Spartan Motors Form 10-Q 11-14-00

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 Quarter Ended
September 30, 2000

Commission File Number
0-13611

SPARTAN MOTORS, INC.
(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)

Michigan
(State or Other Jurisdiction of
Incorporation or Organization)

38-2078923
(I.R.S. Employer
Identification No.)

   

1000 Reynolds Road
Charlotte, Michigan

(Address of Principal Executive Offices)

48813
(Zip Code)

Registrant's Telephone Number, Including Area Code: (517) 543-6400

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

Yes     X                      No          

Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer's classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date.


Class

Outstanding at
November 8, 2000

   

Common stock, $.01 par value

11,288,077 shares






 

SPARTAN MOTORS, INC.
INDEX



 

PART I.  FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Page

       
       
 

Item 1.  Financial Statements:

 
       
   

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets --September 30, 2000

 
   

          (Unaudited) and December 31, 1999

1

       
   

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations -

 
   

          Three Months Ended September 30, 2000 and 1999 (Unaudited)

3

       
   

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations -

 
   

          Nine Months Ended September 30, 2000 and 1999 (Unaudited)

4

       
   

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Shareholders'

 
   

          Equity -- Nine Months Ended September 30, 2000 (Unaudited)

5

       
   

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows -

 
   

          Nine Months Ended September 30, 2000 and 1999 (Unaudited)

6

       
   

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

8

       
 

Item 2.  Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial

 
   

          Condition and Results of Operations

11

       
 

Item 3.  Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

17

       

PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

 
       
 

Item 6. Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K

17

       

SIGNATURES

18

       

EXHIBIT INDEX

19


- -ii-


PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1.

 

Financial Statements

SPARTAN MOTORS, INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
                                       

 

   

September 30,
2000


   

December 31,
1999


   

(Unaudited)

     

ASSETS

         
           

Current assets:

         

     Cash and cash equivalents

$

1,037,086

 

$

35,797

     Accounts receivable, less allowance

         

          for doubtful accounts of $567,000

         

          in 2000 and 1999

 

30,439,178

   

36,514,507

     Inventories (Note 4)

 

30,410,384

   

39,580,734

     Deferred tax benefit

 

3,487,305

   

3,487,305

     Taxes receivable

 

8,159,717

   

1,427,945

     Other current assets

 

994,518


   

834,404


          Total current assets

 

74,528,188

   

81,880,692

           

Property, plant, and equipment, net

 

10,718,349

   

11,127,360

           

Goodwill, net of accumulated amortization

         

     of $1,190,000 in 2000 and $1,001,000

         

     in 1999, respectively

 

5,064,669

   

5,419,417

Other assets

 

589,905

   

527,189

Long-term assets of discontinued

         

     operations, net

 

3,251,850


   

7,356,931


           

Total assets

$

94,152,961


 

$

106,311,589



- -1-


SPARTAN MOTORS, INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Continued)
                                       

 

   

September 30,
2000


   

December 31,
1999


   

(Unaudited)

     

LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY

         
           

Current liabilities:

         

     Accounts payable

$

16,125,753

 

$

22,406,392

     Notes payable

 

--

   

35,000

     Other current liabilities and accrued expenses

 

3,274,370

   

1,386,557

     Accrued warranty

 

3,608,246

   

3,303,778

     Accrued customer rebates

 

544,639

   

629,311

     Accrued compensation and related taxes

 

1,796,029

   

1,691,664

     Accrued vacation

 

1,112,148

   

1,108,664

     Deposits from customers

 

3,004,866

   

3,652,964

     Current portion of long-term debt

 

267,075

   

522,586

     Current liabilities of discontinued operations, net

 

6,359,811


   

5,277,185


          Total current liabilities

 

36,092,937

   

40,014,101

           

Long-term debt

 

26,857,619

   

23,119,047

           

Shareholders' equity:

         

     Preferred stock, no par value: 2,000,000

         

          shares authorized (none issued)

 

--

   

--

     Common stock, $.01 par value, 23,900,000

         

          shares authorized, issued 11,288,077 shares

         

          in 2000 and 12,273,977 shares in 1999

 

112,881

   

122,740

     Additional paid in capital

 

21,742,364

   

23,645,151

     Retained earnings, net of effect of minority

         

          interest in shareholders' deficit of subsidiary

         

          of ($4,828,324) in 2000 and 1999

 

9,347,160


   

19,410,550


          Total shareholders' equity

 

31,202,405


   

43,178,441


Total liabilities and shareholders' equity

$

94,152,961


 

$

106,311,589


         

See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

- -2-


 

SPARTAN MOTORS, INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (UNAUDITED)
                                       

 

Three Months Ended September 30,


2000


1999


Sales

$

53,045,380

$

76,335,294

Cost of products sold

49,167,918


65,044,441


Gross profit

3,877,462

11,290,853

Operating expenses

     Research and development

1,598,786

1,636,870

     Selling, general and administrative

4,527,881


5,217,210


Operating income

(2,249,205

)

4,436,773

Other income / (expense)

     Interest expense

(335,351

)

(408,464

)

     Interest and other income

166,222


144,337


Earnings (loss) before taxes on income

(2,418,334

)

4,172,646

Taxes on income

(685,745


)

1,552,961


Net earnings (loss) from continuing operations

(1,732,589

)

2,619,685

Discontinued operations:

     Loss from operations of Carpenter (less applicable

       income taxes of $0)

2,148,151

1,690,117

     Loss on disposal of Carpenter, including provision of

       $1,775,000 for operating losses
         during phase-out period

       (less applicable income tax benefit of $6,942,000)

6,099,174


--


Net earnings (loss)

$

(9,979,914


)

$

929,568


Basic and diluted net earnings per share:

Net earnings (loss) from continuing operations

$

(0.15

)

$

0.21

Loss from discontinued operations:

     Loss from operations of Carpenter

(0.19

)

(0.13

)

     Loss on disposal of Carpenter

(0.54


)

--


Basic and diluted net earnings (loss) per share

$

(0.88


)

$

0.07


Basic weighted average common shares outstanding

11,318,000


12,535,000


Diluted weighted average common shares

     outstanding

11,324,000


12,556,000


See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.


- -3-


SPARTAN MOTORS, INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (UNAUDITED)
                                       

 

Nine Months Ended September 30,


2000


1999


Sales

$

194,102,630

$

214,685,461

Cost of products sold

169,142,496


182,446,210


Gross profit

24,960,134

32,239,251

Operating expenses

     Research and development

4,955,130

4,866,079

     Selling, general and administrative

14,557,991


14,777,268


Operating income

5,447,013

12,595,904

Other income / (expense)

     Interest expense

(863,365

)

(1,180,742

)

     Interest and other income

349,239


298,479


Earnings before taxes on income

4,932,887

11,713,641

Taxes on income

1,929,929


4,243,201


Net earnings from continuing operations

3,002,958

7,470,440

Discontinued operations:

     Loss from operations of Carpenter (less applicable

          income taxes of $0)

3,900,853

4,094,262

     Loss on disposal of Carpenter, including provision of

          $1,775,000 for operating losses
            during phase-out period

           (less applicable income tax benefit of $6,942,000)

6,099,174


--


Net earnings (loss)

$

(6,997,069


)

$

3,376,178


Basic and diluted net earnings per share:

Net earnings from continuing operations

$

0.26

$

0.60

Loss from discontinued operations:

     Loss from operations of Carpenter

(0.34

)

(0.33

)

     Loss on disposal of Carpenter

(0.52


)

--


Basic and diluted net earnings (loss) per share

$

(0.60


)

$

0.27


Basic weighted average common shares outstanding

11,737,000


12,535,000


Diluted weighted average common shares outstanding

11,749,000


12,558,000


See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.


- -4-


SPARTAN MOTORS, INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
(UNAUDITED)
                   

                       
   


Number of
Shares


 


Common
Stock


 

Additional
Paid In
Capital


 


Retained
Earnings


 



Total


 
                       

Balance at January 1, 2000

 

12,273,977

$

122,740

$

23,645,151

$

19,410,550

$

43,178,441

 
                       

Purchase and constructive

                     

     retirement of stock

 

(985,900

)

(9,859

)

(1,902,787

)

(2,255,576

)

(4,168,222

)

Dividends paid

             

(810,745

)

(810,745

)

Comprehensive income:

                     

     Net earnings (loss)

   
   
   
 

(6,997,069


)

(6,997,069


)

Balance at September 30, 2000

 

11,288,077


$

112,881


$

21,742,364


$

9,347,160


$

31,202,405


 
                       

See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

- -5-


SPARTAN MOTORS, INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (UNAUDITED)
                                       

 

Nine Months Ended September 30,


2000


1999


Cash flows from operating activities:

     Net earnings from continuing operations

$

3,002,958

$

7,470,440

     Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to net cash

     provided by operating activities:

          Depreciation and amortization

1,716,808

1,887,553

          Loss (gain) on sales of assets

5,929

(61,627

)

          Decrease (increase) in assets:

               Accounts receivable

6,075,329

(3,883,303

)

               Inventories

9,222,590

(4,217,869

)

               Federal taxes receivable

(6,731,772

)

--

               Other assets

(222,830

)

(391,130

)

          Increase (decrease) in liabilities:

               Accounts payable

(5,313,339

)

3,478,023

               Other current liabilities and accrued expenses

1,887,813

394,692

               Accrued warranty

304,468

118,518

               Accrued customer rebates

(84,672

)

18,349

               Taxes on income

--

(1,085,635

)

               Accrued vacation

3,484

92,671

               Accrued compensation and related taxes

104,365

902,274

               Deposits from customers

(648,098


)

1,310,520


     Total adjustments

6,320,075


(1,436,964


)

Net cash provided by continuing operating activities

9,323,033

6,033,476

Net cash used in discontinued operating activities

(5,811,344

)

(7,377,710

)

Cash flows from investing activities:

     Purchases of property, plant and equipment

(986,495

)

(1,269,725

)

     Proceeds from sales of property, plant and equipment

8,001

21,984

     Proceeds from sales of investment securities

--

500,000

     Purchase price adjustment related to
       acquisition of subsidiary


- --


(249,103


)

     Minority interest contributions

(1,000


)

750,000


Net cash used in investing activities

(979,494

)

(246,844

)

(Continued)


- -6-


SPARTAN MOTORS, INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (UNAUDITED)
                                       

 

Nine Months Ended September 30,


2000


1999


Cash flows from financing activities:

     Payments on notes payable

$

(35,000

)

$

(197,000

)

     Proceeds from long-term debt

3,750,000

2,695,713

     Payments on long-term debt

(266,939

)

(13,130

)

     Net proceeds from exercise of stock options

--

3,180

     Dividends paid

(810,745

)

(877,430

)

     Purchase of previously-issued stock

(4,168,222


)

--


Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities

(1,530,906


)

1,611,333


Net increase in cash and cash equivalents

1,001,289

20,255

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period

35,797


37,645


Cash and cash equivalents at end of period

$

1,037,086


$

57,900


See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.


- -7-


SPARTAN MOTORS, INC.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

______________________________________

Note 1

 

For a description of the accounting policies followed refer to the notes to the Spartan Motors, Inc. (the "Company") annual consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 1999, included in the Company's Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 7, 2000.

     

Note 2

 

The accompanying unaudited interim consolidated financial statements reflect all normal and recurring adjustments that are necessary for the fair presentation of the Company's financial position as of September 30, 2000, and the results of operations and cash flows for the periods presented.

     

Note 3

 

The results of operations for the three- and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2000 are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the full year.

     

Note 4

 

Inventories consist of raw materials and purchased components, work in process, and finished goods and are summarized as follows:


September 30,
2000


December 31,
1999


                         Finished goods

$

2,696,563

$

7,283,900

                         Raw materials and purchased components

26,195,208

31,220,560

                         Work in process

6,959,383

4,954,579

                         Obsolescence reserve

(5,440,770


)

(3,878,305


)

$

30,410,384


$

39,580,734



Note 5

 

On September 27, 2000, the Company's Board of Directors passed a resolution to cease funding of the Company's majority-owned subsidiary, Carpenter Industries, Inc. ("Carpenter"). Carpenter's Board of Directors then voted on September 29, 2000 to begin the orderly liquidation of Carpenter. As part of the orderly liquidation process, the fixed assets will be sold, current assets collected and proceeds used to pay current and noncurrent liabilities, to the extent possible. The Company has certain guarantees in place and it anticipates that it will be required to pay approximately $3.1 million to Carpenter creditors. The Company's intention is to complete the orderly liquidation as quickly as possible and it estimates this will take no longer than one year. As a result of these actions, the Consolidated Statement of Operations has been restated to report the operating results of Carpenter as a discontinued operation in accordance with Accounting Principles Board (APB) Opinion No. 30, "Reporting the Results of Operations". Carpenter's sales for the nine months ended September 30, 2000 and 1999 were $22.0 million and $19.7 million, respectively.

     
   

The net current and noncurrent assets and liabilities of the discontinued operations have been segregated in the consolidated balance sheets. Details of such amounts at September 30, 2000 and December 31, 1999 are as follows:


- -8-


Note 5

 

(continued)


   

September 30,
2000


   

December 31,
1999


 
             

Accounts receivable

$

1,982,250

 

$

1,251,300

 

Inventories

 

1,858,328

   

7,530,993

 

Notes payable

 

(5,194,323

)

 

(7,319,746

)

Accounts payable

 

(602,841

)

 

(2,708,996

)

Other, net

 

(4,403,225


)

 

(4,030,736


)

             

Net current assets (liabilities) of discontinued operations

$

(6,359,811


)

$

(5,277,185


)

             

Property, plant and equipment, net

$

7,598,106

 

$

11,440,817

 

Goodwill, net

 

--

   

2,043,578

 

Long-term debt

 

(4,346,256

)

 

(5,700,256

)

Other, net

 

--


   

(427,208


)

             

Net long-term assets of discontinued operations

$

3,251,850


 

$

7,356,931


 
             

Note 6

 

Sales and other financial information by business segment are as follows (amounts in thousands):


Three Months Ended September 30, 2000

   

Business Segments


   
   

Chassis


 

EVTeam


 

Carpenter


 

Intangibles


 

Other


 

Consolidated


 
                           

Net Sales

$

40,356

$

15,421

       

$

(2,732

)

$

53,045

 

Interest expense

 

174

 

229

         

(67

)

336

 

Depreciation and

                         

     amortization expense

 

228

 

122

   

$

106

 

98

 

554

 

Income tax expense

 

(430

)

(167

)

       

(89

)

(686

)

Segment earnings (loss) from

                         

     continuing operations

 

(1,218

)

(165

)

   

(106

)

(243

)

(1,732

)

Discontinued operations

 

(808

)

--

$

(7,440

)

       

(8,248

)

Segment earnings (loss)

 

(2,026

)

(165

)

(7,440

)

(106

)

(243

)

(9,980

)

Segment assets

 

65,213

 

23,388

 

3,252

 

5,065

 

(2,765

)

94,153

 

- -9-


Note 6

 

(continued)


Three Months Ended September 30, 1999

Business Segments


Chassis


EVTeam


Carpenter


Intangibles


Other


Consolidated


Net Sales

$

64,179

$

14,434

$

(2,277

)

$

76,336

Interest expense

299

142

(33)

408

Depreciation and

     amortization expense

222

100

$

208

86

616

Income tax expense

1,401

144

8

1,553

Segment earnings (loss) from

     continuing operations

2,583

203

(208

)

41

2,619

Discontinued operations

--

--

$

(1,690

)

--

--

(1,690

)

Segment earnings (loss)

2,583

203

(1,690

)

(208

)

41

929

Segment assets

81,167

24,501

5,313

6,970

(4,392

)

113,559


Nine Months Ended September 30, 2000

 
   

Business Segments


             
   

Chassis


 

EVTeam


 

Carpenter


 

Intangibles


 

Other


 

Consolidated


 
                           

Net Sales

$

156,693

$

45,874

       

$

(8,465

)

$

194,102

 

Interest expense

 

310

 

563

         

(9

)

864

 

Depreciation and

                         

     amortization expense

 

702

 

335

   

$

335

 

345

 

1,717

 

Income tax expense

 

2,278

 

164

         

(512

)

1,930

 

Segment earnings
   (loss) from

                         

     continuing operations

 

3,348

 

422

     

(335

)

(432

)

3,003

 

Discontinued operations

 

(808

)

--

$

(9,192

)

       

(10,000

)

Segment earnings (loss)

 

2,540

 

422

 

(9,192

)

(335

)

(432

)

(6,997

)

Segment assets

 

65,213

 

23,388

 

3,252

 

5,065

 

(2,765

)

94,153

 

Nine Months Ended September 30, 1999

 
   

Business Segments


               
   

Chassis


 

EVTeam


 

Carpenter


 

Intangibles


 

Other


 

Consolidated


 
                             

Net Sales

$

180,205

$

41,536

       

$

(7,055

)

$

214,686

 

Interest expense

 

867

 

376

         

(63

)

1,180

 

Depreciation and

                         

     amortization expense

 

748

 

266

   

$

625

 

249

 

1,888

 

Income tax expense

 

3,964

 

459

         

(180

)

4,243

 

Segment earnings
   (loss) from

                         

     continuing operations

 

7,502

 

720

     

(625

)

(127

)

7,470

 

Discontinued operations

       

$

(4,094

)

       

(4,094

)

Segment earnings (loss)

 

7,502

 

720

 

(4,094

)

(625

)

(127

)

3,376

 

Segment assets

 

81,167

 

24,501

 

5,313

 

6,970

 

(4,392

)

113,559

 

- -10-


 

 

Item 2.

 

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


The following is a discussion of the major elements impacting the Company's financial and operating results for the three- and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2000 compared to the same periods ended September 30, 1999. The comments that follow should be read in conjunction with the Company's consolidated financial statements and related notes contained in this Form 10-Q.

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

The following table sets forth, for the periods indicated, the components of the Company's consolidated statements of operations, on an actual basis, as a percentage of sales:

 

Three Months Ended
September 30,


 

Nine Months Ended
September 30,


 
 

2000


 

1999


 

2000


 

1999


 
                 

Sales

100.0%  

100.0%   

100.0%   

100.0%   

Cost of product sold

92.7%  


85.2%   


87.1%   


85.0%   


Gross profit

7.3%   

14.8%   

12.9%   

15.0%   

Operating expenses:

               

     Research and development

3.0%   

2.1%    

2.6%    

2.3%    

     Selling, general, and administrative

8.5%   


6.9%    


7.5%    


6.8%    


Operating income

-4.2%   

5.8%    

2.8%    

5.9%    

Other

-0.4%   


-0.3%    


-0.3%    


-0.4%    


Earnings before taxes on income

-4.6%   

5.5%    

2.5%    

5.5%    

Taxes on income

-1.3%   


2.1%    


1.0%    


2.0%    


Net earnings (loss) from continuing

               

     operations

-3.3%   

3.4%    

1.5%    

3.5%    

Discontinued operations:

               

     Loss from operations of Carpenter

-4.1%   

-2.2%    

-2.0%   

-1.9%    

     Loss on disposal of Carpenter

-11.4%   


 
 

-3.1%   


 
 

Net earnings (loss)

-18.8%   


1.2%    


-3.6%    


1.6%    



Three-Month Period Ended September 30, 2000, Compared to the Three-Month Period Ended September 30, 1999

Continuing Operations

For the three months ended September 30, 2000, consolidated sales decreased $23.3 million (30.5%) over the amount reported for the same period in the previous year. Chassis Group sales for the third quarter of 2000 decreased by $23.8 million (37.1%) compared to the sales reported for the same period of 1999. The majority of this decrease is due to decreased sales of motorhome chassis. For the third quarter of 2000, motorhome chassis sales decreased 47.8% compared to the quarter ended September 30, 1999. Rising interest rates, coupled with higher gasoline prices and a fluctuating stock market, have contributed to the slower demand in the motorhome market.


- -11-


Item 2.

 

Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (Continued)


Fire truck chassis sales in the third quarter of 2000 were consistent with the same period of 1999. The fire truck market continues to be strong in 2000, as it is not typically impacted by interest rate fluctuations. Transit bus sales decreased slightly for the third quarter of 2000 compared to the sales reported for the same period in 1999. This is consistent with the Company's decision to transition out of the transit bus market.

EVTeam sales increased ($1.0 million or 6.8%) from their sales level in the prior year's third quarter. The strong fire truck market mentioned above was primarily responsible for this increase.

Gross margin decreased from 14.8% for the quarter ended September 30, 1999 to 7.3% for the same period of 2000. This decrease is primarily due to write-offs of obsolete chassis inventory resulting from slow motorhome sales and the Company's decision to exit the transit bus market.

Operating expenses increased from 9.0% of sales for the third quarter of 1999 to 11.5% for the third quarter of 2000. While operating expenses in dollars dropped (10.6%), sales volume dropped 30.5%, resulting in an increase in operating expenses as a percentage of sales. In the third quarter of 2000, the Chassis group reduced its salaried workforce by 20% in order to combat operating expenses in light of lower sales levels.

Discontinued Operations

On September 27, 2000, the Company's Board of Directors passed a resolution to cease funding of the Company's majority-owned subsidiary, Carpenter Industries, Inc. ("Carpenter"). Carpenter's Board of Directors then voted on September 29, 2000 to begin the orderly liquidation of Carpenter. The disposition of Carpenter's assets is being accounted for as a discontinued operation. The $2.1 and $1.7 million losses from operations of Carpenter reflect losses generated from operating the business segment during the third quarters of 2000 and 1999, respectively. The $6.1 million after-tax loss on disposal of Carpenter recorded in the third quarter of 2000 resulted from the decision to orderly liquidate the company. Details of Carpenter's net assets and liabilities at September 30, 2000 and December 31, 1999 are set forth in Note 5 to the condensed consolidated financial statements.

Total chassis orders received decreased 31.7% during the third quarter of 2000 compared to the same period in 1999. This is primarily due to a decrease of 51.8% in motorhome chassis orders offset somewhat by an increase of 34.9% in fire truck chassis orders. Based on average order lead-time, the Company estimates that approximately one-half of the motorhome, one-third of the bus/specialty, and none of the fire truck chassis orders received during the three-month period ended September 30, 2000 were produced and delivered by September 30, 2000.


- -12-


Item 2.

 

Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (Continued)


At September 30, 2000, the Company had $91.6 million in backlog compared with a backlog of $95.1 million at September 30, 1999. The majority of the decrease is due to transit bus chassis backlog, which has decreased 91.0% due to the fourth quarter 1999 bankruptcy filing by the Company's primary transit bus chassis customer, Metrotrans. This company made up the majority of the backlog number for transit bus chassis at September 30, 1999.

While orders in the backlog are subject to modification, cancellation or rescheduling by customers, the Company has not experienced significant modification, cancellation or rescheduling of orders in the past. Although the backlog of unfilled orders is one of many indicators of market demand, several factors, such as changes in production rates, available capacity, new product introductions and competitive pricing actions, may affect actual sales. Accordingly, a comparison of backlog from period to period is not necessarily indicative of eventual actual shipments.

Nine-Month Period Ended September 30, 2000, Compared to the Nine-Month Period Ended September 30, 1999

Continuing Operations

For the nine months ended September 30, 2000, consolidated sales decreased $20.6 million (9.6%) over the amount reported for the same period in the previous year. The primary reason for this decrease is a drop in Chassis Group sales of $23.5 million (13.0%) between 2000 and 1999 for the period. This is primarily due to the fact that motorhome chassis sales were down 20.7%. This was tempered by increases in sales of fire truck chassis of 4.0%, transit bus sales of 53.4% and part sales of 24.1%. The increase in fire truck chassis sales is due to the consistency of the fire truck market, as mentioned earlier. Transit bus sales are up for the year due to increased sales to the Company's primary transit bus customer that are a result of a large order placed by that customer. Parts sales growth is evidence of the Company's continued emphasis on customer service.

The Company's EVTeam recorded sales increases over the prior year's first nine months. EVTeam sales were up $4.3 million (10.4%) in the current period over the prior year's period. The EVTeam's increase is primarily due to the fire truck market, which continues to be strong, as mentioned before.

Gross margin decreased from 15.0% for the nine months ended September 30, 1999 to 12.9% for the same period of 2000. This is partially due to the write-off of obsolete chassis inventory resulting from slow motorhome sales and the Company's decision to exit the transit bus market. In addition, the EVTeam operates at lower margins than the Chassis Group since the value added is only in the body rather than the complete vehicle. Thus, the gross margin on the body is diluted by the pass-through nature of the chassis cost.


- -13-


Item 2.

 

Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (Continued)


Operating expenses increased from 9.1% of sales for the first nine months of 1999 to 10.1% for the same time frame in 2000. While operating expenses in dollars dropped (0.7%), sales volume dropped 9.6%, resulting in an increase in operating expenses as a percentage of sales. In the third quarter of 2000, the Chassis group reduced its salaried workforce by 20% in order to combat operating expenses in light of lower sales levels.

Discontinued Operations

As mentioned above, on September 27, 2000, the Company's Board of Directors passed a resolution to cease funding of Carpenter. Carpenter's Board of Directors then voted on September 29, 2000 to begin the orderly liquidation of Carpenter. The disposition of Carpenter's assets is being accounted for as a discontinued operation. The $3.9 and $4.1 million losses from operations of Carpenter reflect losses generated from operating the business segment during the nine months ended September 30, 2000 and 1999, respectively. The $6.1 million after-tax loss on disposal of Carpenter recorded during the first nine months of 2000 resulted from the decision to orderly liquidate the company. Details of Carpenter's net assets and liabilities at September 30, 2000 and December 31, 1999 are set forth in Note 5 to the condensed consolidated financial statements.

Total chassis orders received decreased 31.0% during the nine months period ended September 30, 2000 compared to the same period in 1999. This is primarily due to a decrease of 40.4% in motorhome chassis orders. Based on average order lead-time, the Company estimates that approximately three-quarters of the motorhome, one-half of the bus/specialty, and one-third of the fire truck chassis orders received during the nine-month period ended September 30, 2000 were produced and delivered by September 30, 2000.

At September 30, 2000, the Company had $91.6 million in backlog compared with a backlog of $95.1 million at September 30, 1999. The majority of the decrease is due to transit bus chassis backlog, which has decreased 91.0% due to the fourth quarter 1999 bankruptcy filing by the Company's primary transit bus chassis customer, Metrotrans. This company made up the majority of the backlog number for transit bus chassis at September 30, 1999.

While orders in the backlog are subject to modification, cancellation or rescheduling by customers, the Company has not experienced significant modification, cancellation or rescheduling of orders in the past. Although the backlog of unfilled orders is one of many indicators of market demand, several factors, such as changes in production rates, available capacity, new product introductions and competitive pricing actions, may affect actual sales. Accordingly, a comparison of backlog from period to period is not necessarily indicative of eventual actual shipments.


- -14-


LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

For the nine months ended September 30, 2000, cash provided by operating activities from continuing operations was approximately $9.3 million, which was a $3.3 million, improvement over the $6.0 million of cash provided by operating activities from continuing operations for the nine months ended September 30, 1999. The Company's working capital decreased slightly ($3.5 million) from $41.9 million at December 31, 1999 to $38.4 million at September 30, 2000. See the "Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows" contained in this Form 10-Q for further information regarding the increase in cash and cash equivalents, from $35,797 at December 31, 1999 to $1,037,086 at September 30, 2000.

Shareholders' equity decreased approximately $12.0 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2000 to approximately $31.2 million. This change primarily is due to losses from discontinued operations of $10.0 million, the repurchase of Company stock of $4.2 million and dividends paid of $0.8 million, which were partially offset by net earnings from continuing operations of $3.0 million. The Company's debt to equity ratio increased to 86.9% on September 30, 2000 compared with 54.8% at December 31, 1999 due to the change in retained earnings that was brought about by the loss from discontinued operations and the repurchase of the Company's common stock.

The Company's primary line of credit is a $30.0 million revolving note payable to a bank. The Company also has a $4.75 million term note under the same debt agreement. Under the terms of the line of credit and term note agreement, the Company is required to maintain certain financial ratios and other financial conditions. The agreement also prohibits the Company from incurring additional indebtedness, limits certain acquisitions, investments, advances or loans and restricts substantial asset sales. At September 30, 2000 the Company was in compliance with all debt covenants.

The Company also has an unsecured line of credit for $1.0 million and secured lines of credit for $0.2 million and $4.3 million. The $4.3 million line, which relates to Carpenter, carries an interest rate of 1/2% above the bank's prime rate (prime rate at September 30, 2000, was 9.5%) and has an expiration date of June 2001. This line of credit is secured by accounts receivable and inventory. Borrowings under this line totaled $4.0 million at September 30, 2000. It is anticipated that this line of credit will be paid down as Carpenter's assets are liquidated. The $0.2 million line carries an interest rate of 2% above the bank's prime rate and has an expiration date of June 1, 2001. This line of credit is secured by accounts receivable, inventory and equipment. There were no borrowings on this line at September 30, 2000. The $1.0 million line carries an interest rate of 1% above the bank's prime rate and expires only if there is a change in management. There were no borrowings on the $1.0 million line at September 30, 2000. The Company believes it has sufficient resources from cash flows from operating activities and, if necessary, from additional borrowings under its lines of credit to satisfy ongoing cash requirements for the next 12 months, including an estimated $3.1 million of Carpenter liabilities guaranteed by the Company.


- -15-


EFFECT OF INFLATION

Inflation affects the Company in two principal ways. First, the Company's debt is tied to the prime and LIBOR rates so that increases affecting interest rates may be translated into additional interest expense. Second, general inflation impacts prices paid for labor, parts and supplies. Whenever possible, the Company attempts to cover increased costs of production and capital by adjusting the prices of its products. However, the Company generally does not attempt to negotiate inflation-based price adjustment provisions into its contracts. Since order lead times can be as much as six months, the Company has limited ability to pass on cost increases to its customers on a short-term basis. In addition, the markets served by the Company are competitive in nature, and competition limits the pass through of cost increases in many cases. The Company strives to minimize the effect of inflation through cost reductions and improved productivity.

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This Form 10-Q contains statements that are not historical facts. These statements are called "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. These statements involve important known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors and can be identified by phrases using "estimate," "anticipate," "believe," "project," "expect," " intend," "predict," "potential," "future," "may," "should" and similar expressions or words. Our future results, performance or achievements may differ materially from the results, performance or achievements discussed in the forward-looking statements. There are numerous factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the results discussed in forward-looking statements, including:

 

Changes in existing products liability, tort or warranty laws or the introduction of new laws, regulations or policies that could affect our business practices: these laws, regulations or policies could impact our industry as a whole, or could impact only those portions in which we are currently active, for example, laws regulating the design or manufacture of emergency vehicles or regulations issued by the National Fire Protection Association; in either case, our profitability could be injured due to a industry-wide market decline or due to our inability to compete with other companies that are unaffected by these laws, regulations or policies.

     

 

Changes in environmental regulations: these regulations could have a negative impact on our earnings; for example, laws mandating greater fuel efficiency could increase our research and development costs.

     

 

Changes in economic conditions, including changes in interest rates, financial market performance and the industry: these types of changes can impact the economy in general, resulting in a downward trend that impacts not only our business, but all companies with which we compete; or, the changes can impact only those parts of the economy upon which we rely in a unique fashion, including, by way of example:

     

          •

 

     Factors that impact our attempts to expand internationally, such as the introduction of trade

 

 

     barriers in the United States or abroad.

     

- -16-


 

Factors that we have discussed in previous public reports and other documents filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

This list provides examples of factors that could affect the results described by forward-looking statements contained in this Form 10-Q. However, this list is not intended to be exhaustive; many other factors could impact our business and it is impossible to predict with any accuracy which factors could result in which negative impacts. Although we believe that the forward-looking statements contained in this Form 10-Q are reasonable, we cannot provide you with any guarantee that the anticipated results will be achieved. All forward-looking statements in this Form 10-Q are expressly qualified in their entirety by the cautionary statements contained in this section and you are cautioned not to place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements contained in this Form 10-Q. In addition to the risks listed above, other risks may arise in the future, and we disclaim any obligation to update information contained in any forward-looking statement.

Item 3.

 

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk.


The Company's primary market risk exposure is a change in interest rates in connection with its outstanding variable rate short-term and long-term debt. Due to variable interest rates on the Company's short-term and long-term debt, an increase in interest rates of 1% could result in the Company incurring an additional $0.3 million in annual interest expense. Conversely, a decrease in interest rates of 1% could result in the Company saving $0.3 million in annual interest expense. The Company does not expect such market risk exposure to have a material adverse effect on the Company. The Company does not enter into market risk sensitive instruments for trading purposes.

PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

Item 6.

 

Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K.


          (a)          Exhibits. The following documents are filed as exhibits to this report on Form 10-Q:

Exhibit No.

 

Document

     

3.1

 

Spartan Motors, Inc. Restated Articles of Incorporation. Previously filed as an exhibit to the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended June 30, 1996, and incorporated herein by reference.

3.2

 

Spartan Motors, Inc. Bylaws (restated to reflect all amendments). Previously filed as an exhibit to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the period ended December 31, 1995, and incorporated herein by reference.

27

 

Financial Data Schedule.


          (b)          Reports on Form 8-K. During the third quarter ended September 30, 2000, the Company did not file any current reports on Form 8-K.


- -17


SIGNATURES

          Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, Spartan Motors, Inc. has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.


Date:

November 14, 2000

SPARTAN MOTORS, INC.

     
     
   

By /s/ Richard J. Schalter


   

           Richard J. Schalter
           Secretary/Treasurer
           (Principal Accounting and Financial Officer)






































- -18-


EXHIBIT INDEX

Exhibit No.

 

Document

     

3.1

 

Spartan Motors, Inc. Restated Articles of Incorporation. Previously filed as an exhibit to the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended June 30, 1996, and incorporated herein by reference.

     

3.2

 

Spartan Motors, Inc. Bylaws (restated to reflect all amendments). Previously filed as an exhibit to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the period ended December 31, 1995, and incorporated herein by reference.

     

27

 

Financial Data Schedule.







































- -19-