form10q2ndqtr.htm
UNITED
STATES
SECURITIES
AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C.
20549
FORM
10-Q
Quarterly
Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of
1934
For
the Quarterly Period Ended March 31, 2008
Commission
File Number 1-6560
|
THE
FAIRCHILD CORPORATION
|
(Exact
name of Registrant as specified in its charter)
Delaware
(State of
incorporation or organization)
34-0728587
(I.R.S.
Employer Identification No.)
1750
Tysons Boulevard, Suite 1400, McLean, VA 22102
(Address
of principal executive offices)
(703)
478-5800
(Registrant’s
telephone number, including area code)
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 ninety (90) days: [X] Yes [ ]
No.
Indicate
by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an
accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting
company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer”,
“non-accelerated filer”, and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the
Exchange Act. Check one: [ ] Large
accelerated filer, [ ] Accelerated filer, [X] Non-accelerated
filer, [ ] Smaller reporting company.
Indicate
by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule
12b-2 of the Exchange Act).
[ ]
Yes [X] No
On April
30, 2008, the number of shares outstanding of each of the Registrant’s classes
of common stock was as follows:
|
Title of
Class
|
|
|
|
Class
A Common Stock, $0.10 Par Value
|
22,604,835
|
|
|
Class
B Common Stock, $0.10 Par Value
|
2,621,338
|
|
THE
FAIRCHILD CORPORATION INDEX TO QUARTERLY REPORT ON FORM 10-Q
FOR
THE PERIOD ENDED MARCH 31, 2008
PART
I.
|
FINANCIAL
INFORMATION
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Page
|
|
|
|
Item
1.
|
|
3
|
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5
|
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6
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7
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Item
2.
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19
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Item
3.
|
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29
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Item
4T.
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|
30
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|
PART
II.
|
OTHER
INFORMATION
|
|
|
|
|
Item
1.
|
|
31
|
|
|
|
Item
1A.
|
|
31
|
|
|
|
Item
2.
|
|
31
|
|
|
|
Item
5.
|
|
31
|
|
|
|
Item
6.
|
|
31
|
All
references in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q to the terms ‘‘we,’’ ‘‘our,’’
‘‘us,’’ the ‘‘Company,’’ and ‘‘Fairchild’’ refer to The Fairchild Corporation
and its subsidiaries. All references to ‘‘fiscal’’ in connection with a year
shall mean the 12 months ended September 30th.
PART I. FINANCIAL
INFORMATION
ITEM 1. FINANCIAL
STATEMENTS
(In
thousands)
ASSETS
|
|
March
31, 2008
|
|
|
September
30, 2007
|
|
|
|
(unaudited)
|
|
|
|
|
CURRENT
ASSETS:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash
and cash equivalents - unrestricted
|
|
$ |
10,659 |
|
|
$ |
9,527 |
|
Cash
and cash equivalents - restricted
|
|
|
3,976 |
|
|
|
3,243 |
|
Short-term
investments - unrestricted
|
|
|
2,553 |
|
|
|
2,192 |
|
Short-term
investments - restricted
|
|
|
21,901 |
|
|
|
46,129 |
|
Accounts
receivable-trade, less allowances of $1,355 and $1,202
|
|
|
13,743 |
|
|
|
16,564 |
|
Inventories,
less reserves for obsolescence of $18,333 and $16,918
|
|
|
148,353 |
|
|
|
118,205 |
|
Current
assets of discontinued operations
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
1,338 |
|
Prepaid
expenses and other current assets
|
|
|
18,567 |
|
|
|
10,031 |
|
Total
Current Assets
|
|
|
219,752 |
|
|
|
207,229 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Property,
plant and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation of $40,021 and
$33,284
|
|
|
61,705 |
|
|
|
56,523 |
|
Goodwill
|
|
|
14,032 |
|
|
|
13,721 |
|
Amortizable
intangible assets, net of accumulated amortization of $2,719 and
$2,322
|
|
|
567 |
|
|
|
892 |
|
Non-amortizable
intangible assets
|
|
|
37,097 |
|
|
|
33,509 |
|
Deferred
loan fees
|
|
|
456 |
|
|
|
1,525 |
|
Long-term
investments - unrestricted
|
|
|
3,249 |
|
|
|
3,499 |
|
Long-term
investments - restricted
|
|
|
11,751 |
|
|
|
21,190 |
|
Notes
receivable
|
|
|
2,601 |
|
|
|
3,459 |
|
Noncurrent
assets of discontinued operations
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
7,879 |
|
Other
assets
|
|
|
9,755 |
|
|
|
7,928 |
|
TOTAL
ASSETS
|
|
$ |
360,965 |
|
|
$ |
357,354 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The
accompanying Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements are an
integral part of these statements.
THE
FAIRCHILD CORPORATION AND CONSOLIDATED SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(In
thousands, except per share data)
LIABILITIES
AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
|
|
March
31, 2008
|
|
|
September
30, 2007
|
|
|
|
(unaudited)
|
|
|
|
|
CURRENT
LIABILITIES:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Bank
notes payable and current maturities of long-term debt
|
|
$ |
51,866 |
|
|
$ |
36,235 |
|
Accounts
payable
|
|
|
64,633 |
|
|
|
32,128 |
|
Accrued
liabilities:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Salaries,
wages and commissions
|
|
|
10,477 |
|
|
|
10,521 |
|
Insurance
|
|
|
6,656 |
|
|
|
6,224 |
|
Other
accrued liabilities
|
|
|
34,370 |
|
|
|
42,212 |
|
Current
liabilities of discontinued operations
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
13,139 |
|
Total
Current Liabilities
|
|
|
168,002 |
|
|
|
140,459 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Long-term
debt, less current maturities
|
|
|
5,377 |
|
|
|
25,767 |
|
Other
long-term liabilities
|
|
|
14,125 |
|
|
|
15,247 |
|
Pension
liabilities
|
|
|
33,140 |
|
|
|
34,825 |
|
Retiree
health care liabilities
|
|
|
15,384 |
|
|
|
16,231 |
|
Deferred
tax liability
|
|
|
3,303 |
|
|
|
4,884 |
|
Noncurrent
income taxes
|
|
|
4,305 |
|
|
|
10,936 |
|
Noncurrent
liabilities of discontinued operations
|
|
|
16,118 |
|
|
|
16,120 |
|
TOTAL
LIABILITIES
|
|
|
259,754 |
|
|
|
264,469 |
|
Commitments
and contingencies
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
STOCKHOLDERS'
EQUITY:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Class
A common stock, $0.10 par value; 40,000 shares authorized,
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
30,480
shares issued and 22,605 shares outstanding
|
|
|
3,047 |
|
|
|
3,047 |
|
Class
B common stock, $0.10 par value; 20,000 shares authorized,
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2,621
shares issued and outstanding
|
|
|
262 |
|
|
|
262 |
|
Paid-in
capital
|
|
|
232,652 |
|
|
|
232,639 |
|
Treasury
stock, at cost, 7,875 shares of Class A common stock
|
|
|
(76,352 |
) |
|
|
(76,352 |
) |
Accumulated
deficit
|
|
|
(17,395 |
) |
|
|
(16,021 |
) |
Note
due from stockholder
|
|
|
(43 |
) |
|
|
(43 |
) |
Accumulated
other comprehensive loss
|
|
|
(40,960 |
) |
|
|
(50,647 |
) |
TOTAL
STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
|
|
|
101,211 |
|
|
|
92,885 |
|
TOTAL
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
|
|
$ |
360,965 |
|
|
$ |
357,354 |
|
The
accompanying Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements are an
integral part of these statements.
(In
thousands, except per share data)
|
|
Three
months ended
|
|
|
Six
months ended
|
|
|
|
March
31,
|
|
|
March
31,
|
|
|
|
2008
|
|
|
2007
|
|
|
2008
|
|
|
2007
|
|
|
|
(Unaudited)
|
|
|
(Unaudited)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
REVENUE:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net
sales
|
|
$ |
85,164 |
|
|
$ |
80,775 |
|
|
$ |
151,266 |
|
|
$ |
141,160 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
COSTS
AND EXPENSES:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cost
of goods sold
|
|
|
52,066 |
|
|
|
49,268 |
|
|
|
95,016 |
|
|
|
87,278 |
|
Selling,
general & administrative
|
|
|
45,873 |
|
|
|
40,486 |
|
|
|
87,027 |
|
|
|
76,771 |
|
Other
income, net
|
|
|
(1,185 |
) |
|
|
(779 |
) |
|
|
(557 |
) |
|
|
(3,867 |
) |
Amortization
of intangibles
|
|
|
202 |
|
|
|
141 |
|
|
|
394 |
|
|
|
279 |
|
|
|
|
96,956 |
|
|
|
89,116 |
|
|
|
181,880 |
|
|
|
160,461 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
OPERATING
LOSS
|
|
|
(11,792 |
) |
|
|
(8,341 |
) |
|
|
(30,614 |
) |
|
|
(19,301 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Interest
expense
|
|
|
(1,487 |
) |
|
|
(3,707 |
) |
|
|
(4,657 |
) |
|
|
(8,360 |
) |
Interest
income
|
|
|
340 |
|
|
|
630 |
|
|
|
915 |
|
|
|
1,750 |
|
Net
interest expense
|
|
|
(1,147 |
) |
|
|
(3,077 |
) |
|
|
(3,742 |
) |
|
|
(6,610 |
) |
Investment
income
|
|
|
558 |
|
|
|
736 |
|
|
|
494 |
|
|
|
1,932 |
|
Loss
from continuing operations before income taxes
|
|
|
(12,381 |
) |
|
|
(10,682 |
) |
|
|
(33,862 |
) |
|
|
(23,979 |
) |
Income
tax (provision) benefit
|
|
|
647 |
|
|
|
(49 |
) |
|
|
3,232 |
|
|
|
(656 |
) |
Equity
in income of affiliates, net
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
89 |
|
Loss
from continuing operations
|
|
|
(11,734 |
) |
|
|
(10,731 |
) |
|
|
(30,630 |
) |
|
|
(24,546 |
) |
Net
income (loss) from discontinued operations
|
|
|
(1,020 |
) |
|
|
(982 |
) |
|
|
10,624 |
|
|
|
(3,162 |
) |
Net
gain on disposal of discontinued operations
|
|
|
4,221 |
|
|
|
32,815 |
|
|
|
18,632 |
|
|
|
45,315 |
|
NET
EARNINGS (LOSS)
|
|
$ |
(8,533 |
) |
|
$ |
21,102 |
|
|
$ |
(1,374 |
) |
|
$ |
17,607 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
BASIC AND DILUTED
EARNINGS (LOSS) PER SHARE:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Loss
from continuing operations
|
|
$ |
(0.47 |
) |
|
$ |
(0.42 |
) |
|
$ |
(1.21 |
) |
|
$ |
(0.97 |
) |
Net
income (loss) from discontinued operations
|
|
|
(0.04 |
) |
|
|
(0.04 |
) |
|
|
0.42 |
|
|
|
(0.13 |
) |
Net
gain on disposal of discontinued operations
|
|
|
0.17 |
|
|
|
1.30 |
|
|
|
0.74 |
|
|
|
1.80 |
|
NET
EARNINGS (LOSS)
|
|
$ |
(0.34 |
) |
|
$ |
0.84 |
|
|
$ |
(0.05 |
) |
|
$ |
0.70 |
|
Weighted
average shares outstanding:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Basic
and Diluted
|
|
|
25,226 |
|
|
|
25,226 |
|
|
|
25,226 |
|
|
|
25,226 |
|
The
accompanying Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements are an
integral part of these statements.
(In
thousands)
|
|
Six
months ended
|
|
|
|
March
31,
|
|
|
|
2008
|
|
|
2007
|
|
|
|
(Unaudited)
|
|
Cash flows from
operating activities:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net
earnings (loss)
|
|
$ |
(1,374 |
) |
|
$ |
17,607 |
|
Adjustment
to reconcile net earnings (loss) to net cash used for operating
activities:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Depreciation
and amortization
|
|
|
5,342 |
|
|
|
4,028 |
|
Noncash
interest expense
|
|
|
1,570 |
|
|
|
2,844 |
|
Provision
for doubtful accounts
|
|
|
207 |
|
|
|
397 |
|
Reserve
for inventory obsolescence
|
|
|
846 |
|
|
|
360 |
|
Deferred
income taxes
|
|
|
(3,760 |
) |
|
|
- |
|
Gain
on collection of note receivable
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
(2,110 |
) |
Compensation
expense from stock options
|
|
|
13 |
|
|
|
13 |
|
Equity
in income of affiliates
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
(89 |
) |
Loss
from impairments
|
|
|
250 |
|
|
|
- |
|
Realized
gain from sale of investments
|
|
|
(725 |
) |
|
|
(1,294 |
) |
Net
sales of trading securities
|
|
|
6,217 |
|
|
|
32,381 |
|
Change
in cash and cash equivalents - restricted
|
|
|
(733 |
) |
|
|
- |
|
Changes
in operating assets and liabilities
|
|
|
(15,977 |
) |
|
|
(16,392 |
) |
Net
cash provided by (used for) operating activities
|
|
|
(8,124 |
) |
|
|
37,745 |
|
Cash flows from
investing activities:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Purchases
of property, plant and equipment
|
|
|
(6,408 |
) |
|
|
(3,690 |
) |
Net
proceeds from the sale of available-for-sale investment
securities
|
|
|
27,141 |
|
|
|
29 |
|
Proceeds
from sale of equity investment in affiliates
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
95 |
|
Changes
in notes receivable
|
|
|
497 |
|
|
|
3,767 |
|
Net
cash provided by investing activities
|
|
|
21,230 |
|
|
|
201 |
|
Cash flows from
financing activities:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Proceeds
from issuance of debt
|
|
|
18,635 |
|
|
|
15,031 |
|
Debt
repayments
|
|
|
(26,744 |
) |
|
|
(16,973 |
) |
Payment
of financing fees
|
|
|
(135 |
) |
|
|
(18 |
) |
Net
cash used for financing activities
|
|
|
(8,244 |
) |
|
|
(1,960 |
) |
Net
increase in cash and cash equivalents from continuing
operations
|
|
|
4,862 |
|
|
|
35,986 |
|
Cash flows from
discontinued operations:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash
flows from operating activities of discontinued operations
|
|
|
(17,129 |
) |
|
|
(45,277 |
) |
Cash flows from investing activities of discontinued
operations |
|
|
26,205 |
|
|
|
12,500 |
|
Cash
flows from financing activities of discontinued operations
|
|
|
(13,000 |
) |
|
|
- |
|
Net
cash used for discontinued operations
|
|
|
(3,924 |
) |
|
|
(32,777 |
) |
Net
change in cash and cash equivalents
|
|
|
938 |
|
|
|
3,209 |
|
Effect
of exchange rate changes on cash
|
|
|
194 |
|
|
|
253 |
|
Cash
and cash equivalents, beginning of the period
|
|
|
9,527 |
|
|
|
8,541 |
|
Cash
and cash equivalents, end of the period
|
|
$ |
10,659 |
|
|
$ |
12,003 |
|
The
accompanying Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements are an
integral part of these statements.
1.
|
SUMMARY
OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
|
Basis
of Presentation
The
condensed consolidated balance sheet as of March 31, 2008, and the condensed
consolidated statements of operations and cash flows for the periods ended March
31, 2008 and 2007 have been prepared by us, without audit. In the
opinion of management, all adjustments necessary to present fairly the financial
position, results of operations, and cash flows at March 31, 2008, and for all
periods presented, have been made.
The
condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance
with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) for interim
financial statements and the Securities and Exchange Commission’s instructions
to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, certain information
and footnote disclosures normally included in complete financial statements
prepared in accordance with GAAP have been condensed or
omitted. These condensed consolidated financial statements should be
read in conjunction with the financial statements and notes thereto included in
our 2007 Annual Report on Form 10-K. The results of operations for
the periods ended March 31, 2008 and March 31, 2007 are not necessarily
indicative of the operating results for the full year. Certain
amounts in the prior period financial statements have been reclassified to
conform to the current presentation.
The
financial position and operating results of our foreign operations are
consolidated using, as the functional currency, the local currencies of the
countries in which they are located. The balance sheet accounts are translated
at exchange rates in effect at the end of the period, and the statement of
operations accounts are translated at average exchange rates during the
period. The resulting translation gains and losses are included as a
separate component of stockholders' equity. Foreign currency
transaction gains and losses are included in our statement of operations in the
period in which they occur.
Liquidity
The
Company has experienced losses from operations and negative operating cash
flows, after adjusting for proceeds from sale of securities classified as
“trading”, in each of the years for the three years ended September 30, 2007 and
continuing through the six months ended March 31, 2008. Although the
Company believes its financial resources are sufficient to fund its operations
and other contractual obligations in the near term, our cash needs could be
substantially higher than projected. The Company believes it has
sufficient financial flexibility to meet near term liquidity needs, including
the potential to refinance existing debt, borrow additional funds, sell non-core
assets, or further reduce operational cash disbursements. However,
external factors could impact our ability to execute these
alternatives.
Inventories
Inventories
are stated at the lower of cost or net realizable value. Cost is determined
using the first-in, first-out ("FIFO") method. Inventories consisted of the
following:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(In
thousands)
|
March 31, 2008
|
|
September 30, 2007
|
|
Finished
goods
|
|
$ |
147,766 |
|
|
$ |
117,704 |
|
Raw
materials and work-in-process
|
|
|
587 |
|
|
|
501 |
|
Total
inventories
|
|
$ |
148,353 |
|
|
$ |
118,205 |
|
Stock-Based
Compensation
In
accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No. 123R,
Share Based Payment, we
recognized a nominal amount of compensation cost in the three and six months
ended March 31, 2008 and 2007. No tax benefit and deferred tax asset were
recognized because our tax position reflects a full domestic valuation allowance
against deferred tax assets.
Our
employee stock option plan expired in April 2006 and our non-employee directors’
stock option plan expired in September 2006. As of March 31, 2008,
outstanding stock options on Class A common stock reflected only those stock
options granted prior to the expiration of the plans. No stock
options were granted during the six months ended March 31, 2008. On
March 31, 2008, we had outstanding stock option awards of 125,000, of which
57,500 stock option awards were vested. The Company is prohibited
from entering any new stock option plans until March 2009.
Comprehensive
Income (Loss)
The
activity in other comprehensive income (loss) was:
|
Three
months ended
|
|
Six
months ended
|
|
|
March
31,
|
|
March
31,
|
|
(In
thousands)
|
2008
|
|
2007
|
|
2008
|
|
2007
|
|
Net
earnings (loss)
|
|
$ |
(8,533 |
) |
|
$ |
21,102 |
|
|
$ |
(1,374 |
) |
|
$ |
17,607 |
|
Employee
benefit related
|
|
|
850 |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
1,280 |
|
|
|
- |
|
Net
unrealized holding gains (losses) on available-for-sale
securities
|
|
|
(1,161 |
) |
|
|
(314 |
) |
|
|
(946 |
) |
|
|
1,947 |
|
Foreign
currency translation adjustments
|
|
|
6,934 |
|
|
|
784 |
|
|
|
9,353 |
|
|
|
3,818 |
|
Other
comprehensive income (loss)
|
|
$ |
(1,910 |
) |
|
$ |
21,572 |
|
|
$ |
8,313 |
|
|
$ |
23,372 |
|
The
components of accumulated other comprehensive loss were:
(In
thousands)
|
|
March
31, 2008
|
|
|
September
30, 2007
|
|
Defined
benefit pension plans
|
|
$ |
(66,646 |
) |
|
$ |
(67,926 |
) |
Net
unrealized holding gains on available-for-sale securities
|
|
|
4,699 |
|
|
|
5,645 |
|
Foreign
currency translation adjustments
|
|
|
20,987 |
|
|
|
11,634 |
|
Accumulated
other comprehensive loss
|
|
$ |
(40,960 |
) |
|
$ |
(50,647 |
) |
2.
|
CASH
EQUIVALENTS AND INVESTMENTS
|
Management
determines the appropriate classification of our investments at the time of
acquisition and reevaluates such determination at each balance sheet
date. Cash equivalents and investments consist primarily of money
market accounts, investments in United States government securities, investment
grade corporate bonds, credit derivative obligations, and equity
securities. Investments in common stock of public corporations are
recorded at fair market value and classified as trading securities or
available-for-sale securities. Investments in credit derivative
obligations are recorded at fair market value and classified as
available-for-sale securities. Other long-term investments do not have readily
determinable fair values and consist primarily of investments in preferred and
common shares of private companies and limited partnerships.
Available-for-sale
securities are carried at fair value, with unrealized holding gains and losses
reported as accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), except to the extent
that unrealized losses are deemed to be other than temporary, in which case such
unrealized losses are reflected in earnings. Trading securities are
carried at fair value, with unrealized holding gains and losses included in
investment income. Investments in equity securities and limited
partnerships that do not have readily determinable fair values are stated at
cost and are categorized as other investments. Realized gains and losses are
determined using the specific identification method based on the trade date of a
transaction. Interest on government and corporate obligations are
accrued at the balance sheet date.
A
summary of the cash equivalents and investments held by us is as
follows:
|
|
March
31, 2008
|
|
|
September
30, 2007
|
|
|
|
Aggregate
|
|
|
Aggregate
|
|
|
|
Fair
|
|
|
Cost
|
|
|
Fair
|
|
|
Cost
|
|
(In
thousands)
|
|
Value
|
|
|
Basis
|
|
|
Value
|
|
|
Basis
|
|
Cash
and cash equivalents:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Money
market and other cash funds
|
|
$ |
10,659 |
|
|
$ |
10,659 |
|
|
$ |
9,527 |
|
|
$ |
9,527 |
|
Money
market and other cash funds - restricted
|
|
|
3,976 |
|
|
|
3,976 |
|
|
|
3,243 |
|
|
|
3,243 |
|
Total
cash and cash equivalents
|
|
|
14,635 |
|
|
|
14,635 |
|
|
|
12,770 |
|
|
|
12,770 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Short-term
investments:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Money
market funds – available-for-sale – restricted (a)
|
|
|
6,883 |
|
|
|
6,883 |
|
|
|
32,485 |
|
|
|
32,485 |
|
Equity
securities – trading securities
|
|
|
217 |
|
|
|
217 |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
Equity
and equivalent securities – available-for-sale
|
|
|
2,336 |
|
|
|
1,928 |
|
|
|
2,192 |
|
|
|
932 |
|
Equity
and equivalent securities – available-for-sale -
restricted
|
|
|
15,018 |
|
|
|
11,565 |
|
|
|
13,644 |
|
|
|
11,565 |
|
Total
short-term investments
|
|
|
24,454 |
|
|
|
20,593 |
|
|
|
48,321 |
|
|
|
44,982 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Long-term
investments:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Money
market funds – available-for-sale – restricted
|
|
|
6,543 |
|
|
|
6,543 |
|
|
|
6,643 |
|
|
|
6,643 |
|
Corporate
bonds – available-for-sale – restricted
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
6,300 |
|
|
|
6,300 |
|
Equity
and equivalent securities – available-for-sale –
restricted
|
|
|
5,208 |
|
|
|
4,370 |
|
|
|
8,247 |
|
|
|
5,941 |
|
Other
investments, at cost
|
|
|
3,249 |
|
|
|
3,249 |
|
|
|
3,499 |
|
|
|
3,499 |
|
Total
long-term investments
|
|
|
15,000 |
|
|
|
14,162 |
|
|
|
24,689 |
|
|
|
22,383 |
|
Total
cash equivalents and investments
|
|
$ |
54,089 |
|
|
$ |
49,390 |
|
|
$ |
85,780 |
|
|
$ |
80,135 |
|
(a)
|
Investment
with fair value of $1.3 million at September 30, 2007 reclassified to
current assets of discontinued
operations.
|
On
March 31, 2008 and September 30, 2007, we had restricted cash and investments of
$37.6 million and $71.8 million, respectively, all of which are maintained as
collateral for certain debt facilities, the Esser put option, environmental
matters, and escrow arrangements. On March 31, 2008 and September 30, 2007, cash
of $9.1 million and $8.5 million, respectively, is held by our European
subsidiaries which have debt agreements that place restrictions on the amount of
cash that may be transferred outside the borrowing companies. For additional
information on debt see Note 3.
On
March 31, 2008, we had gross unrealized holding gains from available-for-sale
securities of $4.7 million. On September 30, 2007, we had gross unrealized
holding gains from available-for-sale securities of $5.6 million. We use the
specific identification method to determine the gross realized gains (losses)
from sales of available-for-sale securities.
At
March 31, 2008 and September 30, 2007, notes payable and long-term debt
consisted of the following:
(In
thousands)
|
|
March
31, 2008
|
|
|
September
30, 2007
|
|
Revolving
credit facilities – Hein Gericke
|
|
$ |
14,806 |
|
|
$ |
11,410 |
|
Revolving
credit facilities – PoloExpress
|
|
|
17,380 |
|
|
|
- |
|
Revolving
credit facility – Aerospace
|
|
|
11,690 |
|
|
|
12,042 |
|
Current
maturities of long-term debt
|
|
|
7,990 |
|
|
|
25,783 |
|
Less:
debt included in current liabilities of discontinued
operations
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
(13,000 |
) |
Total
notes payable and current maturities of long-term debt
|
|
|
51,866 |
|
|
|
36,235 |
|
GoldenTree
term loan – Corporate
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
20,938 |
|
Term
loan agreement – Hein Gericke
|
|
|
2,370 |
|
|
|
3,711 |
|
Term
loan agreement – PoloExpress
|
|
|
4,582 |
|
|
|
6,992 |
|
Promissory
note – Corporate
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
13,000 |
|
GMAC
credit facility – Hein Gericke
|
|
|
3,545 |
|
|
|
3,511 |
|
Other
notes payable, collateralized by assets
|
|
|
2,568 |
|
|
|
2,674 |
|
Capital
lease obligations
|
|
|
302 |
|
|
|
724 |
|
Less:
current maturities of long-term debt
|
|
|
(7,990 |
) |
|
|
(25,783 |
) |
Net
long-term debt
|
|
|
5,377 |
|
|
|
25,767 |
|
Total
debt
|
|
$ |
57,243 |
|
|
$ |
62,002 |
|
Term
Loan at Corporate
On
May 3, 2006, we entered into a credit agreement with The Bank of New York, as
administrative agent, and GoldenTree Asset Management, L.P., as collateral
agent. The lenders under the Credit Agreement were GoldenTree Capital
Opportunities, L.P. and GoldenTree Capital Solutions Fund
Financing. Pursuant to the credit agreement, we borrowed from the
lenders $30.0 million. The loan was scheduled to mature on May 3, 2010, subject
to certain mandatory prepayment events described in the credit agreement.
Interest on the loan was LIBOR plus 7.5%, per annum. On October 31,
2007, we fully repaid the GoldenTree loan with $20.9 million of proceeds from
the settlement with Alcoa (see Note 8).
Credit Facilities at Hein Gericke and
PoloExpress
At
March 31, 2008, our Hein Gericke and PoloExpress segments had outstanding
borrowings of $39.1 million (€24.8 million) due under their credit facilities
with Stadtsparkasse Düsseldorf and HSBC Trinkaus & Burkhardt
AG. These facilities include a revolving credit facility at Hein
Gericke GmbH, a seasonal credit facility at PoloExpress, a credit line at
PoloExpress, and term loan facilities covering both segments.
The
revolving credit facility at Hein Gericke Deutschland GmbH provides a credit
line of €10.0 million ($14.8 million outstanding and $1.0 million available at
March 31, 2008), at interest rates of 3.5% over the three-month Euribor (8.3% at
March 31, 2008) and matures annually. For this revolving credit line,
we must pay a 1.25% per annum non-utilization fee.
On
March 1, 2006, our PoloExpress segment entered into an €11.0 million ($17.4
million at March 31, 2008) seasonal credit line with Stadtsparkasse Düsseldorf.
The seasonal facility will reduce by €1.0 million per year and expires on June
30, 2008. On November 30, 2006, we amended the seasonal credit line
with Stadtsparkasse Düsseldorf to include HSBC Trinkaus & Burkhardt AG as a
second lender. This amendment allows us to borrow the full €9.0 million ($14.2
million at March 31, 2008) facility for the 2008 season. As of March
31, 2008, we borrowed the full amount of this facility. The seasonal
credit line bears interest at 1.5% over the three-month Euribor rate (6.3% at
March 31, 2008) when utilized as a short-term credit facility and 2.75% over the
European Overnight Interest Average rate (6.9% at March 31, 2008) when utilized
as an overdraft facility. In addition, we must pay a 1.25% per annum
non-utilization fee on the available facility during the seasonal drawing
period.
On
February 18, 2008, our PoloExpress segment entered into a €2.0 million ($3.2
million at March 31, 2008) credit line with Stadtsparkasse Düsseldorf and HSBC
Trinkaus & Burkhardt AG. This credit line expired on April 30,
2008, but was extended through May 31, 2008, and bears interest at 2.75% over
the European Overnight Interest Average rate (6.9% at March 31,
2008). As of March 31, 2008, we borrowed the full amount of this
facility.
Outstanding
borrowings under the term loan facilities have blended interest rates, with €4.3
million ($6.8 million at March 31, 2008) bearing interest at 1% over the
three-month Euribor rate (5.8% at March 31, 2008), with an interest rate cap
protection in which our interest expense would not exceed 6% on 50% of debt, and
the remaining €0.1 million ($0.2 million at March 31, 2008) bearing interest at
a fixed rate of 6%. The term loans mature on March 31, 2009, and are secured by
the assets of Hein Gericke Deutschland GmbH and PoloExpress and specified
guarantees provided by the German State of North Rhine-Westphalia.
The
loan agreements require Hein Gericke Deutschland and PoloExpress to maintain
compliance with certain covenants. The most restrictive of the covenants
requires Hein Gericke Deutschland to maintain equity of €44.5 million
($70.3 million at March 31, 2008), as defined in the loan
contracts. No dividends may be paid by Hein Gericke Deutschland
unless such covenants are met and dividends may be paid only up to its
consolidated after tax profits. As of March 31, 2008, Hein Gericke borrowed
approximately €5.4 million ($8.6 million at March 31, 2008) from our subsidiary,
Fairchild Holding Corp., which is not subject to restriction against
repayment. The loan agreements have certain restrictions on other
forms of cash flow from Hein Gericke Deutschland. In addition, the loan
covenants require Hein Gericke Deutschland and PoloExpress to maintain inventory
and receivables in excess of €50.0 million ($79.0 million at March 31,
2008). The loan covenants also require Hein Gericke Deutschland to
maintain inventory and accounts receivable at a rate of one and one half times
the net debt position. At March 31, 2008, we were in compliance with
the loan covenants.
At
March 31, 2008, our subsidiary, Hein Gericke UK Ltd had outstanding borrowings
of $3.5 million (£1.8 million) on its £5.0 million ($10.0 million) credit
facility with GMAC. The loan bears interest at 2.25% above the base rate of
Lloyds TSB Bank Plc (7.5% at March 31, 2008). In February 2008, this
facility was extended through April 30, 2010. We must pay a 0.75% per
annum non-utilization fee on the available facility. The financing is secured by
the inventory of Hein Gericke UK Ltd and an investment with a fair market value
of $5.2 million at March 31, 2008. The most restrictive covenants require Hein
Gericke UK to maintain a minimum level of EBITDA and a maximum level of
inventory turns (“Inventory Turns”) as defined. At March 31, 2008,
Hein Gericke UK was in compliance with both covenants.
Credit Facility at Aerospace
Segment
At
March 31, 2008, we had outstanding borrowings of $11.7 million on a $20.0
million asset based revolving credit facility with CIT. The amount that we can
borrow under the facility is based upon inventory and accounts receivable at our
Aerospace segment, and $1.5 million was available for future borrowings at March
31, 2008. Borrowings under the facility are collateralized by a security
interest in the assets of our Aerospace segment. The loan bears interest at the
greater of either 2.0% over prime or 4.25% over the one month LIBOR rate (7.3%
at March 31, 2008) and we pay a non-usage fee of 0.5%. In March 2008, this
credit facility was extended through February 27, 2009, at which time the full
amount of this obligation is due unless extended for an additional 12
months. We are subject to a Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio covenant, as
defined, under the terms of this facility. At March 31, 2008, we were
in compliance with the loan covenant.
Promissory Note –
Corporate
At
September 30, 2007, we had an outstanding loan of $13.0 million with Beal Bank,
SSB. The loan was evidenced by a Promissory Note dated as of August 26, 2004,
and was collateralized by a mortgage lien on the Company’s real estate in
Huntington Beach, California, Fullerton, California, and Wichita, Kansas.
Interest on the note was at the rate of one-year LIBOR (determined on an annual
basis), plus 6% (11.2% at September 30, 2007), and was payable
monthly. On September 30, 2007, approximately $1.3 million of the
loan proceeds were held in escrow to fund specific improvements to the mortgaged
property. On October 31, 2007, the note was repaid in
full. On December 4, 2007, $1.3 million of funds in escrow was
released to the Company.
Guaranties
At
March 31, 2008, we included $1.0 million as debt for guaranties assumed by us of
retail shop partners’ indebtedness incurred for the purchase of store fittings
in Germany. These guaranties were issued by our subsidiaries in the PoloExpress
segment and are collateralized by the fittings in the stores of the shop
partners for whom we have guaranteed indebtedness. In addition, at
March 31, 2008, approximately $0.4 million of bank loans received by retail shop
partners in the PoloExpress and Hein Gericke segments were guaranteed by our
subsidiaries prior to our acquisition of the PoloExpress and Hein Gericke
businesses and are not reflected on our balance sheet because these loans have
not been assumed by us.
Letters of
Credit
We
have entered into standby letter of credit arrangements with insurance companies
and others, issued primarily to guarantee payment of our workers’ compensation
liabilities. At March 31, 2008, we had contingent liabilities of $3.2 million,
on commitments related to outstanding letters of credit which were secured by
restricted cash collateral.
4.
|
PENSIONS
AND POSTRETIREMENT BENEFITS
|
The
Company and its subsidiaries sponsor three qualified defined benefit pension
plans and several other postretirement benefit plans. The components of net
periodic benefit cost from these plans are as follows:
|
|
Pension
Benefits
|
|
|
Postretirement
Benefits
|
|
|
|
Three
months ended
|
|
|
Six
months ended
|
|
|
Three
months ended
|
|
|
Six
months ended
|
|
|
|
March
31,
|
|
|
March
31,
|
|
|
March
31,
|
|
|
March
31,
|
|
(In
thousands)
|
|
2008
|
|
|
2007
|
|
|
2008
|
|
|
2007
|
|
|
2008
|
|
|
2007
|
|
|
2008
|
|
|
2007
|
|
Service
cost
|
|
$ |
85 |
|
|
$ |
79 |
|
|
$ |
170 |
|
|
$ |
158 |
|
|
$ |
- |
|
|
$ |
3 |
|
|
$ |
- |
|
|
$ |
6 |
|
Interest
cost
|
|
|
1,807 |
|
|
|
2,376 |
|
|
|
3,197 |
|
|
|
4,758 |
|
|
|
132 |
|
|
|
380 |
|
|
|
410 |
|
|
|
760 |
|
Expected
return on assets
|
|
|
(1,779 |
) |
|
|
(3,047 |
) |
|
|
(3,557 |
) |
|
|
(6,094 |
) |
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
Amortization
of prior service cost
|
|
|
65 |
|
|
|
65 |
|
|
|
130 |
|
|
|
130 |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
(392 |
) |
|
|
- |
|
|
|
(784 |
) |
Amortization
of actuarial loss
|
|
|
742 |
|
|
|
810 |
|
|
|
1,484 |
|
|
|
1,610 |
|
|
|
43 |
|
|
|
264 |
|
|
|
87 |
|
|
|
528 |
|
Net
periodic pension cost
|
|
|
920 |
|
|
|
283 |
|
|
|
1,424 |
|
|
|
562 |
|
|
$ |
175 |
|
|
$ |
255 |
|
|
$ |
497 |
|
|
$ |
510 |
|
Settlement
charge (a)
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
283 |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
557 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total
net pension cost
|
|
$ |
920 |
|
|
$ |
566 |
|
|
$ |
1,424 |
|
|
$ |
1,119 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(a)
|
The
2007 settlement resulted from lump sum distributions from our SERP
plan.
|
Our
funding policy is to make the minimum annual contribution required by the
Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 or local statutory law. Current
actuarial projections indicate cash contribution requirements of $2.2 million
for the remainder of 2008, $6.2 million in 2009, $6.2 million in 2010, $6.0
million in 2011, $5.8 million in 2012, and $14.4 million from 2013 through 2015.
We are also required to make annual cash contributions of approximately $0.3
million to fund a small pension plan.
In
December 2003, the Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement and Modernization Act
of 2003 became law in the United States. The Medicare Prescription Drug,
Improvement and Modernization Act of 2003 introduces a prescription drug benefit
under Medicare as well as a federal subsidy to sponsors of retiree health care
benefit plans that provide a benefit that is at least actuarially equivalent to
the Medicare benefit. The Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement and
Modernization Act of 2003 is expected to result in improved financial results
for employers, including us, that provide prescription drug benefits for their
Medicare-eligible retirees. In October 2005, we amended our non-class action
retiree medical plans to terminate the prescription drug coverage for Medicare
eligible participants effective January 1, 2006. In September 2007,
we decided to amend certain retiree medical plans to eliminate subsidized
supplemental Medicare insurance coverage for the current and future retirees of
our non-class action retiree medical plans effective January 1,
2008. This action provided income recognition of approximately $11.8
million in fiscal 2007 as a result of the reduction in our postretirement
benefits liabilities. We expect to receive $0.4 million in each of
the next 5 years from the Medicare Prescription Subsidy.
5.
|
EARNINGS
(LOSS) PER SHARE
|
The
following table illustrates the computation of basic and diluted loss per
share:
|
|
Three
months ended
|
|
|
Six
months ended
|
|
|
|
March
31,
|
|
|
March
31,
|
|
(In
thousands, except per share data)
|
|
2008
|
|
|
2007
|
|
|
2008
|
|
|
2007
|
|
Basic
loss per share:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Loss
from continuing operations
|
|
$ |
(11,734 |
) |
|
$ |
(10,731 |
) |
|
$ |
(30,630 |
) |
|
$ |
(24,546 |
) |
Weighted
average common shares outstanding
|
|
|
25,226 |
|
|
|
25,226 |
|
|
|
25,226 |
|
|
|
25,226 |
|
Basic
loss from continuing operations per share
|
|
$ |
(0.47 |
) |
|
$ |
(0.42 |
) |
|
$ |
(1.21 |
) |
|
$ |
(0.97 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Diluted
loss per share:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Loss
from continuing operations
|
|
$ |
(11,734 |
) |
|
$ |
(10,731 |
) |
|
$ |
(30,630 |
) |
|
$ |
(24,546 |
) |
Weighted
average common shares outstanding
|
|
|
25,226 |
|
|
|
25,226 |
|
|
|
25,226 |
|
|
|
25,226 |
|
Diluted
effect of options
|
|
antidilutive
|
|
|
antidilutive
|
|
|
antidilutive
|
|
|
antidilutive
|
|
Total
shares outstanding
|
|
|
25,226 |
|
|
|
25,226 |
|
|
|
25,226 |
|
|
|
25,226 |
|
Diluted
loss from continuing operations per share
|
|
$ |
(0.47 |
) |
|
$ |
(0.42 |
) |
|
$ |
(1.21 |
) |
|
$ |
(0.97 |
) |
The
computation of diluted loss from continuing operations per share for the three
and six months ended March 31, 2008 excluded the effect of 125,000 incremental
common shares attributable to the potential exercise of common stock options
outstanding because the effect was antidilutive. The computation of
diluted loss from continuing operations per share for the three and six months
ended March 31, 2007 excluded the effect of 322,917 incremental common shares
attributable to the potential exercise of common stock options outstanding
because the effect was antidilutive.
We
adopted the provisions of Financial Accounting Standards Board Interpretation
No. (FIN) 48, Accounting for Uncertainty
in Income Taxes — An interpretation of FASB Statement No. 109, on
October 1, 2007. As a result of the implementation of FIN 48, we recognized
no material adjustment in the liability for unrecognized income tax
benefits.
We
recognize interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions in income
tax expense. As of March 31, 2008, we accrued $0.4 million of interest
related to uncertain tax positions.
We
had 22,604,835 shares of Class A common stock and 2,621,338 shares of Class B
common stock outstanding at March 31, 2008. Class A common stock is
traded on the New York Stock Exchange. There is no public market for
the Class B common stock. The shares of Class A common stock are
entitled to one vote per share and cannot be exchanged for shares of Class B
common stock. The shares of Class B common stock are entitled to ten
votes per share and can be exchanged, at any time, for shares of Class A common
stock on a share-for-share basis.
Environmental
Matters
Our
operations are subject to stringent government imposed environmental laws and
regulations concerning, among other things, the discharge of materials into the
environment and the generation, handling, storage, transportation and disposal
of waste and hazardous materials. To date, such laws and regulations
have had a material effect on our financial condition, results of operations, or
net cash flows, and we have expended, and can be expected to expend in the
future, significant amounts for the investigation of environmental conditions
and installation of environmental control facilities, remediation of
environmental conditions and other similar matters.
In
connection with our plans to dispose of certain real estate, we must investigate
environmental conditions and we may be required to take certain corrective
action prior or pursuant to any such disposition. In addition, we have
identified several areas of potential contamination related to, or arising from
other facilities owned, or previously owned, by us, that may require us either
to take corrective action or to contribute to a clean-up. We are also a
defendant in several lawsuits and proceedings seeking to require us to pay for
investigation or remediation of environmental matters, and for injuries to
persons or property allegedly caused thereby, and we have been alleged to be a
potentially responsible party at various "superfund" sites. We believe that we
have recorded adequate accruals in our financial statements for the estimated
cost to complete such investigation and take any necessary corrective actions or
make any necessary contributions. No amounts have been recorded as due from
third parties, including insurers, or set-off against, any environmental
liability, unless such parties are contractually obligated to contribute and are
not disputing such liability.
We,
either on our own or through our insurance carriers, are contesting these
matters. In certain instances, our insurers are defending us under
“reservations of (their) rights” and may later deny coverage, in whole or in
part. We have had and are currently involved in litigations with our
carriers over their denials of coverage or failure to defend our
interests. In the opinion of management, the ultimate resolution of
litigation against us should not have a material adverse effect on our financial
condition, future results of operations or net cash flows. However,
litigation and other claims are subject to inherent uncertainties and
management’s view of these matters may change in the future. There
exists a possibility that a material adverse impact on our financial position
and results of operations could occur in a period during which the effect of an
unfavorable final outcome becomes probable and reasonably
estimable.
In
October 2003, we learned that volatile organic compounds had been detected in
amounts slightly exceeding regulatory thresholds in a town water supply well in
East Farmingdale, New York. Subsequent sampling of groundwater from the
extraction wells to be used in the remediation system for this site has
indicated that contaminant levels at the extraction point are significantly
higher than previous sampling results indicated. These compounds may,
to an as yet undetermined extent, be attributable to a groundwater plume
containing volatile organic compounds, which may have had its source, at least
in part, from plant operations conducted by a predecessor of ours in
Farmingdale. We are aiding East Farmingdale in its investigation of the source
and extent of the volatile organic compounds, and may assist it in treatment. In
the six months ended March 31, 2008, we contributed approximately $0.4 million
toward this remediation, but may be required to pay additional amounts of up to
$6.9 million over the next 20 years. As of March 31, 2008 and
September 30, 2007, we had accrued liabilities outstanding of $6.9 million and
$7.2 million, respectively, for this remediation.
We
incurred no expense for environmental matters in the three and six months ended
March 31, 2008. We expensed $0.1 million and $1.6 million in
discontinued operations for environmental matters in the three and six months
ended March 31, 2007. As of March 31, 2008 and September 30, 2007,
the consolidated total of our recorded liabilities for environmental matters was
approximately $12.9 million and $15.0 million, respectively, which represented
the estimated probable exposure for these matters. On March 31, 2008, $2.2
million of these liabilities was classified as other accrued liabilities, $1.0
million was classified as noncurrent liabilities of discontinued operations, and
$9.7 million was classified as other long-term liabilities. It is reasonably
possible that our exposure for these matters could be approximately $19.2
million.
The
sales agreement with Alcoa includes an indemnification for legal and
environmental claims in excess of $8.45 million, for our fastener
business. As of June 30, 2007, Alcoa contacted us concerning
additional potential health and safety claims of approximately $22.6
million. On June 25, 2007, the Company received an arbitration ruling
awarding Alcoa approximately $4.0 million from the Company’s $25.0 million
escrow account. On October 31, 2007, the Company and Alcoa resolved
all disputes related to the 2002 sale of the fastener business to
Alcoa. Accordingly, $25.3 million of the escrow account was released
to us and Alcoa paid us an additional $0.6 million. At the time of
the resolution, we sold to Alcoa our property in Fullerton,
California.
Asbestos
Matters
On
January 21, 2003, we and one of our subsidiaries were served with a third-party
complaint in an action brought in New York by a non-employee worker and his
spouse alleging personal injury as a result of exposure to asbestos-containing
products. The defendant, who is one of many defendants in the action,
purchased a pump business from us, and asserts the right to be indemnified by us
under its purchase agreement. The aforementioned case was
discontinued as to all defendants, thereby extinguishing the indemnity claim
against us in the instant case. However, the purchaser notified us of, and
claimed a right to indemnity from us in relation to thousands of other
asbestos-related claims filed against it. We have not received enough
information to assess the impact, if any, of the other claims. During the last
55 months, the Company has been served directly by plaintiffs’ counsel in cases
related to the same pump business. A couple of these cases were dismissed as to
all defendants based upon forum objections. The Company was voluntarily
dismissed from additional pump business cases during the same period, without
the payment of any consideration to plaintiffs. The Company, in coordination
with its insurance carriers, intends to aggressively defend against the
remaining claims.
During
the last 55 months, the Company, or its subsidiaries, has been served with
separate complaints in actions filed in various venues by non-employee workers,
alleging personal injury or wrongful death as a result of exposure to
asbestos-containing products other than those related to the pump
business. The plaintiffs’ complaints do not specify which, if any, of the
Company’s former products are at issue, making it difficult to assess the merit
and value, if any, of the asserted claims. The Company, in coordination
with its insurance carriers, intends to aggressively defend against these
claims. However, the Company’s insurers are defending the Company
under a so called “reservation of rights”.
During
the same time period, the Company has resolved similar, non-pump,
asbestos-related lawsuits that were previously served upon the Company. In most
of the cases, the Company was voluntarily dismissed, without the payment of any
consideration to plaintiffs. The remaining few cases were settled for
nominal amounts.
Certain
of the asbestos suits filed in New York relate to a product known as
Patterson Pump. The Company has very little
knowledge concerning Patterson Pump and believes that successorship
liability followed the sale of the product line to another entity. The
carriers defending those suits have taken the position that the automatic stay
in the Bankruptcy of Skinner Engine, one of the Company's former product lines,
prevents them from paying any indemnity on the asbestos suits. Because the
Company has been successful in obtaining dismissals of most of the New York
asbestos suits, the carriers' reservation of rights as to indemnity has not been
an issue until recently. One of the New York asbestos suits was scheduled
for trial on May 5, 2008. The carriers notified the Company that the
automatic stay in the Skinner Engine bankruptcy would prevent them from
satisfying any judgments in the event the plaintiff received a
verdict. However, before trial, the Company's motion for summary judgment
was granted and Fairchild was dismissed from the suit. As a result of
the foregoing, the Company has determined that it will file a motion in the
Skinner Engine bankruptcy to lift the stay so that the carriers will be required
to respond to any potential verdicts that may be handed down in the
future.
The
Company’s insurance carriers have participated in the defense of all of the
aforementioned asbestos claims, both pump and non-pump related. Although
insurance coverage amounts vary, depending upon the policy period(s) and product
line involved in each case, management believes that the Company’s insurance
coverage levels are adequate, and that asbestos claims will not have a material
adverse effect on our financial condition, future results of operation, or net
cash flow. However, the Company’s insurers are defending the Company
under a so called “reservation of rights”.
Commercial
Lovelace Motor Freight Litigation
In
July 2005, we received notice that The Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation (the
“Bureau”) is seeking reimbursement from us of approximately $7.3 million for
Commercial Lovelace Motor Freight Inc. workers’ compensation claims which were
insured under a self-insured workers compensation program in Ohio from the 1950s
until 1985. In March 2006, we received a letter from the Bureau
increasing the amount of reimbursement it is seeking from us to approximately
$8.0 million and suggesting a meeting to discuss a settlement. With
interest, the claim could be higher. For many years prior to July
2005, we had not received any communication from the Bureau. Commercial Lovelace
Motor Freight is a former wholly-owned subsidiary of ours, which filed for
Bankruptcy protection in 1985. Recently, two surety companies which
had issued bonds in favor of the Bureau settled claims of the Bureau, and they
too demanded from the Company payment in respect of the amounts they
paid.
Settlement
efforts to date have not been successful with either the Bureau or the two
surety companies. On August 17, 2007, the Attorney General of Ohio filed a
lawsuit on behalf of the Bureau in the Court of Common Pleas of Franklin County,
Ohio. The State is now seeking to recover from the Company $7.9
million, plus interest and other costs. This claim represents the
amount remaining after the Bureau’s settlements with the two surety
companies. On August 21, 2007, the two surety companies sued the
Company to recover on indemnification obligations allegedly due to them, in the
aggregate amount of $1.1 million, including interest to that date and other
costs.
The
Company has filed answers to the three complaints and successfully moved to
consolidate the three actions. The Company intends to vigorously
defend these actions. As of March 31, 2008, we had accrued
liabilities outstanding of $2.0 million related to the claim made by the
Bureau.
Other Matters
We
are involved in various other claims and lawsuits incidental to our
business. We, either on our own or through our insurance carriers,
are contesting these matters. In the opinion of management, the
ultimate resolution of litigation against us, including that mentioned above,
will not have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, future
results of operations or net cash flows.
9.
|
DISCONTINUED
OPERATIONS
|
The
components of discontinued operations are as follows:
|
|
Three
months ended
|
|
|
Six
months ended
|
|
|
|
March
31,
|
|
|
March
31,
|
|
(In
thousands)
|
|
2008
|
|
|
2007
|
|
|
2008
|
|
|
2007
|
|
Net
rental revenues
|
|
$ |
133 |
|
|
$ |
237 |
|
|
$ |
247 |
|
|
$ |
475 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
COSTS
AND EXPENSES
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cost
of rental revenues
|
|
|
46 |
|
|
|
51 |
|
|
|
60 |
|
|
|
107 |
|
Selling,
general & administrative
|
|
|
866 |
|
|
|
923 |
|
|
|
(3,389 |
) |
|
|
2,889 |
|
Other
income, net
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
(144 |
) |
|
|
- |
|
|
|
(144 |
) |
|
|
|
912 |
|
|
|
830 |
|
|
|
(3,329 |
) |
|
|
2,852 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Operating
income (loss)
|
|
|
(779 |
) |
|
|
(593 |
) |
|
|
3,576 |
|
|
|
(2,377 |
) |
Net
interest expense
|
|
|
118 |
|
|
|
389 |
|
|
|
118 |
|
|
|
785 |
|
Income
(loss) from discontinued operations before income taxes
|
|
|
(897 |
) |
|
|
(982 |
) |
|
|
3,458 |
|
|
|
(3,162 |
) |
Income
tax (provision) benefit
|
|
|
(123 |
) |
|
|
- |
|
|
|
7,166 |
|
|
|
- |
|
Net
income (loss) from discontinued operations
|
|
$ |
(1,020 |
) |
|
$ |
(982 |
) |
|
$ |
10,624 |
|
|
$ |
(3,162 |
) |
Income
(loss) from discontinued operations includes the results of our Fullerton and
Huntington Beach properties prior to their sale, and certain legal and
environmental expenses associated with our former businesses. The
loss from discontinued operations for the three months ended March 31, 2008
consists primarily of $0.4 million to cover legal expenses and workers
compensation obligations associated with businesses we sold several years
ago. The income from discontinued operations for the six months ended
March 31, 2008 consists principally of a $7.4 million reversal of German tax
reserves and a $4.0 million reversal of environmental costs associated with the
settlement with Alcoa, offset partially by $0.6 million to cover legal expenses
and workers compensation obligations associated with businesses we sold several
years ago. The loss from discontinued operations for the three months
ended March 31, 2007 consists primarily of $0.7 million to cover legal expenses
and workers compensation obligations associated with businesses we sold several
years ago. The loss from discontinued operations for the six months
ended March 31, 2007 consists primarily of $4.3 million to cover legal expenses
and workers compensation obligations associated with businesses we sold several
years ago and a $1.6 million increase in our environmental accrual, offset
partially by a $3.3 million insurance reimbursement.
Certain
assets and liabilities remaining from the sales of our Huntington Beach and
Fullerton properties in March 2008 and October 2007, respectively, and the sale
of our shopping center in July 2006, are being reported as assets and
liabilities of discontinued operations at March 31, 2008 and September 30, 2007,
as follows:
(In
thousands)
|
|
March
31, 2008
|
|
|
September
30, 2007
|
|
Current
assets of discontinued operations:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Short-term
investments - restricted
|
|
$ |
- |
|
|
$ |
1,282 |
|
Prepaid
expenses and other current assets
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
56 |
|
Current
assets of discontinued operations
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
1,338 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Noncurrent
assets of discontinued operations:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Property,
plant and equipment
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
8,591 |
|
Accumulated
depreciation
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
(724 |
) |
Deferred
loan fees
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
12 |
|
Noncurrent
assets of discontinued operations
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
7,879 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Current
liabilities of discontinued operations:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Other
accrued liabilities
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
13,139 |
|
Current
liabilities of discontinued operations
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
13,139 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Noncurrent
liabilities of discontinued operations:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Other
long-term liabilities (a)
|
|
|
16,118 |
|
|
|
16,120 |
|
Noncurrent
liabilities of discontinued operations
|
|
|
16,118 |
|
|
|
16,120 |
|
Total
net liabilities of discontinued operations
|
|
$ |
16,118 |
|
|
$ |
20,042 |
|
(a)
|
Represents
a $15.1 million deferred gain on the sale of the shopping center and $1.0
million for the estimated minimum cost to remediate environmental
matters.
|
Net
gain on disposal of discontinued operations was comprised of the
following:
|
Three
months ended
|
|
|
Six
months ended
|
|
|
March
31,
|
|
|
March
31,
|
|
(In
thousands)
|
2008
|
|
|
2007
|
|
|
2008
|
|
|
2007
|
|
Earnout
on sale of fasteners
|
|
$ |
- |
|
|
$ |
- |
|
|
$ |
- |
|
|
$ |
12,500 |
|
Expiration
of tax statutes of limitations
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
32,815 |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
32,815 |
|
Gain
on sale of Fullerton property
|
|
|
95 |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
13,997 |
|
|
|
- |
|
Gain
on settlement on sale of Aerostructures
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
509 |
|
|
|
- |
|
Gain
on sale of Huntington Beach property
|
|
|
4,126 |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
4,126 |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
$ |
4,221 |
|
|
$ |
32,815 |
|
|
$ |
18,632 |
|
|
$ |
45,315 |
|
On
October 31, 2007, we sold our property in Fullerton, California to Alcoa for
$19.0 million. We recognized a gain of $14.0 million on this
sale.
In
October 2007, we reached a settlement with PCA Aerostructures regarding the June
2005 sale of our Fairchild Aerostructures operation. Under the terms
of the settlement, PCA agreed to pay us $1.75 million. A
payment of $0.5 million was made in October 2007 and a payment of $0.25 million
was due in February 2008. In addition, we agreed to finance the
remaining $1.0 million principal owed to us by PCA at a 10% interest
rate. We recognized a gain of $0.5 million from this
settlement.
On
March 14, 2008, the Company sold the Huntington Beach property to PCA
Aerostructures for $7.2 million. We recognized a gain of
approximately $4.1 million on this sale.
10.
|
BUSINESS
SEGMENT INFORMATION
|
Our
business consists of three segments: PoloExpress; Hein Gericke; and Aerospace.
Our PoloExpress and Hein Gericke segments are engaged in the design and retail
sale of protective clothing, helmets and technical accessories for motorcyclists
in Europe, and our Hein Gericke segment is also engaged in the design,
licensing, and distribution of apparel in the United States. Our Aerospace
segment stocks and distributes a wide variety of aircraft parts to commercial
airlines and air cargo carriers, fixed-base operators, corporate aircraft
operators and other aerospace companies worldwide.
|
Three
Months Ended
|
|
|
Six
Months Ended
|
|
|
March
31,
|
|
|
March
31,
|
|
(In
thousands)
|
2008
|
|
2007
|
|
|
2008
|
|
|
2007
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Revenues
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
PoloExpress
|
|
$ |
37,796 |
|
|
$ |
31,736 |
|
|
$ |
58,805 |
|
|
$ |
49,945 |
|
Hein
Gericke
|
|
|
26,587 |
|
|
|
25,544 |
|
|
|
46,753 |
|
|
|
46,078 |
|
Aerospace
|
|
|
20,781 |
|
|
|
23,495 |
|
|
|
45,708 |
|
|
|
45,137 |
|
Total
|
|
$ |
85,164 |
|
|
$ |
80,775 |
|
|
$ |
151,266 |
|
|
$ |
141,160 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Operating
Income (Loss)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
PoloExpress
|
|
$ |
(190 |
) |
|
$ |
1,291 |
|
|
$ |
(4,355 |
) |
|
$ |
134 |
|
Hein
Gericke
|
|
|
(7,525 |
) |
|
|
(6,139 |
) |
|
|
(16,872 |
) |
|
|
(13,681 |
) |
Aerospace
|
|
|
923 |
|
|
|
1,990 |
|
|
|
2,875 |
|
|
|
3,353 |
|
Corporate
and Other
|
|
|
(5,000 |
) |
|
|
(5,483 |
) |
|
|
(12,262 |
) |
|
|
(9,107 |
) |
Total
|
|
$ |
(11,792 |
) |
|
$ |
(8,341 |
) |
|
$ |
(30,614 |
) |
|
$ |
(19,301 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
March
31,
|
|
September
30,
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2008
|
|
2007
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total
Assets
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
PoloExpress
|
|
$ |
134,674 |
|
|
$ |
96,208 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Hein
Gericke
|
|
|
103,959 |
|
|
|
95,897 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Aerospace
|
|
|
56,593 |
|
|
|
49,093 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Corporate
and Other
|
|
|
65,739 |
|
|
|
116,156 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total
|
|
$ |
360,965 |
|
|
$ |
357,354 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
CAUTIONARY
STATEMENT
The
discussion below contains forward-looking statements, which are subject to safe
harbors under the Securities Act of 1933 and the Securities Exchange Act of
1934. Forward-looking statements include references to the expected results of
the cost reduction program that was announced in January 2007 and statements
including words such as “expects,” “plans,” “anticipates,” “believes,”
“estimates,” “predicts,” “projects,” and similar expressions. In addition,
statements that refer to projections of our future financial performance,
anticipated growth and trends in our businesses and in our industries, the
anticipated impacts of acquisitions, and other characterizations of future
events or circumstances are forward-looking statements. These statements are
only predictions, based on our current expectations about future events and may
not prove to be accurate. We do not undertake any obligation to update these
forward-looking statements to reflect events occurring or circumstances arising
after the date of this report. These forward-looking statements involve risks
and uncertainties, and our actual results, performance, or achievements could
differ materially from those expressed or implied by the forward-looking
statements on the basis of several factors, including those that we discuss
in Risk Factors, set
forth in Part II, Item 1A of this Quarterly Report and in Part I,
Item 1A, of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended
September 30, 2007. We encourage you to read these sections
carefully.
EXECUTIVE
OVERVIEW
The
Fairchild Corporation was incorporated in October 1969, under the laws of the
State of Delaware. Our business consists of three segments: PoloExpress; Hein
Gericke; and Aerospace. Both our PoloExpress and Hein Gericke
segments are engaged in the design and retail sale of motorcycle apparel,
protective clothing, helmets, and technical accessories for motorcyclists in
Europe. In addition, Hein Gericke is engaged in the design and distribution of
motorcycle apparel in the United States. Our Aerospace segment stocks
a wide variety of aircraft parts and distributes them to commercial airlines and
air cargo carriers, fixed-base operators, corporate aircraft operators, and
other aerospace companies worldwide. Additionally, our Aerospace segment
performs component repair and overhaul services.
During
fiscal 2007, our senior management team led an effort to enhance shareholder
value with focused goals to generate growth opportunities within our core
businesses, establish turnaround actions needed to capitalize on improvement
opportunities within our Hein Gericke segment, and liquidate non-core assets at
maximized value to reduce our high-yield debt and future cash flow
needs. To date, we have made progress toward achieving these
objectives. Some of the more significant steps taken in fiscal 2007
are discussed below:
|
·
|
At
our Aerospace segment, we have enhanced our efforts to develop new
products. This includes a concentration on expanding penetration of our
products and services through a larger group of aircraft fleet
customers. In 2007, our Aerospace segment generated revenue
growth of 8.1% and operating income growth of 9.2% over the prior year.
While the impact of our work has yet to be fully realized, we are
optimistic that our efforts may permit us to achieve substantial
additional growth within our Aerospace segment in the near
future.
|
|
·
|
At
our PoloExpress segment, in an effort to further strengthen the range of
our products, we introduced several third party brands, offered more
casual wear offerings, added two new stores in Switzerland, and relocated
5 store locations within Germany, optimizing store location and store
size. Excluding foreign currency factors, our PoloExpress segment
experienced revenue growth of 15.6% over the prior year. We have also
decided, that in the fall of 2008, we will move PoloExpress into a larger
warehouse to optimize efficiency and provide sufficient space needed to
capitalize on future expansion
opportunities.
|
·
|
At
our Hein Gericke segment, we consolidated and centralized our warehouse
facilities to one location to service all of Europe, improved the
timeliness of product deliveries from suppliers to our warehouse and
delivery to the stores, reintroduced our Hein Gericke product catalog to
expand brand awareness and attract customer traffic, and increased efforts
to optimize store location and appearance. Midway through our 2007
seasonal period, we opened new stores in Paris and Amsterdam and relocated
our store in Vienna. Additionally, we closed 2 underperforming stores.
Recently, we restructured our management team providing them with clear
goals to: maximize gross margins without reducing sales; optimize
inventory management by purchasing more fast moving products; reduce the
number of upscale third party brands offered; minimize the number of slow
moving or low margin products offered; and strictly maintain cash flow
within budgeted guidelines. Although margins improved slightly in fiscal
2007, an effort to reduce the level of “discontinued products” during the
last three months of the fiscal year partially offset our margin
gains.
|
|
·
|
At
Corporate, we intensified efforts to reduce corporate expenses and
maximize returns generated by the sale of non-core
assets. Accordingly, we successfully negotiated reductions in
our corporate insurance contracts. In 2007, we reduced expenses by in
excess of $2.8 million for salaries, travel expenses, and our director and
officer insurance expenses, over the costs incurred in
2006.
|
|
·
|
In
August 2007, we purchased annuities to settle the liabilities of an
overfunded pension plan, which resulted in net remaining assets of
approximately $8.7 million. This action triggered settlement accounting,
which required us to expense approximately $26.2 million relating to the
previous unrecognized actuarial losses and the costs associated with
purchasing annuity contracts. In September 2007, we would have
been required to recognize approximately $17.0 million as a reduction to
stockholders’ equity upon the adoption of SFAS No. 158, Employers’ Accounting for
Defined Benefit Pension and Other Postretirement Pension Plans, to
recognize actuarial losses which were previously amortizable under the
prior accounting rules. In September 2007, the settled pension plan,
including its $8.7 million net remaining assets, was merged with one of
our underfunded pension plans. In accordance with the Pension
Protection Act of 2006, this action reduces the amount we will be required
to contribute to our underfunded pension
plan.
|
|
·
|
In
September 2007, we decided to amend certain retiree medical plans to
eliminate subsidized supplemental Medicare insurance coverage for the
current and future retirees of our non-class action retiree medical plans
effective January 1, 2008. This action provided income recognition of
approximately $11.8 million in fiscal 2007, as a result of the reduction
in our postretirement benefits
liabilities.
|
Subsequent
to September 30, 2007, we accomplished the following:
|
·
|
On
October 31, 2007, we resolved all disputes with Alcoa related to the 2002
sale of the fastener business to Alcoa. Accordingly, $25.3
million of the escrow account was released to us and Alcoa made an
additional payment to us of $0.6 million and assumed specified liabilities
for foreign taxes, environmental matters, and worker compensation
claims. We used $20.9 million of these proceeds to fully repay
the GoldenTree loan, which carried a variable interest rate of 12.8% at
September 30, 2007. We expect the repayment of this loan will
eliminate in excess of $2.5 million in annual interest
costs.
|
|
·
|
On
October 31, 2007, we sold our property in Fullerton, California to Alcoa
for $19.0 million. We used $13.0 million of these proceeds to
fully repay the Beal Bank loan, which carried a variable interest rate of
11.2% at September 30, 2007. We expect the repayment of this
loan will eliminate in excess of $1.0 million in annual interest
costs.
|
|
·
|
In
December 2007, we decided to change the investment allocation of our
pension plan assets to a more traditional allocation of 60% in equity
securities and 40% in fixed-income securities, from the previous very
conservative allocation of 80% invested fixed income securities and 20% in
equity securities. Our goal is to maximize returns by taking on additional
nominal risk. We expect this investment reallocation will significantly
reduce the actual amounts of our annual long-term future cash contribution
requirements.
|
|
·
|
During
the three months ended December 31, 2007, certain actions were taken to
consolidate and restructure back office functions at Hein
Gericke.
|
|
·
|
On
March 14, 2008, we sold our Huntington Beach property to PCA
Aerostructures for $7.2 million. We recognized a
gain of approximately $4.1 million on this
transaction.
|
During
fiscal 2008, we expect to continue making significant operational
improvements. Our plans include the following:
|
·
|
At
our Aerospace segment, we expect to continue our growth by offering
additional products, obtaining required certifications and delivering new
products currently being developed, pursuing refinancing opportunities of
our existing debt, and maximizing cash flow opportunities. We
also expect to capitalize upon strategic acquisition opportunities that
present themselves. In April 2008, we completed a $1.0 million
acquisition of a vendor for a key component to a new product we expect to
offer in the near future.
|
|
·
|
At
our PoloExpress segment, we expect to continue our growth through opening
new store locations and optimizing current store locations, transitioning
to our new warehouse location, maximizing inventory management
opportunities, continuing to add to our product offerings, pursuing
refinancing opportunities, and maximizing cash flow
opportunities.
|
|
·
|
At
our Hein Gericke segment, we expect to continue cost structure
improvements by taking aggressive actions to reduce additional expenses,
including: closing stores which do not provide a positive contribution;
reducing advertising expense; and considering opportunities to further
reduce warehousing expenses. Additionally, we expect to achieve a
significant improvement in gross margin contribution and pursue additional
refinancing opportunities with the goal of producing positive cash flow
for the year.
|
|
·
|
At
our Corporate segment, we expect to continue efforts to generate cash
from the liquidation of non-core assets and disposing of additional
non-core property and investments.
|
|
·
|
At
our Corporate segment, we expect to continue efforts to further
reduce expenses.
|
|
·
|
We
may consider opportunities to dispose of one or more of our core
businesses in an effort to receive optimal values or eliminate future cash
needs. We expect to use the proceeds received from a disposal to pursue
new acquisition opportunities or reinvest in our remaining
businesses.
|
|
·
|
We
may also consider raising cash to meet the subsequent needs of our
operations by issuing additional stock or debt, entering into partnership
arrangements, liquidating assets, or other
means.
|
Financial
Results and Trends
For
the six months ended March 31, 2008, we reported loss from continuing operations
before taxes of $33.9 million compared to a loss of $24.0 million for the six
months ended March 31, 2007. Our $26.8 million cash used for
operating activities primarily resulted from the seasonal inventory demands of
our PoloExpress and Hein Gericke businesses. As of March 31, 2008, we
have unrestricted cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments of $13.2
million and available borrowing under lines of credit of $1.5
million. On October 31, 2007, the Company and Alcoa resolved all
disputes related to the 2002 sale of the fastener
business. Accordingly, $25.3 million of the escrow account was
released to us and Alcoa paid us an additional $0.6 million, of which $20.9
million was used to fully repay the GoldenTree loan. Also on October
31, 2007, we sold our property in Fullerton, California to Alcoa for $19.0
million, of which $13.0 million was used to fully repay the Beal Bank
loan. On March 14, 2008, the Company sold the Huntington Beach
property to PCA Aerostructures for $7.2 million.
CRITICAL
ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Our
financial statements and accompanying notes are prepared in accordance with U.S.
generally accepted accounting principles. Preparing financial statements
requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported
amounts of assets, liabilities, revenue, and expenses. These estimates and
assumptions are affected by management’s application of accounting policies.
Critical accounting policies for us are more fully described in our Annual
Report on Form 10-K and include: inventory valuation; valuation of long-lived
assets; impairment of goodwill and intangible assets with indefinite lives;
pension and postretirement benefits; deferred and noncurrent income taxes;
environmental and litigation accruals; and revenue recognition. Estimates in
each of these areas are based on historical experience and a variety of
assumptions that we believe are appropriate. Actual results may differ from
these estimates.
RESULTS
OF OPERATIONS
Consolidated
Results
We
currently report in three principal business segments: PoloExpress; Hein
Gericke; and Aerospace. Because PoloExpress and Hein Gericke are
highly seasonal businesses, with an historic trend of a higher volume of sales
and profits during the months of March through September, the discussion below
should not be relied upon as a trend of our future results. The following table
provides the revenues and operating income (loss) of our segments:
|
|
Three
Months Ended
|
|
|
Six
Months Ended
|
|
|
|
March
31,
|
|
|
March
31,
|
|
(In
thousands)
|
|
2008
|
|
|
2007
|
|
|
2008
|
|
|
2007
|
|
Revenues
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
PoloExpress
|
|
$ |
37,796 |
|
|
$ |
31,736 |
|
|
$ |
58,805 |
|
|
$ |
49,945 |
|
Hein
Gericke
|
|
|
26,587 |
|
|
|
25,544 |
|
|
|
46,753 |
|
|
|
46,078 |
|
Aerospace
|
|
|
20,781 |
|
|
|
23,495 |
|
|
|
45,708 |
|
|
|
45,137 |
|
Total
|
|
$ |
85,164 |
|
|
$ |
80,775 |
|
|
$ |
151,266 |
|
|
$ |
141,160 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Operating
Income (Loss)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
PoloExpress
|
|
$ |
(190 |
) |
|
$ |
1,291 |
|
|
$ |
(4,355 |
) |
|
$ |
134 |
|
Hein
Gericke
|
|
|
(7,525 |
) |
|
|
(6,139 |
) |
|
|
(16,872 |
) |
|
|
(13,681 |
) |
Aerospace
|
|
|
923 |
|
|
|
1,990 |
|
|
|
2,875 |
|
|
|
3,353 |
|
Corporate
and Other
|
|
|
(5,000 |
) |
|
|
(5,483 |
) |
|
|
(12,262 |
) |
|
|
(9,107 |
) |
Total
|
|
$ |
(11,792 |
) |
|
$ |
(8,341 |
) |
|
$ |
(30,614 |
) |
|
$ |
(19,301 |
) |
Revenues
increased $4.4 million, or 5.4%, for the three months ended March 31, 2008
compared to the three months ended March 31, 2007. Revenues increased
$10.1 million, or 7.2%, for the six months ended March 31, 2008 compared to the
six months ended March 31, 2007. The revenue improvement for the
three months ended March 31, 2008 was driven by an increase in revenue of
$6.1 million at our PoloExpress segment and $1.0 million
at our Hein Gericke segment, partially offset by a $2.7 million decrease in
revenue at our Aerospace segment. The revenue improvement for the six
months ended March 31, 2008 was driven by an increase in revenue of
$8.9 million at our PoloExpress segment, a $0.7 million
increase at our Hein Gericke segment, and a $0.6 million increase at our
Aerospace segment. The increased revenues at both our PoloExpress and
Hein Gericke segments for both the three and six month periods ended March 31,
2008 principally resulted from the positive impact of foreign currency
fluctuations, partially offset by a decline in same store
sales. Revenues at our Aerospace segment for the three months ended
March 31, 2008 decreased due to timing of customer shipments, while revenues at
our Aerospace segment for the six months ended March 31, 2008 increased due to
an overall improvement in the areas of the aerospace industry for which we
provide products. See segment discussion below for further
details.
Gross
margin as a percentage of sales remained relatively stable at 38.9% for the
three months ended March 31, 2008 compared to 39.0% for the three months ended
March 31, 2007. Gross margin as a percentage of sales decreased to
37.2% for the six months ended March 31, 2008 compared to 38.2% for the six
months ended March 31, 2007. The margin decline for the six months
ended March 31, 2008 was driven by decreases in each of our operating
segments. Specifically, gross margin decreased from 44.2% to 42.6% at
our PoloExpress segment, from 41.9% to 40.8% at our Hein Gericke segment, and
from 27.7% to 26.5% at our Aerospace segment. The decrease in gross
margin at our PoloExpress segment resulted from incremental discounting of
third-party branded helmets as well as the expansion of third-party branded
products, which have lower gross margins compared to PoloExpress branded
products. Gross margin at our Hein Gericke and Aerospace segments
decreased due to a shift in product mix. See segment discussion below
for further details.
Selling,
general, and administrative expense includes pension and postretirement expense
of $1.1 million and $1.9 million for the three and six months ended March 31,
2008, respectively, and $0.8 million and $1.6 million for the three and six
months ended March 31, 2007, respectively, relating primarily to inactive and
retired employees of businesses that we sold and for which we retained the
pension or postretirement liability. Selling, general, and
administrative expense, excluding pension and postretirement expense, as a
percentage of sales, increased to 52.6% for the three months ended March 31,
2008 compared to 49.1% for the three months ended March 31,
2007. This increase in selling, general, and administrative expense
as a percentage of sales was driven principally by increases at each of our
segments. The increase at our PoloExpress segment resulted primarily
from the shift from shop partners to employees. The increase at our Hein Gericke
segment resulted primarily from a sales decrease in excess of the decrease in
selling, general, and administrative expenses. The increase at our
Aerospace segment resulted primarily from decreased sales as selling, general,
and administrative expense remained flat. Selling, general, and
administrative expense, excluding pension and postretirement expense, as a
percentage of sales increased to 56.3% for the six months ended March 31, 2008
compared to 53.2% for the six months ended March 31, 2007. This
increase in selling, general, and administrative expense as a percentage of
sales was driven principally by increases at both our PoloExpress and Hein
Gericke segments. The increase at our PoloExpress segment resulted
primarily from the shift from shop partners to employees. The increase at our
Hein Gericke segment resulted primarily from a sales decrease in excess of the
decrease in selling, general, and administrative expenses. See
segment discussion below for further details.
Other
income, net, increased $0.4 million from income of $0.8 million for the three
months ended March 31, 2007 to $1.2 million income for the three
months ended March 31, 2008. This increase resulted principally from
a $1.0 million increase in charter income related to an owned airplane, offset
partially by a $0.7 million increase in the foreign exchange
loss. Other income, net, decreased $3.3 million from
income of $3.9 million for the six months ended March 31, 2007 to
income of $0.6 million for the six months ended March 31,
2008. This decrease resulted primarily from a $2.1 million gain on
collection of a note receivable in the six months ended March 31, 2007 and a
$1.7 million increase in the foreign exchange loss, offset partially
by a $0.6 million increase in charter income related to an owned
airplane.
Income
tax benefit for the three months ended March 31, 2008 was $0.6 million. This
consists of $1.0 million of income tax benefit representing 30% of losses before
income taxes from continuing operations related to our German businesses. This
is offset by $0.4 million representing accrued interest on a contingent tax
liability. For the three months ended March 31, 2007, we had a full
valuation allowance on all of our deferred tax assets. We released the
valuation allowance in the quarter ended September 30, 2007 when Polo Holding
sold the assets of the Hein Gericke business to a new wholly-owned sister
company. As a result of the sale, Polo Holding will be able to utilize the
cumulative combined income and trade tax losses to offset its future profits
subject to income and trade tax.
Income tax benefit for the six months ended March 31, 2008 was $3.2 million.
This consists of $3.6 million of income tax benefit representing 30% of losses
before income taxes from continuing operations related to our German businesses.
This is offset by $0.4 million representing accrued interest on a contingent tax
liability. A portion of the benefit is derived from an increase in Polo
Holding’s deferred tax asset that should be realized in future periods due to
the projected profitability for the fiscal year. The remaining benefit is
a result of an increase in Hein Gericke’s indefinite lived deferred tax asset
that can be offset with its indefinite lived deferred tax liability.
Income tax expense for the six months ended March 31, 2007 was $0.7 million
primarily due to state income tax liabilities.
Additionally, at December 31, 2007, we released a $7.4 million tax contingency
reserve to net income from discontinued operations. The Company accrued
$5.7 million in fiscal 2005 and increased the accrual by another $1.7 million in
fiscal 2006 as a result of an audit by the German tax authorities with respect
to the Fastener business that was sold in December 2002. The Company
retained any tax liabilities prior to the date of the sale. During the
three months ended December 31, 2007, the Company was released from its
contingent tax liability.
Income
(loss) from discontinued operations includes the results of our Fullerton and
Huntington Beach properties prior to their sale, and certain legal and
environmental expenses associated with our former businesses. The
loss from discontinued operations for the three months ended March 31, 2008
consists primarily of $0.4 million to cover legal expenses and workers
compensation obligations associated with businesses we sold several years
ago. The income from discontinued operations for the six months ended
March 31, 2008 consists principally of a $7.4 million reversal of German tax
reserves and a $4.0 million reversal of environmental costs associated with the
settlement with Alcoa, offset partially by $0.6 million to cover legal expenses
and workers compensation obligations associated with businesses we sold several
years ago. The loss from discontinued operations for the three months
ended March 31, 2007 consists primarily of $0.7 million to cover legal expenses
and workers compensation obligations associated with businesses we sold several
years ago. The loss from discontinued operations for the six months
ended March 31, 2007 consists primarily of $4.3 million to cover legal expenses
and workers compensation obligations associated with businesses we sold several
years ago and a $1.6 million increase in our environmental accrual, offset
partially by a $3.3 million insurance reimbursement.
Gain
on disposal of discontinued operations for the three months ended March 31, 2008
consisted primarily of recognition of a $4.1 million gain from the sale of our
Huntington Beach property. Gain on disposal of discontinued
operations for the six months ended March 31, 2008 included a $14.0 million gain
from the sale of our Fullerton property, a $4.1 million gain from the sale of
our Huntington Beach property, and a $0.5 million gain from the settlement of
issues pertaining to our sale of Fairchild Aerostructures. The gain
for both the three and six months ended March 31, 2007 resulted from a $32.8
million tax reserve release following the expiration of the related statutes of
limitations and closure of the related tax period. The gain for the
six months ended March 31, 2007 also resulted partially from $12.5 million of
additional proceeds earned from the sale of the fastener business.
Segment
Results
PoloExpress
Segment
Our
PoloExpress segment designs and sells motorcycle apparel, protective clothing,
helmets, and technical accessories for motorcyclists. As of March 31,
2008, PoloExpress operated 89 retail shops in Germany and 4 shops in
Switzerland. While the PoloExpress retail stores sell primarily PoloExpress
brand products, these retail stores also sell products of other manufacturers,
the inventory of which is owned by the Company. The PoloExpress
segment is a seasonal business, with an historic trend of a higher volume of
sales and profits during March through September.
Sales
in our PoloExpress segment increased $6.1 million, or 19.1%, and $8.9 million,
or 17.7%, for the three and six months ended March 31, 2008, respectively,
compared to the three and six months ended March 31, 2007. Retail
sales per square meter increased to $710 and $1,114 for the three and six months
ended March 31, 2008 from $646 and $1,039 for the three and six months ended
March 31, 2007. This improvement in sales for both the three and six
months ended March 31, 2008 resulted principally from foreign currency
fluctuations as exchange rates on the translation of European sales into U.S.
dollars changed favorably and increased our revenues by approximately $4.8
million and $7.0 million for the three and six months ended March 31, 2008,
respectively. The sales increase for the three and six months ended March 31,
2008 was partially offset by a decline in same store sales of 1.3% and 2.0%,
respectively.
Gross
margin for the three months ended March 31, 2008 decreased to 43.1% from 43.8%
for the three months ended March 31, 2007 and gross margin for the six months
ended March 31, 2008 decreased to 42.6% from 44.2% for the six months ended
March 31, 2007 due primarily to incremental discounting of third-party branded
helmets as well as the expansion of third-party branded products, which have
lower gross margins compared to PoloExpress branded products, in the periods
ended March 31, 2008 compared to the year-ago periods. Operating
income in our PoloExpress segment decreased $1.5 million for the three months
ended March 31, 2008 compared to the year-ago period. Operating
income decreased $4.5 million from an operating income of $0.1 million in the
six months ended March 31, 2007 to an operating loss of $4.4 million for the six
months ended March 31, 2008. The decreased operating income reflected
the decreased gross margin as well as increased selling, general, and
administrative expenses resulting from higher seasonal expenses in the current
quarter caused by the shifting of shop partners to employees in a significant
number of our PoloExpress stores and increased depreciation expense related to
acquired store fittings. Shop partners are principally compensated by
commission based on the sales level of the applicable store, whereas, employees
are essentially a fixed personnel cost. Thus, the shift from
commission-based staff to fixed employment costs during PoloExpress’s lighter
sales periods leads to a year-over-year increase in selling, general, and
administrative costs as a percentage of sales. This increase will be
offset by a decrease in selling, general, and administrative as a percentage of
revenue in future fiscal 2008 quarters as our personnel costs remain relatively
flat compared to the expected seasonal revenue increases at our PoloExpress
segment.
Hein
Gericke Segment
Our
Hein Gericke segment designs and sells motorcycle apparel, protective clothing,
helmets, and technical accessories for motorcyclists. As of March 31, 2008, Hein
Gericke operated 141 retail shops in Austria, Belgium, France, Germany, Italy,
Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Turkey, and the United Kingdom. Although
the Hein Gericke retail stores primarily sell Hein Gericke brand items, these
retail stores also sell products of other manufacturers, the inventory of which
is owned by the Company. Fairchild Sports USA, located in Tustin, California,
designs and sells apparel and accessories under private labels for third parties
and sells licensed product to Harley-Davidson dealers. The Hein Gericke segment
is a seasonal business, with an historic trend of a higher volume of sales
during March through September.
Sales
in our Hein Gericke segment increased $1.0 million, or 4.1%, for the three
months ended March 31, 2008 compared to the three months ended March 31,
2007. Retail sales per square meter increased to $487 for the three
months ended March 31, 2008 compared to $450 for the three months ended March
31, 2007. Sales at Hein Gericke retail locations increased $1.9
million, or 7.9%, for the three months ended March 31, 2008 compared to the
three months ended March 31, 2007. The increase in retail sales for
the three months ended March 31, 2008 resulted primarily from foreign currency
fluctuations, as exchange rates on the translation of European sales into U.S.
dollars changed favorably and increased our revenues by approximately $3.3
million, and from a same store sales increase of 0.9%, offset partially by a
decrease in the number of store locations.
Sales
in our Hein Gericke segment increased $0.7 million, or 1.5%, for the six months
ended March 31, 2008 compared to the six months ended March 31,
2007. Retail sales per square meter increased to $835 for the six
months ended March 31, 2008 compared to $828 for the six months ended March 31,
2007. Sales at Hein Gericke retail locations increased $0.7 million,
or 1.7%, for the six months ended March 31, 2008 compared to the six months
ended March 31, 2007. The increase in retail sales for the six months
ended March 31, 2008 resulted primarily from foreign currency fluctuations, as
exchange rates on the translation of European sales into U.S. dollars changed
favorably and increased our revenues by approximately $5.3 million, offset
partially by a same store sales decrease of 6.0% and a decrease in the number of
store locations.
Sales
in our non-retail portion of our Hein Gericke segment decreased $0.8 million, or
51.4%, for the three months ended March 31, 2008 compared to the three months
ended March 31, 2007. The principal reason for this decrease was the
timing of customer orders. Notwithstanding the decreased sales
for the three months ended March 31, 2008, sales for the six months ended March
31, 2008 remained consistent at approximately $2.7 million compared to the six
months ended March 31, 2007 due to delivery of a large order in our first fiscal
quarter.
Gross
margin for the quarter ended March 31, 2008 decreased to 42.3% from 43.0% for
the quarter ended March 31, 2007 due primarily to increased product
discounting. Gross margin for the six months ended March 31, 2008
decreased to 40.8% from 41.9% for the six months ended March 31, 2007 due
primarily to increased product discounting. The operating results in
our Hein Gericke segment decreased by $1.4 million for the three months ended
March 31, 2008 compared to the three months ended March 31, 2007. The
operating results in our Hein Gericke segment decreased by $3.2 million for the
six months ended March 31, 2008 compared to the six months ended March 31,
2007. The decreased operating results for both the three and six
months ended March 31, 2008 resulted primarily from decreased gross margins at
our Hein Gericke retail locations and increased foreign exchange
losses. Specifically, gross margins at our Hein Gericke retail
locations decreased to 42.7% and 41.7% for the three and six months ended March
31, 2008, respectively, from 44.8% and 43.3% for the three and six months ended
March 31, 2007, respectively. Additionally, foreign exchange losses
within our Hein Gericke segment increased from $0.2 million and $0.3 million for
the three and six months ended March 31, 2007, respectively, to $1.2 million and
$2.1 million for the three and six months ended March 31, 2008,
respectively.
Aerospace
Segment
Our
Aerospace segment has five locations in the United States, and is an
international supplier to the aerospace industry. Four locations specialize in
the distribution of avionics, airframe accessories, and other components, and
one location provides overhaul and repair capabilities. The products distributed
include: navigation and radar systems; instruments and communication systems;
flat panel technologies; and rotables. Our location in Titusville, Florida
overhauls and repairs landing gear, pressurization components, instruments, and
other components. Customers include original equipment manufacturers,
commercial airlines, corporate aircraft operators, fixed-base operators, air
cargo carriers, general aviation suppliers, and the military. Sales
in our Aerospace segment decreased $2.7 million, or 11.6%, for the three months
ended March 31, 2008 compared to the three months ended March 31,
2007. Sales in our Aerospace segment increased $0.6 million, or 1.3%,
for the six months ended March 31, 2008 compared to the six months ended March
31, 2007. The decrease in sales for the three months ended March 31,
2008 resulted principally from the timing of customer shipments.
Gross
margin decreased to 26.7% for the three months ended March 31, 2008 from 28.2%
for the three months ended March 31, 2007. Additionally, gross margin
decreased to 26.5% for the six months ended March 31, 2008 from 27.7% for the
six months ended March 31, 2007. The decrease in gross margin
resulted principally from a shift in product mix as the distribution of
avionics, which have a lower gross margin, comprised a greater proportion of
overall sales in the periods ended March 31, 2008 compared to the year-ago
periods.
Operating
income decreased $1.1 million to $0.9 million for the three months ended March
31, 2008 from $2.0 million for the three months ended March 31,
2007. Additionally, operating income decreased $0.5 million to $2.9
million for the six months ended March 31, 2008 from $3.4 million for the six
months ended March 31, 2007. The decreased operating income resulted
principally from decreased gross margin for the three and six months ended March
31, 2008 compared to the three and six months ended March 31, 2007.
Corporate
and Other
The
operating loss at corporate decreased by $0.5 million to an operating loss of
$5.0 million for the three months ended March 31, 2008 compared to an operating
loss of $5.5 million for the three months ended March 31, 2007. This
decrease in our corporate operating loss resulted primarily from a $1.0 million
increase in charter income related to an owned airplane, offset partially by a
$0.3 million increase in pension and postretirement expense.
The
operating loss at corporate increased by $3.2 million to an operating loss of
$12.3 million for the six months ended March 31, 2008 from $9.1 million for the
six months ended March 31, 2007. This increase in our corporate
operating loss resulted primarily from a $0.7 million increase in selling,
general, and administrative expense, a $0.3 million increase in pension and
postretirement expense, and a $2.1 million gain on collection of a note
receivable recognized during the six months ended March 31, 2007, offset
partially by a $0.6 million increase in charter income related to an owned
airplane.
FINANCIAL
CONDITION, LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
Our
combined debt, which includes debt of discontinued operations, and equity
(“capitalization”) as of March 31, 2008 and September 30, 2007 was $158.5
million and $167.9 million, respectively. The six month change in capitalization
included a net decrease of $17.8 million in debt resulting from $39.7 million of
debt repayments, $18.6 million of additional borrowings from our credit
facilities, and a $3.3 million increase due to the change in foreign currency on
debt denominated in euros. Equity increased by $8.3 million,
reflecting our $1.4 million net loss and $9.7 million from other comprehensive
income. Our combined cash and investment balances totaled $54.1
million at March 31, 2008 compared to $87.1 million on September 30, 2007, and
included restricted cash and investments of $37.6 million and $71.8 million at
March 31, 2008 and September 30, 2007, respectively.
Net
cash used for operating activities for the six months ended March 31, 2008 was
$8.1 million and included $6.2 million from sales of trading securities offset
by a $16.0 million increase in net operating assets, resulting principally from
a $21.6 million increase in inventory due to seasonal purchases at our
PoloExpress and Hein Gericke segments which was offset by $17.9 million decrease
in accounts payable and accrued liabilities. Net cash provided by operating
activities for the six months ended March 31, 2007 was $37.8 million primarily
resulting from $32.4 million of proceeds from the sale of trading
securities.
Net
cash provided by investing activities for the six months ended March 31, 2008
was $21.2 million, resulting principally from $27.1 million of net proceeds from
the sale of investment securities classified as “available-for-sale” offset
partially by $6.4 million of capital expenditures. Net cash provided
by investing activities for the six months ended March 31, 2007 was $12.7
million, including $12.5 million received from the calendar 2006 earn-out
associated with our 2002 sale of our fastener business to Alcoa and $3.8 million
from the collections of notes receivable, offset partially by $3.7 million of
capital expenditures.
Net
cash used in financing activities was $8.2 million for the six months ended
March 31, 2008, reflecting $26.7 million of debt repayments offset partially by
$18.6 million received on additional borrowings. Net cash used in
financing activities was $2.0 million for the six months ended March 31, 2007,
reflecting $17.0 million of debt repayments offset partially by $15.0 million of
additional borrowings.
Our
cash needs are generally the highest during our second and third quarters of our
fiscal year, when our Hein Gericke and PoloExpress segments purchase inventory
in advance of the spring and summer selling seasons. In November 2006, we
obtained a financing commitment from a second bank to participate in our
seasonal credit facility. Accordingly, €10.0 million ($15.8 million) was
available and utilized to finance the fiscal 2007 seasonal trough to support our
PoloExpress operations, and €11.0 million ($17.4 million) is available to
finance the fiscal 2008 season.
Although
we believe that our relationship with the principal lenders to our PoloExpress
and Hein Gericke segments is strong, a significant portion of our debt
facilities are subject to annual renewal. We expect that the
facilities will be renewed annually in the normal course of
business. Should the lenders decide not to renew the facilities, we
believe that we could secure alternative funding sources on commercially
reasonable terms.
Previously,
we considered additional options for reducing our public company costs,
including opportunities to take our company private, or “going dark”. An offer
to take our company private at $2.73 per share, led by Jeffrey Steiner, our
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, and Philip Sassower, was
terminated. As of this date, no further discussions are on-going.
However, our senior management will continue to pursue opportunities to reduce
our public costs and our corporate expenses and consider any other opportunities
to restructure our existing debt and pursue additional merger, acquisition, and
divestiture opportunities. Additionally, in December 2007, a fund known as the
Phoenix Group led by Phillip Sassower, purchased approximately 30% of our
outstanding Class A common stock through a tender offer. In his offering, Mr.
Sassower indicated he would be taking an active shareholder role to pursue the
enhancement of value for our shareholders, and provide the Company with doors
for which it may access additional capital. On January 10, 2008, Mr. Sassower
and another associate of Phoenix Group, Mr. Andrea Goren, were elected to our
Board of Directors.
In
the event our cash needs are substantially higher than projected, particularly
during the fiscal 2008 seasonal trough, we will take additional actions to
generate the required cash. These actions may include one or any
combination of the following:
·
|
Liquidating
investments and other non-core
assets.
|
·
|
Refinancing
existing debt and borrowing additional funds which may be available to us
from improved performance at our Aerospace and PoloExpress operations or
increased values of certain real estate we
own.
|
·
|
Eliminating,
reducing, or delaying all non-essential services provided by outside
parties, including consultants.
|
·
|
Significantly
reducing our corporate overhead
expenses.
|
·
|
Delaying
inventory purchases.
|
However,
if we need to implement one or more of these actions, there remains some
uncertainty that we will actually receive a sufficient amount of cash in time to
meet all of our needs during the fiscal 2008 seasonal trough. Even if
sufficient cash is realized, any or all of these actions may have adverse
effects on our operating results or business.
We
may also consider raising cash to meet the subsequent needs of our operations by
issuing additional stock or debt, entering into partnership arrangements,
liquidating one or more of our core businesses, or other means. Should these
actions be insufficient, we may decide to liquidate other non essential assets
and significantly reduce overhead expenses.
Our
capital expenditures are principally discretionary. We are not
obligated to incur significant future capital expenditures under any contractual
arrangements.
Off
Balance Sheet Items
On
March 31, 2008, approximately $0.4 million of bank loans received by retail shop
partners in the PoloExpress and Hein Gericke segments were guaranteed by our
subsidiaries and are not reflected on our balance sheet because these loans have
not been assumed by us. These guaranties were assumed by us when we acquired the
PoloExpress and Hein Gericke businesses. We have guaranteed loans to shop
partners for the purchase of store fittings in certain locations where we sell
our products. The loans are secured by the store fittings purchased to outfit
these retail stores.
Contractual
and Other Obligations
At
March 31, 2008, we had contractual commitments to repay debt, to make payments
under operating and capital lease obligations, to make pension contribution
payments, and to purchase the remaining 7.5% interest in
PoloExpress. Our operations enter into purchase commitments in the
normal course of business.
Payments
due under our debt obligations, including capital lease obligations, are
expected to be $36.3 million for the remainder of fiscal 2008, $20.0 million in
fiscal 2009, $0.9 million in fiscal 2010, and none
thereafter. Payments due under our operating lease obligations are
expected to be $13.9 million for the remainder of fiscal 2008, $23.0 million in
fiscal 2009, $17.1 million in fiscal 2010, $13.7 million in fiscal 2011, $11.1
million in fiscal 2012, and $54.1 million thereafter.
Based
upon our actuary’s assumptions and projections completed for last fiscal year,
our projected future contribution requirements under the Pension Protection Act
of 2006 will be $2.2 million for the remainder of fiscal 2008, $6.2 million in
fiscal 2009, $6.2 million in fiscal 2010, $6.0 million in fiscal 2011, $5.8
million in fiscal 2012, and $14.4 million thereafter. In December
2007, we decided to change the investment allocation of our pension plan assets
to a more traditional allocation of 60% in equity securities and 40% in
fixed-income securities, from the previous very conservative allocation of 80%
invested fixed income securities and 20% in equity securities. Our goal is to
maximize returns by taking on additional nominal risk. We expect this investment
reallocation will significantly reduce the actual amounts of our annual
long-term future cash contribution requirements.
In
addition, we are required to make annual cash contributions of approximately
$0.3 million to fund a small pension plan.
We
have entered into standby letter of credit arrangements with insurance companies
and others, issued primarily to guarantee our future performance of contracts.
At March 31, 2008, we had contingent liabilities of $3.2 million on commitments
related to outstanding letters of credit.
Currently,
we are not being audited by the IRS for any years. The Company was being audited
in Germany for 1997 through 2002. However, in October 2007 the liability
or reimbursements for any taxes due as a result of this audit was assumed by
Alcoa under the terms of a global settlement of a number of issues related to
the sale of the Company’s fastener business. Thus our liability was
reduced by approximately $7.4 million and our tax liability was $0.1 million at
March 31, 2008.
We
have $34.4 million classified as Other accrued liabilities at March 31, 2008,
including $17.3 million due to purchase the remaining 7.5% interest in
PoloExpress, $0.2 million for accrued income taxes, and $0.2 million for accrued
interest. The remaining $16.7 million does not have specific payment
terms or other similar contractual arrangements. On February 28,
2008, Mr. Klaus Esser exercised his put option requiring the Company to acquire
the remaining 7.5% interest in PoloExpress.
Should
any of these liabilities become immediately due, we may be obligated to obtain
financing, raise capital, and/or liquidate assets to satisfy our
obligations.
We
are exposed to certain market risks as part of our ongoing business operations,
including risks from changes in interest rates and foreign currency exchange
rates that could impact our financial condition, results of operations and cash
flows. We manage our exposure to these and other market risks through regular
operating and financing activities. We may use derivative financial instruments
on a limited basis as additional risk management tools and not for speculative
investment purposes.
Interest Rate Risk: In May
2004, we issued a floating rate note with a principal amount of €25.0 million.
Embedded within the promissory note agreement is an interest rate cap protecting
one half of the €25.0 million borrowed. The embedded interest rate cap limits to
6% the 3-month EURIBOR interest rate that we must pay on the promissory note. We
paid approximately $0.1 million to purchase the interest rate cap. In accordance
with SFAS No. 133, Accounting
for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities, the embedded interest
rate cap is considered to be clearly and closely related to the debt of the host
contract and is not required to be separated and accounted for separately from
the host contract. We are accounting for the hybrid contract, comprised of the
variable rate note and the embedded interest rate cap, as a single debt
instrument. At March 31, 2008, the fair value of this instrument is
nominal.
Essentially
all of our other outstanding debt is variable rate debt. We are
exposed to risks of rising interest rates, which could result in rising interest
costs.
Foreign
Currency Risk: We are exposed to foreign currency risks that arise from
normal business operations. These risks include the translation of local
currency balances of our foreign subsidiaries, intercompany loans with foreign
subsidiaries and transactions denominated in foreign currencies. Our objective
is to minimize our exposure to these risks through our normal operating
activities, and if we deem it appropriate, we may consider utilizing foreign
currency forward contracts in the future. For the six months ended March 31,
2008, we estimate that 68% of our total revenues were denominated in currencies
other than the U.S. dollar. We estimate that revenue and operating expenses for
the six months ended March 31, 2008 were higher by $10.8 million and $6.7
million, respectively, as a result of changes in exchange rates compared to the
six months ended March 31, 2007. At March 31, 2008, we had
$19.2 million of working capital denominated in foreign currencies. At
March 31, 2008, we had no outstanding foreign currency forward contracts. The
following table shows the approximate split of these foreign currency exposures
by principal currency at March 31, 2008:
|
|
|
|
|
Total
|
|
Euro
|
British
Pound
|
Swiss
Franc
|
Other
|
Exposure
|
Revenues
|
77%
|
18%
|
5%
|
0%
|
100%
|
Operating
Expenses
|
79%
|
17%
|
4%
|
0%
|
100%
|
Working
Capital
|
40%
|
53%
|
4%
|
3%
|
100%
|
A
hypothetical 10% strengthening of the U.S. dollar during the six months ended
March 31, 2008 versus the foreign currencies in which we have exposure would
have reduced revenue by approximately $9.3 million and resulted in a
$1.9 million improvement in our operating loss compared to what was
actually reported. Working capital at March 31, 2008 would have been
approximately $1.7 million lower than actually reported if we had used this
hypothetical stronger U.S. dollar.
Inflation:
We believe that inflation has not had a material impact on our results of
operations for the six months ended March 31, 2008. However, we cannot assure
you that future inflation would not have an adverse impact on our operating
results and financial condition.
Material
Weaknesses in Disclosure Controls and Procedures
As
described in Item 9A of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended
September 30, 2007, our management evaluated the effectiveness of our disclosure
controls and procedures as of September 30, 2007, and based on this evaluation,
noted the continued existence of material weaknesses in our disclosure controls
and procedures related to accounting for income taxes and accounting for complex
and non-routine transactions in accordance with U.S. generally accepted
accounting principles. A material weakness is a significant deficiency, as
defined in Public Company Accounting Oversight Board Auditing Standard No. 5, or
a combination of significant deficiencies, that results in a reasonable
possibility that a material misstatement of a company’s annual or interim
financial statements would not be prevented or detected by company personnel on
a timely basis.
Changes
in Disclosure Controls and Procedures
Our
Chief Executive Officer and our Chief Financial Officer have evaluated the
effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures as of the end of the
period covered by this quarterly report, which we refer to as the evaluation
date. We aim to maintain a system of internal accounting controls that are
designed to provide reasonable assurance that our books and records accurately
reflect our transactions and that our established policies and procedures are
followed.
Notwithstanding
the foregoing efforts, we are continuing to undertake steps to resolve the
material weaknesses described above. During
fiscal 2007, we hired an additional person with significant technical accounting
experience, accelerated the timing of internal communication to discuss the
accounting for non-routine or complex transactions, and hired an additional
person with significant tax experience. However, more time is
required to remediate the material weaknesses noted above.
Evaluation
of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
As
of the end of the period covered by this report, the Company conducted an
evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of its management,
including the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, of
the effectiveness of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures (as
defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) of the Securities Exchange Act of
1934). Our Chief Executive Officer and our Chief Financial Officer
have concluded, based on an evaluation of the effectiveness of our disclosure
controls and procedures by our management, with the participation of our Chief
Executive Officer and our Chief Financial Officer, that, as a result of the
material weaknesses described above, such disclosure controls were not effective
as of the end of the period covered by this report.
PART
II. OTHER INFORMATION
The
information required to be disclosed under this Item is set forth in Footnote 8
(Contingencies) of the condensed consolidated financial statements (unaudited)
included in this Form 10-Q.
A
description of the risks associated with our business, financial condition, and
results of operations is set forth in Part I, Item 1A, of our Annual Report on
Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2007. There have been no
material changes in our risks from such description.
There
were no unregistered sales of equity securities.
The
Board of Directors has established a Governance and Nominating Committee
consisting of non-employee independent directors, which, among other functions,
identifies individuals qualified to become board members, and selects, or
recommends that the Board select, the director nominees for the next annual
meeting of shareholders. As part of its director selection process, the
Committee considers recommendations from many sources, including:
management; other board members; and the Chairman. The Committee will also
consider nominees suggested by stockholders of the Company. Stockholders wishing
to nominate a candidate for director may do so by sending the candidate’s name,
biographical information and qualifications to the Chairman of the Governance
and Nominating Committee c/o the Corporate Secretary, The Fairchild Corporation,
1750 Tysons Blvd., Suite 1400, McLean, Virginia 22102.
In
identifying candidates for membership on the Board of Directors, the Committee
will take into account all factors it considers appropriate, which may include
(a) ensuring that the Board of Directors, as a whole, is diverse and consists of
individuals with various and relevant career experience, relevant technical
skills, industry knowledge and experience, financial expertise, including
expertise that could qualify a director as a “financial expert,” as that term is
defined by the rules of the SEC, local or community ties, (b) minimum individual
qualifications, including strength of character, mature judgment, familiarity
with the Company's business and industry, independence of thought and an ability
to work collegially, and (c) appreciation of contemporary forms of governance,
and the current regulatory environment. The
Committee also may consider the extent to which the candidate would fill a
present need on the Board of Directors.
* Filed
herewith.
SIGNATURES
Pursuant
to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Company has duly
caused this report to the signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly
authorized.
|
|
For
THE FAIRCHILD CORPORATION
(Registrant)
and as its Chief
Financial
Officer: |
|
|
|
|
|
By: /s/ MICHAEL L.
McDONALD
Michael L. McDonald
Senior Vice President and Chief Financial
Officer
|
Date: May
15, 2008