CLARION TECHNOLOGIES, INC. 10-Q

U.S. SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-Q


(Mark One)
 
 
ý QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
 
For the quarterly period ended September 27, 2003
 
o TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
 
For the transition period from __________ to _________
 

Commission file number 0-24690


CLARION TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
(Name of registrant as specified in its charter)


Delaware
(State of Incorporation)
91-1407411
(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
 
38 W. Fulton, Suite 400, Grand Rapids, Michigan 49503
(Address of principal executive offices)
 
Issuer's telephone number:   (616) 454-0055



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

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

The number of shares outstanding of registrant’s common stock was 45,034,317 as of November 8, 2003.


INDEX

           
ITEM NO.                                                           DESCRIPTION   PAGE NO.

PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION   1  
 
Item 1   Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)  1  
   (a)     Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations  1  
        (b)     Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets  3  
       (c)     Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows  4  
       (d)     Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements  5  
 
Item 2  Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations  11  
 
Item 3  Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk  14  
 
Item 4  Controls and Procedures  14  
 
 
PART II - OTHER INFORMATION  15  
 
Item 1  Legal Proceedings  15  
Item 2  Changes in Securities and Use of Proceeds  15  
Item 3  Defaults Upon Senior Securities  15  
Item 4  Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders  15  
Item 5  Other Information  15  
Item 6  Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K  15  
 
Signatures     16  
 
 
EXHIBITS     17  

i



PART I — FINANCIAL INFORMATION

ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

CLARION TECHNOLOGIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (UNAUDITED)
(In thousands, except per share data)

             
        Third Quarter Ended   Nine Months Ended
        September 27,
2003
  September 28,
2002
  September 27,
2003
  September 28,
2002
 
        Net sales  $ 26,136   $ 19,993   $ 73,800   $ 60,855  
        Cost of sales  22,867   17,768   63,754   52,381  
       
 
 
 
 
             Gross profit  3,269   2,225   10,046   8,474  
 
        Operating expenses: 
           Selling, general and 
          administrative expenses  1,756   1,821   5,424   5,739  
           Impairment and other 
          nonrecurring credits  --   (318 ) (207 ) (770 )
       
 
 
 
 
   1,756   1,503   5,217   4,969  
       
 
 
 
 
             Operating income  1,513   722   4,829   3,505  
 
        Interest expense  (1,041 ) (2,633 ) (3,023 ) (8,247 )
        Stock issued for services rendered  (373 ) --   (373 ) --  
        Gain on extinguishment of debt  332   --   332   --  
        Other income (expense), net  (7 ) 23   15   48  
       
 
 
 
 
             Income (loss) from 
             continuing operations before 
             income tax provision  424   (1,888 ) 1,780   (4,694 )
        Income tax provision  --   --   --   --  
       
 
 
 
 
        Income (loss) from continuing 
        operations  424   (1,888 ) 1,780   (4,694 )
        Discontinued operations: 
             Income from discontinued 
             operations (including loss 
             on disposal of $97)  --   32   --   208  
       
 
 
 
 
             Net income (loss)  $      424   $(1,856 ) $   1,780   $(4,486 )
       
 
 
 
 
        Net loss from continuing 
        operations attributable to common 
        shareholders  $(1,659 ) $(3,116 ) $(4,293 ) $(8,272 )
       
 
 
 
 
        Net loss attributable to common 
        shareholders  $(1,659 ) $(3,084 ) $(4,293 ) $(8,064 )
       
 
 
 
 

1


             
        Average shares outstanding (basic 
        and diluted)  44,869   43,952   44,506   42,148  
       
 
 
 
 
        Loss per share attributable to 
        common shareholders (basic and 
        diluted): 
             Loss from continuing 
             operations  $    (.04 ) $    (.07 ) $    (.10 ) $    (.20 )
             Income from discontinued 
             operations  --   --   --   .01  
       
 
 
 
 
             Net loss  $    (.04 ) $    (.07 ) $    (.10 ) $    (.19 )
       
 
 
 
 

See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

2


CLARION TECHNOLOGIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(In thousands)

       
    September 27,
2003

(UNAUDITED)
  December 28,
2002

(AUDITED)
 
ASSETS 
Current assets: 
        Cash and cash equivalents  $      120   $        41  
        Accounts receivable, net of allowance of $146 and $170, 
            respectively  11,394   7,449  
        Inventories  4,032   2,505  
        Notes receivable, net  --   738  
        Prepaid expenses and other current assets  56   800  
   
 
 
            Total current assets  15,602   11,533  
 
Property, plant and equipment, net  25,746   25,682  
 
Other assets: 
        Goodwill  24,521   24,521  
        Deferred program costs, net of accumulated amortization of 
$1,837 and $1,379, respectively  965   1,768  
        Deferred financing costs, net of accumulated amortization of 
$505 and $385, respectively  344   140  
Other long-term assets  4   --  
   
 
 
   25,834   26,429  
   
 
 
   $ 67,182   $ 63,644  
   
 
 
 
 
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' DEFICIT 
Current liabilities: 
        Revolving line of credit  $   5,460   $   6,498  
        Accounts payable  11,515   7,710  
        Accrued liabilities  5,105   4,962  
        Dividends payable  11,351   5,890  
        Mandatorily redeemable common stock  2,550   2,550  
        Current portion of long-term debt  3,178   4,664  
   
 
 
            Total current liabilities  39,159   32,274  
 
Long-term debt, net of current portion  26,346   26,528  
Other liabilities  133   38  
   
 
 
            Total liabilities  65,638   58,840  
 
Redeemable Series A preferred stock  35,359   34,453  
Redeemable Series B preferred stock  19,027   18,954  
 
Shareholders' deficit: 
        Common stock  45   44  
        Additional paid-in capital  34,298   34,688  
        Accumulated other comprehensive loss  (95 ) --  
        Accumulated deficit  (87,090 ) (83,335 )
   
 
 
            Total shareholders' deficit  (52,842 ) (48,603 )
   
 
 
   $ 67,182   $ 63,644  
   
 
 

See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

3


CLARION TECHNOLOGIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (UNAUDITED)
(In thousands)

        
    Nine Months Ended
    September 27,
2003
  September 28,
2002
        OPERATING ACTIVITIES: 
             Net income (loss)  $   1,780   $(4,486 )
             Depreciation and amortization  3,356   4,909  
             Impairment and other nonrecurring credits  (247 ) (770 )
             Changes in operating assets and liabilities  (255 ) (106 )
             Loss on sale of manufacturing operations  --   97  
             Stock issued for services rendered  373   --  
             Other, net  13   1  
   
 
                 Cash provided by (used in) operating activities 
                 from continuing operations  5,020   (355 )
                 Cash used in operating activities from 
                 discontinued operations  --   (817 )
   
 
                 Cash provided by (used in) operating activities  5,020   (1,172 )
 
        INVESTING ACTIVITIES: 
             Capital expenditures  (2,466 ) (522 )
             Proceeds from note receivable  739  
             Other  19   77  
   
 
                 Cash used in investing activities from 
                 continuing operations  (1,708 ) (445 )
                 Cash provided by investing activities from 
                 discontinued operations  --   12,780  
   
 
                 Cash provided by (used in) investing activities  (1,708 ) 12,335  
 
        FINANCING ACTIVITIES: 
             Net change in revolving credit borrowings  (1,039 ) (2,395 )
             Proceeds from long-term borrowings  13,314   --  
             Payment of deferred financing costs  (331 ) (301 )
             Repayments of long-term debt  (15,198 ) (9,419 )
             Proceeds from issuance of capital stock  21   21  
   
 
                 Cash used in financing activities  (3,233 ) (12,094 )
   
 
        NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS 
   79   (931 )
        CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, BEGINNING OF YEAR 
   41   1,010  
   
 
        CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, END OF PERIOD 
   $      120   $        79  
   
 
        SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION: 
               Interest paid  $   1,118   $   1,858  
               Income taxes paid  --   --  
               Capital lease obligations incurred  9   470  

See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

4


CLARION TECHNOLOGIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)

1. OPERATIONS AND BASIS OF PRESENTATION

The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements of Clarion Technologies, Inc. and Subsidiaries (collectively referred to as “Clarion” or the “Company”) have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States for interim financial information and with the instructions to Article 10 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and footnotes required by generally accepted accounting principles for complete financial statements. In the opinion of management, all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring accruals and other adjustments) considered necessary for a fair presentation have been included. The results of operations for any interim period are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the full year. For further information, refer to the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in the Company’s annual report on Form 10-K/A for the fiscal year ended December 28, 2002.

The Company sold its Montpelier facility in April 2002. The results of operations of Montpelier have been presented as discontinued operations for all periods presented (see Note 5).

The Company has classified checks disbursed but not yet presented for payment as accounts payable. The amounts at September 27, 2003, and December 28, 2002, were $1,713,000 and $472,000, respectively.

The Company operates in a single geographic location, North America, and in a single reportable business segment, plastic injection molding. The accounting policies of this reportable business segment are the same as those described in the summary of significant accounting policies in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K/A for the fiscal year ended December 28, 2002.

Earnings Per Share (EPS)

The following table reconciles the numerator and denominator used in the calculation of basic and diluted EPS:

     
   Third Quarter Ended   Nine Months Ended  
   September
27,
2003
  September
28,
2002
  September
27,
2003
  September
28,
2002
 
  
Numerator (in thousands): 
   Income (loss) from continuing operations  $        424   $    (1,888 ) $     1,780   $    (4,694 )
   Preferred stock dividends declared  (1,876 ) (717 ) (5,462 ) (2,089 )
   Accretion of preferred stock to mandatory 
     redemption value  (207 ) (511 ) (611 ) (1,489 )
  
   Net loss from continuing operations attributable 
      to common shareholders  $    (1,659 ) $    (3,116 ) $    (4,293 ) $    (8,272 )
  
Numerator (in thousands): 
   Net income (loss)  $         424   $    (1,856 ) $     1,780   $    (4,486 )
   Preferred stock dividends declared  (1,876 ) (717 ) (5,462 ) (2,089 )
   Accretion of preferred stock to mandatory 
     redemption value  (207 ) (511 ) (611 ) (1,489 )
  
   Net loss attributable to common shareholders  $    (1,659 ) $    (3,084 ) $    (4,293 ) $    (8,064 )
  
Denominator: 
   Weighted-average shares outstanding for basic and 
     diluted EPS  44,868,743   43,952,363   44,506,024   42,148,151  
  

5


Stock-Based Compensation

The Company accounts for stock-based compensation using the intrinsic value method permitted under Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 123, “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation” (SFAS 123) and interpretations permitted under SFAS No. 148, “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation — Transition and Disclosure” (SFAS 148). Accordingly, no compensation expense has been recognized as all options have been granted with an exercise price equal to the market value of the underlying stock on the date of grant.

The following table (in thousands, except per share data) illustrates the pro forma effect on net loss and net loss per share attributable to common shareholders as if the Company had applied the fair value recognition provisions of SFAS 123 to stock-based compensation.

     
   Third Quarter Ended   Nine Months Ended  
   September
27,
2003
  September
28,
2002
  September
27,
2003
  September
28,
2002
 
  
Net loss attributable to common shareholders   $(1,659)   $(3,084)   $(4,293)   $(8,064)  
   Deduct: Total stock-based compensation expense 
     determined under fair value based method for all 
     awards  84  130  292  398  
  
   Pro forma net loss attributable to common 
      shareholders  $(1,743)  $(3,214)  $(4,585)  $(8,462)
  
Earnings per share: 
   Basic and diluted, as reported  $  (0.04)  $  (0.07)  $  (0.10)  $  (0.19)
  
   Basic and diluted, pro forma  $  (0.04)  $  (0.07)  $  (0.10)  $  (0.20)
  

For purposes of the SFAS 123 pro forma disclosures, the fair value of each option grant was estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes model with the following assumptions:

    2003   2002  
Dividend yield  0.0  0.0 
Volatility, as a percent  83% to 124%  93% to 132% 
Risk-free interest rate  4.5% to 4.9%  4.8% to 6.0% 
Expected life in years after vest  9  4 to 9 
Forfeitures are accounted for as they occur 

6


Comprehensive Loss

The Company’s comprehensive loss is comprised of all changes in shareholders’ deficit during the period other than from transactions with shareholders. Comprehensive loss consists of the following:

     
   Third Quarter Ended   Nine Months Ended  
   September
27,
2003
  September
28,
2002
  September
27,
2003
  September
28,
2002
 
  
Net income (loss)  $424   $(1,856 ) $ 1,780   $(4,486 )
   Other comprehensive income (loss): 
     Market valuation adjustment of interest rate 
     swap  98   --   (95 ) --  
  
   Comprehensive income (loss)  $522   $(1,856 ) $ 1,685   $(4,486 )
  

Interest Rate Swap Agreements

The Company is exposed to various market risks, which include changes in interest rates. In accordance with the terms of the Senior Credit Agreement discussed in Note 6, the Company has entered into an interest rate swap agreement to reduce the impact of changes in interest rates on its variable rate long-term borrowings. Interest rate swap agreements are contracts to exchange floating rates for fixed rate interest payments over the life of the agreements without the exchange of the underlying notional amounts. The notional amounts of interest rate swap agreements are used to measure interest to be paid or received and do not represent the amount of exposure to credit loss. The differential paid or received on interest rate swap agreements is recognized as an adjustment to interest expense. The Company does not use derivative financial instruments for trading purposes.

The counterparty to the Company’s interest rate swap agreement is a commercial bank with which the Company has other financial relationships. While the Company is exposed to credit loss in the event of nonperformance by the counterparty, the Company does not anticipate nonperformance by the counterparty, and no material loss would be expected from such nonperformance. Fluctuations in interest rates are similarly not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s future operating results.

The Company has formally documented the relationship between the interest rate swap and the variable rate long-term borrowings, as well as its risk-management objective and strategy for undertaking the hedge transaction. This process includes linking the derivative that has been designated as a cash flow hedge to the specific liability on the balance sheet. The Company also assesses, both at the hedge’s inception and on an ongoing basis, whether the derivative used in the hedging transaction is highly effective in offsetting changes in the cash flows of the hedged item. If the Company determines that the derivative is not highly effective as a hedge or that it has ceased to be a highly effective hedge, the Company will discontinue hedge accounting prospectively.

The interest rate swap agreement essentially fixes the interest rate on an initial notional amount of principal of $10,000,000, which decreases with each monthly settlement at a rate corresponding to the Company’s actual principal payments on the Term debt (a notional amount of $9,664,000 at September 27, 2003). The interest rate swap agreement expires in 2007 and management currently has no intent to renew the agreement or enter into similar agreements in the near future. The fair value of the swap agreement at September 27, 2003 was $(95,000) and is recorded as other long-term liability on the balance sheet. Changes in the fair value of the swap agreement are reported as a component of other comprehensive income.

7


Reclassifications

Certain amounts in the prior financial statements have been reclassified to conform to the current year presentation.

2. NEW ACCOUNTING STANDARDS

In May 2003, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued SFAS No. 150, “Accounting for Certain Financial Instruments with Characteristics of both Liabilities and Equity” (SFAS 150). SFAS 150 requires certain financial instruments that were previously classified as equity to now be classified as liabilities. Beginning June 29, 2003, the Company has classified its mandatorily redeemable common stock in the amount of $2,550,000 as a liability in accordance with SFAS 150. (See Note 9 below.) The holders of the Company’s redeemable Series A and Series B preferred stock can convert these shares into common stock at any time. Consequently, in accordance with SFAS 150, such preferred shares are not considered mandatorily redeemable and do not need to be classified as a liability.

3. INVENTORIES

Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market. Cost is determined using the first-in, first-out (FIFO) method. The components of inventories are as follows (in thousands):

       
   September 27,
2003
  December 28,
2002
 
  
 
 
                Raw materials  $2,004   $1,151  
                Work in process  516   157  
                Finished goods  1,512   1,197  
  
 
 
                Total  $4,032   $2,505  
  
 
 

4. IMPAIRMENT AND OTHER NONRECURRING CREDITS

In March 2003, management determined that the Company’s Greenville, Michigan facility will not be closed as planned due to the need for additional manufacturing space to accommodate increased orders from a significant customer.

Changes in the balances of the Company’s restructuring liabilities were as follows (in thousands):

Balance at December 28, 2002   $ 370  
   Reversal of exit costs  (207 )
   Payment of exit costs  (46 )
 
 
Balance at September 27, 2003  $ 117  
 
 

5. DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS

In an effort to reduce both operating losses and long-term debt, on April 29, 2002, the Company sold the assets related to its Montpelier manufacturing facility that served the heavy truck industry. The Company received $12,780,000 in cash, $800,000 in notes (bearing interest at 7.0% and due on or before April 28, 2005), plus the assumption of certain liabilities. Assets sold included approximately $3,312,000 of receivables, $593,000 of inventory, and $11,402,000 of net fixed assets. Liabilities assumed consisted primarily of approximately $2,331,000 of payables and accruals. The buyer purchased certain of these working capital items at their net carrying value as determined as of the closing date. The Company incurred a loss of $97,000 on the sale and used the proceeds from the sale to pay certain debt obligations under the Amended Senior Credit Agreement. Net sales and net income from Montpelier were $5,557 and $208, respectively, in fiscal 2002.

8


6. LONG-TERM DEBT

Long-term debt consists of the following obligations (in thousands):

    
  September 27,
2003
  December 28,
2002
 
 
 
 
Senior credit facility: 
   Revolving credit facility  $  5,460   $  6,498  
   Term debt  12,458   13,383  
   Capital expenditure line of credit  507   --  
Senior and other subordinated term notes, net of 
   unaccreted discount of $933 and $1,120  9,067   8,880  
Other subordinated promissory notes  7,036   8,337  
Capital lease obligations  456   592  
 
 
 
   34,984   37,690  
Less current portion  8,638   11,162  
 
 
 
   $26,346   $26,528  
 
 
 

The Company refinanced its senior credit facility on April 14, 2003. The revolving credit facility matures on April 14, 2004, and allows for aggregate borrowings of $9,000,000 at the prime rate plus 0.50% or, at the Company’s option, one, two, three or six-month LIBOR plus 3.25%, subject to certain borrowing base limitations related to accounts receivable and inventory. In addition, an unused facility fee of 0.375% per annum is payable on the unused portion of the credit line. The term debt matures on April 14, 2007 and bears interest at the prime rate plus 0.75% or, at the Company’s option, one, two, three or six month LIBOR plus 3.5% plus an applicable margin. $1,000,000 of this senior term debt is guaranteed by a related party. The senior credit facility also permits draws to be made on a capital expenditure line of credit in the maximum amount of $1,500,000 that will convert to a three-year term loan on April 14, 2004.

As of September 27, 2003, all tangible and intangible assets of the Company are collateralized under the senior credit facility.

The Company’s senior subordinated term notes currently bear interest at a rate of 15% per annum. Payments of interest are currently deferred and capitalized. On June 30, 2004, the interest rate is scheduled to be reduced to 12%, and the Company is required to begin remitting quarterly interest payments to the holders of the notes.

Other subordinated promissory notes are comprised primarily of a note due to Electrolux Home Products, a division of White Consolidated Industries, Inc. (Electrolux), and certain A&M notes described below. The terms of the Electrolux note were modified on April 14, 2003. As of that date, the outstanding amount of $4,300,000 ($3,150,000 as of September 27, 2003) will be paid in equal monthly installments. Certain additional principal payments will be made if the Company receives additional new business from Electrolux or if the Company meets certain performance targets. The Electrolux note will mature no later than September 30, 2005.

In conjunction with the settlement of the A&M lawsuit described in Note 8 below, in January 2003, William Blair and Craig Wierda purchased Company notes payable to Drake Products Corporation (now known as A&M Holdings, Inc.) in the principal amount of $2,067,500 along with related accrued interest of $670,000. The purchased notes and related accrued interest were replaced with two new subordinated promissory notes (Settlement Notes), each in the principal amount of $1,379,000. These Settlement Notes bear interest at 18% and are due February 1, 2005. In September 2003, Blair and Wierda transferred $136,000 in principal amount of these notes to an officer of the Company. The settlement also included a provision whereby the Company was required to issue a total of 800 shares of Series A Convertible Preferred Stock to the holders of the Settlement Notes because they were not paid in full by September 2, 2003; accordingly, the Company issued these preferred shares pro rata and recognized expense of $368,000.

As part of the settlement, the Company was required to take title to equipment and assume a $700,000 liability (the Equipment Note) due on the related equipment. This Equipment Note is due February 16, 2004, but the Company has agreed to pay it in full no later than January 1, 2004. Interest on the note in the amount of $35,000 was prepaid in January 2003. The Equipment Note has been included with other current liabilities as of September 27, 2003.

9


In September 2003, the Company amended and restated a $1,000,000 note bearing interest at 18% per annum payable to Drake Properties LLC. At the date of the amendment, there was $460,000 of accrued interest owed to Drake Properties. Under the terms of this amendment, $260,000 of accrued interest was forgiven in exchange for the commencement of monthly interest payments at 12%. Accordingly, only $200,000 of accrued interest will be due on the maturity date. This note, which originally was scheduled to mature on February 5, 2005, now matures on August 1, 2007. The Company has recorded a gain on the extinguishment of this debt reflecting the net fair value of the accrued interest forgiven over the extended maturity period.

The new senior credit facility requires the Company’s subordinated debt holders and preferred shareholders to forego interest and dividend payments, respectively, unless approved by the bank. The senior credit facility and senior subordinated term notes also prohibit the payment of dividends on common stock.

Based on the contractual terms of all debt agreements (as amended), principal maturities and capital lease obligations for the twelve-month period ended September 27 are as follows: 2004 — $8,638,000; 2005 — $4,082,000; 2006 — $431,000; 2007 — $22,767,000.

As of September 27, 2003, the Company was in compliance with the covenants under the terms of the Senior Credit Agreement and Senior Subordinated Debt Agreement, including covenants related to targets for earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization (EBITDA), fixed charge coverage ratios, total liabilities to tangible capital fund ratios, working capital levels, and limits on capital expenditures.

7. INCOME TAXES

The Company has completed its analysis of its equity transactions and determined the effect such transactions have had on its ability to utilize the Net Operating Loss (NOL) carryforwards for income tax purposes. At December 28, 2002, after consideration of limitations under Internal Revenue Code rules, the Company had NOL carryforwards for federal income tax reporting purposes of approximately $52,500,000. This entire amount is attributable to losses that were incurred prior to a “change in ownership” as defined by Internal Revenue Code rules and, accordingly, have been limited to this amount. The amount that can be utilized each year is fixed; however, annual limitation amounts not previously utilized carry over to subsequent years and can be utilized to the extent of the total unexpired NOL carryforward amount. The maximum amount that can be utilized in fiscal 2003 is limited to approximately $987,000. The pre-change of control NOL carryforwards will begin to expire in 2013.

8. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

As described in more detail in Note 6 above, the Company and A&M Holdings, Inc. finalized the settlement of their lawsuit in January 2003. In accordance with SFAS No. 5,“Accounting for Contingencies,” this settlement was reflected in the December 28, 2002 consolidated balance sheet.

The Company is involved in certain claims and litigation arising in the normal course of business, including certain other litigation involving claims alleging damages under various contractual arrangements. After taking into consideration legal counsel’s evaluation of these claims and actions, the Company is currently of the opinion that their outcome will not have a significant effect on the Company’s consolidated financial position or future results of operations and cash flows.

9. COMMON STOCK

The Company issued 850,000 shares of Clarion common stock in connection with an acquisition in 1999. Of these shares, 425,000 shares (“Put Shares”) are subject to the terms of stock put agreements (“Put Agreements”) that require the Company to purchase some or all of the Put Shares from the holders at a price of $6.00 per share. The maximum potential repurchase obligation of the Company is $2,550,000. These Put Agreements were set to expire on November 15, 2003. As a result of an amendment to the Put Agreements signed in October 2003, the related put options expire on November 15, 2004, and are exercisable between October 1, 2004, and November 14, 2004. The Company agreed to pay the holders of the put options an aggregate $284,000 as consideration for the Put Agreement amendments.

10


ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS.

OVERVIEW

The following information should be read in conjunction with the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements of the Company and Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations set forth in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K/A for the fiscal year ended December 28, 2002.

We are primarily a company that provides our customers with plastic injection molding, post-molding assembly and finishing operations. Through the outsourcing of certain services, we also provide our customers with complex rapid prototyping, design and engineering services. We also provide certain of these services directly. By outsourcing certain services, we can cost effectively provide the ability to produce concept models, appearance models, engineering prototypes and pre-production samples. We believe, therefore, that we provide our customers with full service solutions, including access to modern design and machining equipment, including CAD/CAM systems, translators and plotters, electrical discharge machining equipment and miscellaneous support equipment.

We have five manufacturing facilities located in the United States that are full service custom injection molding plants with post-molding secondary operations. Our current facilities collectively house 155 horizontal injection-molding machines with capacities ranging from 55 tons to 1,500 tons of clamping force. Each machine utilizes a computerized process controller that continuously monitors key process parameters on a real time basis and signals the operator if any parameter falls outside predetermined statistical limits. The injection molding process is supported by automated systems for raw material drying, conveying and regrinding. All of our plants have received TS 16949 certification.

We offer our customers value added post-molding secondary services, including ultrasonic inserting and welding, heat staking, solvent bonding, finishing, machining, assembly and on-line packaging. These important services support customers’ requirements for subassembled components, which provide cost savings and manufacturing efficiencies.

During the second quarter of fiscal 2002, we sold our Montpelier facility, which operated primarily in the heavy truck industry. The results of operations for Montpelier have been presented as discontinued operations for all periods presented.

11


RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

The table below summarizes the components of the Company’s Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations as a percentage of net sales:

     
  Third Quarter Ended   Nine Months Ended
  September 27,
2003
  September 28,
2002
September 27,
2003
  September 28,
2002
 
Net sales  100 .0% 100 .0% 100 .0% 100 .0%
Cost of sales  87 .5% 88 .9% 86 .4% 86 .1%




     Gross profit  12 .5% 11 .1% 13 .6% 13 .9%
Selling, general and administrative 
expenses  6 .7% 9 .1% 7 .3% 9 .4%
Impairment and other nonrecurring 
credits  --   (1 .6%) (0 .2%) (1 .3%)




     Operating income  5 .8% 3 .6% 6 .5% 5 .8%
Interest expense  (5 .4%) (13 .2%) (4 .6%) (13 .6%)
Gain on extinguishment of debt  1 .3% --   0 .4% --  
Other income, net  --   0 .1% --   0 .1%




Income (loss) from continuing 
operations before income tax 
provision  1 .7% (9 .5%) 2 .3% (7 .7%)
Income tax provision  --   --   --   --  




     Income (loss) from continuing 
     operations  1 .7% (9 .5%) 2 .3% (7 .7%)
     Income (loss) from 
     discontinued operations  --   0 .2% --   0 .3%




     Net income (loss)  1 .7% (9 .3%) 2 .3% (7 .4%)




Net sales

Net sales of $26,136,000 in the third quarter of 2003 were $6,143,000 (30.7%) higher than net sales of $19,993,000 in the third quarter of 2002. Net sales of $73,800,000 for the first nine months of 2003 were $12,945,000 (21.3%) higher than the comparable period of 2002. The increases during 2003 are primarily driven by additional volumes and new business from a major consumer goods customer, partially offset by the scheduled phase-out of other molding programs. We also obtained new business in the automotive market during the third quarter, the benefits of which were partially offset by general softness in that market for the quarter. We expect revenue levels to continue to increase due to a long-term supply agreement with a major consumer goods customer and opportunities in our other core markets for new business that we are currently pursuing.

Gross profit

Gross profit, as a percentage of 2003 net sales, was 12.5% for the third quarter and 13.6% for the first nine months, compared to 11.1% and 13.9% in the corresponding periods of 2002. Sales have increased over 30% in the last year, allowing us to leverage our fixed costs and improve the utilization of our fixed assets. Our year-to-date gross profit has been negatively impacted due to start up costs associated with a new product launch in the automotive market; these launch activities added approximately $552,000 of expenses during the first nine months of the year. This product is now in full production and the incremental start up activity is complete.

12


Selling, general and administrative expenses

Selling, general and administrative expenses (SG&A) for the third quarter of 2003 decreased $65,000 or 3.6% to $1,756,000 from $1,821,000 for the same period in the prior year. SG&A decreased $315,000 or 5.5% to $5,424,000 for the first nine months of 2003, from $5,739,000 for the same period in 2002. This decrease is attributable to maintaining staffing and spending levels that align with our business needs. Our near-term objective is to continue to decrease SG&A as a percent of sales, even if the total expense increases to accommodate additional business.

Impairment and other nonrecurring credits

In March 2003, management determined that our Cedar Street facility will not be sold and will be returned to active use to provide additional manufacturing space to accommodate increased orders from a significant consumer goods customer. Accordingly, the remaining reserve of $207,000 associated with this anticipated sale was reversed in the first quarter of 2003.

Interest expense

Interest expense for the third quarter of 2003 was $1,414,000, a decrease of $1,219,000 (46.3%) from the third quarter of 2002. The decrease in interest expense is mainly due to the debt restructuring executed in December 2002, as well as overall lower principal balances in 2003 compared to 2002.

Net income (loss)

We recorded net income of $424,000 for the third quarter of 2003 and net income of $1,780,000 for the first nine months of 2003, compared to net losses of $1,856,000 and $4,486,000 in the corresponding periods of 2002, respectively. This improvement is a result of decreased interest expense resulting from the debt restructuring executed in December 2002 and converting income from the increase in net sales.

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

At September 27, 2003, we had negative working capital of $23,557,000 compared to negative $20,741,000 at December 28, 2002. The decrease in working capital is mainly attributable to the favorable effect of the change in the current portion of long-term debt, offset by the net change in receivables, accounts payable and dividends payable. The increase in cash provided by operations in 2003 relative to cash used in operations in 2002 was primarily due to net income in the current period versus a net loss in the prior period.

Our capital expenditures in the first nine months of 2003 were made to obtain additional machinery to accommodate new business and to prepare the Cedar Street facility for its return to active use.

As discussed in Note 6 above, we refinanced our senior credit facility on April 14, 2003.

TAX CONSIDERATIONS

As discussed in Note 7, the Company’s ability to utilize NOL carryforwards has been limited due to a “change in ownership.” Due to this “change in ownership,” the Company’s ability to offset future tax liabilities with NOL carryforwards has been limited.

INFLATION

We do not believe that sales of our products are affected materially by inflation, although there can be no assurance that inflation will not affect sales in the future. We believe that our financial performance could be adversely affected by inflation in the plastic resin market. The primary plastic resins we use are produced from petrochemical feedstock mostly derived from natural gas liquids. Supply and demand cycles in the petrochemical industry, which are often impacted by OPEC policies, can cause substantial price fluctuations. Consequently, plastic resin prices may increase as a result of changes in natural gas liquid prices and the capacity, supply and demand for resin and petrochemical feedstock from which they are produced.

13


In many instances we have been able to pass through changes in the cost of our raw materials to customers in the form of price increases. However, there is no assurance that we will be able to continue such pass throughs, or that the timing of such pass throughs will coincide with our increased costs. To the extent that increases in the cost of plastic resin cannot be passed on to customers, or that the duration of time lags associated with a pass through becomes significant, such increases may have an adverse impact on gross profit margins and our overall profitability.

CAUTIONARY STATEMENTS FOR FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION

The statements contained in this document or incorporated by reference that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the “safe harbor” provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. The forward-looking statements are based on management’s current expectations or beliefs and are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties. In particular, any statement contained herein regarding the consummation and benefits of future acquisitions, as well as expectations with respect to future sales, operating efficiencies, and product expansion are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and contingencies, many of which are beyond our control, which may cause actual results, performance or achievements to differ materially from those described in the forward looking statements. Factors which may cause actual results to differ materially from those contemplated by the forward-looking statements, include, among other things: overall economic and business conditions; the demand for our goods and services; competitive factors in the industries in which we compete; increases in production or material costs that cannot be recouped in product pricing; changes in government regulations; changes in tax requirements (including tax rate changes, new tax laws and revised tax law interpretations); interest rate fluctuations and other capital market conditions; the ability to achieve anticipated synergies and other cost savings in connection with acquisitions; and the timing, impact and other uncertainties of future acquisitions. We undertake no obligation to update publicly any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

We have entered into a swap agreement to effectively fix the interest rate on approximately 77% of our term debt under the Senior Credit Agreement. Accordingly, our primary market risk exposure is to changes in interest rates in connection with our outstanding variable rate short-term and long-term debt not affected by the swap agreement. Based on the balances and debt agreements in effect at September 27, 2003, an increase in interest rates of 1% could result us incurring an additional $184,000 in annual interest expense. Conversely, a decrease in interest rates of 1% could result in savings of $184,000 in annual interest expense. We do not expect this market risk exposure to have a material adverse effect on us. We do not enter into market risk sensitive instruments for trading purposes.

ITEM 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

    (a)        Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures. The Company’s Chief Executive Officer and its Chief Financial Officer, after evaluating the effectiveness of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act), have concluded that as of September 27, 2003, the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures were adequate and effective to ensure that material information relating to the Company and its consolidated subsidiaries would be made known to them by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q was being prepared.

    (b)        Changes in Internal Controls. During the period covered by this report, there were no changes in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

14


PART II — OTHER INFORMATION

ITEM 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

The Company is involved in certain claims and litigation arising in the normal course of business, including litigation involving claims alleging damages under various contractual arrangements. After taking into consideration legal counsel’s evaluation of these claims and actions, the Company is currently of the opinion that their outcome will not have a significant effect on the Company’s consolidated financial position or future results of operations.

ITEM 2. CHANGES IN SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS

During the third quarter ended September 27, 2003, the Company did not issue any unregistered shares of its Common Stock.

ITEM 3. DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES

None.

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

None.

ITEM 5. OTHER INFORMATION

None.

ITEM 6. EXHIBITS AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K

The following exhibits (listed by number corresponding to the Exhibit Table as Item 601 in Regulation S-K) are filed with this report:

31.1 Certification of the Chief Executive Officer of Clarion Technologies, Inc. pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.  
 
31.2 Certification of the Chief Financial Officer of Clarion Technologies, Inc. pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. 
 
32.1 Certification of the Chief Executive Officer of Clarion Technologies, Inc. pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (18 U.S.C. 1350). 
 
32.2 Certification of the Chief Financial Officer of Clarion Technologies, Inc. pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (18 U.S.C. 1350). 

15


SIGNATURES

In accordance with Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.



Date: November 10, 2003
CLARION TECHNOLOGIES, INC.


/s/ Edmund Walsh                     
Edmund Walsh, Chief Financial Officer
 

16


EXHIBIT LIST

31.1 Certification of the Chief Executive Officer of Clarion Technologies, Inc. pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.  
 
31.2 Certification of the Chief Financial Officer of Clarion Technologies, Inc. pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. 
 
32.1 Certification of the Chief Executive Officer of Clarion Technologies, Inc. pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (18 U.S.C. 1350). 
 
32.2 Certification of the Chief Financial Officer of Clarion Technologies, Inc. pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (18 U.S.C. 1350). 

17


EXHIBIT 31.1

CERTIFICATION OF THE
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER OF
CLARION TECHNOLOGIES, INC.

I, William Beckman, certify that:

1.  

I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q of Clarion Technologies, Inc.;


2.  

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


3.  

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


4.  

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


a)  

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


b)  

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


c)  

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


5.  

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


a)  

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


b)  

Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal controls over financial reporting; and





Date: November 10, 2003
CLARION TECHNOLOGIES, INC.


By:      /s/ William Beckman               
       William Beckman
Its:   Chief Executive Officer
 


EXHIBIT 31.2

CERTIFICATION OF THE
CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER OF
CLARION TECHNOLOGIES, INC.

I, Edmund Walsh, certify that:

1.  

I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q of Clarion Technologies, Inc.;


2.  

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


3.  

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


4.  

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


a)  

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


b)  

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


c)  

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


5.  

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


a)  

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


b)  

Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal controls over financial reporting; and





Date: November 10, 2003
CLARION TECHNOLOGIES, INC.


By:      /s/ Edmund Walsh               
       Edmund Walsh
Its:   Chief Financial Officer
 


EXHIBIT 32.1

CERTIFICATION OF THE
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER OF
CLARION TECHNOLOGIES, INC.

        Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (18 U.S.C. 1350):

        I, William Beckman Chief Executive Officer of Clarion Technologies, Inc., certify, to the best of my knowledge and belief, pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (18 U.S.C. 1350) that:

        (1)        The quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended September 27, 2003, which this statement accompanies, fully complies with requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and;

        (2)        The information contained in this quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended September 27, 2003, fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of Clarion Technologies, Inc.




Date: November 10, 2003
CLARION TECHNOLOGIES, INC.


By:      /s/ William Beckman               
       William Beckman
Its:   Chief Executive Officer
 

A signed original of this written statement required by Section 906 has been provided to Clarion Technologies, Inc. and will be retained by Clarion Technologies, Inc. and furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission or its staff upon request.


EXHIBIT 32.2

CERTIFICATION OF THE
CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER OF
CLARION TECHNOLOGIES, INC.

        Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (18 U.S.C. 1350):

        I, Edmund Walsh, Chief Financial Officer of Clarion Technologies, Inc., certify, to the best of my knowledge and belief, pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (18 U.S.C. 1350) that:

        (1)        The quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended September 27, 2003, which this statement accompanies, fully complies with requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and;

        (2)        The information contained in this quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended September 27, 2003, fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of Clarion Technologies, Inc.




Date: November 10, 2003
CLARION TECHNOLOGIES, INC.


By:      /s/ Edmund Walsh               
       Edmund Walsh
Its:   Chief Financial Officer
 

A signed original of this written statement required by Section 906 has been provided to Clarion Technologies, Inc. and will be retained by Clarion Technologies, Inc. and furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission or its staff upon request.