Prepared by Kilpatrick Stockton EDGAR Services

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-K

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

            From the transition period from April 30, 2001 to December 31, 2001

            Commission File No. 0-24298

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

                             Tennessee                           
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)

                 62-1566286               
(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)

         8503 Hilltop Drive, Ooltewah, Tennessee  37363    
(Address of principal executive offices)             (Zip Code)

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

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:  Common Stock, Par Value $0.01 Per Share.

Name of each exchange on which registered:  New York Stock Exchange.

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

            Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the Registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.  Yes þ  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 10K.  ¨

            The aggregate market value of the voting stock held by nonaffiliates of the Registrant as of March 15, 2002 was $19,242,934 based on the closing sale price of the Common Stock as reported by the New York Stock Exchange on such date.  See Item 12.

            At March 15, 2002 there were 9,341,436 shares of Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share, outstanding.

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

            Portions of the Registrant’s definitive Proxy Statement for the 2002 Annual Meeting of Shareholders are incorporated by reference into Part III.


 

TABLE OF CONTENTS
FORM 10-K TRANSITION REPORT

 

PART I

 

ITEM 1.

BUSINESS

 1

ITEM 2.

PROPERTIES

 15

ITEM 3.

LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

15

ITEM 4.

SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS

 16

 

PART II

 

ITEM 5.

 

MARKET FOR THE REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY AND
                 RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS

 17

ITEM 6.

 

SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA

 17

ITEM 7.

 

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL
                CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

 19

ITEM 8.

 

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA

 29

ITEM 9.

 

CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON
                ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE

 29

 

PART III

 

ITEM 10.

 

DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANT

 29

ITEM 11.

 

EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

 29

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ITEM 12.

SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS
                AND MANAGEMENT

29

ITEM 13.

  

CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS

 30

 

PART IV

 

ITEM 14.

 

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

 30

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 F-1

FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULE

S-1

SIGNATURES

  

 

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PART I

ITEM 1.           BUSINESS

GENERAL

            Miller Industries, Inc. (the “Company”) is the world’s leading integrated provider of vehicle towing and recovery equipment and services, with executive offices in Ooltewah, Tennessee and Atlanta, Georgia and manufacturing operations in Tennessee, Pennsylvania, France and England.  The Company’s business is divided into two segments: (i) towing and recovery equipment and (ii) towing services.  The Company markets its towing and recovery equipment under several well-recognized brand names and markets its towing services under the national brand name RoadOne®.

            Since 1990 the Company has developed or acquired several of the most well-recognized brands in the fragmented towing and recovery equipment manufacturing industry.  The Company’s strategy has been to diversify its line of products and increase its market share in the industry through a combination of internal growth and development and acquisitions of complementary businesses.

            As a natural extension of its leading market position and strong brand name recognition in manufacturing, the Company has broadened its strategy to include vertical integration, with the goal of achieving operating efficiencies while becoming a leading worldwide manufacturer and distributor in the towing and recovery equipment industry.  The Company’s owned and independent distributors form a North American distribution network for towing and recovery equipment as well as other specialty truck equipment and components.

            In February 1997, the Company formed its towing services division, RoadOne.  RoadOne offers a broad range of towing and transportation services, including towing, impounding and storing motor vehicles, conducting lien sales and auctions of abandoned vehicles, and transporting new and used vehicles and heavy construction equipment.  During the fourth quarter of fiscal 2000, the Company announced plans to accelerate its efforts to aggressively reduce expenses in the towing services segment at the corporate level, as well as in the field.  Since that time, the Company has disposed of assets and operations in a number of underperforming markets.  The Company continues to investigate all financial alternatives with respect to the overall towing services segment in order to enhance shareholder value.  At March 15, 2002, the Company was operating over 150 facilities serving 40 markets in 23 states, and had relationships with over 2,700 RoadOne affiliates. 

INCLUSION OF FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

            Certain statements in this Annual Report, including but not limited to “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations,” may be deemed to be forward-looking statements, as defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.  Such forward-looking statements are made based on management’s belief as well as assumptions made by, and information currently available to, management pursuant to “safe harbor” provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.  The Company’s actual results may differ materially from the results anticipated in these forward-looking statements due to, among other things, factors set forth below under the heading “Risk Factors,” and in particular, the risks associated with acquisitions, including, without limitation, the costs and difficulties related to the integration of the acquired businesses, and risks associated with the terms of the Company’s substantial indebtedness.  The Company cautions that such factors are not exclusive.  The Company does not undertake to update any forward-looking statement that may be made from time to time by, or on behalf of, the Company.

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            Risk Factors

            Risks Associated with Substantial Indebtedness.  As of February 28, 2002 the Company’s long-term debt (net of current portion) totaled approximately $93.2 million.  As a consequence of its level of indebtedness a substantial portion of the Company’s cash flow from operations must be dedicated to debt service requirements. The terms of the Company’s outstanding indebtedness govern the ability of the Company and its subsidiaries to, among other things, incur additional indebtedness, pay dividends or make certain other restricted payments or investments in certain situations, consummate certain asset sales, enter into certain transactions with affiliates, incur liens, or merge or consolidate with any other person or sell, assign, transfer, lease, convey or otherwise dispose of all or substantially all of their assets. They also require the Company to meet certain financial tests and comply with certain other reporting, affirmative and negative covenants.  The revolving credit facility provides for separate and distinct loan commitment levels for the Company's towing and recovery equipment segment and RoadOne segment, respectively.

          The Company was in violation of certain of the covenants under its credit facilities during the first quarter of 2002.  The Company negotiated certain amendments to the credit facilities that modified certain of the covenants contained therein, waived existing events of default and brought the Company back into compliance as of April 15, 2002.  In connection with the April 2002 amendments, the amounts available for borrowing under the portion of the facility related to the Company’s RoadOne assets will be reduced on approximately a quarterly basis beginning in August 2002, from $36.0 million at April 15, 2002, to $27.0 million at March 31, 2003, and with quarterly reductions of $3.0 million each quarter thereafter through maturity in July 2005.  The reductions in amounts available will require the Company to make mandatory prepayments of outstanding amounts to comply with the reduced availability.  To the extent that cash flow from operations and sales of RoadOne properties are not sufficient to satisfy these repayment obligations, the Company would be in default under its credit facilities.  In addition, the interest rate charged on outstanding amounts under the credit facilities will escalate at generally quarterly intervals from prime plus 2.75% at April 15, 2002, to prime plus 14.00% at April 1, 2005, based on amounts outstanding under the credit facilities.

            The Company may continue to have difficulties in the future complying with these covenants and in such event would have to seek additional waivers from its lenders.  Such waivers typically require payment of substantial additional fees, and there can be no assurance that the lenders will agree to any future waivers or amendments.

            Demand for the Company’s equipment has been negatively impacted by cost pressures facing its customers.  Continuation of these pressures could impact the Company’s ability to service its debt.  The Company’s bank facilities are collateralized by liens on all of the Company’s assets.  The liens give the lenders the right to foreclose on the assets of the Company under certain defined events of default and such foreclosure could allow the lenders to gain control of the operations of the Company.  The Company’s credit facilities include a junior secured facility with an aggregate principal amount outstanding of $14.0 million as of February 28, 2002.  The lenders under the junior secured facility are entitled to receive warrants to purchase shares of the Company’s Common Stock equal to up to 0.5% of the outstanding shares if the facility is not repaid by July 2002, and up to an additional 1.5% of the outstanding shares if the facility is not repaid by July 2003.  Such issuances would be dilutive to the Company’s other shareholders.

            If the Company were to fail to comply with the requirements under the credit facilities, such non-compliance would result in an event of default, which if not waived by the lending groups would result in the acceleration of the amounts due under the credit facility as well as other remedies.  Under these circumstances the Company could be required to find alternative funding sources, such as sale of assets or other financing sources.  If the Company were unable to refinance the credit facility on acceptable terms

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or find an alternative source of repayment for the credit facility, the Company’s business and financial condition would be materially and adversely affected.  There is no assurance that the Company would be  able to obtain any such refinancing or that it would be able to sell assets on terms that are acceptable to the Company or at all.  For more information regarding the impact of the Company’s substantial indebtedness on the Company’s liquidity, see “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Conditions and Results of Operations – Liquidity and Capital Resources,” and Notes 2 and 7 to the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements for the transition period ended December 31, 2001.

            Risks Associated With Acquisitions; Difficulties In Integrating Operations And Achieving Cost Savings.  From 1996 to 1999, the Company pursued an aggressive acquisition strategy that involved the acquisition over 120 additional companies.  As a result, the Company’s success is dependent, in part, upon its ability to successfully integrate and manage such acquired businesses.  Acquisitions involve special risks, including risks associated with unanticipated problems, liabilities and contingencies, diversion of management attention and possible adverse effects on earnings resulting from increased goodwill amortization, increased interest costs, the issuance of additional securities and difficulties related to the integration of the acquired business.  To a certain extent, the Company has experienced each of these special risks in connection with some of its acquisitions, which has led to the selling of assets or closing of terminals in a number of underperforming markets, and continued difficulties in other markets.  There can be no assurance that any acquisitions will not have an adverse effect upon the Company’s operating results, particularly during periods in which the operations of acquired businesses are being integrated into the Company’s operations.

            The success of any business combination is in part dependent on management’s ability following the transaction to integrate operations, systems and procedures and thereby obtain business efficiencies, economies of scale and related cost savings.  The challenges posed to the Company’s management are particularly significant because integrating the acquired companies must be addressed contemporaneously.  The Company has incurred significant expenses in connection with its towing services acquisitions, and has had difficulty realizing cost savings and managing operating costs.  There can be no assurance that future consolidated results will improve as a result of cost savings and efficiencies from any such acquisitions or proposed acquisitions, or as to the timing or extent to which cost savings and efficiencies will be achieved, if at all.

            Risks Of Entering New Lines Of Business.  The Company’s growth strategy includes vertically integrating within the towing and recovery industry through a combination of acquisitions and internal growth.  Implementation of its growth strategy has resulted in the Company’s entry into several new lines of business.  Historically, the Company’s expertise has been in the manufacture of towing and recovery equipment and the Company had no prior operating experience in the lines of business it recently entered.  Commencing during fiscal 1997, the Company entered three new lines of business through the acquisition of towing and recovery equipment distributors and towing service companies, and the establishment of the Company’s Financial Services Group.  The Company’s operation of these businesses is subject to all of the risks inherent in the establishment of a new business enterprise.  Such acquisitions present the additional risk that newly-acquired businesses could be viewed as being in competition with other customers of the Company.  Although the new businesses are closely related to the Company’s towing and recovery equipment manufacturing business, the Company has experienced difficulties and unexpected expenses establishing and operating these new businesses, and may continue to experience such difficulties and expenses.

            Cyclical Nature Of Industry, General Economic Conditions And Weather.  The towing and recovery industry is cyclical in nature and has been affected historically by high interest rates, insurance costs, and economic conditions in general. Accordingly, a downturn in the economy could have a material

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adverse effect on the Company’s operations, as has been the case during the current general economic downturn.  The industry is also influenced by consumer confidence and general credit availability, and by weather conditions, none of which is within the control of the Company.

            Fluctuations In Price And Supply Of Materials And Component Parts.  The Company is dependent upon outside suppliers for its raw material needs and other purchased component parts and, therefore, is subject to price increases and delays in receiving supplies of such materials and component parts.  There can be no assurance that the Company will be able to pass any price increase on to its customers.  Although the Company believes that sources of its materials and component parts will continue to be adequate to meet its requirements and that alternative sources are available, events beyond the Company’s control could have an adverse effect on the cost or availability of such materials and component parts.  Additionally, demand for the Company’s products could be negatively affected by the unavailability of truck chassis, which are manufactured by third parties and are typically purchased separately by the Company’s distributors or by towing operators and are sometimes supplied by the Company.

            Competition.  The towing and recovery equipment manufacturing industry is highly competitive.  Competition for sales exists at both the distributor and towing-operator levels and is based primarily on product quality and innovation, reputation, technology, customer service, product availability and price.  In addition, sales of the Company’s products are affected by the market for used towing and recovery equipment.  Certain of the Company’s competitors may have substantially greater financial and other resources and may provide more attractive dealer and retail customer financing alternatives than the Company.  Historically, the towing service industry has been highly fragmented, with an estimated 30,000 professional towing operators in the United States, therefore the Company’s towing services operations will face continued competition from many operators across the country.  The Company’s presence in the towing service industry presents the risk that it could be viewed as being in competition with other customers of the Company, which can negatively effect sales.  The Company may also face significant competition from large competitors as it enters other new lines of business, including equipment distribution and financial services.

            Dependence On Proprietary Technology.  Historically, the Company has been able to develop or acquire patented and other proprietary product innovations which have allowed it to produce what management believes to be technologically advanced products relative to most of its competition.  Certain of the Company’s patents expire in 2004 at which time the Company may not have a continuing competitive advantage through proprietary products and technology.  In addition, pursuant to the terms of a consent judgment entered into in 2000 with the Antitrust Division of the U.S. Department of Justice, the Company is required to offer non-exclusive royalty-bearing licenses to certain of the Company’s key patents to all tow truck and car carrier manufacturers.  The Company’s historical market position has been a result, in part, of its continuous efforts to develop new products.  The Company’s future success and ability to maintain market share will depend, to an extent, on new product development. 

            Labor Availability and Union Activity.  The timely production of the Company’s wreckers and car carriers requires an adequate supply of skilled labor.  In addition, the operating costs of each manufacturing and towing service facility can be adversely affected by high turnover in skilled positions.  Accordingly, the Company’s ability to increase sales, productivity and net earnings will be limited to a degree by its ability to employ the skilled laborers necessary to meet the Company’s requirements.  There can be no assurance that the Company will be able to maintain an adequate skilled labor force necessary to efficiently operate its facilities.  The United Auto Workers Union filed a representation petition with the National Labor Relations Board for the employees at the Company’s Ooltewah, Tennessee manufacturing plant.  A vote was held on such union representation on April 11, 2002.  There can be

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no assurance that the employees at the Ooltewah manufacturing plant or other Company employees may not choose to become unionized in the future.

            The Company’s Common Stock May be Delisted from The New York Stock Exchange if the Company Does Not Maintain Certain Listing Standards.  To remain listed on the New York Stock Exchange, the average closing price of the Company’s stock must not drop below $1.00 per share for 30 days or more.  The Company’s common stock price was below $1.00 per share for an extended period during 2001 and the common stock was in danger of being delisted.  A one-for-five reverse stock split was effected on October 1, 2001, and the price of the common stock has not been below $2.10 since that time.  If the Company’s common stock were to be delisted from the New York Stock Exchange, an active trading market for its common stock would likely no longer exist, and the ability of shareholders to buy and sell shares of the Company’s common stock would be materially impaired. In addition, the delisting of the Company’s stock could adversely affect the Company’s ability to enter into future equity financing transactions.

            Dependence On Key Management.  The success of the Company is highly dependent on the continued services of the Company’s management team.  The loss of services of one or more key members of the Company’s senior management team could have a material adverse effect on the Company. 

            Automobile And Product Liability Insurance.  The Company is subject to various claims, including automobile and product liability claims arising in the ordinary course of business, and may at times be a party to various legal proceedings incidental to the Company’s business.  The Company maintains reserves and liability insurance coverage at levels based upon commercial norms and the Company’s historical claims experience.  A successful product liability or other claim brought against the Company in excess of its insurance coverage or the inability of the Company to acquire insurance at commercially reasonable rates could have a material adverse effect upon the Company’s business, operating results and financial condition. 

            Increased Insurance and Fuel Costs.  As a result of the events of September 11, 2001 and other general economic factors, the Company has experienced a substantial increase in its insurance costs and has experienced fluctuations in fuel and other transportation costs.  Its customers have also experienced reduced availability of credit for purchasing equipment.  There can be no assurance that these costs will not continue to increase for the Company.  Such increases have had, and may continue to have, a material effect upon the Company’s business and operating results.

            Volatility Of Market Price.  From time to time, there may be significant volatility in the market price for the Common Stock.  Quarterly operating results of the Company, changes in earnings estimated by analysts, changes in general conditions in the Company’s industry or the economy or the financial markets or other developments affecting the Company could cause the market price of the Common Stock to fluctuate substantially.  In addition, in recent years the stock market has experienced significant price and volume fluctuations.  This volatility has had a significant effect on the market prices of securities issued by many companies for reasons unrelated to their operating performance.

            Control By Principal Shareholder.  William G. Miller, the Chairman of the Company, beneficially owns approximately 16% of the outstanding shares of Common Stock.  Accordingly, Mr. Miller has the ability to exert significant influence over the business affairs of the Company, including the ability to influence the election of directors and the result of voting on all matters requiring shareholder approval.

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            Anti-Takeover Provisions Of Charter And Bylaws; Preferred Stock.  The Company’s Charter and Bylaws contain restrictions that may discourage other persons from attempting to acquire control of the Company, including, without limitation, prohibitions on shareholder action by written consent and advance notice requirements respecting amendments to certain provisions of the Company’s Charter and Bylaws. In addition, the Company’s Charter authorizes the issuance of up to 5,000,000 shares of preferred stock. The rights and preferences for any series of preferred stock may be set by the Board of Directors, in its sole discretion and without shareholder approval, and the rights and preferences of any such preferred stock may be superior to those of Common Stock and thus may adversely affect the rights of holders of Common Stock.

TOWING AND RECOVERY EQUIPMENT

            The Company offers a broad range of towing and recovery equipment products that meet most customer design, capacity and cost requirements.  The Company manufactures the bodies of wreckers and car carriers, which are installed on truck chassis manufactured by third parties.  Wreckers generally are used to recover and tow disabled vehicles and other equipment and range in type from the conventional tow truck to large recovery vehicles with rotating hydraulic booms and 70-ton lifting capacities.  Car carriers are specialized flat bed vehicles with hydraulic tilt mechanisms that enable a towing operator to drive or winch a vehicle onto the bed for transport.  Car carriers transport new or disabled vehicles and other equipment and are particularly effective over longer distances.

            The Company’s products are sold primarily through independent distributors that serve all 50 states, Canada and Mexico, and other foreign markets including Europe, the Pacific Rim and the Middle East.  As a result of its ownership of Jige in France and Boniface in the United Kingdom, the Company has substantial distribution capabilities in Europe.  While most of the Company’s distributor agreements do not contain exclusivity provisions, management believes that approximately 65% of the Company’s independent distributors sell the Company’s products on an exclusive basis.  In addition to selling the Company’s products to towing operators, the distributors provide parts and service.  The Company also has independent sales representatives that exclusively market the Company’s products and provide expertise and sales assistance to distributors.  Management believes the strength of the Company’s distribution network and the breadth of its product offerings are two key advantages over its competitors.

            Product Line

            The Company manufactures a broad line of wrecker, car carrier and trailer bodies to meet a full range of customer design, capacity and cost requirements. The products are marketed under the Century, Vulcan, Challenger, Holmes, Champion, Chevron, Eagle, Miller Industries, Jige, and Boniface brand names.

            Wreckers.  Wreckers are generally used to recover and tow disabled vehicles and other equipment and range in type from the conventional tow truck to large recovery vehicles with 70-ton lifting capacities.  Wreckers are available with specialized features, including underlifts, L-arms and scoops, which lift disabled vehicles by the tires or front axle to minimize front end damage to the towed vehicles.  Certain heavy duty wrecker models offer rotating booms, which allow heavy duty wreckers to recover vehicles from any angle, and proprietary remote control devices for operating wreckers.  In addition, certain light duty wreckers are equipped with the patented “Express” automatic wheellift hookup device that allow operators to engage a disabled or unattended vehicle without leaving the cab of the wrecker.

            The Company’s wreckers range in capacity from 8 to 70 tons, and are characterized as light duty and heavy duty, with wreckers of 16-ton or greater capacity being classified as heavy duty.  Light duty wreckers are used to remove vehicles from accident scenes and vehicles illegally parked, abandoned or

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disabled, and for general recovery.  Heavy duty wreckers are used in commercial towing and recovery applications including overturned tractor trailers, buses, motor homes and other vehicles.

            Car Carriers.  Car carriers are specialized flat-bed vehicles with hydraulic tilt mechanisms that enable a towing operator to drive or winch a vehicle onto the bed for transport.  Car carriers are used to transport new or disabled vehicles and other equipment and are particularly effective for transporting vehicles or other equipment over longer distances.  In addition to transporting vehicles, car carriers may also be used for other purposes, including transportation of industrial equipment. In recent years, professional towing operators have added car carriers to their fleets to complement their towing capabilities.

            Multi-Vehicle Transport Trailers.  Multi-vehicle transport trailers are specialized auto transport trailers with upper and lower decks and hydraulic ramps for loading vehicles. The trailers are used for moving multiple vehicles for auto auctions, car dealerships, leasing companies, and other similar applications. The trailers are easy to load with 6 to 7 vehicles, and with the optional cab rack, can haul up to 8 autos.  The vehicles can be secured to the transport quickly with ratchet and chain tie-downs that are mounted throughout the frame of the transport. In recent years, professional towing operators have added auto transport trailers to their fleets to add to their towing capabilities.

            Brand Names

            The Company manufactures and markets its wreckers, car carriers and trailers under ten separate brand names.  Although certain of the brands overlap in terms of features, prices and distributors, each brand has its own distinctive image and customer base.

            Century®.  The Century brand is the Company’s “top-of-the-line’’ brand and represents what management believes to be the broadest product line in the industry.  The Century line was started in 1974 and produces wreckers ranging from the 8-ton light duty to the 70-ton heavy duty models and car carriers in lengths from 17½ to 26 feet.  Management believes that the Century brand has a reputation as the industry’s leading product innovator.

            Vulcan®The Company’s Vulcan product line includes a range of premium light and heavy duty wreckers, car carriers and other towing and recovery equipment.  The Vulcan line is operated autonomously with its own independent distribution network.

            Challenger®The Company’s Challenger products compete with the Century and Vulcan products and constitute a third premium product line.  Challenger products consist of light to heavy duty wreckers with capacities ranging from 8 to 70 tons, and car carriers with lengths ranging from 17½ to 26 feet.  The Challenger line was started in 1975 and is known for high performance heavy duty wreckers and aesthetic design.

            Holmes®.  The Company’s Holmes product line includes mid-priced wreckers with 8 to 16 ton capacities and car carriers in 17½ to 21 foot lengths.  The Holmes wrecker was first produced in 1916. The Holmes name has been the most well-recognized and leading industry brand both domestically and internationally through most of this century.

            Champion®.  The Champion brand, which was introduced in 1991, includes car carriers which range in length from 17½ to 21 feet.  The Champion product line, which is generally lower-priced, allows the Company to offer a full line of car carriers at various competitive price points. In 1993, the Champion line was expanded to include a line of economy tow trucks with integrated boom and underlift.

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            Chevron™.  The Company’s Chevron product line is comprised primarily of premium car carriers.  Chevron produces a range of premium single-car, multi-car and industrial carriers, light duty wreckers and other towing and recovery equipment.  The Chevron line is operated autonomously with its own independent distribution network that focuses on the salvage industry.

            Eagle®.  The Company’s Eagle products consist of light duty wreckers with the “Eagle Claw’’ hook-up system that allows towing operators to engage a disabled or unattended vehicle without leaving the cab of the tow truck.  The “Eagle Claw’’ hook-up system, which was patented in 1984, was originally developed for the repossession market.  Since acquiring Eagle, the Company has upgraded the quality and features of the Eagle product line and expanded its recovery capability.

            Miller Industries™. The Company’s Miller Industries product line is comprised of premium multi-vehicle transport trailers.  Miller Industries trailers, which can transport up to 8 vehicles depending on configuration, are marketed generally under the Titan™ model name.

            JigeThe Company’s Jige product line is comprised of a broad line of light and heavy duty wreckers and car carriers marketed primarily in Europe.  Jige is a market leader best known for its innovative designs of car carriers and light wreckers necessary to operate within the narrow confines of European cities.

            Boniface.  The Company’s Boniface product line is comprised primarily of heavy duty wreckers marketed primarily in Europe.  Boniface produces a wide range of heavy duty wreckers specializing in the long underlift technology required to tow modern European tour buses.

            The Company’s Holmes and Century brand names are associated with four of the major innovations in the industry: the rapid reverse winch, the tow sling, the hydraulic lifting mechanism, and the underlift with parallel linkage and L-arms.  The Company’s engineering staff, in consultation with manufacturing personnel, uses computer-aided design and stress analysis systems to test new product designs and to integrate various product improvements. In addition to offering product innovations, the Company focuses on developing or licensing new technology for its products.

            Manufacturing Process

            The Company manufactures wreckers, car carriers and trailers at six manufacturing facilities located in the United States, France and England.  The manufacturing process for the Company’s products consists primarily of cutting and bending sheet steel or aluminum into parts that are welded together to form the wrecker, car carrier body or trailer.  Components such as hydraulic cylinders, winches, valves and pumps, which are purchased by the Company from third-party suppliers, are then attached to the frame to form the completed wrecker or car carrier body.  The completed body is either installed by the Company or shipped by common carrier to a distributor where it is then installed on a truck chassis.  Generally, the wrecker or car carrier bodies are painted by the Company with a primer coat only, so that towing operators can select customized colors to coordinate with chassis colors or fleet colors.  To the extent final painting is required before delivery, the Company contracts with independent paint shops for such services.

            The Company purchases raw materials and component parts from a number of sources.  Although the Company has no long-term supply contracts, management believes the Company has good relationships with its primary suppliers.  The Company has experienced no significant problems in obtaining adequate supplies of raw materials and component parts to meet the requirements of its production schedules.  Management believes that the materials used in the production of the Company’s products are available at competitive prices from an adequate number of alternative suppliers.

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Accordingly, management does not believe that the loss of a single supplier would have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business.

            Towing and Recovery Equipment Sales and Distribution

            The Company’s distribution group owns nine towing and recovery equipment distributors located in California, Colorado, Florida, Illinois, Indiana and Missouri and in British Columbia and Ontario, Canada.  The owned distributors market the Company’s products as well as other specialty transportation equipment, and the Company intends to expand the number and types of products distributed through its distributors.  The Company does not currently intend to purchase any additional distributors.  The Company-owned distributors generally do not compete in the same geographic markets as the Company’s independent distributors. 

            Management categorizes the towing and recovery market into three general product types: light duty wreckers, heavy duty wreckers and car carriers.  The light duty wrecker market consists primarily of professional wrecker operators, repossession towing services, municipal and federal governmental agencies, and repair shop or salvage company owners.  The heavy duty market is dominated by professional wrecker operators serving the needs of commercial vehicle operators.  The car carrier market, historically dominated by automobile salvage companies, has expanded to include equipment rental companies that offer delivery service and professional towing operators who desire to complement their existing towing capabilities.  Management estimates that there are approximately 30,000 professional towing operators and 80,000 service station, repair shop and salvage operators comprising the overall towing and recovery market.

            The Company’s sales force, which services the Company’s distribution network, consists of sales representatives whose responsibilities include providing administrative and sales support to the entire distributor base.  Sales representatives receive commissions on direct sales based on product type and brand and generally are assigned specific territories in which to promote sales of the Company’s products and to maintain customer relationships.

            The Company has developed a diverse customer base consisting of approximately 175 distributors in North America, who serve all 50 states, Canada and Mexico, and approximately 50 distributors that serve other foreign markets. During the eight months ended December 31, 2001, no single distributor accounted for more than 5% of the Company’s sales.  Management believes the Company’s broad and diverse customer base provides it with the flexibility to adapt to market changes, lessens its dependence on particular distributors and reduces the impact of regional economic factors.

            To support sales and marketing efforts, the Company produces demonstrator models that are used by the Company’s sales representatives and distributors. To increase exposure to its products, the Company also has served as the official recovery team for many automobile racing events, including the Daytona, Talladega, Atlanta and Darlington NASCAR races, the Grand Prix in Miami, the Suzuka in Japan, the IMSA “24 Hours at Daytona,’’ Molson Indy, the Brickyard, and the Indy 500 races, among others.

            The Company routinely responds to requests for proposals or bid invitations in consultation with its local distributors.  The Company’s products have been selected by the United States General Services Administration as an approved source for certain federal and defense agencies.  The Company intends to continue to pursue government contracting opportunities.

            The towing and recovery equipment industry places heavy marketing emphasis on product exhibitions at national and regional trade shows. In order to focus its marketing efforts and to control

9


 

marketing costs, the Company has reduced its participation in regional trade shows and now concentrates its efforts on five of the major trade shows each year.  The Company works with its distributor network to concentrate on various regional shows.

            Product Warranties and Insurance

            The Company offers a 12-month limited manufacturer’s product and service warranty on its wrecker and car carrier products.  The Company’s warranty generally provides for repair or replacement of failed parts or components.  Warranty service is usually performed by the Company or an authorized distributor.  Management believes that the Company maintains adequate general liability and product liability insurance.

            Backlog

            The Company produces virtually all of its products to order.  The Company’s backlog is based upon customer purchase orders that the Company believes are firm.  The level of backlog at any particular time, however, is not an appropriate indicator of the future operating performance of the Company.  Certain purchase orders are subject to cancellation by the customer upon notification.  Given the Company’s production and delivery schedules management believes that the current backlog represents less than three months of production.

            Competition

            The towing and recovery equipment manufacturing industry is highly competitive for sales to distributors and towing operators.  Management believes that competition in the towing and recovery equipment industry is a function of product quality and innovation, reputation, technology, customer service, product availability and price.  The Company competes on the basis of each of these criteria, with an emphasis on product quality and innovation and customer service.  Management also believes that a manufacturer’s relationship with distributors is a key component of success in the industry.  Accordingly, the Company has invested substantial resources and management time in building and maintaining strong relationships with distributors.  Management also believes that the Company’s products are regarded as high quality within their particular price points.  The Company’s marketing strategy is to continue to compete primarily on the basis of quality and reputation rather than solely on the basis of price, and to continue to target the growing group of professional towing operators who as end-users recognize the quality of the Company’s products.

            Traditionally, the capital requirements for entry into the towing and recovery manufacturing industry have been relatively low.  Management believes a manufacturer’s capital resources and access to technological improvements have become a more integral component of success in recent years.  Accordingly, management believes that the Company’s ownership of patents on certain of the industry’s leading technologies has given it a competitive advantage.  Certain of the Company’s competitors may have greater financial and other resources and may provide more attractive dealer and retail customer financing alternatives than the Company.

            Employees

            At December 31, 2001, the Company employed approximately 1,075 people in its towing and recovery equipment manufacturing and distribution operations.  None of the Company’s employees is covered by a collective bargaining agreement, though its employees in France and England have certain similar rights provided by their respective government’s employment regulations.  The United Auto Workers Union filed a representation petition with the National Labor Relations Board for the employees

10


 

at the Company’s Ooltewah, Tennessee plant.  A vote on such representation will take place in April 2002.  The Company considers its employee relations to be good.

TOWING SERVICES - ROADONE

            In February 1997, the Company formed its towing services division, RoadOne, to build a national towing service network.  RoadOne has become a leading towing service company with operations at over 150 locations in 23 states.  RoadOne’s corporate offices are located in Ooltewah, Tennessee.

            During April 2000, the Company announced plans to accelerate its efforts to aggressively reduce expenses in the towing services segment at the corporate level, as well as in the field.  Since that time, the Company has disposed of assets and closed terminals in 15 underperforming markets.  The Company continues to investigate all financial alternatives with respect to the overall towing services segment in order to enhance shareholder value. 

            Services Provided

            Services provided by RoadOne include towing and recovery and specialized transportation services.  RoadOne’s towing and recovery services primarily involve providing road-side assistance to disabled vehicles which allows such vehicles to proceed under their own power, or towing disabled or abandoned vehicles to a location designated by the customer.  RoadOne derives revenue from towing and recovery services based on distance, time or fixed charges and from storage services based on daily fees.  These services are primarily provided to commercial entities, such as fleet operators, automobile dealers, repair shops, automobile leasing companies, and automobile auction companies; public entities such as municipalities, police, sheriff and highway patrol departments, colleges and universities, and toll-road departments; motor clubs; and individual motorists.  RoadOne conducts lien and salvage sales of certain vehicles in conjunction with its towing and recovery services.  RoadOne also provides limited environmental clean-up services in some areas.

           RoadOne’s specialized transportation services primarily involve transporting new and used vehicles, construction equipment and industrial equipment.  RoadOne derives revenue from transport services based on distance, time or fixed charges.  These services are primarily provided to automobile leasing companies, automobile auction companies, automobile dealers, fleet operators, construction companies, and industrial manufacturers.

            Towing, Recovery and Road Services

            Commercial.  RoadOne provides commercial road services to a broad range of commercial customers, including automobile dealers and repair shops.  RoadOne typically charges a flat fee and a mileage premium for these towing services.  Commercial road services also include towing and recovery of heavy-duty trucks, recreational vehicles, buses and other large vehicles, typically for commercial fleet operators.  RoadOne charges an hourly rate based on the towing vehicle used for these specialized services.  RoadOne also provides private impound towing services to commercial customers, such as shopping centers, retailers and hotels, which engage RoadOne to tow vehicles that are parked illegally on their property.

            Municipal.  RoadOne also provides towing and recovery services to public entities such as municipalities and police, sheriff and highway patrol departments.  In a limited number of markets, RoadOne provides municipal freeway towing service to local transit districts and other transportation agencies through patrolling a preset route on heavily-used freeways and towing or otherwise assisting

11


 

disabled vehicles.  These services are in some cases provided under contracts, typically for terms of five years or less, that are terminable for material breach and are typically subject to competitive bidding upon expiration.  In other cases, RoadOne provides these services without a long-term contract.  Whether pursuant to a contract or an ongoing relationship, these services are generally provided by RoadOne for a designated geographic area, or shared with one or more other companies on a rotation basis.

            Motor Club.  RoadOne provides towing and recovery services under contract to national motor clubs for the disabled vehicles of their members.  Roadside assistance is provided and, if necessary, vehicles are towed to repair facilities for a flat fee paid by either the individual motorist or the motor club.

            Consumer Towing and Recovery.  RoadOne provides towing and recovery services to individual motorists for their disabled vehicles.  Roadside assistance is provided and, if necessary, vehicles are towed to repair facilities for a flat fee paid by the individual motorist.

            Lien and Salvage Sales.  In conjunction with providing towing and recovery services, vehicles may be towed to a Company facility where the vehicle is impounded and placed in storage.  Such a vehicle will remain in storage until its owner pays the towing fee, which is typically based on an hourly charge, and any daily storage fees to the Company, as well as any fines due to law enforcement agencies.  If the vehicle is not claimed within a period prescribed by law (typically between 30 and 90 days), RoadOne may complete lien proceedings and sell the vehicle at auction or to a scrap metal facility, depending on the value of the vehicle.

            Specialized Transportation

            Construction Equipment.  RoadOne provides construction equipment transport services to construction companies, contractors, municipalities and equipment leasing companies for mobile cargo such as cranes, bulldozers, forklifts and other heavy construction equipment.  Service fees are based on the vehicle used and the distance traveled.

            Industrial Equipment.  RoadOne provides industrial equipment transport services to manufacturing companies, construction companies, contractors, municipalities and equipment leasing companies for immobile cargo such as engines, industrial generators and heavy construction materials.  Service fees may be based on the vehicle used and the distance traveled or may be determined using an hourly rate based on the towing vehicle used for these specialized services.

            New and Used Automobile.  RoadOne provides automobile transport services to leasing companies, automobile dealers, automobile auction companies, long-distance transporters, brokers and individuals.  Services typically are provided as needed by particular customers and charged according to pre-set rates based on mileage.  RoadOne provides transport services for dealers with used cars coming off lease and who transfer new cars from one region to another based on demand.  The Company also provides local collection and delivery support to long-haul automobile transporters.

            Dispatch Systems

            RoadOne currently dispatches its towing and recovery and specialized transportation services via existing local dispatch systems operated by its individual subsidiaries.  Some of these subsidiaries utilize computerized positioning systems which identify and track vehicle location and status in a localized area.  RoadOne intends to continue to use these existing dispatch systems, while developing and implementing a national computerized dispatch system that will more efficiently support its national, regional and local customers in allocating and utilizing assets on every level.

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            Affiliate Program

            In order to offer a nationwide towing service, the Company has established an affiliate program under which independent professional towers who meet the Company’s criteria provide towing services under the RoadOne name as “affiliates.”  RoadOne affiliated companies offered many of the benefits of owned companies, such as product rebates, lower costs for financing, quantity buying advantages, national marketing strength and driver training.  As of March 15, 2002, the Company had over 2,700 signed agreements with RoadOne affiliates in all 50 states, Puerto Rico and six provinces in Canada.

            Competition

            Historically, the towing service industry has been highly fragmented, with an estimated 30,000 professional towing operators in the United States.  The Company believes that having towing service operations in many locations will foster brand loyalty among towing service customers through an emphasis on consistently high quality and dependable service from multiple locations over a broad geographic area.  The Company expects to market these services to organizations with widely dispersed fleets of vehicles that would benefit from a single source provider.  However, the size of the towing service industry will mean that the Company’s operations will face continued competition from many operators across the country.  These operators could be consolidated by other companies, individuals or entities, or they could enter into affiliate relationships with other companies.  In addition, the Company’s presence in the towing service industry presents the risk that it could be viewed as being in competition with other customers of the Company.

            Employees

            At December 31, 2001, the Company employed approximately 1,954 people at RoadOne.  None of the Company’s RoadOne employees are covered by a collective bargaining agreement.  The Company considers its employee relations to be good.

PATENTS AND TRADEMARKS

            The development of the underlift parallel linkage and L-arms in 1982 is considered one of the most innovative developments in the wrecker industry in the last 25 years.  This technology is significant primarily because it allows the damage-free towing of newer aerodynamic vehicles made of lighter weight materials.  Patents for this technology were granted to an operating subsidiary of the Company in 1987 and 1989.  These patents expire in mid-year 2004.  This technology, particularly the L-arms, is used in a majority of the commercial wreckers today.  Management believes that utilization of such devices without a license is an infringement of the Company’s patents.  The Company has successfully litigated infringement lawsuits in which the validity of the Company’s patents on this technology was upheld, and successfully settled other lawsuits.  The Company also holds a number of other utility and design patents covering other products, the Vulcan “scoop’’ wheel-retainer and the car carrier anti-tilt device.  The Company has also obtained the rights to use and develop certain technologies owned or patented by others.  Pursuant to the terms of a consent judgment entered into in 2000 with the Antitrust Division of the U.S. Department of Justice, the Company is required to offer non-exclusive royalty-bearing licenses to certain of the Company’s key patents to all tow truck and car carrier manufacturers.

            The Company’s trademarks “Century,’’ “Holmes,’’ “Champion,’’ “Challenger,” “Formula I,’’ “Eagle Claw Self-Loading Wheellift,’’ “Pro Star,’’ “Street Runner,’’ “Vulcan,’’ and “RoadOne,’’ among others, are registered with the United States Patent and Trademark Office.  Management believes that the Company’s trademarks are well-recognized by dealers, distributors and end-users in their respective markets and are associated with a high level of quality and value. 

13


 

GOVERNMENT REGULATIONS AND ENVIRONMENTAL MATTERS

            The Company’s operations are subject to federal, state and local laws and regulations relating to the generation, storage, handling, emission, transportation and discharge of materials into the environment.  Management believes that the Company is in substantial compliance with all applicable federal, state and local provisions relating to the protection of the environment.  The costs of complying with environmental protection laws and regulations has not had a material adverse impact on the Company’s financial condition or results of operations in the past and is not expected to have a material adverse impact in the future.

            The Company is also subject to the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Federal Trade Commission Improvement Act which regulates the description of warranties on products.  The description and substance of the Company’s warranties are also subject to a variety of federal and state laws and regulations applicable to the manufacturing of vehicle components.  Management believes that continued compliance with various government regulations will not materially affect the operations of the Company.

            The Financial Services Group is subject to regulation under various federal, state and local laws which limit the interest rates, fees and other charges that may be charged by it or prescribe certain other terms of the financing documents that it enters into with its customers.  Management believes that the additional administrative costs of complying with these regulations will not materially affect the operations of the Company.

EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANT

Name

Age

Position with the Company

     

William G. Miller..........................

55

Chairman of the Board

Jeffrey I. Badgley........................

50

President, Chief Executive Officer and Director

Frank Madonia.............................

53

Executive Vice President, Secretary and General Counsel

J. Vincent Mish............................

51

Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and President of
     Financial Services Group

            William G. Miller has served as Chairman of the Board since April 1994.  In January 2002, Mr. Miller became the Chief Executive Officer of Team Sports Entertainment, Inc., an OTC Bulletin Board company engaged in the business of sports and entertainment marketing and management, as well as Team Sports Entertainment’s subsidiary, Team Racing Auto Circuit.  Mr. Miller served as Chief Executive Officer of the Company from April 1994 to June 1997, as Co-Chief Executive Officer of the Company from June 1997 to November 1997, and as President of the Company from April 1994 to June 1996.  He served as Chairman of Miller Group, Inc., from August 1990 through May 1994, as its President from August 1990 to March 1993, and as its Chief Executive Officer from March 1993 until May 1994.  Prior to 1987, Mr. Miller served in various management positions for Bendix Corporation, Neptune International Corporation, Wheelabrator-Frye Inc. and The Signal Companies, Inc.

            Jeffrey I. Badgley has served as Chief Executive Officer of the Company since November 1997, as President since June 1996, and as a director since January 1996.  Mr. Badgley served as Co-Chief Executive Officer of the Company from June 1997 to November 1997, as Chief Operating Officer of the Company from June 1996 to June 1997 and as Vice-President of the Company from April 1994 to June 1996.  In addition, Mr. Badgley serves as President of Miller Industries Towing Equipment Inc.  Mr. Badgley served as Vice President - Sales of Miller Industries Towing Equipment Inc. from 1988 to 1996.

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Mr. Badgley served as Vice President - Sales and Marketing of Challenger Wrecker Mfg., Inc., from 1982 until joining Miller Industries Towing Equipment Inc.

            Frank Madonia has served as Executive Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary of the Company since September 1998.  From April 1994 to September 1998 Mr. Madonia served as Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary of the Company.  Mr. Madonia served as Secretary and General Counsel to Miller Industries Towing Equipment Inc. since its acquisition by Miller Group in 1990.  From July 1987 through April 1994, Mr. Madonia served as Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary of Flow Measurement.  Prior to 1987, Mr. Madonia served in various legal and management positions for United States Steel Corporation, Neptune International Corporation, Wheelabrator-Frye Inc., The Signal Companies, Inc. and Allied-Signal Inc.  In addition, Mr. Madonia is registered to practice before the United States Patent and Trademark Office.

            J. Vincent Mish is a certified public accountant and has served as Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer of the Company since June 1999, a position he also held from April 1994 through September 1996.  He also has served as President of the Financial Services Group since September 1996 and as a Vice President of the Company since April 1994.  Mr. Mish served as Vice President and Treasurer of  Miller Industries Towing Equipment Inc. since its acquisition by Miller Group in 1990.  From February 1987 through April 1994, Mr. Mish served as Vice President and Treasurer of Flow Measurement.  Mr. Mish worked with Touche Ross & Company (now Deloitte and Touche) for over ten years before serving as Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer of DNE Corporation from 1982 to 1987.  Mr. Mish is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and the Tennessee and Michigan Certified Public Accountant societies.

ITEM 2.          PROPERTIES

            The Company operates four manufacturing facilities in the United States.  The facilities are located in (i) Ooltewah, Tennessee, (ii) Hermitage, Pennsylvania, (iii) Mercer, Pennsylvania, and (iv) Greeneville, Tennessee.  The Ooltewah plant, containing approximately 242,000 square feet, produces light and heavy duty wreckers; the Hermitage plant, containing approximately 95,000 square feet, produces car carriers; the Mercer plant, which was acquired in December 1997, contains approximately 110,000 square feet, produces car carriers and light duty wreckers; and the Greeneville plant, containing approximately 112,000 square feet, primarily produces car carriers and trailers.

            The Company operates two foreign manufacturing facilities located in the Lorraine region of France, which contain, in the aggregate, approximately 180,000 square feet, and one in Norfolk, England, which contains approximately 30,000 square feet.

            Management believes that its existing manufacturing facilities will allow the Company to meet anticipated demand for its products.

            In connection with its towing service companies, the Company has acquired or entered into leases for property at over 150 locations in 23 states.  These facilities are utilized as offices for administrative and dispatch operations, garages for repair and upkeep of towing vehicles, and lots for storage and impounding of towed cars.  RoadOne’s corporate offices are housed in the manufacturing plant in Ooltewah, Tennessee.

ITEM 3.         LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

            The Company is, from time to time, a party to litigation arising in the normal course of its business.  Management believes that the Company maintains adequate insurance coverage and as a result,

15


 

none of these actions, individually or in the aggregate, are expected to have a material adverse effect on the financial position or results of operations of the Company.

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

            No matters were submitted to a vote of security holders of the Registrant during the last three months of the period covered by this Transition Report.

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PART II

ITEM 5.         MARKET FOR REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY AND RELATED
                       STOCKHOLDER MATTERS

            The Registrant’s Common Stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) under the symbol “MLR.”  The following table sets forth the quarterly range of high and low sales prices for the Common Stock for the period from May 1, 1999 through December 31, 2001, adjusted for the one-for-five reverse stock split that was effected October 1, 2001.

 

High

Low

Fiscal Year Ended April 30, 2000

 

 

   First Quarter

$ 29.38

$ 13.75

   Second Quarter

$ 16.25

$ 10.31

   Third Quarter

$ 18.75

$   8.75

   Fourth Quarter

$ 25.63

$ 14.38

     

Fiscal Year Ended April 30, 2001

 

 

   First Quarter

$ 19.38

$   6.25

   Second Quarter

$ 10.00

$   4.38

   Third Quarter

$   8.75

$   2.19

   Fourth Quarter

$   7.50

$   3.50

  

  

  

Eight Months Ended December 31, 2001

  

  

    May 1, 2001 to July 31, 2001

$   5.60

$   3.10

    August 1, 2001 to October 31, 2001

$   7.05

$   2.45

    November 1, 2001 to December 31, 2001

$   3.35

$   2.10

            The approximate number of holders of record and beneficial owners of Common Stock as of March 15, 2002 was 1,856 and 10,000, respectively.

            The Company has never declared cash dividends on the Common Stock.  The Company intends to retain its earnings to finance the expansion of its business and does not anticipate paying cash dividends in the foreseeable future.  Any future determination as to the payment of cash dividends will depend upon such factors as earnings, capital requirements, the Company’s financial condition, restrictions in financing agreements and other factors deemed relevant by the Board of Directors.  The payment of dividends by the Company is restricted by its revolving credit facility.

ITEM 6.         SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA

            The following table sets forth the selected consolidated financial data of the Company, which should be read in conjunction with “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and with the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements and Notes thereto.  The selected consolidated financial data for the years ended April 30, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000 and 2001 have been derived from the consolidated financial statements of the Company audited by Arthur Andersen LLP, independent public accountants and the selected consolidated financial data for the eight months from May 1, 2001 to December 31, 2001 have been derived from the consolidated financial statements of the Company audited by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, independent accountants

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MILLER INDUSTRIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA

 

Eight Months    

Years Ended April 30,

 

Ended          
December 31, 2001


2001    

 


2000    

 


1999    

 


1998    

 


1997    

   

 

(In thousands, except per share data)

Statements of Operations Data:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net sales:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Towing and recovery equipment

$        203,000 

$    313,207 

 

$   374,187 

 

$     342,651 

 

$    282,541 

 

$     255,039 

Towing services

100,953 

182,255 

 

207,942 

 

183,544 

 

114,972 

 

37,417 

 

 

303,953 

495,462 

 

582,129 

 

526,195 

 

397,513 

 

292,456 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Costs and expenses:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Costs of operations:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Towing and recovery equipment

178,251

273,093 

 

322,888 

 

296,669 

 

237,487 

 

211,704 

Towing services

84,102 

149,851 

 

167,098 

 

139,022 

 

81,966 

 

26,921 

 

 

262,353 

422,944 

 

489,986 

 

435,691 

 

319,453 

 

238,625 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

Selling, general and administrative expenses

37,348 

65,392 

 

81,669 

 

75,081 

 

49,410 

 

30,192 

Special charges and other operating expenses,
   net (1)

16,672 

–  

 

82,896 

 

 

 

4,100  

 

 

Interest expense, net

7,324 

16,734 

 

14,029 

 

10,945 

 

3,699  

 

682 

 

Total costs and expenses:

323,697 

505,070 

 

668,580 

 

521,717 

 

376,662 

 

269,499 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income (loss) before income taxes

(19,744)

(9,608)

 

(86,451)

 

4,478 

 

20,851 

 

22,957 

Income tax provision/(benefit) 

1,843 

(3,174)

 

      (13,308)

 

2,272 

 

8,186 

 

8,436 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income (loss)

$       (21,587)

$      (6,434)

 

$  (73,143)

 

$      2,206 

 

$      12,665 

 

$       14,521 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic net income (loss) per common share (2):

$           (2.31)

$        (0.69)

 

$      (7.83)

 

 $        0.24 

 

 $          1.42 

 

$           1.84 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Weighted average common shares outstanding

9,341 

9,341 

 

9,339 

 

9,267 

 

8,912

 

7,913 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Diluted net income (loss) per common share (2):

$           (2.31)

$        (0.69)

 

$     (7.83)

 

$        0.23 

 

$          1.37 

 

$           1.75 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Weighted average common & potential dilutive
   shares outstanding


9,341


9,341 

 


9,339 

 


9,457 

 


9,240 

 


8,291 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Balance Sheet Data (at period end):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Working capital

$         87,601 

$       91,314 

 

$ 103,801 

 

$  121,449 

 

$    104,774 

 

$       61,980 

Total assets

252,963 

281,287 

 

323,694 

 

392,480 

 

329,730 

 

215,297 

Long-term obligations, less current portion

91,562 

99,121 

 

119,319 

 

133,850 

 

95,778 

 

11,282 

Common shareholders’ equity

84,843 

106,533 

 

113,821 

 

187,303 

 

180,236 

 

138,783 

(1)     Special charges and other net operating expenses include asset impairment charges of $16,672 for the eight months ended December 31, 2001, asset impairment  charges of $76,855 and costs for the rationalization of the towing services segment of $6,041 in fiscal 2000, and special charges of $4,100 in fiscal 1998 for the closure of a facility and consolidation of manufacturing operations in the towing and recovery equipment segment.

(2)     Basic and diluted net income per common share and the weighted average number of common and potential dilutive common shares outstanding are computed after giving retroactive effect to the 2-for-1 stock split effected on September 30, 1996, the 3-for-2 stock split effected on December 30, 1996, and the 1-for-5 reverse stock split effected on October 1, 2001.

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

            The following discussion of the results of operations and financial condition of the Company should be read in conjunction with the Consolidated Financial Statements and Notes thereto.

GENERAL

             The consolidated financial statements are prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America, which require the Company to make estimates.  Certain accounting policies are deemed “critical,” as they require management’s highest degree of judgment, estimates and assumptions.  A discussion of critical accounting policies, the judgments and uncertainties affecting their application and the likelihood that materially different amounts would be reported under different conditions or using different assumptions follows:

            Accounts receivable.  The Company extends credit to customers in the normal course of business.  Collections from customers are continuously monitored and an allowance for doubtful accounts is maintained based on historical experience and any specific customer collection issues.  While such bad debt expenses have historically been within expectations and the allowance established, there can be no assurance that the Company will continue to experience the same credit loss rates as in the past. 

            Valuation of long-lived assets and goodwill.  Long-lived assets and goodwill are reviewed for impairment whenever events or circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of these assets may not be fully recoverable.  When a determination has been made that the carrying amount of long-lived assets and goodwill may not be fully recovered, the amount of impairment is measured by comparing an asset’s estimated fair value to its carrying value.  The determination of fair value is based on projected future cash flows discounted at a rate determined by management, or if available independent appraisals or sales price negotiations.  The estimation of fair value includes significant judgment regarding assumptions of revenue, operating costs, interest rates, property and equipment additions; and industry competition and general economic and business conditions among other factors.

            Upon adoption of Financial Accounting Standard No. 142, Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets on January 1, 2002, the Company ceased to amortize goodwill.  In lieu of amortization, the Company is required to perform an initial impairment review of goodwill in 2002 and an annual impairment review thereafter. 

            If there is a material change in the assumptions used in our determination of fair value or if there is a material change in the conditions or circumstances influencing fair value, the Company could be required to recognize a material impairment charge.

            Income taxes.  The Company recognizes deferred tax assets and liabilities based on differences between the financial statement carrying amounts and the tax bases of assets and liabilities.  The Company considers the need to record a valuation allowance to reduce deferred tax assets to the amount that is more likely than not to be realized.  The Company considers tax loss carrybacks, reversal of deferred tax liabilities, tax planning and estimates of future taxable income in assessing the need for a valuation allowance.  The Company established a deferred tax valuation allowance of $7.1 million as of December 31, 2001.  The allowance reflects the Company’s recognition that continuing losses from operations and certain liquidity matters associated with the Company’s credit facility indicate that it is more likely than not that certain future tax benefits will not be realized as a result of future taxable income.

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            Revenues.  Under the Company’s accounting policies, sales are recorded when equipment is shipped to independent distributors or other customers.  While the Company manufactures only the bodies of wreckers, which are installed on truck chassis manufactured by third parties, the Company sometimes purchases the truck chassis for resale to its customers.  Sales of Company-purchased truck chassis are included in net sales.  Margins are substantially lower on completed recovery vehicles containing Company-purchased chassis because the markup over the cost of the chassis is nominal.  Revenue from Company owned distributors is recorded at the time equipment is shipped to customers or services are rendered.  The towing services division recognizes revenue at the time services are performed.  For more information concerning the Company’s accounting policies, see Note 2 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

            Seasonality.  The Company’s net sales have historically been lower in the three month period ended July 31st when compared to prior quarters due in part to decisions by purchasers of light duty wreckers to defer wrecker purchases near the end of the chassis model year.  The Company’s net sales have historically been relatively stronger in the three month period ended April 30th due in part to sales made at the largest towing and recovery equipment trade show. 

            Change in Fiscal Year.  On September 25, 2001, the Company announced that its Board of Directors had approved a change in the Company’s fiscal year, from April 30 to December 31, effective December 31, 2001.  The change to a December 31 fiscal year will enable the Company to report results on a conventional calendar basis beginning in 2002.  As a result of the change in fiscal year, the Company has filed a transition report for the eight-month period ended December 31, 2001, and the comparative data below compares the financial results for that period against the results for the fiscal year ended April 30, 2001.  The periods are not directly comparable, in that they relate to periods of materially different lengths, and also that the transition period does not include results from the three months ended April 30, a fiscal quarter in which the Company’s sales have traditionally been seasonally higher than other quarters.

 

 

 

 

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RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

            The following table sets forth, for the periods indicated, the components of the consolidated statements of operations expressed as a percentage of net sales.

 

 

Years Ended April 30,

 

Eight Months Ended


 

December 31, 2001

2001

 

2000

 

1999

   

 
  

Towing and Recovery Equipment Segment

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net Sales

100.0%

100.0%

 

100.0%

 

100.0%

Costs and expenses:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Costs of operations

  87.9%

87.2%

 

86.4%

 

86.6%

Selling, general and administrative

    9.0%

9.3%

 

8.9%

 

9.1%

Special charges and other operating expenses,
    net

    1.6%

0.0%

 

2.1%

 

0.0%

Interest expense, net

    1.9%

3.0%

 

2.0%

 

1.5%

    

Total costs and expenses

100.4%

99.5%

 

99.4%

 

97.2%

    

Income before income taxes

     (0.4%)

0.5%

 

0.6%

 

2.8%

    

Towing Services Segment

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net sales

100.0%

100.0%

 

100.0%

 

100.0%

Costs and expenses:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Costs of operations

  83.3%

82.3%

 

80.4%

 

75.7%

Selling, general and administrative

  18.8%

19.9%

 

23.3%

 

24.1%

Special charges and other operating expenses,
   net

  13.3%

0.0%

 

36.1%

 

 0.0%

Interest expense, net

    3.4%

4.1%

 

3.0%

 

3.0%

    

Total costs and expenses

118.8%

106.3%

 

142.8%

 

102.8%

    

Income (loss) before income taxes

  (18.8%)

(6.3%)

 

(42.8%)

 

(2.8%)

    

               Eight Months Ended December 31, 2001 Compared to Year Ended April 30, 2001

            Net sales for the eight months ended December 31, 2001 were $304.0 compared to $495.5 for the twelve months ended April 30, 2001.  Net sales at December 31, 2001 include only eight months activity, accounting for a substantial portion of the decrease.  Net sales in the towing and recovery equipment segment were $203.0 for the eight month period ended December 31, 2001 compared to $313.2 for the twelve months ended April 30, 2001.  The Company has experienced generally stable order rates for towing and recovery equipment in the face of continued challenging business conditions.  Demand for the Company’s towing and recovery equipment continues to be negatively impacted by cost pressures facing its customers.  For the eight months ended December 31, 2001, net sales in the towing services segment were $ 101.0 compared to $182.3 for the fiscal year ended April 30, 2001.  Revenues in the towing services segment were negatively impacted during the eight months ended December 31, 2001 due to unseasonably mild temperatures, the impact on the overall transportation industry following the events of September 11th, and the sale of several towing services markets as part of the Company’s continued efforts to eliminate underperforming terminals.

            Cost of operations for the Company as a percentage of net sales increased to 86.3% for the eight months ended December 31, 2001 compared to 85.4% for the year ended April 30, 2001.  In the towing and recovery equipment segment, cost of operations increased slightly from 87.2% to 87.9% as a percentage of net sales primarily due to declines in overall sales volume as discussed above.  Cost of operations in the towing services segment increased as a percentage of net sales to 83.3% for the eight

  

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months ended December 31, 2001 from 82.3% for the year ended April 30, 2001 primarily due to declines in revenue of certain underperforming markets.  

           Selling, general, and administrative expenses decreased 0.9% as a percentage of net sales from 13.2% for the year ended April 30, 2001 to 12.3% for the eight months ended December 31, 2001.  In the towing and recovery equipment segment, selling, general, and administrative expenses as a percentage of net sales were 9.0% for the eight months ended December 31, 2001 and 9.3% for the year ended April 30, 2001.  In the towing services segment, selling, general, and administrative expenses decreased as a percentage of net sales from April 30, 2001 to December 31, 2001 from 19.9% to 18.8%.  The Company-wide decrease in selling, general, as a percentage of sales, is a result of the Company’s continued focus on cost reduction efforts implemented in prior fiscal years.

            The Company periodically reviews the carrying value of goodwill and long-lived assets in both the towing services and towing and recovery equipment businesses to determine if those assets may be recoverable based upon the future operating cash flows expected to be generated by those assets.  During the eight months ended December 31, 2001, the Company continued to evaluate its strategic alternatives for its towing services segment, including the disposal of operations in certain markets, as well as certain other long-lived assets.  This evaluation indicated that projected cash flows from certain towing services markets were not sufficient to fully recover the carrying value of its goodwill and other long-lived assets.  Accordingly, the Company recorded non-cash impairment charges of $13.4 million in its towing services segment. Based on similar evaluations of future operating cash flows, the Company recorded additional non-cash impairment charges of $3.2 million in the towing and recovery equipment segment.

            Interest expense for the eight months ended December 31, 2001 and the year ended April 30, 2001 was $7.3 million and $16.7 million, respectively.  During the eight months ended December 31, 2001, the Company incurred lower interest expense as a result of refinancing its line of credit at more favorable rates in July 2001, a decrease in debt levels and four months less interest expense in the transition period. 

            Income taxes are accounted for on a consolidated basis and are not allocated by segment.  The effective rate of the provision for income taxes was 9.3% for the eight months ended December 31, 2001 and (33.0%) for the fiscal year ended April 30, 2001.  The increase  in the effective rate is due to a deferred tax valuation allowance of $7.1 million that was recorded as of December 31, 2001.  The allowance reflects the Company’s recognition that continuing losses from operations and certain liquidity matters associated with the Company's credit facility indicate that is more likely than not that certain future tax benefits will not be realized as a result of future taxable income.

            The towing services segment reported an operating loss for the eight months ended December 31, 2001 of $2.2 million, before impairment and other special charges and an operating loss of $3.9 million for the fiscal year ended April 30, 2001.  The losses were due primarily to the results of operations in underperforming markets.  The Company continued its efforts to reduce expenses in this segment with the disposition of two markets during the eight months ended December 31, 2001 and 11 markets during the year ended April 30, 2001.  Subsequent to December 31, 2001, the Company sold assets in two additional underperforming markets.  The Company continues to investigate financial alternatives with respect to the overall towing services segment to enhance shareholder value.

            Year Ended April 30, 2001 Compared to Year Ended April 30, 2000

            Net sales for the year ended April 30, 2001 decreased 14.9% to $495.5 million from $582.1 million for the comparable period in 2000.  Net sales in the towing and recovery equipment segment decreased 16.3% to $313.2 million from $374.2 million for the comparable period in 2000 as demand for

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the Company’s towing and recovery equipment continued to be negatively impacted by the cost pressures facing its customers.  Net sales in the towing services segment decreased 12.4% to $182.3 million from $207.9 million for the comparable period in 2000 due primarily to the disposition of 11 underperforming markets during fiscal 2001, as well as declines in revenues of certain other underperforming markets.

            Costs of operations for the Company as a percentage of net sales increased to 85.4% for the year ended April 30, 2001 compared to 84.2% for the comparable prior year.  In the towing and recovery equipment segment, costs of operations as a percentage of sales increased from 86.4% to 87.2%.  The increase as a percentage of net sales was primarily the result of declines in sales volume as discussed above.  In the towing services segment, costs of operations as a percentage of net sales increased to 82.3% for the year ended April 30, 2001 from 80.4% for the comparable prior period.  The increase as a percentage of net sales is due to declines in revenue coupled with increased labor and fuel cost.  The increase was offset partially by a reduction in insurance costs due to favorable claims and a return of premium. 

            Selling, general, and administrative costs decreased 19.9% to $65.4 million from $81.7 million for the comparable period of fiscal 2000.  In the towing and recovery equipment segment, selling, general, and administrative expenses for fiscal 2001 decreased 12.9% to $29.0 million from $33.3 million in fiscal 2000.  As a percentage of sales these costs increased slightly from 8.9% in fiscal 2000 to 9.3% in fiscal 2001.  In the towing services segment, selling, general, and administrative expenses for the year ended April 30, 2001 decreased 24.9% to $36.3 million from $48.4 million.  As a percentage of sales these costs decreased from 23.3% in 2000 to 19.9% in 2001.  The decrease as a percentage of sales is primarily the result of company-wide cost reduction efforts implemented in late fiscal 2000 and the first quarter of fiscal 2001.

            During the second quarter of fiscal 2000, the Company recorded special charges of $6.0 million for the further rationalization of its towing services operations.  These charges include the cost of early termination of certain employment contracts and facility leases, as well as losses on the disposal of certain excess equipment and other property-related charges.

            The Company periodically reviews the carrying amount of the long-lived assets and goodwill in both its towing services and towing and recovery equipment businesses to determine if those assets may be recoverable based upon the future operating cash flows expected to be generated by those assets.  As a result of such review during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2000, the Company concluded that projected cash flows from certain Company towing services markets and certain equipment distributors were not fully recoverable.  Accordingly, the Company recorded non-cash impairment charges of $69.1 million and $7.7 million in its towing services and towing and recovery equipment segments, respectively.

            Net interest expense increased $2.7 million to $16.7 from $14.0 million for fiscal 2000 primarily due to higher interest rates on the Company’s line of credit facility.

            Income taxes are accounted for on a consolidated basis and are not allocated by segment.  The effective rate of the provision for income taxes was (33.0%) for fiscal 2001 and (15.4)% for fiscal 2000.  The difference is due primarily to the impact of lower earnings and impairment charges related to non-deductible goodwill.

            The towing services segment reported an operating loss for the fiscal year of $3.9 million compared to a loss of $7.6 million, before impairment and other special charges, the previous fiscal year.  The loss was due to the results of operations in underperforming markets prior to their disposition.  During fiscal 2001 the Company continued its efforts to reduce expenses in this segment.  As part of these efforts, the Company disposed of 11 markets during fiscal 2001. 

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            Year Ended April 30, 2000 Compared to Year Ended April 30, 1999

            Net sales for the year ended April 30, 2000 increased 10.6% to $582.1 million from $526.2 for the comparable period in 1999.  Net sales in the towing and recovery equipment segment increased 9.2% to $374.2 million from $342.7 million for the comparable period in 1999.  The increase in net sales was primarily the result of higher unit sales of chassis and wreckers.  Sales of new products, including multi-car carriers and slide axle trailers, also contributed to the increase in sales for this segment.  Net sales in the towing services segment increased 13.3% to $207.9 million from $183.5 million for the comparable period in 1999.  The increase in net sales was primarily the result of (i) the inclusion of a full year of sales of towing services companies acquired in fiscal 1999, and (ii) the inclusion since the acquisition dates in fiscal 2000 of sales from towing services companies acquired via purchase transactions.

            Costs of operations for the Company as a percentage of net sales increased to 84.2% for the year ended April 30, 2000 compared to 82.8% for the comparable prior year.  In the towing and recovery equipment segment, costs of operations as a percentage of net sales decreased slightly from 86.6% to 86.4%.  In the towing services segment, costs of operations as a percentage of net sales increased to 80.4% for the year ended April 30, 2000 from 75.7% for the comparable prior period.  Increases were due to increased labor costs of the towing operations along with associated benefits costs, and increased fuel and other vehicle costs. 

            Selling, general, and administrative costs increased 8.8% to $81.7 million from $75.1 million for the comparable period of fiscal 1999.  In the towing and recovery equipment segment, selling, general, and administrative expenses for fiscal 2000 increased 7.4% to $33.3 million from $31.0 million in fiscal 1999 primarily due to higher sales volume.  As a percentage of net sales these costs decreased slightly from 9.1% in fiscal 1999 to 8.9% in fiscal 2000.  In the towing services segment, selling, general, and administrative expenses for the year ended April 30, 2000 increased 9.8% to $48.4 million from $44.1 million due to an increased revenue base.  As a percentage of net sales these costs decreased from 24.1% in 1999 to 23.3% in 2000.  The decrease as a percentage of net sales is primarily the result of cost reduction efforts on a segment-wide basis.

            During the second quarter of fiscal 2000, the Company recorded special charges of $6.0 million for the further rationalization of its towing services operations.  These charges include the cost of early termination of certain employment contracts and facility leases, as well as losses on the disposal of certain excess equipment and other property-related charges.

            The Company periodically reviews the carrying amount of the long-lived assets and goodwill in both its towing services and towing and recovery equipment segments to determine if the carrying value of such assets may be recoverable based upon the future operating cash flows expected to be generated by those assets. In the fourth quarter of fiscal 2000, the Company began a review of strategic alternatives for its towing services operations including the possible disposal of its operations in certain markets.  In connection with this review, the Company performed an evaluation of the carrying value of its long-lived assets, including goodwill.  This evaluation indicated that projected undiscounted cash flows in certain of the Company’s towing services markets and certain towing and recovery equipment were not sufficient to fully recover the carrying value of its goodwill and certain other long-lived assets related to such operations.  Accordingly, the Company recorded non-cash impairment charges of $69.1 million and $7.7 million in its towing services and towing and recovery equipment segments, respectively.

            Net interest expense increased $3.1 million to $14.0 from $10.9 million for fiscal 1999 primarily due to higher interest rates on the Company’s line of credit facility.

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            Income taxes are accounted for on a consolidated basis and are not allocated by segment.  The effective rate of the provision for income taxes was (15.4)% for fiscal 2000 and 50.7% for fiscal 1999.  The difference is due primarily to the impact of lower earnings and impairment charges related to non-deductible goodwill.

            The towing services segment reported an operating loss before impairment and other special charges of $7.6 million for the fiscal year, compared with operating income of $0.4 million in the prior fiscal year.  This loss was primarily due to continued poor performance in a portion of this segment’s markets, as well as an increase in certain costs of operating, most significantly fuel expenses.  The Company accelerated its efforts to aggressively reduce expenses in its towing services segment at the corporate level, as well as in the field. 

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

            The Company’s primary capital requirements are for working capital, debt service, and capital expenditures.  Since 1996, the Company has financed its operations and growth from internally generated funds and debt financing.

            Cash provided by operating activities was $9.8 million for the eight months ended December 31, 2001 compared to $21.9 million for the year ended April 30, 2001, $8.5 million for the year ended April 30, 2000 and $3.5 million for the year ended April 30, 1999.  The cash provided by operating activities for the eight months ended December 31, 2001 reflects decreases in inventory, receivables and cash generated from operating activities, offset somewhat by decreases in accounts payable which resulted principally from reductions in purchasing levels.

            Cash used in investing activities was $0.2 million for the eight months ended December 31, 2001 compared to $8.3 million provided by investing activities for the year ended April 30, 2001, $7.6 million used in investing activities for the year ended April 30, 2000 and $32.0 million used in investing activities for the year ended April 30, 1999.  The cash was used primarily to purchase equipment in the towing services segment and was offset by proceeds from sales of equipment and businesses.

            Cash used in financing activities was $6.3 million for the eight months ended December 31, 2001 compared to $29.1 million for the year ended April 30, 2001, $4.0 million for the year ended April 30, 2000 and $30.6 million provided by financing activities for the year ended April 30, 1999.  The cash was used primarily to reduce borrowings under the Company’s credit facilities and other outstanding long-term debt and capital lease obligations.

            In July 2001, the Company entered into a new four year senior secured credit facility (the “Credit Facility”) with a syndicate of lenders to replace the existing credit facility.  As a part of this agreement, the previous credit facility was reduced with proceeds from the Credit Facility and amended to provide for a $14.0 million subordinated secured facility.  The Credit Facility originally consisted of an aggregate $102.0 million revolving credit facility and an $8.0 million term loan.  Availability under the revolving Credit Facility is based on a formula of eligible accounts receivable, inventory and fleet vehicles as separately calculated for the towing and recovery equipment segment and the RoadOne segment, respectively.  Borrowings under the term loan are collateralized by the Company’s property, plant, and equipment.  The Company is required to make monthly amortization payments on the term loan of $167,000.  The Credit Facility bears interest at the option of the Company at either the rate of LIBOR plus 2.75% or prime rate (as defined) plus 0.75% on the revolving portion and LIBOR plus 3.00% or prime rate (as defined) plus 1.00% on the term portion.

            The Credit Facility matures in July, 2005 and is collateralized by substantially all the assets of the Company.  The Credit Facility contains requirements related to maintaining minimum excess availability 

25


 

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

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

            The Junior Credit Facility contains requirements for the maintenance of certain financial covenants and imposes restrictions on capital expenditures, incurrence of indebtedness, mergers and acquisitions, distributions and transfers and sales of assets.

            On July 25, 2001, the Company borrowed $85.0 million under the new senior credit facility ($77.0 million under the revolving credit facility and $8.0 million under the term loan) and $14.0 million under the subordinated secured facility.  The proceeds of these borrowings were used to repay amounts outstanding under the existing facility in its entirety.

            On February 28, 2002 the Company entered into a Forbearance Agreement and First Amendment to Credit Agreement with the lenders under the Credit Facility, as amended by that certain Amendment to Forbearance Agreement dated as of March 18, 2002 and that certain Second Amendment to the Forbearance Agreement dated as of March 29, 2002 (as so amended, the “Forbearance Agreement”).  As a result of a revised asset appraisal conducted by the senior lenders, the senior lenders determined that the amounts outstanding under the Credit Facility should be lowered below the amount then outstanding under the Credit Facility, causing the Company to be over-advanced on its line of credit which resulted in the occurrence of an event of default under the Credit Facility and a corresponding event of default under the Junior Credit Facility.  The Forbearance Agreement and subsequent amendments waived the Company’s overadvance under the Credit Facility and amended the terms of the credit agreement to, among other things, (i) permanently reduce the commitment levels to $42.0 million for the towing and recovery equipment segment and $36.0 million for the RoadOne segment portion of the revolving credit facility and $6,611,000 for the term loan facility, (ii) eliminate the Company’s ability to borrow funds at a LIBOR rate of interest, and (iii) increase the interest rate to a floating rate of interest equal to the prime rate plus 2.75%.

            On April 15, 2002 the Company amended the Credit Facility, pursuant to which, among other things: (i) the senior lenders waived the overadvance event of default and other events of default, (ii) interest on advances will be charged at the prime rate (as defined) plus 2.75% on the revolving portion and the term portion, subject to substantial upward adjustments in the interest rate on and after certain specified dates based on the amounts outstanding under the revolving loan commitment relating to RoadOne (escalating at generally quarterly intervals from prime plus 4.50% as of October 1, 2002 to prime plus 14.00% as of April 1, 2005) and (iii) the revolving loan commitment amount relating to

26


 

RoadOne is subject to mandatory reductions over time commencing August 12, 2002, which reductions will require a mandatory repayment of portions of outstanding loans at specified dates and the failure to timely make such repayments shall result in an event of default under the bank credit agreements.  The RoadOne revolving commitment amount, which was set at $36.0 million through the April 15, 2002 amendment is scheduled to be reduced as follows:  August 12, 2002 – to $34.0 million; October 2, 2002 – to $30.0 million; March 31, 2003 – to $27.0 million; thereafter – quarterly reductions of $3.0 million through June 30, 2005.  On April 15, 2002 the Company also amended the Junior Credit Facility, pursuant to which, among other things, (i) the junior lenders waived the events of default, and (ii) extended the time for payment of certain scheduled amortization payments.  On April 15, 2002, the junior lender agent, the senior lender agent and the Company entered into an Amended and Restated  Intercreditor and Subordination Agreement, pursuant to which, among other things, subject to certain terms and conditions, the junior lenders have agreed to defer the required payment of amortization payments under the Junior Credit Facility until November 20, 2002, April 5, 2003 and May 20, 2003. 

            The Company may continue to have difficulties in the future making the mandatory repayments and/or complying with such covenants, and in such event would have to seek additional waivers from its lenders.  Such waivers typically require payment of substantial additional fees, and there can be no assurance that the lenders will agree to any future waivers or amendments.  The Company’s bank facilities are collateralized by liens on all of the Company’s assets.  The liens give the lenders the right to foreclose on the assets of the Company under certain defined events of default and such foreclosure could allow the lenders to gain control of the operations of the Company.

            The Company believes that it will be able to make the mandatory repayments and maintain compliance with the financial covenants established by the April 2002 credit facility amendment, which should allow the Company to maintain sufficient liquidity in 2002 to fund operations.  Failure to achieve the Company’s revenue and income projections could result in failure to comply with the debt service requirements.  Such non-compliance would result in an event of default, which if not waived by the lending groups would result in the acceleration of the amounts due under the credit facility as well as other remedies.  Under these circumstances the Company could be required to find alternative funding sources, such as sale of assets or other financing sources.  If the Company were unable to refinance the credit facility on acceptable terms or find an alternative source of repayment for the credit facility, the Company’s business and financial condition would be materially and adversely affected.  There is no assurance that the Company would be able to obtain any such refinancing or that it would be able to sell assets on terms that are acceptable to the Company or at all.

           Financial Instruments

            SFAS No. 133, “Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities”, as amended, is effective for fiscal years beginning after June 15, 2000.  SFAS No. 133 establishes accounting and reporting standards requiring that every derivative instrument (including certain derivative instruments embedded in other contracts) be recorded in the balance sheet as either an asset or liability measured at its fair value.  SFAS No. 133 requires that changes in the derivative’s fair value be recognized currently in earnings unless specific hedge accounting criteria are met.  Special accounting for qualifying hedges allows a derivative’s gains and losses to offset related results on the hedged item in the income statement, and requires that a company must formally document, designate, and assess the effectiveness of transactions that receive hedge accounting. 

            In October 2001, the Company obtained interest rate swaps as required by terms in its Credit Facility to hedge exposure to market fluctuations.  The interest rate swaps cover $40.0 million in notional amounts of variable rate debt and with fixed rates ranging from 2.535% to 3.920%.  The swaps expire annually from October 2002 to October 2004.  The hedges were deemed to be fully effective resulting in

27


 

a pretax loss of $12,000 recorded in Other Comprehensive Loss at December 31, 2001.  Upon expiration of these hedges, the amount recorded in Other Comprehensive Loss will be reclassified into earnings as interest.  Subsequent to year end, the borrowing base was converted from LIBOR to prime, which rendered the swap ineffective as a  hedge.  Accordingly, concurrent with the conversion the Company prematurely terminated the swap in February 2002 at a cost of $341,000.  The resulting loss will be recorded in Other Comprehensive Loss in February 2002 and reclassified to earnings as interest expense over the term of the Credit Facility.

            At December 31, 2001, the Company had no other derivative instruments or hedging transactions.

            Recent Accounting Pronouncements

            In September 2000, the Emerging Issues Task Force (“EITF”) of the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) reached a final consensus on Issue No. 00-10, “Accounting for Shipping and Handling Fees and Costs”.  EITF 00-10 was effective for the fiscal year ended April 30, 2001 and addresses the income statement classification of amounts charged to customers for shipping and handling, as well as costs incurred related to shipping and handling.  The Company classifies shipping and handling costs billed to the customer as revenues and costs incurred related to shipping and handling as cost of sales, which is in accordance with the consensus in EITF 00-10.

            In June 2001, the FASB issued SFAS No. 141, “Business Combinations” and SFAS No. 142 “Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets” (collectively the “Standards”).  The Standards will be effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2001.  Companies with fiscal years beginning after March 15, 2001 may early adopt, but only as of the beginning of that fiscal year and only if all existing goodwill is evaluated for impairment by the end of that fiscal year.  SFAS No. 141 will require companies to recognize acquired identifiable intangible assets separately from goodwill if control over the future economic benefits of the asset results from contractual or other legal rights or the intangible asset is capable of being separated or divided and sold, transferred, licensed, rented, or exchanged.  The Standards will require the value of a separately identifiable intangible asset meeting any of the criteria to be measured at its fair value.  SFAS No. 142 will require that goodwill not be amortized and that amounts recorded as goodwill be tested for impairment.  Upon adoption of SFAS No. 142, goodwill will be reduced if it is found to be impaired.  Annual impairment tests will have to be performed at the lowest level of an entity that is a business and that can be distinguished, physically and operationally and for internal reporting purposes, from the other activities, operations, and assets of the entity.  Based on the current levels of goodwill, the adoption of the Standards in calendar year 2002 would decrease annual amortization expense by approximately $1.0 million through the elimination of goodwill amortization.  However, the Company has not yet determined the impact of the new goodwill impairment standards.

            In addition, in October 2001, the FASB issued SFAS No. 144, “Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets.” SFAS No. 144 addresses (i) the recognition and measurement of the impairment of long-lived assets to be held and used and (ii) the measurement of long-lived assets to be disposed of by sale.  SFAS No. 144 differs from SFAS No. 121 by clarifying impairment testing and excluding goodwill.  In addition, SFAS No. 144 supersedes the accounting and reporting provisions of APB No. 30, “Reporting the Results of Operations – Reporting the Effects of Disposal of a Segment of a Business, and Extraordinary, Unusual and Infrequently Occurring Events and Transactions,” for segments of a business to be disposed of.  However, SFAS No. 144 retains APB No. 30’s requirement that entities report discontinued operations separately from continuing operations and extends that reporting requirement to "a component of an entity" that either has been disposed of (by sale, abandonment, or in a distribution to owners) or is classified as "held for sale".  SFAS No. 144 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2001.  The Company is currently assessing the impact of the adoption of SFAS No. 144.

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ITEM 8.          FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA

            The response to this item is included in Part IV, Item 14 of this Report.

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

               The Company engaged PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP as its principal accountants and dismissed its former principal accountants, Arthur Andersen LLP, effective November 30, 2001.  The decision to change accountants was approved by the Audit Committee of the Company on November 30, 2001.  Neither of the reports of the former principal accountants on the financial statements of the Company for the past two fiscal years contained an adverse opinion or disclaimer of opinion, nor was either qualified or modified as to uncertainty, audit scope, or accounting principle.  

                 In connection with its audits for the two most recent fiscal years of the Company and the subsequent interim period through November 30, 2001, there were no disagreements with the former accountants on any matter of accounting principles or practices, financial statement disclosure, or auditing scope or procedure, which disagreements, if not resolved to the satisfaction of the former accountants, would have caused them to make reference to the subject matter of the disagreements in their reports for such fiscal years.

            During the Company’s two most recent fiscal years and the subsequent interim period through November 30, 2001, the Company did not consult PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP regarding any matter requiring disclosure under Regulation S-K, Item 304(a)(2). 

PART III

ITEM 10.        DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANT

            The information contained under the headings “PROPOSAL 1:  ELECTION OF DIRECTORS” and “COMPLIANCE WITH SECTION 16(A) OF THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934” in the definitive Proxy Statement used in connection with the solicitation of proxies for the Registrant’s Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be filed with the Commission, is hereby incorporated herein by reference.  Pursuant to Instruction 3 to Paragraph (b) of Item 401 of Regulation S-K, information relating to the executive officers of the Registrant is included in Item 1 of this Report.

ITEM 11.        EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

            The information contained under the heading “EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION” in the definitive Proxy Statement used in connection with the solicitation of proxies for the Registrant’s Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be filed with the Commission, is hereby incorporated herein by reference.  Pursuant to Instruction 3 to Paragraph (b) of Item 401 of Regulation S-K, information relating to the executive officers of the Registrant is included in Item 1 of this Report.

ITEM 12.        SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT

            The information contained under the heading “SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT” in the definitive Proxy Statement used in connection

29


 

with the solicitation of proxies for the Registrant’s Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be filed with the Commission, is hereby incorporated herein by reference.

            For purposes of determining the aggregate market value of the Registrant’s voting stock held by nonaffiliates, shares held by all current directors and executive officers of the Registrant have been excluded.  The exclusion of such shares is not intended to, and shall not, constitute a determination as to which persons or entities may be “affiliates” of the Registrant as defined by the Securities and Exchange Commission.

ITEM 13.        CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS

            None. 

PART IV

ITEM 14.        EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K

            (a)        The following documents are filed as part of this Report:

1.         Financial Statements


Description

Page Number in
Report

 

 

Reports of Independent Accountants

F-2

Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2001, April 30, 2001 and 2000

F-4

Consolidated Statements of Operations for the eight months ended December 31, 2001
     and the years ended April 30, 2001, 2000, and 1999


F-5

Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ Equity for the eight months ended
     December 31, 2001 and the years ended April 30, 2001, 2000, and 1999

 
F-6

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the eight months ended December 31, 2001
     and the years ended April 30, 2001, 2000, and 1999

 
F-7

2.         Financial Statement Schedules

            The following Financial Statement Schedule for the Registrant is filed as part of this Report and should be read in conjunction with the Consolidated Financial Statements:


Description

Page Number in Report

 

 

Reports of Independent Public Accountants

S-1

Schedule II - Valuation and Qualifying Accounts

S-3

All schedules, except those set forth above, have been omitted since the information required is included in the financial statements or notes or have been omitted as not applicable or not required.

30


 

3.         Exhibits

            The following exhibits are required to be filed with this Report by Item 601 of Regulation S-K:

 

Description

Incorporated by Reference to Registration File Number

Form or Report

Date of Report

Exhibit Number in Report


           

3.1

Charter, as amended of the Registrant*

  

  

 

 

3.2

Bylaws of the Registrant

33-79430

S-1

August 1994

3.2

10.1

Settlement Letter dated April 27, 1994 between Miller Group, Inc. and the Management Group

33-79430

S-1

August 1994

10.7

10.5

Participants Agreement dated as of April 30, 1994 between the Registrant, Century Holdings, Inc., Century Wrecker Corporation, William G. Miller and certain former shareholders of Miller Group, Inc.

33-79430

S-1

August 1994

10.11

10.20

Technology Transfer Agreement dated March 21, 1991 between Miller Group, Inc., Verducci, Inc. and Jack Verducci

33-79430

S-1

August 1994

10.26

10.21

Form of Noncompetition Agreement between the Registrant and certain officers of the Registrant

33-79430

S-1

August 1994

10.28

10.22

Form of Nonexclusive Distributor Agreement

33-79430

S-1

August 1994

10.31

10.23

Miller Industries, Inc. Stock Option and Incentive Plan**

33-79430

S-1

August 1994

10.1

10.24

Form of Incentive Stock Option Agreement**

33-79430

S-1

August 1994

10.2

10.25

Miller Industries, Inc. Cash Bonus Plan**

33-79430

S-1

August 1994

10.3

10.26

Miller Industries, Inc. Non-Employee Director Stock Option Plan**

33-79430

S-1

August 1994

10.4

10.27

Form of Director Stock Option Agreement**

33-79430

S-1

August 1994

10.5

31


 

 

Description

Incorporated by Reference to Registration File Number

Form or Report

Date of Report

Exhibit Number in Report


10.28

Employment Agreement dated October 14, 1993 between Century Wrecker Corporation and Jeffrey I. Badgley**

33-79430

S-1

August 1994

10.29

10.29

First Amendment to Employment Agreement between Century Wrecker Corporation and Jeffrey I. Badgley**

33-79430

S-1

August 1994

10.33

10.30

Form of Employment Agreement between Registrant and each of Messrs. Madonia and Mish**

Form 10-K

April 30, 1995

10.37

10.31

First Amendment to Miller Industries, Inc. Non-Employee Director Stock Option Plan**

Form 10-K

April 30, 1995

10.38

10.32

Second Amendment to Miller Industries, Inc. Non-Employee Director Stock Option Plan**

Form 10-K

April 30, 1996

10.39

10.33

Second Amendment to Miller Industries, Inc. Stock Option and Incentive Plan**

Form 10-K

April 30, 1996

10.40

10.34

Employment Agreement dated July 8, 1997 between the Registrant and William G. Miller**

Form 10-Q/A

July 31, 1997

10

10.35

Guaranty Agreement Among NationsBank of Tennessee, N.A. and certain subsidiaries of Registrant dated January 30, 1998

Form 10-K

April 30, 1998

10.37

10.36

Stock Pledge Agreement Between NationsBank of Tennessee, N.A. and the Registrant dated January 30, 1998.

Form 10-K

April 30, 1998

10.38

10.37

Stock Pledge Agreement Between NationsBank of Tennessee, N.A. and the certain subsidiaries of the Registrant dated January 30, 1998.

Form 10-K

April 30, 1998

10.39

32


 

 

Description

Incorporated by Reference to Registration File Number

Form or Report

Date of Report

Exhibit Number in Report


           

10.40

Form of Indemnification Agreement dated June 8, 1998 by and between the Registrant and each of William G. Miller, Jeffrey I. Badgley, A. Russell Chandler, Paul E. Drack, Frank Madonia, J. Vincent Mish, Richard H. Roberts, and Daniel N. Sebastian**

Form 10-Q

September 14, 1998

10

10.41

Employment Agreement between the Registrant and Jeffrey I. Badgley, dated September 11, 1998**

Form 10-Q

December 15, 1998

10.1

10.42

Employment Agreement between the Registrant and Frank Madonia, dated September 11, 1998**

Form 10-Q

December 15, 1998

10.3

10.50

Agreement between the Registrant and Jeffrey I. Badgley, dated September 11, 1998**

Form 10-Q

December 15, 1998

10.4

10.51

Agreement between the Registrant and Frank Madonia, dated September 11, 1998**

Form 10-Q

December 15, 1998

10.6

10.60

Credit Agreement among Bank of America, N.A., The CIT Group/Business Credit, Inc. and Registrant and its subsidiaries dated July 23, 2001

Form 10-K

April 30, 2001

10.6

10.61

Security Agreement among the Registrant and its subsidiaries, The CIT Group/Business Credit, Inc. and Bank of America, N.A. dated July 23, 2001

Form 10-K

April 30, 2001

10.61

10.62

Stock Pledge Agreement between Registrant and The CIT Group/Business Credit, Inc. dated July 23, 2001

Form 10-K

April 30, 2001

10.62

33


 

 

Description

Incorporated by Reference to Registration File Number

Form or Report

Date of Report

Exhibit Number in Report


           

10.70

Amended and Restated Credit Agreement among the Registrant, its subsidiary and Bank of America, N.A. dated July 23, 2001

Form 10-K

April 30, 2001

10.7

10.71

Promissory Note among Registrant, its subsidiary and SunTrust Bank dated July 23, 2001

Form 10-K

April 30, 2001

10.71

10.72

Promissory Note among Registrant, its subsidiary and AmSouth Bank dated July 23, 2001

Form 10-K

April 30, 2001

10.72

10.73

Promissory Note among Registrant, its subsidiary and Wachovia Bank, N.A. dated July 23, 2001

Form 10-K

April 30, 2001

10.73

10.74

Promissory Note among Registrant, its subsidiary and Bank of America, N.A. dated July 23, 2001

Form 10-K

April 30, 2001

10.74

10.75

Warrant Agreement dated July 23, 2001

Form 10-K

April 30, 2001

10.75

10.80

Forbearance Agreement and First Amendment to the Credit Agreement by and among the Company and its subsidiaries and The CIT Group/Business Credit, Inc. and Bank of America, N.A. dated February 28, 2002*

 

 

 

 

10.81 Second Amendment to the Credit Agreement by and among the Company and its subsidiaries and The CIT Group/Business Credit, Inc. and Bank of America, N.A. dated February 28, 2002*
10.82 First Amendment to the Amended and Restated Credit Agreement among the Registrant, its subsidiary and Bank of America, N.A. dated July 23, 2001*

 

34


 

 

Description

Incorporated by Reference to Registration File Number

Form or Report

Date of Report

Exhibit Number in Report


10.83 Amended and Restated Intercreditor and Subordination Agreement by and among The CIT Group/Business Credit, Inc. and Bank of America, N.A.*

21

Subsidiaries of the Registrant*

 

 

 

 

23.1

Consent of Arthur Andersen LLP*

 

 

 

 

23.2

Consent of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP*

 

 

 

 

24

Power of Attorney (see signature page)*

 

 

 

 

 

*       Filed herewith.
**     Management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement.

            (b)        Reports on Form 8-K.  The Registrant filed a report on Form 8-K on December 6, 2001 under Item 4.  The Registrant filed an amended report on Form 8-K on December 14, 2001 under Item 7.

            (c)        The Registrant hereby files as exhibits to this Report the exhibits set forth in Item 14(a)3 hereof.

            (d)        The Registrant hereby files as financial statement schedules to this Report the financial statement schedules set forth in Item 14(a)2 hereof.

 

35


 

INDEX TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

Reports of Independent Accountants

F-2

 

 

Consolidated Balance Sheets December 31, 2001,
April 30, 2001, And 2000

F-4

 

 

Consolidated Statements of Operations
For the Eight Months Ended December 31, 2001,
And Years Ended April 30, 2001, 2000, And 1999

F-5

 

 

Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ Equity
For the Eight Months Ended December 31, 2001,
And Years Ended April 30, 2001, 2000, And 1999

F-6

 

 

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
For the Eight Months Ended December 31, 2001 and
the Years Ended April 30, 2001, 2000, And 1999

F-7

 

 

Notes To Consolidated Financial Statements December 31, 2001,
April 30, 2001 and 2000

F-8

 

 

Reports of Independent Public Accountants
As To Schedule II - Valuation And Qualifying Accounts

S-1

 

 

Schedule II - Valuation And Qualifying Accounts

S-3

 

F-1


 

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS

 

  

To the Shareholders and the Board of Directors of Miller Industries, Inc.:

In our opinion, the accompanying consolidated balance sheet and the related consolidated statements of operations, shareholders’ equity, and of cash flows present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Miller Industries, Inc. and its subsidiaries at December 31, 2001, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for the eight months ended December 31, 2001,in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.  These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management; our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits.  We conducted our audit of these statements in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted in the United States of America, which 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 audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.

As more fully described in Notes 2 and 7, subsequent to December 31, 2001 the Company was over-advanced on its line of credit, and accordingly in default under its credit facility agreement.  On April 15, 2002, the Company received waivers from the lenders for the defaults and amended its credit facility agreements.  Among other changes, the amended agreements require substantial upward adjustments of interest rates under certain conditions.  The amendments also reduce certain borrowing limits from $36.0 million to $34.0 million as of August 12, 2002 and to $30.0 million as of October 12, 2002.  Commencing on March 31, 2003, the borrowing limits will be further reduced by $3.0 million on a quarterly basis, with such reductions continuing until the limit reaches zero on June 30, 2005.

/s/ PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP

Atlanta, Georgia
March 22, 2002, except for Notes 2 and 7 as to which the date is April 15, 2002

 

F-2


 

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS

 

 

To Miller Industries, Inc.:

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Miller Industries, Inc. (a Tennessee corporation) AND Subsidiaries as of April 30, 2001 and 2000, and the related consolidated statements of operations, shareholders’ equity, and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended April 30, 2001.  These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management.  Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits.

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

In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Miller Industries, Inc. and subsidiaries as of April 30, 2001 and 2000, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended April 30, 2001 in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States.

 

 

ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP

/s/ ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP

Chattanooga, Tennessee
July 25, 2001

 

F-3


 

MILLER INDUSTRIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES


CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

DECEMBER 31, 2001, APRIL 30, 2001 AND 2000

(In thousands, except share data)

 

 December 31,
 2001

April 30,
2001

April 30,
2000

ASSETS 


  

 

 

 

CURRENT ASSETS:

 

 

 

Cash and temporary investments

$    9,863

$   6,627

$   5,990

Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful
     accounts of $3,023, $2,853 and $6,509 at December 31,
     2001, April 30, 2001, and 2000 respectively

 66,555

75,104

90,437

Inventories, net

60,114

67,835

83,604

Deferred income taxes

12,421

5,371

5,879

Prepaid expenses and other

12,178

12,010

8,445

 


Total current assets

161,131

166,947

194,355

 

 

 

 

PROPERTY, PLANT, AND EQUIPMENT, net

53,122

58,564

70,284

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

GOODWILL, net

33,435

46,736

49,530

 

 

 

 

PATENTS, TRADEMARKS, AND OTHER PURCHASED
     PRODUCT RIGHTS
, net

1,101

 834

1,009

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

OTHER ASSETS

4,174

8,206

8,516

 


 

$252,963

$281,287

$323,694

 


 

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (CONTINUED)

December 31,
2001

April 30,
2001

April 30,
2000

LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY 


 

 

 

 

CURRENT LIABILITIES:

 

 

 

Current portion of long-term obligations

$     12,405

$ 7,213

$    15,949

Accounts payable

36,366

43,064

46,177

Accrued liabilities and other

24,759

25,356

28,428

 


Total current liabilities

73,530

75,633

90,554

 


LONG-TERM OBLIGATIONS, less current portion

91,562

99,121

119,319

 


DEFERRED INCOME TAXES

   3,028

0

0

 


COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (Notes  7, 8  and 10)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY:

 

 

 

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

0

0

0

Common stock, $.01 par value; 100,000,000 shares
       authorized, 9,341,436, 9,341,753  and 9,341,427
       shares issued and outstanding at December 31,
       2001, and April 30, 2001 and 2000, respectively

93

93

93

Additional paid-in capital

145,088

145,088

145,081

Accumulated deficit

(58,096)

(36,509)

(30,075)

Accumulated other comprehensive loss

(2,242)

(2,139)

(1,278)

 


Total shareholders’ equity

84,843

106,533

113,821

 


 

$252,963

$281,287 

$323,694

 


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


F-4


 

MILLER INDUSTRIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES


CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

FOR THE EIGHT MONTHS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2001 AND

YEARS ENDED APRIL 30, 2001, 2000,  AND 1999

(In thousands, except per share data)

 

 

December 31,
2001

April 30,
2001

April 30,
2000

April 30,
1999





 

 

 

 

 

NET SALES:

 

 

 

 

     Towing and Recovery Equipment

$203,000 

$   313,207 

$     374,187 

$  342,651 

     Towing Services

100,953 

     182,255 

       207,942 

   183,544 





 

303,953 

     495,462 

       582,129 

   526,195 





 

 

 

 

 

COSTS AND EXPENSES:

 

 

 

 

     Costs of operations:

 

 

 

 

     Towing and Recovery Equipment

178,251 

     273,093 

       322,888 

  296,669 

     Towing Services

84,102 

     149,851 

       167,098 

   139,022 





 

262,353 

     422,944 

       489,986 

   435,691 

     Selling, general and administrative

37,348 

       65,392 

         81,669 

    75,081 

     Special charges and other operating expenses, net

16,672 

                0 

         82,896 

     Interest expense, net

7,324 

       16,734 

         14,029 

10,945 





          Total costs and expenses

323,697 

     505,070 

       668,580 

521,717 





 

 

 

 

 

(LOSS) INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES

(19,744)

       (9,608)

       (86,451)

4,478 

 

 

 

 

 

INCOME TAX PROVISION (BENEFIT) 

1,843 

       (3,174)

(13,308)

2,272 





NET (LOSS) INCOME

$(21,587)

$     (6,434)

$ (73,143)

$  2,206 





 

 

 

 

 

NET (LOSS) INCOME  PER COMMON SHARE:

 

 

 

 

         Basic

$    (2.31)

$      (0.69)

$      (7.83)

$    0.24 





 

 

 

 

 

         Diluted

$   (2.31)

$      (0.69)

$      (7.83)

$    0.23 





 

 

 

 

WEIGHTED AVERAGE SHARES OUTSTANDING:

 

 

 

 

         Basic

9,341 

         9,341 

9,339 

9,267 





 

 

 

 

 

         Diluted

9,341 

         9,341 

9,339 

9,457 





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

F-5


 

MILLER INDUSTRIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES


CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

FOR THE EIGHT MONTHS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2001 AND YEARS ENDED APRIL 30, 2001, 2000, AND 1999
(In thousands, except share data)

 

Common
Stock

Additional
Paid-In
Capital

 Retained
Earnings
(Accumulated
Deficit)

Accumulated
Other Comprehensive
Loss

Total

  




  

 BALANCE, April 30, 1998

$           92     

$       139,847     

$          40,862     

$         (565)    

$   180,236 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Comprehensive income:

 

 

 

 

 

Net income

0     

0     

2,206     

0     

2,206 

Other comprehensive loss, net of tax:

 

 

 

 

 

     Foreign currency translation adjustments

0     

0     

0     

(274)    

(274)

 




Comprehensive income

0     

0     

2,206     

(274)    

1,932 

Exercise of stock options

0     

94     

0     

0     

94 

Issuance of  248,433 common shares in acquisitions

2     

7,378     

0     

0     

7,380 

Repurchase of 100,000 common shares

(1)    

(2,338)    

0     

0     

(2,339)

  




BALANCE, April 30, 1999

93     

144,981     

43,068     

(839)    

187,303 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Comprehensive loss:

 

 

 

 

 

Net loss

0     

0     

(73,143)    

0     

(73,143)

Other comprehensive loss, net of tax:

 

 

 

 

 

     Foreign currency translation adjustments

0     

0     

0     

(439)    

(439)

  




Comprehensive loss

0     

0     

(73,143)    

(439)    

(73,582)

Exercise of stock options

0     

100     

0     

0     

100 

  




BALANCE, April 30, 2000

93     

           145,081     

           (30,075)    

               (1,278)    

113,821 

  

 

 

 

 

 

Comprehensive loss:

 

 

 

 

 

Net loss

0     

0     

(6,434)    

0     

(6,434)

Other comprehensive loss, net of tax:

 

 

 

 

 

     Foreign currency translation adjustments

0     

0     

0     

(861)    

(861)






Comprehensive loss

0     

0     

(6,434)    

(861)    

(7,295)

Exercise of stock options

0     

7     

0     

0     

 




BALANCE, April 30, 2001

         93     

           145,088     

(36,509)    

          (2,139)    

      106,533 

Net loss

0     

0     

 (21,587)    

0     

(21,587)

Other comprehensive loss, net of tax:

   

 

 

 

 

     Foreign currency translation adjustments

0     

0     

0     

(91)    

(91)

     Unrealized loss on financial instruments

0     

0     

0     

(12)    

(12)

 




Comprehensive loss

0     

0     

(21,587)    

(103)    

(21,690)

 




BALANCE, December  31, 2001

$         93     

$       145,088     

 $         (58,096)    

$         (2,242)    

$      84,843 

 




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

F-6


 

MILLER INDUSTRIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES


CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

FOR THE EIGHT MONTHS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2001 AND YEARS ENDED APRIL 30, 2001, 2000, AND 1999

(In thousands)

 

 

December 31,
2001      

April 30, 2001   

April 30, 2000   

April 30, 1999   

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

OPERATING ACTIVITIES:

 

 

 

 

Net (loss) income

$(21,587) 

$ (6,434)

$ (73,143)

$ 2,206 

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

 

 

 

Depreciation and amortization

8,483 

13,556 

17,793 

15,500 

Provision for doubtful accounts

1,262 

3,845 

4,956 

2,123 

Special charges and other operating expenses, net

16,672 

76,855 

(Gain) Loss on disposals of property, plant, and equipment

105 

(543)

(713)

(837)

Gain on disposal of other long-term assets

(357)

Deferred income tax (benefit) provision

1,135 

(1,202)

(12,730)

5,054 

Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of acquired
     businesses:

 

 

 

 

Accounts receivable

3,271 

10,867 

(15,697)

(12,304)

Inventories

7,547 

15,032 

(6,378)

(6,209)

Prepaid expenses and other

1,462 

(3,678)

3,580 

(9,706)

Other assets

139 

(1,997)

(59)

Accounts payable

(7,736)

(3,647)

2,184 

12,554 

Accrued liabilities and other

(947)

(3,571)

11,872 

(4,906)

 



 Net cash provided by operating activities

9,806 

21,871 

8,520 

3,475 

 



INVESTING ACTIVITIES:

 

 

 

 

Acquisition of businesses, net of cash acquired

(2,413)

(19,867)

 Purchases of property, plant, and equipment

(2,828)

(3,622)

(8,612)

(18,998)

Proceeds from sale of property, plant, and equipment

1,408 

3,161 

3,328 

6,606 

Proceeds from sale of other long-term assets

3,371 

Proceeds from sale of towing markets

1,077 

5,186 

Payments received on notes receivable

178 

314 

86 

272 

Other

(129)

 



Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities

(165)

8,281 

(7,611)

(31,987)

 



FINANCING ACTIVITIES:

 

 

 

 

Net borrowings under senior credit facility

86,298 

Borrowings under subordinated credit facility

14,000 

Net (payments) borrowings under former credit facility

             (100,000)

(26,000)

1,000 

40,000 

Payments on long-term obligations

(3,210)

(3,168)

(5,194)

(7,579)

Borrowings under long-term obligations

43 

405 

Additions to deferred financing costs 

(3,348)

Repurchase of common stock

(2,339)

Proceeds from exercise of stock options

                     0 

100 

94 

 



Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities

(6,260)

(29,161)

(4,051)

30,581 

 



EFFECT OF EXCHANGE RATE CHANGES ON CASH AND TEMPORARY INVESTMENTS

 (145)

 (354)

 (199)

 (105)

 

 

 

 

 

NET CHANGE IN CASH AND TEMPORARY INVESTMENTS

               3,236 

637 

(3,341)

1,964 

CASH AND TEMPORARY INVESTMENTS, beginning of period

           6,627 

5,990 

9,331 

7,367 

 



CASH AND TEMPORARY INVESTMENTS, end of period

          $  9,863 

$  6,627 

$   5,990 

$   9,331 

 



 

 

 

 

 

SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION:

 

 

 

 

Cash payments for interest, net of amounts capitalized

$  5,693 

$ 13,981

$ 13,254 

$ 10,433 

 



 

 

 

 

 

Cash payments for income taxes

$     383 

$     690 

$   2,094 

$   5,011 

 



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

F-7


 

MILLER INDUSTRIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

DECEMBER 31, 2001

  1.     ORGANIZATION AND NATURE OF OPERATIONS

Miller Industries, Inc. and subsidiaries ("the Company") is an integrated provider of vehicle towing and recovery equipment, systems and services.  The principal markets for the towing and recovery equipment are independent distributors and users of towing and recovery equipment located primarily throughout the United States, Canada, Europe, Asia, and the Middle East.  The Company’s products are marketed under the brand names of Century, Challenger, Holmes, Champion, Eagle, Jige, Boniface, Vulcan, and Chevron. 

The Company markets its towing and recovery services in the United States through its wholly-owned subsidiary RoadOne, Inc.

2.       LIQUIDITY

The towing and recovery equipment manufacturing and towing services industries are highly competitive.  Certain competitors may have substantially greater financial and other resources than the Company.  These industries are also subject to a number of external influences, such as general economic conditions, interest rate levels, consumer confidence, and general credit availability.  Demand for the Company’s equipment has been negatively impacted by cost pressures facing its customers.  Continuation of these pressures could impact the Company’s ability to service its debt. 

At December 31, 2001, the Company had shareholders’ equity of $84,843,000, which included an accumulated deficit of $58,096,000, and had incurred net losses of $21,587,000, $6,434,000 and $73,143,000 during the eight months ended December 31, 2001 and the two years ended April 30, 2001 and 2000, respectively.

The Company was in an over-advance position under its credit facility during the first quarter of 2002.  The Company negotiated certain amendments to the credit facility that waived the defaults and brought the Company back into compliance as of April 15, 2002, but the Company may continue to have difficulties in the future complying with such covenants, and in such event would have to seek additional waivers from its lenders.  Such waivers typically require payment of substantial additional fees, and there can be no assurance that the lenders will agree to any future waivers or amendments.  The Company’s bank facilities are collateralized by liens on all of the Company’s assets.  The liens give the lenders the right to foreclose on the assets of the Company under certain defined events of default and such foreclosure could allow the lenders to gain control of the operations of the Company. 

As more fully disclosed in Note 7, the April 15, 2002 amendments will substantially increase future interest rates at certain dates if amounts outstanding under the RoadOne portion of the revolving credit facility exceed defined thresholds.  The amendments also reduce the maximum RoadOne revolver amount from $36.0 million to $34.0 million as of August 12, 2002 and to $30.0 million as of October 12, 2002.  Commencing March 31, 2003, the borrowing limits will be further reduced by $3.0 million on a quarterly basis, with such reductions continuing until the limit reaches zero on June 30, 2005.

F-8


 

While management believes that the Company will be able to meet its debt service requirements during 2002, failure to achieve the Company’s cash flow projections could result in failure to comply with the amended debt service requirements.  Such non-compliance would result in an event of default, which if not waived by the lending groups would result in the acceleration of the amounts due under the credit facility as well as other remedies.

Further, the Company’s compliance with the quarterly reductions in the RoadOne revolver borrowing limits will most likely depend upon its ability to sell RoadOne assets at acceptable terms.  To the extent that the required reductions in the outstanding balance under the RoadOne revolver are not met through operating cash flows or sales of RoadOne assets, the Company would seek to refinance the remaining balances.  If the Company were unable to refinance the credit facility on acceptable terms or find an alternative source of repayment for the credit facility, the Company’s business and financial condition would be materially and adversely affected.  There is no assurance that the Company would be able to obtain any such refinancing or that it would be able to sell assets on terms that are acceptable to the Company or at all.

To improve liquidity and profitably, the Company has focused on cost reduction and expense control, as well as other opportunities for improving operating cash flows. The Company has also disposed of certain underperforming RoadOne assets and operations in order to improve liquidity and to reduce expenses and debt. The Company plans to continue these efforts. The Company also continues to investigate financial alternatives with respect to the overall towing services segment.

3.       SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Use of Estimates in the Preparation of Financial Statements

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure 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.

Consolidation

The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Miller Industries, Inc. and its subsidiaries.  All significant intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated.

Cash and Temporary Investments

Cash and temporary investments include all cash and cash equivalent investments with original maturities of three months or less, primarily consisting of overnight repurchase agreements.

Fair Value of Financial Instruments

The carrying values of cash and temporary investments, accounts receivable, accounts payable, and accrued liabilities are reasonable estimates of their fair values because of the short maturity of these financial instruments.  The carrying values of long-term obligations are reasonable estimates of their fair values based on the rates available for obligations with similar terms and maturities.

F-9


 

Inventories

Inventory costs include materials, labor, and factory overhead.  Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market, determined on a first-in, first-out basis.  Inventories at December 31, 2001, April 30, 2001 and 2000 consisted of the following (in thousands):

 

December 31,
2001

April 30,
2001

April 30,
2000

  




Chassis

  $  8,157     

$  8,650     

$15,757     

Raw materials

12,187     

14,133     

16,226     

Work in process

9,614     

10,544     

14,487     

Finished goods

30,156     

34,508     

37,134     

  




 

  $60,114     

$67,835     

$83,604     

  




Property, Plant, and Equipment

Property, plant, and equipment are recorded at cost.  Depreciation for financial reporting purposes is provided using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets.  Accelerated depreciation methods are used for income tax reporting purposes.  Estimated useful lives range from 20 to 30 years for buildings and improvements and 5 to 10 years for machinery and equipment, furniture and fixtures, and software costs.  Expenditures for routine maintenance and repairs are charged to expense as incurred.  Expenditures related to major overhauls and refurbishments of towing services equipment that extend the related useful lives are capitalized.  Internal labor is used in certain capital projects.

Property, plant, and equipment at December 31, 2001, April 30, 2001 and 2000 consisted of the following (in thousands):

 

December 31,
2001

April 30,
2001

April 30,
2000

 


 

 

 

 

Land

$      3,858      

$      4,052 

$    4,311 

Buildings and improvements

19,672      

22,444 

22,656 

Machinery and equipment

58,633      

58,256 

75,320 

Furniture and fixtures

9,336      

9,724 

10,224 

Software costs

5,041      

4,707 

4,368 

Construction in progress

0      

 

591 

 


 

96,540      

99,183 

117,470 

Less accumulated depreciation

(43,418)     

(40,619)

(47,186)

 


 

$    53,122      

$    58,564 

$  70,284 

 


The Company recognized $6,026,000,  $9,684,000, $13,898,000, and $12,565,000 in depreciation expense for the eight months ended December 31, 2001 and the fiscal years ended April 30, 2001, 2000 and 1999, respectively.

F-10


 

The Company capitalizes costs related to software development in accordance with established criteria, and amortizes those costs to expense on a straight-line basis over five years.  System development costs not meeting proper criteria for capitalization are expensed as incurred.

Net Income (Loss) Per Share

Basic net income (loss) per share is computed by dividing net income (loss) by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding.  Diluted net income (loss) per share is calculated by dividing net income (loss) by the weighted average number of common and potential dilutive common shares outstanding.  Diluted net income per share takes into consideration the assumed exercise of outstanding stock options resulting in approximately 190,000 potential dilutive common shares for the fiscal year ended April 30, 1999.  Diluted net income per share for the eight months ended December 31, 2001 and the fiscal years ended April 30, 2001 and 2000 does not reflect the assumed exercise of the stock options as the effect would be anti-dilutive. 

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

Goodwill and Long-Lived Assets

Goodwill is being amortized on a straight-line basis over periods ranging from 20 to 40 years.  The Company periodically evaluates goodwill and long-lived assets for impairment in accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No. 121, “Accounting for the Impairment of Long-Lived Assets and Long-Lived Assets to be Disposed Of” and APB Opinion No. 17, “Intangible Assets”.  SFAS No. 121 requires the carrying value of long-lived assets and certain intangibles be reviewed for impairment when events or circumstances exist that indicate the carrying amount of the related assets may not be recoverable. 

Patents, Trademarks, and Other Purchased Product Rights

The cost of acquired patents, trademarks, and other purchased product rights is capitalized and amortized using the straight-line method over various periods not exceeding 20 years.  Total accumulated amortization of these assets at December 31, 2001, April 30, 2001 and 2000 was $1,080,000, $961,000 and $788,000, respectively.  Amortization expense for the eight months ended December 31, 2001 and the fiscal years ended April 30, 2001, 2000 and 1999 was $119,000, $173,000, $134,000, and $152,000, respectively.

Deferred Financing Costs

Deferred financing costs are included in other assets and are amortized over the terms of the respective obligations.  Total accumulated amortization of deferred financing costs at December 31, 2001, April 30, 2001 and 2000 was $349,000, $2,968,000 and $841,000 respectively.  Amortization expense for the eight months ended December 31, 2001 and the fiscal years ended April 30, 2001, 2000 and 1999 was $1,272,000, $2,127,000, $961,000, and $287,000 respectively, and is included in interest expense in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations.

F-11


 

Accrued Liabilities and Other

Accrued liabilities and other consisted of the following at December 31, 2001 and April 30, 2001 and 2000 (in thousands):

 

December 31,
2001

April 30,
2001

April 30,
2000

 




Accrued wages, commissions,
   bonuses, and benefits

 $10,713     

 $12,665     

 $13,013     

Accrued income taxes

676     

635     

182     

Accrued special charges

1,089     

2,023     

4,459     

Accrued insurance

3,712     

3,469     

902     

Other

8,569     

6,564     

9,872     

 




 

$24,759     

$25,356     

$28,428     

 




Stock-Based Compensation

The Company accounts for its stock-based compensation plans under Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 25, “Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees”.  The Company has adopted the disclosure option of SFAS No. 123, “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation”.  Accordingly, no compensation cost has been recognized for stock option grants since the options have exercise prices equal to the market value of the common stock at the date of grant.

Product Warranty

The Company provides a one-year limited product and service warranty on certain of its products.  The Company provides for the estimated cost of this warranty at the time of sale.  Warranty expense for the eight months ended December 31, 2001 and the fiscal years ended April 30, 2001, 2000 and 1999 was $1,271,000, $2,126,000, $2,079,000, and $1,719,000, respectively.

Credit Risk

Financial instruments that potentially subject the Company to significant concentrations of credit risk consist principally of cash investments and trade accounts receivable.  The Company places its cash investments with high-quality financial institutions and limits the amount of credit exposure to any one institution.  The Company’s trade receivables are primarily from independent distributors of towing and recovery equipment and towing service customers.  Such receivables are generally not collateralized for towing service customers.  The Company monitors its exposure for credit losses and maintains allowances for anticipated losses.

Revenue Recognition

Revenue is recorded by the Company when equipment is shipped to independent distributors or other customers.  Revenue from towing services is recognized when services are performed.

F-12


 

Financial Instruments 

SFAS No. 133, “Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities”, 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.  Changes in the derivative’s fair value are recognized currently in earnings unless specific hedge accounting criteria are met.  Special accounting for qualifying hedges allows a derivative’s gains and losses to offset related results on the hedged item in the income statement, and requires that a company must formally document, designate, and assess the effectiveness of transactions that receive hedge accounting.  The adoption of SFAS No.133 did not have a material effect on the Company’s financial statements.  See Note 8 for additional discussions.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

In September 2000, the Emerging Issues Task Force (“EITF”) of the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) reached a final consensus on Issue No. 00-10, “Accounting for Shipping and Handling Fees and Costs”.  EITF 00-10 was effective for the fiscal year ended April 30, 2001 and addresses the income statement classification of amounts charged to customers for shipping and handling, as well as costs incurred related to shipping and handling.  The Company classifies shipping and handling costs billed to the customer as revenues and costs incurred related to shipping and handling as cost of sales, which is in accordance with the consensus in EITF 00-10.

In June 2001, the FASB issued SFAS No. 141, “Business Combinations” and SFAS No. 142 “Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets” (collectively the “Standards”).  The Standards will be effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2001.  Companies with fiscal years beginning after March 15, 2001 may early adopt, but only as of the beginning of that fiscal year and only if all existing goodwill is evaluated for impairment by the end of that fiscal year.  SFAS No. 141 will require companies to recognize acquired identifiable intangible assets separately from goodwill if control over the future economic benefits of the asset results from contractual or other legal rights or the intangible asset is capable of being separated or divided and sold, transferred, licensed, rented, or exchanged.  The Standards will require the value of a separately identifiable intangible asset meeting any of the criteria to be measured at its fair value.  SFAS No. 142 will require that goodwill not be amortized and that amounts recorded as goodwill be tested for impairment.  Upon adoption of SFAS No. 142, goodwill will be reduced if it is found to be impaired.  Annual impairment tests will have to be performed at the lowest level of an entity that is a business and that can be distinguished, physically and operationally and for internal reporting purposes, from the other activities, operations, and assets of the entity.  Based on the current levels of goodwill, the adoption of the Standards in calendar 2002 would decrease annual amortization expense by approximately $1.0 million through the elimination of goodwill amortization.  However, the Company has not yet determined the impact of the new goodwill impairment standards.

In addition, in October 2001, the FASB issued SFAS No. 144, “Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets.” SFAS No. 144 addresses (i) the recognition and measurement of the impairment of long-lived assets to be held and used and (ii) the measurement of long-lived assets to be disposed of by sale.  SFAS No. 144 differs from SFAS No. 121 by clarifying impairment testing and excluding goodwill.  In addition, SFAS No. 144 supersedes the accounting and reporting provisions of APB No. 30, “Reporting the Results of Operations - Reporting the Effects of Disposal of a Segment of a Business, and Extraordinary, Unusual and Infrequently Occurring Events and Transactions,” for segments of a business to be disposed of.  However, SFAS No. 144 retains APB No. 30’s requirement that entities report discontinued operations separately from continuing

F-13


 

 operations and extends that reporting requirement to "a component of an entity" that either has been disposed of (by sale, abandonment, or in a distribution to owners) or is classified as "held for sale".  SFAS No. 144 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2001.  The Company is currently assessing the impact of the adoption of SFAS No. 144.

4.      FISCAL YEAR CHANGE

Effective December 31, 2001, the Company changed its fiscal year end from April 30 to December 31.  The table below summarizes selected financial data for the eight months ended December 31, 2001 and December 31, 2000.

 

Eight months
ended
December 31, 2001

Eight months ended
December 31, 2000
(unaudited)



  

(in thousands)

   

Net Sales

$303,953          

$330,565          

Depreciation and amortization

7,183          

7,690          

Special charges and other operating
    expenses, net

16,672          

0          

Operating income (loss)

(12,420)        

1,765          

Interest expense, net

7,324          

11,337          

Income (loss) before taxes

(19,744)         

(9,572)         

5.       BUSINESS COMBINATIONS

All businesses that were acquired were accounted for under the purchase method of accounting and are included in the accompanying consolidated financial statements from the dates of acquisition.  Any excess of the aggregate purchase price over the estimated fair value of identifiable net assets acquired has been recognized as a component of goodwill in the accompanying consolidated financial statements.

During fiscal 1999, the Company purchased 35 towing services companies for an aggregate purchase price of $29,571,000, which consisted of $21,305,000 in cash, $950,000 in promissory notes, and $7,316,000 (246,581 shares) of common stock.  The excess of the aggregate purchase price over the estimated fair value of identifiable net assets acquired was approximately $20,058,000.

During fiscal 2000, the Company purchased three towing services companies for an aggregate purchase price of $3,392,000, which consisted of $2,434,000 in cash and $958,000 in promissory notes.  The excess of the aggregate purchase price over the estimated fair value of identifiable net assets acquired was approximately $2,222,000.

 

F-14


 

The following unaudited pro forma summary combines the results of operations of all 1999 purchase combinations and the Company as if these combinations had occurred at the beginning of fiscal 1999, after giving effect to certain adjustments, including amortization of intangible assets and related income tax effects.  The pro forma effect of the fiscal 2000 acquisitions is not material.  The pro forma summary does not necessarily reflect the results of operations as they would have been if the Company and these acquisitions had constituted a single entity during these periods (in thousands, except per share data).

 

Year ended April 30, 1999

 

 

As Reported

Pro
Forma
(Unaudited)

 

 

 

 

Net sales

$526,195

$542,167

 

 

 

 

Net income

$    2,206

$    3,957

 

 

 

 

Diluted net income per share

$     0.23

$      0.37

 

6.       SPECIAL CHARGES AND DISPOSITIONS OF TOWING SERVICES ASSETS

During the eight months ended December 31, 2001, and the fiscal year ended April 30, 2000, the Company recorded special charges and other net operating expenses, for asset impairments and the rationalization of certain operations, as follows (in thousands):

 

December 31,
2001

 

April 30,
2000

 
 

Towing Services:

 

 

 

    Impairment of goodwill

$10,778

 

$50,542

    Impairment of long-lived assets

2,644

 

18,576

    Rationalization of operations

            –

 

    6,041

 
 
 

 

13,422

 

75,159

 
 

Towing and Recovery Equipment:

 

 

    Impairment of goodwill

  1,480

 

  4,967

    Impairment of long-lived assets

    1,770

 

    2,770

 
 

 

    3,250

 

    7,737

 
 

 

$16,672

 

$82,896

 
 

During the twelve months ended April 30, 2000, the Company announced plans to rationalize its towing services operations.  The Company recorded pretax, special charges of $6,041,000 for costs related to the rationalization.  These charges include approximately $4,589,000 for the cost of early termination of certain employment contracts, approximately $857,000 for the cost of early termination of facility leases and $595,000 for losses on the disposal of certain excess equipment and

F-15


 

other property-related charges.  At December 31, 2001, execution of the rationalization plan was complete and approximately $4,952,000 had been charged against the related reserves.  The remaining reserve will be utilized as payments are made under the terms of employment termination agreements and facility leases.

The Company periodically reviews the carrying amount of long-lived assets and goodwill in both its towing services and towing equipment segments to determine if those assets may be recoverable based upon the future operating cash flows expected to be generated by those assets.  As a result of such review during  the eight months ended December 31, 2001 and the fiscal year ended April 30, 2000, the Company concluded that the carrying value of such assets in certain towing services markets and certain assets within the Company’s towing and recovery equipment segment were not fully recoverable.

Impairment charges of $10,778,000 and $50,542,000 were recorded for the eight months ended December 31, 2001 and the fiscal year ended April 30, 2000, respectively, to write-down the goodwill in certain towing services markets to their estimated fair value.  Additionally, charges of $2,644,000 and $18,576,000 were recorded for the eight months ended December 31, 2001 and the fiscal year ended April 30, 2000 to write-down the carrying value of certain long-lived assets (primarily property and equipment) in related markets to estimated fair value.  The Company determined fair value for these assets on a market by market basis taking into consideration various factors affecting the valuation in each market.

The Company also reviewed the carrying values of the goodwill associated with certain investments within its towing and recovery equipment segment.  This evaluation indicated that the recorded amounts of goodwill for certain of these investments were not fully recoverable.  Impairment charges of $1,480,000 and $4,967,000 were recorded to reduce the carrying amounts of the goodwill to estimated fair value at December 31, 2001 and April 30, 2000, respectively.  The Company recorded $1,770,000 and $2,770,000 of additional costs related to the write-down of the carrying value of other long-lived assets of its towing and recovery equipment segment for the eight months ended December 31, 2001 and the twelve months ended April 30, 2000.

During the eight months ended December 31, 2001 and the fiscal year ended April 30, 2001, the Company continued its efforts to reduce expenses in the towing services segment.  As a part of these efforts, the Company disposed of assets in two underperforming markets during the eight months ended December 31, 2001 and 11 underperforming markets during the year ended April 30, 2001.  Total proceeds from these sales were approximately $1,447,000 and $5,186,000, respectively.  No significant gains or losses were realized upon the sale of these assets.  Subsequent to December 31, 2001, the Company sold assets in two additional underperforming market, as well as certain other fixed assets, for proceeds of approximately $1,266,000.  The Company continues to investigate financial alternatives with respect to the overall towing services segment to enhance shareholder value.

Accumulated amortization of goodwill was $4,373,000,  $4,550,000 and $3,073,000 at December 31, 2001, April 30, 2001 and 2000, respectively.  Amortization expense for the eight months ended December 31, 2001 and the fiscal years ended April 30, 2001, 2000 and 1999, was $1,023,000, $1,556,000, $2,791,000, and $2,476,000, respectively.

In accordance with SFAS No. 121 and APB No. 17, the Company wrote-off goodwill and long-lived assets of $3,250,000 and $7,737,000 associated with the towing and recovery equipment segment as of December 31, 2001 and April 30, 2000, respectively.  Additionally, during the eight months ended

F-16


 

December 31, 2001 and the fiscal year ended April 30, 2000, the Company wrote-off goodwill and long-lived assets associated with the towing services segment of $13,422,000 and $69,118,000, respectively.  Management believes its long-lived assets are appropriately valued following the impairment charges.

7.       LONG-TERM OBLIGATIONS AND LINE OF CREDIT

Long-Term Obligations

Long-term obligations consisted of the following at December 31, 2001, April 30, 2001 and 2000 (in thousands):

 

December 31,
2001

April 30, 
2001

April 30, 
2000

 


 

 

 

 

Outstanding borrowings under senior credit facility

$85,463  

$100,000 

$126,000 

 

 

 

 

Outstanding borrowings under subordinated

 

 

 

       secured facility

14,000 

             0 

            0 

 

 

 

 

Mortgage notes payable, weighted average interest rate of 4.35%, payable in monthly installments, maturing 2003 to 2011

 1,674 

      2,568 

      2,909 

 

Equipment notes payable, weighted average interest rate of 12.51%, payable in monthly installments, maturing 2002 to 2005

   822

         926 

      3,083 

 

 

 

 

Other notes payable, weighted average interest rate of 6.49%, payable in monthly installments, maturing 2002 to 2006

2,008

       2,840 

      3,276 

 


  

103,967 

  106,334 

   135,268 

Less current portion

(12,405)

(7,213)

    (15,949)

 


 

$91,562 

 $ 99,121 

 $119,319 

 


Certain equipment and manufacturing facilities are pledged as collateral under the mortgage and equipment notes payable.

Credit Facilities

In July 2001, the Company entered into a new four year senior credit facility (the “Credit Facility”) with a syndicate of lenders to replace the existing credit facility.  As part of this agreement, the existing credit facility was reduced with proceeds from the Credit Facility and amended to provide for a $14.0 million subordinated secured facility.   The Credit Facility originally consisted of a $102.0 million revolving credit facility and an $8.0 million term loan.   The revolving credit facility provides for separate and distinct loan commitment levels for the Company's towing and recovery equipment segment and RoadOne segment, respectively.  At December 31, 2001, $40.2 million and $38.1 million, respectively were outstanding under the towing and recovery segment and RoadOne portions of the revolving credit facility.  In addition,  $7.2 million was outstanding under the senior term loan, and $14.0 million was outstanding under the subordinated secured facility.

Availability under the revolving Credit Facility is based on a formula of eligible accounts receivable, inventory and fleet vehicles as separately calculated for the towing and recovery equipment segment and the RoadOne segment, respectively.  Borrowings under the term loan are collateralized by the Company’s

F-17


 

property, plant, and equipment.  The Company is required to make monthly amortization payments on the term loan of $167,000.  The Credit Facility bears interest at the option of the Company at either the rate of LIBOR plus 2.75% or prime rate (as defined) plus 0.75% on the revolving portion and LIBOR plus 3.0% or prime rate (as defined) plus 1.0% on the term portion.

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

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

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

2002 Amendments
The Company was in an over-advance position under its credit facility during the first quarter of 2002.  On February 28, 2002 the Company entered into a Forbearance Agreement and First Amendment to Credit Agreement with the lenders under the Credit Facility, as amended by that certain Amendment to Forbearance Agreement dated as of March 18, 2002 and that certain Second Amendment to the Forbearance Agreement dated as of March 29, 2002 (as so amended, the “Forbearance Agreement”).  As a result of a revised asset appraisal conducted by the senior lenders, the senior lenders determined that the amounts outstanding under the Credit Facility should be lowered below the amount then outstanding under the Credit Facility, causing the Company to be over-advanced on its line of credit which resulted in the occurrence of an event of default under the Credit Facility and a corresponding event of default under the Junior Credit Facility.  The Forbearance Agreement and subsequent amendments waived the Company’s overadvance under the Credit Facility and amended the terms of the credit agreement to, among other things, (i) permanently reduce the commitment levels to $42.0 million for the towing and recovery equipmemt segment and $36.0 million for the RoadOne segment portion of the revolving credit facility and $6,611,000 for the term loan facility, (ii) eliminate the Company’s ability to borrow funds at a LIBOR rate of interest, and (iii) increase the interest rate to a floating rate of interest equal to the prime rate plus 2.75%.

F-18


 

On April 15, 2002 the Company amended the Credit Facility, pursuant to which, among other things: (i) the senior lenders waived the overadvance event of default and other events of default, (ii) interest on advances will be charged at the prime rate (as defined) plus 2.75% on the revolving portion and the term portion, subject to substantial upward adjustments in the interest rate on and after certain specified dates based on the amounts outstanding under the revolving loan commitment relating to RoadOne (escalating at generally quarterly intervals from prime plus 4.50% as of October 1, 2002 to prime plus 14.00% as of April 1, 2005) and (iii) the revolving loan commitment amount relating to RoadOne is subject to mandatory reductions over time commencing August 12, 2002, which reductions will require a mandatory repayment of portions of outstanding loans at specified dates and the failure to timely make such repayments shall result in an event of default under the bank credit agreements.  The RoadOne revolving commitment amount, which was set at $36.0 million through the April 15, 2002 amendment, is scheduled to be reduced as follows:  August 12, 2002 – to $34.0 million; October 2, 2002 – to $30.0 million; March 31, 2003 – to $27.0 million; thereafter – quarterly reductions of $3.0 million through June 30, 2005.  On April 15, 2002 the Company also amended the Junior Credit Facility, pursuant to which, among other things, (i) the junior lenders waived the events of default, and (ii) extended the time for payment of certain scheduled amortization payments.  On April 15, 2002, the junior lender agent, the senior lender agent and the Company entered into an Amended and Restated  Intercreditor and Subordination Agreement, pursuant to which, among other things, subject to certain terms and conditions, the junior lenders have agreed to defer the required payment of amortization payments under the Junior Credit Facility until November 20, 2002, April 5, 2003 and May 20, 2003. 

The Company may continue to have difficulties in the future making the mandatory repayments and complying with such covenants, and in such event would have to seek additional waivers from its lenders.  Such waivers typically require payment of substantial additional fees, and there can be no assurance that the lenders will agree to any future waivers or amendments.  The Company’s bank facilities are collateralized by liens on all of the Company’s assets.  The liens give the lenders the right to foreclose on the assets of the Company under certain defined events of default and such foreclosure could allow the lenders to gain control of the operations of the Company. 

The Company believes that it will be able to maintain compliance with the financial covenants established by the April 2002 credit facility amendment, which will allow the Company to maintain sufficient liquidity in 2002 to fund operations.  Failure to achieve the Company’s revenue and income projections could result in failure to comply with the amended debt service requirements.  Such non-compliance would result in an event of default, which if not waived by the lending groups would result in the acceleration of the amounts due under the credit facility as well as other remedies.  Under these circumstances the Company could be required to find alternative funding sources, such as sale of assets or other financing sources.  If the Company were unable to refinance the credit facility on acceptable terms or find an alternative source of repayment for the credit facility, the Company’s business and financial condition would be materially and adversely affected.  There is no assurance that the Company would be able to obtain any such refinancing or that it would be able to sell assets on terms that are acceptable to the Company or at all.

F-19


 

Future maturities of long-term obligations at December 31, 2002 after giving effect to the April 15, 2002 amendments are as follows (in thousands):

2002 $12,405
2003 28,849
2004 14,412
2005 47,578
2006 132
Thereafter 591

$103,967

8.       FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS AND HEDGING ACTIVITIES

SFAS No. 133 “Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities”, establishes accounting and reporting standards requiring that every derivative instrument (including certain derivatives embedded in other contracts) be recorded in the balance sheet as either an asset or liability measured at its fair value.  SFAS No. 133 requires that changes in the derivatives fair value be recognized currently in earnings unless specific hedge criteria are met.  Special accounting for qualifying hedges allows a derivative’s gains and losses to offset related results on the hedged item on the income statement, and requires that the Company must formally document, designate, and assess the effectiveness of transactions that receive hedge accounting.

In October 2001, the Company obtained interest rate swaps as required by terms in its Credit Facility to hedge exposure to market fluctuations.  The interest rate swaps cover $40.0 million in notional amounts of variable rate debt and with fixed rates ranging from 2.535% to 3.920%.  The swaps expire annually from October 2002 to October 2004.  Because the Company hedges only with derivatives that have high correlation with the underlying transaction pricing, changes in derivatives fair values and the underlying pricing largely offset.  The hedges were deemed to be fully effective resulting in a pretax loss of $12,000 recorded in Other Comprehensive Loss at December 31, 2001.  Upon expiration of these hedges, the amount recorded in Other Comprehensive Loss will be reclassified into earnings as interest   Subsequent to year end, the borrowing base was converted from LIBOR to prime, which rendered the swap ineffective as a hedge.  Accordingly, concurrent with the conversion, the Company prematurely terminated the swap in February 2002 at a cost of $341,000.  The resulting loss will be recorded in Other Comprehensive Loss in February 2002 and reclassified to earning as interest expense over the term of the Credit Facility.

At December 31, 2001, the Company had no other derivative instruments or hedging transactions.

9.       STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION PLANS

In accordance with the Company’s stock-based compensation plans, the Company may grant incentive stock options as well as non-qualified and other stock-related incentives to officers, employees, and non-employee directors of the Company.  Options vest ratably over a two to four-year period beginning on the grant date and expire ten years from the date of grant.  Shares available for granting options at December 31, 2001, April 30, 2001 and 2000 were approximately 0.4 million, 0.5 million and 0.3 million, respectively.

F-20


 

A summary of the activity of stock options for the eight months ended December 31, 2001 and the years ended April 30, 2001, 2000, and 1999 is presented below (shares in thousands):

 

December 31, 2001

April 30, 2001

April 30, 2000

April 30, 1999





 
Shares
Under
Option

Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price

 
Shares
Under
Option

Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price

 
Shares
Under
Option

Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price

 Shares
Under
Option

Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price









Outstanding at Beginning 
   of Period

789

   $23.36

1,010

$32.61

1,033

$37.13

  828

$39.85

    Granted

175

       3.38

    100

    6.11

  160

 14.56

  248

  30.30

    Exercised

– 

   –

     (1)

  11.67

      (8)

 12.73

      (7)

  12.41

    Forfeited

(16)

     34.43

  (320)

  47.20

  (175)

 43.56

     (36)

  55.33

 



 


 


 

Outstanding at End of Period

948

   $19.49

  789

$23.36

1,010

$32.61

1,033

$37.13

 



 


 


 

Options exercisable at year end

646

   $25.18

   588

$25.76

   665

$32.73

  536

$30.90

 



 


 


 

Weighted average fair value of
   options granted

 

    $1.92

 

  $3.60

 

$9.50

 

$15.75

A summary of options outstanding under the Company’s stock-based compensation plans at December 31, 2001 is presented below (shares in thousands):

 
Exercise
Price Range

 Shares
Under
Option

 Weighted Average
Exercise Price of
Options Outstanding

 Weighted
Average
Remaining Life

 
Options
Exercisable

Weighted Average
Exercise Price of 
Shares Exercisable







$  3.05

$17.50

556

$   8.14

6.6

284

$11.19

  18.89

  27.41

181

  20.36

4.6

168

  20.32

  28.75

  38.75

101

  34.87

5.9

  84

  34.78

  43.96

  64.38

  76

  55.63

4.8

  76

  55.63

  67.50   84.06   34

  74.14

5.2

  34

  74.14





Total

948

$19.49

5.9

646

$25.18






For SFAS No. 123 purposes, the fair value of each option grant has been estimated as of the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model with the following weighted average assumptions for grants in the eight months ended December 31, 2001 and the fiscal years ended April 30, 2001, 2000, and 1999, respectively: expected dividend yield of 0%; expected volatility of 72%, 71%, 59%, and 52%; risk-free interest rate of 4.28%, 6.10%, 6.13%, and 5.23%; and expected lives of 5.0 years for the eight months ended December 31, 2001 and 5.5 years for the fiscal years ended April 30, 2001, 2000, and 1999.  Using these assumptions, the fair value of options granted in the eight months ended December 31, 2001 and the fiscal years ended April 30, 2001, 2000, and 1999 is approximately $355,000, $300,000, $1,259,000, and $3,255,000, respectively, which would be amortized as compensation expense over the vesting period of the options.

 

 

F-21


 

Had compensation cost for stock option grants in the eight months ended December 31, 2001 and the fiscal years ended April 30, 2001, 2000, and 1999 been determined based on the fair value at the grant dates consistent with the method prescribed by SFAS No. 123, the Company’s net income and net income per share would have been adjusted to the pro forma amounts indicated below:

 

December 31,
2001      

April 30,
2001    

April 30,
2000    

April 30,
 1999    

 





Net (loss) income (in thousands):

 

 

 

 

As reported

$(21,587)

$(6,434)

$(73,143)

$2,206 

Pro forma

(21,361)

(8,217)

(75,739)

(614)

Basic net (loss) income per share:

 

 

 

 

As reported

$    (2.31)

$  (0.69)

$   (7.83)

$  0.24 

Pro forma

(2.29)

(0.88)

(8.11)

(0.07)

Diluted net (loss) income per share:

 

 

 

 

As reported

$    (2.31)

$  (0.69)

$   (7.83)

$  0.23 

Pro forma

(2.29)

(0.88)

(8.11)

(0.07)

10.     COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

Commitments

The Company has entered into various operating leases for buildings, office equipment, and trucks.  Rental expense under these leases was $8,423,000, $13,753,000, $14,612,000, and $11,633,000, for the eight months ended December 31, 2001 and the fiscal years ended April 30, 2001, 2000 and 1999, respectively.  The lease and rental expense includes approximately $1,000,000 annually in payments to former owners of businesses that the Company has acquired and covers properties used in the acquired business’ operations.

At December 31, 2001, future minimum lease payments under non-cancelable operating leases for the next five fiscal years are as follows (in thousands):

2002

$9,630

2003

6,187

2004

4,360

2005

2,623

2006

1,295

 Contingencies

The Company is, from time to time, a party to litigation arising in the normal course of business.  Management believes that the Company maintains adequate insurance coverage and as a result, none of these actions, individually or in aggregate, are expected to have a material adverse effect on the financial position or results of operations of the Company.

 

F-22


 

11.     INCOME TAXES

Deferred tax assets and liabilities are determined based on the differences between the financial and tax bases of existing assets and liabilities using the currently enacted tax rates in effect for the year in which the differences are expected to reverse.

The (benefit) provision for income taxes consisted of the following for the eight months ended December 31, 2001 and the years ended April 30, 2001, 2000 and 1999 (in thousands):

 

December 31,
2001

April 30,
2001

April 30,
2000

April 30,
1999

 





Current:

 

 

 

 

Federal

$         0          

$(2,172)     

$  (2,550)      

$(2,855)     

State

        319          

          0      

     1,400        

     (336)     

Foreign

        388          

      200      

        572       

      409      

 





 

        707          

 (1,972)     

       (578)      

  (2,782)     

 





Deferred:

 

 

 

 

Federal

  (5,373)         

$    (899)      

$(11,278)      

   4,498      

State

     (246)         

      (360)      

    (1,327)      

      529      

Foreign

     (356)         

         57       

       (125)      

        27      

      Change in valuation
         allowance


7,111          

  
 --        

   --        
  
 --       

 





 

  1,136          

  (1,202)      

  (12,730)      

   5,054      

 





 

$    1,843         

$(3,174)      

$(13,308)      

$ 2,272      

 





The principal differences between the federal statutory tax rate and the consolidated effective tax rate for 2001, 2000, and 1999 were as follows:

 

December 31,
2001

April 30, 
2001

April 30,
2000

April 30,
1999

 





 

 

 

 

 

Federal statutory tax rate

(34.0)%

(34.0)%

(34.0)%

34.0%

State taxes, net of federal tax benefit

(0.2)   

   0.0     

   0.0     

  4.0    

Non-deductible goodwill amortization and
    impairment charges

8.3   

   3.7     

 16.3     

17.2    

Other

(0.8)   

  (2.7)    

   2.3     

 (4.5)   

Change in valuation allowance

36.0     

-- -- --

    





Effective tax rate

9.3%

(33.0)%

(15.4)%

50.7%

 





 

 

F-23


 

Deferred income tax assets and liabilities at December 31, 2001 and April 30, 2001 and 2000 reflect the impact of temporary differences between the amounts of assets and liabilities for financial reporting and income tax reporting purposes.  Temporary differences and carry forwards which give rise to deferred tax assets and liabilities at December 31, 2001 April 30, 2001 and 2000 are as follows (in thousands):

 

December 31,
2001

April 30,
2001

April 30, 
2000




Deferred tax assets:

 

 

 

Allowance for doubtful accounts

$  1,149        

$     724       

$  1,020     

Accruals and reserves

    5,892        

    4,526       

    5,500     

Federal net operating loss carryforward

  15,776        

  12,482       

    7,884     

Deductible goodwill and impairment charges

    4,758        

       948       

    2,296     

Other

    1,545        

    1,667       

       842     




Total deferred tax assets

  29,120        

  20,347       

  17,542     




Less valuation allowance

(7,111)       

--        --     



Net deferred tax asset

22,009         20,347        17,542     

Deferred tax liabilities:

 

 

 

Property, plant, and equipment

    7,454        

    7,433       

    5,203     

Other

    5,162        

    2,386       

    3,013     




Total deferred tax liabilities

  12,616        

    9,819       

    8,216     




Net deferred tax asset

$9,393        

$10,528       

$  9,326     




As of December 31, 2001, the Company had federal net operating loss carryforwards of approximately $46.4 million which will expire between 2004 and 2022.  In addition, the Company had charitable contributions and capital loss carryforwards of $1.4 million that may be carried forward through 2006 and an AMT credit carryforward of $0.2 million, which may be carried forward indefinitely.

The deferred tax asset valuation of $7.1 million was established as of December 31, 2001.  The allowance reflects the Company’s recognition that continuing losses from operations and certain liquidity matters discussed in Note 2 indicate that it is more likely than not than certain future tax benefits will not be realized as a result of future taxable income.

As of December 31, 2001, the Company has state net operating loss carryforwards of approximately $64.5 million.  As the Company believes that realization of the benefit of these state losses is remote, it has not recorded deferred tax assets associated with these losses.

In March 2002, the United States Congress enacted revisions to the tax laws currently in effect at December 31, 2001.  The changes in these regulations allow net operating losses to be carried back to offset taxable income for five preceding years.  The five-year carryback for net operating losses generated in the tax year ended April 30, 2001 will result in a receivable of approximately $4.2 million during the quarter ended March 31, 2002.

F-24


 

12.     PREFERRED STOCK

The Company has authorized 5,000,000 shares of undesignated preferred stock which can be issued in one or more series.  The terms, price, and conditions of the preferred shares will be set by the board of directors.  No shares have been issued.

13.     EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS

During 1996, the Company established a contributory retirement plan for all full-time employees with at least 90 days of service. Effective January 1, 1999, the Company split the plan into two identical plans by operating segment.  These plans are designed to provide tax-deferred income to the Company’s employees in accordance with the provisions of Section 401(k) of the Internal Revenue Code.

These plans provide that each participant may contribute up to 15% of his or her salary.  The Company matches 33.33% of the first 3% of participant contributions.  Matching contributions vest over a period of five years.  Company contributions to the plans were not significant in 2001, 2000, and 1999.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

F-25


 

14.   SEGMENT INFORMATION

The Company operates in two principal operating segments:  (i) towing and recovery equipment and (ii) towing services.  The accounting policies of the reportable segments are the same as those described in Note 3.  Management evaluates the performance of its operating segments separately to individually monitor the different factors affecting performance.  The Company measures the performance of its operating segments based on net sales, operating income, and profit or loss before taxes.  Income taxes are managed on a Company-wide basis. 

 

Towing and Recovery Equipment

 Towing
Services

 Eliminations

 Consolidated

 





 

(In Thousands)

Eight months ended
December 31, 2001:

 

 

 

 

Net sales-external

$203,000 

$100,953 

$            0 

$303,953 

Net sales-intersegment

577 

(577)

Depreciation and amortization

3,077 

4,106 

7,183 

Special charges and other operating
    expenses, net

3,250 

13,422 

16,672 

Operating income (loss) 3,122  (15,600) 58  (12,420)

Interest expense, net

3,919 

3,405 

7,324 

Income (loss) before income taxes

(747)

(19,055)

58 

(19,744)

Capital expenditures

578 

2,250 

2,828 

Total assets

242,633 

76,108 

(65,778)

252,963 

 

 

 

 

 

Fiscal year ended
April 30, 2001:

 

 

 

 

Net sales-external

$313,207 

$182,255 

$           0 

$495,462 

Net sales-intersegment

746 

(746)

Depreciation and amortization

4,747 

6,686 

11,433 

Operating income (loss)

11,017 

(3,945)

54 

7,126 

Interest expense, net

9,252 

7,482 

16,734 

Income (loss) before income taxes

1,765 

(11,427)

54 

(9,608)

Capital expenditures

1,604 

2,018 

3,622 

Total assets

248,886 

96,332 

(63,931)

281,287 

 

 

 

 

 

Fiscal year ended
April 30, 2000:

 

 

 

 

Net sales-external

$374,187 

$207,942 

$           0 

$582,129 

Net sales-intersegment

385 

(385)

Depreciation and amortization

4,082 

12,750 

16,832 

Special charges and other operating
    expenses, net

7,737 

75,159 

82,896 

Operating income (loss)

10,356 

(82,728)

(50)

(72,422)

Interest expense, net

7,821

6,208 

14,029 

Income (loss) before income taxes

2,534 

(88,935)

(50)

(86,451)

Capital expenditures

4,108 

4,504 

8,612 

Total assets

271,300 

112,040 

(59,646)

323,694 

 

 

F-26


 

 

Fiscal year ended
April 30, 1999:

 

 

 

 

Net sales-external

$342,651

$183,544 

$           0 

$526,195 

Net sales-intersegment

4,850 

(4,850)

Depreciation and amortization

3,566 

11,647 

15,213 

Operating income

15,417 

430 

(424)

15,423 

Interest expense, net

5,439 

5,506 

  10,945 

Income (loss) before income taxes

9,977 

(5,075)

(424)

4,478 

Capital expenditures

7,170 

11,828 

18,998 

Total assets

257,959 

187,084 

(52,563)

392,480 

Total net sales to foreign countries were not significant in 2001, 2000, and 1999.  Total assets located in foreign countries were not significant at December 31, 2001, April 30, 2001, 2000, and 1999.

15.   QUARTERLY FINANCIAL INFORMATION (UNAUDITED)

The following is a summary of the unaudited quarterly financial information for the twelve months ended December 31, 2001 and 2000 (in thousands, except per share data):

 

Net
Sales

 Operating
Income
(Loss)

 

Net Income
(Loss)(a)

 

Basic
Net
Income
(Loss)
Per
Share

 

Diluted
Net
Income
(Loss) Per
Share

 

 



 


 


 


 

Year ended December 31, 2001:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

First quarter

$115,088  

  $      1,214    

 

 $         (1,949)   

 

$  (0.20)  

 

$   (0.20)  

 

Second quarter

  127,551  

      3,859    

 

         29    

 

   (0.00)  

 

    (0.00)  

 

Third quarter

  112,761  

     2,001    

 

(719)    

 

   (0.08)  

 

    (0.08)  

 

Fourth quarter

  113,450  

  (14,037)   

 

(17,725)   

(b)

   (1.90)  

 

    (1.90)  

 

 



 


 


 


 

Total

$468,850  

  $    (6,963)   

 

 $     (20,364)   

 

$  (2.18)  

 

$   (2.18)  

 

 



 


 


 


 

Year ended December 31, 2000:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

First quarter

$145,570  

  $     3,627    

 

 $         (108)   

 

  $  (0.01)  

 

$  (0.01)  

 

Second quarter

  142,005  

      (81,452)   

(c)  

      (71,727)   

(c)  

   (7.68)  

 

    (7.68)  

 

Third quarter

  127,495  

      (292)   

 

  (3,946)   

 

   (0.43)  

 

    (0.43)  

 

Fourth quarter

  119,717  

 967    

 

(2,920)   

 

   (0.31)  

 

    (0.31)  

 

 



 


 


 


 

Total

$534,787  

$  (77,150)

 

 $    (78,701)   

 

$  (8.43) 

 

$  (8.43)  

 

 



 


 


 


 

    

(a)  The income tax provision (benefit) has been allocated by quarter based on the effective rate for the twelve months ended December 31, 2001 and 2000.
(b) The results for the three months ended December 31, 2001 reflect asset impairments and other special charges of $16,672,000 as discussed in Note 6.
(c)  The results for the three months ended June 30, 2000 reflect asset impairments and other special charges totaling $76,855,000 as discussed in Note 6.

 

 

F-27


 

  

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS
AS TO SCHEDULE II –
VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS

 

To the Shareholders and the Board of Directors of Miller Industries, Inc.

             Our audit of the consolidated financial statements of Miller Industries, Inc and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2001 and for the eight months then ended referred to in our report dated March 22, 2002 also included an audit of the financial statement schedule listed in Item 14(a)2 of the Form 10-K.  In our opinion, this financial statement schedule presents fairly, in all material respects, the information set forth therein as of December 31, 2001 and for the eight months then ended when read in conjunction with the related consolidated financial statements.

 

PRICEWATERHOUSECOOPERS LLP       

/s/ PRICEWATERHOUSECOOPERS LLP

 

Atlanta, Georgia
 March 22, 2002, except as to Notes 2 and 7 as to which the date is April 15, 2002

 

 

S-1


 

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS
AS TO SCHEDULE II –
VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS

 

 To Miller Industries, Inc.

             We have audited in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted in the United States, the consolidated balance sheets of Miller Industries, Inc. and subsidiaries as of April 30, 2001 and 2000, and the related consolidated statements of operations, shareholders' equity and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended April 30, 2001, which are included in this Form 10-K and have issued our report thereon dated July 25, 2001.  Our audit was made for the purpose of forming an opinion on the basic financial statements taken as a whole.  The schedule listed in the index is the responsibility of the Company’s management and is presented for purposes of complying with the Securities and Exchange Commission’s rules and is not part of the basic financial statements.  This schedule has been subjected to the auditing procedures applied in the audit of the basic financial statements and, in our opinion, fairly states in all material respects the financial data required to be set forth therein in relation to the basic financial statements taken as a whole.

 

ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP     

 /s/ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP

 

Chattanooga, Tennessee
July 25, 2001

 

S-2


 

MILLER INDUSTRIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
SCHEDULE II – VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS

 

 Balance at
Beginning
of Period 
Charged
to
 Expenses
Charged
to
Other
Accounts
Written
     Off    
Balance at
End of
    Period   

(In Thousands)

Year ended April 30, 1999:
   Deduction from asset accounts:
         Allowance for doubtful accounts

$2,117

   2,123

175(a)  

(713)    

$3,702

 

 

 

 

   

 

Year ended April 30, 2000:
    Deduction from asset accounts:
         Allowance for doubtful accounts

$3,702

4,956

59(a)  

(2,208)    

$6,509

 

 

 

 

 

 

Year ended April 30, 2001:
    Deduction from asset accounts:
         Allowance for doubtful accounts

$6,509

3,845

(265)(b)  

 (7,236)    

$2,853

            
Eight months ended December 31, 2001: 
   Deduction from asset accounts:
       Allowance for doubtful accounts     

$2,853

1,262

–        (1,092)    

$3,023

 

(a) The other addition to the allowance for doubtful accounts results from the acquisitions in fiscal 1999 and 2000 which were accounted for under the purchase method of accounting.
(b) The other reduction to the allowance for doubtful accounts results from the dispositions of towing services markets in fiscal 2001.

 

 
   
Bal. at
Beg. of
Period
Charged to
Expense
Charged
to
Other

Claims

Bal. At
End of
Period
   (In Thousands)
 
Year Ended April 30, 1999:
              Product Warranty Reserve:

479

1,719

 -  

(1,691)

 507

Year Ended April 30, 2000:
             Product Warranty Reserve:

507

2,079

 -  

 (1,668)

918

 Year Ended April 30, 2001:
            Product Warranty Reserve:

918

2,126

-  

(2,156)

888

 
Eight Months Ended December 31, 2001
            Product Warranty Reserve:

888

1,271

 -  

(1,233)

 926

 

S-3


 

 

SIGNATURES

            Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this Report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, on the 22nd day of April, 2002.

                                                                                    MILLER INDUSTRIES, INC.

                                                                                   

                                                                                     By:  /s/ Jeffrey I. Badgley                                   
                                                                                                Jeffrey I. Badgley, President,
                                                                                                Chief Executive Officer and Director

                                                                                               

            Know all men by these presents, that each person whose signature appears below constitutes and appoints Jeffrey I. Badgley as attorney–in–fact, with power of substitution, for him in any and all capacities, to sign any amendments to this Report on Form 10–K, and to file the same, with exhibits thereto, and other documents in connection therewith, with the Securities and Exchange Commission, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said attorney–in–fact may do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.

            Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this Report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the Registrant in the capacities indicated on the 22nd day of April, 2002.

Signature

Title

   

Chairman of the Board of Directors

   

   /s/  William G. Miller


William G. Miller

President, Chief Executive Officer and Director

   

   /s/ Jeffrey I. Badgley


Jeffrey I. Badgley

Vice President, Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer (Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)

   

   /s/  J. Vincent Mish


J. Vincent Mish

Director

   

   /s/ Paul E. Drack


Paul E. Drack

Director

   

   /s/ Richard H. Roberts


Richard H. Roberts

Director

 

37


 

 

Exhibit Index

Exhibit
Number

Description
   
3.1 Charter, as Amended of the Registrant
   
10.80 Forbearance Agreement and First Amendment to the Credit Agreement by and among the Company and its subsidiaries and The CIT Group/Business Credit, Inc. and Bank of America, N.A. dated February 28, 2002
   
10.81 Second Amendment to the Credit Agreement by and among the Company and subsidiaries and The CIT Group/Business Credit, Inc. and Bank of America, N.A. dated February 28, 2002
   
 10.82 First Amendment to the Amended and Restated Credit Agreement among the Registrant, its subsidiary and Bank of America, N.A. dated July 23, 2001 
   
 10.83  Amended and Restated Intercreditor and Subordination Agreement by and among The CIT Group/Business Credit, Inc. and Bank of America, N.A.
   
21 Subsidiaries of the Registrant
 
23.1  Consent of Arthur Andersen LLP
 
23.2 Consent of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
 
24 Power of Attorney (see signature page)

 

38