock options for 74,000 shares, 471,400 shares, and 835,400 shares at December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001, respectively, were excluded from the dilutive effect of stock options because the exercise price of the options was greater than the market value of the stock at those dates.

 

Note 13. Segment Reporting

 

The Company follows Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 131 “Disclosure About Segments of an Enterprise and Related Information,” which requires that companies disclose segment data based on how management makes decisions about allocating resources to segments and measuring their performance. The Company has two principal business segments that manufacture and sell trailers and luxury motorcoaches to many different markets, including recreational, entertainment and agriculture. Corporate and other primarily includes the aircraft operations, corporate officers, administration and FCC in 2003. The Company’s sales are not materially dependent on a single customer or small group of customers.

 

Management evaluates the performance of each segment based on income before taxes. The accounting policies applied to determine segment information are the same as those described in the summary of significant accounting policies. The Company allocates corporate selling and administrative expenses to each segment. No allocation is made of interest expense.

 

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The following table shows the Company’s business segments and related financial information for the years ended December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001 (in thousands):

 

     Trailers

   Motorcoaches

    Corporate and
other*


    Total

 

2003

                               

Revenues from unaffiliated customers

   $ 102,265    $ 77,696     $ 13     $ 179,974  

Interest expense

     757      1,408       301       2,466  

Depreciation and amortization

     1,108      706       722       2,535  

Income (loss) before taxes *

     4,458      (1,079 )     (2,780 )     599  

Identifiable assets

     29,997      51,220       5,376       86,593  

Capital expenditures

     652      259       85       996  

2002

                               

Revenues from unaffiliated customers

   $ 105,797    $ 87,369     $ —       $ 193,166  

Interest expense

     505      1,571       956       3,032  

Depreciation and amortization

     1,003      633       499       2,135  

Income (loss) before taxes

     5,444      (382 )     (2,625 )     2,437  

Identifiable assets

     29,023      57,311       5,937       92,271  

Capital expenditures

     1,171      359       96       1,626  

2001

                               

Revenues from unaffiliated customers

   $ 106,194    $ 106,592     $ —       $ 212,786  

Interest expense

     583      2,526       1,191       4,300  

Depreciation and amortization

     1,065      731       484       2,280  

Income (loss) before taxes

     2,534      (9,329 )     (3,292 )     (10,087 )

Identifiable assets

     31,546      58,983       6,642       97,171  

Capital expenditures

     277      145       122       544  

* includes minority interest in subsidiary of $105,000

 

Revenue attributed to geographic locations is based on the location of the customer. Geographic information is as follows (in thousands):

 

     2003

   2002

   2001

Revenues from unaffiliated customers

                    

United States

   $ 176,164    $ 188,138    $ 208,234

Canada and other regions

     3,810      5,128      4,552

Consolidated

   $ 179,974    $ 193,166    $ 212,786

 

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EXHIBIT INDEX

TO

FORM 10-K FOR FISCAL YEAR ENDED

DECEMBER 31, 2003

 


 

FEATHERLITE, INC.

 

EXHIBIT

NUMBER


 

DESCRIPTION


    3.1   The Company’s Articles of Incorporation, as amended — incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to Company’s 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 1998
    3.2   The Company’s Bylaws, as amended — incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2 to Company’s S-1 Registration Statement, Reg. No. 33-82564
    4.1   Specimen Form of the Company’s Common Stock Certificate — incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to Company’s S-1 Registration Statement, Reg. No. 33-82564
    10.1   **1994 Stock Option Plan, including Form of Incentive Stock Option Agreement — incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to Company’s S-1 Registration Statement, Reg. No. 82564
    10.2   **Amendment to 1994 Stock Option Plan dated May 14, 1996 — incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.23 to Company’s 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1996
    10.3   Industrial New Jobs Training Agreement between the Company and Northeast Iowa Community College — incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.10 to Company’s S-1 Registration Statement, Reg. No. 33-82564
    10.4   Inventory Repurchase Agreement, dated September 12, 1990, between the Company and Nations Credit Commercial Corporation (formerly Chrysler First Commercial Corporation Limited) — incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.12 to Company’s S-1 Registration Statement, Reg. No. 33-82564
    10.5   Floorplan Agreement, dated March 27, 1992, between the Company and ITT Commercial Finance Corp. — incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.13 to Company’s S-1 Registration Statement, Reg. No. 33-82564
    10.6   Inventory Repurchase Agreement, dated February 27, 1995, between the Company and TransAmerica Commercial Finance Corporation — incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.23 to Company’s Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1995
    10.7   Agreement for wholesale financing dated October 3, 1996 between the Company and Deutsche Financial Services — incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.22 to Company’s 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1996
    10.10   Loan Modification and Forbearance Agreement dated October 1, 2001 between Featherlite, Inc. and First Union National Bank – incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.28 to Company’s 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2001
    10.11   Standstill Agreement dated January 31, 2002 between Company and U.S. Bank National Association-incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.29 to the Company’s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2001
    10.12   Agreement to Make Secured Loan dated January 31, 2002 between Company and Bulk Resources, Inc. - incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.30 to the Company’s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2001
    10.13   Consignment Agreement dated January 31, 2002 between the Company and Prevost Car, Inc. - incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.31 to the Company’s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2001
    10.14   Letter agreement with Bulk Resources dated March 15, 2002-incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.37 to the Company’s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2001

 

48


Table of Contents
    10.15   First Modification and Amendment to Loan Modification and Forbearance Agreement as of April 1, 2002 between the Company and Wachovia Bank, N.A-incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.38 to the Company’s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2001.
    10.16   First Amendment to Standstill Agreement as of April 30, 2002, between the Company and U.S.Bank- incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.21 to the Company’s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2002
    10.17   Amended and Restated Loan Agreement Between U.S. Bank National Association and Featherlite, Inc. dated July 31, 2002—incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.22 to the Company’s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2002
    10.18   Amendment No. 5 to Amended and Restated Agreement for Wholesale Financing Between Deutsche Financial Services Corporation and Featherlite, Inc. dated July 31, 2002— incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.23 to the Company’s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2002
    10.19   Commercial Lease Between GBNM Partnership and Featherlite, Inc.—incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.24 to the Company’s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2002
    10.20   Letter agreement dated August 19, 2002 between Company and Tifton Aluminum Company, Inc.- incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.25 to the Company’s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2002 ***
    10.21   Letter agreement dated September 26, 2002 between Company and Tifton Aluminum Company, Inc. - incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.26 to the Company’s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2002 ***
    10.22   Letter agreement dated November 16, 2002 between Company and Tifton Aluminum Company, Inc. - incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.27 to the Company’s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31,2002***
    10.23   Fixed-Price Purchase and Sale Agreement dated August 16, 2002 between the Company and Indalex, Inc. - incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.28 to the Company’s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31,2002***
    10.24   Fixed-Price Purchase and Sale Agreement dated August 6, 2002 between the Company and Indalex, Inc. - incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.29 to the Company’s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31,2002 ***
    10.25   Fixed-Price Purchase and Sale Agreement dated September 13, 2002 between the Company and Indalex, Inc. - incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.30 to the Company’s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31,2002 ***
    10.26   Letter agreement dated December 3, 2002 between the Company and Aluminum Line Products Co. - incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.31 to the Company’s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31,2002 ***
    10.27   Letter agreement dated July 29, 2002 between the Company and Aluminum Line Products Co. - incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.32 to the Company’s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31,2002 ***
    10.28   Letter agreement dated August 5, 2002 between the Company and Tifton Aluminum Company, Inc. - incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.33 to the Company’s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31,2002 ***
    10.29   Letter agreement dated November 13, 2002 between the Company and Tifton Aluminum Company, Inc. - incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.34 to the Company’s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31,2002 ***
    10.30   Supply agreement dated March 3 2003 between the Company and Integris Metals, Inc. - incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.35 to the Company’s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31,2002 ***
    10.31   Fixed-Price Purchase and Sale Agreement dated November 13, 2002 between the Company and Indalex, Inc. - incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.36 to the Company’s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31,2002 ***

 

49


Table of Contents
    10.32   Letter agreement dated December 22, 2003 between the Company and ALCOA***
    10.33   Letter agreement dated November 17, 2003 between the Company and ALCOA***
    10.34   Letter agreement dated December 10, 2003 between the Company and Integris Metals Incorporated***
    10.35   Fixed price purchase and sale agreement dated November 14, 2003 between the Company and Indalex, Inc.***
    10.36   Supply agreement dated October 10, 2003 between the Company and Integris Metals Incorporated***
    10.37   Floor plan financing agreement dated October 28, 2003 between the Company and Regions Bank
    10.38   Second amendment to Amended and Restated Loan Agreement Between U.S. Bank National Association and the Company dated September 26 ,2003
    10.39   Settlement Agreement dated March 14, 2003 between the Company and Clement Properties, LLC.- incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.36 to the Company Form 10-K report for the year ended December 31, 2001.
    21   Subsidiaries of the Company:

 

Name


  

State of

Incorporation


Featherlite Aviation Company

   Minnesota

Featherlite Chemicals Holdings, LLC

   Delaware

 

    23(a)   Consent of Deloitte & Touche LLP
    23(b)   Inability to Obtain Consent of Prior Year Auditor
    24   Powers of Attorney of directors — included under the “Signatures” section of this Form 10-K
    31.1   Certification of Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
    31.2   Certification of Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
    32.1   Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
    32.2   Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes Oxley Act of 2002
    99.3   Letter to Securities and Exchange Commission, Pursuant to Temporary Note 3T, dated March 25, 2002-incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.1 to the Company’s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2001.

** Management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement required to be filed as an exhibit to this Form 10-K.
*** Portions of these documents have been omitted pursuant to a request for confidential treatment

 

50


Table of Contents

FEATHERLITE, INC.

 

SCHEDULE II - SCHEDULE OF VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS

(In Thouands)

 

          Additions

    

Description


   Balance at
Beginning
of Period


   Charged to
Costs and
Expenses


   Charged to
Other
Accounts


   (1)
Deductions


   Balance
at End
of Period


Year ended December 31, 2001

                                

Allowance for doubtful accounts

   $ 180    $ 133         $ 128    $ 185

Year ended December 31, 2002

                                

Allowance for doubtful accounts

     185      208           28      365

Year ended December 31, 2003

                                

Allowance for doubtful accounts

     365      49           102      312
                                  

(1) Write off of doubtful accounts
EX-10.32 3 dex1032.htm LETTER AGREEMENT DATED DECEMBER 22, 2003 BETWEEN THE COMPANY AND ALCOA Letter agreement dated December 22, 2003 between the Company and ALCOA

Confidential portions of this document indicated by ***** have been omitted and filed

separately with the Commission

 

Exhibit 10.32

 

December 22, 2003

 

Mr. Gary Ihrke

V.P. Operations

Featherlite Trailers

P O Box 320

Cresco IA 52136

 

Dear Gary,

 

This letter will serve as confirmation of our agreement completed today. Alcoa has purchased, with your authorization, ***** pounds of aluminum for your extrusion needs from March through July 2004. The extrusions will be purchased and delivered from our Tifton plant at a base price of $***** per pound on solid shapes, and $***** per pound on hollow shapes. As per our previous agreements, any side panels will require a ***** adder. Any other adders will apply consistent with our current agreements. All prices include delivery to Cresco, Iowa. The prices and tonnage stated above are firm, as metal has been secured to cover this contract. Alcoa also agreed to drop the energy surcharge from our AECP plants for 2004 contracts.

 

Gary, we have provided a place for your signature to confirm our mutual commitment. We look forward to maintaining our role as your primary source for quality extrusions.

 

Your truly,

 

/s/ Herb Grubbs

     

/s/ Gary Ihrke


     

Regional Sales Manager

     

VP Operations

CC:  Margaret Loper

         Benny Register

         Craig Lepa / Featherlite

     

Featherlite, Inc

 

EX-10.33 4 dex1033.htm LETTER AGREEMENT DATED NOVEMBER 17, 2003 BETWEEN THE COMPANY AND ALCOA Letter agreement dated November 17, 2003 between the Company and ALCOA

Confidential portions of this document indicated by ***** have been omitted and filed

separately with the Commission

 

Exhibit 10.33

 

November 17, 2003

 

Mr. Gary Ihrke

VP Operations

Featherlite Trailers

P O box 320

Cresco Iowa 52136

 

Dear Gary,

 

This letter will serve as confirmation of our agreement completed today. Alcoa has purchased, with your authorization, ***** pounds of aluminum for your extrusion needs during 2004. The extrusions will be purchase and delivered from our Yankton plant at a base price of $***** per pound on solid shapes, and $***** per pound on hollow shapes. As per our previous agreements, any side panels will require a $***** Adder. Any other adders will apply consistent with our current agreements. All prices include delivery to stated above are firm, as metal has been secured to cover this contract.

 

Gary, we have provided a place for your signature to confirm our mutual commitment. We look forward to maintaining our role as your primary source for quality extrusions.

 

Yours truly,

       

 

/s/ Herb Grubbs

        

     

Regional Sales Manager

     

signed by Cathy Saltou for Gary Ihrke

VP Operations

Featherlite Trailers

 

EX-10.34 5 dex1034.htm LETTER AGREEMENT DATED DECEMBER 10, 2003 BETWEEN THE COMPANY AND INTEGRIS METALS Letter agreement dated December 10, 2003 between the Company and Integris Metals

Confidential portions of this document indicated by ***** have been omitted and filed

separately with the Commission

 

Exhibit 10.34

 

Integris Metals

10707 North Pomona Avenue

Kansas City MO 64153-1907

Phone: 816-800-1000 Fax 816-200-1037

 

December 10, 2003

 

Ms. Shar Hruska

 

Featherlite Mfg. Inc

Hwy 63 & 9

Cresco IA 52136

 

Dear Shar

 

This letter is to inform Featherlite Mfg. that Integris Metals has locked up ***** pounds of aluminum ingot at a value of $***** per pound for the year 2004. The tonnage will be spread over 12 months in 2004 and both Featherlite and Integris will be required to take ***** pounds per month per the agreement with Commonwealth Aluminum. Tonnage can be ordered either in mill finish or pained each month.

 

Please keep this letter for your records. If you have any questions, please give me a call.

 

Sincerely.

/s/ Steve Merryman


Territory Manager

800-821-2568

steve.merryman@integrismetals.com

 


Confidential portions of this document indicated by ***** have been omitted and filed

separately with the Commission

 

Exhibit 10.34

 

Email to Shar Hruska with Featherlite Inc. on November 17, 2003

 

Shar

 

Integris Metals locked ***** pounds to take January thru December 2004 at $***** per pound. We will be responsible to take ***** per month.

 

Thanks for your help this morning to get this done with Gary and I traveling.

 

Steve Merryman

Territory Manager

Integris Metals

816-200-1000

steve.merryman@integrismetals.com

 

Email to Steve Merryman and Frank Guarino with Integris Metals from Shar Hruska on November 17, 2003

 

Go ahead and lock the ***** at $***** please confirm.

 

Thanks

Shar

 

EX-10.35 6 dex1035.htm FIXED PRICE PURCHASE AND SALE AGREEMENT DATED NOVEMBER 14, 2003 Fixed price purchase and sale agreement dated November 14, 2003

Confidential portions of this document indicated by ***** have been omitted and filed

separately with the Commission

 

Exhibit 10.35

 

INDALEX

FIXED PRICE PURCHASE AND SALE AGREEMENT

 

This Agreement (“Agreement”) dated this 14th day of November, 2003, is between Indalex, Inc. (“Seller”) and (“Buyer”) Featherlite Manufacturing.

 

Seller desires to sell certain goods to Buyer and Buyer desires to purchase certain goods from Seller.

 

NOW THEREFORE, in consideration of these premises and the following mutual agreements, the parties agree as follows:

 

  1. Seller will sell to Buyer, and Buyer will purchase from Seller, the aluminum extrusions identified on Schedule A attached hereto (“Product”), subject to the terms contained in this Agreement and the attached Schedule A. The quantity, delivery dates, terms, and prices for product are also set forth on Schedule A.

 

  2. This Agreement shall have a term from the date hereof to December 31, 2003. This Agreement may not be cancelled by either party prior to the termination date without the prior written consent of the other. Buyer acknowledges that Seller intends to rely on this Agreement in fixing the prices and delivery dates of its raw material purchases necessary to fulfill this Agreement and as such, Buyer agrees to pay for the quantity specified on Schedule A. If Buyer cancels this agreement, or otherwise refuses shipments hereunder, Seller is entitled to recover any loss sustained from liquidating a metal position taken by the Seller on behalf of Buyer.

 

  3. The pricing in this proposal is subject to Seller’s ability to hedge the transaction. Seller will provide confirmation of the hedge immediately upon execution.

 

  4. Seller’s obligations are subject to Seller’s credit approval with respect to each shipment to Buyer. Payment terms for the Product shall be as set forth in Schedule A. Seller’s obligation to continue shipments of product is conditioned upon Buyer satisfying its payment obligations in full within the time period specified.

 

  5. Either party’s failure, at any time or times hereafter, to require strict performance by the other party of any provision of this Agreement shall not constitute a waiver, or affect or diminish the right thereafter to demand strict compliance and performance of this Agreement.

 

Price for the month prior to shipment subtracting the base Midwest metal price of this Fixed Price Purchase and Sale Agreement.

 

A5. PAYMENT TERMS: Payment in full within thirty (30) days from date of shipment.

 

A6. TOTAL DOLLAR VALUE OF CONTRACT: Approximately: $*****

 

A7. GOOD TO CALL (“GTC”) CONTRACT: No ¨ Yes x. Expiration Date: 12/31/03

 

If this is a GTC, and if the metal cannot be secured at the price indicated in A3 by the expiration date, this contract becomes null and void. If the metal can be secured by the expiration date, the customer will be notified in writing that the metal has been secured.

 

A8. CONFIRMATION OF HEDGE:

 

Buyer:

Featherlite Manufacturing

Gary Ihrke

Vice-President of Operations

11/14/03

 

Seller:

Indalex, Inc

Valerie Valter

Metals Group

11/17/03

 


Confidential portions of this document indicated by ***** have been omitted and filed

separately with the Commission

 

Exhibit 10.35

 

SCHEDULE A

FIXED PRICE PURCHASE AND SALE AGREEMENT

 

A1. MATERIAL DESCRIPTION: This agreement covers standard extrusions currently being supplied or quoted to Featherlite Manufacturing (“Buyer”) by Indalex, Inc. (“Seller”) with specific pounds / pieces / feet by specific shape to be supplied by Buyer.

 

A2. DELIVERY PERIOD: Start Date: January 1st, 2004 Finish Date: Dec. 31, 2004

 

A3. PRICE: $***** per pound of aluminum extrusion plus an additional $***** per pound for solids. For a total of: $***** per pound for Solids. $***** per pound for Hollows for a total of $***** per pound for Hollows.

 

A4. QUANTITY: Table A: Monthly Quantities (***** lbs)

 

1

  2

  3

  4

  5

  6

  7

  8

  9

  10

  11

  12

  Total

Jan.
2004
  Feb.
2004
  Mar.
2004
  Apr.
2004
  May
2004
  June
2004
  July
2004
  Aug.
2004
  Sept
2004
  Oct.
2004
  Nov.
2004
  Dec.
2004
  12
*****
Lbs
  *****
Lbs
  *****
Lbs
  *****
Lbs
  *****
Lbs
  *****
Lbs
  *****
Lbs
  *****
Lbs
  *****
Lbs
  *****
Lbs
  *****
Lbs
  *****
Lbs
  *****
Lbs

 

The quantity of aluminum extrusion to be sold under the agreement, as set forth in Table A above, may not be altered without the express written consent of Seller and Buyer. Buyer expressly acknowledges that this is a firm, non-cancelable take or pay agreement.

 

In the event that Buyer does not take the commitment each month as defined in Table A, Buyer will reimburse Seller for any losses incurred. All monthly losses will be settled by the end of the following month unless alternative arrangements are mutually agreed upon by Seller and Buyer in writing.

 

The purchase price for extrusions purchased I excess of the pounds each month as defined in Schedule A are to be based on the contract price adjusted up or down for the change in published average Mid-West Transaction price for P1020. The difference will be calculated by taking the difference between the average Mid-West Transaction.

 

  6. This Agreement (including Schedule A) shall constitute the entire agreement between the parties with respect to the Fixed Price Purchase and Sale Agreement. Except as specified in this Agreement, the terms of sale and rights of the parties with respect to any specific order shall be as set forth in Seller’s order acknowledgement as provided from time to time.

 

  7. Seller shall not be liable for any defaults, damages, or delays in filling any order caused by conditions beyond Seller’s control; including, but not limited to, acts of God, strike, lockout, boycott, or other labor troubles, war, riot, flood, new government regulation, terrorist acts or delays of Seller’s supplies or subcontractors in furnishing materials or supplies due to one or more of the foregoing or like causes.

 

  8. This Agreement is extended to subsidiaries and affiliates of the parties.

 

  9. All of the terms of this Agreement will be binding upon, to the benefit of and be enforceable by and against the successors and authorized assigns of Buyer and Seller.

 


Confidential portions of this document indicated by ***** have been omitted and filed

separately with the Commission

 

Exhibit 10.35

 

  10. Except as otherwise expressly provided in this Agreement, nothing in this Agreement, express or implied is intended to confer upon any other person or rights or remedies under or by reason of this Agreement, this Agreement being for the exclusive benefit of the parties and their respective successors and assigns.

 

  11. Neither party will assign any of its respective rights or obligations under this Agreement to any other person without prior written consent of the other party, which consent will not be unreasonably withheld.

 

  12. This Agreement shall be interpreted in accordance with the laws of the State or the Province where the address of Seller is located as stated on the face of this Agreement.

 

Buyer

Featherlite Manufacturing

     

Seller

Indalex, Inc

/s/ Gary Ihrke

     

/s/ Patrick Wooley


     

Vice President of Operations

11/14/03

     

Regional VP

11/14/03

 

EX-10.36 7 dex1036.htm SUPPLY AGREEMENT DATED OCTOBER 10, 2003 BETWEEN THE COMPANY AND INTEGRIS METALS Supply agreement dated October 10, 2003 between the Company and Integris Metals

Confidential portions of this document indicated by ***** have been omitted and filed

separately with the Commission

 

Exhibit 10.36

 

Integris Metals Incorporated

10707 North Pomona Ave

Kansas City MO 64153

Phone: 816-200-1000 Fax: 816-200-1037

 

SUPPLY AGREEMENT NO. 102003

 

Name: Featherlite Mfg Inc

Address Hwy 63 & 9

City, State, Zip: Cresco, Ia 52136

Attn: Mr. Gary Ihrke, VP

  

SHIP TO DESTINATION CITY AND ST.

Same

 

Integris Metals, Inc (“Seller”) hereby agrees to sell to Buyer and Buyer hereby agrees to purchase from Seller the following products:

 

ITEMNO

  

PRODUCT DESCRIPTION


       

TOTAL
QUANTITY


    

3105-H18 White / Clear Wash Coat

   Conversion    *****
1   

***** x ***** x cut to length

   ***** lb    *****
2   

***** x ***** x cut to length

   ***** lb    *****
3   

***** x ***** x cut to length

   ***** lb    *****
    

5052 – H38 White / Clear Wash Coat

         
4   

***** x ***** x cut to length

   ***** lb    *****
    

3105 – H18 Black / Clear Wash Coat w / PVC

         
5   

***** x ***** x cut to length

   ***** lb    *****
    

Annual Quantity of all Items

        ***** lbs
     NOTES: * Total Price = Conversion Price plus the price of Ingot to be locked. Conversion numbers are firm for the contract period.          

 

Shipments beginning: Jan. 1, 04

Minimum Order Quantities ***** lbs

Minimum Item Quantities ***** lbs

Minimum Shipment Quantities ***** lbs

  Shipments Ending: Dec. 31, 04

 

Payment term : Net 30 days

  

Delivery Terms: FOB Dlvd Cresco, IA

FOB Dlvd Shenandoah, IA

 

Price, Terms and conditions: The prices of the foregoing products, including delivery and payment terms, shall be those regularly established by Seller and in effect on the date of each shipment. The terms and conditions on the reverse hereof constitute a part of this agreement.

 

Signed by:

 

Buyer

     

Integris metals, Inc

/s/ Gary Ihrke

        

       

 


Confidential portions of this document indicated by ***** have been omitted and filed

separately with the Commission

 

Exhibit 10.36

 

Integris Metals Incorporated

10707 North Pomona Ave

Kansas City MO 64153

Phone: 816-200-1000 Fax: 816-200-1037

 

SUPPLY AGREEMENT NO. 102003

 

Name: Featherlite Mfg Inc

Address Hwy 63 & 9

City, State, Zip: Cresco, Ia 52136

Attn: Mr. Gary Ihrke, VP

  

SHIP TO DESTINATION CITY AND ST.

Same

 

Integris Metals, Inc (“Seller”) hereby agrees to sell to Buyer and Buyer hereby agrees to purchase from Seller the following products:

 

ITEMNO

  

PRODUCT DESCRIPTION


       

TOTAL
QUANTITY


    

3105 – H14 Mill Finish Paper Interleaved

   Conversion    *****
1   

***** x ***** x cut to length

   ***** lb    *****
2   

***** x ***** x ctl

   ***** lb    *****
3   

***** x ***** x cut to length

   ***** lb    *****
    

5052 – H32 Mill Finish Paper Interleaved

         
4   

***** x ***** x cut to length

   ***** lb    *****
    

Gauge Tolerane: ******

         
    

Gauge Tolerance: *****

         
    

Annual Quantity of all Items

        ***** lbs
     NOTES: * Total Price = Conversion Price plus the price of Ingot to be locked. Conversion numbers are firm for the contract period.          

 

Shipments beginning: Jan. 1, 04

Minimum Order Quantities ***** lbs

Minimum Item Quantities ***** lbs

Minimum Shipment Quantities ***** lbs

  Shipments Ending: Dec. 31, 04

 

Payment term : Net 30 days

  

Delivery Terms: FOB Dlvd Cresco, IA

FOB Dlvd Shenandoah, IA

 

Price, Terms and conditions: The prices of the foregoing products, including delivery and payment terms, shall be those regularly established by Seller and in effect on the date of each shipment. The terms and conditions on the reverse hereof constitute a part of this agreement.

 

Signed by:

 

Buyer

     

Integris metals, Inc

/s/ Gary Ihrke

        

       

 

EX-10.37 8 dex1037.htm FLOOR PLAN FINANCING AGREEMENT DATED OCTOBER 28, 2003 Floor plan financing agreement dated October 28, 2003

Exhibit 10.37

 

Floor Plan Financing Agreement         Regions Bank
Borrower’s Name        

41-1621676

Featherlite, Inc        

Tax ID Number

Address:          
13380 US Hwy 63, Cresco, Ia. 52136          
Aggregate amount of line of credit    Date of Agreement   

Place of Agreement

$3 million   

October 28, 2003

  

Birmingham, AL

 

In this Agreement, we, us and our mean Regions Bank. You and your mean the Borrower. This Agreement means the Floor Plan Financing Agreement. Capitalized terms used in this Agreement and not otherwise defined are used with the meanings set forth in Schedule 1. Any undefined terms shall have the meaning as set forth in the Alabama Uniform Commercial Code.

 

SECTION I

LINE OF CREDIT COMMITMENT

 

1.1 Your line of credit. You have received a line of credit from us in the aggregate amount shown. Under the conditions stated below, we will advance money to you, or on your behalf, up to the amount of your line of credit. In return, you promise to perform all of your Obligations under this Agreement and to pay to our order the amount of all advances we have made, plus interest and other charges due under this Agreement.

 

1.2 Payments by you. You agree to make monthly payments to us of all accrued interest, beginning on the 15th day of the first month immediately following the date of this Agreement as set forth above, and on the same day of each month thereafter. You also agree to make principal payments as described below. If we request, you agree to sign at any time a Not payable to our order for the amount outstanding under your line of credit.

 

1.3 Future advances, line of credit. It is expressly understood that this Agreement is intended to and does secure not only the line of credit, but also future advances and any and all present and future indebtedness, Obligations and liabilities, direct or contingent, of you to us, whether now existing or hereafter arising, and any and all extensions, renewals, modifications and refinancing of same, or any part thereof, existing at any time before actual cancellation of this Agreement.

 

1.4 Purpose of line of credit. You have obtained this line of credit in order to finance your purchase of Goods for resale at retail unless otherwise agreed to by us in writing.

 

1.5 Allocation of line of credit. Your line of credit is allocated as follows:

 

a. New Goods

 

    Supplier   Available Credit

¨ Advances for new goods requested

      ******
   
   

through ACH. If checked, we will make advances

      *****
   
   

to the supplier or suppliers shown at right

      *****
   
   

 

(i) We may make advances to the Supplier or Suppliers, or any other persons whom they designate, when we receive electronic requests through the Automated Clearing House (ACH) from a Supplier for Goods delivered or sold to you. The amount of the advance that we make on your behalf to the Supplier will be for the amount indicated on the electronic payment request. You agree that we may, at our option, make these advances even though the electronic payment requests are not accompanied or preceded by the original invoices. We are not obligated to accept and pay any electronic payment request when the amount you owe us, including interest, exceeds the available credit or when honoring the payment request will exceed your available credit.

 

¨ Advances for new Goods by draft

      *****
   
   

If checked, we will make advances to the Supplier

      *****
   
   

Or Suppliers shown at the right.

      *****
   
   

 

(i) We may make advances to the Supplier or Suppliers, or any other person whom they designate, when we receive sight or cash drafts from a Supplier for Goods delivered or sold to you. The amount of the advance that we make on your behalf to the Supplier will be for the amount of the invoice. You agree that we may, at our option, make these advances even though the drafts are not accompanied by the original invoices. We are not obligated to accept and pay any draft when the amount you owe us, including interest, exceeds the available credit or when honoring the payment request will exceed your available credit.

 

x Advances for new Goods not requested by draft. If checked, we will make advances up to an aggregate amount of ***** for the amount of your purchase price of new Goods, when requested directly by you and accompanied by the bill of sale and other evidence of your ownership (such as a certificate of title for a vehicle), satisfactory to us, free and clear of all liens and encumbrances, satisfactory to us, for the Goods purchased. At our option, you may supply us with copies of these documents. If no figure is listed above, the credit limit under this section is the available credit. We are not obligated to accept and pay any draft when the amount you owe us, including interest, exceeds the available credit or when honoring the payment request will exceed your available credit.

 

b. Used Goods

 

¨ advances for used Goods. If checked, we will make advances for your purchase of used Goods limited to *****. If no figure is listed, the credit limit is the aggregate amount of your line of credit less the amount of credit already extended for your purchase of new Goods, if any. We will make these advances under the following conditions:

 

  (i) You agree to request an advance by supplying us with the bill of sale and other evidence of your ownership (such as certificate of title for a vehicle), satisfactory to us, for the Goods being purchased. At our option, you may supply us with copies of these documents.

 

  (ii) We are not obligated to make advances for more than N/A percent of the N/A value of the Goods as determined by the N/A publication for the month in which such advance is requested, if the Goods are vehicles or that percentage of your purchase price if the Goods are not vehicles.

 

  (iii) If the goods are used vehicles, the vehicles cannot be used as demonstrators and must fall within the following model years N/A

 

  (iv) You have not exceeded your available line of credit and when honoring the payment request will not exceed your available credit.

 

1.6 Demonstrators and daily rentals. We agree that the Goods may be used as demonstrators and/or daily rentals in our sole discretion and upon our prior consent. We may, at any time, revoke our consent to the use of any and/or all Goods as demonstrators and/or daily rentals.

 

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1.7 Interest. You agree to pay us interest on the amount of the outstanding balance that you owe us. Interest on all amounts advanced pursuant to this Agreement is calculated: on the basis of the actual number of days outstanding divided by 360.

 

1.8 Your interest rate. For advances for New Goods, your interest rate is equal to the Commercial Base Rate index rate (the “Index”) plus ***** basis points; and for advances for Used Goods, your interest rate is equal to the N/A index rate (the “Index”) N/A basis points. When the Index changes, your interest rate will increase or decrease correspondingly. Such rate change may occur each day.

 

1.9 Reduction of outstanding amounts. You agree to pay us the amount we have advanced on your line of credit for the purchase of Goods as follows:

 

a. New Goods. If you have not sold new Goods within 270 days of the date we made an advance for the purchase of those Goods, you agree to make an immediate principal payment of *****% of the amount of the advance, due and payable by the 15th day of the month immediately following the month end. You agree to make an additional principal payment of *****% of the amount of the advance if not sold within 365 days. If you have not sold new Goods on or before April 1 of the year immediately following the model year of the new Goods, you agree to make additional principal payments sufficient to curtail the amount you owe us, on the advance for the purchase of those Goods, down to *****% of used wholesale NADA value for such Goods. If the Goods have not been sold within 540 days of the date we made an advance for the purchase of those Goods, you agree to pay us immediately in full the balance you owe on that advance.

 

b. Used Goods. If you have not sold used Goods within N/A days of the date we made an advance for the purchase of those Goods, you agree to make an immediate principal payment of *****% of the amount of the advance, due and payable by the 15th day of the month immediately following the month end. You agree to make additional principal payments of *****% of the amount of the advance every N/A days thereafter until the Goods are sold. If the Goods have not been sold within N/A days of the date we made an advance for the purchase of those Goods, you agree to pay us immediately in full the balance that you owe on that advance.

 

c. Repayment upon sale. Upon the sale of Goods for which we made an advance for the purchase of such Goods, you agree, on the first to occur of five (5) Business Days after the sale or forty-eighth (48) hours after the collection of the sale proceeds, to make an immediate payment of principal sufficient to pay, in full, the proportion of the advance allocable to the Goods sold, as determined by us and in our sole discretion.

 

d. Accounting for unsold units after audit. Within five (5) Business Days after any audit, all Goods unaccounted for during the audit must be presented to us for inspection or, alternatively, you shall pay us for such Goods in the amount and pursuant to the schedule set forth in Paragraph 1.9(c) above.

 

1.10 Security for your line of credit. As security for all of your Obligations and for all of your other present or future Indebtedness to us, including indirect and contingent Obligations, you grant us a security interest in the Collateral, including, but not limited to, the Goods. SEE ATTACHED “EXHIBIT A” In addition, you grant us a security interest in all Documents relating to the Collateral, any after-acquired similar property, any returned or unearned premiums on insurance insuring the Goods; any deposit now or in the future held by us in which you have an interest, and any property, securing any non-consumer loans you have with us. Any other security agreement that you have entered with us will continue to be in effect. You also assign to us all of your rights in any and all factory repurchase agreements. Any prior security interest that you have granted to us will continue to be in effect. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, Regions Bank explicitly excludes consumer loans from the security interest granted pursuant to this provision.

 

1.11 Previous agreements. If you have an existing floor plan line of credit agreement with us that has an outstanding balance, that agreement will continue in effect until you have paid all sums that you owe us under that agreement for advances, interest, and other charges. The available amount of credit that you have under this Agreement will be reduced by the amount of your outstanding balance under the earlier agreement.

 

1.12 Crediting of payments. Payments received before 1 p.m. Central Time on a Business Day will be credited to your account no later than the next Business Day. Posting of payments may be delays up to five (5) Business Days if the payment is not accompanied by the payment coupon (if Provided), the payment is not made by check or money order, the payment is not received in the envelope (if Provided), or if the payment is not mailed to the location designated by us for payment. Checks or money orders drawn on non-US banks shall not be accepted.

 

1.13 Returned item charges. You agree that if you submit a check, draft, negotiable order of withdrawal or like instrument in payment of an amount owing on your account and the instrument is not paid or is dishonored, you will pay a returned item charge in such amount as allowed by Law. You agree that we may re-present, by electronic means or otherwise, an instrument for payment. You will still be responsible for the return item charge even if, upon re-presentation, the instrument is paid. All returned item charges will be added to the principal amount owing under your account and will accrue finance charges at the interest rate set forth in Section 1.7 until paid in full. You agree that we may, in our discretion, add the amount of the return item charge to the electronic re-presentation of the instrument that was unpaid.

 

SECTION II

WARRANTIES, REPRESENTATIONS AND COVENANTS

 

2.1 Warranty of title. You warrant that you have good and absolute title to all existing Goods, and have good right, full power and lawful authority to sell, convey, and grant a security interest that the same is free and clear of all grants, reservations, security interests, liens, charges, and encumbrances whatsoever, including conditional sales contracts, security agreements, financing statements, and anything of a similar nature, and that you shall and will warrant and forever defend the title thereto and the quiet use and enjoyment thereof unto us, our successors and assigns, against the lawful claims of all Persons whomsoever.

 

2.2 Formation and qualification. You warrant that each Loan Party which is a corporation is duly incorporated, validly existing and in good standing under the Laws of the jurisdiction of its incorporation and is duly qualified to do business in all states in which the Loan Parties transact business. Each Loan Party which is a partnership, limited liability company, trust or other entity is duly formed and validly existing under the Laws of the jurisdiction of its formation and is duly registered in all jurisdictions where it engages in any form of business transaction. Each Loan Party which is a corporation, limited partnership or limited liability company is in good standing in all states in which such Loan Party transacts business and each Loan Party has all requisite power and authority to conduct its business.

 

2.3 Loan documents. The execution, delivery and performance of the Loan Documents by each Loan Party are within such Loan Party’s power and authority, have been duly authorized by all necessary action and do not and will not (a) require any Authorization which has not been obtained, (b) contravene the Charter Documents of any Loan Party, any applicable Laws or Other Requirement or any agreement or restriction binding on or affecting any Loan Party, or (c) result in or require the creation or imposition of any Lien upon or with respect to any property now or in the future owned by any Loan Party, including the Goods (other than Liens in favor of us). No Authorization which has not been obtained in required for the creation of the Liens or the enforcement by us of our Remedies under the Loan Documents. Each Loan document, when executed and delivered, will constitute the legal, valid and binding obligation of each Loan Party which is a party to or bound by such Loan Document, enforceable against such Loan Party in accordance with its terms, except as enforcement may be limited by bankruptcy, insolvency or other similar Laws affecting the rights of creditors generally.

 

2.4 Financial Informaiton. The Financial Statements of each Loan Party which have been furnished to us fairly present such Loan Party’s financial condition as of the dates of such Financial Statements and the results of operations for the periods covered by such Financial Statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles consistently applied (or such other method of preparation approved by us in writing), and since the respective dates of such Financial Statements, there has been no material adverse change in the financial condition, operations, properties or prospects of such Loan Parties. Each Loan Party has filed all tax returns required to be filed by it, and has paid all taxes due pursuant to such returns or in respect of any of its properties (except for any such taxes which are being actively contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings), and to the best knowledge of each Loan Party, no basis exists for additional assessments which have not been adequately reserved against in the Financial Statements referred to above or otherwise disclosed in writing to us.

 

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2.5 Your corporate resolution. If a corporation, you agree, before requesting your initial advance and as a condition to our issuing such advance, to provide us with a corporate resolution duly signed by a person or persons with appropriate authority evidencing the authority evidencing the authority of your officers or agents to request advances or otherwise transact business with us in connection with this Agreement. Such corporate resolution must be signed by your secretary or assistant secretary, include fully adopted resolution of your Board of Directors so authorizing such officers and certify that each such officer holds the office beside his or her name.

 

2.6 Litigation and other matters. You acknowledge that, except as otherwise disclosed in writing to us: (a) no actions or other proceedings affecting or relating to the Goods are pending or, to the best knowledge of each Loan Party, threatened, (b) no action or other proceedings are pending or, to the best knowledge of each Loan Party, threatened against or affecting any Loan Party or any property of any Loan Party which, if determined adversely to such Loan Party, could materially impair the financial condition, operations, properties or prospects of such Loan Party or the ability of such Loan Party to perform its Obligations under the Loan Documents, and (c) you have given notice to us of any other matters which you are required to disclose to us under this Agreement. SEE SCHEDULE 2.6

 

2.7 Performance. You agree to perform, observe and comply with all provisions hereof and of all other Loan Documents and you agree to duly and punctually pay to us the sum of money expressed in this Agreement with interest thereon, and all other sums required to be paid by you pursuant to the provisions of this Agreement and the other Loan Documents.

 

2.8 Compliance with laws and other requirements. You shall comply in all material respects with all applicable Laws relating to the Goods and shall obtain and maintain all authorizations, consents, approvals, orders, licenses, permits, exceptions or other action by or from, or any filing, registration or qualification required in connection with the Goods.

 

2.9 Your obligations regarding the Goods. You agree to keep the Goods free and clear from any debt, lien, security interest, encumbrance or claim, except those stated in Schedule II. If any; which are the only debts, liens, security interests, encumbrances or claims on the Goods.

 

2.10 Documents from you. You agree to supply us with copies of any present or future agreements you have with your Suppliers. You agree to deliver to us original title Documents (e.g., certificates of title, manufacturer’s statements of origin, bills of sale) on the Goods whenever we request. You agree to deliver these Documents to us promptly.

 

2.11 Books and records. You shall at all times maintain (a) full and complete books of account and other records with respect to the Goods and your business and operations, and (b) complete copies of all Authorizations issued in connection with the Goods, and shall permit us and our agents, upon request from time to time, to inspect and copy any of such books, records and other documents.

 

2.12 Estoppels affidavits. You shall, within ten (10) days after written request from us, furnish a written statement, duly acknowledged, setting forth the unpaid principal of and interest on the line of credit and any other Indebtedness owed by you to us and whether or not any offsets or defenses exist against any principal and interest owed. You shall, within ten (10) days after written request from us, furnish a written estoppels certificate from your landlord, in form and substance acceptable to us, duly acknowledged, setting forth any defaults, offsets or defenses under the lease between the landlord and you and stating the nature of any such defaults, offsets or defenses.

 

2.13 Landlord’s lien waiver. You shall, within ten (10) days after written request from us, furnish a written statement, duly acknowledged, from your landlord waiving all of the landlord’s lien rights in the Goods.

 

2.14 Reporting requirements. You shall cause to be delivered to us, in form and detail satisfactory to us:

 

a. Promptly after discovery by you, notice of (i) any dispute between you and any agency or Person relating to any of the Goods, the adverse determination of which could adversely affect the Goods in any material respect, (ii) any material adverse change in the financial condition, operations, properties or prospects of any Loan Party to the Agreement, including, but not limited to, any and all Guarantors, (iii) any event which has or may have a material adverse impact on the Goods, and (iv) the occurrence of any Event of Default or event which, with the giving of notice and/or the passage of time, could become an Event of Default;

 

b. Within Ninety (90) days after the end of each fiscal year of each Loan Party, audited Financial Statements for such Loan Party for and as at the end of such fiscal year, and upon request by us from time to time, quarterly audited Financial Statements for each Loan Party and copies of any audited Financial Statements prepared for each Loan Party, in each case certified in a manner acceptable to us and updated periodically at our sole discretion; and

 

c. Within Thirty (30) days after the end of each calendar month, monthly aunaudited Financial Statements pertaining to you and your business which business is the subject of this Agreement.

 

d. Such other Documents or information relating to any Loan Party, the Goods or the transactions contemplated by this Agreement as we may reasonably request from time to time. We are authorized at any time and from time to time to directly contract any Person or agency to verify any information provided by you or for any other purpose relating to any Loan Party, the line of credit, the goods or the transactions contemplated by this Agreement or the Loan Documents executed in connection with this Agreement.

 

2.15 Documents and other information. All Documents and other information delivered to us pursuant to any of the Loan Documents are and will be complete and correct in all material respects at the time of delivery to us.

 

2.16 Power of attorney. You grant us a power of attorney to execute in your name any Documents we believe are necessary or helpful to perfect or protect our security interest or to sell or transfer any of the Goods. You agree that his power cannot be canceled as long as you are indebted to us.

 

2.17 Other creditors. You agree to give us ten (10) days written notice before obtaining floor plan financing from any other creditor. You also agree to give us copies of any agreements you have with other creditors.

 

2.18 Location of the security. You agree not to change the location of use of the Goods without obtaining our written permission in advance. SEE SCHEDULE 2.18

 

2.19 Disposing of the security. You agree not to sell, transfer, or dispose of the Goods except in the ordinary course of business, without our prior written permission. You also agree to let us receive, endorse and apply any payments resulting from transfer or disposal of the Goods. You agree not to release any of the Goods (including inventory) without our prior written permission.

 

2.20 Inspection rights and easements. In addition to other inspection rights, you shall and hereby do grant and convey to us, our agents, representatives, contractors, and employees, to be exercised by us, periodically as deemed necessary by us and in our sole discretion, and easement and license to enter on the Premises, at any time and from time to time, for purpose of making such audits, tests, inspections, and examinations, as we, in our sole discretion, deem necessary, convenient, or proper to determine the condition and use of the Goods, to make an inventory of the Goods, and to determine whether the ownership, use and operation of the Goods are in compliance with all federal, state, and local laws, ordinances, rules, and regulations, including, without limitation, environmental laws, health and public accommodation laws, the ADA and the Rehabilitation Act, as applicable, and ordinances, rules and regulations relating thereto. Notwithstanding the grant of the above easement and license to us, we shall have no obligation to perform any such inspections, or to take any remedial action. All the costs and expenses incurred by us with respect to any inspections which we may conduct or take pursuant to this paragraph, including, without limitation, the fees of any engineers, laboratories, and contractors, shall be repaid by you, with interest, and shall be secured by this Agreement and the other Documents executed in connection with this Agreement. Further, any audit or examination conducted by us is for our sole use and benefit, and is not for your benefit. Our inspection rights, audits and examinations are for our business purposes, and may not be relied upon by you for your business purposes apart from the requirements of this Agreement.

 

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2.21 Demonstrators. If you plan to use any of the Goods as a demonstration model, you must first give us notice in writing of your intention to do so and provide us with a written description of the Goods to be so used.

 

2.22 Taxes and liens. You agree to pay promptly, when and as due, and, if requested, will exhibit promptly to us, receipts for the payment of all taxes and other expenses incurred and impositions of every nature whatsoever imposed, levied or assessed or to be imposed, levied or assessed upon or against the Goods or any charge which, if unpaid, would become a lien or charge upon the Goods. You will not allow any statutory or other lien to be created or to remain outstanding upon any of the Goods.

 

2.23 Property insurance.

 

a. You shall procure for, deliver to, and maintain for the benefit of us during the term of this Agreement, insurance policies in an aggregate amount not less than the aggregate amount of the advances outstanding on your line of credit (or such greater amount as we may specify from time to time) combined single limit in such amounts as we shall require, insuring the Goods, while in transit and otherwise, against fire, extended coverage, and such other insurable hazards, casualties and contingencies as we may require. The form of such policies and the companies issuing them shall be acceptable to us, and, unless otherwise agreed by us in writing, shall provide for coverage without coinsurance or deductibles. All policies shall contain a New York standard, non-contributory endorsement making losses payable to us. At least fifteen (15) days prior to the expiration date of all such policies, renewals thereof satisfactory to us shall be delivered to us. You shall deliver to us receipts evidencing the payment of all such insurance policies and renewals.

 

b. We hereby are authorized and empowered, at our option, to adjust or compromise any loss under any insurance policies on the Goods, and to collect and receive the proceeds from any such policy or policies. Each insurance company hereby is authorized and directed to make payment for all such losses directly to us instead of to you and us jointly. After deducting from said insurance proceeds any expenses incurred by us in the collection or handling of said funds, we may apply the net proceeds, at our option, either toward repairing or restoring the Goods, or as a credit on any portion of your Indebtedness selected by us, whether than matured or to mature in the future, or at our option, such sums either wholly or in part may be used to repair the Goods or for any other purpose in a manner satisfactory to us, all without affecting the Lien of this Agreement for the full amount secured hereby before such payment took place. We shall not be liable to you or otherwise responsible for any failure to collect any insurance proceeds due under the terms of any policy regardless of the cause of such failure, not shall we bear any risk of loss as to the Goods.

 

c. If required by us, you shall pay on the first day of each month, in addition to any regular installment of principal and interest and other charges with respect to the Indebtedness secured hereby, one-twelfth (1/12th) of the yearly premiums for insurance maintained pursuant to the provisions of this paragraph. Such amount shall be used by us to pay such insurance premiums when due. Such added payments shall not be, nor be deemed to be, trust funds, but may be commingled with the general funds of ours, and no interest shall be payable in respect thereof. Upon our demand, you agree to deliver to us such additional moneys as are necessary to make up any deficiencies in the amounts deposited by you with us pursuant to this paragraph to enable us to pay such insurance premiums when due. In the event of an Event of Default hereunder or of a default by you under any of the Documents executed in connections with this Agreement, we may apply such sums to the reduction of the Indebtedness secured hereby in any manner selected by us.

 

2.24 If we buy insurance. If you do not or cannot insure the Goods, we have the right to buy coverage insuring only our interest or insuring both your and our interest. In either case, we may demand reimbursement from you or make an advance to pay the cost. However, we have no obligation to acquire, maintain or replace any policy.

 

2.25 Care of the Goods. You will preserve and maintain the Goods in good condition and repair, and shall not commit or suffer any waste. If the Goods or any part thereof are damaged by fire or any other cause, you shall give immediate written notice of the same to us. We hereby are authorized to enter upon the Premises and Inspect the Goods, and to inspect your or your agent’s records with respect to the ownership, use, management and operation of the Goods, at any time during normal business hours.

 

2.26 Information about sales. At our request, you agree to tell us the name and address of any person who buys or has bought any of the Goods. You also agree to deliver to us all of the Documents you have concerning any sale. You agree to give us this information and these Documents promptly.

 

2.27 Your warranty on advances. You agree that you will not request an advance or cause a request to be made on your behalf unless you are in strict compliance with all of the terms of this Agreement. You agree that each request by you for an advance will constitute your new promise and representation that you are in strict compliance with all terms of this Agreement.

 

2.28 Security documents and costs. You agree to sign at any time any Documents we request in order to perfect or protect our security interest. You agree to pay reasonable costs related to perfecting or protecting our security interest, including filing fees and reasonable attorney’s fees. A reproduction of this signed Agreement or a signed financing statement is sufficient as a financing statement. You authorize us to add any information to this Agreement, which would be necessary to make it an effective financing statement.

 

2.29 List of Goods. We may from time to time give you listing of the Goods for which we have made an advance or a listing of the amount of the outstanding balance on your line of credit. You agree to examine this list within three (3) Business Days of when you receive it and notify us immediately in writing if you claim any of the information is wrong. If you fail to notify us, you agree that you may not question or dispute the accuracy of any information on the list.

 

2.30 Our rights to the security. You may not take any action that would give someone else a security interest in the Goods unless we agree in writing. You agree that our claims to the Goods take precedence over any other claims, except those listed above. You agree that we may at any reasonable time inspect and audit the Goods and inspect, audit and photocopy any Documents relating to the Goods.

 

2.31 Further assurances after-acquired property.

 

a. At any time, and from time to time, upon our request, you at your expense, will make, execute and deliver or cause to be made, executed and delivered to us and, where appropriate, cause to be recorded and/or filed and from time to time thereafter to be re-recorded and/or re-filed at such time and in such offices and places as shall be deemed desirable by us any and all such other and further instruments or further assurance, certificates and other Documents as may, in our opinion be necessary or desirable in order to effectuate, complete, or perfect, or to continue and preserve your Obligations, and the priority of this Agreement as a first and prior lien upon all of the Goods, whether now owned or hereafter acquired by you. Pursuant to Paragraph 2.16, we may make, execute, and record any and all such instruments, certificates, and Documents for and in your name, and you hereby irrevocably appoint us as your agent and attorney-in-fact so to do. The lien and rights hereunder automatically will attach, without further act, to all after-acquired Goods.

 

b. Without limitation to the generality of the other provisions of this Agreement, including subparagraph (a) of this paragraph, it hereby expressly is covenanted, agreed and acknowledged that the Lien and rights hereunder automatically will attach to any further, greater, additional, or different estate, rights, titles or interest in or to any of the Goods at any time acquired by you by whatsoever means. In consideration of our making the Loan, and to secure the line of credit, the future Indebtedness and Obligations set forth above, you hereby grant, bargain, sell and convey to us, on the same terms as set forth in this Agreement and intended to be a part hereof, all such after-acquired property and estates.

 

c. You shall appear in and defend all actions and other proceedings purporting to affect any of the Goods or our rights or interests under the Loan documents (and, we may, at your expense, appear in and defend any such action or other proceeding as we may determine), and you shall take or cause to be taken such further action and execute and deliver or cause to be executed and delivered such further documents as we from time to time may reasonably require to maintain, perfect, protect, assure and confirm our rights and interest (including rights and interests in the Goods), your Obligations and the intention of the Loan Parties.

 

2.32 Notice of shipment or receipt of Goods. At our request, you agree to give us notice of the shipment or your receipt, or both, of any Goods for which we have made an advance.

 

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2.33 Credit information. In addition to any credit reports that we usually make in the ordinary course of business, you authorize us to give any information we have about his line of credit and you to any of your present or future suppliers and other creditors.

 

2.34 Notices. We will send any notices to you at the address you have given us in this Agreement unless you have requested that we send notices to you at a different address. You agree that we do not have to honor any request to send notices to a different address if you do not make the request in writing. We will have a reasonable time to change our records after we receive your request and may continue to send notices to your previous address until our records are changed. Until our records are changed, you agree that any notices addressed to your prior address shall be binding upon you. You agree that we have given you notice when we have deposited in the mail, postage prepaid, the notice addressed to you. You agree that any notice to us must be in writing, mailed to the address under “Place of Agreement” above and that it is effective until we actually receive it.

 

2.35 Credit limit. You agree not to request or cause a request to be made for advances, which would exceed your available aggregate line of credit. If your aggregate line of credit is apportioned among different Suppliers or among new or used Goods, you also agree not to request or cause a request to be made for advances which would exceed the amount available under the applicable separate limit on your line of credit. We do not have to make any advance that would exceed any limit on all or part of your line of credit. We may, in our discretion, allow advances exceeding your available line of credit, in the aggregate or as apportioned; however, this exercise of discretion shall not constitute an agreement by us to increase the agreed upon line of credit as set forth in this Agreement. We do not have to allow advances exceeding your available line of credit even if we have done so on previous occasions. In the event we allow advances exceeding your available line of credit as apportioned, your available aggregate line of credit shall, nevertheless, be reduced by the total advance, including the excess amount over the apportioned line of credit.

 

2.36 Reduction of line of credit. We can loser the amount of your line of credit whenever we sincerely believe that your ability to repay us all or part of the amount of your line of credit has changed or that the value of our security interest has changed. If we choose to reduce all or part of your line of credit (but not call your entire balance due immediately), we will notify you that your line of credit has been reduced. If you owe us an amount in excess of the reduced line of credit, you will not have any available line of credit for advances and must immediately pay us the amount in excess of the reduced line of credit.

 

2.37 Cancellation of line of credit. This Agreement may be canceled, with or without cause, as to future advances by either party giving the other party written notice. The Agreement will continue in effect for all advances incurred before the effective date of cancellation.

 

2.38 Reevaluation of line of credit. We may reevaluate your line of credit at any time. You agree to supply us with any information we request relating to your creditworthiness or financial condition and the security for this Agreement. If you fail to respond promptly or completely, we may immediately and without notice obtain this information elsewhere, or reduce or terminate your line of credit.

 

2.39 Change of terms. You agree that we may change any term or condition of this Agreement by giving you at least thirty (30) days prior written notice. You expressly agree and understand that any such change shall be applicable to the balance outstanding as of the effective date of the change. You may refuse to accept such change and terminate your line of credit by notifying us in writing at least one(1) day prior to the effective date of the change and paying off your balance under the existing terms of this Agreement.

 

2.40 Waiver of your rights. To the extent permitted by Law, the Loan Parties waive all rights of exemption in the Goods under the Laws of this or any other state; notice of the acceptance of the Guaranty; and demand, presentment, notice of dishonor, protest, and suit.

 

2.41 Your compliance. You agree that if we do not insist upon strict compliance with the terms of this Agreement, we will not have waived or otherwise given up our right to insist upon your strict compliance at a later date.

 

2.42 Additional representations, warranties and covenants. The Loan Parties agree to the further and additional representations, warranties and covenants as are expressly set froth in Schedule III, if any.

 

SECTION III

EVENTS OF DEFAULT; REMEDIES

 

3.1 Events of default. We may, to the extent permitted by Law or this Agreement, call your entire account immediately due and payable if you are in default. You will be in default, if:

 

a. you do not make a payment due even if we have previously allowed you to make late payments;

 

b. you fail to perform one or more of your Obligations or covenants to us, under this Agreement;

 

c. any Loan Party misrepresented a fact in requesting this or any other Loan with us;

 

d. you default on any obligation to us under any other agreement or to any other creditor;

 

e. there is a change in the financial affairs of any Loan Party that we believe will increase our risk of not being repaid;

 

f. a material portion of the Goods is lost, stolen, damaged, destroyed, sold, encumbered, seized, or attached;

 

g. we sincerely believe that you will be unable to repay us or that our security interest is unsafe;

 

h. any Loan Party dies or ceases to exist;

 

i. any Loan party changes its legal name without obtaining our prior written authorization, ceases doing business, is dissolved, merged or consolidated;

 

j. an Event of Default shall occur under the Note;

 

k. any representations and warranties from you set forth herein and all other representations, warranties and certifications to us in the Loan Documents or in any other document delivered under or in connection with the Loan Documents proves to have been incorrect in any material respect when made;

 

l. you are enjoined by any court or other governmental agency from performing any Obligations;

 

m. you engage in wholesale floor planning, in excess of that which, in our sole opinion, occurs in the normal course of a retail automobile business, without our prior written consent;

 

n. after receiving our written approval to engage in wholesale floor planning at a certain percentage and/or volume, you increase the percentage and/or volume of your business engaged in wholesale floor planning without obtaining our prior written approval;

 

o. any Loan Party is dissolved or liquidated or merged with or into any other Person; or for any period of more than ten (10) days any Loan Party which is a corporation, partnership, limited liability company, trust or other entity ceases to exist in its present form and (where applicable) in good standing and duly qualified under the Laws of the jurisdiction of its incorporation or formation and any other state where it transacts business; or all or substantially all of the assets of any Loan Party are sold or otherwise transferred;

 

p. any Loan Party ceases to be managed and controlled by the Person or Persons who managed and controlled such Loan Party as of the date of this Agreement, or any Loan Party assigns or attempts to assign any rights or interests under any Loan Document without our prior written consent; or any Loan document becomes or is claimed by any Loan Party to be unenforceable against any Loan Party; or

 

q. any Loan Party is subject to an order for relief by the bankruptcy court, or is unable or admits in writing its inability to pay its debts as they mature or makes an assignment for the benefit of creditors; or any Loan Party applies for or consents to the appointment of any receiver, trustee or similar official for it or for all or any part of its property (or any such appointment is made without its consent and the appointment continues undischarged and unstayed for sixty(60) days; or any Loan Party institutes or consents to any bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, arrangement, readjustment of debt, dissolution, custodianship, conservatorship, liquidation, rehabilitation or similar proceeding relating to it or to all or any part of its property under the Laws of any jurisdiction (or any such proceeding is instituted without its consent and continues undismissed and unstayed for sixty (60) days); or any judgment, writ, warrant of attachment or execution, garnishment or similar process is issued or levied against any of the Goods or any other property of any Loan Party and is not released, vacated or fully bonded within sixty (60) days after its issue or levy.

 

3.2 Sales subsequent to event of default. You agree that, upon the occurrence of an Event of Default, you shall not sell, lease, dispose of or otherwise convey any interest to any third party in any of the Goods without our prior written consent.

 

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3.3 Remedies. Notwithstanding any language in this Agreement to the contrary, upon the occurrence of any Event of Default, we may, without notice to or demand upon you, which are expressly waived by you (except for notices or demands otherwise required by applicable Laws to the extent not effectively waived by you and any notices or demands specified in the Loan Documents), exercise any one or more of the following Remedies as we may determine.

 

a. We may declare the unpaid principal of the line of credit and the Note and all accrued interest and other amounts payable under the Loan Documents to be immediately due and payable and we any set off any deposits or securities of any Loan Party held by us toward the payment of the Indebtedness;

 

b. we may perform any of your Obligations in such manner as we may determine;

 

c. we may proceed to protect, exercise and enforce any and all other Remedies provided under the Loan Documents, any other agreements between you and us, or by applicable Laws;

 

d. We may take possession of the Goods without judicial process and enter upon any Premises for the purpose of taking possession of, securing, removing and/or disposing of the Goods including, but not limited to, the placement of a designated representative on the Premises, without interference from you and without any liability for rent, storage, utilities or other suns;

 

e. we may post notifications on all Goods, in form and substance acceptable to us, notifying any and all third parties of our lien and security interest in the Goods and of your default under this Agreement;

 

f. we may sell, lease or otherwise dispose of any or all of the Goods, whether in its then condition or after further processing or preparation, at public or private sale; and unless the Goods threaten to decline speedily in value or are of a type customarily sold on a recognized market, we shall give to you at least ten (10) days’ prior notice of the time and place of any public sale of the Goods or of the time after which any private sale or other intended disposition of the Goods is to be made, all of which you agree shall be reasonable notice of any sale or disposition of the Goods;

 

g. we may permit you to sell all or part of the Goods in which event all sale proceeds shall be paid to us and we shall apply the sale proceeds first to pay, in full, the proportion of the advance allocable to the Goods sold and second to satisfy all of your other outstanding Indebtedness to us, however occurring, all in our sole discretion.

 

All our costs, expenses and charges in exercising any such Remedies shall be p payable by you to us in accordance with this Agreement.

 

Each of our Remedies provided in the Loan Documents is cumulative and not exclusive of, and shall not prejudice, any other Remedy provided in the Loan Documents or by applicable Laws,. Each Remedy may be exercised from time to time as often as deemed necessary by us, and in such order and manner as we may determine. No failure or delay on our part in exercising any Remedy shall operate as a waiver of such Remedy; nor shall any single or partial exercise of any Remedy preclude any other or further exercise of such Remedy or of any other Remedy. No application of payments, or any advances or other action by us, will cure or waive any Event of Default or prevent acceleration, or continue acceleration, of amounts, of amounts payable under the Loan Documents or prevent the exercise, or continued exercise, of any Remedies of ours. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary, the exercise by us of any Remedy shall not obligate us or cause us to be deemed to have taken possession of, managed or operated your business nor shall we be liable for any business losses incurred during the exercise of any Remedy.

 

3.4 Indemnification. You shall indemnify, defend and save and hold us harmless from and against, and shall pay on demand, any and all losses, liabilities, damages, costs, expenses and charges (including the reasonable fees, charges and disbursements of internal and external legal counsel) suffered or incurred by us as a result of (a) any failure of you to perform any of your Obligations under any Loan Document, (b) any failure of any representation or warranty by you to be correct in all respects when made, (c) any claim, demand or cause of action, or any action or other proceeding, whether meritorious or not, brought or asserted against any Indemnities which relates to or arises out of the Loan Documents, the Loan, the Goods or any transaction contemplated by, or the relationship between you and us or any action or inaction by us under, the Loan Documents; provided that no Indemnitee shall be entitled to indemnification for matters caused solely by such Indemnitees gross negligence or willful misconduct. Any obligation of your under this paragraph shall survive the making and repayment of the Loan, the expiration or termination of this Agreement, and shall be secured by any agreements now or in the future securing the Loan or any Guaranty.

 

3.5 Collection costs, attorney’s fees and other expenses. If you are in default and we have to refer your account to an attorney to sue or take other steps to collect or secure amounts advanced pursuant to this Agreement you and your Guarantor(s) agree to pay our reasonable costs, including a reasonable attorney’s fee. You agree to bear sole responsibility for and promptly pay or cause to be paid all costs and expenses relating to the performance of your Obligations or the delivery to us of any Documents or other items or information under or in connection with any of the Loan Documents, and any taxes (other than income or gross receipts taxes generally applicable to banks), costs, expenses, fees or charges payable or determined to be payable in connection with the execution, delivery, filing or recording of, or otherwise with respect to, any Loan Document or any other Document delivered under or in connection with any Loan Document.

 

You shall pay to us on demand all costs, expenses and charges of ours in connection with the approval of the Loan by us and the negotiation, preparation, execution, delivery, administration, supplement, modification, amendment, waiver and enforcement of, and any other action taken by us under or otherwise to protect or defend its rights and interests in respect of, any Loan Document, and litigation, dispute, action or other proceeding (including bankruptcy proceedings) relating thereto, including recording fees, filing fees, search fees, the reasonable fees and disbursements of our legal counsel and other out-of-pocket expenses, and the charges of our internal legal counsel.

 

SECTION IV

MISCELLANEOUS

 

4.1 Alternative dispute resolution.

 

a. THE PARTIES TO THIS AGREEMENT HEREBY EXPRESS THAT ALL DISPUTES, CONTROVERSIES OR CLAIMS OF ANY KIND AND NATURE, ARISING OUT OF OR IN ANY WAY RELATED TO THE WITHIN AGREEMENT, ITS INTERPRETATION, PERFORMANCE OR BREACH, SHALL BE RESOLVED EXCLUSIVELY BY THE FOLLOWING ALTERNATIVE DISPUTE RESOLUTION MECHANISMS:

 

Arbitration: You and we agree that any and all disputes, claims and controversies of any kind and nature pertaining to this Agreement, shall be settled by binding arbitration. Notwithstanding our agreement to arbitrate, Regions Bank may exercise all of the specific rights and remedies granted to it under this Agreement with respect to an Event of Default by you. The party seeking to arbitrate shall select one of the following three arbitration administrators: the National Arbitration Forum (“NAF”); the American Arbitration Association (“AAA”) or JAMS.

 

The arbitrator shall be a lawyer with more than ten years experience or a retired or former judge. The arbitration shall be conducted according to the rules and procedures of the selected administrator. The costs of the above-stated arbitration shall be borne by the party against whom an award is issued and in favor of the prevailing party. In either event, each party shall bear the cost of its own attorney’s fees and costs.

 

b. THE PARTIES UNDERSTAND AND AGREE (i) THAT THIS ARBITRATION AGREEMENT IS MADE PURSUANT TO A TRANSACTION INVOLVING INTERSTATE COMMERCE AND SHALL BE GOVERNED BY THE FEDERAL ARBITRATION ACT, 9 U.S.C SECTION 1-16 (THE “FAA”); (ii) THAT THE ARBITRATOR SHALL APPLY APPLICABLE SUBSTANTIVE LAW CONSISTENT WITH THE FAA; (iii) THAT EACH OF THEM IS WAIVING RIGHTS TO SEEK REMEDIES IN COURT, INCLUDING THE RIGHT TO A JURY TRAIL; (iv) THAT PRE-ARBITRATION DISCOVERY IN ARBITRATION PROVEEDINGS IS GENERALLY MORE LIMITED THAN AND DIFFERENT FROM COURT PROCEEDINGS; (v) THAT THE ARBITRATORS’

 

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AWARD IS NOT REQUIRED TO INCLUDE FACTUAL FINDINGS OR LEGAL REASONING, AND (vi) EITHER PARTY’S RIGHT TO APPEAL OR TO SEEK MODIFICATION OF RULINGS BY THE ARBITRATORS, IS STRICTLY LIMITED TO APPEALS PERMITTED BY THE FAA.

 

c. THE VENUE FOR ARBITRATION UNDER THIS PARAGRAPH SHALL BE IN THE CITY OF BIRMINGHAM, STATE OF ALABAMA.

 

4.2 Missing / incomplete information. In the event we and you fail to complete any of the blanks requiring information to be included within the first page of this Agreement, you agree that we may supply the missing information based upon our standard and customary credit policies.

 

4.3 Beneficiary. No third party shall have any legally enforceable rights in this Agreement. Nothing contained in this Agreement shall create any contractual relationship between Regions Bank and any person or entity other than you.

 

4.4 General deposits. Nothing in this Agreement shall be construed to create a written agreement between you and us which would require that monies advanced pursuant to this Agreement be paid only to a particular identified or identifiable person or that any such advances be made and payable only for a specific or particular purpose. Any deposits of advances pursuant to the terms of this Agreement shall constitute general deposits and shall not constitute special deposits or deposits in escrow or trust. The parties hereto expressly disclaim the creation of any fiduciary or trust relationship between them, or with any third party.

 

4.5 Unenforceable provisions. If any section of this Agreement is not enforceable, that will not affect the validity of any other section. However, if the enactment or expiration of any applicable Law has the effect of rendering any provision of this Agreement unenforceable according to its terms, at our option, we may choose to declare your account due at once.

 

4.6 Damages limited. You agree that we are not liable for incidental or consequential damages, including without limitation, lost sales or lost profits, arising from our breach of this Agreement of our failure to make advances.

 

4.7 Waiver You agree that our failure, in any one or more instances, to insist on the performance of any of the terms of this Agreement or to exercise any right or privilege conferred herein or the waiver of any breach of any terms of this Agreement shall not thereafter be construed as a waiver of such terms, which shall continue in force as if such waiver had not occurred.

 

4.8 Choice of law. You and we agree that the terms of this Agreement including, without limitation, available rates of interest, shall be governed by applicable federal law and the law of the State of Alabama.

 

4.9 Entire agreement. You agree that this written Agreement plus any other Documents that you signed when you signed this Agreement contain the entire agreement between you and us. We have not made any promises or representations to you that are not stated in this Agreement or those other Documents.

 

4.10 Signatures. You agree that you sign this Agreement under seal, and you agree to all of the terms of this Agreement. You also acknowledge that we have given you a completed copy of this Agreement.

 

/s/Tracy Clement


ExecutiveVice President

 

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SCHEDULE I

DEFINITIONS AND ACCOUNTING TERMS

 

Certain defined terms. When used in this Agreement, the following terms have the following meanings.

 

Additional Collateral Agreements” means agreements pledging collateral or granting a security interest and any assignments or other agreements now or in the future securing the Loan or any Guaranty.

 

Affiliate” means, as to any Person, any other Person that directly or indirectly controls or is controlled by or under common control with the Person specified.

 

Authorization” means any authorization, consent, approval, order, license, permit, exemption or other action by or from, or any filing, registration or qualification with, any governmental agency or other Person.

 

Business Day” means any day not a Saturday, Sunday or legal holiday in the State of Alabama.

 

Charter Documents” means (a) in the case of a corporation, its articles of incorporation and bylaws, (b) in the case of a partnership, its partnership agreement and any certificate or statement of partnership, () in the case of a limited liability company, its articles of organization and operating agreement, and (d) in the case of a trust or any other entity, its formation documents, in each case as amended from time to time.

 

Collateral” means the Goods and all products and proceeds derived from the Goods.

 

Contracts in Transit” means very short-term receivables, these are receivables from the finance companies that contracted the sale of inventories; however, cash has not yet been received (This definition is only reference ed in the definitions section as part of the definition of other terms and ins not referenced in the text of the Agreement.)

 

Cost of Goods Sold” means the cost at which the dealer paid to acquire the inventories or services sold. (This definition is only reference in the definitions section as part of the definition of other terms and is not referenced in the text of the Agreement.)

 

Current Ratio” means Current Assets divided by Current Liabilities. Current liabilities shall exclude the “1.5 million subordinated promissory note and any portion of the U.S. Bank term notes not due within 12 mos as per not amortization schedule.

 

Documents” means written documents and materials, including agreements, approvals, certificates, consents, instruments, financing statements, reports, budgets, forecasts and opinions.

 

Events of Default” means the events set forth in the Events of Default paragraph of the Agreement.

 

Financial Statements” means balance sheets and income statements.

 

Goods” means the inventory and all replacements, accessories and accessions and substitutions thereof and therefrom, held for sale and financed under this Agreement, which continues a part of the Collateral.

 

Gross Margin” means Gross Profit divided by Total Sales (This definition s not reference in any other place in the Agreement.)

 

Gross Profit” means total Sales minus cost of Goods Sold. (This definition is not referenced in any other place in the Agreement.)

 

Guarantor” means any Person who has executed or is required to execute a Guaranty and such Person’s successors and assigns.

 

Guaranty” means any Guaranty executed in favor of Regions Bank in connection with the Agreement.

 

Indebtedness” means, with respect to any Person, all indebtedness, obligations and liabilities, including (a) all liabilities which would be reflected on a balance sheet prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, (b) all obligations in respect of any guaranty, (c) all obligations in respect to any capital lease, (d) all obligations, indebtedness and liabilities secured by any lien or security interest on any property or assets of such Person, and (e) all redeemable preferred stock of such Person

 

Indemnitees” means Regions Bank and its Affiliates, and the respective directors, officers, agents, attorneys, employees, participants, successors and assigns of each.

 

Index” means the Index set forth in Paragraph 1.8

 

Intangible Assets” means any nonphysical asset, such as trademarks, trade names, copyrights, goodwill, blue sky, or owner receivables, which presume to give the firm a better position in the marketplace. (This definition is only referenced in the definitions section as part of the definition of other terms and is not reference in the text of the Agreement.)

 

Laws” means all federal, state and local laws, rules, regulations, ordinances and codes.

 

Lien” means any lien, mortgage, deed of trust, pledge, security interest or other charge or encumbrance.

 

Leverage Ratio” means Total Liabilities divided by Tangible Net Worth.

 

Loan” means the loan to be made by Regions Bank to the Borrower in the form of a line of credit, pursuant to this Agreement and in an amount not to exceed the amount set forth in the Agreement.

 

Loan Documents” means this Agreement, the Note, if any, the Guaranty, if any, and any Additional Collateral Agreements.

 

Loan Party” means (a) the Borrower, (b) any Guarantor which at the time has or may have any obligation or liability (whether fixed, contingent or otherwise) under any Guaranty executed or to be executed by it, (c) any Person executing any Additional Collateral Agreements, and (d) in the case of any Loan Party which is a partnership, any general partner of such Loan Party.

 

Net Margin” means Net Profit divided by Total Sales (This definition is not referenced in any other place in the Agreement.)

 

Net Profit” means profit remaining after considering all operating, selling, administrative, financing, and other expenses. (this definition is not reference in any other place in the Agreement.)

 

New Days Supply” means New Car Inventories divided by Cost of Goods Sold multiplied by the number of calendar days in the statement period. (This definition is not referenced in any other place in the Agreement.)

 

Note” means the note, if any, executed by the Borrower in favor of Regions Bank to further evidence the Loan.

 

Obligations” means all covenants and obligations of the Loan Parties of every nature under the Loan Documents.

 

Other Requirements” means the terms, conditions and requirements of all Authorizations relating to the Goods and all other Documents, agreements and restrictions relating to, binding on or affecting the Goods.

 

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Person” means any person or entity, whether an individual, trustee, corporation, partnership, joint stock company, trust, unincorporated organization, bank, business association or firm, joint venture, governmental agency or otherwise.

 

Premises” means the physical location of the Goods.

 

Remedy” means any right, power or remedy.

 

Retained Earnings” means an equity account, it’s the sum of profits retained since the Borrower’s inception. (This definition is not referenced in any other place in the Agreement.)

 

Shrinkage Factor” means the amount of Total Trust Position as defined expressed as a percentage of liquid or near liquid assets. It is calculated as follows: Cash on hand plus Contracts in transit plus Vehicle Accounts receivable plus new and used inventory minus new and used vehicle liability divided by the sum of Cash on hand, contracts in transit, Vehicle Accounts receivable, new and used inventory.

 

Supplier” means those persons identified in Section I, paragraph 1.5

 

Tangible Net Worth” means Total Assets minus Intangible Assets minus Total Liabilities. (This definition is only reference din the definitions section as part of the definitions of other terms and is not referenced in the text of the Agreement.)

 

Total Assets” means Current Assets plus Capital Assets plus All Other Assets which is all assets held by the Borrower. (This definition is only referenced in the definitions section as part of the definition of other terms and is not referenced in the text of the Agreement.)

 

Total Cash and Contracts” means all cash items held internally and externally. Contracts refers to contracts in transit (a type of a very short term receivable where the inventory has been sold and contracted with a financial institution however, cash has not yet been received). (This definition is not referenced in any other place in the Agreement.)

 

Total Liabilities” means current Liabilities plus Long-Term Liabilities, which is all Indebtedness of the Borrower. (This definition is only referenced in the definitions section as part of the definition of other terms and is not referenced in the text of the Agreement.)

 

Total Net Worth” means Total Assets minus Total Liabilities, which is assets in excess of debt. (This definition is not referenced in any other place in the Agreement.)

 

Total Sales” means the sume of proceeds from the sale of Goods and services from all of the departments of the Borrower. (This definition is only referenced in the definitions section as part of the definition of other terms and is not referenced in the text of the Agreement.)

 

Total Trust Position” means Cash plus Contracts in Transit plus Accounts Receivable Vehicles plus New Vehicle Inventories plus Used Vehicle Inventories minus New Vehicle Flooring Liability minus Used Vehicle Flooring Liability. (this definition is only referenced in the definitions section as part of the definitions of other terms and is not referenced in the text of the Agreement.)

 

Used Days Supply” means Used Vehicle Inventories divided by Cost of Goods Sold multiplied by the number of calendar days in the statement periods. (This definition is not referenced in any other place in the Agreement.)

 

Working Capital” means Current Assets minus Current Liabilities. (This definition is not referenced in any other place in the Agreement.)

 

SCHEDULE II

DEBTS, LIENS, SECURITY INTERSTS, ENCUMBRANCES OR CLAIMS

 

NONE, EXCEPT AS DESCRIBED BELOW

 

By acknowledging the above statement, you are stating that none of the above items exist on the aforementioned property pledged as security to Regions Bank. If, in fact, any items as listed above under Schedule II exist, this may be construed as a breach of contract unless otherwise stated.

 

  1. Amended and restated loan agreement with U.S. Bank, including asset – based revolving line of credit commitment of ***** on receivables and inventory and ***** in term loans on real estate and equipment.

 

  2. Wholesale Finance Agreement with GE Commercial Distribution Finance in amount of ***** to finance new and used coaches held in inventory.

 

  3. Term note in amount of ***** with First Source Bank secured by Beechjet 400 aircraft.

 

  4. Consignment agreements with Prevost Car Company for coach shells with payment due with the 4 month consignment term expires or when the completed coach is financed by GE or sold, if sooner.

 

SCHEDULE III

ADDITIONAL REPRESENTATIONS, WARRANTIES AND COVENANTS

(See paragraph 2.42)

 

Financial Covenants:

1. Current Ratio to be 1.20:01 or greater

2. Leverage Ratio 5:1 or less

 

Exhibit A

 

All now existing or hereafter acquired inventory, including but not limited to all new recreational vehicles, equipment, machinery, accounts, cash, contract rights, furniture, fixtures, appliances, invoices, chattel paper, purchase orders, rolling stock, general intangibles, and all other tangible personal property and assets of the debtor, together with the books, records, computer software evidencing all such property, and all of the products, proceeds, replacements, accessions, and substitutions thereof and therefrom. The collateral specified herein secures and shall secure any and all indebtedness of the debtor to the Bank now existing or hereafter incurred whether such indebtedness is from time to time increased or entirely extinguished and therefore reincurred. Secured Party has a purchase money security interest in inventory acquired by the Debtor and financed through the Secured Party’s Floor Plan Financing Agreement, or otherwise financed by Secured Party. This “Exhibit” pertains to and includes but is not limited to the listed debtor address(es) on the UCC-1 filing and any and all other storage locations that may exist or arise in the future.

 

Borrower: Featherlite, Inc

/s/ Tracy Clement,


ExecutiveVice President

 

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EX-10.38 9 dex1038.htm SECOND AMENDMENT TO AMENDED AND RESTATED LOAN AGREEMENT Second amendment to Amended and Restated Loan Agreement

Exhibit 10.38

 

SECOND AMENDMENT TO AMENDED AND RESTATED LOAN AGREEMENT

 

THIS SECOND AMENDMENT TO AMENDED AND RESTATED LOAN AGREEMENT (this “Amendment”) is made and entered into as of the 26th day of September, 2003, by and between FEATHERLITE, INC., a Minnesota corporation (“Borrower”), and U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION “(Lender”).

 

WITNESSETH:

 

WHEREAS, Borrower and Lender have heretofore entered into that certain Amended and Restated Loan Agreement dated as of July 31, 2002 as amended by that certain First Amendment to Amended and Restated Loan Agreement dated February 18, 2003 (the “Loan Agreement”); all capitalized terms used and not otherwise defined in this Amendment shall have the respective meanings ascribed to them in the Loan Agreement as amended by this Amendment)’ and

 

WHEREAS, Borrower and Lender desire to further amend the Loan Agreement in the manner hereinafter set forth;

 

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and for other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, Borrower and Lender hereby agree as follows:

 

1. The word “and” is deleted from the end of Section 5.02(a)(ix) of the Loan Agreement and replaced with a semi-colon; the period at the end of Section 5.02(a)(x) of the Loan Agreement is deleted and replaced with “, and”; and the following provision is added to the Loan Agreement as Section 5.01 (a)(xi)”

 

(xi) a floor plan line of credit to finance the purchase of motor coaches manufactured by Foretravel Motorhomes, Inc., to be provided by Regions Bank in a principal amount of up to $3,000,000.

 

2. The definition “Borrowing Base” contained in Exhibit A to the Loan Agreement is hereby amended to provide as follow:

 

Borrowing Base shall mean, as of the date of any determination thereof, the sum of:

 

(a) (i) Eighty-five Percent (85%) if the Rate of Dilution of Borrower’s Accounts is less than or equal to Five Percent (5%), (ii) Eighty Percent (80%) if the Rate of Dilution of Borrower’s Accounts is greater than Five Percent (5%) but less than or equal to Eight Percent (8%), (iii) Seventy-Five Percent (75%) if the Rate of Dilution of Borrower’s Accounts is greater than Eight Percent (8%) but less than or equal to Ten Percent (10%) or (iv) Seventy-Percent (70%) if the Rate of Dilution of Borrower’s of Borrower as such date (less maximum discount, credits and allowances which may be taken by or granted to Account Debtors in connection therewith and/or adjustments for reserves and allowances deemed appropriate by Lender in its good faith discretion); plus

 

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(b) the lesser of (i) the sum as of such date of (x) Thirty Percent (30%) of that portion of the Eligible Inventory of Borrower consisting of raw materials, plus (y) Seventy Percent (70%) of that portion of the Eligible Inventory of Borrower consisting of work-in-process, sub-assembly, finished goods and used trailers, all valued at the lower of cost or market in accordance with GAAP, or (ii) $12,000,000.00.

 

3. The period at the end of sub-section (h) in the definition of “Permitted Liens” contained in Exhibit A to the Loan Agreement is deleted and replaced with “,and”, and the following provision is added as sub-section (i) in the definition of “Permitted Liens” contained in Exhibit A to the Loan Agreement:

 

(i) Liens granted in favor of Regions Bank in connection with the Indebtedness permitted in Section 5.01(a)(xi).

 

4. Pursuant to Borrower’s request, Lender hereby waives the existing Events of Default under the Loan Agreement caused by (i) borrower’s failure to have a Consolidated Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio of at least 1.05 to 1.00 as of the end of its fiscal quarters ending December 31, 2002 and March 31, 2003 as required by Subsection 5.01(o)(i) of the Loan Agreement, and (ii) Borrower’s failure to have Consolidated EBITDA of at least $9,000,000 during its fiscal year ended December 31, 2002 as required by Subsection 5.01(o)(iii) of the Loan Agreement.

 

5. Borrower hereby agrees to pay Lender a nonrefundable amendment fee in the amount of $8,000.00 (the “Fee) contemporaneously with the execution of this Amendment.

 

6. All references in the Loan Agreement to “this Agreement” and any other references of similar import shall henceforth mean the Loan Agreement as amended by this Amendment.

 

7. Except to the extent specifically amended by this Amendment, all of the terms, provisions, conditions, covenants, representations and warranties contained in the Loan Agreement shall be and remain in full force and effect and the same are hereby ratified and confirmed.

 

8. This Amendment shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of Borrower and Lender and their respective successors and assigns, except that Borrower may not assign, transfer or delegate any of its rights or obligations under the Loan Agreement as amended by this Amendment

 

9. Borrower hereby represents and warrants to Lender that:

 

(a) the execution, delivery and performance by Borrower of this Amendment are with the corporate powers of borrower, have been duly authorized by all necessary corporate action and require no action by or in respect of, consent of or filing or recording with, any governmental or regulatory body, instrumentality, authority, agency or official or any other Person;

 

(b) the execution, delivery and performance by Borrower of this Amendment do not conflict with, or result in a breach of the terms, conditions or provisions of, or constitute a default under or result in any violation of, the terms of the Articles of Incorporation or by-Laws of Borrower, any applicable law, rule, regulation, order, writ, judgment or decree of any court for

 

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governmental or regulatory body, instrumentality authority, agency or official or any agreement, document or instrument to which Borrower is a party or by which Borrower or any of its Property is bound or to which Borrower of any of its Property is subject;

 

(c) This Amendment has been duly executed and delivered by Borrower and constitutes the legal, valid and binding obligation of Borrower enforceable against Borrower in accordance with its terms, except as such enforceability may be limited by (i) applicable bankruptcy, insolvency or similar laws affecting the enfor4cement of creditor’s rights generally and (ii) general principles of equity (regardless of whether such enforceability is considered in a proceeding in equity or at law);

 

(d) all of the representations and warranties made by Borrower and/or any other Obligor in the Loan Agreement and/or in any other Transaction Document are true and correct in all material respects on and as of the date of this Amendment as if made on and as of the date of this Amendment; and

 

(e) as of the date of this Amendment, no Default or Event of Default under or within the meaning of the Loan Agreement has occurred and is continuing.

 

10. In the event of any inconsistency or conflict between this Amendment and the Loan Agreement, the terms, provisions and conditions contained in this Amendment shall govern and control.

 

11. Notwithstanding any provision contained in this Amendment to the contrary, this Amendment shall not be effective unless and until Lender shall have received:

 

(a) this Amendment, duly executed by Borrower;

 

(b) a Consent of Participant, duly executed by LaSalle Bank National Association;

 

(c) a Certificate of Authority executed by the Secretary of Borrower; and

 

(d) the Fee

 

12. This Amendment shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the substantive laws of the State of Missouri (without reference to conflict of law principles).

 

13. ORAL AGREEMENTS OR COMMITMENTS TO LAN MONEY, EXTEND CREDIT OR TO FORBEAR FROM ENFORCING REPAYMENT OF A DEBT, INCLUDING PROMISES TO EXTEND OR RENEW SUCH DEBT, ARE NOT ENFORCEABLE. TO PROTECT BORROWER AND LENDER FROM MISUNDERSTANDING OR DISAPPOINTMENT, ANY AGREEMENTS REACHED BY BORROWER AND LENDER COVERING SUCH MATTERS ARE CONTAINED IN THE LAON AGREEMENT AS AMENDED BY THIS AMENDMENT AND THE OTHER TRANSACTION DOCUMENTS, WHICH LOAN AGREEMENT AS AMNEDED BY THIS AMENDMENT AND OTHER TRANSACTION DOCUMENTS ARE A COMPLETE AND EXCLUSIVE STATEMENT OF THE AGREEMENTS BETWEEN BORROWER AND LENDER, EXCEPT AS BORROWER AND LENDER MAY LATER AGREE IN WRITING TO MODIFY THEM.

 

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, Borrower and Lender have executed this Second Amendment to Loan Agreement as of the date first above written.

 

Featherlite, Inc,

By /s/ Conrad Clement


Title: President and CEO

 

U.S. Bank Association

By: Robin Van Meter

Title: Vice President

 

CONSENT OF PARTICIPANT

 

The undersigned, in its capacity as the “Participant” under that certain Loan Participation Agreement dated as of October 8, 1998, by and between the undersigned and U.S. Bank National Association, formerly known as Firstar Bank Milwaukee, N.A. (“Lender”), relating to Featherlite, Inc., a Minnesota corporation (“Borrower”), as amended (as so amended, the “Participation Agreement”), hereby:

 

  (a) Consents to the terms, provision and conditions contained in that certain Second Amendment to Amended and Restated Loan Agreement dated as of September 26, 2003 (the “ Amendment”), subject to Participants receipt of $4,000.00 representing its portion of the Fee referenced in the Amendment; and

 

  (b) Acknowledges and agrees that all references in the Participation Agreement to the “Revolving Loan Agreement” and any other references of similar import shall henceforth mean the Amended and Restated Loan Agreement as amended by the Amendment; and

 

  (c) Acknowledges and agrees that the Participation Agreement is in full force and effect on the date hereof and the same is hereby ratified and confirmed.

 

Executed as of the 26th day of September, 2003.

 

/s/ Steven Buford, Vice President


LaSalle Bank National Association

 

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EX-23.(A) 10 dex23a.htm CONSENT OF DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP Consent of Deloitte & Touche LLP

EXHIBIT 23 (a)

 

INDEPENDENT AUDITORS’ CONSENT

 

We consent to the incorporation by reference in Registration Statement No. 333-11150 on Form S-3, and No. 33-90860, and 333-75255 on Form S-8 of our report dated April 14, 2004, relating to the consolidated financial statements and financial statement schedules of Featherlite, Inc. (the “Company’) as of and for the years ended December 31, 2003 and 2002 appearing in this Annual Report on Form 10-K of the Company for the year ended December 31, 2003.

 

/s/ Deloitte & Touche LLP

 

Minneapolis, Minnesota

April 14, 2004

EX-23.(B) 11 dex23b.htm INABILITY TO OBTAIN CONSENT OF PRIOR YEAR AUDITOR Inability to Obtain Consent of Prior Year Auditor

EXHIBIT 23(b)

 

Inability to obtain consent of prior year auditor

 

There may be risks and stockholders’ recovery may be limited as a result of the Company’s prior use of Arthur Andersen LLP as the Company’s independent public accounting firm. On June 15, 2002, Arthur Andersen LLP was convicted for obstruction of justice charges. Arthur Andersen LLP audited the Company’s financial statements for the years ended December 31, 2001. On August 2, 2002, Arthur Andersen LLP was dismissed as the Company’s independent public accountants and on August 2, 2002, Deloitte & Touche LLP was hired as the Company’s independent auditors for the 2002 fiscal year. Because the former audit partner and manager have left Arthur Andersen LLP, the Company was not able to obtain the written consent of Arthur Anderson LLP as required by Section 7 of the Securities Act of 1933 (the Securities Act). Accordingly, investors will not be able to sue Arthur Andersen LLP pursuant to Section 11(a)(4) of the Securities Act and therefore, may have their recovery limited as a result of the lack of consent.

EX-31.1 12 dex311.htm CERTIFICATION OF CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER PURSUANT TO SECTION 302 Certification of Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to Section 302

EXHIBIT 31.1

 

Certification Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 200

 

I, Conrad D. Clement, Chief Executive Officer, certify that:

 

1. I have reviewed this annual report on Form 10-K of Featherlite, Inc.;

 

2. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

 

3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in the report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operation and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

 

4. The registrant’s other certifying officers and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) for the registrant and we have:

 

a) Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

 

b) Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

 

c) Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and

 

5. The registrant’s other certifying officers and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent function):

 

a) All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

 

b) Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

 

Date: April 14, 2004

      By:  

/s/ Conrad D. Clement

             
               

Chief Executive Officer

 

EX-31.2 13 dex312.htm CERTIFICATION OF CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER PURSUANT TO SECTION 302 Certification of Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to Section 302

Exhibit 31.2

 

Certification Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

 

I, Jeffery A. Mason, Chief Financial Officer, certify that:

 

1. I have reviewed this annual report on Form 10-K of Featherlite, Inc.;

 

2. Based on my knowledge, this annual report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

 

3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in the report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operation and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this annual report;

 

4. The registrant’s other certifying officers and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) for the registrant and we have:

 

a) Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

 

b) Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

 

c) Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and

 

5. The registrant’s other certifying officers and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent function):

 

a) All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

 

b) Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

 

Date: April 14, 2004

      By:  

/s/ Jeffery A. Mason

             
               

Chief Financial Officer

 

EX-32.1 14 dex321.htm CERTIFICATION OF CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER PURSUANT TO SECTION 906 Certification of Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to Section 906

Exhibit 32.1

 

Certification pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

 

Ladies and Gentleman:

 

In connection with the annual report of Featherlite, Inc. (the “Company”) on Form 10-k for the year ended December 31, 2003, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “Report”), I, Conrad D. Clement, Chief Executive Officer of the Company, certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. §1350, as adopted pursuant to §906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that:

 

(1) The Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and

 

(2) The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.

 

April 14, 2004

     

/s/ Conrad D. Clement

       
       

Chief Executive Officer

 

EX-32.2 15 dex322.htm CERTIFICATION OF CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER PURSUANT TO SECTION 906 Certification of Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to Section 906

Exhibit 32.2

 

Certification pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

 

Ladies and Gentleman:

 

In connection with the annual report of Featherlite, Inc. (the “Company”) on Form 10-k for the year ended December 31, 2003 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “Report”), I, Jeffery A. Mason, Chief Financial Officer of the Company, certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. §1350, as adopted pursuant to §906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that:

 

(1) The Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and

 

(2) The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.

 

April 14, 2004

     

/s/ Jeffery A. Mason

       
       

Chief Financial Officer

 

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