424B3 1 d424b3.htm PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT Prospectus Supplement
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Filed Pursuant to Rule 424(b)(3) of the

Rules and Regulations Under the

Securities Act of 1933

Registration Statement No. 333-133722

 

PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT (To Prospectus dated May 12, 2006)

American Tire Distributors, Inc.

Senior Floating Rate Notes due 2012

Guaranteed by American Tire Distributors Holdings, Inc.

 

This Prospectus Supplement, together with the Prospectus contained in the aforementioned Registration Statement, is to be used by the selling security holders named in the Prospectus in connection with resales of the above-referenced securities.

March 26, 2008


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UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

 

 

FORM 10-K

 

 

(Mark One)

 

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

For the fiscal year ended December 29, 2007

OR

 

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

For the transition period from              to             

Commission File Number 333-124878

 

 

American Tire Distributors Holdings, Inc.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

 

 

Delaware   59-3796143

(State or other jurisdiction of

incorporation or organization)

 

(I.R.S. Employer

Identification Number)

12200 Herbert Wayne Court, Suite 150

Huntersville, North Carolina 28078

(Address, including zip code, of principal executive offices)

(704) 992-2000

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

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

None

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

None

 

 

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act.    Yes  ¨    No  x

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act.    Yes  ¨    No  x

Indicate by a 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.  x

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

Large accelerated filer  ¨       Accelerated filer  ¨       Non-accelerated filer  x       Smaller reporting company  ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).    Yes  ¨    No  x

The aggregate market value of the voting stock held by non-affiliates of the registrant: None

Number of common shares outstanding at March 15, 2008: 999,527

 

 

 


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TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

          Page
   PART I   

ITEM 1.

  

Business

   2

ITEM 1A.

  

Risk Factors

   11

ITEM 1B.

  

Unresolved Staff Comments

   15

ITEM 2.

  

Properties

   15

ITEM 3.

  

Legal Proceedings

   16

ITEM 4.

  

Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders

   16
   PART II   

ITEM 5.

  

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

   17

ITEM 6.

  

Selected Financial Data

   18

ITEM 7.

  

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

   21

ITEM 7A.

  

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosure About Market Risk

   36

ITEM 8.

  

Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

   37

ITEM 9.

  

Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure

   74

ITEM 9A.

  

Controls and Procedures

   74

ITEM 9B.

  

Other Information

   74
   PART III   

ITEM 10.

  

Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance

   75

ITEM 11.

  

Executive Compensation

   77

ITEM 12.

  

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

   87

ITEM 13.

  

Certain Relationships and Related Transactions and Director Independence

   90

ITEM 14.

  

Principal Accountant Fees and Services

   90
   PART IV   

ITEM 15.

  

Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules

   91
  

Signatures

   99


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Cautionary Statements on Forward-Looking Information

This Annual Report on Form 10-K contains forward-looking statements relating to our business and financial outlook, which are based on our current expectations, estimates, forecasts and projections. In some cases, you can identify forward-looking statements by terminology such as “may,” “will,” “should,” “expects,” “plans,” “anticipates,” “believes,” “estimates,” “predicts,” “potential,” “continue” or other comparable terminology. These forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve risks, uncertainties, estimates and assumptions that are difficult to predict. Therefore, actual outcomes and results may differ materially from those expressed in these forward-looking statements. You should not place undue reliance on any of these forward-looking statements. Further, any forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date on which it is made, and we undertake no obligation to update any such statement to reflect new information, the occurrence of future events or circumstances or otherwise.

The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 provides a “safe harbor” for forward-looking statements to encourage companies to provide prospective information about their companies without fear of litigation. We would like to take advantage of the “safe harbor” provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act in connection with the forward-looking statements included in this document.

Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those indicated by the forward-looking statements or that could contribute to such differences include, but are not limited to, integration of new systems, unanticipated expenditures, acquisitions and the successful integration of acquisitions into the business, changing relationships with customers, suppliers and strategic partners, changes to governmental regulation of the tire industry, the impact of competitive products, changes to the competitive environment, the acceptance of new products in the market, the economy and world events. See “Item 1A—Risk Factors” for further discussion.

 

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PART I

 

Item 1. Business.

Our Company

American Tire Distributors Holdings, Inc. (also referred to herein as “Holdings,” the “Company,” “we,” “us,” “our” and “Successor”) is a Delaware corporation, that owns 100% of the issued and outstanding capital stock of American Tire Distributors, Inc. (“ATD” or “Predecessor”), a Delaware corporation. Holdings has no significant assets or operations other than its ownership of ATD. The operations of ATD and its subsidiaries constitute the operations of Holdings presented under accounting principles generally accepted in the United States.

We are the leading distributor of tires to the replacement tire market in the United States, according to Modern Tire Dealer magazine, and provide a critical link between tire manufacturers and the highly fragmented retail tire sales channel. Through our 83 distribution centers, we offer approximately 50,000 stock-keeping units, or SKUs, to over 40,000 customers, generally on a same- or next-day basis. As a result, our customers utilize our broad product offering to offer a comprehensive product lineup to their end customer that due to working capital, logistics and warehouse constraints, they would otherwise be unable to provide on a stand-alone basis. We believe our position as the leading intermediary between tire manufacturers and a very fragmented customer base makes us an important distribution partner to the tire manufacturers. Our industry-leading market share increased from an estimated 1.7% in 1995 to over 7.0% in 2007 as a result of organic growth and targeted acquisitions. We believe that our size and broad geographic footprint give us a substantial scale advantage over our distribution competitors, all of whom are regionally focused.

We believe we have the broadest product offering in our industry, supplying our customers with nine of the top ten leading passenger tire brands. We carry the flag brands of all four of the largest tire manufacturers: Bridgestone, Continental, Goodyear and Michelin. In addition to flag brands, we also sell associate and private label brand tires, custom wheels and accessories and related service equipment. We believe our large, diverse product offering allows us to better penetrate markets by being able to provide a wide spectrum of products at multiple price points.

We serve a highly diversified customer base. Our largest customer and its subsidiaries accounted for less than 1.2% and our top ten customers accounted for less than 6.5% of our net sales. In addition to our extensive inventory and same- or next-day distribution capabilities, we provide our customers with sales and product support services, including a sophisticated ordering and logistics system, to maximize their ability to sell tires, custom wheels and accessories. These valuable services, as well as the deep level of commitment we have to the business operations of our customers, have resulted in a strong and stable position for us within the industry.

We were founded in North Carolina as The J.H. Heafner Company, Inc. in 1935. In 1999, we reincorporated in Delaware and changed our name to Heafner Tire Group, Inc. In 2001, we divested our retail operations in order to concentrate on our core wholesale tire distribution business and in 2002, we changed our name to American Tire Distributors, Inc. The new name was part of our transition from a collection of companies joined through acquisition into a single unified company.

On March 31, 2005, pursuant to an Agreement and Plan of Merger (the “Merger Agreement”), dated as of February 4, 2005 and amended and restated on March 7, 2005, among Holdings, ATD MergerSub, Inc., a Delaware Corporation (“MergerSub”), Charlesbank Equity Fund IV, L.P., a Massachusetts limited partnership, Charlesbank Capital Partners, LLC, a Massachusetts limited liability company and ATD; MergerSub merged with and into ATD with ATD being the surviving corporation (referred to herein as the “Merger” or the “Acquisition”). As a result of the Acquisition, ATD became a wholly-owned subsidiary of Holdings. The Acquisition was completed on March 31, 2005.

 

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Recent Developments

During fiscal 2007 we completed and integrated three acquisitions that extended our distribution network and increased our scale.

 

   

On December 7, 2007, we acquired 6H-Homann, LLC and Homann Tire, LTD (collectively “Homann Tire”), a tire distributor that has allowed us to expand our operations across the state of Texas (further complementing our existing distribution centers) and allowed us to expand into Louisiana.

 

   

On July 2, 2007, we acquired the distribution assets of Martino Tire Company (“Martino Tire”), a tire distributor that has allowed us to expand our operations across the state of Florida and complemented our existing distribution centers currently located within the state of Florida.

 

   

On May 31, 2007, we acquired Jim Paris Tire City of Montbello, Inc. (“Paris Tire”), a tire distributor that has allowed us to expand our operations across the state of Colorado and the Mid-West.

Industry Overview

According to Modern Tire Dealer magazine, the U.S. replacement tire market had annual retail sales of approximately $29.4 billion in 2007. Of that amount, passenger car and light truck tires accounted for approximately 62.6% and 15.3% of sales, respectively. Medium truck tires and farm, specialty and other types of tires accounted for approximately 18.7% and 3.4% of sales, respectively. Pricing among all replacement tires was up 8.2% in 2007, substantially related to multiple price increases by the tire manufacturers.

The U.S. replacement tire market has experienced stable historical growth. According to Modern Tire Dealer magazine, the number of new replacement tires shipped in the United States for passenger cars and light trucks increased from 185.4 million tires in 1995 to 240.7 million tires in 2007. During that period the U.S. replacement tire market had annual tire sales decline only twice, in 2001 when shipments decreased by 4.9% and in 2006 when shipments decreased by 3.3%. We believe the decline in 2001 was primarily due to a tire recall by Firestone in 2000, where the manufacturer replaced customer tires earlier than customers would have otherwise required. We believe the weakened demand in 2006 was due to concerns from consumers over rising interest rates, higher minimum credit card payments and increased fuel costs, all of which contributed to the deferral of tire purchases. We believe the stable historical market growth in the replacement tire market is due to the:

 

   

increase in both the number and average age of passenger cars and light trucks;

 

   

rise in the number of miles driven;

 

   

increase in the number of licensed drivers;

 

   

expansion of replacement tire SKUs;

 

   

growth of high performance and larger diameter tires; and

 

   

shortening of tire replacement cycles, particularly for high performance tires.

The replacement tire market for passenger cars and light trucks consists of three primary types of tires: “flag” brands, which are premium tires sold under recognized brands; associate brands, which are primarily lower priced tires; and private label brands, which are manufactured exclusively for and marketed by independent tire wholesale distributors and/or retailers. According to Modern Tire Dealer magazine, the market share of flag brand tires in the replacement tire market is approximately 71.6% in 2007.

In the United States, consumers purchase replacement tires from several principal sources, including independent tire outlets, manufacturer-owned retail stores, automotive dealerships, mass merchandisers such as Sears and Wal-Mart, auto supply chain stores such as Pep Boys and wholesale clubs and discounters such as Costco and Sam’s Club. Independent tire outlets, our largest customer base, include small local tire stores as well as regional and national chains such as Tire Kingdom and Discount Tire. According to Modern Tire Dealer

 

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magazine, independent tire outlets are the largest suppliers of new replacement passenger car tires in the United States, accounting for approximately 59.5% of retail sales of domestic replacement passenger car tires in 2007, up from 54.0% in 1990.

Independent tire outlets obtain their inventory of new replacement tires through three principal sources: tire manufacturers, independent wholesale distributors like us and dealer owned warehouses. Other sources include discount or price clubs and other tire outlet chains. We believe that in recent years certain tire manufacturers have reduced the extent to which they supply small independent tire outlets directly due to the inefficiencies of supplying small quantities of product to a large number of locations. At the same time, manufacturers have increased their supply to independent wholesale distributors who are able to deliver tires to a large number of independent tire outlets with greater efficiency.

Competitive Strengths

We believe our key competitive strengths include:

Leading Market Position. We are the leading replacement tire distributor in the United States with an estimated national market share of greater than 7.0%. We believe that the key benefits of our scale include: an ability to efficiently carry an extensive inventory; an ability to invest in sales tools and technologies to support our customers; and, operating efficiencies from our scalable infrastructure. We believe our leading market position, combined with the fact that we, unlike our principal competitors, do not own retail businesses that compete with our customers, enhances our ability to increase sales to existing customers, attract new customers and enter into new markets.

Extensive Distribution Network. We have the largest independent aftermarket tire distribution network in the industry with 83 distribution facilities and approximately 688 delivery vehicles serving 37 states. Utilizing our sophisticated inventory management and logistics technology, we believe we deliver 88.0% of our orders on a same- or next-day basis. As a result, we believe that we have an excellent reputation with our customers for providing a high level of prompt customer service.

Broad Product Offering. We believe we offer the most comprehensive selection of tires in the industry. We supply nine of the top ten leading passenger tire brands and we carry the flag brands of all four of the largest tire manufacturers: Bridgestone, Continental, Goodyear and Michelin. We also offer a number of high quality, private label product lines. In addition to branded and private label tires, we also sell associate brand tires, custom wheels and accessories and related service equipment. We believe that our broad product offering has been a significant factor in attracting and retaining many of our customers.

Diversified Customer Base. We sell our products to over 40,000 customers, including both national and regional tire dealer chains, car dealerships and other independent tire outlets. In 2007, no single customer accounted for more than 1.2% of our net sales while our top 10 customers accounted for less than 6.5% of our net sales.

Superior and Distinctive Technology. We have invested in sophisticated ordering and logistics technology that provides order processing, warehousing and fulfillment functions, which we believe to be the most efficient in the industry. Our ATDOnline® system, introduced in 1996, offers customers instant online access to our inventory, allowing dealers to check the price and availability of products and place orders on a 24/7 basis. Approximately 56.1% of our total order volume in 2007 was placed online using ATDOnline®, up from 51.8% in 2006. We have also invested in our logistics technology, including routing and global positioning software systems, to capture additional distribution efficiencies.

Strong Working Capital Management and Low Capital Expenditures. We are able to generate cash flows while maintaining sizeable inventory as our inventory controls and vendor relationships enable us to closely

 

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monitor and effectively manage our working capital. Furthermore, our scalable operating platform has allowed us to increase sales volume without significant incremental costs or capital expenditures. During the period from 2001 to 2007, our annual maintenance capital expenditures have averaged between $1.0 million and $3.0 million. In addition, our bad debt write-offs have historically been less than 0.1% of sales due to strong credit and collection procedures.

Experienced Senior Management Team. Our senior management team, led by our Chief Executive Officer, Richard P. Johnson, and our President, William E. Berry, is comprised of seasoned industry professionals and veterans of our company. Our senior management has an average of over 20 years of distribution experience and over 15 years with our predecessor companies.

Business Strategy

We intend to continue to expand our business, enhance our market position and increase our revenues and cash flow by focusing on the following:

Leverage Our Existing Infrastructure to Expand into Underserved Customer Markets. Our distribution infrastructure provides considerable operating leverage because the cost of adding additional customers that can be served by an existing distribution center, through the addition of truck routes or stops, is low. Our technology platform is scalable to accommodate additional distribution centers as necessary to expand efficiently into a new region.

Focus on Higher Profit Products. We plan to continue to focus on increasing the mix of high and ultra-high performance tires in our product line and on shifting customers from private label and associate brands to flag brands, which provide us with a higher profit per tire. The shift to larger rim diameter products also enhances our profit per tire. We are also working closely with independent tire retailers, automobile dealers and specialty shops to increase our sales of high-margin custom wheels and tire service equipment, tools and supplies.

Capitalize on Profit Enhancement Opportunities. We remain committed to managing our cost structure to increase profitability. As we have expanded our market presence, we have been able to effectively leverage our highly scalable distribution infrastructure to achieve higher growth while utilizing our logistics technology, including our GPS applications, to improve distribution efficiency and increase profitability.

Selectively Pursue Acquisitions. We believe we are well-suited, due to liquidity resources that we have available, to capitalize on opportunities to acquire smaller companies with key customer relationships. Our acquisition strategy consists of increasing our share in existing markets, adding distribution in new or complementary regions and utilizing our scale to realize cost savings. In addition, we believe acquisitions in our existing geographic markets provide an opportunity for significant cost savings. Over the past four years, we have successfully acquired and integrated eight businesses representing approximately $328 million in annual net sales. We believe that this experience will help us to pursue suitable acquisition opportunities in the future and integrate them successfully. Consistent with this strategy, we continue to evaluate potential acquisition targets.

Products

We sell a broad selection of flag, associate and private label tires, as well as custom wheels and accessories and related service equipment. Tire sales accounted for approximately 89.0%, 87.2% and 86.8% of total aggregate net sales in fiscal years 2007, 2006, and 2005, respectively.

Tires

Sales of passenger car and light truck tires accounted for approximately 77.0% of our net sales in fiscal 2007. The remainder of our tire sales were for medium trucks, farm vehicles and other specialty tires.

Flag brands. Our flag brands have high consumer recognition and generate higher per-tire profit than associate or private label brands. We carry the flag brands from all four of the largest tire manufacturers:

 

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Bridgestone, Continental, Goodyear and Michelin. As a part of our flag brand portfolio, we also carry high and ultra-high performance tires, including such brands as Kumho, Nitto and Pirelli.

We believe that our ability to effectively distribute a wide variety of SKUs for our flag brands is key to our success. The overall replacement tire market is highly fragmented and, according to Modern Tire Dealer magazine, the top ten passenger car tire brands account for approximately 61.0% of total replacement units. We believe this is the result of two factors. First, automobile manufacturers utilize a wide variety of tire brands and sizes for original equipment. Second, owner loyalty to original equipment is relatively high, as approximately one half of all new passenger car and light truck owners replace their tires with the same equipment. As a result, in order to be competitive, tire dealers, and particularly independent tire outlets, must be able to access a broad range of inventory quickly. Our customers can use our wide product offering to sell a comprehensive product lineup that they would be unable to provide on a stand-alone basis due to working capital constraints and limited warehouse capacity.

Our ultra-high performance tires are our highest profit products and also have relatively shorter replacement cycles. For the same reasons as other flag brands, but to an even greater degree, we believe working capital and inventory constraints make these tires difficult for dealers to efficiently stock. High and ultra-high performance tires have shown significant growth as compared to the overall market. According to Modern Tire Dealer magazine, the number of units sold in this subcategory increased industry-wide by 9.0% from 2006 to 2007.

Associate brands. Associate brands are primarily lower-priced tires, manufactured by well-known manufacturers. Our associate brands include Dayton, Republic and Gillette. These products allow us to offer tires in a wider price range. In addition, associate brands are attractive to our dealers because they may count towards the various incentive programs offered by manufacturers.

Private label brands. Private label brands are lower priced tires made by tire manufacturers exclusively for and marketed by independent tire wholesale distributors and/or retailers. Our private labels allow us to sell alternatively branded tires to locally competitive dealers, increasing our overall market penetration.

Custom Wheels and Accessories

We offer over 200 different styles of wheels in 26 different brands, along with installation and service accessories. Of these 26 brands, five are proprietary; ICW® Racing, Pacer®, Drifz®, Cruiser Alloys and OE Performance. An additional six are exclusive to us; CX, Maas, Zora, Gear, Martin Brother and Panther. Nationally available flag brands complement our offering with such brands as Cragar, Ultra, Lexani, Micky Thompson, Konig and HRE, collectively representing one of the most comprehensive wheel offerings in the industry. In addition to being a relatively high margin product, custom wheels are directly complementary to our tire products as many custom wheel consumers purchase tires when purchasing wheels. Customers can order custom wheels from us along with their regular tire shipments without the added complexity of being serviced by an additional vendor. Sourcing of product is worldwide through a number of manufacturers. Our net sales of custom wheels in fiscal 2007 was $106.8 million or approximately 5.7% of net sales.

Equipment, Tools and Supplies

We supply our customers with tire service equipment, tools and supplies from leading manufacturers. This equipment includes wheel alignment, tire changer and automotive lift machinery. These products broaden our portfolio and leverage our customer relationships. The manufacturers we represent are the leaders and best in class for the industry, and include Hunter Engineering, Challenger, Champion and Shure. Our net sales of equipment and tools, supplies and other items in fiscal 2007 was $56.6 million and $31.3 million, respectively for a combined total of 5.3% of net sales.

 

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Distribution System

We have designed our distribution system to deliver products from a wide variety of vendors to our highly fragmented customer base. We believe that as tire manufacturers have reduced the number of direct customers they serve, we have become a more critical link between those two groups.

We utilize a sophisticated inventory and delivery system to distribute most of our products to our customers on a same- or next-day basis. In most of our 83 distribution facilities, we have sophisticated bin locator systems, material handling equipment and routing software that tie customer orders, inventory and delivery routes in a seamless manner. We believe this system, which is integrated with our ATDOnline® ordering system, gives us a competitive advantage by allowing us to ship customer orders quickly while reducing labor costs. Our logistics and routing technology uses third party software packages and GPS systems to optimize route design and delivery capacity. Coupled with our fleet of approximately 688 delivery vehicles, this technology enables us to make multiple daily or weekly shipments to customers, as necessary. With this distribution infrastructure, we believe we fulfill approximately 88.0% of our customers’ orders on a same- or next-day basis.

Approximately 80.0% of our products are shipped directly by tire manufacturers to our distribution centers. The remaining 20.0% of our products are shipped by suppliers to our mixing centers in Maiden, North Carolina, Lincoln, Nebraska, Fresno, California and Dallas, Texas. These mixing centers allow us to warehouse slower-moving and foreign-manufactured products, which are forwarded to our distribution centers as needed.

Marketing and Customer Service

Our marketing efforts are focused on driving growth through customer service, additional product placement and market expansion. We market our products and services through a number of methods, including online initiatives and specialized sales teams.

Sales Force

We have structured our sales organization to best service our existing customers and develop new prospective customers. As the manufacturers have reduced their own sales staffs, our sales force has assumed the consultative role manufacturers previously provided. Additionally, we have established a segmented pricing system that allows us to effectively manage pricing across our customer base.

Our tire sales force consists of sales personnel located at each distribution center and a sales administrative group located at our field support center in Huntersville, North Carolina. The sales personnel located at each distribution center consist of outside and inside sales people as well as customer service representatives. These sales teams focus on retail tire and service dealers located within the service area of the distribution center and include a combination of tire-, wheel- and equipment- focused sales personnel. The outside sales personnel visit their targeted customers to advance our business opportunities and that of our customers, while the inside sales personnel remain on site, making client contact by telephone to advance specific products or programs. The customer service representatives manage incoming calls from customers and provide assistance with order placement, inventory inquiries and general customer support. The Huntersville-based sales administrative team provides overall direction for the distribution center based sales force and manages ATD’s national account customers, including large national and regional retail tire and service companies. This team also manages the Huntersville-based call center that provides call management assistance to the distribution centers during peak times of the day to minimize customer wait time as well as support in the event of any disruption of a distribution centers local telephone service.

Our aftermarket wheel sales group has sales and technical support personnel in the field and performance specialists in each region. The sales force’s responsibilities include cultivating new prospective wheel customers and coordinating with tire sales professionals to cover existing accounts. The technical support professionals

 

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provide answers to customer questions regarding style and fitment. We have also established a dedicated equipment, tool and supply sales force that works with the administrative tire sales group specifically to sell related service equipment, tools and supplies.

ATDOnline® and Envizio®

ATDOnline® provides our customers with web-based online ordering and 24/7 access to our inventory availability and pricing. The orders are automatically processed and printed in the appropriate distribution center within minutes of entry. ATDOnline® allows customers to track their account balances and participation levels in supplier incentive programs. In 2007, we added the capability for users to track expected deliveries and retrieve copies of their signed delivery receipts. As this system represents a more efficient method of order entry and information access, we have encouraged our customers to use this system. In 2007, approximately 56.1% of our total order volume was placed online using ATDOnline®, up from 51.8% in 2006.

Envizio® is our web-based tool that provides a one-of-a-kind 3D vehicle visualization for use as the custom wheel marketing and technical resource for our customers. Envizio® utilizes mathematic models that enable users to properly select and display a wide variety of wheel products on the car of their choice in photographic quality images. We believe the combination of the Envizio® website and kiosks in dealer stores provides our customers a unique and easy-to-use tool for selling wheels and, ultimately, other products as well.

Manufacturer Programs

Individual manufacturers offer a variety of programs for dealers that sell their products, such as Michelin’s Alliance, Goodyear’s Express, Continental’s Gold, Kumho’s Fuel and Bridgestone’s TireStarz. These programs, which are relatively complex, provide cooperative advertising funds, volume discounts and other incentives. As part of our service to our customers, we manage these programs for the manufacturers and enhance these programs through dedicated staff to assist dealers in managing their participation. We believe these enhancements, combined with our customer service, provide significant value to our customers.

In 2004, as a result of our acquisition of Target Tire, Inc. (“Target Tire”), we acquired a membership interest in the American Car Care organization for several regions we serve, which were further expanded in 2005 with our acquisition of Wholesale Tire Distributors, Inc., Wholesale Tire Distributors of Wyoming, Inc., and Wholesale Tire Distributors of Idaho, Inc. (collectively “Wholesale Tire”). The acquisition of Paris Tire in 2007 further expanded our American Car Care territories to include all of Colorado and western Kansas.

In 2006, we introduced ATD ServiceBay®, which provides a comprehensive suite of benefits for our dealers including nationwide tire and service warranties (through third-party warranty providers), a nationally accepted, private-label credit card (through GE Capital) and training and marketing programs to provide our dealers with the support and service that are critical to succeed in today’s increasingly competitive marketplace.

Customers

We principally distribute tires and related automotive products to independent tire outlets. Our other customers include national and regional retail chains, service stations, general automotive repair facilities, auto parts stores, automobile dealers and specialty automotive repair facilities. In 2007, our operations served over 40,000 customers each month in 37 states. Our customers are principally located in the Southeastern and Mid-Atlantic regions, portions of the Northeast, Midwest, Southwest and the West Coast of the United States. Our largest customer and its subsidiaries accounted for less than 1.2% and our top ten customers accounted for less than 6.5% of net sales.

Car dealerships are focused on growing their service business in an effort to expand profitability and we believe they view having replacement tire capabilities as an important service element. According to Modern

 

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Tire Dealer magazine, car dealers account for 4.5% of all replacement tire sales, up from 4.0% in 2006. During 2005 and into 2006, we successfully rolled out programs with several car manufacturers and these programs continue to expand. We are in discussions with other car manufacturers in order to develop similar programs with them and their networks of dealerships.

Suppliers

We purchase our tires from several sources, including the four largest tire manufacturers: Bridgestone, Continental, Goodyear and Michelin. Our supply arrangements with our major suppliers are generally oral or written arrangements with cancellation or short notice provisions that are renegotiated annually. Although we can make no assurance that these arrangements will be renewed, or renewed on favorable terms, we have conducted business with our major tire suppliers for many years and we believe that we have good relationships with all of our major suppliers. In 2007, we purchased approximately 51.0% of our tire products in 2007 from three tire suppliers and we do not have long-term supply agreements with these suppliers for purchases of the supplier’s branded products. Our operating results could be adversely affected if we were unable to purchase tires from these three suppliers.

There are a number of worldwide manufacturers of wheels and other automotive products and equipment. Most of the wheels we purchase are private-label custom brands, namely Pacer®, Cruiser Alloys, Drifz®, OE Performance and ICW® Racing, and are produced by a variety of manufacturers. We purchase equipment and other products from multiple sources, including industry leaders such as Hunter Engineering, Challenger, Champion and Shure.

Competition

The industry in which we operate is highly competitive and fragmented. Tire manufacturers distribute tires to the retail market by direct shipments to independent tire outlets, national retail chains and manufacturer owned retail stores, as well as through shipments to independent wholesale distributors like us. There are approximately 200 independent wholesale distributors in the United States. We compete with a number of tire distributors on a regional basis. Our main competitors include TCI Tire Centers, TBC Wholesale and Am-Pac Tire, some of which have retail operations that compete with their distribution customers. We also face some competition from internet based, mail-order and smaller regional companies.

We believe that the principal competitive factors in our business are reputation, breadth of product offering, delivery frequency, price and service. We believe that we compete effectively in all aspects of our business due to our ability to offer a broad selection of flag and private label branded products, our competitive prices and our ability to provide quality services in a timely manner.

Information Systems

Our legacy computer system consists of programs developed in-house by our programming staff. The main functions of this system include order entry, invoicing, inventory control, accounts receivable and warehouse management. We are currently implementing the latter stages of a conversion to Oracle in order to accommodate our integrated operations and increased volume of business. We have already implemented the general ledger as well as accounts payable, procurement and inventory functions on Oracle. We expect to complete the conversion to Oracle in 2009. If this transition is not successful, our business and operations could be disrupted and our operating results could be harmed. For more information, see Item 1A, “Risk Factors.”

Trademarks

The private-label brand names under which we market our products are trademarks of our company. Those private-label brand names are considered to be important to our business because they develop brand

 

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identification and foster customer loyalty. All of our trademarks are of perpetual duration as long as they are periodically renewed. We currently intend to maintain all of them in force. The principal private-label brand names under which we market our products are:

 

 

 

DYNATRAC® tires;

 

 

 

WYNSTAR® tires;

 

 

 

Cruiser Wire® custom wheels;

 

 

 

DRIFZ® custom wheels;

 

 

 

ICW® custom wheels;

 

 

 

PACER® custom wheels; and

 

 

 

MAGNUM® automotive lifts.

Our other trademarks include:

 

 

 

American Tire Distributors®;

 

 

 

ATDOnline®;

 

 

 

ATD ServiceBay ®;

 

 

 

WHEEL WIZARD®;

 

 

 

ENVIZIO®;

 

 

 

Wheel Wizard Envizio®;

 

 

 

Wheelenvizio.com®; and

 

 

 

XPRESSPERFORMANCE®.

Seasonality and Inventory

We typically experience our highest sales levels from March through October of each fiscal year, while sales levels are generally lower during the period from November through February. Our inventories generally fluctuate with anticipated seasonal sales volumes. We believe that we maintain levels of inventory that are adequate to meet our customers’ needs on short notice. Since customers look to us to fulfill their needs on short notice, backlog of orders is not a meaningful statistic for us.

Environmental Matters

Our operations and properties are subject to federal, state and local laws and regulations relating to the use, storage, handling, generation, transportation, treatment, emission, release, discharge and disposal of hazardous materials, substances and wastes and relating to the investigation and clean-up of contaminated properties, including off-site disposal locations. We do not incur significant costs complying with environmental laws and regulations. However, we could be subject to material environmental costs, liabilities or claims in the future, especially in the event of changes in existing laws and regulations or in their interpretation.

Employees

As of March 15, 2008, our operations employed approximately 2,400 people. None of our employees are represented by a union. We believe our employee relations are satisfactory.

 

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Available Information

In accordance with the requirements of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, we file reports and other information with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). You may read and, for a fee, copy any document that we file with the SEC at the public reference room maintained by the SEC at 100 F Street, N.E., Washington, D.C. 20549. You may also obtain information on the operation of the public reference room by calling the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330. Our SEC filings are also available to the public from commercial document retrieval services and at the website maintained by the SEC at www.sec.gov.

You may also request a copy of these filings at no cost, by writing or telephoning us at the following address:

American Tire Distributors Holdings, Inc.

Attention: Corporate Secretary

12200 Herbert Wayne Court

Suite 150

Huntersville, NC 28078

(704) 992-2000

 

Item 1A. Risk Factors.

We depend on our relationships with our vendors and a disruption of these relationships or of our vendors’ operations could have an adverse effect on our business and results of operations.

There are a limited number of tire manufacturers worldwide and, accordingly, we rely on a limited number of tire manufacturers for our products, including flag and associate brands as well as our private label brands. Our business depends on developing and maintaining productive relationships with these suppliers. Although in most cases we have dealt with these manufacturers for many years, our arrangements are short term in nature and there can be no assurance that these suppliers will continue to supply products to us on favorable terms, or at all. In addition, while our growth strategy depends on our ability to make selective acquisitions our suppliers may not be willing to supply the companies we acquire, which could have a material adverse effect on our business. Furthermore, in the event that any of our suppliers were to experience financial, operational, production, supply, labor or quality assurance difficulties that result in a reduction or interruption in our supply, or if they otherwise fail to meet our manufacturing requirements, we could be materially adversely affected. In addition, our failure to promptly pay or order sufficient quantities from our suppliers may result in an increase in the cost of the products we purchase or a reduction in cooperative advertising and marketing funds or may lead to suppliers refusing to sell products to us at all. To the extent that we would be required to find replacements for our manufacturers, a change in manufacturers could result in cost increases, time delays in deliveries and a loss of customers, any of which could have a material adverse effect on us. Finally, although the majority of tires manufactured by the major tire manufacturers are sold to the replacement tire market, the manufacturers pay disproportionate attention to automobile companies that purchase tires for use as original equipment on vehicles sold to consumers. Increased demand from the automobile companies could also result in cost increases and time delays in deliveries from manufacturers to us, any of which could have a material adverse effect on us.

While the independent tire outlet share of the replacement tire market has been relatively stable in the recent past, the share of larger dealers has grown at the expense of smaller tire dealers. Our business would be adversely affected if the suppliers determined that, due to the increasing size of such dealers, they could deal directly with such dealers.

Our business could be adversely affected by consolidation among customers as it may reduce our importance as a holder of sizable inventory, thereby reducing our revenues and earnings.

Our success has been dependent, in part, on the fragmented customer base in our industry. Because of the small size of most customers, they cannot support substantial inventory positions and thus, as our size permits us

 

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to maintain a sizable inventory, we fill an important role. We do not generally have long term arrangements with our customers and they can cease doing business with us at any time. If a trend towards consolidation among customers develops in the future, it could reduce our importance and reduce our revenues, margins and earnings. While the independent tire outlet share of the replacement tire market has been relatively stable in the recent past, the share of larger dealers has grown at the expense of smaller tire dealers. If that trend continues, the number of dealers able to handle sizable inventory could increase, reducing the importance of distributors to the independent dealer market.

We would also be adversely affected if other channels in the replacement tire market, including mass merchandisers and wholesale clubs, gain market share from the independent tire outlet channel. Our market share in those other channels is lower, as those channels are generally sizable enough to deal directly with suppliers.

The industry in which we operate is highly competitive and our failure to effectively compete may adversely affect our results of operations and our ability to service our debt obligations.

The industry in which we operate is highly competitive, and some of our competitors have resources greater than ours. Tire manufacturers distribute tires to the retail market by direct shipments to independent tire outlets, national retail chains and manufacturer-owned retail stores as well as through shipments to independent wholesale distributors. A number of independent wholesale tire distributors also compete in the regions in which we do business. Most of our customers buy products from both our competitors and us. Although we believe that we have been able to compete successfully in our markets to date, there can be no assurance that we will be able to continue to do so in the future. See Item 1 “Business—Competition.”

The automotive replacement tire industry is subject to cycles in the general economy. A downturn in the economy could reduce consumer spending on our products, which could decrease our net sales and operating margins. Also, absent general economic changes, fluctuations in interest rates and fuel prices could impact consumer spending, which could decrease our net sales and operating margins.

A downturn in the economy may delay or reduce consumer purchases of our products and services or lead consumers to purchase more associate or private label brands and reduce spending on higher margin products, which could adversely affect our revenues, cash flow and profits. Sales in our industry declined in 2006 due to concerns from consumers over rising interest rates, higher minimum credit card payments and increased fuel costs. Sales in our industry also declined in 2001 due in part to the recession as well as the effect of the Firestone recall in 2000, and sales in our industry have declined on an annual basis in prior recessions. A slowdown in economic activity could adversely affect our results. Many factors affect the level of consumer spending on replacement tires, including, among others, general business conditions, interest rates, fuel prices, the availability of consumer credit and consumer confidence in future economic conditions. While the number of automobiles registered in the United States has steadily increased over time, should a reduction in the number of automobiles driven by automobile owners occur, it would adversely affect the demand for our products.

Our business is subject to seasonal and other fluctuations that affect our cash flows, which could affect our ability to service our debt during certain periods.

Demand for tires tends to fluctuate from quarter to quarter, with the highest demand generally from March through October of each calendar year and the lowest demand typically from November through February of each calendar year. In addition, the popularity, supply and demand for particular tire products may change from year to year based on consumer confidence, the volume of tires reaching the replacement tire market, the level of personal discretionary income and other factors. Local economic, weather, transportation and other conditions also affect the volume of tire sales, on both a wholesale and retail basis. Such fluctuations may adversely affect our cash flows and our ability to service our debt in certain periods.

 

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We are currently converting from our legacy software platform to Oracle. If this transition is not successful, our business and operations could be disrupted and our operating results would be harmed.

We are currently in the latter stages of a conversion of our legacy computer system to Oracle. We have already implemented the general ledger as well as accounts payable, procurement and inventory functions on Oracle but still must transition other key functions. We cannot be sure that the transition will be fully implemented on a timely basis, if at all. If we do not successfully implement this project, our operations may be disrupted and our operating results could be harmed. Even if the integration is completed on time, the new system may not operate as we expect it to. In addition, we may have to expend significant resources to find an alternative source for performing these functions and we cannot guarantee this would be accomplished in a timely manner or without significant additional disruption to our business.

If we experience problems with our fleet of trucks or are otherwise unable to make timely deliveries of our products to our customers, our business and reputation could be harmed.

We use a fleet of trucks to deliver our products to our customers, most of which are leased from third parties. We are subject to the risks associated with providing trucking services, including inclement weather, disruptions in the transportation infrastructure, disruptions in our lease arrangements, availability and price of fuel, and liabilities arising from accidents to the extent we are not covered by insurance. Our failure to deliver tires and other products in a timely and accurate manner could harm our reputation and brand, which could have an adverse effect on our business.

Our growth strategy of identifying and consummating acquisitions and expanding our services into new regions entails integration, financing and other risks, including expenditures associated with developing a distribution infrastructure with new distribution centers and routes.

As part of our business strategy, we have expanded, and intend to further expand, our operations through selective acquisitions. This growth strategy entails risks inherent in identifying desirable acquisition candidates, in integrating the operations of acquired businesses into our existing operations and risks relating to potential unknown liabilities associated with acquired businesses. In addition, we may not be able to finance a desirable acquisition or to pay as much as our competitors because of our leveraged financial condition, restrictions under the instruments governing our debt or general economic conditions.

In connection with future acquisitions, we may assume the liabilities of the companies we acquire. These liabilities could materially and adversely affect our business. Difficulties that we may encounter in integrating the operations of acquired businesses could also have a material adverse effect on our results of operations and financial condition. Moreover, we may not realize any of the anticipated benefits of an acquisition and integration costs may exceed anticipated amounts. While our most recent acquisitions have been successfully integrated to-date, we cannot be assured that will be the case with all acquisitions in the future.

The launch of our distribution services into new regions will require expenditures to develop a distribution infrastructure, including new distribution centers and routes, and we generally do not expect to achieve profitability from new regions for a period of time. We may also face competition from existing distributors in those regions that could reduce the benefits we anticipate from such expansion.

We could be subject to product liability, personal injury or other litigation claims that could have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Purchasers of our products, or their employees or customers, could be injured or suffer property damage from exposure to, or defects in, products we sell or distribute, or have sold or distributed in the past, and we could be subject to claims, including product liability or personal injury claims and claims due to injuries caused by our truck drivers. These claims may not be covered by insurance and vendors may be unwilling or unable to

 

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satisfy their indemnification obligations to us with respect to these claims. As a result, the defense, settlement or successful assertion of any future product liability, personal injury or other litigation claims could cause us to incur significant costs and could have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.

Our high amount of debt may adversely affect our financial condition, restrict our growth, or place us at a competitive disadvantage.

We are currently highly leveraged. As of December 29, 2007, our debt (including capital leases) was $539.9 million. In addition, as of December 29, 2007, ATD was able to borrow up to an additional $143.2 million under its amended credit facility, subject to customary borrowing conditions. Our high amount of debt could have important consequences, including:

 

   

Making it more difficult to satisfy our obligations;

 

   

Impairing our ability to obtain additional financing to fund future working capital, capital expenditures, acquisitions and other general corporate requirements;

 

   

Increasing our vulnerability to general adverse economic and industry conditions by making it more difficult for us to react quickly to changing conditions;

 

   

Requiring a substantial portion of our cash flow from operations for the payment of interest on our debt and reducing our ability to use our cash flow to fund working capital, capital expenditures, acquisitions and general corporate requirements;

 

   

Limiting our flexibility in planning for, or reacting to, changes in our business and the industry in which we operate; and

 

   

Placing us at a competitive disadvantage compared to our competitors that have less debt.

We anticipate that any future acquisitions we pursue as part of our growth strategy may be financed through a combination of cash on hand, operating cash flow and availability under ATD’s existing credit facility. If new debt is added to current debt levels, the related risks described above could increase.

Our variable rate debt subjects us to interest rate risk, which could cause our debt service obligations to increase significantly.

Certain amounts of our borrowings, primarily borrowings under ATD’s amended credit facility and our Senior Floating Rate Notes, are at variable rates of interest and expose us to interest rate risk. If interest rates increase, our debt service obligations on the variable rate indebtedness would increase even though the amount borrowed remained the same. This would require us to use more of our available cash to service our indebtedness. There can be no assurance that we will be able to enter into interest rate swap agreements or other hedging arrangements in the future, or that existing or future hedging arrangements will offset increases in interest rates. At December 29, 2007, we had $313.3 million outstanding under ATD’s amended credit facility and our Senior Floating Rate Notes, of which $228.3 million was not hedged by an interest rate swap agreement and was thus subject to interest rate changes.

Our business strategy relies increasingly upon online commerce and we may not be able to adapt to rapid technological change.

Customers’ access to our website directly affects the volume of orders we fulfill and thus affects our revenues. Approximately 56.1% of our total order volume in 2007 was placed online using ATDOnline®, up from 51.8% in 2006. We expect our internet generated business to continue to grow as a percentage of overall sales. Technology in the online commerce industry changes rapidly. Customer functionality requirements and preferences also change. Competitors often introduce new products and services with new technologies, all of

 

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which could render our existing website and proprietary technology obsolete. To succeed, we must continually enhance website responsiveness, functionality and features, acquire and license leading technologies, enhance our existing services and respond to technological advances and emerging industry standards and practices on a cost effective and timely basis. If we do not adapt quickly enough to changing customer requirements and industry standards, there could be a decline in online orders and a decrease in net sales.

Our business could be adversely affected by increases in the price of fuel.

Both the industry in which we operate and our distribution methods are affected by the availability and price of fuel. Because we use a fleet of trucks to deliver tires and other products to our customers, the current high price of fuel or any further increases in the price of fuel may cause us to incur increased costs in operating our fleet, which may have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.

Loss of key personnel and/or failure to attract and retain highly qualified personnel could make it more difficult for us to generate cash flow from operations and service our debt.

We are dependent on the continued services of our senior management team. We may not be able to retain our existing senior management, fill new positions or vacancies created by expansion or turnover or attract additional senior management personnel. We believe the loss of such key personnel could adversely affect our financial performance. In addition, our ability to manage our anticipated growth will depend on our ability to identify, hire and retain qualified management personnel. We cannot assure you that we can attract and retain sufficient qualified personnel to meet our business needs.

Failure to maintain effective internal control over financial reporting could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.

Pursuant to the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, we are required to provide a report by management on internal control over financial reporting, including management’s assessment of the effectiveness of such control. Changes to our business will necessitate ongoing changes to our internal control systems and processes. Internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements because of its inherent limitations, including the possibility of human error, the circumvention or overriding of controls or fraud. Therefore, even effective internal controls can provide only reasonable assurance with respect to the preparation and fair presentation of financial statements. If we fail to maintain the adequacy of our internal controls, including any failure to implement required new or improved controls, we may be unable to provide financial information in a timely and reliable manner and might be subject to sanctions or investigation by regulatory authorities such as the SEC or the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (“PCAOB”). Any such action could adversely affect our financial results or investors’ confidence in our company and could cause the price of our securities to fall.

 

Item 1B. Unresolved Staff Comments.

None.

 

Item 2. Properties.

Our principal properties are geographically situated to meet sales and operating requirements. All of our properties are considered to be adequate to meet current operating requirements. As of December 29, 2007, we had a total of 83 warehouse distribution centers located in 30 states, aggregating approximately 6.5 million square feet. Of these centers, two are owned and the remainder are leased.

We also lease our principal executive office, located in Huntersville, North Carolina. This lease will expire in 2010.

 

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Several of our leases contain provisions prohibiting a change in control of the lessee or permitting the landlord to terminate the lease or increase rent upon a change in control of the lessee. Based primarily upon our belief that (i) we maintain good relations with the substantial majority of our landlords, (ii) most of our leases are at market rates and (iii) we have historically been able to secure suitable leased property at market rates when needed, we believe that these provisions will not have a material adverse effect on our business or financial position.

 

Item 3. Legal Proceedings.

We are involved from time to time in various lawsuits, including alleged class action lawsuits arising out of the ordinary conduct of our business. Although no assurances can be given, we do not expect that any of these matters will have a material adverse effect on our business or financial condition. We are also involved in various litigation proceedings incidental to the ordinary course of our business. We believe, based on consultation with legal counsel, that none of these will have a material adverse effect on our financial condition or results of operations.

 

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

None.

 

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PART II

 

Item 5. Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities.

As of March 15, 2008, there were 40 holders of record of our common stock. There is no public trading market for our common stock.

As of December 29, 2007, we have not declared or paid dividends on our common stock and have no intention to do so in the foreseeable future. In addition, ATD’s amended revolving credit facility contains certain covenants, which, among other things, restricts our ability to pay dividends. See Item 7, “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” for further discussion.

Information regarding securities authorized for issuance under equity compensation plans is set forth in Item 12, “Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters” of this Form 10-K.

 

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Item 6. Selected Financial Data.

As used in this report, the term “Successor” refers to American Tire Distributors Holdings, Inc., and its subsidiaries, unless the context indicates otherwise. The term “Predecessor” refers to American Tire Distributors, Inc. and its subsidiaries.

The following table sets forth both the Predecessor and Successor selected historical consolidated financial data for the periods indicated. Selected historical financial data as of the end of and for the fiscal years 2003 and 2004 is derived from the Predecessor’s consolidated financial statements as of and for those years. Both the Predecessor and Successor’s fiscal year is based on either a 52- or 53-week period ending on the Saturday closest to each December 31. Therefore, the financial results of certain fiscal years will not be exactly comparable to the prior or subsequent fiscal years. The 2004 fiscal year (ended January 1, 2005) contains operating results for 53 weeks and the 2003 fiscal year (ended December 27, 2003) contains operating results for 52 weeks. Selected historical financial data for the fiscal quarter ended April 2, 2005 is derived from the Predecessor’s consolidated financial statements as of and for that period. Selected historical financial data for the period of April 2, 2005 through December 31, 2005 and for fiscal years 2006 and 2007 is derived from the Successor company and reflects the Acquisition and related transactions. The fiscal quarter ended April 2, 2005 contains operating results for 13 weeks and the period of April 2, 2005 through December 31, 2005 contains operating results for 39 weeks. The 2006 fiscal year (ended December 30, 2006) and the 2007 fiscal year (ended December 29, 2007) contain operating results for 52 weeks. The following selected historical consolidated financial information should be read in conjunction with Item 7, “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and the consolidated financial statements and the related notes included under Item 8 of this report.

 

    Predecessor     Successor  
    Fiscal
Year
2003
    Fiscal
Year
2004 (4)
    Quarter
Ended
April 2,
2005
    Period From
April 2, 2005
through
December 31,
2005 (3)
    Fiscal
Year
2006 (2)
    Fiscal
Year
2007 (1)
 
    (dollars in thousands)     (dollars in thousands)  

Statement of Operations Data:

   

Net sales

  $ 1,114,410     $ 1,282,069     $ 354,339        $ 1,150,944     $ 1,577,973     $ 1,877,480  

Cost of goods sold, excluding depreciation included in selling, general and administrative expenses below

    910,905       1,043,793       290,488       939,325       1,293,594       1,552,975  
                                               

Gross profit

    203,505       238,276       63,851       211,619       284,379       324,505  

Selling, general and administrative expense

    162,351       183,235       52,653       172,605       227,399       258,347  

Impairment of intangible asset

    —         —         —         —         2,640       —    

Transaction expenses

    —         —         28,211       95       —         —    
                                               

Operating income (loss)

    41,154       55,041       (17,013 )     38,919       54,340       66,158  

Other income (expense)

           

Interest expense

    (14,071 )     (13,371 )     (3,682 )     (41,359 )     (60,065 )     (61,633 )

Other, net

    93       (393 )     (252 )     111       (364 )     (285 )
                                               

Income (loss) from operations before income taxes

    27,176       41,277       (20,947 )     (2,329 )     (6,089 )     4,240  

Income tax provision (benefit)

    11,089       16,236       (6,620 )     (728 )     (1,482 )     2,867  
                                               

Income (loss) from continuing operations

    16,087       25,041       (14,327 )     (1,601 )     (4,607 )     1,373  

Loss from discontinued operations, net of income tax benefit

    (82 )     —         —         —         —         —    
                                               

Net income (loss)

  $ 16,005     $ 25,041     $ (14,327 )   $ (1,601 )   $ (4,607 )   $ 1,373  
                                               

 

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    Predecessor     Successor  
    Fiscal
Year
2003
    Fiscal
Year
2004 (4)
    Quarter
Ended
April 2,
2005
    Period From
April 2, 2005
through
December 31,
2005 (3)
    Fiscal
Year
2006 (2)
    Fiscal
Year
2007 (1)
 
    (dollars in thousands)     (dollars in thousands)  

Other Financial Data:

           

Cash flows provided by (used in):

           

Operating activities

  $ 17,657     $ 25,709     $ 9,871     $ (34,654 )   $ 66,586     $ 18,827  

Investing activities

    (1,929 )     (63,302 )     (1,438 )     (468,815 )     (28,527 )     (29,860 )

Financing activities

    (15,095 )     37,601       (8,264 )         505,511       (40,004 )     12,182  

Depreciation and amortization

    6,957       6,781       1,738       16,409       25,071       28,096  

Capital expenditures (5)

    2,491       4,379       1,574       6,086       9,845       8,648  

Indenture EBITDA (6)

    48,491       64,194       13,865       64,964       83,658       95,397  

Ratio of earnings to fixed charges (7)

    2.2 x     2.9 x     —         —         —         1.1 x
 

Balance Sheet Data:

           

Cash and cash equivalents

  $ 3,326     $ 3,334       $ 5,545     $ 3,600     $ 4,749  

Working capital (8)

    98,997       133,720         201,820       172,627       186,556  

Total assets

    413,970       549,243         1,120,118       1,123,506       1,210,696  

Total debt (9)

    182,716       233,919         545,245       521,007       539,853  

Total redeemable preferred stock

    10,535       9,535         18,559       19,822       21,450  

Total shareholders’ equity

    32,494       57,765         220,806       216,758       216,395  

 

(1) In May 2007, we acquired Jim Paris Tire City of Montebello, Inc. (“Paris Tire”), in July 2007 we acquired the distribution assets of Martino Tire Company (“Martino Tire”) and in December 2007 we acquired 6H-Homann, LLC and Homann Tire, LTD (collectively “Homann Tire”). Each transaction was accounted for using the purchase method of accounting.
(2) In January 2006, we acquired Silver State Tire Company and Golden State Tire Distributors (collectively “Silver State”) and in July 2006, we acquired Samaritan Wholesale Tire Company (“Samaritan Tire”). Each transaction was accounted for using the purchase method of accounting.
(3) In August 2005, we acquired Wholesale Tire Distributors, Inc., Wholesale Tire Distributors of Wyoming, Inc., and Wholesale Tire Distributors of Idaho, Inc. (collectively “Wholesale Tire”). This transaction was accounted for using the purchase method of accounting.
(4) In July 2004, ATD acquired Texas Market Tire Holdings I, Inc., d/b/a Big State Tire Supply (“Big State”) and in September 2004, ATD acquired Target Tire, Inc. (“Target Tire”). Each transaction was accounted for using the purchase method of accounting.
(5) Excludes capital expenditures financed by debt.
(6) We evaluate liquidity based on several factors, of which the primary financial measure is Indenture EBITDA. The presentation of Indenture EBITDA, a non-GAAP financial measure, and ratios based thereon, do not comply with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States because they are adjusted to exclude certain cash expenses, including recurring expenses. We present Indenture EBITDA as it is used to determine our compliance with covenants contained in the related indentures governing our notes. The covenants are tied to ratios based on Indenture EBITDA, referred to as Consolidated Cash Flows in the indenture agreement, and restrict our ability to incur additional indebtedness and to issue preferred stock. Indenture EBITDA as used herein represents earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization and other adjustments permitted in calculating covenant compliance under the indentures. We believe that the inclusion of this supplementary information is necessary for investors to understand our ability to comply with the financial covenants and debt service of the notes. Indenture EBITDA should not be considered an alternative to, or more meaningful than, cash flow as determined in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States. The following table is a reconciliation of the most directly comparable GAAP measure, net cash provided by (used in) operating activities, to Indenture EBITDA.

 

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     Predecessor     Successor  
     Fiscal
Year
2003
    Fiscal
Year
2004
    Quarter
Ended

April 2,
2005
    Period from
April 2, 2005
through
December 31,
2005
    Fiscal
Year

2006
    Fiscal
Year
2007
 
     (dollars in thousands)     (dollars in thousands)  

Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities

   $ 17,657     $ 25,709     $ 9,871        $ (34,654 )   $ 66,586     $ 18,827  

Changes in assets and liabilities

     14,604       9,225       (12,972 )     61,985       (35,646 )     12,703  

(Provision) benefit for deferred income taxes

     (6,915 )     (1,847 )     (658 )     2,413       1,970       6,916  

Interest expense

     14,071       13,371       3,682       41,359       60,065       61,633  

Income tax provision (benefit)

     11,089       16,236       (6,620 )     (728 )     (1,482 )     2,867  

(Provision for) recovery of doubtful accounts

     (907 )     (320 )     (279 )     (1,091 )     325       (854 )

Amortization of other assets

     (1,208 )     (1,156 )     (232 )     (4,091 )     (5,443 )     (5,056 )

Stock-based compensation expense

     —         —         (8,584 )     —         —         —    

Transaction expenses

     —         —         28,211       95       —         —    

Accretion of 8% cumulative preferred stock and Senior Discount Notes

     —         —         —         (4,331 )     (6,347 )     (2,012 )

Post-retirement benefit plan termination

     —         —         —         —         1,933       —    

Other

     100       2,976       1,446       4,007       1,697       373  
                                                

Indenture EBITDA

   $ 48,491     $ 64,194     $ 13,865     $ 64,964     $ 83,658     $ 95,397  
                                                

Indenture EBITDA for the aggregate twelve-month period of 2005 does not include $1.3 million of benefit related to a reduction in the liquidation value of our Series B Preferred Stock held by Goodyear that would have been included in Indenture EBITDA during the period except for certain purchase accounting adjustments made as part of the acquisition of the Predecessor company in March. Historically, previous reductions in such liquidation value would have been included in Indenture EBITDA. Accordingly, we believe the amount of this benefit is meaningful to understand the results for the 2005 period. Reductions in the liquidation value of $0.9 million and $0.7 million were included in Indenture EBITDA in fiscal 2006 and 2007, respectively.

 

(7) For purposes of these ratios, (i) earnings have been calculated by adding interest expense and the estimated interest portion of rental expense to earnings before income taxes and (ii) fixed charges are comprised of interest expense and capitalized interest, if any. In the twelve months ended December 30, 2006, nine months ended December 31, 2005 and quarter ended April 2, 2005, earnings were insufficient to cover fixed charges by approximately $6.1 million, $2.3 million and $20.9 million, respectively.
(8) Working capital is defined as current assets less current liabilities.
(9) Total debt is the sum of current maturities of long-term debt, non-current portion of long-term debt and capital lease obligations.

 

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Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.

As used in this report, the terms “Company,” “Successor,” “we,” “us,” “our” and similar terms refer to American Tire Distributors Holdings, Inc., and its subsidiaries, unless the context indicates otherwise. The term “ATD” or “Predecessor” refers to American Tire Distributors, Inc. and its subsidiaries. The following discussion and analysis of our consolidated results of operations, financial condition and liquidity should be read in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements and the related notes included in Item 8 of this report.

Our fiscal year is based on either a 52- or 53-week period ending on the Saturday closest to each December 31. Therefore, the financial results of certain fiscal years will not be exactly comparable to the prior or subsequent fiscal years. The 2007 fiscal year (ended December 29, 2007), the 2006 fiscal year (ended December 30, 2006) and the aggregate twelve-month period ended December 31, 2005 contain operating results for 52 weeks.

Overview

According to Modern Tire Dealer magazine, we are the largest distributor of tires to the U.S. replacement tire market, a $29.4 billion industry in 2007. The U.S. replacement market had experienced stable historic growth primarily driven by several positive industry trends such as an increase in the number of vehicles on the road, an increase in the number of licensed drivers, an increase in the number of miles driven, and an increase in the average age of vehicles. Additionally, price increases, resulting from rising raw materials costs, have traditionally provided for overall growth in this market. Unit replacement tire demand, however, softened in 2006 and into early 2007. According to Modern Tire Dealer magazine, the Rubber Manufacturer’s Association (“RMA”) reported soft replacement tire unit demand during 2006 resulting in a 3.3% decline from 2005 levels. Also during 2007, according to Modern Tire Dealer magazine and the RMA, light vehicle replacement tire units have rebounded modestly achieving a year-over-year increase of 3.1%, while, during 2007, we achieved a year-over-year increase of 18.3%, including 3.9% from acquisitions. Our above-market growth resulted, in part, from actions taken by us during 2006 intended to competitively reposition our entry-level and higher-performance products. We believe the weakened industry demand in 2006 and into early 2007 was due, in part, to concerns from consumers over rising interest rates, higher minimum credit card payments and increased fuel costs, all of which contributed to the deferral of tire purchases.

Dynamics affecting industry growth include an increase in high and ultra-high performance and larger rim diameter tires, proliferation of larger vehicles such as SUVs over the last several years and shorter tire replacement cycles as related to high performance and ultra-high performance tires. Our ultra-high performance tires are our highest profit products and also have relatively shorter replacement cycles. High and ultra-high performance tires have shown significant sales growth as compared to the overall market. According to Modern Tire Dealer magazine, the number of units sold in this subcategory increased by 9.0% from 2006 to 2007 industry-wide. During the same period and excluding acquisitions, our high and ultra-high performance tire unit sales were up 29.4% due, in large part, to our increased breadth and depth of product offering. We expect the trend of selling more high and ultra-high performance tires, as well as larger auto rim diameter tires, to be an ongoing area of strategic focus for us, and the industry as a whole, and believe that we are well positioned to benefit from this rising demand.

Our revenues are primarily generated from sales of passenger car and light truck tires, which represent approximately 77.0% of our net sales in 2007. The remainder of net sales is derived from other tire sales (12.0%), custom wheels (5.7%), automotive service equipment (2.7%), and other products (2.6%). We sell our products to a variety of customers and geographic markets. We have continued to expand and geographically diversify our operations in recent years by executing a strategy that includes both organic growth and growth through acquisitions. Over the past four years, we and the Predecessor have successfully acquired and integrated eight businesses representing approximately $328.0 million in annual net sales. The acquisition of Jim Paris Tire

 

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City of Montbello, Inc. expanded our service across the state of Colorado and the Mid-West. The acquisition of the distribution assets of Martino Tire Company expanded our service across the state of Florida and complemented our existing distribution centers currently located in the state of Florida while the acquisition of 6H-Homann, LLC and Homann Tire, LTD expanded our service across the state of Texas (further complementing our existing distribution centers) and allowed us to expand into Louisiana. The acquisition of Samaritan Wholesale Tire Company expanded our service across the state of Minnesota and into Western Wisconsin. The acquisition of Silver State Tire Company and Golden State Tire Distributors established our distribution footprint across the state of Nevada. The acquisition of Wholesale Tire Distributors, Inc., Wholesale Tire Distributors of Wyoming, Inc., and Wholesale Tire Distributors of Idaho, Inc. (collectively “Wholesale Tire”) expanded our operations into Utah, Idaho and Wyoming as well as parts of Nevada, Colorado, Nebraska and South Dakota. The acquisition of Texas Market Tire Holdings I, Inc., d/b/a Big State Tire Supply (“Big State”) expanded our operations into Texas, New Mexico and Oklahoma, while the acquisition of Target Tire, Inc. (“Target Tire”) strengthened our presence with retailers in the Southeast, a region where we already have a strong market presence. As we continue to expand our market presence, we have been able to effectively leverage our scalable distribution infrastructure to achieve higher growth and increased profits.

On December 7, 2007, we completed the purchase of all of the outstanding membership interests of 6H-Homann, LLC and all of the seller’s partnership interests of Homann Tire, LTD (collectively “Homann Tire”) pursuant to the terms of a Securities Purchase Agreement dated as of November 16, 2007. The aggregate purchase price of this acquisition, subject to adjustment, was approximately $6.5 million, consisting of $6.3 million in cash, of which $0.6 million is held in escrow, and $0.2 million in direct acquisition costs. This acquisition expanded our service across the state of Texas (further complementing our existing distribution centers) and allowed us to expand into Louisiana.

On July 2, 2007, we completed the purchase of certain assets and the assumption of certain liabilities related to Martino Tire Company (“Martino Tire”) pursuant to the terms of an Asset Purchase Agreement dated as of July 2, 2007. The aggregate purchase price of this acquisition, subject to adjustment, was $9.4 million, consisting of $9.2 million in cash and $0.2 million in direct acquisition costs. This acquisition expanded our service across the state of Florida and complemented our existing distribution centers currently located within the state of Florida.

On May 31, 2007, we completed the purchase of all the outstanding stock of Jim Paris Tire City of Montbello, Inc. (“Paris Tire”) pursuant to the terms of a Stock Purchase Agreement dated May 31, 2007. The aggregate purchase price of this acquisition, subject to adjustment, was $6.2 million, consisting of $6.0 million in cash and $0.2 million in direct acquisition costs. This acquisition expanded our service across the state of Colorado and the Mid-West.

The Homann Tire, Martino Tire and Paris Tire acquisitions were financed through borrowings under ATD’s amended revolving credit facility. These acquisitions have been accounted for under the purchase method of accounting and, accordingly, the results of operations for the acquired businesses have been included in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations from the date of acquisition.

On July 28, 2006, we completed the purchase of all the outstanding stock of Samaritan Wholesale Tire Company (“Samaritan Tire”) pursuant to the terms of a Stock Purchase Agreement dated as of July 28, 2006. This acquisition expanded ATD’s service across the state of Minnesota and into Western Wisconsin.

On January 27, 2006, we completed the purchase of all the outstanding stock of Silver State Tire Company and Golden State Tire Distributors (collectively “Silver State”) pursuant to the terms of a Stock Purchase Agreement dated December 23, 2005. This acquisition established a distribution footprint for us across the state of Nevada.

The Samaritan Tire and Silver State acquisitions were financed through borrowings under ATD’s revolving credit facility. The results of operations for the acquired businesses have been included in the accompanying

 

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consolidated statements of operations from the date of acquisition. The aggregate purchase price of these acquisitions was $21.0 million, consisting of $20.7 million in cash and $0.3 million in direct acquisition costs. The purchase price allocations have been recorded in the accompanying consolidated financial statements based on estimated fair values for the assets acquired and liabilities assumed and resulted in goodwill of $3.3 million and a customer relationship intangible asset of $5.9 million for Samaritan Tire, both of which are deductible for income tax purposes, and goodwill of $5.3 million, a customer relationship intangible asset of $4.6 million and a related deferred tax liability of $1.8 million for Silver State.

On March 31, 2005, pursuant to an Agreement and Plan of Merger (the “Merger Agreement”), dated as of February 4, 2005 and amended and restated on March 7, 2005, among Holdings, ATD MergerSub, Inc., a Delaware Corporation (“MergerSub”), Charlesbank Equity Fund IV, L.P., a Massachusetts limited partnership, Charlesbank Capital Partners, LLC, a Massachusetts limited liability company and ATD; MergerSub merged with and into ATD with ATD being the surviving corporation (also referred to herein as the “Merger” or the “Acquisition”). As a result of the Acquisition, ATD became a wholly-owned subsidiary of Holdings. The Acquisition was completed on March 31, 2005.

Results of Operations

Twelve Months Ended December 29, 2007 Compared to Twelve Months Ended December 30, 2006

The following table sets forth the period change for each category of the statements of operations, as well as each category as a percentage of net sales (dollars in thousands):

 

     Fiscal
Year
Ended
December 30,
2006
    Fiscal
Year
Ended
December 29,
2007
    Period Over
Period

Change
Favorable
(unfavorable)
    Period Over
Period
Percentage
Change
Favorable
(unfavorable)
    Results as a Percentage of Net
Sales for Each Period Ended
 
           December 30,
2006
    December 29,
2007
 

Net sales

   $ 1,577,973     $ 1,877,480     $ 299,507     19.0 %   100.0 %   100.0 %

Cost of goods sold, excluding depreciation included in selling, general and administrative expenses below

     1,293,594       1,552,975       (259,381 )   (20.1 )   82.0     82.7  
                                          

Gross profit

     284,379       324,505       40,126     14.1     18.0     17.3  

Selling, general and administrative expenses

     227,399       258,347       (30,948 )   (13.6 )   14.4     13.8  

Impairment of intangible asset

     2,640       —         2,640     100.0     0.2     0.0  
                                          

Operating income

     54,340       66,158       11,818     21.7     3.4     3.5  

Other expense:

            

Interest expense

     (60,065 )     (61,633 )     (1,568 )   (2.6 )   (3.8 )   (3.3 )

Other, net

     (364 )     (285 )     79     21.7     0.0     0.0  
                                          

(Loss) income from operations before income taxes

     (6,089 )     4,240       10,329     169.6     (0.4 )   0.2  

Income tax (benefit) provision

     (1,482 )     2,867       (4,349 )   (293.5 )   (0.1 )   0.2  
                                          

Net (loss) income

   $ (4,607 )   $ 1,373     $ 5,980     129.8 %   (0.3 )%   0.1 %
                                      

 

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Net Sales

Net sales for fiscal 2007 increased $299.5 million, or 19.0%, to $1,877.5 million from $1,578.0 million in fiscal 2006. The increase in sales in fiscal 2007 was primarily a result of increased passenger and light truck tire unit sales which accounted for $183.6 million of the increase and was further benefited by increased tire unit sales of high and ultra-high performance tires. Tire unit sales for farm, industrial and other specialty products also increased (contributing $14.5 million over fiscal 2006), but were partially offset by a softening in commercial truck units (down $7.4 million from fiscal 2006). Additionally, the acquisitions of Paris Tire, Martino Tire and Homann Tire in 2007 and Samaritan Tire in late 2006 contributed $59.4 million to the year-over-year increase. Also, favorable tire pricing, net of selective promotional activities, benefited fiscal 2007 by approximately $51.5 million as we passed-through manufacturer price increases that have resulted from rising raw material costs. A decline in wheel sales of $5.4 million and a net decline in equipment and supply sales of $1.9 million partially offset the increases noted above.

Gross Profit

Gross profit increased $40.1 million to $324.5 million in fiscal 2007 from $284.4 million in fiscal 2006. This increase is primarily the result of higher tire unit sales volumes, including the increase in unit sales of high and ultra-high performance tires that provide an increased profit per tire, and contributions from our 2007 and late 2006 acquisitions. These increases were partially offset by softer wheel sales.

Gross profit as a percentage of sales decreased 0.7 percentage points from 18.0% in fiscal 2006 to 17.3% in fiscal 2007. The decrease is primarily due to mix of product sales, including the sale of more high and ultra-high performance tires, which are higher profit per tire contributors but carry lower overall gross profit margins. Additionally, the benefit from the sale of inventory in early 2006 that was purchased prior to manufacturer price increases (i.e. a favorable inventory cost layer) contributed to the decline in gross profit percentage year-over-year.

Selling, General and Administrative Expenses

Selling, general and administrative expenses for fiscal 2007 increased $30.9 million to $258.3 million from $227.4 million in fiscal 2006. Acquisitions made during late 2006 and throughout 2007 accounted for approximately $9.6 million of the increase, half of which was due to employee related expenses. Excluding these acquisitions, employee-related expenses accounted for $15.5 million of the increase and included $11.8 million of incentive-based compensation, overtime and contract labor, to support increased sales volumes. Depreciation expense increased $2.2 million as we continued to expand warehousing infrastructure and invest in information technology. Other increases included higher facility lease expense, higher fuel costs, increased advertising, and higher travel costs (collectively $4.9 million). These increases were partially offset by a reduction in amortization of prepaid management advisory fees that were paid in connection with the acquisition of ATD by Holdings in March 2005 ($1.4 million).

Impairment of Intangible Asset

In September 2006, we were informed by one of our suppliers that it was going to cease the manufacturing of one of our tire brands for which we maintained a tradename intangible asset. As a result of this decision and due to our inability to place other sourcing regarding this tire brand, in accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No. 142, “Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets”, we evaluated the fair value of the tradename intangible asset, as computed utilizing a discounted cash flow model, as compared to its carrying value. Based on this evaluation, we recorded an impairment charge of $2.6 million, for the full carrying amount of the tradename intangible asset. No similar charges were recorded during fiscal 2007.

 

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Interest Expense

Interest expense increased $1.5 million to $61.6 million in fiscal 2007 from $60.1 million in fiscal 2006. The increase in interest expense is primarily due to higher debt levels year-over-year, which resulted from the acquisition of Paris Tire in May 2007, Martino Tire in July 2007 and Homann Tire in December 2007.

Interest expense for fiscal 2007 of $61.6 million exceeds cash payments for interest during the same period of $51.6 million principally due to non-cash amortization of debt issuance costs and accretion of interest on the Senior Discount Notes and the 8% cumulative preferred stock, as well as interest accrued but not yet paid.

Income Taxes Provision (Benefit)

We recognized an income tax provision of $2.9 million in fiscal 2007 based on a pre-tax income of $4.2 million. We recognized an income tax benefit of $1.5 million in fiscal 2006 based on a pre-tax loss of $6.1 million. The effective tax rate for fiscal 2007 was approximately 68% compared to 24% in fiscal 2006. The increase in the effective tax rate is due primarily to the impact of certain permanent timing differences, primarily related to our redeemable preferred stock, on our pre-tax income of $4.2 million in fiscal 2007 as opposed to the same permanent timing differences on our pre-tax loss of $6.1 million in fiscal 2006.

Net income (loss)

Net income for fiscal 2007 was $1.4 million, an increase of $6.0 million from a net loss of $4.6 million in fiscal 2006. The increase in net income is due, in part, to higher tire unit volumes and improvements in contributed gross profit dollars, partially offset by an increase in selling, general and administrative expenses, as discussed above, and the fluctuation in the income tax provision (benefit) between periods. Net income in 2007 also benefitted from the non-recurrence of an impairment of intangible asset charge recorded in fiscal 2006.

Twelve Months Ended December 30, 2006 for the Successor Compared to Nine Months Ended December 31, 2005 for the Successor and Three Months Ended April 2, 2005 for the Predecessor

As a result of the Acquisition and related change in control, we are required to present separately our operating results for the Successor nine-month period ended December 31, 2005 and the Predecessor quarter ended April 2, 2005. In the following discussion, the results of operations for the Successor year ended December 30, 2006 are compared to the combined results of operations for the Predecessor quarter ended April 2, 2005 and Successor nine-month period ended December 31, 2005. Management believes this is the most practical way to comment on the results of operations.

 

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The following table sets forth each category of the statements of operations, as well as each category as a percentage of net sales (dollars in thousands):

 

    Predecessor     Successor     Successor     Predecessor     Successor     Successor  
    For the
Quarter
Ended
April 2,
2005
    For the
Nine Months
Ended
December 31,
2005
    Fiscal
Year
Ended
December 30,
2006
    Results as a Percentage of Net Sales for
Each Period Ended
 
          April 2,
2005
    December 31,
2005
    December 30,
2006
 

Net sales

  $ 354,339     $ 1,150,944     $ 1,577,973     100.0 %   100.0 %   100.0 %

Cost of goods sold, excluding depreciation included in selling, general and administrative expenses below

    290,488       939,325       1,293,594     82.0     81.6     82.0  
                                         

Gross profit

    63,851       211,619       284,379     18.0     18.4     18.0  

Selling, general and administrative expenses

    52,653       172,605       227,399     14.8     15.0     14.4  

Impairment of intangible asset

    —         —         2,640     0.0     0.0     0.2  

Transaction expenses

    28,211       95       —       8.0     0.0     0.0  
                                         

Operating (loss) income

    (17,013 )     38,919       54,340     (4.8 )   3.4     3.4  

Other income (expense):

             

Interest expense

    (3,682 )     (41,359 )     (60,065 )   (1.0 )   (3.6 )   (3.8 )

Other, net

    (252 )     111       (364 )   (0.1 )   0.0     0.0  
                                         

Loss from operations before income taxes

    (20,947 )     (2,329 )     (6,089 )   (5.9 )   (0.2 )   (0.4 )

Income tax benefit

    (6,620 )     (728 )     (1,482 )   (1.9 )   (0.1 )   (0.1 )
                                         

Net loss

  $ (14,327 )       $ (1,601 )   $ (4,607 )   (4.0 )%   (0.1 )%   (0.3 )%
                                         

Net Sales

Net sales for fiscal 2006 increased $72.7 million, or 4.8%, to $1,578.0 million from $1,505.3 million in the aggregate twelve-month period of 2005. The increase in sales for fiscal 2006 over the aggregate twelve-month period of 2005 was primarily due to increased pricing on tires, net of selective promotional activities (aggregate benefit of approximately $66.3 million over prior year), as we were able to pass-through manufacturer price increases during 2006 that resulted due to increased raw material costs. In addition, unit sales derived from the acquisitions of Samaritan Tire in July 2006, Silver State in January 2006, and Wholesale Tire in August 2005, collectively representing a $39.6 million increase from the prior year, and an increase in unit sales of light and medium truck tires (collectively $13.1 million) from the prior year. This year-over-year growth was partially offset by softer unit demand for passenger tires (down $38.2 million) related to lower industry demand in 2006 versus 2005, as reported by the RMA. In addition, our equipment and supply sales were down $5.6 million from the same period of last year.

Gross Profit

Gross profit increased $8.9 million to $284.4 million in fiscal 2006 from $275.5 million in the aggregate twelve-month period of 2005. This increase is primarily due to contributions from our 2006 and August 2005 acquisitions, the benefit from the sale of inventory in 2006 that was purchased prior to manufacturer price increases (i.e. a favorable inventory cost layer) and the non-recurrence of the inventory fair value step-up charge recorded in the aggregate twelve-month period of 2005 in connection with the Acquisition. Partially offsetting the year-over-year increase were lower equipment and supply sales and softer passenger tire unit sales.

 

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Gross profit as a percentage of sales decreased 0.3 percentage points from 18.3% in the aggregate twelve-month period of 2005 to 18.0% in fiscal 2006. The decrease was primarily due to the overall softening in unit demand for passenger tires and the related tightening by vendors and customers for profits during a year in which the industry experienced only its second decline in replacement tire units in the past 10 years.

Selling, General and Administrative Expenses

Total selling, general and administrative expenses for fiscal 2006 increased $2.1 million to $227.4 million from $225.3 million in the aggregate twelve-month period of 2005. Acquisitions accounted for an increase of $6.3 million, of which approximately $2.8 million was employee related. Depreciation and amortization expense increased $6.2 million primarily due to a customer list intangible asset that was recorded in connection with the Acquisition and the revaluation of our property and equipment in connection with the Acquisition. Fuel expense increased $0.9 million and continues to have a negative impact on our delivery costs. These increases were mostly offset by a decline in employee-related expenses of $11.3 million which was a result of non-recurring incentive-based compensation in first quarter 2005, a $7.9 million reduction in sales-based and other incentive compensation as well as a benefit from the termination of our retiree medical plan and subsequent reduction to the accumulated post-retirement benefit obligation of $1.9 million.

Impairment of Intangible Asset

In September 2006, we were informed by one of our suppliers that it was going to cease the manufacturing of one of our tire brands for which we maintained a tradename intangible asset. As a result of this decision and due to our inability to place other sourcing regarding this tire brand, in accordance with SFAS No. 142, “Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets”, we evaluated the fair value of the tradename intangible asset, as computed utilizing a discounted cash flow model, as compared to its carrying value. Based on this evaluation, we recorded an impairment charge of $2.6 million, for the full carrying amount of the tradename intangible asset. No similar charges were recorded during the aggregate twelve-month period of 2005.

Interest Expense

Total interest expense increased $15.1 million to $60.1 million in fiscal 2006 from $45.0 million in the aggregate twelve-month period of 2005. The increase in interest expense was due primarily to increased debt levels associated with the issuance of the Senior Discount Notes, the Senior Notes and the Senior Floating Rate Notes issued in connection with the Acquisition, which accounted for approximately $14.7 million of the increase.

Interest expense for fiscal 2006 of $60.1 million exceeded cash payments for interest during the same period of $46.3 million principally due to non-cash amortization of debt issuance costs and accretion of interest on the Senior Discount Notes and the 8% cumulative preferred stock as well as interest accrued but not yet paid.

Income Taxes Benefit

The Successor recognized an income tax benefit of $1.5 million in fiscal 2006 based on a pre-tax loss of $6.1 million. The Successor recognized an income tax benefit of $0.7 million in the nine-month period ended December 31, 2005 based on a pre-tax loss of $2.3 million. The Predecessor recognized an income tax benefit of $6.6 million in first quarter 2005 due primarily to the transaction expenses incurred in connection with the Merger, which generated a pre-tax loss of $20.9 million. The effective tax rate for fiscal 2006 was approximately 24%, for the nine-month period ended December 31, 2005 it was approximately 31% and for the Predecessor’s first quarter 2005 it was approximately 32%.

 

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Net Loss

Total net loss for fiscal 2006 was $4.6 million, a decrease of $11.3 million from a loss of $15.9 million in the aggregate twelve-month period of 2005. The change is primarily due to non-recurring transaction expenses of $28.2 million incurred in connection with the Acquisition in first quarter 2005 combined with lower employee-related expenses (see selling, general and administrative expenses discussion above) partially offset by higher interest expense due to financing activities surrounding the Acquisition as well as higher depreciation and amortization.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

At December 29, 2007, our total debt, including capital leases, was $539.9 million compared to $521.0 million at December 30, 2006, a year-over-year increase of $18.9 million. Increased borrowings under ATD’s amended revolving credit facility of $18.2 million (primarily driven by our acquisitions completed in 2007) and interest accretion on our Senior Discount Notes of $1.6 million, contributed to the year-over-year increase (see Note 5 within Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements). Total commitments by the lenders under our revolving credit facility were $400.0 million at December 29, 2007, of which $143.2 million was available for additional borrowings. The amount available to borrow under the amended revolving credit facility is limited by the borrowing base computation, as defined in the agreement.

The following table summarizes the cash flows for the quarter ended April 2, 2005 for the Predecessor and the period from April 2, 2005 through December 31, 2005 and fiscal years 2006 and 2007 for the Successor:

 

     Predecessor     Successor  
     Quarter
Ended

April 2,
2005
    Period from
April 2, 2005
through

December 31,
2005
    2006     2007  
           (dollars in thousands)  

Cash provided by (used in) operating activities

   $ 9,871     $ (34,654 )   $ 66,586     $ 18,827  

Cash used in investing activities

     (1,438 )     (468,815 )     (28,527 )     (29,860 )

Cash (used in) provided by financing activities

     (8,264 )         505,511       (40,004 )     12,182  
                                

Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

     169       2,042       (1,945 )     1,149  

Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of year

     3,334       3,503       5,545       3,600  
                                

Cash and cash equivalents, end of year

   $ 3,503     $ 5,545     $ 3,600     $ 4,749  
                                

Cash payments for interest

   $ 3,944     $ 23,992     $ 46,263     $ 51,629  

Cash payments (receipts) for taxes, net

   $ 247     $ (2,340 )   $ (13,163 )   $ 2,242  

Capital expenditures financed by debt

   $ 1,338     $ 4,054     $ 2,360     $ 2,822  

Supplier loan

   $ —       $ —       $ 6,000     $ —    

Payment of Series D Senior Notes with restricted cash

   $ —       $ 30,506     $ —       $ —    

Operating Activities. Total net cash provided by operating activities for fiscal 2007 decreased $47.8 million to $18.8 million compared to $66.6 million in fiscal 2006. The decrease in net cash provided by operating activities was primarily due to receipt of a federal income tax refund ($13.6 million) in first quarter 2006 that did not repeat in 2007. In addition, a reduction in our net working capital requirements in fiscal 2006 did not repeat during fiscal 2007 due primarily to our overall growth during 2007. For fiscal 2007, our change in operating assets and liabilities generated a cash outflow of approximately $12.7 million, primarily driven by increases in accounts receivable and inventories that were partially offset by an increase in accounts payable. During fiscal 2006, excluding the income tax refund discussed above, our change in operating assets and liabilities generated a cash inflow of $22.0 million, primarily driven by an increase in accounts payable and a reduction in accounts receivable and other current assets partially offset by an increase in inventories.

 

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Total net cash provided by operating activities for fiscal 2006 increased $91.4 million to $66.6 million compared to net cash used in operating activities of $24.8 million in the aggregate twelve-month period of 2005. The increase in cash provided by operating activities was primarily due to a decrease in our net working capital requirements and improvements in our profitability, partially offset by higher interest payments on financing activities surrounding the Acquisition. Net working capital at December 30, 2006 totaled $172.6 million compared to $201.8 million at December 31, 2005, a decrease of $29.2 million. This decrease primarily relates to an increase in accounts payable and a decrease in the income tax receivable due to the receipt of the federal income tax refund in first quarter 2006. These were partially offset by an increase in inventory.

Investing Activities. Total net cash used in investing activities increased $1.4 million to $29.9 million in fiscal 2007 compared to $28.5 million in fiscal 2006. The increase in net cash used in investing activities was due primarily to an increase in our acquisition activity, $0.6 million, and an increase in purchase levels of assets held for sale, $1.9 million. These increases were partially offset by a $1.2 million reduction in purchase levels of property and equipment. Capital expenditures during 2007 were primarily for information technology upgrades and warehouse racking. During fiscal 2007 we also had capital expenditures financed by debt of $2.8 million relating to information technology.

Total net cash used in investing activities decreased $441.8 million to $28.5 million in fiscal 2006 compared to $470.3 million in the aggregate twelve-month period of 2005. The decrease in net cash used in investing activities was due primarily to cash paid for the Acquisition and the acquisition of Wholesale Tire in 2005 partially offset by cash paid for the acquisitions of Silver State and Samaritan Tire in 2006. Capital expenditures increased $2.1 million to $9.8 million compared to $7.7 million in the aggregate twelve-month period of 2005. Capital expenditures during 2006 were primarily for information technology upgrades, warehouse racking, and leasehold improvements. During fiscal 2006 we also had capital expenditures relating to information technology, financed by debt of $2.4 million.

Financing Activities. Total net cash provided by financing activities increased $52.2 million to $12.2 million in fiscal 2007 compared to net cash used in financing activities of $40.0 million in fiscal 2006. The increase in net cash provided by financing activities for 2007 was primarily due to a reduction in net payments on our amended revolving credit facility, including the receipt of a federal income tax refund ($13.6 million) in first quarter 2006 that was used to pay down our revolving credit facility.

Total net cash used in financing activities increased $537.2 million to $40.0 million in fiscal 2006 compared to net cash provided by financing activities of $497.2 million in the aggregate twelve-month period of 2005. The increase in cash used in financing activities for 2006 was primarily due to the inclusion of proceeds received in connection with the Acquisition, which reduced cash used in the aggregate twelve-month period of 2005.

Revolving Credit Facility. On May 9, 2007, ATD entered into the Fifth Amendment for the Fourth Amended and Restated Loan and Security Agreement (the “Amended Revolver”). The Borrowers to the Amended Revolver are ATD and its subsidiaries. The Amended Revolver provides for a senior secured revolving credit facility of up to $400.0 million (of which up to $25.0 million may be utilized in the form of commercial and standby letters of credit), subject to a borrowing base formula. The Amended Revolver is collateralized primarily by ATD’s inventories and accounts receivable. As of December 29, 2007, the outstanding Amended Revolver balance was $173.3 million. In addition, ATD has certain letters of credit outstanding at December 29, 2007 in the aggregate amount of $9.2 million and at that same date, $143.2 million was available for additional borrowings.

Borrowings under the Amended Revolver bear interest, at ATD’s option, at either (i) the Base Rate, as defined, plus the applicable margin (0.0% as of December 29, 2007) or (ii) the Eurodollar Rate, as defined, plus the applicable margin (1.25% as of December 29, 2007). At December 29, 2007 and December 30, 2006, borrowings under the Amended Revolver were at a weighted average interest rate of 6.7% and 7.4%, respectively. The applicable margin for the loans varies based upon a performance-based grid, as defined in the agreement.

 

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All obligations under the Amended Revolver are guaranteed by Holdings and each of ATD’s existing and future direct and indirect domestic subsidiaries that are not direct obligors thereunder. Obligations under the Amended Revolver are collateralized by a pledge of substantially all assets of the obligors, including all shares of ATD’s capital stock and that of ATD’s subsidiaries, subject to certain limitations.

The Amended Revolver contains covenants that, among other things, require ATD to meet a fixed charge coverage ratio if ATD does not have at least $25.0 million available to be drawn under the Amended Revolver (subject to a cure), increasing to $35.0 million upon the occurrence of certain events (subject to a cure); restricts ATD’s ability to incur additional debt; enter into guarantees; make loans and investments; declare dividends; modify certain material agreements or constitutive documents relating to preferred stock; and change the business it conducts, as well as other customary covenants. As of December 29, 2007 and December 30, 2006, ATD was in compliance with these covenants. The Amended Revolver is set to expire on December 31, 2011.

Senior Discount Notes. On March 31, 2005, Holdings issued Senior Discount Notes with a maturity date of October 1, 2013 at an aggregate principal amount at maturity of $51.5 million. The Senior Discount Notes were issued at a substantial discount from their principal amount at maturity and generated net proceeds of approximately $40.0 million. Prior to April 1, 2007, no interest accrued on the Senior Discount Notes. Instead, the Senior Discount Notes accreted at a rate of 13% compounded semi-annually to an aggregate accreted value of $51.5 million, the full principal amount at maturity, on April 1, 2007. Subsequent to April 1, 2007, interest on the Senior Discount Notes accrues at a rate of 13% per annum and is payable, in cash, semi-annually in arrears on April 1 and October 1 of each year, commencing on October 1, 2007.

Senior Notes. On March 31, 2005, ATD issued Senior Notes in the aggregate principal amount of $150.0 million, resulting in net proceeds of approximately $144.2 million after debt issuance costs. The Senior Notes have an annual coupon rate of 10.75% and will mature on April 1, 2013. Except as described in Note 5 within Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, the Senior Notes are not redeemable at the option of ATD prior to April 1, 2009. Thereafter, the Senior Notes will be subject to redemption at any time at the option of ATD, in whole or in part, upon not less than 30 nor more than 60 days notice, at certain redemption prices plus accrued and unpaid interest. Interest on the Senior Notes is payable semi-annually in arrears on April 1 and October 1 of each year, commencing on October 1, 2005.

Senior Floating Rate Notes. On March 31, 2005, ATD issued Senior Floating Rate Notes in the aggregate principal amount of $140.0 million, resulting in net proceeds of approximately $134.5 million after debt issuance costs. The Senior Floating Rate Notes will mature on April 1, 2012. Interest on the Senior Floating Rate Notes is payable quarterly in arrears at a rate equal to the three-month LIBOR, reset quarterly, plus 6.25%, on January 1, April 1, July 1 and October 1 of each year, beginning on July 1, 2005. The interest rate on the Senior Floating Rate Notes ranged between 9.34% to 10.26% for the period from March 31, 2005 to December 31, 2005, between 10.78% to 11.61% for the fiscal year ended December 30, 2006, and between 11.48% to 11.61% for the fiscal year ended December 29, 2007. The Senior Floating Rate Notes are subject to redemption at any time at the option of ATD, in whole or in part, upon not less than 30 nor more than 60 days notice, at certain redemption prices plus accrued and unpaid interest.

Indenture EBITDA. We evaluate liquidity based on several factors, of which the primary financial measure is Indenture EBITDA. The presentation of Indenture EBITDA, a non-GAAP financial measure, and ratios based thereon, do not comply with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States because they are adjusted to exclude certain cash expenses, as defined in the indentures. We present Indenture EBITDA as it is used to determine our compliance with covenants contained in the related indentures governing our notes. The covenants are tied to ratios based on Indenture EBITDA, referred to as Consolidated Cash Flows in the indenture agreement, and restrict our ability to incur additional indebtedness and to issue preferred stock. Indenture EBITDA as used herein represents earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization and other adjustments permitted in calculating covenant compliance under the indentures. We believe that the inclusion of this supplementary information is necessary for investors to understand our ability to comply with the financial

 

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covenants and debt service of the notes. Indenture EBITDA should not be considered an alternative to, or more meaningful than, cash flow as determined in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States.

The following table is a reconciliation of the most directly comparable GAAP measure, net cash provided by (used in) operating activities, to Indenture EBITDA (in thousands):

 

    Predecessor     Successor  
    Quarter
Ended

April 2,
2005
    Period from
April 2, 2005
through
December 31,
2005
    Fiscal
Year
2006
    Fiscal
Year
2007
 

Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities

  $ 9,871     $ (34,654 )   $ 66,586     $ 18,827  

Changes in assets and liabilities

    (12,972 )         61,985       (35,646 )     12,703  

(Provision) benefit for deferred income taxes

    (658 )     2,413       1,970       6,916  

Interest expense

    3,682       41,359       60,065       61,633  

Income tax (benefit) provision

    (6,620 )     (728 )     (1,482 )     2,867  

(Provision for) recovery of doubtful accounts

    (279 )     (1,091 )     325       (854 )

Amortization of other assets

    (232 )     (4,091 )     (5,443 )     (5,056 )

Stock-based compensation expense

    (8,584 )     —         —         —    

Transaction expenses

    28,211       95       —         —    

Accretion of 8% cumulative preferred stock and Senior Discount Notes

    —         (4,331 )     (6,347 )     (2,012 )

Post-retirement benefit plan termination

    —         —         1,933       —    

Other

    1,446       4,007       1,697       373  
                               

Indenture EBITDA

  $ 13,865     $ 64,964     $ 83,658     $ 95,397  
                               

Total Indenture EBITDA for fiscal 2007 increased $11.7 million to $95.4 million from $83.7 million in fiscal 2006. The increase in Indenture EBITDA is due primarily to changes in assets and liabilities from higher volumes and acquisitions, partially offset by the benefit of sales associated with a favorable inventory cost layer in first quarter 2006 that did not repeat during fiscal 2007.

Total Indenture EBITDA for fiscal 2006 increased $4.9 million to $83.7 million from $78.8 million in the aggregate twelve-month period of 2005. The increase in Indenture EBITDA is primarily due to an increase in gross profit, the benefit from acquisitions (collectively contributing $2.2 million) and a decrease in employee-related expenses, as discussed above.

Indenture EBITDA for the aggregate twelve-month period of 2005 does not include $1.3 million of benefit related to a reduction in the liquidation value of our Series B Preferred Stock held by Goodyear that would have been included in Indenture EBITDA during the period except for certain purchase accounting adjustments made as part of the acquisition of the Predecessor company in March. Historically, previous reductions in such liquidation value would have been included in Indenture EBITDA. Accordingly, we believe the amount of this benefit is meaningful to an understanding of the results for the 2005 period. Reductions in the liquidation value of $0.9 million and $0.7 million were included in Indenture EBITDA in fiscal 2006 and 2007, respectively.

We anticipate that our principal use of cash going forward will be to meet working capital and debt service requirements, to make capital expenditures and to fund acquisitions. Based upon current and anticipated levels of operations, we believe that our cash flow from operations, together with amounts available under ATD’s Amended Revolver, will be adequate to meet our anticipated requirements for at least the next twelve months.

 

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Contractual Commitments

As of December 29, 2007, we had certain cash obligations associated with contractual commitments. The amounts due under these commitments are as follows (dollars in millions):

 

     Total    Less than
1 year
   1 – 3
years
   4 – 5
years
   After 5
years

Long-term debt (variable rate)

   $ 313.3    $ —      $ —      $ 313.3    $ —  

Long-term debt (fixed rate)

     212.1      2.8      13.8      —        195.5

Estimated interest payments (1)

     271.6      52.5      104.5      83.6      31.0

Operating leases, net of sublease income

     200.6      36.3      58.4      40.4      65.5

8% cumulative mandatorily redeemable preferred stock (2)

     45.9      —        —        —        45.9

Capital leases (3)

     0.5      0.2      0.3      —        —  

Uncertain tax positions

     4.1      3.1      0.4      0.5      0.1

Other long-term liabilities

     5.6      0.1      2.3      —        3.2
                                  

Total contractual cash obligations

   $ 1,053.7    $ 95.0    $ 179.7    $ 437.8    $ 341.2
                                  

 

(1) Represents the annual interest expense on fixed and variable rate debt. Projections of interest expense on variable rate debt are based on current interest rates.
(2) Represents the redemption amount plus cumulative dividends.
(3) Excludes capital lease obligation relating to the sale and leaseback of three owned facilities. All cash paid to the lessor is recorded as interest expense and is included in the estimated interest payments amount in the above table.

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

The only significant known remaining liability related to Winston Tire Company (“Winston”), our retail business that was sold in 2001, is the exposure related to leases that we have guaranteed. As of December 29, 2007, our total obligations, as guarantor on the Winston leases, are approximately $7.9 million extending over 12 years. However, we have secured assignments or sublease agreements for the vast majority of these commitments with contractually assigned or subleased rental of approximately $7.4 million. A provision has been made for the net present value of the estimated shortfall. The accrual for lease liabilities could be materially affected by factors such as the credit worthiness of lessors, assignees and sublessees and our success at negotiating early termination agreements with lessors. These factors are significantly dependent on general economic conditions. While we believe that our current estimates of these liabilities are adequate, it is possible that future events could require significant adjustments to those estimates.

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

The consolidated financial statements are prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States, which require us to make estimates and assumptions (see Note 1 in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included under Item 8 of this report). We consider certain accounting policies, as described below, to be critical policies due to the high degree of judgment and complexity involved in each.

Revenue Recognition and Accounts Receivable—Allowance for Doubtful Accounts

We recognize revenue when title and risk of loss pass to the customer, which is upon delivery under free on board (“FOB”) destination terms. We also permit customers from time to time to return certain products but there is no contractual right of return. We continuously monitor and track such returns and record an estimate of such future returns, based on historical experience and recent trends. While such returns have historically been within management’s expectations and the provisions established have been adequate, we cannot guarantee that we will continue to experience the same return rates that we have in the past. If future returns increase significantly, operating results would be adversely affected.

 

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The allowance for doubtful accounts provides for estimated losses inherent within our accounts receivable balance. Management evaluates both the creditworthiness of specific customers and the overall probability of losses based upon an analysis of the overall aging of receivables, past collection trends and general economic conditions. Management believes, based on our review, that the allowance for doubtful accounts is adequate to cover potential losses. Actual results may vary as a result of unforeseen economic events and the impact those events could have on our customers.

Inventories

Inventories are valued at the lower of cost, determined on the first-in, first-out (“FIFO”) method, or fair market value. We perform periodic assessments to determine the existence of obsolete, slow-moving and non-saleable inventories and record necessary provisions to reduce such inventories to net realizable value. If actual market conditions are less favorable than those projected by management, additional inventory provisions may be required.

Self-Insured Reserves

We are self-insured for automobile liability, workers’ compensation and the health care claims of our team members, although we maintain stop-loss coverage with third-party insurers to limit our total liability exposure. A reserve for liabilities associated with these losses is established for claims filed and claims incurred but not yet reported using actuarial methods followed in the insurance industry and our historical claims experience. While we do not expect the amounts ultimately paid to differ significantly from our estimates, our self-insurance reserves and corresponding selling, general and administrative expenses could be affected if future claim experience differs significantly from historical trends and actuarial assumptions.

Acquisition Exit Cost Reserves

In connection with certain acquisitions, we record exit cost reserves for closed facilities that are subject to long-term commitments based upon the future minimum lease payments and related ancillary costs from the date of closure to the end of the remaining lease term, net of estimated sublease rentals that could be reasonably expected to be obtained for the property. Future cash flows are based on contractual lease terms and knowledge of the market in which the facility is located. These estimates are subject to multiple factors, including inflation, ability to sublease the property and other economic conditions. Internally developed estimates of sublease rentals are based upon the market in which the property is located, the results of previous efforts to sublease similar property and the current economic environment. Reserves may be adjusted in the future based upon the actual resolution of each of these factors.

Valuation of Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets

SFAS No. 142 requires that goodwill and intangible assets with indefinite useful lives are no longer amortized, but are tested for impairment annually and more frequently in the event of an impairment indicator. SFAS No. 142 requires that management compare the reporting unit’s carrying value to its fair value as of an annual assessment date. Management has computed fair value by utilizing a variety of methods including discounted cash flow and market multiple models. SFAS No. 142 also requires that intangible assets with definite useful lives be amortized over their respective estimated useful lives and reviewed whenever events or circumstances indicate an impairment may exist. In accordance with SFAS No. 142, we have elected November 30th as our annual impairment assessment date. We completed our annual impairment assessment as of each November 30th, and concluded that no impairment charge was required. See Note 4 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for discussion regarding the intangible asset impairment charge recorded in September 2006 (outside of our annual assessment). We will continue to perform goodwill and intangible asset impairment reviews annually or more frequently if facts or circumstances warrant a review. Future adverse developments in market conditions or our current or projected operating results could cause the fair value of our goodwill to fall below the carrying value, requiring an impairment charge.

 

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Long-Lived Assets

Management reviews long-lived assets, which consist of property, leasehold improvements and equipment, for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value of the asset may not be recovered. Recoverability of long-lived assets to be held and used is evaluated by a comparison of the carrying amount of the asset to future net undiscounted cash flows expected to be generated by the asset group. If the carrying amount of an asset exceeds its estimated future cash flows, an impairment charge is recognized for the excess of the carrying amount over the fair value of the asset. Assets to be disposed of are reported at the lower of the carrying value or fair value less cost to sell when we have committed to a disposal plan.

Income Taxes and Valuation Allowances

We account for income taxes in accordance with SFAS No. 109, “Accounting for Income Taxes.” Under SFAS No. 109, deferred tax assets or liabilities are computed based upon the difference between the financial statement and income tax basis of assets and liabilities using the enacted marginal tax rate applicable when the related asset or liability is expected to be realized or settled. Deferred income tax expenses or benefits are based on the changes in the asset or liability from period to period. If available evidence suggests that it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized, a valuation allowance is required to reduce the deferred tax assets to the amount that is more likely than not to be realized. Future changes in such valuation allowance would be included in the provision for deferred income taxes in the period of change.

We account for uncertain tax positions in accordance with Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Interpretation No. 48 (“FIN 48”), “Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes—an interpretation of FASB Statement No. 109.” The application of income tax law is inherently complex. As such, we are required to make certain assumptions and judgments regarding our income tax positions and the likelihood whether such tax positions would be sustained if challenged. Interest and penalties related to uncertain tax provisions are recorded as a component of the provision for income taxes. Interpretations and guidance surrounding income tax laws and regulations change over time. As such, changes in our assumptions and judgments can materially affect amounts recognized in our consolidated balance sheets and statement of operations.

Vendor Rebates

We receive rebates from our vendors under a number of different programs. These rebates are recorded in accordance with Emerging Issues Task Force (“EITF”) Issue No. 02-16, “Accounting by a Customer (Including a Reseller) for Cash Considerations Received from a Vendor.” Many of the vendor programs provide for us to receive rebates when any of a number of measures are achieved, generally related to the volume of purchases. These rebates are accounted for as a reduction to the price of the product, which reduces the carrying value of inventory until the product is sold. Throughout the year, the amount earned for annual rebates is based on purchases management considers probable for the full year. These estimates are continually revised to reflect rebates earned based on actual purchase levels. Historically, actual rebates have been within the expectations used in the estimates.

If market conditions were to change, vendors may change the terms of some or all of these programs. Although these changes would not affect the amounts that have been recorded related to product already purchased, it may impact gross margins on products sold or revenues earned in future periods to the extent that the changes are not passed along to the customer.

Customer Rebates

We offer rebates to our customers under a number of different programs. These rebates are recorded in accordance with EITF Issue No. 01-9, “Accounting for Consideration Given by a Vendor to a Customer (Including a Reseller of the Vendor’s Products).” The majority of these programs provide for the customer to

 

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receive rebates, generally in the form of a reduction in the related accounts receivable balance, when certain measures are achieved, generally related to the volume of product purchased from us. These rebates are recorded as a reduction of the related price of the product, which reduces the amount of revenue recorded. Throughout the year, the amount of rebates is estimated based on the expected level of purchases to be made by customers that participate in the rebate programs. These estimates are periodically revised to reflect rebates earned by customers based on actual purchases made. Historically, actual rebates paid have been within the expectations used in management’s estimates.

Cooperative Advertising and Marketing Programs

We participate in cooperative advertising and marketing programs (“co-op”) with our vendors. Co-op funds are provided to us generally based on the volume of purchases made with vendors that offer such programs. A portion of the funds received must be used for specific advertising and marketing expenditures incurred by us or our customers. The co-op funds received by us from our vendors are accounted for in accordance with EITF Issue No. 02-16, which requires that we record the funds received as a reduction of cost of sales or as an offset to specific costs incurred in selling the vendor’s products. The co-op funds that are provided to our customers are accounted for in accordance with EITF Issue 01-9, which requires that we record the funds paid as a reduction of revenue since no separate identifiable benefit is received by us.

Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements

In December 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 141(R), “Business Combinations—a replacement of FASB Statement No. 141,” (“SFAS No. 141 (R)”). SFAS No. 141 (R) requires an acquiring entity to recognize all the assets acquired and liabilities assumed in a transaction at the acquisition-date fair value with limited exceptions. In addition, SFAS No. 141(R) will require acquisition costs to be expensed as incurred, acquired contingent liabilities will be recorded at fair value at the acquisition date and subsequently measured at either the higher of such amount or the amount determined under existing guidance for non-acquired contingencies, restructuring costs associated with a business combination will be generally expensed subsequent to the acquisition date and changes in deferred tax asset valuation allowances and income tax uncertainties after the acquisition date generally will affect income tax expense. SFAS No. 141 (R) also includes a substantial number of new disclosure requirements. SFAS No. 141(R) is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2008 and is to be applied prospectively. We do not expect the adoption of SFAS No. 141 (R) to have a material impact on our financial position or results of operations; however, the prospective application of the provisions of SFAS No. 141 (R) could have a material impact on the fair values assigned to assets and liabilities of future acquisitions and could cause greater volatility in future financial statements due to the required adjustment increases in contingent liabilities, or decreases in contingent assets through the statement of operations subsequent to the acquisition date.

In February 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 159, “The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities” (“SFAS No. 159”). SFAS No. 159 expands opportunities to use fair value measurement in financial reporting and permits entities to choose to measure many financial instruments and certain other items at fair value. This statement is effective for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007. We do not expect the adoption of SFAS No. 159 to have a material impact on our consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

In September 2006, the FASB issued SFAS No. 157, “Fair Value Measurements” (“SFAS No. 157”). SFAS No. 157 defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States, and expands disclosures about fair value measurements. This statement does not require any new fair value measurements; rather, it applies under other accounting pronouncements that require or permit fair value measurements. The provisions of SFAS No. 157 are effective for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007. In February 2008, the FASB deferred the effective date of SFAS No. 157 for all non-financial assets and non-financial liabilities, except those that are recognized or

 

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disclosed at fair value in the financial statement on a recurring basis (at least annually) until January 1, 2009. We do not expect the adoption of SFAS No. 157 to have a material impact on our consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

 

Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosure About Market Risk.

Our results of operations are exposed to changes in interest rates primarily with respect to ATD’s amended credit facility and our Senior Floating Rate Notes. Interest on the credit facility is tied to the Base Rate, as defined in the agreement, or LIBOR. Interest on the Senior Floating Rate Notes is tied to the three-month LIBOR. At December 29, 2007, ATD had $313.3 million outstanding under its amended credit facility and our Senior Floating Rate Notes, of which $228.3 million was not hedged by an interest rate swap agreement and was thus subject to interest rate changes. An increase of 1% in such interest rate percentages would increase our annual interest expense by $2.3 million, based on the outstanding balance of the amended credit facility and Senior Floating Rate Notes that have not been hedged at December 29, 2007.

On October 11, 2005, we entered into an interest rate swap agreement (“Swap”) to manage exposure to fluctuations in interest rates. The Swap represents a contract to exchange floating rate for fixed interest payments periodically over the life of the agreement without exchange of the underlying notional amount. The notional amount of the Swap is used to measure interest to be paid or received and does not represent the amount of exposure to credit loss. At December 29, 2007, the Swap in place covers a notional amount of $85.0 million of the $140.0 million Senior Floating Rate Notes at a fixed interest rate of 4.79% and expires on September 30, 2010. This Swap has been designated for hedge accounting treatment. Accordingly, we recognize the fair value of the Swap in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets and any changes in the fair value are recorded as adjustments to other comprehensive income (loss). The fair value of the Swap is the estimated amount that we would pay or receive to terminate the agreement at the reporting date. The fair value of the Swap was a liability of $2.1 million at December 29, 2007, and is included in other liabilities in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets with the offset included in other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax. At December 30, 2006, the fair value of the Swap was an asset of $0.7 million and is included in other assets in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets with the offset included in other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax.

 

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Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.

INDEX TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

     Page

American Tire Distributors Holdings, Inc.—Consolidated Financial Statements

  

Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting

   38

Reports of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

   39

Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 29, 2007 and December 30, 2006

   41

Consolidated Statements of Operations for fiscal years ended December 29, 2007 and December 30, 2006 and the nine months ended December 31, 2005 for the Successor and for the quarter ended April  2, 2005 for the Predecessor

   42

Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity and Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) for the fiscal years ended December 29, 2007 and December 30, 2006 and the period ended December  31, 2005 for the Successor and for the period ended April 2, 2005 for the Predecessor

   43

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the fiscal years ended December 29, 2007 and December 30, 2006 and the period from April 2, 2005 through December  31, 2005 for the Successor and for the quarter ended April 2, 2005 for the Predecessor

   44

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

   45

 

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MANAGEMENT’S REPORT ON INTERNAL CONTROL OVER FINANCIAL REPORTING

Management of American Tire Distributors Holdings, Inc. (the “Company”) is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting. Internal control over financial reporting is defined in Rule 13a-15(f) or 15d-15(f) promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, as a process designed by, or under the supervision of, the Company’s principal executive and principal financial officers and effected by the Company’s board of directors, management and other personnel, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of consolidated financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles and includes those policies and procedures that:

 

   

Pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the Company;

 

   

Provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded and necessary to permit preparation of consolidated financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the Company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the Company;

 

   

Provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use or disposition of the Company’s assets that could have a material effect on the consolidated financial statements.

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

Management conducted an assessment of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 29, 2007. In making this assessment, the Company’s management used the criteria set forth by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO) in Internal Control—Integrated Framework. Based on this assessment, management has concluded that the Company’s internal control over financial reporting was effective as of December 29, 2007.

This Annual Report on Form 10-K does not include a report of the Company’s registered public accounting firm regarding internal control over financial reporting pursuant to temporary rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission that permit the Company to provide only management’s report in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

 

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REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

To the Board of Directors of American Tire Distributors Holdings, Inc. and Subsidiaries:

In our opinion, the accompanying consolidated balance sheets and the related consolidated statements of operations, of stockholders’ equity and comprehensive income (loss) and of cash flows present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of American Tire Distributors Holdings, Inc. and its subsidiaries (the “Company”) at December 29, 2007 and December 30, 2006, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the two years in the period ended December 29, 2007 and the period from April 2, 2005 through December 31, 2005 in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. In addition, in our opinion, the financial statement schedule on page 92 presents fairly, in all material respects, the information set forth therein when read in conjunction with the related consolidated financial statements. These financial statements and financial statement schedule are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements and financial statement schedule based on our audits. We conducted our audits of these statements in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (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, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, and evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

As more fully described in Note 1 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company changed the manner in which it accounts for uncertain tax positions effective in 2007.

/s/ PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP

Charlotte, North Carolina

March 26, 2008

 

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REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

To the Board of Directors of American Tire Distributors Holdings, Inc. and Subsidiaries:

In our opinion, the accompanying consolidated statements of operations, of stockholders’ equity and comprehensive income (loss) and of cash flows present fairly, in all material respects, the results of American Tire Distributors, Inc.’s (“ATD”) operations and its cash flows for the period from January 2, 2005 through April 2, 2005 in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. In addition, in our opinion, the financial statement schedule listed on page 92 presents fairly, in all material respects, the information set forth therein when read in conjunction with the related consolidated financial statements. These financial statements and financial statement schedule are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements and financial statement schedule based on our audits. We conducted our audits of these statements in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (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, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, and evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

/s/ PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP

Charlotte, North Carolina

March 31, 2006

 

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AMERICAN TIRE DISTRIBUTORS HOLDINGS, INC.

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(amounts in thousands, except share and per share amounts)

 

     December 29,
2007
    December 30,
2006
 

Assets

    

Current assets:

    

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 4,749     $ 3,600  

Restricted cash

     575       —    

Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $2,093 and $1,469 in fiscal 2007 and 2006, respectively

     155,041       131,104  

Inventories

     343,538       297,664  

Assets held for sale

     1,548       1,199  

Deferred income taxes

     12,981       10,136  

Other current assets

     10,820       6,926  
                

Total current assets

     529,252       450,629  
                

Property and equipment, net

     42,674       44,571  

Goodwill

     368,318       355,743  

Other intangible assets, net

     241,562       238,849  

Other assets

     28,890       33,714  
                

Total assets

   $ 1,210,696     $ 1,123,506  
                

Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity

    

Current liabilities:

    

Accounts payable

   $ 286,708     $ 245,415  

Accrued expenses

     53,006       28,734  

Current maturities of long-term debt

     2,982       3,853  
                

Total current liabilities

     342,696       278,002  
                

Long-term debt

     536,871       517,154  

Deferred income taxes

     79,721       82,963  

Other liabilities

     13,563       8,807  

Redeemable preferred stock

     21,450       19,822  

Commitments and contingencies (see Note 7)

    

Stockholders’ equity:

    

Series A Common Stock, par value $.01 per share; 1,500,000 shares authorized; 691,173 shares issued and 690,700 shares outstanding

     7       7  

Series B Common Stock, par value $.01 per share; 315,000 shares authorized; 307,327 shares issued and outstanding

     3       3  

Series D Common Stock, par value $.01 per share; 1,500 shares authorized, issued and outstanding

     —         —    

Common Stock, par value $.01 per share; 1,816,500 shares authorized, no shares have been issued

     —         —    

Additional paid-in capital

     217,990       217,990  

Warrants

     4,631       4,631  

Accumulated deficit

     (4,835 )     (6,208 )

Accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income

     (1,301 )     435  

Treasury stock, at cost, 473 shares of Series A Common Stock

     (100 )     (100 )
                

Total stockholders’ equity

     216,395       216,758  
                

Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity

   $ 1,210,696     $ 1,123,506  
                

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

 

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AMERICAN TIRE DISTRIBUTORS HOLDINGS, INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

(amounts in thousands)

 

     Successor     Predecessor  
     Fiscal Year
Ended

December 29,
2007
    Fiscal Year
Ended

December 30,
2006
    Nine Months
Ended

December 31,
2005
    Quarter
Ended
April 2,
2005
 
          

Net sales

   $ 1,877,480     $ 1,577,973     $ 1,150,944        $ 354,339  

Cost of goods sold, excluding depreciation included in selling, general and administrative expenses below

     1,552,975       1,293,594       939,325       290,488  
                                

Gross profit

     324,505       284,379       211,619       63,851  

Selling, general and administrative expenses

     258,347       227,399       172,605       52,653  

Impairment of intangible asset

     —         2,640       —         —    

Transaction expenses

     —         —         95       28,211  
                                

Operating income (loss)

     66,158       54,340       38,919       (17,013 )

Other income (expense):

          

Interest expense

     (61,633 )     (60,065 )     (41,359 )     (3,682 )

Other, net

     (285 )     (364 )     111       (252 )
                                

Income (loss) from operations before income taxes

     4,240       (6,089 )     (2,329 )     (20,947 )

Income tax provision (benefit)

     2,867       (1,482 )     (728 )     (6,620 )
                                

Net income (loss)

   $ 1,373     $ (4,607 )   $ (1,601 )   $ (14,327 )
                                

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

 

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AMERICAN TIRE DISTRIBUTORS HOLDINGS, INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY AND OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)

(amounts in thousands, except share amounts)

 

    Preferred Stock     Common Stock     Additional
Paid-In

Capital
    Warrants     Accumulated
Deficit
    Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Income (Loss)
    Treasury
Stock
at Cost
    Total  
    Shares     Amount     Shares     Amount              

Predecessor balance,
January 1, 2005

  10,970,926     $ 55,854     5,161,917     $ 52     $ 23,030     $ 1,352     $ (22,523 )   $ —       $ —       $ 57,765  

Net loss

  —         —       —         —         —         —         (14,327 )     —         —         (14,327 )

Dividends on preferred stock Series C

  —         360     —         —         —         —         (360 )     —         —         —    

Dividends on preferred stock Series D

  —         867     —         —         —         —         (867 )     —         —         —    
                                                                           

Predecessor balance,
April 2, 2005

  10,970,926       57,081     5,161,917       52       23,030       1,352       (38,077 )     —         —         43,438  
                                                                           
   

Purchase accounting adjustments

  (10,970,926 )     (57,081 )   (5,161,917 )     (52 )     (23,030 )     (1,352 )     38,077       —         —         (43,438 )

Comprehensive loss:

                   

Net loss

  —         —       —         —         —         —         (1,601 )     —         —         (1,601 )

Change in value of derivative instrument, net of income taxes of $0.1 million

  —         —       —         —         —         —         —         (124 )     —         (124 )
                         

Total comprehensive loss

                      (1,725 )
                         

Issuance of Holdings common stock

  —         —       1,000,000       10       211,490       —         —         —         —         211,500  

Issuance of warrants

  —         —       —         —         —         4,631       —         —         —         4,631  

Stock option rollover

  —         —       —         —         6,500       —         —         —         —         6,500  

Repurchase of common stock

  —         —       (473 )     —         —         —         —         —         (100 )     (100 )
                                                                           

Successor balance,
December 31, 2005

  —         —       999,527       10       217,990       4,631       (1,601 )     (124 )     (100 )     220,806  
                                                                           

Comprehensive loss:

                   

Net loss

  —         —       —         —         —         —         (4,607 )     —         —         (4,607 )

Change in value of derivative instrument, net of income taxes of $0.3 million

  —         —       —         —         —         —         —         559       —         559  
                         

Total comprehensive loss

                      (4,048 )
                                                                           

Successor balance,
December 30, 2006

  —         —       999,527       10       217,990       4,631       (6,208 )     435       (100 )     216,758  
                                                                           

Comprehensive loss:

                   

Net income

  —         —       —         —         —         —         1,373       —         —         1,373  

Change in value of derivative instrument, net of income taxes of $1.1 million

  —         —       —         —         —         —         —         (1,736 )     —         (1,736 )
                         

Total comprehensive loss

                      (363 )
                                                                           

Successor balance,
December 29, 2007

  —       $ —       999,527     $ 10     $ 217,990     $ 4,631     $ (4,835 )   $ (1,301 )   $ (100 )   $ 216,395  
                                                                           

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

 

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AMERICAN TIRE DISTRIBUTORS HOLDINGS, INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(amounts in thousands)

 

    Successor     Predecessor  
    Fiscal Year
Ended
December 29,
2007
    Fiscal Year
Ended
December 30,
2006
    Period from
April 2, 2005
through

December 31,
2005
    Quarter
Ended
April 2,
2005
 
         

Cash flows from operating activities:

       

Net income (loss)

  $ 1,373     $ (4,607 )   $ (1,601 )       $ (14,327 )

Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:

       

Depreciation and amortization of intangibles

    28,096       25,071       16,409       1,738  

Accretion of 8% cumulative preferred stock and Senior Discount Notes

    2,012       6,347       4,331       —    

Amortization of other assets

    5,056       5,443       4,091       232  

Impairment of intangible asset

    —         2,640       —         —    

(Benefit) provision for deferred income taxes

    (6,916 )     (1,970 )     (2,413 )     658  

Recovery of (provision for) doubtful accounts

    854       (325 )     1,091       279  

Inventory step-up amortization

    —         —         4,692       —    

Stock-based compensation expense

    —         —         —         8,584  

Post-retirement benefit plan termination

    —         (1,933 )     —         —    

Other, net

    1,055       274       731       (265 )

Change in assets and liabilities:

       

Accounts receivable, net

    (14,435 )     2,193       12,636       (8,541 )

Inventories

    (35,347 )     (7,895 )     (44,085 )     (12,652 )

Other current assets

    (3,420 )     2,128       11,097       (8,349 )

Income tax receivable

    —         13,605       —         —    

Accounts payable and accrued expenses

    39,850       25,715       (33,537 )     43,991  

Other

    649       (100 )     (8,096 )     (1,477 )
                               

Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities

    18,827       66,586       (34,654 )     9,871  
                               

Cash flows from investing activities:

       

Acquisitions, net of cash acquired

    (20,981 )     (20,357 )     (4,266 )     —    

Purchase of property and equipment

    (8,648 )     (9,845 )     (6,086 )     (1,574 )

Purchase of assets held for sale

    (2,388 )     (536 )     —         —    

Proceeds from disposal of assets held for sale

    1,852       1,790       —         —    

Proceeds from sale of property and equipment

    305       421       184       236  

Acquisition of Predecessor

    —         —         (458,347 )     —    

Other, net

    —         —         (300 )     (100 )
                               

Net cash used in investing activities

    (29,860 )     (28,527 )     (468,815 )     (1,438 )
                               

Cash flows from financing activities:

       

Borrowings from revolving credit facility

    1,669,818       1,413,621       1,100,320       312,277  

Repayments of revolving credit facility

    (1,651,574 )     (1,448,090 )     (1,088,448 )     (320,728 )

Payments of other long-term debt

    (4,402 )     (5,301 )     (2,658 )     (975 )

Payments of deferred financing costs

    (1,085 )     (234 )     (35,386 )     —    

Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt

    —         —         330,003       —    

Proceeds from issuance of common stock

    —         —         211,500       1,862  

Change in restricted cash

    (575 )     —         (30,506 )     —    

Proceeds from issuance of preferred stock

    —         —         15,369       —    

Proceeds from issuance of warrants

    —         —         4,631       —    

Series A preferred stock redemption

    —         —         —         (700 )

Other

    —         —         686       —    
                               

Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities

    12,182       (40,004 )     505,511       (8,264 )
                               

Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

    1,149       (1,945 )     2,042       169  

Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of year

    3,600       5,545       3,503       3,334  
                               

Cash and cash equivalents, end of year

  $ 4,749     $ 3,600     $ 5,545     $ 3,503  
                               

Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information:

       

Cash payments for interest

  $ 51,629     $ 46,263     $ 23,992     $ 3,944  
                               

Cash payments (receipts) for taxes, net

  $ 2,242     $ (13,163 )   $ (2,340 )   $ 247  
                               

Supplemental disclosures of noncash activities:

       

Capital expenditures financed by debt

  $ 2,822     $ 2,360     $ 4,054     $ 1,338  
                               

Supplier loan (see Note 5)

  $ —       $ 6,000     $ —       $ —    
                               

Payment of Series D Senior Notes with restricted cash

  $ —       $ —       $ 30,506     $ —    
                               

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

 

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AMERICAN TIRE DISTRIBUTORS HOLDINGS, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

1. Nature of Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies:

Organization

American Tire Distributors Holdings, Inc. (also referred to herein as “Holdings,” the “Company” or the “Successor”) is a Delaware corporation which owns 100% of the issued and outstanding capital stock of American Tire Distributors, Inc. a Delaware corporation (“ATD”). Holdings has no significant assets or operations other than its ownership of ATD. The operations of ATD and its subsidiaries, or the “Predecessor,” constitute the operations of Holdings presented under accounting principles generally accepted in the United States.

On March 31, 2005, pursuant to an Agreement and Plan of Merger (the “Merger Agreement”), dated as of February 4, 2005 and amended and restated on March 7, 2005, among Holdings, ATD MergerSub, Inc., a Delaware corporation (“MergerSub”), Charlesbank Equity Fund IV, L.P., a Massachusetts limited partnership, Charlesbank Capital Partners, LLC, a Massachusetts limited liability company and ATD; MergerSub merged with and into ATD with ATD being the surviving corporation (also referred to herein as the “Merger” or the “Acquisition”). As a result of the Acquisition, ATD became a wholly-owned subsidiary of Holdings. The Acquisition was completed on March 31, 2005.

The Acquisition was accounted for as a purchase, in accordance with the provisions of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No. 141, “Business Combinations.” Accordingly, the purchase price of the Acquisition has been allocated to the Company’s assets and liabilities based upon their estimated fair values at the acquisition date. Periods prior to April 2, 2005 reflect the financial position, results of operations, and cash flows of the Predecessor and periods after April 2, 2005 reflect the financial position, results of operations, and cash flows of Holdings and its subsidiaries. For accounting purposes, the effects of purchase accounting were applied on April 2, 2005. The activity of the Company for the period March 31, 2005 through April 2, 2005 is included in the Predecessor’s consolidated statement of operations. Cash flow activity for the three-day period from March 31, 2005 through April 2, 2005 is included in the Predecessor’s consolidated statement of cash flows except for cash flow activity related to the Merger, which is shown in the Successor’s consolidated statement of cash flows on April 2, 2005. The Company believes that the results of operations and cash flows, other than those related to the Merger, are immaterial for the three-day period from March 31, 2005 through April 2, 2005.

Nature of Business

ATD is primarily engaged in the wholesale distribution of tires, custom wheels, and related automotive service equipment and tools and supplies which represent approximately 89.0%, 5.7%, 2.7% and 2.6% of net sales, respectively, and has one reportable segment consisting of 83 economically similar distribution centers, including four mixing warehouses, across the United States. ATD’s customer base is comprised primarily of independent tire dealers with other customers representing national retail chains, service stations and other automotive dealer and repair facilities. ATD serves all or parts of 37 states located in the Southeastern and Mid-Atlantic regions, portions of the Northeast, Midwest, Southwest and the West Coast of the United States.

Principles of Consolidation

The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Holdings and its wholly-owned subsidiaries. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

 

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Use of 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 reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Fiscal Year

The Company’s fiscal year is based on either a 52- or 53-week period ending on the Saturday closest to each December 31. Therefore, the financial results of 53-week fiscal years will not be exactly comparable to the prior and subsequent 52-week fiscal years. The period ended April 2, 2005 for the Predecessor contains operating results for 13 weeks and the nine months ended December 31, 2005 for the Successor contains operating results for 39 weeks. The fiscal years ended December 29, 2007 and December 30, 2006 for the Successor contain operating results for 52 weeks.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

The Company considers all deposits with an original maturity of three months or less to be cash equivalents in its consolidated financial statements.

Revenue Recognition and Concentration of Credit Risk

The Company recognizes revenue when title and risk of loss pass to the customer, which is upon delivery under free on board (“FOB”) destination terms. In the normal course of business, the Company extends credit, on open accounts, to its customers after performing a credit analysis based on a number of financial and other criteria. The Company performs ongoing credit evaluations of its customers’ financial condition and does not normally require collateral; however, letters of credit and other security are occasionally required for certain new and existing customers. Allowances for doubtful accounts are maintained for estimated potential credit losses.

The Company’s top ten customers accounted for approximately 6.4%, 6.4% and 6.9% of operating revenues, respectively, for the fiscal years of 2007, 2006 and 2005.

The Company permits customers from time to time to return certain products but there is no contractual right of return. The Company continuously monitors and tracks such returns and records an estimate of such future returns, which is based on historical experience and recent trends.

Inventories

Inventories consist primarily of automotive tires, custom wheels, automotive service equipment and related products and are valued at the lower of cost, determined on the first-in, first-out (FIFO) method, or fair market value. The Company performs periodic assessments to determine the existence of obsolete, slow-moving and non-saleable inventories and records necessary provisions to reduce such inventories to net realizable value. A majority of the Company’s tire vendors allow for the return of tire products, subject to certain limitations, specified in supply arrangements with the vendors. All of the Company’s inventory is collateral under the amended revolving credit facility. See Note 5 for further information.

Property and Equipment

Property and equipment are stated at cost or fair value at date of acquisition. For financial reporting purposes, the Company provides for depreciation of fixed assets using the straight-line method at annual rates sufficient to amortize the cost of the assets less estimated salvage values over the assets’ estimated useful lives.

 

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Maintenance and repair expenditures are charged to expense as incurred, and expenditures for improvements and major renewals are capitalized. The carrying amounts of assets that are sold or retired and the related accumulated depreciation are removed from the accounts in the year of disposal, and any resulting gain or loss is reflected in the statement of operations. Depreciation, which includes the amortization of assets recorded under capital lease obligations, is determined by using the straight-line method based on the following estimated useful lives:

 

Buildings

   20-30 years

Machinery and equipment

   3-8 years

Furniture and fixtures

   3-10 years

Internal-use software

   3 years

Vehicles and other

   3-10 years

Leasehold improvements are amortized over the lesser of the lease term or the estimated useful lives of the improvements.

The Company capitalizes costs incurred in the development or acquisition of internal-use software. The Company expenses costs incurred in the preliminary project planning stage. Costs, such as maintenance and training, are also expensed as incurred. Capitalized costs are amortized over their estimated useful lives using the straight-line method. The Successor’s amortization expense, which is included in depreciation expense, for internal-use software was $4.4 million for the year ended December 29, 2007, $3.4 million for the year ended December 30, 2006 and $1.5 million for the nine-months ended December 31, 2005. The Predecessor’s amortization expense for the quarter ended April 2, 2005 was $0.3 million.

Impairments of long-lived assets are recognized when events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of the asset, or related groups of assets, may not be recoverable and the Company’s estimate of undiscounted cash flows over the assets’ remaining estimated useful life are less than the assets’ carrying value. Measurement of the amount of impairment may be based upon appraisals, market values of similar assets or estimated discounted future cash flows resulting from the use and ultimate disposition of the asset. Throughout fiscal years 2007, 2006, and 2005, the Company has reviewed the carrying value of long-term fixed assets for impairment when events or circumstances indicate possible impairment, and has concluded that the estimated future cash flows anticipated to be generated during the remaining life of these assets support the current net carrying value of these assets, thus, no impairment charges have been recorded for such periods.

Assets Held for Sale

In accordance with SFAS No. 144, “Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets,” assets held for sale are reported at the lower of the carrying amount or fair value less cost to sell and the recognition of depreciation expense is discontinued. As of December 29, 2007, the Company has several residential properties, with an aggregate carrying value of $1.5 million classified as assets held for sale. The Company acquired these properties as part of an employee relocation package. The Company is actively marketing these properties and anticipates that they will be sold within a twelve-month period.

In December 2007, the Company received $0.7 million in cash for the sale of its Tallahassee, Florida property that was classified as assets held for sale at December 30, 2006. Also during 2007, the Company acquired and sold residential properties classified as assets held for sale and received $1.2 million in cash. The combined carrying value of these properties was $2.1 million. Accordingly, the Company has recognized a net pre-tax loss on the sale of these properties of $0.2 million within the accompanying consolidated statement of operations for fiscal 2007.

Deferred Financing Costs

Costs associated with financing activities (see Note 5) are included in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets as deferred financing costs (included within Other Assets) and are being amortized over the terms

 

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of the loans to which such costs relate. Amortization of deferred financing costs included in operating income for fiscal years 2007 and 2006 and for the nine-month period ended December 31, 2005 for the Successor were $5.0 million, $5.4 million and $4.1 million, respectively. Amortization of deferred financing costs included in operating loss for the three month period ended April 2, 2005 for the Predecessor was $0.2 million. These amounts are included in interest expense in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations. As a result of the Acquisition, $3.1 million of deferred financing costs associated with the old debt structure were written off in purchase accounting. The unamortized balance of deferred financing costs included in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets was $22.2 million at December 29, 2007 and $26.1 million at December 30, 2006.

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets

Under SFAS No. 142 “Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets,” goodwill and intangible assets with indefinite lives are no longer amortized, but are tested for impairment annually and more frequently in the event of an impairment indicator. SFAS No. 142 also requires that intangible assets with definite useful lives be amortized over their respective estimated useful lives, and reviewed whenever events or circumstances indicate an impairment may exist.

The provisions of SFAS No. 142 require that a two-step test be performed to assess goodwill for impairment. First, the fair value of each reporting unit is compared to its carrying value. Fair value is computed by the Company utilizing discounted cash flow and market multiple models. If the fair value exceeds the carrying value, goodwill is not impaired and no further testing is performed. The second step is performed if the carrying value exceeds the fair value. The implied fair value of the reporting unit’s goodwill must be determined and compared to the carrying value of the goodwill. If the carrying value of a reporting unit’s goodwill exceeds its implied fair value, an impairment loss equal to the difference will be recorded.

As required by SFAS No. 142, the Company recorded no goodwill amortization during fiscal years 2007, 2006 or 2005. The Company has one reporting unit representing the enterprise as a whole. At December 29, 2007 and December 30, 2006, the Company had goodwill of $368.3 million and $355.7 million, respectively, which is subject to the impairment tests prescribed under the statement. In accordance with SFAS No. 142, the Company has elected November 30th as it annual impairment assessment date. The Company completed its annual impairment assessments as of November 30, 2007, 2006 and 2005, and concluded that no goodwill or indefinite lived intangible asset impairment charge was required. See Note 4 for the intangible asset impairment charge recorded in September 2006 (outside of the Company’s annual assessment).

Self Insurance

The Company is self-insured with respect to employee health liability claims and maintains a large deductible program on workers’ compensation and auto. The Company has stop-loss insurance coverage for individual claims in excess of $0.2 million and up to a maximum benefit of $1.8 million for employee health and deductibles of $0.3 million on the workers’ compensation and auto on a per claim basis. Aggregate stop-loss limits for workers’ compensation and auto are $7.3 million. There is no aggregate stop-loss limit on employee health insurance. A reserve for liabilities associated with losses is established for claims filed and claims incurred but not yet reported using actuarial methods followed in the insurance industry and the Company’s historical claims experience.

Fair Value of Financial Instruments

Carrying value approximates fair value as it relates to cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable and accounts payable due to the short-term maturity of those instruments. Carrying value approximates fair value as it relates to the investments held in the Rabbi Trust, related to the Company’s deferred compensation plan, and the interest rate swap as they are carried at fair value. The carrying value of ATD’s amended revolving credit

 

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facility approximates fair value due to the variable rate of interest paid. The table below states the estimated fair value of the Company’s long-term, senior notes at December 29, 2007 and December 30, 2006 based upon quoted market prices (in thousands):

 

     Fair Value at
December 29,
2007
   Carrying
Value at

December 29,
2007
   Fair Value at
December 30,
2006
   Carrying
Value at

December 30,
2006

10.75% Senior Notes

   $ 145,500    $ 150,000    $ 140,625    $ 150,000

Senior Floating Rate Notes

     135,100      140,000      131,250      140,000

13% Senior Discount Notes

     49,936      51,480      39,382      49,909

Shipping and Handling Costs

Certain Company shipping, handling and other distribution costs are classified as selling, general and administrative expenses in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations. For the Successor, such expenses totaled $90.0 million for the fiscal year ended December 29, 2007, $79.2 million for the fiscal year ended December 30, 2006 and $56.6 million for the nine months ended December 31, 2005. For the Predecessor, such expenses totaled $17.9 million for the quarter ended April 2, 2005. Shipping revenue is classified within net sales in accordance with Emerging Issues Task Force (“EITF”) Issue No. 00-10, “Accounting for Shipping and Handling Fees and Costs.”

Vendor Rebates

The Company receives rebates from its vendors under a number of different programs. These rebates are recorded in accordance with EITF Issue No. 02-16, “Accounting by a Customer (Including a Reseller) for Cash Consideration Received from a Vendor.” Many of the vendor programs provide for the Company to receive rebates when any of a number of measures are achieved, generally related to the volume of purchases. These rebates are accounted for as a reduction to the price of the product, which reduces the carrying value of inventory until the product is sold. Throughout the year, the amount recognized for annual rebates is based on purchases management considers probable for the full year. These estimates are continually revised to reflect rebates earned based on actual purchase levels.

Customer Rebates

The Company offers rebates to its customers under a number of different programs. These rebates are recorded in accordance with EITF Issue No. 01-9, “Accounting for Consideration Given by a Vendor to a Customer (Including a Reseller of the Vendor’s Products).” The majority of these programs provide for the customer to receive rebates, generally in the form of a reduction in the related accounts receivable balance, when certain measures are achieved, generally related to the volume of product purchased from the Company. These rebates are recorded as a reduction of the related price of the product, which reduces the amount of revenue recorded. Throughout the year, the amount of rebates is estimated based on the expected level of purchases to be made by customers that participate in the rebate programs. These estimates are periodically revised to reflect rebates earned by customers based on actual purchases made.

Cooperative Advertising and Marketing Programs

The Company participates in cooperative advertising and marketing programs (“co-op”) with its vendors. Co-op funds are provided to the Company generally based on the volume of purchases made with vendors that offer such programs. A portion of the funds received must be used for specific advertising and marketing expenditures incurred by the Company or its customers. The co-op funds received by the Company from its vendors are accounted for in accordance with EITF Issue No. 02-16, which requires that the Company record the funds received as a reduction of cost of sales or as an offset to specific costs incurred in selling the vendor’s

 

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products. The co-op funds that are provided to the Company’s customers are accounted for in accordance with EITF Issue No. 01-9, which requires that the Company record the funds paid as a reduction of revenue since no separate identifiable benefit is received by the Company.

Income Taxes

The Company accounts for its income taxes under the provisions of SFAS No. 109 “Accounting for Income Taxes.” This statement requires the use of the asset and liability method of accounting for deferred income taxes. Deferred income taxes reflect the net tax effects of temporary differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and the amounts used for income tax reporting purposes, at the applicable enacted tax rates. The Company provides a valuation allowance against its deferred tax assets when the future realizability of the assets is no longer considered to be more likely than not.

The Company accounts for uncertain tax positions in accordance with Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Interpretation No. 48 (“FIN 48”), “Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes—an interpretation of FASB Statement No. 109.” The application of income tax law is inherently complex. As such, the Company is required to make certain assumptions and judgments regarding its income tax positions and the likelihood whether such tax positions would be sustained if challenged. Interest and penalties related to uncertain tax provisions are recorded as a component of the provision for income taxes. Interpretations and guidance surrounding income tax laws and regulations change over time. As such, changes in the Company’s assumptions and judgments can materially affect amounts recognized in the Company’s consolidated balance sheets and statement of operations.

Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities

For derivative instruments, the Company applies SFAS No. 133, “Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities,” as amended by SFAS No. 137, SFAS No. 138 and SFAS No. 149. This statement establishes accounting and reporting standards requiring that every derivative instrument (including certain derivative instruments embedded in other contracts) be recorded in the balance sheet as either an asset or liability measured at its fair value. This statement requires that changes in the derivative’s fair value be recognized currently in earnings unless specific hedge accounting criteria are met and that a company must formally document, designate and assess the effectiveness of transactions that receive hedge accounting treatment.

Stock Options

Effective January 1, 2006, the Company adopted the fair value recognition provisions of SFAS No. 123R, “Share-Based Payments,” using the prospective transition method as described in paragraph 83 of SFAS No. 123R for nonpublic entities that used the minimum value method for measuring stock-based compensation for either recognition or pro forma disclosure purposes under SFAS No. 123. Under this transition method, stock options outstanding prior to the adoption of SFAS No. 123R will continue to be accounted for under the provisions of Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 25, “Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees (“APB No. 25”).” Any new awards and awards modified, repurchased, or cancelled after January 1, 2006 will be accounted for in accordance with the provisions of SFAS No. 123R. The Company did not issue any new awards or modify, repurchase or cancel any existing awards during the fiscal years ending December 29, 2007 and December 30, 2006 and therefore no stock-based compensation expense was recorded as a result of adopting SFAS No. 123R.

Prior to January 1, 2006, the Company accounted for stock-based compensation using the intrinsic value-based method in accordance with APB No. 25. Under APB No. 25, the Company generally did not recognize stock-based compensation for stock options in its consolidated statements of operations because the options granted had an exercise price equal to the market value of the underlying common stock on the measurement date. As permitted, the Company elected to adopt the disclosure-only provisions of SFAS No. 123, “Accounting

 

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for Stock-Based Compensation.” Under those provisions, the Company disclosed in the notes to its financial statements what the effect would have been on its results of operations had compensation costs for the Company’s stock options been determined based on their fair value at the measurement date. As a result of adopting SFAS No. 123R and as required by paragraph 85 of SFAS No. 123R, the Company will no longer present this pro forma information.

Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements

In December 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 141(R), “Business Combinations—a replacement of FASB Statement No. 141,” (“SFAS No. 141 (R)”). SFAS No. 141 (R) requires an acquiring entity to recognize all the assets acquired and liabilities assumed in a transaction at the acquisition-date fair value with limited exceptions. In addition, SFAS No. 141(R) will require acquisition costs to be expensed as incurred, acquired contingent liabilities will be recorded at fair value at the acquisition date and subsequently measured at either the higher of such amount or the amount determined under existing guidance for non-acquired contingencies, restructuring costs associated with a business combination will be generally expensed subsequent to the acquisition date and changes in deferred tax asset valuation allowances and income tax uncertainties after the acquisition date generally will affect income tax expense. SFAS No. 141 (R) also includes a substantial number of new disclosure requirements. SFAS No. 141(R) is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2008 and is to be applied prospectively. The Company does not expect the adoption of SFAS No. 141 (R) to have a material impact on its financial position or results of operations; however, the prospective application of the provisions of SFAS No. 141 (R) could have a material impact on the fair values assigned to assets and liabilities of future acquisitions and could cause greater volatility in future financial statements due to the required adjustment increases in contingent liabilities, or decreases in contingent assets through the statement of operations subsequent to the acquisition date.

In February 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 159, “The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities” (“SFAS No. 159”). SFAS No. 159 expands opportunities to use fair value measurement in financial reporting and permits entities to choose to measure many financial instruments and certain other items at fair value. This statement is effective for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007. The Company does not expect the adoption of SFAS No. 159 to have a material impact on its consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

In September 2006, the FASB issued SFAS No. 157, “Fair Value Measurements” (“SFAS No. 157”). SFAS No. 157 defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States, and expands disclosures about fair value measurements. This statement does not require any new fair value measurements; rather, it applies under other accounting pronouncements that require or permit fair value measurements. The provisions of SFAS No. 157 are effective for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007. In February 2008, the FASB deferred the effective date of SFAS No. 157 for all non-financial assets and non-financial liabilities, except those that are recognized or disclosed at fair value in the financial statement on a recurring basis (at least annually) until January 1, 2009. The Company does not expect the adoption of SFAS No. 157 to have a material impact on its consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

2. Acquisitions:

On December 7, 2007, the Company completed the purchase of all of the outstanding membership interests of 6H-Homann, LLC and all of the seller’s partnership interests of Homann Tire, LTD (collectively “Homann Tire”) pursuant to the terms of a Securities Purchase Agreement dated as of November 16, 2007. The aggregate purchase price of this acquisition, subject to adjustment, was approximately $6.5 million, consisting of $6.3 million in cash, of which $0.6 million is held in escrow, and $0.2 million in direct acquisition costs. The amount held in escrow is not included in the allocation of the cost of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed as it

 

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represents contingent consideration for which the contingency has not been resolved. This acquisition expanded the Company’s service across the state of Texas (further complementing our existing distribution centers) and allowed us to expand into Louisiana. The preliminary purchase price allocation has been recorded in the accompanying consolidated financial statements based on estimated fair values for the assets acquired and liabilities assumed and resulted in goodwill of $4.2 million, a customer relationship intangible asset of $3.9 million and a related deferred tax liability of $1.5 million.

On July 2, 2007, the Company completed the purchase of certain assets and the assumption of certain liabilities related to Martino Tire Company (“Martino Tire”) pursuant to the terms of an Asset Purchase Agreement dated as of July 2, 2007. The aggregate purchase price of this acquisition, subject to adjustment, was $9.4 million, consisting of $9.2 million in cash and $0.2 million in direct acquisition costs. This acquisition expanded the Company’s service across the state of Florida and complemented its existing distribution centers currently located within the state of Florida. The preliminary purchase price allocation has been recorded in the accompanying consolidated financial statements based on estimated fair values for the assets acquired and liabilities assumed and resulted in goodwill of $6.3 million and a customer relationship intangible asset of $8.4 million. Amortization for both the goodwill and customer relationship intangible asset is deductible for income tax purposes. In addition, based upon management’s facility consolidation strategy, a lease reserve of $2.7 million has been established in accordance with EITF 95-3 “Recognition of Liabilities in Connection with a Purchase Business Combination.”

On May 31, 2007, the Company completed the purchase of all the outstanding stock of Jim Paris Tire City of Montbello, Inc. (“Paris Tire”) pursuant to the terms of a Stock Purchase Agreement dated May 31, 2007. The aggregate purchase price of this acquisition, subject to adjustment, was $6.2 million, consisting of $6.0 million in cash and $0.2 million in direct acquisition costs. This acquisition expanded the Company’s service across the state of Colorado and the Mid-West. The preliminary purchase price allocation has been recorded in the accompanying consolidated financial statements based on estimated fair values for the assets acquired and liabilities assumed and resulted in goodwill of $2.0 million, a customer relationship intangible asset of $3.9 million and a related deferred tax liability of $1.5 million.

The Homann Tire, Martino Tire and Paris Tire acquisitions were financed through borrowings under ATD’s amended revolving credit facility. These acquisitions have been accounted for under the purchase method of accounting and, accordingly, the results of operations for the acquired businesses have been included in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations from the date of acquisition. These acquisitions do not rise to the level of being material business combinations, individually or in the aggregate.

On July 28, 2006, the Company completed the purchase of all the outstanding stock of Samaritan Wholesale Tire Company (“Samaritan Tire”) pursuant to the terms of a Stock Purchase Agreement dated as of July 28, 2006. This acquisition expanded ATD’s service across the state of Minnesota and into Western Wisconsin.

On January 27, 2006, the Company completed the purchase of all the outstanding stock of Silver State Tire Company and Golden State Tire Distributors (collectively “Silver State”) pursuant to the terms of a Stock Purchase Agreement dated December 23, 2005. This acquisition established a distribution footprint for the Company across the state of Nevada.

The Samaritan Tire and Silver State acquisitions were financed through borrowings under ATD’s revolving credit facility. The results of operations for the acquired businesses have been included in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations from the date of acquisition. The aggregate purchase price of these acquisitions was $21.0 million, consisting of $20.7 million in cash and $0.3 million in direct acquisition costs. The purchase price allocations have been recorded in the accompanying consolidated financial statements based on estimated fair values for the assets acquired and liabilities assumed and resulted in goodwill of $3.3 million and a customer relationship intangible asset of $5.9 million for Samaritan Tire, both of which are deductible for income tax purposes, and goodwill of $5.3 million, a customer relationship intangible asset of $4.6 million and a related deferred tax liability of $1.8 million for Silver State.

 

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3. Property and Equipment:

The following table represents the property and equipment at December 29, 2007 and December 30, 2006 (in thousands):

 

     December 29,
2007
    December 30,
2006
 

Land

   $ 2,747     $ 2,760  

Buildings and leasehold improvements

     21,115       20,605  

Machinery and equipment

     9,841       9,875  

Furniture and fixtures

     15,683       13,228  

Software

     23,108       14,287  

Vehicles and other

     2,761       2,415  
                

Total property and equipment

     75,255       63,170  

Less—Accumulated depreciation

     (32,581 )     (18,599 )
                

Property and equipment, net

   $ 42,674     $ 44,571  
                

Depreciation expense for the Successor was $14.7 million for the fiscal year ended December 29, 2007, $12.2 million for the fiscal year ended December 30, 2006 and $7.2 million for the nine months ended December 31, 2005. The Predecessor’s depreciation expense for the quarter ended April 2, 2005 was $1.3 million. Depreciation expense is classified in selling, general and administrative expense in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations.

Included in the above table within Land and Buildings and leasehold improvements are assets under capital leases related to the sale and leaseback of three of the Company’s owned facilities (see Note 5). The net book value of these assets at December 29, 2007 and December 30, 2006 was $12.2 million and $12.9 million, respectively. Accumulated depreciation was $1.9 million and $1.2 million for the respective periods. The Successor’s depreciation expense for the fiscal year ended December 29, 2007, fiscal year ended December 30, 2006 and the nine months ended December 31, 2005 was $0.7 million, $0.7 million and $0.5 million, respectively. The Predecessor’s depreciation expense for the quarter ended April 2, 2005 was $0.1 million.

4. Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets:

Goodwill represents the excess of the purchase price over the fair value of the net assets of the acquired entities. The Company has recorded, at December 29, 2007, goodwill of $368.3 million consisting of $346.9 million in connection with the Acquisition, $4.2 million in connection with the purchase of Homann Tire, $6.3 million in connection with the purchase of Martino Tire, $2.0 million in connection with the purchase of Paris Tire, $3.3 million in connection with the purchase of Samaritan Tire, $5.3 million in connection with the purchase of Silver State and $0.3 million in connection with the purchase of Wholesale Tire Distributors, Inc., Wholesale Tire Distributors of Wyoming, Inc. and Wholesale Tire Distributors of Idaho, Inc. (collectively “Wholesale Tire”). At December 29, 2007, approximately $28.7 million of net goodwill is deductible for income tax purposes in future periods.

Other intangible assets represent customer lists, tradenames, noncompete agreements and software. Intangible assets with indefinite lives are not amortized and are tested for impairment at least annually. All other intangible assets with finite lives are being amortized on a straight-line basis over periods ranging from three to seventeen years. Amortization of other intangibles for the Successor was $13.4 million in fiscal 2007, $12.9 million in fiscal 2006 and $9.2 million in the nine-month period ended December 31, 2005. The Predecessor recorded amortization expense of $0.4 million for the quarter ended April 2, 2005. Accumulated amortization at December 29, 2007 and December 30, 2006 was $35.5 million and $22.1 million, respectively.

 

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The following tables set forth the gross amount and accumulated amortization of the Company’s intangible assets for the fiscal years ended December 29, 2007 and December 30, 2006 (in thousands):

 

     Estimated
Useful
Life

(years)
   December 29, 2007    December 30, 2006
        Gross
Amount
   Accumulated
Amortization
   Gross
Amount
   Accumulated
Amortization

Customer lists

   17    $ 233,605    $ 34,830    $ 217,518    $ 21,638

Noncompete agreements

   3-5      613      571      613      453

Software

   1      77      77      77      13
                              

Total amortizable intangible assets

      $ 234,295    $ 35,478    $ 218,208    $ 22,104
                              

 

     December 29, 2007    December 30, 2006
     Gross
Amount
   Accumulated
Amortization
   Gross
Amount
   Accumulated
Amortization

Tradenames

   $ 42,745    $  —      $ 42,745    $  —  
                           

Total unamortizable intangible assets

   $ 42,745    $ —      $ 42,745    $ —  
                           

Estimated intangible asset amortization expense for each of the next five fiscal years is expected to be $13.8 million in 2008 and 2009 and $13.7 million in years 2010 through 2012.

In September 2006, the Company was informed by one of its suppliers that it was going to cease the manufacturing of one of its tire brands for which the Company maintained a tradename intangible asset. As a result of this decision and due to the Company’s inability to place other sourcing regarding this tire brand, the Company, in accordance with SFAS No. 142, “Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets,” evaluated the fair value of the tradename intangible asset, as computed utilizing a discounted cash flow model, as compared to its carrying value. Based on this evaluation, the Company recorded an impairment charge of $2.6 million, for the full carrying amount of the tradename intangible asset. This charge is recorded within impairment of intangible asset in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations for the year ended December 30, 2006.

5. Long-term Debt and Other Financing Arrangements:

Long-term Debt

The following table represents the Company’s long-term debt at December 29, 2007 and December 30, 2006 (in thousands):

 

     December 29,
2007
    December 30,
2006
 

Revolving credit facility

   $ 173,260     $ 155,016  

Senior Notes

     150,000       150,000  

Senior Floating Rate Notes

     140,000       140,000  

Senior Discount Notes

     51,480       49,909  

Capital lease obligations

     14,481       14,459  

Other

     10,632       11,623  
                
     539,853       521,007  

Less—Current maturities

     (2,982 )     (3,853 )
                
   $ 536,871     $ 517,154  
                

 

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Revolving Credit Facility

On May 9, 2007, ATD entered into the Fifth Amendment for the Fourth Amended and Restated Loan and Security Agreement (the “Amended Revolver”). The Borrowers to the Amended Revolver are ATD and its subsidiaries. The Amended Revolver provides for a senior secured revolving credit facility of up to $400.0 million (of which up to $25.0 million may be utilized in the form of commercial and standby letters of credit), subject to a borrowing base formula. The Amended Revolver is collateralized primarily by ATD’s inventories and accounts receivable. Fees incurred in connection with the amendment of $1.1 million and the unamortized portion of deferred financing fees under the previously existing revolver are being deferred and amortized over the life of the new agreement. As of December 29, 2007, the outstanding Amended Revolver balance was $173.3 million. In addition, ATD has certain letters of credit outstanding at December 29, 2007 in the aggregate amount of $9.2 million and at that same date, $143.2 million was available for additional borrowings.

Borrowings under the Amended Revolver bear interest, at ATD’s option, at either (i) the Base Rate, as defined, plus the applicable margin (0.0% as of December 29, 2007) or (ii) the Eurodollar Rate, as defined, plus the applicable margin (1.25% as of December 29, 2007). At December 29, 2007 and December 30, 2006, borrowings under the Amended Revolver were at a weighted average interest rate of 6.7% and 7.4%, respectively. The applicable margin for the loans vary based upon a performance grid, as defined in the agreement.

All obligations under the Amended Revolver are guaranteed by Holdings and each of ATD’s existing and future direct and indirect domestic subsidiaries that are not direct obligors thereunder. Obligations under the Amended Revolver are collateralized by a pledge of substantially all assets of the obligors, including all shares of ATD’s capital stock and that of ATD’s subsidiaries, subject to certain limitations.

The Amended Revolver contains covenants that, among other things, require ATD to meet a fixed charge coverage ratio if ATD does not have at least $25.0 million available to be drawn under the Amended Revolver (subject to a cure), increasing to $35.0 million upon the occurrence of certain events (subject to a cure); restricts ATD’s ability to incur additional debt; enter into guarantees; make loans and investments; declare dividends; modify certain material agreements or constitutive documents relating to preferred stock; and change the business it conducts, as well as other customary covenants. As of December 29, 2007 and December 30, 2006, ATD was in compliance with these covenants. The Amended Revolver is set to expire on December 31, 2011.

Senior Discount Notes

On March 31, 2005, Holdings issued Senior Discount Notes with a maturity date of October 1, 2013 at an aggregate principal amount at maturity of $51.5 million. The Senior Discount Notes were issued at a substantial discount from their principal amount at maturity and generated net proceeds of approximately $40.0 million. Prior to April 1, 2007, no interest accrued on the Senior Discount Notes. Instead, the Senior Discount Notes accreted at a rate of 13% compounded semi-annually to an aggregate accreted value of $51.5 million, the full principal amount at maturity, on April 1, 2007. Subsequent to April 1, 2007, interest on the Senior Discount Notes accrues at a rate of 13% per annum and is payable, in cash, semi-annually in arrears on April 1 and October 1 of each year, commencing on October 1, 2007.

The Senior Discount Notes are subject to redemption at any time at the option of Holdings, in whole or in part, upon not less than 30 nor more than 60 days notice, at certain redemption prices plus accrued and unpaid interest. On April 1, 2010, if any Senior Discount Notes are outstanding, Holdings will be required to redeem 12.165% of each of the then outstanding Senior Discount Notes’ aggregate accreted value at a redemption price of 100% of the accreted value of the portion of the Senior Discount Notes so redeemed.

Senior Notes

On March 31, 2005, ATD issued Senior Notes in the aggregate principal amount of $150.0 million, resulting in net proceeds of approximately $144.2 million after debt issuance costs. The Senior Notes have an annual

 

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coupon rate of 10.75% and will mature on April 1, 2013. Except as described below, the Senior Notes are not redeemable at the option of ATD prior to April 1, 2009. Thereafter, the Senior Notes will be subject to redemption at any time at the option of ATD, in whole or in part, upon not less than 30 nor more than 60 days notice, at certain redemption prices plus accrued and unpaid interest. Interest on the Senior Notes is payable semi-annually in arrears on April 1 and October 1 of each year, commencing on October 1, 2005.

In addition, at any time and from time to time, prior to April 1, 2008, ATD may redeem up to 35% of the original aggregate principal amount of the Senior Notes at a redemption price of 110.75% of the principal amount thereof, plus accrued and unpaid interest, with the net cash proceeds of a public offering of common stock of ATD or a public offering of common stock of Holdings, the proceeds of which are contributed as common equity capital to ATD; provided that (1) at least 65% of the sum of (a) the original aggregate principal amount of the Senior Notes issued and (b) the original aggregate principal amount of any additional Senior Notes, if any, issued under the related indenture, if any, remains outstanding immediately after the occurrence of any such redemption; and (2) such redemption shall occur within 90 days of the date of the closing of such public offering. ATD may also, at any time prior to April 1, 2009, upon a change of control, redeem all of the Senior Notes at a price equal to 100% of the principal amount plus accrued and unpaid interest plus a make-whole premium.

Senior Floating Rate Notes

On March 31, 2005, ATD issued Senior Floating Rate Notes in the aggregate principal amount of $140.0 million, resulting in net proceeds of approximately $134.5 million after debt issuance costs. The Senior Floating Rate Notes will mature on April 1, 2012. Interest on the Senior Floating Rate Notes is payable quarterly in arrears at a rate equal to the three-month LIBOR, reset quarterly, plus 6.25%, on January 1, April 1, July 1 and October 1 of each year, beginning on July 1, 2005. The interest rate on the Senior Floating Rate Notes ranged between 9.34% to 10.26% for the period from March 31, 2005 to December 31, 2005, between 10.78% to 11.61% for the fiscal year ended December 30, 2006, and between 11.48% to 11.61% for the fiscal year ended December 29, 2007. The Senior Floating Rate Notes are subject to redemption at any time at the option of ATD, in whole or in part, upon not less than 30 nor more than 60 days notice, at certain redemption prices plus accrued and unpaid interest.

The indentures governing the Senior Notes, Senior Floating Rate Notes, and the Senior Discount Notes contain specified restrictions with respect to the conduct of the Company’s business and specified restrictive covenants limiting, among other things, the Company’s ability to pay dividends on or repurchase capital stock, repurchase or make early payments on subordinated debt, make investments, incur additional indebtedness, incur or assume liens on the Company’s assets to secure debt, merge or consolidate with another company, transfer or sell assets and enter into transactions with affiliates.

Capital Lease Obligations

As of December 29, 2007, the Company has a capital lease obligation of $14.1 million relating to a prior sale and leaseback of three of its owned facilities. All cash paid to the lessor is recorded as interest expense and the capital lease obligation will be reduced when the lease has been terminated. The initial term of the lease is for 20 years, followed by two 10-year renewal options. The annual rent paid under the terms of the lease is $1.6 million (paid quarterly) and is adjusted for Consumer Price Index changes every two years. As of April 25, 2004, the annual rent increased to $1.7 million. Beginning on April 25, 2006, the annual rent expense increased to $1.8 million. There was no gain or loss recognized as a result of the initial sales transaction. As a part of the sale and leaseback transaction, the purchaser received warrants to purchase 153,597 shares of the Predecessor’s common stock. In connection with the Acquisition, the warrant holders were paid an amount in cash equal to $18.83 per share consideration less the exercise price of the warrants in complete satisfaction of the warrants.

 

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Other

In October 2006, the Company entered into a Loan and Purchase Agreement (the “Agreement”) with one of the Company’s suppliers. Under the terms of the Agreement, the supplier agreed to loan ATD the aggregate principal amount of $6.0 million (the “Supplier Loan”). Proceeds from the Supplier Loan were received in the form of a credit against then current amounts due and payable to the supplier. Interest under the Supplier Loan is payable quarterly, in arrears, at a rate of 9% per year. The Agreement defines certain levels of annual commitments that the Company must meet during each calendar year of fiscal 2006 through 2010. If the Company purchases all the required commitments, then the supplier will refund the interest paid by the Company for that calendar year. If the Company does not meet these purchase commitments, a calculated portion, representing the percentage shortfall in the Company’s committed purchase requirements, of the principal on the Supplier Loan shall be due and payable during the immediately succeeding calendar year. All unpaid principal and interest shall be paid in full on or before December 20, 2010. For the fiscal years ended December 29, 2007 and December 30, 2006, the Company met the purchase commitment requirements as specified in the Agreement.

Aggregate Maturities

Aggregate maturities of long-term debt at December 29, 2007, are as follows (in thousands):

 

2008

   $ 2,982

2009

     1,618

2010

     12,403

2011

     173,282

2012

     140,020

Thereafter

     209,548
      
   $ 539,853
      

Derivative Instruments

On October 11, 2005, the Company entered into an interest rate swap agreement (“Swap”) to manage exposure to fluctuations in interest rates. The Swap represents a contract to exchange floating rate for fixed interest payments periodically over the life of the agreement without exchange of the underlying notional amount. The notional amount of the Swap is used to measure interest to be paid or received and does not represent the amount of exposure to credit loss. At December 29, 2007, the Swap in place covers a notional amount of $85.0 million of the $140.0 million Senior Floating Rate Notes at a fixed interest rate of 4.79% and expires on September 30, 2010. This Swap has been designated for hedge accounting treatment. Accordingly, the Company recognizes the fair value of the Swap in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets and any changes in the fair value are recorded as adjustments to other comprehensive income (loss). The fair value of the Swap is the estimated amount that the Company would pay or receive to terminate the agreement at the reporting date. The fair value of the Swap was a liability of $2.1 million at December 29, 2007, and is included in other liabilities in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets with the offset included in other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax. At December 30, 2006, the fair value of the Swap was an asset of $0.7 million and is included in other assets in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets with the offset included in other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax.

6. Employee Benefits:

401(k) Plans

The Company maintains a qualified profit sharing and 401(k) plan for eligible employees. All accounts are funded based on employee contributions to the plan, with the limits of such contributions determined by the

 

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Board of Directors. Effective January 1, 2002, the benefit formula for all participants was determined to be a match of 50% of participant contributions, up to 6% of their compensation. The plan also provides for contributions in such amounts as the Board of Directors may annually determine for the profit sharing portion of the plan. Employees vest in the 401(k) match and profit sharing contribution over a 5-year period. The amount charged to selling, general and administrative expense for the Successor during the fiscal years ended December 29, 2007 and December 30, 2006 and the nine months ended December 31, 2005 was $1.4 million, $1.5 million and $1.1 million, respectively. The amount charged to selling, general and administrative expense for the Predecessor during the quarter ended April 2, 2005 was $0.6 million.

Retiree Health Plan

In May 2006, the Company communicated to employees that it was eliminating eligibility for retiree medical coverage for all current active employees. Additionally, in November 2006, the Company communicated to retired employees that it was terminating the medical coverage for retired employees effective December 30, 2006. Both of these changes were accounted for as negative plan amendments in accordance with SFAS No. 106 “Employers Accounting for Postretirement Benefits Other Than Pensions.” As a result, during fiscal 2006, the Company has recognized a benefit of $2.6 million, which is included as an offset to selling, general and administrative expenses within the accompanying consolidated statement of operations for the fiscal year ended December 30, 2006. Additionally, as of December 30, 2006 the Company has no residual post-retirement obligation and no future benefits will be paid under this plan.

The components of net periodic postretirement benefit costs were as follows (in thousands):

 

     Successor     Successor     Predecessor
     Fiscal Year
Ended
December 30,
2006
    Nine Months
Ended
December 31,

2005
    Quarter
Ended
April 2,
2005

Components of expense:

        

Service cost

   $ 139     $ 247        $ 82

Interest cost

     62       100       32

Effect of plan termination

     (1,933 )     —         —  

Amortization of prior service (credit) cost

     (625 )     —         42

Net loss

     53       —         —  
                      

Post retirement (benefit) expense

   $ (2,304 )   $ 347     $ 156
                      

Stock Option Plans

In connection with the Acquisition, the Company adopted the 2005 Management Stock Incentive Plan (the “2005 Plan”) in order to attract, retain and motivate directors, officers, employees and consultants of the Company and its subsidiaries. The 2005 Plan authorizes the issuance of up to 190,857 shares of voting common stock under terms and conditions to be set by the Company’s Board of Directors. A committee appointed by the Company’s Board of Directors shall administer the plan. The committee has sole authority to select those individuals to whom options may be granted and to determine the number of shares of Series A Common Stock that will be issuable upon exercise of the options granted. The purchase price for shares of Series A Common Stock issuable upon exercise of the options granted is fixed by the committee, but cannot be less than the fair market value of the Series A Common Stock, as determined in good faith by the Company’s Board of Directors, if the corresponding option is intended to qualify as an incentive stock option under the Internal Revenue Code.

All options granted under the 2005 Plan are subject to the terms and conditions of a stock option agreement entered into by each option recipient. The stock option agreement generally requires each recipient to be bound by the terms of a stockholder agreement with the Company in the event the recipient elects to exercise options.

 

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Options granted under the 2005 Plan generally vest based on performance or the occurrence of specified events, such as an initial public offering or company sale. Performance-based options vest at the end of each year based on the achievement of annual or cumulative EBITDA targets for the year. Options that vest on the basis of events such as an initial public offering or company sale do so only to the extent that the initial shareholders have earned a specified return on its initial investment in the Company’s shares. Options granted under the 2005 Plan are generally not transferable by the recipient other than by a will or by the laws of descent and distribution and, during the recipient’s lifetime, may only be exercised by the recipient. Under the terms of the 2005 Plan, options expire no later than 30 days after the tenth anniversary of the date of grant for non-qualified options and no later than the tenth anniversary of the date of grant for incentive stock options. Options are also subject to adjustment to avoid dilution in the event of stock splits, stock dividends, reclassifications or other similar changes in the Company’s capital structure. The Company did not issue any new stock options during the fiscal years ended December 29, 2007 and December 30, 2006. As of December 29, 2007 and December 30, 2006, options to purchase an aggregate of 176,704 shares of Series A Common Stock, at prices of $15.73 and $211.50 per share, were outstanding under the 2005 Plan.

The following is summary information about stock options outstanding at December 29, 2007:

 

Outstanding at
December 29,

2007

   Weighted
Average
Remaining
Term
(years)
   Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price
   Exercisable at
December 29,
2007
   Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price

33,199

   4.46    $ 15.73    33,199    $ 15.73

143,505

   4.51      211.50    33,405      211.50
                         
176,704    4.50    $ 174.72    66,604    $ 113.92
                         

Deferred Compensation Plan

The Company has a deferred compensation plan for its top executives and divisional employees covered by the executive bonus plan to encourage each participant to promote the long-term interests of the Company. Each participant is allowed to defer portions of their annual salary as well as bonuses received into the plan. In addition to employee deferrals, the Company makes contributions on behalf of its top executives and certain of the divisional employees in varying amounts. The plan provides that an employee who becomes a participant on or before November 23, 1998, shall be fully vested in all amounts credited to such participant’s account. The plan provides that an employee who becomes a participant after November 23, 1998 shall be at all times fully vested in elective deferrals into such participant’s account and, as to contributions made by the Company, shall vest at a rate of twenty percent (20%) per year as long as such participant is an employee on January 1 of each year. The deferred compensation plan may be altered and amended by the Company’s Board of Directors. The contributions made by the Company on behalf of its employees were not material in fiscal 2007, 2006 and 2005. At December 29, 2007 and December 30, 2006, the Company has recorded an obligation in other non-current liabilities related to the plan of $3.2 million and $3.0 million, respectively. The Company has provided for funding of the obligation through a Rabbi Trust, which holds various investments, including mutual funds and money market funds. The amount recorded in the consolidated balance sheet in other non-current assets related to the Rabbi Trust is $3.2 million at December 29, 2007 and $3.0 million at December 30, 2006.

 

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7. Commitments and Contingencies:

Leases

The Company leases land, buildings, equipment and vehicles under various noncancellable operating leases, which expire between 2008 and 2022. Future minimum lease commitments, net of sublease income, at December 29, 2007 are as follows (in thousands):

 

2008

   $ 36,272

2009

     32,259

2010

     26,146

2011

     21,762

2012

     18,602

Thereafter

     65,532
      
   $ 200,573
      

The Successor’s rent expense, net of sublease income, under these operating leases was $33.8 million in fiscal year 2007, $30.1 million in fiscal year 2006 and $21.1 million for the nine months ended December 31, 2005. The Predecessor’s rent expense, net of sublease income, under these operating leases was $6.6 million in the quarter ended April 2, 2005.

On March 27, 2002, the Company completed an agreement for the sale and leaseback of three of its owned facilities generating cash proceeds of $13.9 million. The Company reports this transaction as a capital lease using direct financing lease accounting. As such, the Company recorded a $14.1 million capital lease obligation during fiscal 2002. See Note 5 for more information on this capital lease. Obligations under the Company’s other capital leases are not material.

The Company remains liable as a guarantor on certain leases related to Winston Tire Company, its discontinued retail segment. As of December 29, 2007, the Company’s total obligations, as guarantor on these leases, are approximately $7.9 million extending over 12 years. However, the Company has secured assignments or sublease agreements for the vast majority of these commitments with contractually assigned or subleased rentals of approximately $7.4 million. A provision has been made for the net present value of the estimated shortfall.

Legal and Tax Proceedings

The Company is involved from time to time in various lawsuits, including class action lawsuits as well as various audits and reviews regarding its federal, state and local tax filings, arising out of the ordinary conduct of its business. Although no assurances can be given, management does not expect that any of these matters will have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business or financial condition. As to tax filings, the Company believes that the various tax filings have been made in a timely fashion and in accordance with applicable federal, state and local tax code requirements. The Company is also involved in various proceedings incidental to the ordinary course of its business. The Company believes, based on consultation with legal counsel, that none of these will have a material adverse effect on its financial position, results of operations or cash flows. Additionally, the Company believes that it has adequately provided for any reasonably foreseeable resolution of any tax disputes, but will adjust its reserves if events so dictate in accordance with FIN 48. To the extent that the ultimate results differ from the original or adjusted estimates of the Company, the effect will be recorded in accordance with FIN 48 and EITF No. 93-7, “Uncertainties Related to Income Taxes in a Purchase Business Combination.” See Note 8 below for further description of FIN 48 and the related impacts.

 

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8. Income Taxes:

The following summarizes the components of the Company’s income tax provision (benefit) on income (loss) from operations for fiscal years 2007 and 2006 and the nine months ended December 31, 2005 for the Successor and for the quarter ended April 2, 2005 for the Predecessor (in thousands):

 

     Successor     Predecessor  
     Year Ended
December 29,
2007
    Year Ended
December 30,
2006
    Nine Months
Ended
December 31,
2005
    Quarter
Ended
April 2,
2005
 

Federal—

        

Current provision (benefit)

   $ 8,410     $ 217     $ 1,229     $ (5,877 )

Deferred (benefit) provision

     (6,556 )     (1,495 )     (1,373 )         576  
                                
     1,854       (1,278 )     (144 )     (5,301 )

State—

        

Current provision (benefit)

     411       271       456       (1,401 )

Deferred provision (benefit)

     602       (475 )     (1,040 )     82  
                                
     1,013       (204 )     (584 )     (1,319 )
                                

Total provision (benefit)

   $ 2,867     $ (1,482 )   $ (728 )   $ (6,620 )
                                

Actual income tax expense (benefit) differs from the amount computed by applying the statutory federal income tax rate of 35% in fiscal years 2007 and 2006 and the nine months ended December 31, 2005 for the Successor and in the quarter ended April 2, 2005 for the Predecessor as a result of the following (in thousands):

 

    Successor     Predecessor  
    Year Ended
December 29,
2007
    Year Ended
December 30,
2006
    Nine Months
Ended
December 31,
2005
    Quarter
Ended
April 2,
2005
 

Income tax provision (benefit) computed at the federal statutory rate

  $ 1,484     $ (2,131 )   $ (811 )       $ (7,330 )

Non-deductible preferred stock dividends

    663       612       428       —    

Permanent differences

    178       170       159       —    

State income taxes, net of federal income tax benefit

    670       (133 )     (615 )     (857 )

Tax settlements and other adjustments to uncertain tax positions

    (128 )     —         —         —    

Non-deductible transaction cost

    —         —         141       1,539  

Other

    —         —         (30 )     28  
                               

Income tax provision (benefit)

  $ 2,867     $ (1,482 )   $ (728 )   $ (6,620 )
                               

 

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Deferred income taxes reflect the net tax effects of (a) temporary differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and the amounts used for income tax reporting purposes and (b) operating loss and tax credit carry-forwards. The tax effects of the significant temporary differences that comprise deferred tax assets and liabilities at December 29, 2007 and December 30, 2006 are as follows (in thousands):

 

     December 29,
2007
    December 30,
2006
 

Deferred tax assets—

    

Accrued expenses and liabilities

   $ 6,067     $ 5,276  

Net operating loss carry-forwards

     1,481       3,811  

Employee benefits

     5,276       3,029  

Inventory cost capitalization

     6,227       3,741  

Other comprehensive income

     810       —    

Other

     3,727       3,618  
                

Gross deferred tax assets

     23,588       19,475  

Valuation allowance

     (169 )     —    
                

Net deferred tax assets

     23,419       19,475  
                

Deferred tax liabilities—

    

Depreciation and amortization of intangibles

     (89,457 )     (91,761 )

Other comprehensive income

     —         (271 )

Other

     (702 )     (270 )
                

Gross deferred tax liabilities

     (90,159 )     (92,302 )
                

Net deferred tax liabilities

   $ (66,740 )   $ (72,827 )
                

The above amounts have been classified in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets as follows (in thousands):

 

     December 29,
2007
    December 30,
2006
 

Deferred tax assets (liabilities)—

    

Current

   $ 12,981     $ 10,136  

Noncurrent

     (79,721 )     (82,963 )
                
   $ (66,740 )   $ (72,827 )
                

As part of the Merger, the Predecessor generated substantial tax deductions relating to the exercise of stock options and payments made for transaction bonuses. The Successor’s consolidated balance sheet as of December 29, 2007 reflects a net non-current deferred tax liability of $79.7 million. As part of the Merger, the Company recorded an income tax receivable of $12.7 million, which primarily related to deductions that could be carried back two years for federal income tax purposes. The Company received this federal income tax refund during the first quarter of 2006. The remaining net deferred tax liability primarily relates to the temporary difference between book and tax basis of the Company’s intangible assets, which are amortized for book purposes but are not deductible for tax purposes.

At December 29, 2007, the Company had $0.0 million net operating losses (“NOLs”) available for federal tax purposes and NOLs available for state tax purposes of approximately $40.3 million. The NOLs for state tax purposes will expire between 2011 and 2026. Except as discussed below, the Company expects to utilize these NOLs prior to their expiration date.

Management has evaluated the Company’s deferred tax assets and has concluded that certain deferred tax assets related to some of its state NOL’s do not meet the requirement of being more likely than not that they will

 

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be realized. As a result, the Company has established a valuation allowance against those deferred tax assets. Except for these state NOL’s, the Company has concluded that the realizability of the deferred tax assets is more likely than not. Therefore, the Company has not established a valuation allowance against any of its other deferred tax assets. The Company’s evaluation process considered the historical and long-term expected profitability of the Company as well as existence of deferred tax liabilities, which will reverse in future periods. The Company’s ability to generate future taxable income is dependent on numerous factors including general economic conditions, the state of the replacement tire market and other factors beyond management’s control. Therefore, there can be no assurance that the Company will meet its expectation of future taxable income. Changes in expected future taxable income could lead to the Company recording an additional valuation allowance against the deferred tax assets.

The Company adopted the provisions of FIN 48 on December 31, 2006 (the first day of its 2007 fiscal year). FIN 48 specifies the way public companies are to account for uncertainty in income tax reporting, and prescribes a methodology for recognizing, reversing, and measuring the tax benefits of a tax position taken, or expected to be taken, in a tax return. The cumulative effect of applying this interpretation did not result in any adjustment to retained earnings as of December 31, 2006. At the adoption date of December 31, 2006, the Company had $5.3 million of unrecognized tax benefits, of which $2.4 million related to temporary timing differences. In addition, the Company had $0.2 million recorded relating to accrued interest and penalties.

During the twelve month period ended December 29, 2007, the Company accrued an additional $0.3 million of interest and penalties related to its uncertain tax positions, all of which is recorded as a component of the Company’s income tax provision in the accompanying consolidated statement of operations. At December 29, 2007, the Company had unrecognized tax benefits of $4.1 million, of which $3.1 million is included within accrued liabilities and $1.0 million is included within other liabilities within the accompanying consolidated balance sheet. Of the Company’s $4.1 million unrecognized tax benefits as of December 29, 2007, only $0.3 million is anticipated to have an affect on the Company’s effective tax rate, if recognized. The residual amount, excluding temporary timing differences, relates to one of the Company’s previous acquisitions and would be recognized as an offset to goodwill, in accordance with EITF No. 93-7. In addition, of the Company’s $3.1 million current liability for uncertain tax positions, approximately $1.2 million relates to temporary timing differences.

While the Company believes that it has adequately provided for all tax positions, amounts asserted by taxing authorities could be greater than the Company’s accrued position. Accordingly, additional provisions of federal and state-related matters could be recorded in the future as revised estimates are made or the underlying matters are settled or otherwise resolved.

The Company files federal income tax returns, as well as multiple state jurisdiction tax returns. The tax years 2004 – 2007 remain open to examination by the taxing jurisdictions to which the Company is subject.

A reconciliation of the beginning and ending amount of unrecognized tax benefits is as follows (in thousands):

 

     2007  

Balance at December 31, 2006

   $ 5,337  

Additions based on tax positions related to the current year

     599  

Settlements

     (793 )

Reductions for lapse in statute of limitations

     (1,055 )
        

Balance at December 29, 2007

   $ 4,088  
        

 

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9. Warrants:

In March 2005, in connection with the Merger, Holdings issued warrants to The 1818 Mezzanine Fund II, L.P. (“The 1818 Fund”) in exchange for $4.6 million in cash less related transaction costs of $0.1 million. The warrants permit the holders to acquire up to 21,895 shares of Holdings Series A common stock at $.01 per share. The warrants expire on September 30, 2015. The Successor has recorded these warrants at fair value and has presented them as a component of stockholders’ equity at December 29, 2007 and December 30, 2006.

10. Redeemable Preferred Stock:

In connection with the Merger, Holdings issued 4,500 shares of Series B preferred stock with a fair value of $2.7 million in exchange for the Predecessor’s existing Series B preferred stock, which was subsequently canceled. The stated value of the Successor’s Series B preferred stock was initially $1,000 per share, and was adjusted based on tire purchase credits as determined by the number of units purchased under a purchase agreement with a supplier entered into by the Predecessor in May 1997. If the Company did not meet certain tire purchase requirements, holders of the Successor’s Series B preferred stock were entitled to receive dividend payments, when and if declared by the Board of Directors, at the prime rate. To date, the Company has met the purchase requirements, thus no dividends have been declared or paid and the remaining liability has been eliminated. Additionally, an agreement has been reached with the holders of the Series B preferred stock for the redemption and cancellation of these shares. The stated redemption value of the Series B preferred stock as of December 30, 2006 is included in other liabilities in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet.

In connection with the acquisition of ATD, Holdings issued 20,000 shares of 8% cumulative mandatorily redeemable preferred stock to The 1818 Fund in exchange for $15.4 million in cash less related transaction costs of $0.5 million. The cumulative preferred stock has a stated value of $1,000 per share and holders will be entitled to receive, when and if declared by the Board of Directors, cumulative dividends, payable in cash, at an annual rate of 8.0%. The dividends and accretion of the carrying amount to the redemption amount is recorded as interest expense in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations. Holdings’ Board of Directors is not obligated to declare dividends and the preferred stock provides no monetary penalties for a failure to declare dividends. The cumulative preferred stock may be redeemed by Holdings at any time beginning on the first anniversary of the issuance of the stock and will be required to be redeemed upon a change of control of Holdings and at its maturity in 2015. The 8% cumulative mandatorily redeemable preferred stock is classified as a noncurrent liability in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets in accordance with SFAS No. 150, “Accounting for Certain Financial Instruments with Characteristics of Both Liabilities and Equity.”

The following represents the issued and outstanding redeemable preferred stock at December 29, 2007 and December 30, 2006 (dollars in thousands):

 

     December 29,
2007
   December 30,
2006

Redeemable preferred stock Series B—variable rate cumulative; 4,500 shares authorized, issued and outstanding in 2006

   $ —      $ 707

Redeemable preferred stock—8% cumulative; 20,000 shares authorized, issued and outstanding

     21,450      19,115
             

Total redeemable preferred stock

   $ 21,450    $ 19,822
             

11. Common Stock:

Holdings is authorized to issue shares of four series of common stock, each with a par value of $0.01 per share, including Series A Common Stock, Series B Common Stock, Series D Common Stock and Common Stock. Only holders of Series B Common Stock, Series D Common Stock and Common Stock have the right to vote. Holders of Series A Common Stock do not have any voting rights, except that the holders of such series of common stock will have the right to vote as a series to the extent required under the laws of the State of Delaware.

 

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Holders of Series D Common Stock are entitled to 468 votes per share on all matters submitted to the Company’s stockholders to be voted upon by the stockholders entitled to vote. Holders of Series B Common Stock are entitled to one vote per share on all matters submitted to the Company’s stockholders to be voted upon by the stockholders entitled to vote. In the event of an initial public offering, each then outstanding share of Series A Common Stock, Series B Common Stock and Series D Common Stock will automatically convert into one share of Common Stock effective on the initial public offering date.

12. Related Party Transactions:

Redeemable Preferred Stock and Warrants

In connection with the Acquisition, Holdings issued 20,000 shares of 8% cumulative mandatorily redeemable preferred stock and warrants to acquire up to 21,895 shares of Holdings Series A Common Stock at $.01 per share to The 1818 Fund (see Note 9 and 10 for further information). Joseph P. Donlan, a member of the Company’s Board of Directors, is a Managing Director of Brown Brothers Harriman & Co., The 1818 Fund’s general partner.

Deferred Financing Fees

Advisory fees of $13.9 million were paid to Investcorp S.A. (“Investcorp”) and its co-sponsors, Berkshire Partners and Greenbriar Equity Group, in connection with the amended revolving credit facility and the issuance of the senior notes and 8% cumulative mandatorily redeemable preferred stock. These fees are recorded as debt issuance costs in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets and are being amortized over the life of the respective debt.

Management Advisory Fees

Management advisory fees of $8.0 million were paid to one or more of Investcorp and its co-sponsors (or their respective affiliates) at the closing of the Acquisition for services to be rendered over a period of five years following the date of the Acquisition. This payment is being amortized pursuant to the terms of the agreement and on a basis consistent with the service provided. Accordingly, the Company recorded amortization expense of $0.5 million during the fiscal year ended December 29, 2007, $1.9 million during the fiscal year ended December 30, 2006 and $4.5 million during the nine months ended December 31, 2005.

13. Subsidiary Guarantor Financial Information:

The following condensed consolidating financial statements are presented pursuant to Rule 3–10 of Regulation S–X and reflect the financial position, results of operations and cash flows of the Predecessor for periods prior to April 2, 2005 and the financial position, results of operations and cash flows of the Successor beginning on April 2, 2005.

The financial information is presented under the following column headings: Parent Company (Holdings), Subsidiary Issuer (ATD) and Subsidiary Guarantors (ATD’s subsidiaries). The Subsidiary Issuer and all of the Subsidiary Guarantors are wholly-owned subsidiaries of Holdings. The following describes the guarantor relationships of the Company’s senior notes:

 

   

Senior Discount Notes in an aggregate principal amount of $51.5 million at maturity were issued by Holdings. Such notes are not guaranteed by the Subsidiary Issuer or the Subsidiary Guarantors.

 

   

Senior Floating Rate Notes and Senior Notes in an aggregate principal amount of $290.0 million were issued by ATD and are unconditionally guaranteed on a joint and several basis by the Company’s non-issuing, wholly-owned subsidiaries on a senior basis and unconditionally guaranteed on a joint and several basis by Holdings on a subordinated basis.

 

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The condensed consolidating financial information for the Company is as follows (dollars in thousands):

Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheets as of December 29, 2007 and December 30, 2006 are as follows:

 

     As of December 29, 2007  
     Parent
Company
    Subsidiary
Issuer
    Subsidiary
Guarantors
   Eliminations     Consolidated  

Assets

           

Current assets:

           

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 73     $ 4,279     $ 397    $ —       $ 4,749  

Restricted cash

     —         —         575      —         575  

Accounts receivable, net

     —         90,570       64,471      —         155,041  

Inventories

     —         207,468       136,070      —         343,538  

Other current assets

     2       24,245       1,102      —         25,349  
                                       

Total current assets

     75       326,562       202,615      —         529,252  
                                       

Property and equipment, net

     —         37,613       5,061      —         42,674  

Goodwill and other intangible assets, net

     —         575,225       34,655      —         609,880  

Investment in subsidiaries

     287,900       182,278       —        (470,178 )     —    

Other assets

     2,190       25,667       1,033      —         28,890  
                                       

Total assets

   $ 290,165     $ 1,147,345     $ 243,364    $ (470,178 )   $ 1,210,696  
                                       

Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity

           

Current liabilities:

           

Accounts payable

   $ —       $ 282,346     $ 4,362    $ —       $ 286,708  

Accrued expenses

     1,722       49,497       1,787      —         53,006  

Current maturities of long-term debt

     —         2,863       119      —         2,982  

Intercompany payables (receivables)

     (882 )     (47,141 )     48,023      —         —    
                                       

Total current liabilities

     840       287,565       54,291      —         342,696  
                                       

Long-term debt

     51,480       485,273       118      —         536,871  

Deferred income taxes

     —         76,752       2,969      —         79,721  

Other liabilities

     —         9,855       3,708      —         13,563  

Redeemable preferred stock

     21,450       —         —        —         21,450  

Stockholders’ equity:

           

Intercompany investment

     —         280,623       146,302      (426,925 )     —    

Common stock

     10       —         —        —         10  

Additional paid-in capital

     217,990       —         —        —         217,990  

Warrants

     4,631       —         —        —         4,631  

Accumulated (deficit) earnings

     (4,835 )     8,578       35,976      (44,554 )     (4,835 )

Accumulated other comprehensive loss

     (1,301 )     (1,301 )     —        1,301       (1,301 )

Treasury stock, at cost

     (100 )     —         —        —         (100 )
                                       

Total stockholders’ equity

     216,395       287,900       182,278      (470,178 )     216,395  
                                       

Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity

   $ 290,165     $ 1,147,345     $ 243,364    $ (470,178 )   $ 1,210,696  
                                       

 

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     As of December 30, 2006  
     Parent
Company
    Subsidiary
Issuer
    Subsidiary
Guarantors
   Eliminations     Consolidated  

Assets

           

Current assets:

           

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 73     $ 3,304     $ 223    $ —       $ 3,600  

Accounts receivable, net

     —         79,809       51,295      —         131,104  

Inventories

     —         180,131       117,533      —         297,664  

Other current assets

     2       17,249       1,010      —         18,261  
                                       

Total current assets

     75       280,493       170,061      —         450,629  
                                       

Property and equipment, net

     —         38,295       6,276      —         44,571  

Goodwill and other intangible assets, net

     —         572,859       21,733      —         594,592  

Investment in subsidiaries

     285,253       156,814       —        (442,067 )     —    

Other assets

     2,543       30,542       629      —         33,714  
                                       

Total assets

   $ 287,871     $ 1,079,003     $ 198,699    $ (442,067 )   $ 1,123,506  
                                       

Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity

           

Current liabilities:

           

Accounts payable

   $ —       $ 245,415     $ —      $ —       $ 245,415  

Accrued expenses

     25       26,881       1,828      —         28,734  

Current maturities of long-term debt

     —         3,853       —        —         3,853  

Intercompany payables (receivables)

     1,357       (37,037 )     35,680      —         —    
                                       

Total current liabilities

     1,382       239,112       37,508      —         278,002  
                                       

Long-term debt

     49,909       467,245       —        —         517,154  

Deferred income taxes

     —         82,963       —        —         82,963  

Other liabilities

     —         4,430       4,377      —         8,807  

Redeemable preferred stock

     19,822       —         —        —         19,822  

Stockholders’ equity:

           

Intercompany investment

     —         280,622       134,270      (414,892 )     —    

Common stock

     10       —         —        —         10  

Additional paid-in capital

     217,990       —         —        —         217,990  

Warrants

     4,631       —         —        —         4,631  

Accumulated (deficit) earnings

     (6,208 )     4,196       22,544      (26,740 )     (6,208 )

Accumulated other comprehensive income

     435       435       —        (435 )     435  

Treasury stock, at cost

     (100 )     —         —        —         (100 )
                                       

Total stockholders’ equity

     216,758       285,253       156,814      (442,067 )     216,758  
                                       

Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity

   $ 287,871     $ 1,079,003     $ 198,699    $ (442,067 )   $ 1,123,506  
                                       

 

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Condensed Consolidating Statements of Operations for fiscal years ended December 29, 2007 and December 30, 2006 and the nine months ended December 31, 2005 for the Successor and quarter ended April 2, 2005 for the Predecessor are as follows:

 

     Successor
For the Fiscal Year Ended
December 29, 2007
 
     Parent
Company
    Subsidiary
Issuer
    Subsidiary
Guarantors
    Eliminations     Consolidated  

Net sales

   $ —       $ 1,133,933     $ 743,547     $ —       $ 1,877,480  

Cost of goods sold, excluding depreciation included in selling, general and administrative expenses below

     —         931,695       621,280       —         1,552,975  
                                        

Gross profit

     —         202,238       122,267       —         324,505  

Selling, general and administrative expenses

     38       177,515       80,794       —         258,347  
                                        

Operating (loss) income

     (38 )     24,723       41,473       —         66,158  
                                        

Other income (expense):

          

Interest (expense) income

     (9,277 )     (52,388 )     32       —         (61,633 )

Other, net

     —         (322 )     37       —         (285 )

Equity earnings of subsidiaries

     4,382       13,432       —         (17,814 )     —    
                                        

(Loss) income from operations before income taxes

     (4,933 )     (14,555 )     41,542       (17,814 )     4,240  

Income tax (benefit) provision

     (6,306 )     (18,937 )     28,110       —         2,867  
                                        

Net income

   $ 1,373     $ 4,382     $ 13,432     $ (17,814 )   $ 1,373  
                                        
     Successor
For the Fiscal Year Ended
December 30, 2006
 
     Parent
Company
    Subsidiary
Issuer
    Subsidiary
Guarantors
    Eliminations     Consolidated  

Net sales

   $ —       $ 988,420     $ 589,553     $ —       $ 1,577,973  

Cost of goods sold, excluding depreciation included in selling, general and administrative expenses below

     —         805,582       488,012       —         1,293,594  
                                        

Gross profit

     —         182,838       101,541       —         284,379  

Selling, general and administrative expenses

     36       137,897       89,466       —         227,399  

Impairment of intangible asset

     —         2,640       —         —         2,640  
                                        

Operating (loss) income

     (36 )     42,301       12,075       —         54,340  
                                        

Other income (expense):

          

Interest expense

     (8,446 )     (46,006 )     (5,613 )     —         (60,065 )

Other, net

     —         (453 )     89       —         (364 )

Equity earnings of subsidiaries

     1,811       4,956       —         (6,767 )     —    
                                        

(Loss) income from operations before income taxes

     (6,671 )     798       6,551       (6,767 )     (6,089 )

Income tax (benefit) provision

     (2,064 )     (1,013 )     1,595       —         (1,482 )
                                        

Net (loss) income

   $ (4,607 )   $ 1,811     $ 4,956     $ (6,767 )   $ (4,607 )
                                        

 

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     Successor
For the Nine Months Ended
December 31, 2005
 
     Parent
Company
    Subsidiary
Issuer
    Subsidiary
Guarantors
   Eliminations     Consolidated  

Net sales

   $ —       $ 761,819     $ 389,125    $ —       $ 1,150,944  

Cost of goods sold, excluding depreciation included in selling, general and administrative expenses below

     —         622,755       316,570      —         939,325  
                                       

Gross profit

     —         139,064       72,555      —         211,619  

Selling, general and administrative expenses

     7       125,569       47,029      —         172,605  

Transaction expenses

     —         95       —        —         95  
                                       

Operating (loss) income

     (7 )     13,400       25,526      —         38,919  
                                       

Other income (expense):

           

Interest (expense) income

     (5,798 )     (35,584 )     23      —         (41,359 )

Other, net

     (2 )     41       72      —         111  

Equity earnings of subsidiaries

     2,385       17,588       —        (19,973 )     —    
                                       

(Loss) income from operations before income taxes

     (3,422 )     (4,555 )     25,621      (19,973 )     (2,329 )

Income tax (benefit) provision

     (1,821 )     (6,940 )     8,033      —         (728 )
                                       

Net (loss) income

   $ (1,601 )   $ 2,385     $ 17,588    $ (19,973 )   $ (1,601 )
                                       
     Predecessor
For the Quarter Ended
April 2, 2005
 
     Parent
Company
    Subsidiary
Issuer
    Subsidiary
Guarantors
   Eliminations     Consolidated  

Net sales

   $ —       $ 245,281     $ 109,058    $ —       $ 354,339  

Cost of goods sold, excluding depreciation included in selling, general and administrative expenses below

     —         201,210       89,278      —         290,488  
                                       

Gross profit

     —         44,071       19,780      —         63,851  

Selling, general and administrative expenses

     —         38,375       14,278      —         52,653  

Transaction expenses

     —         28,211       —        —         28,211  
                                       

Operating (loss) income

     —         (22,515 )     5,502      —         (17,013 )
                                       

Other income (expense):

           

Interest (expense) income

     —         (3,685 )     3      —         (3,682 )

Other, net

     —         (299 )     47      —         (252 )

Equity earnings of subsidiaries

     —         3,796       —        (3,796 )     —    
                                       

(Loss) income from operations before income taxes

     —         (22,703 )     5,552      (3,796 )     (20,947 )

Income tax (benefit) provision

     —         (8,376 )     1,756      —         (6,620 )
                                       

Net (loss) income

   $ —       $ (14,327 )   $ 3,796    $ (3,796 )   $ (14,327 )
                                       

 

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Condensed Consolidating Statements of Cash Flows for the fiscal years ended December 29, 2007 and December 30, 2006 and the period from April 2, 2005 through December 31, 2005 for the Successor and for the quarter ended April 2, 2005 for the Predecessor are as follows:

 

    Successor
For the Fiscal Year Ended
December 29, 2007
 
    Parent
Company
    Subsidiary
Issuer
    Subsidiary
Guarantors
    Eliminations     Consolidated  

Cash flows from operating activities:

         

Net income

  $ 1,373     $ 4,382     $ 13,432     $ (17,814 )   $ 1,373  

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:

         

Depreciation and amortization of intangibles and other assets

    353       28,657       4,142       —         33,152  

Provision for doubtful accounts

    —         564       290       —         854  

Accretion of 8% cumulative preferred stock and Senior Discount Notes

    2,012       —         —         —         2,012  

Benefit for deferred income taxes

    —         (6,916 )     —         —         (6,916 )

Other, net

    1,894       (871 )     32       —         1,055  

Equity earnings of subsidiaries

    (4,382 )     (13,432 )     —         17,814       —    

Change in assets and liabilities:

         

Accounts receivable, net

    —         (5,772 )     (8,663 )     —         (14,435 )

Inventories

    —         (23,270 )     (12,077 )     —         (35,347 )

Other current assets

    —         (3,457 )     37       —         (3,420 )

Accounts payable and accrued expenses

    1,695       45,409       (7,254 )     —         39,850  

Other, net

    1       1,439       (791 )     —         649  
                                       

Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities

    2,946       26,733       (10,852 )     —         18,827  
                                       

Cash flows from investing activities:

         

Acquisitions, net of cash acquired

    —         (21,459 )     478       —         (20,981 )

Purchase of property and equipment

    —         (7,148 )     (1,500 )     —         (8,648 )

Purchase of assets held for sale

    —         (2,388 )     —         —         (2,388 )

Proceeds from sale of property and equipment

    —         48       257       —         305  

Proceeds from disposal of assets held for sale

    —         1,852       —         —         1,852  

Intercompany

    (2,946 )     (9,420 )     12,366       —         —    
                                       

Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities

    (2,946 )     (38,515 )     11,601       —         (29,860 )
                                       

Cash flows from financing activities:

         

Borrowings from revolving credit facility

    —         1,669,818       —         —         1,669,818  

Repayments of revolving credit facility

    —         (1,651,574 )     —         —         (1,651,574 )

Payments of other long-term debt

    —         (4,402 )     —         —         (4,402 )

Payments of deferred financing costs

    —         (1,085 )     —         —         (1,085 )

Change in restricted cash

    —         —         (575 )     —         (575 )
                                       

Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities

    —         12,757       (575 )     —         12,182  
                                       

Net increase in cash and cash equivalents

    —         975       174       —         1,149  

Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of year

    73       3,304       223       —         3,600  
                                       

Cash and cash equivalents, end of year

  $ 73     $ 4,279     $ 397     $ —       $ 4,749  
                                       

 

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    Successor
For the Fiscal Year Ended
December 30, 2006
 
    Parent
Company
    Subsidiary
Issuer
    Subsidiary
Guarantors
    Eliminations     Consolidated  

Cash flows from operating activities:

         

Net (loss) income

  $ (4,607 )   $ 1,811     $ 4,956     $ (6,767 )   $ (4,607 )

Adjustments to reconcile net (loss) income to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:

         

Depreciation and amortization of intangibles and other assets

    351       26,547       3,616       —         30,514  

Impairment of intangible asset

    —         2,640       —         —         2,640  

Provision for (recovery of) doubtful accounts

    —         3       (328 )     —         (325 )

Accretion of 8% cumulative preferred stock and Senior Discount Notes

    6,347       —         —         —         6,347  

Benefit for deferred income taxes

    —         (1,970 )     —         —         (1,970 )

Post-retirement benefit plan termination

    —         (1,933 )     —         —         (1,933 )

Other, net

    822       (89 )     (459 )     —         274  

Equity earnings of subsidiaries

    (1,811 )     (4,956 )     —         6,767       —    

Change in assets and liabilities:

         

Accounts receivable, net

    —         6,447       (4,254 )     —         2,193  

Inventories

    —         (6,300 )     (1,595 )     —         (7,895 )

Other current assets

    1       2,003       124       —         2,128  

Income tax receivable

    —         13,605       —         —         13,605  

Accounts payable and accrued expenses

    25       39,162       (13,472 )     —         25,715  

Other, net

    (25 )     (288 )     213       —         (100 )
                                       

Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities

    1,103       76,682       (11,199 )     —         66,586  
                                       

Cash flows from investing activities:

         

Acquisitions, net of cash acquired

    —         (20,989 )     632       —         (20,357 )

Purchase of property and equipment

    —         (8,866 )     (979 )     —         (9,845 )

Purchase of assets held for sale

    —         (536 )     —         —         (536 )

Proceeds from sale of property and equipment

    —         57       364       —         421  

Proceeds from disposal of assets held for sale

    —         1,790       —         —         1,790  

Intercompany

    (1,100 )     (9,023 )     10,123       —         —    
                                       

Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities

    (1,100 )     (37,567 )     10,140       —         (28,527 )
                                       

Cash flows from financing activities:

         

Borrowings from revolving credit facility

    —         1,413,621       —         —         1,413,621  

Repayments of revolving credit facility

    —         (1,448,090 )     —         —         (1,448,090 )

Payments of other long-term debt

    —         (4,837 )     (464 )     —         (5,301 )

Payments of deferred financing costs

    (3 )     (231 )     —         —         (234 )
                                       

Net cash used in financing activities

    (3 )     (39,537 )     (464 )     —         (40,004 )
                                       

Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents

    —         (422 )     (1,523 )     —         (1,945 )

Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of year

    73       3,726       1,746       —         5,545  
                                       

Cash and cash equivalents, end of year

  $ 73     $ 3,304     $ 223     $ —       $ 3,600  
                                       

 

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    Successor
For the period from April 2, 2005 through
December 31, 2005
 
    Parent
Company
    Subsidiary
Issuer
    Subsidiary
Guarantors
    Eliminations     Consolidated  

Cash flows from operating activities:

         

Net (loss) income

  $ (1,601 )   $ 2,385     $ 17,588     $ (19,973 )   $ (1,601 )

Adjustments to reconcile net (loss) income to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:

         

Depreciation and amortization of other intangibles and other assets

    245       18,276       1,979       —         20,500  

Provision for doubtful accounts

    —         750       341       —         1,091  

Inventory step-up amortization

    —         4,692       —         —         4,692  

Accretion of 8% cumulative preferred stock and Senior Discount Notes

    4,331       —         —         —         4,331  

(Benefit) provision for deferred income taxes

    —         (2,558 )     145       —         (2,413 )

Other, net

    1,224       (543 )     50       —         731  

Equity earnings of subsidiaries

    (2,385 )     (17,588 )     —         19,973       —    

Change in assets and liabilities:

         

Accounts receivable, net

    —         11,703       933       —         12,636  

Inventories

    —         (21,362 )     (22,723 )     —         (44,085 )

Other current assets

    275       10,956       (134 )     —         11,097  

Accounts payable and accrued expenses

    —         (31,571 )     (1,966 )     —         (33,537 )

Other, net

    (897 )     (5,749 )     (1,450 )     —         (8,096 )
                                       

Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities

    1,192       (30,609 )     (5,237 )     —         (34,654 )
                                       

Cash flows from investing activities:

         

Acquisition of Predecessor

    —         (458,347 )     —         —         (458,347 )

Other Acquisitions, net of cash acquired

    —         (4,497 )     231       —         (4,266 )

Purchase of property and equipment

    —         (4,118 )     (1,968 )     —         (6,086 )

Proceeds from sale of property and equipment

    —         74       110       —         184  

Other

    —         (300 )     —         —         (300 )

Intercompany

    (1,085 )     (7,577 )     8,662       —         —    
                                       

Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities

    (1,085 )     (474,765 )     7,035       —         (468,815 )
                                       

Cash flows from financing activities:

         

Borrowings from revolving credit facility

    —         1,100,320       —         —         1,100,320  

Repayments of revolving credit facility

    —         (1,088,448 )     —         —         (1,088,448 )

Payments of other long-term debt

    —         (2,441 )     (217 )     —         (2,658 )

Payments of deferred financing costs

    (1,310 )     (34,076 )     —         —         (35,386 )

Proceeds from issuance of common stock

    211,500       —         —         —         211,500  

Proceeds from issuance of preferred stock

    15,369       —         —         —         15,369  

Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt

    40,003       290,000       —         —         330,003  

Proceeds from issuance of warrants

    4,631       —         —         —         4,631  

Change in restricted cash

    —         (30,506 )     —         —         (30,506 )

Intercompany cash transfers

    (270,127 )     270,127       —         —         —    

Other

    (100 )     786       —         —         686  
                                       

Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities

    (34 )     505,762       (217 )     —         505,511  
                                       

Net increase in cash and cash equivalents

    73       388       1,581       —         2,042  

Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of year

    —         3,338       165       —         3,503  
                                       

Cash and cash equivalents, end of year

  $ 73     $ 3,726     $ 1,746     $ —       $ 5,545  
                                       

 

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     Predecessor
For the Quarter Year Ended
April 2, 2005
 
     Parent
Company
   Subsidiary
Issuer
    Subsidiary
Guarantors
    Eliminations     Consolidated  

Cash flows from operating activities:

           

Net (loss) income

   $ —      $ (14,327 )   $ 3,796     $ (3,796 )   $ (14,327 )

Adjustments to reconcile net (loss) income to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:

           

Depreciation and amortization of intangibles and other assets

     —        1,218       752       —         1,970  

Provision for doubtful accounts

     —        182       97       —         279  

Stock-based compensation expense

     —        8,584       —         —         8,584  

Provision for deferred income taxes

     —        658       —         —         658  

Other, net

     —        (233 )     (32 )     —         (265 )

Equity earnings of subsidiaries

     —        (3,796 )     —         3,796       —    

Change in assets and liabilities:

           

Accounts receivable, net

     —        (6,779 )     (1,762 )     —         (8,541 )

Inventories

     —        (9,580 )     (3,072 )     —         (12,652 )

Other current assets

     —        (8,900 )     551       —         (8,349 )

Accounts payable and accrued expenses

     —        51,164       (7,173 )     —         43,991  

Other, net

     —        (1,354 )     (123 )     —         (1,477 )
                                       

Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities

     —        16,837       (6,966 )     —         9,871  
                                       

Cash flows from investing activities:

           

Purchase of property and equipment

     —        (681 )     (893 )     —         (1,574 )

Proceeds from sale of property and equipment

     —        12       224       —         236  

Other

     —        (100 )     —         —         (100 )

Intercompany

     —        (6,975 )     6,975       —         —    
                                       

Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities

     —        (7,744 )     6,306       —         (1,438 )
                                       

Cash flows from financing activities:

           

Borrowings from revolving credit facility

     —        312,277       —         —         312,277  

Repayments of revolving credit facility

     —        (320,728 )     —         —         (320,728 )

Payments of other long-term debt

     —        (975 )     —         —         (975 )

Proceeds from issuance of common stock

     —        1,862       —         —         1,862  

Series A preferred stock redemption

     —        (700 )     —         —         (700 )
                                       

Net cash used in financing activities

     —        (8,264 )     —         —         (8,264 )
                                       

Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

     —        829       (660 )     —         169  

Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of year

     —        2,509       825       —         3,334  
                                       

Cash and cash equivalents, end of year

   $ —      $ 3,338     $ 165     $ —       $ 3,503  
                                       

 

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Item 9. Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure.

None.

 

Item 9A. Controls and Procedures.

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

 

  (a) We maintain disclosure controls and procedures that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in our filings under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the periods specified in the rules and forms of the Securities and Exchange Commission. Such information is accumulated and communicated to our management, including the principal executive officer and principal financial officer, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure. Our management, including the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer, recognizes that any set of controls and procedures, no matter how well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable assurance of achieving the desired control objectives.

 

  (b) As of the end of the period covered by this Annual Report on Form 10-K, we have carried out an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures. Based upon that evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures are effective.

Changes in Internal Controls Over Financial Reporting

During the fiscal year ended December 29, 2007, there was no change in our internal control over financial reporting that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting. We are, however, currently implementing a conversion of our computer system to Oracle. We have already implemented the general ledger as well as the accounts payable and inventory functions on Oracle but still must transition other key functions. We cannot be sure that the transition will be fully implemented on a timely basis, if at all. If we do not successfully implement this project, our controls over financial reporting may be disrupted and our operations adversely affected.

 

Item 9B. Other Information.

None.

 

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PART III

 

Item 10. Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance.

The following table contains information regarding our directors and executive officers as of December 29, 2007. Directors hold their positions until the annual meeting of the stockholders at which their term expires or until their respective successors are elected and qualified. Executive officers hold their positions until the annual meeting of the Board of Directors or until their respective successors are elected and qualified.

 

Name

   Age   

Position

Richard P. Johnson

   60    Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and Director

William E. Berry

   53    President and Chief Operating Officer

J. Michael Gaither

   55    Executive Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary

David L. Dyckman

   43    Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

Daniel K. Brown

   54    Executive Vice President—Sales

Phillip E. Marrett

   57    Executive Vice President—Procurement

David Tayeh

   41    Director

Donald Hardie

   40    Director

James Hardymon

   74    Director

Randy Peeler

   43    Director

Joel Beckman

   52    Director

Joseph P. Donlan

   61    Director

James O. Egan

   59    Director

Richard P. Johnson—Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and Director. Mr. Johnson became Chairman and Chief Executive Officer in May 2003. Mr. Johnson had been our President and Chief Executive Officer since January 2001 and prior to that time, served as President of our Southeast Division. He joined ITCO as President and Chief Operating Officer in February 1997. He served as Senior Vice President of Albert Fisher Distribution from 1991 to 1994, and as its President and Chief Operating Officer from 1994 to 1996. Prior to that time, Mr. Johnson held a variety of management positions with Leprino Foods, Sargento Cheese and Kraft Foods. He holds an A.A. from Palm Beach College.

William E. Berry—President and Chief Operating Officer. Mr. Berry became President and Chief Operating Officer in May 2003. Prior to that time, Mr. Berry had been our Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer since January 2002. Mr. Berry joined us in May 1998 as a result of the merger with ITCO Tire Company and served as Senior Vice President of Finance for the Southeast Division. Prior to that, he joined ITCO Tire Company as Controller in 1984 and served as its Senior Vice President of Finance until 1996. From 1996 to the merger with the Company, he served as ITCO’s Executive Vice President in charge of business development and sales and marketing. Prior to that, Mr. Berry held a variety of financial management positions for a subsidiary of the Dr. Pepper Company and also spent three years in a public accounting firm. He holds a B.S. in Business Administration from Virginia Tech.

J. Michael Gaither—Executive Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary. Mr. Gaither became Executive Vice President in May 1999, and prior to that time served as our Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary since joining us in 1991. He served as Treasurer from February 2001 to June 2003. Prior to 1991, he was a lawyer in private practice for several years. He holds a B.A. from Duke University and received his J.D. from the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill.

David L. Dyckman—Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer. Mr. Dyckman joined the Company in January 2006. Prior to that, Mr. Dyckman served as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Thermadyne Holdings Corporation from January 2005 to December 2005. From April 1998 to December 2004, Mr. Dyckman served as Chief Financial Officer and Vice President of Corporate Development for NN, Inc. Mr. Dyckman holds a Masters of Business Administration from Cornell University in Ithaca, NY.

 

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Daniel K. Brown—Executive Vice President—Sales. Mr. Brown joined us in 1975 and held various field sales assignments before becoming Marketing Manager in 1979. He advanced to Director of Marketing and to Vice President of Marketing during the 1980’s and was named Vice President of Sales and Marketing in 1991, assuming responsibility for distribution center operations. In 1997 he was named Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing with responsibility for vendor relations and program negotiations as well as the sales and marketing activities for the Company. In March 2008, Mr. Brown was promoted to Executive Vice President of Sales. Mr. Brown holds a B.A. from Western Carolina University.

Phillip E. Marrett—Executive Vice President—Procurement. Mr. Marrett joined the Company in 1998 as Regional Vice President in the Southeast Division. Prior to joining us, Mr. Marrett worked for ITCO Tire (1997-1998) and Dunlop Tire (1976-1996). In March 2008, Mr. Marrett was promoted to Executive Vice President of Procurement.

David Tayeh—Director. Mr. Tayeh became a Director in 2005. He is an executive officer of Investcorp or one or more of its wholly owned subsidiaries. Mr. Tayeh joined Investcorp in 1999 and in 2003 joined Jostens, a company previously controlled by Investcorp, as Chief Financial Officer. In 2005, Mr. Tayeh returned to Investcorp. Prior to joining Investcorp, Mr. Tayeh was a Vice President of Investment Banking at Donaldson, Lufkin & Jenrette. Mr. Tayeh holds a B.A. from The University of Chicago and an M.B.A. from The Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania.

Donald Hardie—Director. Mr. Hardie became a Director following the Acquisition and related transactions. He is an executive officer of Investcorp or one or more of its wholly owned subsidiaries. Mr. Hardie joined Investcorp in 2002. Prior to joining Investcorp, Mr. Hardie was a principal with 212 Ventures. Prior to 212 Ventures, Mr. Hardie worked as a Vice President in the Leveraged Finance and Sponsor Coverage Groups of Deutsche Bank and held a similar position at Credit Suisse First Boston. Prior to that, Mr. Hardie was an Associate with White & Case LLP. Mr. Hardie holds a B.A. in English Literature and Finance from the University of Virginia and a J.D. from New York University School of Law.

James Hardymon—Director. Mr. Hardymon became a Director in March 2008. He is the retired Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of Textron, Inc. Mr. Hardymon currently serves as a director of Circuit City Stores, Inc., Lexmark International, Inc. and WABCO, Inc. and is non-executive Chairman of WABCO, Inc. Mr. Hardymon is a member of Advisory Boards of Investcorp International, Inc.

Randy Peeler—Director. Mr. Peeler became a Director following the Acquisition and related transactions. He is a Managing Director of Berkshire Partners. Mr. Peeler joined Berkshire Partners in 1996. From 1994 to 1996, Mr. Peeler was responsible for new business ventures at Health Advances. Prior to that time, Mr. Peeler served as Chief of Staff to the Assistant Secretary for Economic Policy at the U.S. Department of the Treasury. Prior to that, Mr. Peeler was a consultant with Cannon Associates.

Joel Beckman—Director. Mr. Beckman became a Director following the Acquisition and related transactions. He is a founder and Managing Partner of Greenbriar Equity Group LLC. Prior to founding Greenbriar in 2000, Mr. Beckman was a Director and Partner of Goldman, Sachs & Co., which he joined in 1981.

Joseph P. Donlan—Director. Mr. Donlan has been our Director since May 1997. He is Managing Director of Brown Brothers Harriman & Co. and Co-Manager of its 1818 Mezzanine Fund, L.P., and 1818 Mezzanine Fund II, L.P. Mr. Donlan joined Brown Brothers Harriman & Co. in 1970 in the firm’s Trade Finance Group. Prior to organizing the 1818 Mezzanine Fund, L.P., Mr. Donlan managed Brown Brothers Harriman & Co.’s New York commercial banking activities. Previously, Mr. Donlan served as the firm’s Senior Credit Officer and became a member of the firm’s Credit Committee on which he continues to serve. Mr. Donlan holds a B.A. from Georgetown University and received an M.B.A. from Rutgers University.

James O. Egan—Director. Mr. Egan became a Director following the Acquisition and related transactions. He is an executive of Investcorp or one of its wholly owned subsidiaries. Mr. Egan joined Investcorp in 1998.

 

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Prior to joining Investcorp, Mr. Egan was a partner in the accounting firm of KPMG from October 1997 to December 1998. Prior to that, he served as Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Riverwood International, a paperboard, packaging and machinery company from May 1996 to August 1997. Prior to that, he was a partner in the accounting firm of Coopers & Lybrand L.L.P. (predecessor firm to PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP).

Code of Conduct

We have adopted a code of conduct that applies to all of our employees, including our principal executive officer and principal financial officer. A copy of our code of conduct is available, free of charge, upon written request sent to the legal department at our corporate offices located at 12200 Herbert Wayne Court, Suite 150, Huntersville, NC 28078.

Audit Committee Financial Expert

Our Board of Directors has determined that Donald Hardie, director and member of the audit committee, is an Audit Committee Financial Expert, as defined under Item 401 of Regulation S-K. We are not listed on any exchange. The audit committee does not currently have any members who are considered independent.

 

Item 11. Executive Compensation.

Compensation Committee Report

The compensation committee has reviewed and discussed with management the “Compensation Discussion and Analysis” section included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. Based on this review and discussion, the compensation committee recommended to the Board of Directors that the “Compensation Discussion and Analysis” section be included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

 

THE COMPENSATION COMMITTEE
David Tayeh
Donald Hardie
Randy Peeler

 

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Compensation Discussion and Analysis

This section provides an overview and analysis of our compensation program and policies, the material compensation decisions made under those programs and policies, and the material factors considered in making those decisions. Later in this Form 10-K, you will find a series of tables containing specific information about the compensation earned in fiscal 2007 by the following individuals, referred to as our named executive officers:

 

   

Richard P. Johnson, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer

 

   

David L. Dyckman, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

 

   

William E. Berry, President and Chief Operating Officer

 

   

J. Michael Gaither, Executive Vice President and General Counsel

 

   

Daniel K. Brown, Executive Vice President of Sales

The discussion below is intended to help you understand the detailed information provided in those tables and put that information into context within our overall compensation program.

Compensation Philosophy and Objectives

The Company’s compensation committee is charged by the Board of Directors with establishing and reviewing the compensation programs for the named executive officers. Our overall goal in compensating executive officers is to attract, retain and motivate key executives of superior ability who are critical to our future success. We believe that both short-term and long-term incentive compensation paid to executive officers should be directly aligned with our performance, and that compensation should be structured to ensure that a significant portion of executives’ compensation opportunities is directly related to achievement of financial and operational goals and other factors that impact shareholder value.

Our compensation decisions with respect to executive officer salaries, annual incentives, and long-term incentive compensation opportunities are influenced by (a) the executive’s level of responsibility and function within the Company, (b) the overall performance and profitability of the Company, and (c) our assessment of the competitive marketplace. Our philosophy is to focus on total direct compensation opportunities through a mix of base salary, annual cash bonus, and long-term incentives, including stock-based awards.

We also believe that the best way to directly align the interests of our executives with the interests of our shareholders is to make sure that our executives acquire and retain an appropriate level of stock ownership throughout their tenure with us. Our compensation program pursues this objective through our equity-based long-term incentive awards.

 

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Overview of Executive Compensation Components

The Company’s executive compensation program consists of several compensation elements, as illustrated in the table below.

 

Pay Element

  

What the Pay Element Rewards

  

Purpose of the Pay Element

Base Salary   

•     Core competence of the executive relative to skills, experience and contributions to the Company

  

•     Provide fixed compensation based on competitive market practice

Annual Cash Incentive   

•     Contributions toward the Company’s achievement of specified Indenture EBITDA (1)

  

•     Provides focus on meeting annual goals that lead to our long-term success

 

•     Provides annual performance-based cash incentive compensation

 

•     Motivates achievement of critical annual performance metrics

Long-Term Incentives    Stock Option Program   
  

•     Vesting program based primarily on achievement of specified Indenture EBITDA targets, thereby aligning executive’s interests with those of shareholders

 

•     Continued employment with the Company during a 5-year vesting period

  

•     Executive focus on Company performance

 

•     Executive ownership of Company security

 

•     Retention of the executives

Retirement Benefits   

•     Our executive officers are eligible to participate in employee benefit plans available to our eligible employees, including both tax qualified and nonqualified retirement plans

 

•     The Deferred Compensation Plan is a nonqualified plan comprised of a voluntary deferral program that allows the named executive officers to defer a portion of their annual salary and bonus and a noncontributory program that provides for certain contributions to be made on behalf of certain executives by the Company according to a Board approved schedule. Company funds are not set aside to fund this plan.

  

•     Provides a tax-deferred retirement savings alternative to certain eligible executives

 

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Pay Element

  

What the Pay Element Rewards

  

Purpose of the Pay Element

Welfare Benefits   

•     Executives participate in employee benefit plans generally available to our employees, including medical, health, life insurance and disability plans.

 

•     Continuation of welfare benefits may occur as part of severance upon certain terminations of employment.

 

•     In addition, we sponsor an executive medical program for our executive officers, which provides for reimbursement for certain executive officers and eligible dependents for medical expenses not covered by the Group Medical Plan

  

•     These benefits are part of our broad-based total compensation program

 

•     The Company believes it benefits from these perquisites by encouraging our executive officers to protect their health

Additional Benefits and Perquisites   

•     Certain Executive Officers: One club membership

 

•     Vehicle Allowance

  

•     Consistent with offering our executives a competitive compensation program

Termination Benefits   

•     We have employment agreements with certain officers, including our named executive officers. The agreements provide severance benefits if an officer’s employment is terminated without cause or the officer leaves for good reason, each defined in the agreements.

  

•     Termination benefits are designed to retain executives and provide continuity to management.

 

(1) We evaluate liquidity based on several factors, of which the primary financial measure is Indenture EBITDA. The presentation of Indenture EBITDA, a non-GAAP financial measure, and ratios based thereon, do not comply with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States because they are adjusted to exclude certain cash expenses, including recurring expenses. We present Indenture EBITDA as it is used to determine our compliance with covenants contained in the related indentures governing our notes. The covenants are tied to ratios based on Indenture EBITDA, referred to as Consolidated Cash Flows in the indenture agreement, and restrict our ability to incur additional indebtedness and to issue preferred stock. Indenture EBITDA as used herein represents earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization and other adjustments permitted in calculating covenant compliance under the indentures. We believe that the inclusion of this supplementary information is necessary for investors to understand our abilities to comply with the financial covenants and debt service of the notes. Indenture EBITDA should not be considered an alternative to, or more meaningful than, cash flow as determined in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States.

The use of these programs enables the Company to reinforce our pay for performance philosophy, as well as strengthen our ability to attract and retain highly qualified executives. We believe that this combination of programs provides an appropriate mix of fixed and variable pay, balances short-term operations performance with long-term shareholder value, and encourages executive recruitment and retention.

 

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Determination of Appropriate Pay Levels

Pay Philosophy and Competitive Standing

In general, the Company seeks to provide competitive pay relative to the market place, for total direct compensation opportunities, including salary, target annual bonus, and long-term incentives, as well as additional benefits and perquisites. To achieve competitive positioning for the annual cash compensation component, we provide somewhat conservative base salaries and higher-than-average target bonus opportunities, to focus less on fixed pay and more on performance-based opportunities. Targeted annual cash bonus opportunities are based on our budgeted annual Indenture EBITDA goals, and may fluctuate from year-to-year.

The compensation committee consulted with external consultants (the “consultants”) in prior years, comparing the Company’s programs with a peer group. Since that time, we have moved away from the use of a peer group review and rather, focused on the executive’s tenure, individual performance, changes in responsibility and our overall annual budget goals. Additionally, the compensation committee ensures that compensation paid is consistent with such factors as change in cost of living.

2007 Base Salary

Base salary levels reflect a combination of factors including the executive’s experience and tenure, our overall annual budget, the executive’s individual performance, and changes in responsibility. The compensation committee reviews salary levels annually using these factors. We do not target base salary at any particular percent of total compensation.

As noted above, the Company’s compensation philosophy targets base salaries that are somewhat below market for comparable positions. The base salaries of our named executive officers reflected our conservative philosophy. The Chief Executive Officer participates with other senior management in preparing salary recommendations for the compensation committee, including that of the Chief Executive Officer. Those recommendations are reviewed, modified and/or approved by the compensation committee and submitted to the board of directors for final ratification. In fiscal 2007, base pay increases granted to Messrs. Johnson, Dyckman, Berry and Brown ranged from 4.0% to 10.6% and were established after considering job performance, internal pay alignment and equity, and marketplace competitiveness. Mr. Gaither’s salary was not adjusted.

2007 Annual Incentive Plan

Our Annual Incentive Plan (the “Annual Incentive Plan”) provides our executive officers an opportunity to earn annual cash bonuses based on our achievement of certain pre-established performance goals. As in setting base salaries, we consider a combination of factors in establishing the annual target bonus opportunities for our named executive officers. Budgeted Indenture EBITDA is a primary factor, as target bonus opportunities are adjusted annually when we set our budget Indenture EBITDA goals for the year. We do not target annual bonus opportunities at any particular percentage of total compensation.

For the named executives, the compensation committee sets annual bonus opportunities for fiscal 2007 based on achievement of performance goals relating to Indenture EBITDA of the Company, which we believe has a strong correlation with shareholder value. We set the Indenture EBITDA goals for fiscal 2007 bonus opportunities at levels that are intended to reflect improvement in performance over the prior fiscal year, specific market conditions and better than average growth within our competitive industry.

Once our performance goals have been set and approved, the Compensation Committee then sets a bonus pool for all executives covered by the Annual Incentive Plan as a percentage of Indenture EBITDA. The Committee then sets a range of bonus opportunities for each named executive officer based on the achievement of such goals. Target bonus opportunities for fiscal 2007 were set as a percentage of the pool as follows: Mr. Johnson, 20.0%; Mr. Berry, 12.0%; Messrs. Dyckman, Gaither and Brown, 5.5% each.

 

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Actual bonus amounts for fiscal 2007 were determined based on achievement of the performance goals. The named executives were eligible to earn their percentage of the bonus pool if the Company achieved at least 95% of its Indenture EBITDA goal. No bonus is earned if performance falls below 95% of the Indenture EBITDA goal. The pool grows pro-rata for Indenture EBITDA between the 95% and 100% achievement of the Company’s Indenture EBITDA goal. Above 100% of the Company’s Indenture EBITDA goal, the pool grows by approximately 40% of each incremental Indenture EBITDA dollar. Actual bonuses paid to the named executive officers are included in the Summary Compensation Table. The compensation committee reserves the right to modify and/or change the plan at any time in their sole discretion.

Stock Option Plans

The Company has adopted one stock option plan, the 2005 Management Stock Incentive Plan (the “2005 Plan”), which is designed to attract, retain and motivate directors, officers, employees and consultants of the Company and its subsidiaries. Substantially all of the options authorized under the plan have been granted with vesting schedules subject to certain performance-based goals. There are no annual grants of options under this plan included as a component of the named executives’ compensation plan.

In connection with the Merger, on March 31, 2005 we granted, in exchange for the assignment and transfer to the Company of 372,888 options to purchase ATD common stock under the previously existing ATD stock option plan, non-qualified options (“the Rollover Options”) to purchase 33,199 shares of Series A Common Stock, $0.01 par value per share, of the Company. All Rollover Options granted under the 2005 Plan are fully vested.

The following table summarizes compensation for our Named Executive Officers for fiscal years 2007 and 2006.

Summary Compensation Table for Fiscal Years 2007 and 2006

 

Name and Principal Position

   Fiscal
Year
   Salary
($)
   Non-Equity
Incentive Plan
Compensation
($)
   All Other
Compensation
($)
   Total
($)

Richard P. Johnson

   2007    $ 550,000    $ 1,344,882    $ 58,958    $ 1,953,840

Chairman and Chief Executive Officer

   2006      525,000      115,000      42,570      682,570

David L. Dyckman

   2007      260,000      369,843      20,900      650,743

Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

   2006      250,000      55,000      14,400      319,400

William E. Berry

   2007      350,000      806,929      53,412      1,210,341

President and Chief Operating Officer

   2006      325,000      100,000      44,317      469,317

J. Michael Gaither

   2007      280,000      369,843      53,400      703,243

Executive Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary

   2006      280,000      55,000      41,317      376,317

Daniel K. Brown

   2007      260,000      369,843      46,171      676,014

Executive Vice President—Sales

   2006      250,000      55,000      37,557      342,557

 

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The following table contains a breakdown of the compensation and benefits included under “All Other Compensation” in the Summary Compensation Table above.

All Other Compensation from Summary Compensation Table for Fiscal Years 2007 and 2006

 

Name

   Fiscal
Year
   Registrant
Contributions
to Non-
Qualified
Deferred
Compensation
Plan
   Vehicle
Allowance
    401K
Company
Match
   Club
Dues
   Executive
Medical
Benefits
   Long-
term

Disability
   Total

Richard P. Johnson

   2007    $ 27,000    $ 15,954 (1)   $ 6,923    $ 5,904    $ 2,077    $ 1,100    $ 58,958
   2006      27,000      8,053 (2)     6,600      —        —        917      42,570

David L. Dyckman

   2007      —        14,400       5,400      —        —        1,100      20,900
   2006      —        14,400       —        —        —        —        14,400

William E. Berry

   2007      20,000      16,800       7,723      5,544      2,245      1,100      53,412
   2006      20,000      16,800       6,600      —        —        917      44,317

J. Michael Gaither

   2007      17,000      16,800       7,500      6,000      5,000      1,100      53,400
   2006      17,000      16,800       6,600      —        —        917      41,317

Daniel K. Brown

   2007      16,000      14,400       5,400      5,544      3,727      1,100      46,171
   2006      16,000      14,400       6,240      —        —        917      37,557

 

(1) Includes $1,554 included in taxable wages with respect to personal use of a Company vehicle.
(2) Represents amounts included in taxable wages with respect to personal use of a Company vehicle.

The following table sets forth certain information regarding the grant of plan-based awards made during the fiscal year ended December 29, 2007 to the Named Executive Officers:

Grants of Plan-Based Awards for Fiscal Year 2007

 

      Estimated Future Payouts Under
Non-Equity Incentive Plan Awards

Name

   Threshold
($) (a)
   Target
($) (b)
   Maximum
($) (c)

Richard P. Johnson

   $ 360,000    $ 900,000    —  

David L. Dyckman

     99,000      247,500    —  

William E. Berry

     216,000      540,000    —  

J. Michael Gaither

     99,000      247,500    —  

Daniel K. Brown

     99,000      247,500    —  

 

(a) Represents the minimum payment under the Annual Incentive Plan if a certain level of performance is reached.
(b) Amounts represent payments under the Annual Incentive Plan if the Company achieves 100% of plan performance. In Fiscal 2007, the Company exceeded plan targets, resulting in higher payments. These payments are included in the Summary Compensation Table under the heading “Non-Equity Incentive Plan Compensation.”
(c) There is no limit to the maximum amount payable under the Annual Incentive Plan.

 

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The following table provides information concerning unexercised options for the Named Executive Officers as of December 29, 2007.

Outstanding Equity Awards at Fiscal 2007 Year End

 

Name

   Number of
Securities
Underlying
Unexercised
Options (#)
Exercisable
    Number of
Securities
Underlying
Unexercised
Options (#)
Unexercisable
    Option
Exercise
Price
($)
   Option
Expiration
Date

Richard P. Johnson

   15,323 (a)   —       $ 15.73    06/12/12
   11,010 (b)   16,514 (b)     211.50    06/22/12
   —       19,773 (c)     211.50    06/22/12

David L. Dyckman

   1,468 (b)   2,202 (b)     211.50    01/03/13
   —       2,636 (c)     211.50    01/03/13

William E. Berry

   10,215 (a)   —         15.73    06/12/12
   7,340 (b)   11,009 (b)     211.50    06/22/12
   —       13,182 (c)     211.50    06/22/12

J. Michael Gaither

   7,661 (a)   —         15.73    06/12/12
   1,652 (b)   2,477 (b)     211.50    06/22/12
   —       2,966 (c)     211.50    06/22/12

Daniel K. Brown

   1,468 (b)   2,202 (b)     211.50    06/22/12
   —       2,636 (c)     211.50    06/22/12

 

(a) Represents Rollover Options that were granted in connection with the Acquisition, in exchange for options to purchase ATD common stock under the previously existing ATD stock option plan. All Rollover Options were granted under the 2005 Plan and are fully vested.
(b) Represents options that were granted under the 2005 Plan which vest based on the Company meeting specified performance goals, the passage of time or upon the occurrence of certain events.
(c) Represents options that were granted under the 2005 Plan which vest in connection with the future sale of the Company based on the achievement of certain performance goals.

 

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The following table sets forth our executive officers’ information regarding nonqualified deferred compensation plans, including, with respect to each Named Executive Officer, the aggregate contributions made by such executive officer during the fiscal year ended December 29, 2007, the aggregate contributions made by the Company during the fiscal year ended December 29, 2007, on behalf of the executive officer, the aggregate interest or other earnings accrued during the fiscal year ended December 29, 2007, the aggregate value of withdrawals and distributions to the executive officer during the fiscal year ended December 29, 2007and balance of account as of December 29, 2007.

Nonqualified Deferred Compensation for Fiscal Year 2007

 

Name

   Executive
Contributions
in 2007

($) (a)
   Registrant
Contributions
in 2007

($) (b)
   Aggregate
Earnings
in 2007

($)
   Aggregate
Withdrawals/
Distributions

($)
   Aggregate
Balance at
December 29,
2007

($) (c)

Richard P. Johnson

   $ 10,981    $ 27,000    $ 16,090    $ —      $ 351,705

David L. Dyckman

     —        —        —        —        —  

William E. Berry

     26,301      20,000      11,863      —        337,832

J. Michael Gaither

     4,514      17,000      15,121      —        394,249

Daniel K. Brown

     —        16,000      38,057      —        382,568

 

(a) Amounts in this column are included in the amounts reported as salary and/or “Non-Equity Incentive Plan Compensation” in the Summary Compensation Table for Fiscal Year 2007 for each of the named executive officers.
(b) Amounts in this column reflect company contributions and are included in the Summary Compensation Table under the heading “All Other Compensation.”
(c) The amounts in the table below are also being reported as compensation in the Summary Compensation Table in the years indicated:

 

Name

   Fiscal Year    Reported
Amounts ($)

Richard P. Johnson

   2007    $ 37,981
   2006      37,500

David L. Dyckman

   2007      —  
   2006      —  

William E. Berry

   2007      46,301
   2006      99,100

J. Michael Gaither

   2007      21,514
   2006      29,169

Daniel K. Brown

   2007      16,000
   2006      16,000

In 1999, we established a deferred compensation plan for our top executives and regional employees covered by the executive bonus plan to encourage each participant to promote our long-term interests. Each participant is allowed to defer portions of their annual salary as well as bonuses received into the plan. In addition to employee deferrals, we make contributions on behalf of our top executives and certain of the regional employees in varying amounts. The plan provides that an employee who becomes a participant on or before November 23, 1998, shall be fully vested in all amounts credited to such participant’s account. All named executives have been participants since before November 23, 1998. The plan provides that an employee who becomes a participant after November 23, 1998 shall be at all times fully vested in elective deferrals into such participant’s account and as to contributions made by us, shall vest at a rate of twenty percent (20%) per year as

 

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long as such participant is an employee on January 1 of each year. The deferred compensation plan may be altered and amended by our Board of Directors. Upon consummation of the Acquisition and related transactions, all balances under the 1999 Company Deferred Compensation Plan became vested and payable.

Potential Payments upon Termination

Employment and Severance Agreements

We have entered into employment agreements with each of Messrs. Johnson, Dyckman, Berry, Gaither and Brown providing for the payment of an annual base salary and bonus opportunities, as well as participation by the employee in the benefit plans and programs generally maintained by us for senior executives from time to time.

We or the employee may terminate the applicable employment agreement at any time. In the event Mr. Johnson is terminated without “cause” or resigns for “good reason,” each as defined in his employment agreement, we will pay him a monthly sum equal to his monthly base salary in effect at such time plus $41,667.67 for a period of three years. In addition, unless Mr. Johnson is terminated for “cause,” he and his family are entitled to continued health benefits until he reaches the age of 65. In the event Mr. Dyckman is terminated without “cause” or resigns for “good reason,” each as defined in his employment agreement, we will pay or provide him: (i) a monthly sum equal to his monthly base salary in effect at such time plus $20,833.34 for a period of 12 months and (ii) continuation of health benefits for a period of 12 months. In the event Mr. Berry is terminated without “cause” or resigns for “good reason,” each as defined in his employment agreement, we will pay or provide him: (i) a monthly sum equal to his monthly base salary in effect at such time plus $25,000 for a period of two years and (ii) continuation of health benefits for a period of two years. In the event Mr. Gaither is terminated without “cause” or resigns for “good reason,” each as defined in his employment agreement, we will pay or provide him: (i) a monthly sum equal to his monthly base salary in effect at such time plus $22,222.22 for a period of 18 months and (ii) continuation of health benefits for a period of 18 months. The employee or we may terminate the severance agreements at any time. Upon termination of employment for any reason, the employee is entitled to receive a basic termination payment equal to (i) his base salary earned through the date of termination and (ii) the previous year’s bonus if the termination is after December 31 and before bonus has been awarded. If we terminate the employee without cause or if the employee leaves for good reason (each as defined in his severance agreement), he is entitled to an additional severance payment based on a multiple of his base salary and plan bonus. The multiple used for determining the additional severance payment is increased if termination occurs in connection with a change of control (as defined in his severance agreement).

In the event Mr. Brown is terminated without “cause”, as defined in his employment agreement, we will pay a monthly sum equal to two times his respective monthly base salary in effect at such time for a period of one year. In addition, unless Mr. Brown is terminated for “cause”, he is entitled to continued health benefits for a period of one year.

The severance agreements each contain confidentiality and noncompete provisions.

Compensation of Directors

There was no compensation paid to directors in fiscal 2007.

Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation

During fiscal year 2007, David Tayeh, Donald Hardie and Randy Peeler served on a compensation committee of our Board of Directors, which reviewed and recommended executive compensation for the Named Executive Officers and our other executives. All compensation recommendations of the executive committee were reviewed by and subject to the approval of our full Board of Directors.

 

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Indemnification of Officers and Directors

Our articles of incorporation provide for the release of any person serving as our director from liability to us or our stockholders for damages for breach of fiduciary duty and for the indemnification by us of any person serving as a director, officer, employee or agent or other authorized person to the fullest extent permissible under the Delaware General Corporation Law. In addition, we have purchased a directors’ and officers’ insurance policy covering our officers and directors for liabilities that they may incur as a result of any action, or failure to act, by such officers and directors in their capacity as officers and directors.

 

Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters.

All of ATD’s equity is owned by Holdings. Holdings is authorized to issue shares of four series of common stock, each with a par value of $0.01 per share, including Series A Common Stock, Series B Common Stock, Series D Common Stock and Common Stock. Only Series B Common Stock, Series D Common Stock and Common Stock have the right to vote. Holders of Series A Common Stock do not have any voting rights, except that the holders of such series of common stock will have the right to vote as a series to the extent required under the laws of the State of Delaware.

There are 1,500 shares of Series D Common Stock and 307,327 shares of Series B Common Stock outstanding. No shares of Common Stock are outstanding. Holders of Series D Common Stock are entitled to 468 votes per share on all matters as to which stockholders may be entitled to vote pursuant to the Delaware General Corporation Law. Holders of Series B Common Stock are entitled to one vote per share on all matters as to which stockholders may be entitled to vote pursuant to the Delaware General Corporation Law.

Investcorp and its co-investors beneficially own all of the outstanding Series D Common Stock, constituting approximately 69.6% of our outstanding voting power and the co-sponsors beneficially own all of the outstanding Series B Common Stock, constituting approximately 30.4% of our outstanding voting power. Investcorp, its co-investors and certain members of our management beneficially own outstanding shares of Series A Common Stock, all of which are non-voting stock.

The following tables set forth certain information regarding the beneficial ownership of the voting stock of Holdings as of March 15, 2008. The tables set forth:

 

   

each person that beneficially owns more than 5% of any series of our voting stock,

 

   

each person who was one of our directors or one of our Named Executive Officers who beneficially owns shares of our voting stock, and

 

   

all of our directors and executive officers as a group.

 

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None of our directors or executive officers own shares of our Series D Common Stock or Series B Common Stock. Unless otherwise indicated, each of the stockholders shown in the tables below have sole voting power, if any, and investment power with respect to the shares beneficially owned.

Series A Common Stock

(Non-Voting Stock)

 

Name and Address of Beneficial Owner (1)

  Number of Shares
Beneficially Owned (2)
    Percent of
Series (3)
 

Richard P. Johnson

  26,333 (5)   3.7 %

1818 Mezzanine Fund

  21,895 (4)   3.1  

William E. Berry

  17,555 (5)   2.5  

J. Michael Gaither

  9,313 (5)   1.3  

Daniel K. Brown

  3,832 (6)   0.6  

David L. Dyckman

  1,468 (5)   0.2  

All of our directors and executive officers as a group (7 persons)

  84,227 (7)   10.9  

Series B Common Stock

(30.4% of Voting Power)

 

Name and Address of Beneficial Owner (1)

   Number of Shares
Beneficially Owned (2)
   Percent of
Series (3)
 

Berkshire Fund VI Limited Partnership (8)

   221,969    72.2 %

Greenbriar Equity Fund L.P (9)

   81,125    26.4  

Berkshire Investors LLC (8)

   2,616    0.9  

Greenbriar Coinvestment Partners, L.P (9)

   1,617    0.5  

Series D Common Stock

(69.6% of Voting Power)

 

Name and Address of Beneficial Owner (1)

   Number of Shares
Beneficially Owned (2)
   Percent of
Series (3)
 

Investcorp S.A. (10)(11)

   1,500    100.0 %

Ballet Limited (11)

   138    9.2  

Denary Limited (11)

   138    9.2  

Gleam Limited (11)

   138    9.2  

Highlands Limited (11)

   138    9.2  

Noble Limited (11)

   138    9.2  

Outrigger Limited (11)

   138    9.2  

Quill Limited (11)

   138    9.2  

Radial Limited (11)

   138    9.2  

Shoreline Limited (11)

   138    9.2  

Zinnia Limited (11)

   138    9.2  

Investcorp Investment Equity Limited (11)

   120    8.0  

 

(1) Unless otherwise indicated, the address for each person listed in the table is in care of American Tire Distributors Holdings, Inc., 12200 Herbert Wayne Court, Suite 150, Huntersville, North Carolina 28078.
(2) For purposes of computing the percentage of outstanding shares held by each person or group of persons named in this table, any securities which that person or group of persons has the right to acquire within 60 days of March 15, 2008 are deemed to be outstanding for purposes of computing the percentage ownership of such person or persons, but are not deemed to be outstanding for the purpose of computing the percentage ownership of any other person.

 

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(3) This number reflects the percentage of the number of outstanding shares of such series of our stock, after giving effect to the exercise of options and/or warrants owned by such person or persons.
(4) Represents shares issuable upon the exercise of warrants. Mr. Donlan is the co-manager of The 1818 Mezzanine Fund, L.P. and in that capacity will have authority to exercise investment power over the shares. See Notes 9, 10 and 12 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
(5) Represents shares of Series A common stock issuable upon the exercise of options.
(6) Includes 1,468 shares of Series A common stock issuable upon the exercise of options.
(7) Includes 57,604 shares of Series A common stock issuable upon the exercise of options and 21,895 shares of Series A common stock issuable upon the exercise of warrants.

(8)

In care of Berkshire Partners LLC, One Boston Place, 33rd Floor, Boston, MA 02108.

(9) In care of Greenbriar Equity Group LLC, 555 Theodore Fremd Avenue, Suite A-201, Rye, New York 10580.
(10) Investcorp S.A. does not directly own any of our stock but may be deemed to share beneficial ownership as described below. The number of shares of stock shown as owned by Investcorp S.A. includes all of the shares owned by Investcorp Investment Equity Limited. Investcorp S.A. owns no stock in Ballet Limited, Denary Limited, Gleam Limited, Highlands Limited, Noble Limited, Outrigger Limited, Quill Limited, Radial Limited, Shoreline Limited, Zinnia Limited, or in the beneficial owners of these entities. Investcorp may be deemed to share beneficial ownership of the shares of voting stock held by these entities because the entities have entered into revocable management services or similar agreements with an affiliate of Investcorp, pursuant to which each such entities has granted such affiliate the authority to direct the voting and disposition of our voting stock owned by such entity for so long as such agreement is in effect. Investcorp is a Luxembourg corporation with its address at 37 rue Notre-Dame, Luxembourg.
(11) Investcorp Investment Equity Limited is a Cayman Islands corporation, and a wholly-owned subsidiary of Investcorp, with its address at P.O. Box 1111, West Wind Building, George Town, Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands. SIPCO Limited may be deemed to control Investcorp through its ownership of a majority of a company’s stock that indirectly owns a majority of Investcorp’s shares. SIPCO Limited’s address is P.O. Box 1111, West Wind Building, George Town, Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands. CIP Limited (“CIP”) owns none of our stock. CIP indirectly owns less than 0.1% of the stock of each of Ballet Limited, Denary Limited, Gleam Limited, Highlands Limited, Noble Limited, Outrigger Limited, Quill Limited, Radial Limited, Shoreline Limited and Zinnia Limited. CIP may be deemed to share beneficial ownership of our shares of voting stock held by such entities because CIP acts as a director of such entities and the ultimate beneficial shareholders of each of those entities have granted to CIP revocable proxies in companies that own those entities’ stock. None of the ultimate beneficial owners of such entities beneficially owns individually more than 5% of our voting stock. Each of CIP Limited, Ballet Limited, Denary Limited, Gleam Limited, Highlands Limited, Noble Limited, Outrigger Limited, Quill Limited, Radial Limited, Shoreline Limited and Zinnia Limited is a Cayman Islands corporation with its address at P.O. Box 2197, West Wind Building, GeorgeTown, Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands.

 

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The following table provides information as of December 29, 2007, with respect to compensation plans under which our equity securities are authorized for issuance.

Equity Compensation Plan Information

 

Plan category

   Number of securities to
be issued upon the
exercise of outstanding
options, warrants and
rights

(a)
   Weighted-
average exercise
price of
outstanding
options, warrants
and rights

(b)
   Number of securities remaining
available for future issuance
under equity compensation plans
excluding securities reflected in
column (a)

(c)

Equity compensation plans approved by shareholders

   176,704    $ 174.72    14,153

Equity compensation plans not approved by shareholders

   —        —      —  
                

Total

   176,704    $ 174.72    14,153
                

 

Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions and Director Independence.

See Notes 9, 10 and 12 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for discussion of our related party transactions. During fiscal 2007 and as of December 29, 2007, a majority of our Directors do not meet the standard of independence as defined by the Securities and Exchange Commission. Management has evaluated all activities and transactions that have transpired with our Directors and deem each to be at an arms length and no more favorable than transactions that we would have entered into with an independent third party.

 

Item 14. Principal Accountant Fees and Services.

The following table sets forth the fees billed by our independent registered public accounting firm, PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, during fiscal years 2007 and 2006.

 

     2007    2006
     (in thousands)

Audit Fees (a)

   $ 793    $ 805

Audit-Related Fees (b)

     223      146

Tax Fees (c)

     145      329

All Other Fees

     —        —  
             

Total

   $ 1,161    $ 1,280
             

 

(a) Audit fees relate to professional services rendered in connection with the audit of our annual financial statements, quarterly review of financial statements included in our Forms 10-Q, and audit services provided in connection with other statutory and regulatory filings.
(b) Audit-related fees include payment for services in connection with the Acquisition and various other acquisitions as well as the audit of our employee benefit plans and consultation on accounting standards or transactions.
(c) Tax fees include professional services related to tax compliance, tax planning and the preparation of federal and state tax returns.

Audit Committee Pre-Approval Policies and Procedures

In accordance with policies adopted by our Audit Committee, the Audit Committee has sole authority to approve all audit engagement fees and terms of our independent registered public accounting firm. The Audit Committee may delegate authority to pre-approve audit and non-audit services to any member of the Audit Committee whose decisions should be reviewed at the next scheduled meeting. The Audit Committee may not delegate pre-approval authority to management.

 

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PART IV

 

Item 15. Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules.

 

  (a) Documents filed as part of this Report:

 

  1. The following items, including our consolidated financial statements, are set forth at Item 8 of this report:

 

   

Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting

 

   

Reports of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

 

   

Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 29, 2007 and December 30, 2006

 

   

Consolidated Statements of Operations for the fiscal years ended December 29, 2007 and December 30, 2006 and the nine months ended December 31, 2005 for the Successor and the quarter ended April 2, 2005 for the Predecessor

 

   

Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity and Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) for the fiscal years ended December 29, 2007 and December 30, 2006 and the period ended December 31, 2005 for the Successor and for the period ended April 2, 2005 for the Predecessor

 

   

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the fiscal years ended December 29, 2007 and December 30, 2006 and the period from April 2, 2005 through December 31, 2005 for the Successor and for the quarter ended April 2, 2005 for the Predecessor

 

   

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

  2. Financial Statement Schedule

 

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SCHEDULE II—VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS

For Fiscal Years Ended December 29, 2007 and December 30, 2006 and the Nine Months Ended December 31, 2005 for the Successor and the Quarter Ended April 2, 2005 for the Predecessor

(in thousands)

 

    Balance
Beginning
of Year
  Additions     Deductions     Balance
End of Year
      Charged
to Costs
and Expenses
    Charged
to Other
Accounts
     

Successor 2007

         

Allowance for doubtful accounts

  $ 1,469   $ 854     $ —       $ (230 )(1)   $ 2,093

Acquisition exit cost reserves (2)

    3,584     378       2,690 (3)     (903 )     5,749

Inventory reserves

    1,671     4,410       —         (5,850 )     231

Sales returns and allowances

    1,870     2,151       —         (2,290 )     1,731

Valuation allowance on deferred tax assets

    —       169       —         —         169

Successor 2006

         

Allowance for doubtful accounts

  $ 1,560   $ (325 )   $ —       $ 234 (1)   $ 1,469

Acquisition exit cost reserves (2)

    3,617     1,024       164 (3)     (1,221 )     3,584

Inventory reserves

    720     2,832       —         (1,881 )     1,671

Sales returns and allowances

    1,755     2,833       —         (2,718 )     1,870

Successor Nine months ended December 31, 2005

         

Allowance for doubtful accounts

  $ 1,439   $ 1,091     $ —       $ (970 )(1)   $ 1,560

Acquisition exit cost reserves (2)

    3,232     —         1,755 (3)     (1,370 )     3,617

Inventory reserves

    1,416     400       —         (1,096 )     720

Sales returns and allowances

    1,664     2,975       —         (2,884 )     1,755

Predecessor Quarter ended April 2, 2005

         

Allowance for doubtful accounts

  $ 1,587   $ 279     $ —       $ (427 )(1)   $ 1,439

Acquisition exit cost reserves (2)

    3,688     —         —         (456 )     3,232

Inventory reserves

    1,084     431       —         (99 )     1,416

Sales returns and allowances

    1,737     318       —         (391 )     1,664

 

(1) Accounts written off during the year, net of recoveries.
(2) Amounts represent facilities closing cost of acquired distribution centers due to existing distribution centers being located in close proximity to the acquired distribution facilities.
(3) Represents facilities closing cost of acquired Martino Tire, Silver State, Wholesale Tire and Target Tire distribution centers due to existing distribution centers being located in close proximity to the acquired distribution facilities.

Schedules not included herein are omitted because they are not applicable or the required information appears in the financial statements or notes thereto.

 

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  3. Exhibits:

 

    2.1

   Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated February 4, 2005, by and among American Tire Distributors Holdings, Inc., ATD Mergersub, Inc., Charlesbank Equity Fund IV, Limited Partnership, Charlesbank Capital Partners, LLC, as stockholder representative, and American Tire Distributors, Inc. ++

    2.2

   Amended and Restated Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated March 7, 2005, by and among American Tire Distributors Holdings, Inc., ATD Mergersub, Inc., Charlesbank Equity Fund IV, Limited Partnership, Charlesbank Capital Partners, LLC, as stockholder representative, and American Tire Distributors, Inc. ++

    3.1

   Certificate of Incorporation of American Tire Distributors Holdings, Inc. ++

    3.2

   Amended and Restated Certificate of American Tire Distributors Holdings, Inc. ++

    3.3

   By-laws of American Tire Distributors, Inc. as amended. *

    3.4

   Amended and Restated Bylaws of American Tire Distributors Holdings, Inc. ++

    3.5

   Restated Certificate of Incorporation of Heafner Tire Group, Inc. (the “Company”) ¿

    3.6

   Second Restated Certificate of Incorporation of Heanfer Tire Group, Inc. ±

    3.7

   Certificate of Amendment to the Second Restated Certificate of Incorporation of Heafner Tire Group, Inc., as filed with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware on May 30, 2002≠

    3.8

   Third Restated Certificate of Incorporation of American Tire Distributors, Inc. ^

    3.9

   Fourth Restated Certificate of Incorporation of American Tire Distributors, Inc. ‡

    3.10

   Certificate of Correction Filed to Correct a Certain Error in the Certificate of American Tire Distributors, Inc. **

    3.11

   Fifth Restated Certificate of Incorporation of American Tire Distributors, Inc. ++

    3.12

   Amended and Restated By-laws of the Company. ++

    3.13

   Articles of Incorporation of The Speed Merchant, Inc. *

    3.14

   By-laws of The Speed Merchant, Inc. *

    3.15

   Articles of Incorporation of Phoenix Racing, Inc. *

    3.16

   By-laws of Phoenix Racing, Inc. *

    3.17

   Articles of Incorporation of California Tire Company. ††

    3.18

   By-laws of California Tire Company. ††

    3.19

   Articles of Incorporation of T.O. Haas Holding Co., Inc. ¿

    3.20

   Amended By-laws of T.O. Haas Holding Co., Inc. ¿

    3.21

   Articles of Incorporation of T.O. Haas Tire Co., Inc. ¿

    3.22

   By-laws of T.O. Haas Tire Co., Inc. ¿

    3.23

   Articles of Incorporation of Texas Market Tire, Inc. ++

    3.24

   By-laws of Texas Market Tire, Inc. ++

    3.25

   Articles of Incorporation of Texas Market Tire Holdings I, Inc. ++

    3.26

   By-laws of Texas Market Tire Holdings I, Inc. ++

 

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    3.27

   Articles of Incorporation of Target Tire, Inc. ++

    3.28

   By-laws of Target Tire, Inc. ++

    3.29

   Articles of Incorporation of Wholesale Tire Distributors, Inc. :

    3.30

   By-laws of Wholesale Tire Distributors, Inc. :

    3.31

   Articles of Incorporation of Wholesale Tire Distributors of Idaho, Inc. :

    3.32

   By-laws of Wholesale Tire Distributors of Idaho, Inc. :

    3.33

   Articles of Incorporation of Wholesale Tire Distributors of Wyoming, Inc. :

    3.34

   By-laws of Wholesale Tire Distributors of Wyoming, Inc. :

    3.35

   Articles of Incorporation of Farm Tire & Supply Co., Inc. :

    3.36

   By-laws of Farm Tire & Supply Co., Inc. :

    4.1

   Indenture, dated March 31, 2005, among American Tire Distributors Holdings, Inc. and Wachovia Bank, National Association, as Trustee (the “Holdings Indenture”). ++

    4.2

   Indenture, dated March 31, 2005, among ATD Mergersub, Inc., American Tire Distributors Holdings, Inc. and Wachovia Bank, National Association, as Trustee (the “Floating Rate Note Indenture”). ++

    4.3

   Indenture, dated March 31, 2005, among ATD Mergersub, Inc., American Tire Distributors Holdings, Inc. and Wachovia Bank, National Association, as Trustee (the “Fixed Rate Note Indenture”). ++

    4.4

   Supplemental Indenture, dated March 31, 2005, among American Tire Distributors, Inc., American Tire Distributors Holdings, Inc., The Speed Merchant, Inc., T.O. Haas Tire Co., Inc., T.O. Haas Holding Co., Inc., Texas Market Tire, Inc., Texas Market Tire Holdings I, Inc., and Wachovia Bank, National Association, as Trustee.++

    4.5

   Supplemental Indenture dated March 31, 2005, among American Tire Distributors, Inc., American Tire Distributors Holdings, Inc., The Speed Merchant, Inc., T.O. Haas Tire Co., Inc., T.O. Haas Holding Co., Inc., Texas Market Tire, Inc., Texas Market Tire Holdings I, Inc., and Wachovia Bank, National Association, as Trustee. ++

    4.6

   Form of Holdings Senior Discount Note (attached as Exhibit A to the Holdings Indenture). ++

    4.7

   Form of the Company Floating Rate Note (attached as Exhibit A to the Floating Rate Note Indenture). ++

    4.8

   Form of the Company Fixed Rate Note (attached as Exhibit A to the Fixed Rate Note Indenture). ++

    5.1

   Gibson, Dunn and Crutcher, LLP letter as to the legality of the securities being registered, dated May 13, 2005. ++

    10.1

   Third Amended and Restated Loan and Security Agreement, dated as of March 19, 2004, among the Company, The Speed Merchant, Inc., T.O. Haas Holding Co., Inc. and T.O. Haas Tire Company, Inc. as Borrowers, and Fleet Capital Corporation as Administrative Agent, Wachovia Bank, National Association as Syndication Agent, The CIT Group/Business Credit, Inc. as Documentation Agent, Fleet Securities, Inc. as Arranger and the financial institutions party hereto from time to time, as Lenders  ¿¿

    10.2

   First Amendment to Third Amended and Restated Loan and Security Agreement ==

    10.3

   Second Amendment to Third Amended and Restated Loan and Security Agreement ^^

 

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Table of Contents

    10.4

   Fourth Amended and Restated Loan and Security Agreement, dated as of March 31, 2005, among the Company, The Speed Merchant, Inc., T.O. Haas Tire Co., Inc., T.O. Haas Holding Co., Inc., Texas Market Tire, Inc., Texas Market Tire Holdings I, Inc., as Borrowers and Banc of America Securities LLC, as Book Running Manager, Wachovia Securities, GECC Capital Markets Group, Inc. and Banc of America Securities LLC, each as Co-Lead Arranger, Wachovia Bank, National Association and General Electric Capital Corporation as Co-Syndication Agents and Bank of America, N.A. as administrative agent and collateral agent for the Lenders. ++

    10.5

   First Amendment to Fourth Amended and Restated Loan and Security Agreement :

    10.6

   Second Amendment to Fourth Amended and Restated Loan and Security Agreement :

    10.7

   Third Amendment to Fourth Amended and Restated Loan and Security Agreement ••

    10.8

   Fifth Amendment to Fourth Amended and Restated Loan and Security Agreement dated as of May 9, 2007, among American Tire Distributors, Inc., The Speed Merchant, Inc., and T.O. Haas Tire Company, Inc., as borrowers, and Wachovia Bank, National Association and General Electric Capital Corporation, as co-syndication agents, The CIT Group/Business Credit, Inc., as documentation agent, and Bank of America, N.A., as administrative and collateral agent for the lenders. ¨

    10.9

   Registration Rights Agreement, made as of March 31, 2005, by American Tire Distributors Holdings, Inc for the benefit of the Holders hereto. ++

    10.10

   Termination Agreement dated March 31, 2005, among The 1818 Mezzanine Fund II, L.P., Charlesbank Equity Fund IV, Limited Partnership and American Tire Distributors, Inc. ++

    10.11

   Purchase Agreement, dated March 25, 2005, between American Tire Distributors Holdings, Inc. and The 1818 Mezzanine Fund II, L.P. ++

    10.12

   Stockholders Agreement, dated as of March 31, 2005, by and between American Tire Distributors Holdings, Inc., and each person listed on the signature pages hereto. ++

    10.13

   Stock Purchase Agreement dated March 30, 2005, between the parties listed on Schedule A hereto and American Tire Distributors Holdings, Inc. ++

    10.14

   Stock Purchase Agreement dated March 30, 2005, between the parties listed on Schedule A hereto and American Tire Distributors Holdings, Inc. ++

    10.15

   Securities Purchase Agreement, dated as of May 7, 1997, between The J.H. Heafner Company, Inc. and The Kelly-Springfield Tire and Rubber Company  *

    10.16

   Amendment to Securities Purchase Agreement, dated as of May 21, 1999, between and among the Company and The Kelly-Springfield Tire Company, a division of The Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company  #

    10.17

   Commitment Letter, dated March 25, 2005, by and among American Tire Distributors Holdings, Inc. and The Goodyear Tire and Rubber Co. ++

    10.18

   The J.H. Heafner Company Amended and Restated 1997 Stock Option Plan  #

    10.19

   Heafner Tire Group 1999 Stock Option Plan  +/-

    10.20

   American Tire Distributors, Inc. 2002 Stock Option Plan  n

    10.21

   American Tire Distributors Holdings, Inc. 2005 Management Stock Incentive Plan :

    10.22

   Stock Option Agreements, dated as of June 12, 2002, between the Company and each of Richard P. Johnson, William E. Berry, J. Michael Gaither, Daniel K. Brown and Phillip E. Marrett  n

 

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Table of Contents

    10.23

   Form of Incentive Option Agreement under the 2005 Management Stock Incentive Plan for the Named Executive Officers :

    10.24

   Form of Base Option Agreement under the 2005 Management Stock Incentive Plan for the Named Executive Officers :

    10.25

   The J.H. Heafner Company 1997 Restricted Stock Plan  *

    10.26

   Securities Purchase and Stockholders Agreement, dated as of May 28, 1997, among the Company and various management stockholders  *

    10.27

   Securities Purchase and Stockholders’ Agreement, dated as of May 24, 1999, between the Company and each of Donald C. Roof, J. Michael Gaither, Daniel K. Brown and Richard P. Johnson #

    10.28

   Stock Purchase Agreement dated April 14, 2000, between Heafner Tire Group Inc., T.O. Haas Holding Co., Randall M. Haas and Ricky L. Haas  +/-+/-

    10.29

   Stock Purchase Agreement, dated May 4, 2001, by and among Performance Management, Inc., Heafner Tire Group, Inc., as sole shareholder of Winston Tire Company, Winston Tire Company and Charles Bryant Kountz ##

    10.30

   Executive Employment Agreement, dated March 31, 2005, between American Tire Distributors, Inc. and Richard P. Johnson. ++

    10.31

   Executive Employment Agreement, dated March 31, 2005, between American Tire Distributors, Inc. and William Berry. ++

    10.32

   Executive Employment Agreement, dated March 31, 2005, between American Tire Distributors, Inc. and J. Michael Gaither. ++

    10.33

   Executive Employment Agreement, dated March 31, 2005, between American Tire Distributors, Inc. and Phillip E. Marrett. ++

    10.34

   Executive Employment Agreement, dated March 31, 2005, between American Tire Distributors, Inc. and Daniel K. Brown. ++

    10.35

   Executive Employment Agreement, dated March 31, 2005, between American Tire Distributors, Inc. and Scott A. Deininger. ++

    10.36

   Executive Employment Agreement, dated December 6, 2005, between American Tire Distributors, Inc. and David L. Dyckman. :

    10.37

   First Amendment to Employment Agreement, dated March 3, 2008, between American Tire Distributors, Inc. and Richard P. Johnson  n n

    10.38

   Rollover Stock Option Agreement, dated March 31, 2005, between American Tire Distributors Holdings, Inc. and Richard P. Johnson  ++

    10.39

   Rollover Stock Option Agreement, dated March 31, 2005, between American Tire Distributors Holdings, Inc. and William Berry  ++

    10.40

   Rollover Stock Option Agreement, dated March 31, 2005, between American Tire Distributors Holdings, Inc. and J. Michael Gaither. ++

    10.41

   Stock Purchase Agreement, dated March 31, 2005, between American Tire Distributors Holdings, Inc. and Scott A. Deininger. ++

    10.42

   Stock Purchase Agreement, dated March 31, 2005, between American Tire Distributors Holdings, Inc. and Keith Calcagno. ++

    10.43

   Stock Purchase Agreement, dated March 31, 2005, between American Tire Distributors Holdings, Inc. and Daniel K. Brown. ++

 

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    10.44

   Stock Purchase Agreement, dated March 31, 2005, between American Tire Distributors Holdings, Inc. and Phillip E. Marrett. ++

    10.45

   Stock Purchase Agreement, dated March 31, 2005, between American Tire Distributors Holdings, Inc. and Thomas Gibson. ++

    10.46

   Stock Purchase Agreement, dated March 31, 2005, between American Tire Distributors Holdings, Inc. and Thomas L. Dawson. ++

    10.47

   Stock Purchase Agreement, dated March 31, 2005, between American Tire Distributors Holdings, Inc. and Lawrence B. Stoddard. ++

    10.48

   Stock Purchase Agreement, dated March 31, 2005, between American Tire Distributors Holdings, Inc. and Leon J. Sawyer. ++

    10.49

   Stock Purchase Agreement, dated March 31, 2005, between American Tire Distributors Holdings, Inc. and George J. Bender. ++

    10.50

   Stock Purchase Agreement, dated March 31, 2005, between American Tire Distributors Holdings, Inc. and James Gill. ++

    10.51

   Stock Purchase Agreement, dated March 31, 2005, between American Tire Distributors Holdings, Inc. and James D. Matthews. ++

    10.52

   Purchase Agreement, dated March 23, 2005 between American Tire Distributors Holdings, Inc. and Banc of America Securities, LLC, Credit Suisse First Boston, LLC and Wachovia Capital Markets, LLC. ++

    10.53

   Registration Rights Agreement, dated March 31, 2005, between American Tire Distributors Holdings, Inc. and Banc of America Securities, LLO, Credit Suisse First Boston, LLC and Wachovia Capital Markets, LLC. ++

    10.54

   Purchase Agreement, dated March 23, 2005, between American Tire Distributors, Inc. and Banc of America Securities, LLC, Credit Suisse First Boston, LLC, and Wachovia Capital Markets, LLC. ++

    10.55

   Warrant Agreement, dated as of March 31, 2005, between American Tire Distributors Holdings, Inc. and the purchaser named herein. ++

    12.1

   Statement re: Computation of Ratios n n

    21.1

   Chart of Subsidiaries of the Company n n

    23.1

   Consent of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLC, an independent registered public accounting firm n n

    23.2

   Consent of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLC, an independent registered public accounting firm n n

    25.1

   Statement of eligibility of Trustee. ++

    31.1

   Certification of Principal Executive Officer pursuant to Rules 13a-14(a) and 15d-14(a) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 n n

    31.2

   Certification of Principal Financial Officer pursuant to Rules 13a-14(a) and 15d-14(a) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 n n

    32.1

   Certifications of Principal Executive Officer and Principal Financial Officer furnished pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. n n

 

* Incorporated by reference to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-4 filed on August 18, 1998.
+ Incorporated by reference to the Company’s Form 8-K filed on December 15, 1998.

 

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†† Incorporated by reference to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-4 filed on March 31, 1999.
# Incorporated by reference to the Company’s Registration Statement Form S-4 filed on June 9, 1999.
+/- Incorporated by reference to the Company’s 10-K, filed on March 30, 2000.
+/-+/- Incorporated by reference to the Company’s 8-K, filed on November 14, 2000.
¿ Incorporated by reference to the Company’s 10-K, filed on April 9, 2001. 9
## Incorporated by reference to the Company’s 10-Q, filed on May 15, 2001.
= Incorporated by reference to the Company’s 10-Q, filed on November 13, 2001.
- Incorporated by reference to the Company’s 10-K, filed on March 26, 2002.
± Incorporated by reference to the Company’s 8-K, filed on April 11, 2002.
±± Incorporated by reference to the Company’s 10-Q, filed on May 14, 2002.
Incorporated by reference to the Company’s 8-K, filed on June 18, 2002.
^ Incorporated by reference to the Company’s 10-Q, filed on August 12, 2002.
** Incorporated by reference to the Company’s 10-Q, filed on November 12, 2002.
n Incorporated by reference to the Company’s 10-K, filed on March 28, 2003.
Incorporated by reference to the Company’s 10-Q, filed on November 12, 2003.
¿¿ Incorporated by reference to the Company’s 10-K, filed on March 26, 2004.
== Incorporated by reference to the Company’s 10-Q, filed on May 17, 2004.
^^ Incorporated by reference to the Company’s 10-Q, filed on November 15, 2004.
++ Incorporated by reference to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-4 filed on May 13, 2005.
: Incorporated by reference to the Company’s 10-K, filed on March 31, 2006.
•• Incorporated by reference to the Company’s 10-Q, filed on May 16, 2006
¨ Incorporated by reference to the Company’s 8-K, filed on May 14, 2007.
nn Filed herewith.

 

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SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on our behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, on March 26, 2008.

 

AMERICAN TIRE DISTRIBUTORS HOLDINGS, INC.
By:   /s/    RICHARD P. JOHNSON        
Name:    Richard P. Johnson
Title:   Chairman and Chief Executive Officer

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, this report has been signed by the following persons on behalf of the Registrant and in the capacities indicated on March 26, 2008.

 

Signature

  

Title

 

Date

/s/    RICHARD P. JOHNSON        

Richard P. Johnson

  

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

  March 26, 2008

/s/    WILLIAM E. BERRY        

William E. Berry

  

President and Chief Operating Officer

  March 26, 2008

/s/    J. MICHAEL GAITHER        

J. Michael Gaither

  

Executive Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary

  March 26, 2008

/s/    DAVID L. DYCKMAN        

David L. Dyckman

  

Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer (Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)

  March 26, 2008

/s/    DAVID TAYEH        

David Tayeh

  

Director

  March 26, 2008

/s/    DONALD HARDIE        

Donald Hardie

  

Director

  March 26, 2008

/s/    JAMES HARDYMON        

James Hardymon

  

Director

  March 26, 2008

/s/    RANDY PEELER        

Randy Peeler

  

Director

  March 26, 2008

/s/    JOEL BECKMAN        

Joel Beckman

  

Director

  March 26, 2008

/s/    JOSEPH P. DONLAN        

Joseph P. Donlan

  

Director

  March 26, 2008

/s/    JAMES O. EGAN        

James O. Egan

  

Director

  March 26, 2008

 

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