Spartan Motors Form 10-K - 03/16/07

UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
_________________

FORM 10-K

x

ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2006

 

 

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 000-13611

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.)

 

 

 

1100 Reynolds Road
Charlotte, Michigan

(Address of Principal Executive Offices)

 


48813
(Zip Code)

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

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

 

 

 

Title of Class
Common Stock, $.01 Par Value

 

Name of Exchange on which Registered
The NASDAQ Stock Market

 

 

 

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

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act.

 

Yes

 


 

No

X


 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act.

 

Yes

 


 

No

X


 

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 by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of registrant's knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K.       


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Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, or a non-accelerated filer. See definition of "accelerated filer" and "large accelerated filer" in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check One):

 

Large accelerated filer   

 


     Accelerated Filer   

X


     Non-accelerated filer   

 


 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Exchange Act Rule 12b-2).

 

Yes

 


 

No

X


 

The aggregate market value of the registrant's voting stock held by non-affiliates of the registrant, based on the last sales price of such stock on The NASDAQ Stock Market on June 30, 2006, the last business day of the registrant's most recently completed second fiscal quarter: $151,890,142.

The number of shares outstanding of the registrant's Common Stock, $.01 par value, as of February 28, 2007: 21,329,309 shares

Documents Incorporated by Reference

Portions of the definitive proxy statement for the registrant's May 23, 2007 annual meeting of shareholders, to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission no later than 120 days after December 31, 2006, are incorporated by reference in Part III.












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FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This Form 10-K 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," "will," "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. These statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve certain risks, uncertainties and assumptions ("Risk Factors") that are difficult to predict with regard to timing, extent, likelihood and degree of occurrence. Therefore, actual results and outcomes may materially differ from what may be expressed or fore casted in such forward-looking statements.

Risk Factors include, but are not limited to, the risk factors listed and more fully described in Item 1A, "Risk Factors", as well as risk 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-K. 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 negative impacts. Other Risk Factors exist, and new Risk Factors emerge from time to time that may cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statements. Given these risks and uncertainties, although we believe that the forward-looking statements contained in this Form 10-K are reasonable, we cannot provide you with any guarantee that the anticipated results will be achieved. All forward-lo oking statements in this Form 10-K are expressly qualified in their entirety by the cautionary statements contained in this section and investors should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements as a prediction of actual results. The Company undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements to reflect developments or information obtained after the date of this letter.

PART I

Item 1.

Business.

General

Spartan Motors, Inc. (the "Company") was organized as a Michigan corporation on September 18, 1975, and is headquartered in Charlotte, Michigan. The Company began development of its first product that same year and shipped its first fire truck chassis in October 1975.

The Company is known as a world leading, niche market engineer and manufacturer in the heavy duty, custom vehicles marketplace. During 2006, the Company had four wholly owned subsidiaries: Spartan Motors Chassis, Inc., located at the corporate headquarters in Charlotte, Michigan ("Spartan Chassis", "Chassis Group", "Chassis"); Crimson Fire, Inc., headquartered in Brandon, South Dakota ("Crimson"); Crimson Fire Aerials, Inc., located in Lancaster, Pennsylvania ("Crimson Aerials"); and Road Rescue, Inc., located in Marion, South Carolina ("Road Rescue").

Spartan Chassis is a leading designer, engineer and manufacturer of custom heavy-duty chassis. The chassis consist of a frame assembly, engine, transmission, electrical system, running gear (wheels, tires, axles, suspension and brakes) and, for fire trucks and some specialty chassis applications, a cab. Chassis customers are original equipment manufacturers ("OEMs") who complete their heavy-duty vehicle product by mounting the body or apparatus on the Company's chassis. Crimson and Road Rescue engineer and manufacture emergency vehicles built on chassis platforms purchased from either Spartan Chassis or outside sources. Crimson Aerials engineers and manufactures aerial ladder components for fire trucks.

The Company's business strategy is to further diversify product lines and develop innovative design, engineering and manufacturing expertise in order to be the best value producer of custom vehicle products in both the national and international marketplace. Spartan Chassis sells its custom chassis to three principal markets: fire truck,


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motorhome and specialty vehicles. Spartan Chassis focuses on certain custom niches within its three principal markets and believes that opportunities for growth remain strong for custom-built chassis and vehicles in each market.

The Company is an innovative team focused on building lasting relationships with its customers. This is accomplished by striving to deliver premium custom vehicles and services. The Company believes that it can best carry out its long-term business plan and obtain optimal financial flexibility by using a combination of borrowings under the Company's credit facilities, as well as internally or externally generated equity capital, as sources of expansion capital.

The Company recognizes that annual unit sales of motorhome chassis have been substantially greater than that of the Company's other two principal chassis markets. Thus, in the past few years, management has placed special emphasis on further market penetration in the fire truck market and diversification into the specialty chassis market.

In January 1997, the Company acquired a 33 1/3% interest in Carpenter Industries, Inc. ("Carpenter"), a manufacturer of school bus bodies, headquartered in Richmond, Indiana. The Company increased its ownership twice, to 49.9% in October of 1998 and then to 57.6% in November of 1999. On September 28, 2000, the Company's Board of Directors voted to cease funding of Carpenter. The Board of Directors of Carpenter then passed a resolution on September 29, 2000 to begin the wind-down and orderly liquidation of Carpenter which was substantially completed in the fourth quarter of 2001.

The Company's Segments

The Company is organized into two reportable segments, Spartan Chassis and the Emergency Vehicle Team ("EVTeam"). For certain financial information related to each segment, see Note 12, Business Segments, of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements appearing in Item 8 of this Form 10-K.

Spartan Chassis

Sales by Spartan Chassis represented 87.9%, 85.8% and 87.7% of the Company's consolidated sales for the years ended December 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004, respectively. Approximately 98% of the components used by Chassis to manufacture its products are commercially available products purchased from outside suppliers. This strategy allows Chassis, and its OEM customers and end-users, to service finished products with ease, control production costs and expedite the development of new products. Spartan Chassis manufactures chassis only upon receipt of confirmed purchase orders; thus, it does not have significant amounts of completed product inventory. The Chassis Group markets its products throughout the U.S. and Canada.

Spartan Chassis has extensive engineering experience in creating chassis for vehicles that perform specialized tasks. The Chassis Group engineers, manufactures and markets chassis for fire trucks, motorhomes and specialty applications such as military vehicles, trolleys, utility trucks and crash-rescue vehicles. As a specialized chassis producer, Spartan Chassis believes that it holds a unique position for continued growth due to its engineering reaction time, manufacturing expertise and flexibility. This allows Chassis to profitably manufacture custom chassis with a specialized design that will serve customer needs more efficiently and economically than a standard, commercially-produced chassis. Spartan Chassis employed approximately 725 associates in Charlotte, Michigan as of February 28, 2007, of which approximately 691 were full-time.

Fire Truck Chassis

The Chassis Group custom manufactures fire truck chassis and cabs in response to exact customer specifications. These specifications vary based on such factors as application, terrain, street configuration and the nature of the community, state or country in which the fire truck will be utilized.

Chassis strives to develop innovative engineering solutions to meet customer requirements, and designs new products anticipating the future needs of the marketplace. Chassis monitors the availability of new technology and

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works closely with its component manufacturers to apply new technology to its products. Over the past few years, there have been several examples of such innovations.

Spartan Chassis helped to introduce to the fire truck market vehicle systems and components that incrementally improve the level of safety for all vehicle occupants. Chassis was the first to introduce roll stability control, which helps maintain vehicle stability and aids in reducing vehicle rollovers. Other safety systems include side roll protection, a side air bag and seat pretension system; the seatbelt sensor system that indicates unbuckled seatbelts, and the all-belts-to-seat system with shock-absorbent seats and prominent red-colored seatbelts. The cab is constructed with 4-inch I-beam roof supports that surpass certified independent third party ECE-R29 static load tests. Chassis was also one of the first to introduce Independent Front Suspension on fire truck chassis, and adapted multiple systems to meet the breadth of emergency rescue vehicle applications. The newest safety vehicle application, the 4x4 feature, enables a lower center of gravity, improving vehicle control, balance and maneuverabil ity. The 4x4 option is available on the complete fire truck vehicle line up. Spartan Chassis offers a specialized Low-Profile 4x4 vehicle with lower, wider steps, and taller, wider doors, which serve to facilitate quick entry and egress, especially convenient for fire fighters who are weighed down in full gear.

Motorhome Chassis

Spartan Chassis custom manufactures chassis to the individual specifications of its motorhome chassis OEM customers. These specifications vary based on specific interior and exterior design specifications, power requirements, horsepower and electrical needs of the motorhome bodies to be attached to the Spartan chassis. Chassis' motorhome chassis are separated into five models: (1) the "NVS" series chassis; (2) the "Mountain Master" series chassis; (3) the "K2" series chassis; (4) the "K3" series chassis and (5) the "ME2" series chassis. These motorhome chassis are generally distinguished by differences in allowable vehicle weight, length, gross vehicle weight, engines, options and price. The ME2, which is a mid-engine chassis, provides the OEM a significant opportunity in floor plan flexibility and provides enhanced ride and handling for the driver. A version with a rear-lift deck, or traveling garage, provides extra storage space for bicycles, ATVs, canoes and other "toys" that complement the RV lifestyl e. The innovative mid-engine design is now available on entry-level diesel motorhome chassis. Versions of these five basic product models are designed and engineered in order to meet customer requirements. This allows the chassis to be adapted to each OEM's specific floor plan and manufacturing process. The Chassis Group continually seeks to develop innovative engineering solutions to customer requirements and strives to anticipate future market needs and trends by working closely with the OEMs and listening to the end users.

Specialty Vehicle Chassis

Spartan Chassis continues to develop specialized chassis and actively seeks additional applications of its existing products and technology in the specialty vehicle market. During 2005 the Company obtained a contract for the manufacture of specialized chassis for the Cougar armored vehicle for use by the United States armed forces. In 2006 additional orders were received for the Cougar and Iraqi Light Armored Vehicle ("ILAV") and the Company believes that this specialty product group continues to have strong sales growth potential in the world marketplace. With its experience in manufacturing chassis for cement mixers, trolleys, utility trucks, crash and rescue vehicles and other specialty uses, the Company believes it is well positioned to continue to take advantage of opportunities in this and other specialty vehicle markets.

EVTeam

The Company's EVTeam consists of its three wholly owned subsidiaries, Crimson, Crimson Aerials and Road Rescue. Crimson and Road Rescue engineer and manufacture emergency vehicles built on chassis platforms purchased from either Spartan Chassis or outside sources. Crimson Aerials engineers and manufactures aerial ladder components for fire trucks. The EVTeam members manufacture products only upon receipt of confirmed purchase orders; thus they do not have significant amounts of completed product inventory. The EVTeam employed approximately 377 associates as of February 28, 2007 of which approximately 373 were full-time.




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Crimson Fire, Inc.

Crimson engineers, manufactures and markets its custom and commercial fire apparatus products through a network of dealers throughout North America. Crimson's product lines include pumpers and aerial fire apparatus, heavy- and light-duty rescue units, tankers and quick attack units. Created by the merger on January 1, 2003 of two of the Company's wholly owned subsidiaries - Luverne Fire Apparatus, Ltd. and Quality Manufacturing, Inc. (two of the industry's oldest brands) - the new Crimson Fire brand builds on more than 130 years of heritage. Crimson is recognized in the industry for its innovative design and engineering. Crimson's signature features - such as Tubular Stainless Steel body structure, Vibra-TorqTM mounting system, exclusive Trix-MaxTM body frame and Smart Access pump panels - are designed to offer the safety, reliability and durability that firefighters need to get the job done again and again. As of February 28, 2007 Crimson employed approximately 197 associates of whi ch approximately 194 were full-time.

Crimson Fire Aerials, Inc.

Crimson Aerials engineers, manufactures and markets aerial ladder components for fire trucks at its headquarters in Lancaster, Pennsylvania and employed approximately 39 associates as of February 28, 2007 all of which were full-time. The Company began operations in the later half of 2003 and has developed a full line of aerial components. Crimson Aerials introduced its first models in 2004 and is poised to produce the next generation of aerial devices in terms of technology, operation and service. Crimson Aerials currently sells its products to only Crimson Fire, Inc.

Road Rescue, Inc.

Road Rescue engineers, manufactures and markets a complete line of premium, custom advanced-care ambulances and rescue vehicles at its headquarters in Marion, South Carolina. At the start of 2003, Road Rescue also had operations in St. Paul, Minnesota, but that facility was closed prior to the end of 2003 and the operations were consolidated to the Marion, South Carolina facility. Road Rescue is a market leader in the design of Type I and Type III high-performance, modular ambulances that fit all emergency transport requirements and offer the latest in technology. These vehicles are built with safety, performance and ease-of-maintenance in mind. Vehicles such as the UltraMedic Type III offer a glimpse at the ambulance of the future - complete with smart displays, smart glass and a variety of other high-tech features. Road Rescue markets its products through a dealer network throughout the United States and Canada. Road Rescue employed 141 associates as of February 28, 2007 of which approximately 140 were full-time.

Marketing

Spartan Chassis markets its custom manufactured chassis throughout the U.S. and Canada, primarily through the direct contact of its sales department with OEMs, dealers and end-users. The EVTeam maintains dealer organizations that establish close working relationships through their sales departments with end-users. These personal contacts focus on the quality of the group's custom products and allow the Company to keep customers updated on new and improved product lines and end-users' needs.

In 2006, representatives from the Company attended trade shows, rallies and expositions throughout North America to promote its products. Trade shows provide the opportunity to display products and to meet directly with OEMs who purchase chassis, dealers who sell finished vehicles and consumers who buy the finished products. Participation in these events also allows the Company to better identify what customers and end-users are looking for in the future. The Company uses these events to create a competitive advantage by relaying this information back to its research and development engineering groups for future development projects.

The Company's sales and marketing team is responsible for marketing its manufactured goods and producing product literature. The sales group consists of 35 salespeople based in Company locations in Charlotte, Michigan; Brandon, South Dakota; Marion, South Carolina; and Lancaster, Pennsylvania; and 13 additional salespeople located throughout North America.



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Competition

The principal methods of building competitive advantages utilized by the Company include short engineering reaction time, custom design capability, high product quality, superior customer service and quick delivery. The Company competes with companies that manufacture for similar markets, including some divisions of large diversified organizations that have total sales and financial resources exceeding those of the Company. Certain competitors are vertically integrated and manufacture their own chassis and/or apparatuses, although they generally do not sell their chassis to outside customers (other OEMs). The Company's direct competitors in the specialty chassis and emergency vehicle apparatus markets are principally smaller manufacturers.

Because of the lack of reliable published statistics, the Company is unable to state with certainty its position in its markets compared to its competitors. The emergency vehicle market and, to a lesser degree, the custom chassis market are fragmented. The Company believes that no one company has a dominant position in either market.

Manufacturing

Spartan Chassis currently has four principal assembly facilities in Charlotte, Michigan for its custom chassis products. In February 2006, the Company's Board of Directors approved the renovation and expansion of one of its manufacturing facilities in Charlotte providing an increase in its fire truck chassis production capacity. A "state of the art" manufacturing facility, which is presently under construction, was approved by the Company's Board of Directors in May 2006 and is expected to come on line in the second quarter of 2007. The new facility will replace outdated facilities currently in use and also add manufacturing capacity. Due to the custom nature of its business, the Company's chassis cannot be manufactured efficiently on automated assembly lines. Generally, Spartan Chassis designs, engineers and assembles its specialized heavy-duty truck chassis using commercially available components purchased from outside suppliers rather than producing components internally. This approach facilitates prom pt serviceability of finished products, reduces production costs, expedites the development of new products and reduces the potential of costly down time for the end-user.

The EVTeam products are manufactured and assembled in each of the subsidiaries' respective manufacturing facilities, represented by four plants in total. The chassis for the products are purchased from Spartan Chassis and from outside commercial chassis manufacturers. The EVTeam facilities do not use automated assembly lines since each vehicle is manufactured to meet specifications of an end-user customized order. The chassis is rolled down the assembly line as other components are added and connected. The body is manufactured at the facility with components such as pumps, tanks, aerial ladders and electrical control units purchased from outside suppliers.

Suppliers

The Company is dedicated to establishing long-term and mutually beneficial relationships with its suppliers. Through these relationships, the Company benefits from new innovations, higher quality, reduced lead times, smoother/faster manufacturing ramp-up of new vehicle introductions and lower total costs of doing business. The combined buying power of the Company's subsidiaries and a corporate supply management initiative allow the Company to benefit from economies of scale and to focus on a common vision.

Components for the Company's products are generally available from a number of suppliers. The Company maintains an extensive qualification, on-site inspection, assistance, and performance measurement system to control risks associated with reliance on suppliers. The Company has not experienced any significant shortages of raw materials and normally does not carry inventories of such raw materials in excess of those reasonably required to meet production and shipping schedules. The Company purchases steel and aluminum under sales agreements. Material cost increases are passed onto the Company's customers whenever possible. However, there can be no assurance that there will be no steel, aluminum or other cost or supply issues over the long-term.



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Research and Development

The Company's success depends on its ability to respond quickly to changing market demands and new regulatory requirements. Thus, it emphasizes research and development and commits significant resources to develop and adapt new products and production techniques. The Company devotes a portion of its facilities to research and development projects and focuses on implementing the latest technology from component manufacturers into existing products and manufacturing prototypes of new product lines. The Company spent $12.6 million, $9.4 million and $7.9 million on research and development in 2006, 2005 and 2004, respectively.

Product Warranties

The Company's subsidiaries all provide limited warranties against assembly/construction defects. These warranties generally provide for the replacement or repair of defective parts or workmanship for a specified period following the date of sale. The end-users also may receive limited warranties from suppliers of components that are incorporated into the Company's chassis and vehicles. For more information concerning the Company's product warranties, see Note 11, Commitments and Contingent Liabilities, of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements appearing in this Form 10-K.

Patents, Trademarks and Licenses

The Company has five United States patents which include rights to the design and structure of chassis and certain peripheral equipment, and has three pending patent applications. Spartan Chassis and Crimson Fire Aerials each have one pending patent application. The existing patents will expire on various dates from 2016 through 2024 and all are subject to payments of required maintenance fees. The Company and its subsidiaries also own six United States trademark registrations and one United States service mark registrations, as well as two trademark registrations in New Zealand, and one trademark registration in each of Mexico, [Peru and Papua New Guinea]. The trademark and service mark registrations are generally renewable under applicable laws, subject to payment of required fees and the filing of affidavits of use. In addition, the Company has one pending U.S. trademark application and two pending Canadian trademark applications.

The Company believes its products are identified by the Company's trademarks and that its trademarks are valuable assets to both of its business segments. The Company is not aware of any infringing uses or any prior claims of ownership of its trademarks that could materially affect its business. It is the policy of the Company to pursue registration of its primary marks whenever possible and to vigorously defend its patents, trademarks and other proprietary marks against infringement or other threats to the greatest extent practicable under applicable laws.

Environmental Matters

Compliance with federal, state and local environmental laws and regulations has not had, nor is it expected to have, a material effect on the Company's capital expenditures, earnings or competitive position.

Associates

The Company and its subsidiaries employed approximately 1,118 associates as of February 28, 2007, of which approximately 1,079 were full-time. Management presently considers its relations with associates to be positive.

Customer Base

In 2006, the Company's customer base included two major customers, both of which were customers of the Spartan Chassis. Sales in 2006 to Newmar Corp. ("Newmar") were $92.4 million and sales to Fleetwood Motor Homes of Indiana, Inc. ("Fleetwood") were $56.9 million. These numbers compare to 2005 sales of $83.4 million to Newmar, and $75.5 million to Fleetwood. In 2004, sales included $92.1 million to Newmar and $68.6 million to Fleetwood. Sales to customers classified as major amounted to 33.5%, 46.3% and 51.5% of total revenues in 2006, 2005 and 2004, respectively.



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In March of 2005, the Company announced that Fleetwood was not renewing its agreement with the Company to supply entry-level chassis for Fleetwood's 2006 model-year products, which resulted in the loss of certain business beginning in the third quarter of 2005. Sales of these entry-level chassis represented approximately 5.8% of the Company's consolidated net sales in 2005. Although the loss of a major customer such as Newmar or Fleetwood could have a material adverse effect on Spartan Chassis and its future operating results, the Company believes that it has developed strong relationships with its customers.

Sales made to external customers outside the United States were $7.1 million, $6.9 million and $5.2 million for the years ended December 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004, respectively, or 1.6%, 2.0% and 1.7%, respectively, of sales for those years. All of the Company's long-lived assets are located in the United States.

Backlog Orders

At December 31, 2006, the Company had backlog orders for the Spartan Chassis of approximately $162.4 million, compared with a backlog of $96.9 million at December 31, 2005. At December 31, 2006, the Company had backlog orders for the EVTeam of $69.7 million, compared with a backlog of $70.9 million at December 31, 2005. The Company expects to fill all of the backlog orders at December 31, 2006 during 2007.

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.

Available Information

The address of the Company's web site is www.spartanmotors.com. The Company's Annual Reports on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, Current Reports on Form 8-K and other reports (and amendments thereto) filed or furnished pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Securities Exchange Act are available on its web site as soon as reasonably practicable after the Company electronically files or furnishes such materials with the Securities and Exchange Commission. In addition, paper copies of these materials are available without charge upon written request to James W. Knapp, Spartan Motors, Inc., 1100 Reynolds Road, Charlotte, Michigan 48813.

Item 1A.

Risk Factors.

Any negative change in the Company's relationship with its major customers could have significant negative effects on revenues and profits.

          The Company's financial success is directly related to the willingness of its customers to continue to purchase its products. Failure to fill customers' orders in a timely manner could harm the Company's relationships with its customers. Furthermore, if either of the Company's major customers experience a significant downturn in its business, or fails to remain committed to the Company's products or brands, then these customers may reduce or discontinue purchases from the Company, which could have an adverse effect on the Company's business, results of operations and financial condition. The Company has two customers that accounted for 33.5% of its total annual sales in 2006 - any negative change in the Company's relationship with either of them or the orders placed by either of them could significantly affect the Company's revenues and profits.

Fuel shortages, or higher prices for fuel, could have a negative effect on sales.

          Gasoline or diesel fuel is required for the operation of motorhomes, fire trucks, aerial ladders and ambulances. Particularly in view of increased international tensions and increased global demand for oil, there can be no assurance that the supply of these petroleum products will continue uninterrupted, that rationing will not be imposed or that the price of or tax on these petroleum products will not significantly increase in the future. Increases in gasoline and diesel prices and speculation about potential fuel shortages have had an unfavorable effect on consumer demand for motorhomes from time to time in the past, which then had a material adverse effect on sales


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volume, and may do so in the future. Increases in the price of oil also can result in significant increases in the price of many of the components in our products, which may have a negative impact on margins or sales volumes.

When we introduce new products we may incur expenses that we did not anticipate, such as recall expenses, resulting in reduced earnings.

          The introduction of new products is critical to our future success. We have additional costs when we introduce new products, such as initial labor or purchasing inefficiencies, but we may also incur unexpected expenses. For example, we may experience unexpected engineering or design flaws that will force a recall of a new product. In addition, we may make business decisions that include offering incentives to stimulate the sales of products not adequately accepted by the market, or to stimulate sales of older or obsolete products. The costs resulting from these types of problems could be substantial and have a significant adverse effect on our earnings.

If there is a rise in the frequency and size of product liability, warranty and other claims against us, including wrongful death claims, our business, results of operations and financial condition may be harmed.

          We are frequently subject, in the ordinary course of business, to litigation involving products liability and other claims, including wrongful death claims, related to personal injury and warranties. We partially self-insure our product liability claims and purchase excess product liability insurance in the commercial insurance market. We cannot be certain that our insurance coverage will be sufficient to cover all future claims against us. Any increase in the frequency and size of these claims, as compared to our experience in prior years, may cause the premiums that we are required to pay for such insurance to rise significantly. It may also increase the amounts we pay in punitive damages, which may not be covered by our insurance.

Increased costs, including costs of component parts and labor costs, potentially impacted by changes in labor rates and practices, could reduce our operating income.

          Our results of operations may be significantly affected by the availability and pricing of manufacturing components and labor, as well as changes in labor rates and practices. Increases in raw materials used in our products could affect the cost of our supply materials and components, as the rising steel and aluminum prices have impacted the cost of certain of the Company's manufacturing components. Although we attempt to mitigate the effect of any escalation in components and labor costs by negotiating with current or new suppliers and by increasing productivity or, where necessary, by increasing the sales prices of our products, we cannot be certain that we will be able to do so without it having an adverse impact on the competitiveness of our products and, therefore, our sales volume. If we cannot successfully offset increases in our manufacturing costs, this could have a material adverse impact on our margins, operating income and cash flows. Our profit margins may d ecrease if prices of purchased component parts or labor rates increase and we are unable to pass on those increases to our customers. Even if we were able to offset higher manufacturing costs by increasing the sales prices of our products, the realization of any such increases often lags behind the rise in manufacturing costs, especially in our operations, due in part to our commitment to give our customers and dealers price protection with respect to previously placed customer orders.

We depend on a small group of suppliers for some of our components, and the loss of any of these suppliers could affect our ability to obtain components at competitive prices, which would decrease our sales or earnings.

          Most chassis, fire truck, aerial ladder and ambulance commodity components are readily available from a variety of sources. However, a few proprietary or specialty components are produced by a small group of quality suppliers that have the capacity to support our requirements. Changes in our relationships with these suppliers, shortages, production delays or work stoppages by the employees of such suppliers could have a material adverse effect on our ability to timely manufacture our products and secure sales. If we cannot obtain an adequate supply of components, this could result in a decrease in our sales and earnings.



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Amendments of the regulations governing our businesses could have a material impact on our operations.

          Our manufactured products are subject to extensive federal and state regulations. Amendments to any of these regulations and the implementation of new regulations could significantly increase the costs of manufacturing, purchasing, operating or selling our products and could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations.

          Our failure to comply with present or future regulations could result in fines, potential civil and criminal liability, suspension of sales or production, or cessation of operations. In addition, a major product recall could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations.

          Certain U.S. tax laws currently afford favorable tax treatment for the purchase and sale of recreational vehicles that are used as the equivalent of second homes. These laws and regulations have historically been amended frequently, and it is likely that further amendments and additional regulations will be applicable to us and our products in the future. Amendments to these laws and regulations and the implementation of new regulations could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations.

          Our operations are subject to a variety of federal and state environmental regulations relating to noise pollution and the use, generation, storage, treatment, emission and disposal of hazardous materials and wastes. Although we believe that we are currently in material compliance with applicable environmental regulations, our failure to comply with present or future regulations could result in fines, potential civil and criminal liability, suspension of production or operations, alterations to the manufacturing process, costly cleanup or capital expenditures. For example, laws mandating greater fuel efficiency and the heightened emission standards that take effect in 2007 have increased our research and development costs, increased the cost of components necessary for production and could lead to the temporary unavailability of engines.

Failure to maintain effective internal controls in accordance with Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act could have an adverse effect on our business and stock price.

          Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act requires us to evaluate annually the effectiveness of our internal controls over financial reporting as of the end of each fiscal year and to include a management report assessing the effectiveness of our internal controls over financial reporting in our annual report on Form 10-K. Based on that evaluation our management concluded that our internal control over financial reporting was effective as of December 31, 2006. Section 404 also requires our independent registered public accounting firm to attest to, and report on, management's assessment of our internal controls over financial reporting. If we fail to maintain the adequacy of our internal controls, as such standards are modified, supplemented or amended from time to time, we cannot assure you that we will be able to conclude in the future that we have effective internal controls over financial reporting in accordance with Section 404. If we fail to maintain a system of effect ive internal controls, it could have an adverse effect on our business and stock price. Our management's assessment of the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2006, has been audited by Ernst & Young LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, as stated in its attestation report on management's assessment, which is included in Item 8 and is incorporated.

Businesses are cyclical and this can lead to fluctuations in operating results.

          The industries in which we operate are highly cyclical and there can be substantial fluctuations in our manufacturing shipments and operating results, and the results for any prior period may not be indicative of results for any future period. Companies within these industries are subject to volatility in operating results due to external factors such as economic, demographic and political changes. Factors affecting the manufacture of chassis, fire trucks, aerial ladders and ambulances include:





11


 

interest rates and the availability of financing;

 

commodity prices;

 

unemployment trends;

 

international tensions and hostilities;

 

general economic conditions;

 

overall consumer confidence and the level of discretionary consumer spending;

 

dealers' and manufacturers' inventory levels; and

 

fuel availability and prices.

General economic conditions.

          The effect of new or amended laws or regulations on the Company, our industry or the economy as a whole: such laws and regulations could cause an industry-wide market decline or affect the Company due to our inability to compete with other companies that are unaffected by these laws, regulations or policies.

          Concerns regarding acts of terrorism, the war in Iraq and subsequent events have created significant global economic and political uncertainties that may have material and adverse effects on consumer demand (particularly the motorhome market), shipping and transportation and the availability of manufacturing components.

          Changes in economic conditions, including changes in interest rates, financial market performance and industry-specific factors could 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 could impact only those parts of the economy upon which we rely in a unique fashion, including, for example, the introduction of trade barriers that impact our attempts to expand in North America.


Item 1B.

Unresolved Staff Comments.

          None.

Item 2.

Properties.

The following table sets forth information concerning the properties owned or leased by the Company. The Company believes that its facilities are suitable for their intended purposes and adequate to meet its requirements for the foreseeable future.


Used By


 


Location


 


Use


 

Owned/
Leased


 

Square
Footage


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Spartan Motors, Inc.,
Spartan Motors
  Chassis, Inc.

 

Plant I - 1000 Reynolds Road
Charlotte, Michigan

 

Manufacturing,
Corporate
Communications,
Warehousing

 

Owned

 

51,000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Spartan Motors, Inc.,
Spartan Motors
  Chassis, Inc.

 

Plant II - 1165 Reynolds Road
Charlotte, Michigan

 

Headquarters,
Manufacturing,
Sales, Marketing

 

Owned

 

44,000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Spartan Motors, Inc.,
Spartan Motors
  Chassis, Inc.

 

Plant III - 1580 Mikesell Street
Charlotte, Michigan

 

Engineering,
Research &
Development,
Manufacturing

 

Owned

 

50,000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



12


Spartan Motors, Inc.,
Spartan Motors
  Chassis, Inc.

 

Plant IV - 1549 Mikesell Street
Charlotte, Michigan

 

Manufacturing,
Accounting,
Receiving, Service
Parts, Purchasing,
Customer Service,
Warehousing

 

Owned

 

140,000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Spartan Motors
  Chassis, Inc.

 

Plant VII - 1111 Mikesell Street
Charlotte, Michigan

 

Warehousing,
Receiving

 

Leased

 

42,000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Spartan Motors
  Chassis, Inc.

 

Plant VIII - 1663 Reynolds Road
Charlotte, Michigan

 

Manufacturing under
construction

 

Owned

 

110,000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Crimson Fire, Inc.

 

907 7th Avenue, North
Brandon, South Dakota

 

General Offices,
Manufacturing,
Warehousing

 

Owned

 

32,000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Crimson Fire, Inc.

 

1209 E. Birch Street
Brandon, South Dakota

 

General Offices,
Manufacturing,
Warehousing

 

Leased

 

35,000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Crimson Fire
  Aerials, Inc.

 

1828 Freedom Road
Lancaster, Pennsylvania

 

General Offices,
Manufacturing,
Warehousing

 

Leased

 

33,600

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Road Rescue, Inc.

 

2914 Spartan Place
Marion, South Carolina

 

General Offices,
Manufacturing,
Warehousing

 

Owned

 

106,000


Item 3.

Legal Proceedings.

At December 31, 2006, the Company and its subsidiaries were parties, both as plaintiff or defendant, to a number of lawsuits and claims arising out of the normal conduct of their businesses. In the opinion of management, the Company's financial position, future operating results and cash flows will not be materially affected by the final outcome of these legal proceedings.

Item 4.

Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders.

During the fourth quarter of 2006, no matters were submitted to a vote of security holders, through the solicitation of proxies or otherwise.


PART II

Item 5.

Market For Registrant's Common Stock, Related Shareholder Matters, and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities.

The Company's common stock is traded on the NASDAQ Global Select Market under the symbol "SPAR."

On November 2, 2006, the Company's board of directors announced a 3-for-2 stock split which was issued on December 15, 2006 to shareholders of record on November 15, 2006. Prior to the stock split there were 14,032,986 shares of common stock outstanding. After the split and the related retirement of fractional shares, there were 21,048,753 shares outstanding. The following information reflects the impact of that stock split.

The following table sets forth the high and low sale prices for the Company's common stock for the periods indicated, all as reported by the NASDAQ Stock Market:


13


 

High

 

Low

 

      Year Ended December 31, 2006:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

First Quarter

$

7.93

 

$

6.67

 

 

Second Quarter

 

12.47

 

 

7.31

 

 

Third Quarter

 

13.15

 

 

9.62

 

 

Fourth Quarter

 

16.57

 

 

11.67

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

          Year Ended December 31, 2005:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

First Quarter

$

8.17

 

$

6.59

 

 

Second Quarter

 

7.66

 

 

5.75

 

 

Third Quarter

 

8.38

 

 

6.81

 

 

Fourth Quarter

 

7.19

 

 

6.33

 

In 2006, the Company's Board of Directors declared cash dividends of $0.07 per outstanding share on April 27, 2006 to shareholders of record on May 15, 2006 and $0.07 per outstanding share on October 26, 2006 to shareholders of record on November 15, 2006. On October 26, 2006, a special one-time $0.04 dividend was announced for shareholders of record on November 15, 2006. In 2005, the Company declared cash dividends of $0.07 per outstanding share on April 28, 2005 to shareholders of record on May 14, 2005 and $0.07 per outstanding share on November 7, 2005 to shareholders of record on November 15, 2005. On November 7, 2005, a special one-time $0.03 dividend was announced for shareholders of record on November 15, 2005.

The number of shareholders of record (excluding participants in security position listings) of the Company's common stock on February 28, 2007 was 567.

See Item 12 below for information concerning the Company's equity compensation plans.

Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

A summary of the Company's purchases of its common stock during the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2006 is as follows:





Period



Total
Number of
Shares
Purchased




Average
Price Paid
per Share


Total Number of
Shares Purchased
as Part of Publicly
Announced Plans or
Programs



Number of Shares that
May Yet Be Purchased
Under the Plans or
Programs(1)


Oct. 1, 2006 to Oct. 31, 2006

--   

 

--   

--

500,000 shares

Nov. 1, 2006 to Nov. 30, 2006

--   

 

--   

--

500,000 shares

Dec. 1, 2006 to Dec. 31, 2006


--   


 


--   


--


500,000 shares


Total


--   


$


--   


--


500,000 shares



 

1.

On April 25, 2006, the Board of Directors authorized management to repurchase, over the course of the subsequent 12-month period, up to a total of 500,000 shares of its common stock in open market transactions. The program is currently set to expire April 24, 2007. The Company repurchased no shares through December 31, 2006. Repurchase of common stock is contingent upon market conditions. If the Company were to repurchase the 500,000 shares of stock under the repurchase program, they would cost the Company approximately $11.1 million based on the sales price of the Company's stock on February 28, 2007. The Company believes that it has sufficient resources to fund this stock buyback.




14


Item 6.

Selected Financial Data.

The selected financial data shown below for the Company for each of the five years in the period ended December 31, 2006 has been derived from the Consolidated Financial Statements of the Company. The following data should be read in conjunction with the Consolidated Financial Statements and related Notes thereto and "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" included in this Form 10-K.

Five-Year Operating and Financial Summary
(In Thousands, Except Per Share Data)

 

2006
(2), (3)


 

2005
 


 

2004
 


 

2003
 


 

2002
 


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sales

$

445,378

 

$

343,007

 

$

312,270

 

$

237,372

 

$

259,527

 

Cost of products sold

 


372,002


 

 


294,232


 

 


270,891


 

 


202,524


 

 


213,530


 

Gross profit

 

73,376

 

 

48,775

 

 

41,379

 

 

34,848

 

 

45,997

 

Operating expenses:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

   Research and development

 

12,622

 

 

9,431

 

 

7,943

 

 

7,070

 

 

7,152

 

   Selling, general and administrative

 

31,360

 

 

26,693

 

 

24,451

 

 

21,604

 

 

21,531

 

   Goodwill impairment

 


2,086


 

 


--


 

 


--


 

 


--


 

 


--


 

Operating income

 

27,308

 

 

12,651

 

 

8,985

 

 

6,174

 

 

17,314

 

Other Income/(expense), net

 

664

 

 

718

 

 

209

 

 

(429

)

 

90

 

Earnings from continuing operations
   before taxes on income

 


27,972

 

 


13,369

 

 


9,194

 

 


5,745

 

 


17,404

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Taxes on income

 


11,144


 

 


5,077


 

 


3,312


 

 


1,305


 

 


5,969


 

Net earnings from continuing
   operations (1)

 


16,828

 

 


8,292

 

 


5,882

 

 


4,440

 

 


11,435

 

Discontinued operations:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

   Gain on disposal of Carpenter

 


--


 

 


--


 

 


--


 

 


1,609


 

 


269


 

Net earnings (1)

$


16,828


 

$


8,292


 

$


5,882


 

$


6,049


 

$


11,704


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic earnings per share (1):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

   Net earnings from continuing operations

$

0.85

 

$

0.44

 

$

0.32

 

$

0.25

 

$

0.67

 

   Net earnings from discontinued operations

 


--


 

 


--


 

 


--


 

 


0.08


 

 


0.01


 

Basic earnings per share

$


0.85


 

$


0.44


 

$


0.32


 

$


0.33


 

$


0.68


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Diluted earnings per share (1):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

   Net earnings from continuing operations

$

0.83

 

$

0.43

 

$

0.31

 

$

0.24

 

$

0.63

 

   Net earnings from discontinued operations

 


--


 

 


--


 

 


--


 

 


0.09


 

 


0.02


 

Diluted earnings per share

$


0.83


 

$


0.43


 

$


0.31


 

$


0.33


 

$


0.65


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash dividends per common share

$


0.18


 

$


0.17


 

$


0.15


 

$


0.13


 

$


0.11


 

Basic weighted average common shares

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

   Outstanding

 


19,737


 

 


18,836


 

 


18,527


 

 


18,185


 

 


17,238


 

Diluted weighted average common shares

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

   Outstanding

 


20,354


 

 


19,212


 

 


19,115


 

 


18,651


 

 


18,020


 

Balance Sheet Data:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

   Net working capital

$

96,082

 

$

50,676

 

$

43,953

 

$

40,136

 

$

35,290

 

   Total assets

 

190,648

 

 

123,208

 

 

106,913

 

 

91,382

 

 

88,312

 

   Long-term debt

 

25,739

 

 

1,370

 

 

145

 

 

--

 

 

--

 

   Shareholders' equity

 

103,180

 

 

72,602

 

 

67,511

 

 

61,120

 

 

56,434

 



15


 

(1)

On September 28, 2000, the Company's Board of Directors passed a resolution leading to the orderly liquidation of Carpenter. Because Carpenter was a separate segment of the Company's business, the operating results and the disposition of Carpenter's net assets were accounted for as a discontinued operation. Accordingly, previously reported financial results for all periods presented were restated to reflect this business as a discontinued operation. The $1,600,000 gain on disposal of Carpenter in 2003 is a result of the Company's revision of its estimated loss to dispose of the business, based upon final resolution of certain accrued items related to the disposal.

 

 

 

 

(2)

Effective January 1, 2006 the Company adopted FASB Statement 123(R), electing to use the modified prospective method. See Note 1 to the Company's 2006 Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

 

 

 

(3)

On November 2, 2006, the Company's Board of Directors announced a 3-for-2 stock split which was issued December 15, 2006 to shareholders of record on November 15, 2006. The information included in this table reflects the impact of that stock split.


Item 7.

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

OVERVIEW

Spartan Motors, Inc. was organized as a Michigan corporation on September 18, 1975, and is headquartered in Charlotte, Michigan. The Company began development of its first product that same year and shipped its first fire truck chassis in October 1975.

The Company is known as a world leading, niche market engineer and manufacturer in the heavy duty, custom vehicles marketplace. The Company has four wholly owned subsidiaries: Spartan Motors Chassis, Inc., located at the corporate headquarters in Charlotte, Michigan ("Spartan Chassis"); Crimson Fire, Inc., headquartered in Brandon, South Dakota ("Crimson"); Crimson Fire Aerials, Inc., located in Lancaster, Pennsylvania ("Crimson Aerials"); and Road Rescue, Inc., located in Marion, South Carolina ("Road Rescue"). Crimson, Crimson Aerials and Road Rescue make up the Company's EVTeam. The company's brand names, Spartan™, Crimson Fire™ and Road Rescue™, are known for quality, value, service and innovation.

Spartan Chassis is a leading designer, engineer and manufacturer of custom heavy-duty chassis. The chassis consist of a frame assembly, engine, transmission, electrical system, running gear (wheels, tires, axles, suspension and brakes) and, for fire trucks and some specialty chassis applications, a cab. Chassis customers are original equipment manufacturers ("OEMs") who complete their heavy-duty vehicle product by mounting the body or apparatus on the Company's chassis. Crimson and Road Rescue engineer and manufacture emergency vehicles built on chassis platforms purchased from either Spartan Chassis or outside sources. Crimson Aerials engineers and manufactures aerial ladder components for fire trucks.

The Company's business strategy is to further diversify product lines and develop innovative design, engineering and manufacturing expertise in order to be the best value producer of custom vehicle products in the North American marketplace. Spartan Chassis sells its custom diesel chassis to three principal markets: fire truck, motorhome and specialty vehicles. Spartan Chassis believes that opportunities for growth remain strong for custom-built chassis and vehicles in each market.

The Company is an innovative team focused on building lasting relationships with its customers. This is accomplished by striving to deliver premium custom vehicles and services that inspire customer loyalty. The Company believes that it can best carry out its long-term business plan and obtain optimal financial flexibility by using a combination of borrowings under the Company's credit facilities, as well as equity capital, as sources of expansion capital. A key metric in measuring our success is our Return on Invested Capital (ROIC). We define ROIC as operating income, less taxes, on an annualized basis, divided by total shareholders' equity.

The Company recognizes that annual unit sales of motorhome chassis have been substantially greater than that of the Company's other two principal chassis markets. Thus, in the past few years, management has placed special emphasis on further market penetration in the fire truck market and diversification into the specialty chassis market.


16


The Company expects future growth and earnings to come from:

 

The growing strength of the Spartan brands, including Spartan Chassis, Crimson Fire and Road Rescue.

 

 

 

 

EVTeam operational improvements as processes are reengineered to lower costs by eliminating non-value added activities.

 

 

 

 

Further market share gain in the Class A motorhome market as the Company's chassis continue to lead the way in design features such as stability, ride, durability and dependability. In 2006 Spartan was able to gain market share in motorhome sales by increasing the number of models riding on a Spartan chassis to 40 from 36 in 2005.

 

 

 

 

Increased sales of Fire Truck chassis which incurred record orders in 2006.

 

 

 

 

Opportunities in the areas of specialty vehicles and micro-niche markets.  The Company's current backlog for specialty vehicles will support production through at least mid-2007.  The Company will continue production of the current Iraqi Light Armored Vehicle (ILAV) order through mid-2007.  The Company expects to complete its current Joint Explosive Rapid Response Vehicle (JERRV) orders in the first quarter of 2007.  During the third quarter of 2006, the Company also received its first orders for a variant of the Cougar, the Mastiff, which will be ultimately delivered to the Ministry of Defense for the United Kingdom.  The Mastiff orders are under production and the current orders will be completed in the first quarter of 2007.  The Company is guardedly optimistic about the potential for additional military business.

 

 

 

 

The Company believes the major strength of its business model is market diversity and customization, with a growing foundation in emergency rescue. Geo-political events affect the recreational vehicle market more directly than the emergency rescue market, and it is in emergency rescue where the Company expects solid growth in the future.

The following section provides a narrative discussion about the Company's financial condition and results of operations. The comments that follow should be read in conjunction with the Company's Consolidated Financial Statements and related Notes thereto appearing in this Form 10-K.














17


Results of Operations

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

 

Year Ended December 31,


% of Sales

2006


 

2005


 

2004


 


Chassis



EVTeam


Consol-
idated


 


Chassis



EVTeam


Consol-
idated


 


Chassis



EVTeam


Consol-
idated


Sales

100.0

100.0

100.0

 

100.0

100.0

100.0

 

100.0

100.0

100.0

Cost of products sold

82.0


95.7


83.5


 

83.8


97.5


85.8


 

85.1


98.6


86.7


Gross profit

18.0

4.3

16.5

 

16.2

2.5

14.2

 

14.9

1.4

13.3

Operating expenses:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

   Research and
     development


2.6


3.0


2.8

 


2.4


3.0


2.7

 


2.4


2.8


2.5

   Selling, general and
     administrative


5.7


7.3


7.1

 


6.4


9.4


7.8

 


6.2


12.2


7.9

   Goodwill
     Impairment


- --



2.7



0.5


 


- --



- --



- --


 


- --



- --



- --


Operating income

9.7

-8.7

6.1

 

7.4

-9.9

3.7

 

6.3

-13.6

2.9

Other income/
   (expense), net


0.1


- -0.6


0.2

 


0.1


- -0.7


0.2

 


0.1


- -1.2


0.0

Earnings before
   taxes on income


9.8


- -9.3


6.3

 


7.5


- -10.6


3.9

 


6.4


- -14.8


2.9

Taxes on income

3.4

-2.3

2.5

 

2.5

-3.3

1.5

 

2.3

-4.7

1.0

Net earnings

6.4


-7.0


3.8


 

5.0


-7.3


2.4


 

4.1


-10.1


1.9


Year Ended December 31, 2006 compared to Year Ended December 31, 2005

Continuing Operations

For the year ended December 31, 2006, consolidated sales increased $102.4 million (29.8%) over sales for the same period in 2005. The increase was due to a $97.5 million (33.1%) increase in Spartan Chassis sales coupled with a $12.6 million (19.4%) increase in EVTeam sales. Increased sales from Spartan Chassis to the EVTeam caused intercompany sales to increase $7.7 million (48.2%) over the prior year. Intercompany sales are eliminated from the consolidated sales totals.

Within Spartan Chassis, the motorhome chassis line experienced a sales increase of $15.0 million (7.9%) over 2005 sales. While 2006 motorhome unit sales were down compared to 2005, 2005 lower end units were replaced with higher end chassis sales and increased sales to a new customer added during 2005.

Spartan Chassis other primary product line, fire trucks, had an increase of $22.8 million (26.7%) in sales for the year ended December 31, 2006 over the year ended December 31, 2005. As the increase in sales indicates, the fire truck market continued to be strong in 2006. An increase in market share resulted in the increase in fire truck sales.

Other Spartan Chassis sales were $79.2 million compared to $19.5 million in 2005.  This increase is due to higher sales of military chassis for the Joint Explosive Rapid Response Vehicle (JERRV) and Iraqi Light Armored Vehicle (ILAV) military subcontracts. Military vehicles were first manufactured late in the second quarter of 2005.

The increase in EVTeam sales for 2006 was a result of increases at Crimson Fire of $16.0 million and at Crimson Fire Aerials of $2.7 million, partially offset by a sales decrease at Road Rescue of $6.1 million. The increases were driven by higher average unit prices for fire trucks coupled with higher unit sales of fire trucks.


18


Gross margin increased from 14.2% in 2005 to 16.5% in 2006. Primary drivers for the gross margin increase were increased fire truck chassis sales, increased military chassis sales and increased sales volumes for the EVTeam. Partially offsetting these improvements were increased expenses due to Road Rescue production issues and increased warranty expense at Spartan Chassis. Also contributing to the increase in gross margin in 2006 were improved production efficiencies at Spartan Chassis and Crimson Fire.

Operating expenses increased by $9.9 million (27.5%) from 2005 levels. Expenses for 2006 include a $2.1 million goodwill impairment charge related to Road Rescue. The Company completes its required annual impairment test as of October 1 each year. Based upon the estimated fair values of the Company's reporting units using a discounted cash flow valuation, the goodwill at Road Rescue subsidiary was evaluated as impaired and goodwill totaling $2.1 million was recognized as a charge against operating income. The remaining balance of the goodwill of the Company relates to its Crimson Fire subsidiary and was not impaired. Other factors in the increase were staff additions to support the increase in sales discussed above and increased payroll costs due to higher incentive plan payments generated by the improvement in results. Operating expenses as a percentage of sales decreased from 10.5% for the year ended December 31, 2005 to 10.4% for the year ended December 31, 2006.

The increase in the Company's income taxes from $5.1 million in 2005 to $11.1 million in 2006 is primarily due to increased earnings before taxes in 2006 when compared to 2005. The effective tax rate was 39.8% in 2006 as compared to 38.0% in 2005. The increase in the effective tax rate was due to the non-deductible goodwill charge and higher state taxes in 2006 versus 2005. See Note 6, Taxes on Income, of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for further information regarding income taxes.

Net earnings increased $8.5 million from $8.3 million ($0.43 per diluted share, post-split) in 2005 to $16.8 million ($0.83 per diluted share, post-split) in 2006 as a result of the factors discussed above.

Year Ended December 31, 2005 compared to Year Ended December 31, 2004

For the year ended December 31, 2005, consolidated sales increased $30.7 million (9.8%) over the amount reported for the previous year. This increase is due to a $20.2 million (7.4%) increase in Chassis Group sales coupled with $12.5 million (23.9%) increase in EVTeam sales. Increased sales from Spartan Chassis to the EVTeam caused intercompany sales to increase $2.0 million (14.3%) over the prior year. Intercompany sales are eliminated from the consolidated sales totals.

Within Spartan Chassis, the motorhome chassis line had a sales decrease of $2.7 million (-1.4%) over the 2004 fiscal year. The decrease was due to an overall softening in the motorhome market. High crude oil prices contributed to a drop in consumer confidence levels resulting in lower consumer spending on such items as motorhomes.

Spartan Chassis other primary product line, fire trucks, had an increase of $10.7 million (14.4%) in sales for the year ended December 31, 2005 over the year ended December 31, 2004. As the increase in sales indicates, the fire truck market continues to be strong in 2005. The focus of fire departments is to ensure their equipment is sufficient to respond to the variety of emergencies that are on their growing list of responsibilities.

The increase in EVTeam sales for 2005 was a result of increases at Crimson Fire of $4.8 million, at Road Rescue of $6.3 million and at Crimson Fire Aerial of $1.4 million. The increase at Road Rescue was due to the production ramp-up at Road Rescue to a higher run rate in 2005. Crimson Fire Aerials sold its first units in 2004, as it was a newly formed corporation in 2003, and contributed $2.2 million to 2005 consolidated sales. Crimson Fire's sales were temporarily affected during 2004 by its decision to move production of its E-series product from its Alabama facility to South Dakota and the construction and set-up of its new, more efficient plant in South Dakota. As a result of completing this manufacturing transition, net sales in 2005 were favorably affected.

Gross margin increased from 13.3% in 2004 to 14.2% in 2005. Primary drivers for the gross margin increase were increased fire truck chassis sales, the new Cougar military contract chassis sales and increased sales volume for the EVTeam. Also contributing to the increase in gross margin in 2005 were improved production efficiencies at Chassis and Crimson Fire and a full year of production at Crimson Fire Aerials, where production had been in the ramp-up phase in 2004.


19


Operating expenses increased by $3.7 million (11.5%) from fiscal year 2004, mostly to support the increase in sales discussed above. Operating expenses as a percentage of sales increased from 10.4% for the year ended December 31, 2004 to 10.5% for the year ended December 31, 2005. The percentage increase was due primarily to an increase in certain research and development expenses to support the new Me2 motorhome chassis.

The increase in the Company's income taxes from $3.3 million in 2004 to $5.1 million in 2005 is primarily due to increased earnings before taxes in 2005 when compared to 2004. The effective tax rate was 38.0% in 2005 as compared to 36.0% in 2004. The increase in the effective tax rate was due primarily to higher state taxes in 2005 versus 2004. See Note 6, Taxes on Income, of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for further information regarding income taxes.

Net earnings from operations increased $2.4 million from $5.9 million ($0.31 per diluted share, post-split) in 2004 to $8.3 million ($0.43 per diluted share, post-split) in 2005 as a result of the factors discussed above.

Quarterly Results

The Company's rate of sales growth has varied historically from quarter to quarter. For a description of quarterly financial data, see Note 14, Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited), of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements appearing in this Form 10-K.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

The Company generated an ROIC of 12.3% in the fourth quarter of 2006, a 200 percent increase compared to the ROIC of 4.1% for the same period in 2005. (The Company defines return on invested capital as operating income, less taxes, on an annualized basis, divided by total shareholders' equity.) ROIC for 2006 was 15.7% compared to ROIC of 10.4% in 2005.

Cash on hand increased $4.1 million from $9.7 million in 2005 to $13.8 million at December 31, 2006. During 2006, proceeds from the Company's line of credit amounted to $24.4 million while $15.9 million was provided from the exercise of stock options and the related tax benefit. Proceeds from the disposal of fixed assets amounted to $0.4 million. An additional $2.0 million was generated from the sale of marketable securities on hand at December 31, 2005. Of these funds, $20.6 million was used in operating activities to fund increases mainly in accounts receivable, inventories and engine deposits. Other uses of the funds generated were $14.4 million for property, plant and equipment and $3.6 million to pay dividends. The Company's working capital increased by $45.4 million from $50.7 million in 2005 to $96.1 million in 2006. See the "Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows" appearing in Item 8 of this Form 10-K for further information regarding the increase in cash and cash equivalents, from $9.7 million as of December 31, 2005, to $13.8 million as of December 31, 2006. See the "Five-Year Operating and Financial Summary" table appearing in Item 6 of this Form 10-K for a five-year comparison of net working capital.

Shareholders' equity increased $30.6 million, from $72.6 million on December 31, 2005 to $103.2 million as of December 31, 2006. The increase was driven by $16.8 million in net income of the Company, $0.6 million from the amortization of unearned compensation related to restricted stock, $0.9 million from the granting of Stock Appreciation Rights and $15.9 million from the exercise of stock options including the corresponding tax benefit. These increases were partially offset by $3.6 million in dividends paid. See the "Consolidated Statements of Shareholders' Equity" appearing in Item 8 of this Form 10-K for further information regarding the changes in shareholders' equity.

On April 25, 2006, the Board of Directors authorized management to repurchase, over the course of the subsequent 12-month period, up to a total of 500,000 shares of its common stock in open market transactions. The program is currently set to expire April 24, 2007. The Company repurchased no shares during 2006. Repurchase of common stock is contingent upon market conditions. If the Company were to repurchase the 500,000 shares of stock under the repurchase program, they would cost the Company approximately $11.1 million based on the sales price of the Company's stock on February 28, 2007. The Company believes that it has sufficient cash reserves to fund this stock buyback.


20


At its July 2006 meeting, the Board of Directors approved a $25.0 million primary line of credit (revolving note payable) with JP Morgan Chase Bank expiring on September 30, 2008. The line of credit includes three one-year automatic extensions unless the bank provides notice of non-renewal 14 months in advance of the expiration date. The Company had borrowings of $17,500,000 under this line at December 31, 2006.

The Company also has an unsecured fixed rate long term note which bears interest at 4.99%. At December 31, 2006 the total outstanding on this note was $6,922,223 of which $466,667 is payable in 2007.

The Company also has a secured line of credit for $0.2 million, which has an expiration date of May 31, 2007. This line of credit is secured by accounts receivable, inventory and equipment. There were no borrowings under this line at December 31, 2006. At December 31, 2006, the Company was in compliance with all debt covenants

The Company also has two mortgages of which $1,182,879 and $134,123 is outstanding as of December 31, 2006. The mortgage notes carry an interest rate of 3.00%, payable in monthly installments (for principal and interest) of $6,933 and $834, respectively, with the balances due July 1, 2010 and March 1, 2009, respectively. These mortgage notes are secured by real estate and buildings.

In February 2006, the Company's Board of Directors approved $3.3 million for the construction of a new service facility and $0.6 million to convert its old Charlotte, Michigan service facility area to production facilities. A "state of the art" manufacturing facility, which is presently under construction, was approved by the Company's Board of Directors in May 2006 and is expected to come on line in the spring of 2007. The new facility which is expected to cost $14.6 million will replace outdated facilities currently in use and also add manufacturing capacity.

At December 31, 2006, the Company had outstanding commitments to purchase engines from its suppliers. At December 31, 2006, $10.9 million has been paid by the Company and recorded as a prepaid expense included in other current assets. This commitment was made to ensure an adequate supply of 2006 engines during the transition to engines meeting the new 2007 emission requirements.

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. Proceeds from existing credit facilities and anticipated renewals, along with cash flows from operations, are expected to be sufficient to meet capital needs in the foreseeable future.

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

The Company has no off-balance sheet arrangements.

Contractual Obligations and Commercial Commitments

The Company's future contractual obligations for agreements including agreements to purchase materials in the normal course of business, are summarized as follows:

 

Payments Due by Period ( $ - thousands)


 


Total


 

Less than
1 Year


 


1-3 Years


 


4-5 Years


 

More than
5 Years


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Long-term Debt

$

25,739

 

$

521

 

$

20,054

 

$

5,164

 

$

--

Leases:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

     Capital

 

--

 

 

--

 

 

--

 

 

--

 

 

--

     Operating

 

1,337

 

 

451

 

 

886

 

 

--

 

 

--

Purchase obligations

 


78,211


 

 


78,211


 

 


--


 

 


--


 

 


--


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total contractual
   obligations


$



105,287


 


$



79,183


 


$



20,940


 


$



5,164


 


$



- --



21


Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

The following discussion of accounting policies is intended to supplement Note 1, General and Summary of Accounting Policies, of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements. These policies were selected because they are broadly applicable within the Company's operating units and they involve additional management judgment due to the sensitivity of the methods, assumptions and estimates necessary in determining the related statement of operations, asset and/or liability amounts.

Revenue Recognition - The Company recognizes revenue in accordance with SEC Staff Accounting Bulletin (SAB) No. 104, Revenue Recognition. Accordingly, revenue is recognized when title to the product and risk of ownership passes to the buyer. In certain instances, risk of ownership and title passes when the unit has been completed in accordance with purchase order specifications and has been tendered for delivery to the customer. Sales are shown net of returns, discounts and sales incentives, which historically have not been significant. The collectibility of any related receivable is reasonably assured before revenue is recognized.

Inventory - Estimated inventory allowances for slow-moving and obsolete inventory are based upon current assessments about future demands, market conditions and related management initiatives. If market conditions are less favorable than those projected by management, additional inventory allowances may be required.

Warranties - The Company's policy is to record a provision for the estimated cost of warranty-related claims at the time of the sale and periodically adjust the provision to reflect actual experience. The amount of warranty liability accrued reflects management's best estimate of the expected future cost of honoring the Company's obligations under the warranty agreements. Historically, the cost of fulfilling the Company's warranty obligations has principally involved replacement parts, labor and sometimes travel for field retrofit campaigns. The Company's estimates are based on historical experience, the number of units involved and the extent of features and components included in product models. See also Note 11, Commitments and Contingent Liabilities, of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in this 10-K for further information regarding warranties.

Equity Compensation - SFAS 123(R), Share-Based Payment, addresses the accounting for share-based employee compensation and was adopted by Spartan Motors, Inc. on January 1, 2006 utilizing the modified prospective approach. The effect of applying SFAS 123(R) and further information on Spartan Motors, Inc. equity compensation plans, including inputs used to determine fair value of options is disclosed in Note 10 to the financial statements, SFAS 123(R) requires that share options awarded to employees are recognized as compensation expense based on their fair value at grant date. The fair market value of options granted under the Company's stock option plans was estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model using assumptions for inputs such as interest rates, expected dividends, volatility measures and specific employee exercise behavior patterns based on statistical data. Some of the inputs we use are not market-observable and have to be estimated or derived from availab le data. Use of different estimates would produce different option values, which in turn would result in higher or lower compensation expense recognized.

To value options, several recognized valuation models exist. None of these models can be singled out as being the best or most correct one. The model we apply is able to handle some of the specific features included in the options we grant, which is the reason for its use. If we were to use a different model, the option values would differ despite using the same inputs. Accordingly, using different assumptions coupled with using a different valuation model could have a significant impact on the fair value of employee stock options. Fair value could be either higher or lower than the ones produced by the model we apply and the inputs we used.

New and Pending Accounting Policies

In July 2006, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Interpretation No. 48, "Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes." This interpretation clarifies the accounting for uncertainty in income taxes recognized in an enterprise's financial statements in accordance with FASB statement No. 109, "Accounting for Income Taxes." Interpretation No. 48 prescribes a recognition threshold and measurement attribute for the financial statement recognition and measurement of a tax position taken or expected to be taken in a tax return. This Interpretation also provides guidance on derecognition, classification, interest and penalties, accounting in interim


22


periods, disclosure and transition. This Interpretation is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2006. The Company has not yet determined the affect the adoption of Interpretation No. 48 will have on the Company's consolidated financial position or results of operations but does not anticipate a material impact.

Effect of Inflation

Inflation affects the Company in two principal ways. First, the Company's debt, if any, is generally 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.

Item 7A.

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk.

The Company's primary market risk exposure is a change in interest rates and the effect of such a change on outstanding variable rate short-term and long-term debt. At December 31, 2006, the Company had $17.5 million of debt outstanding under its variable rate short-term and long-term debt agreements. A change of 1% in interest rates would not have a material adverse effect on the Company's financial position. The Company does not enter into market risk sensitive instruments for trading or other purposes.

The Company does not believe that there has been a material change in the nature or categories of the primary market risk exposures or the particular markets that present the primary risk of loss to the Company. As of the date of this report, the Company does not know of or expect any material changes in the general nature of its primary market risk exposure in the near term. In this discussion, "near term" means a period of one year following the date of the most recent balance sheet contained in this report.

Prevailing interest rates and interest rate relationships are primarily determined by market factors that are beyond the Company's control. All information provided in response to this item consists of forward-looking statements. Reference is made to the section captioned "Forward-Looking Statements" before Part I of this Annual Report on Form 10-K for a discussion of the limitations on the Company's responsibility for such statements.

















23


Item 8.

Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.

SPARTAN MOTORS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

 

December 31,


 

 

2006


 

2005


 

ASSETS

 

 

 

 

 

 

Current assets:

 

 

 

 

 

 

     Cash and cash equivalents

$

13,834,892

 

$

9,702,059

 

     Marketable securities

 

--

 

 

1,988,120

 

     Accounts receivable, less allowance for doubtful accounts

 

 

 

 

 

 

        of $373,000 in 2006 and $202,000 in 2005

 

62,620,127

 

 

37,016,549

 

     Inventories

 

64,173,194

 

 

44,265,389

 

     Deferred tax assets

 

4,566,657

 

 

3,745,396

 

     Taxes receivable

 

--

 

 

989,896

 

     Deposits on Engines

 

10,900,000

 

 

--

 

     Other current assets

 


1,881,706


 

 


1,948,796


 

          Total current assets

 

157,976,576

 

 

99,656,205

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Property, plant and equipment, net

 

29,659,133

 

 

18,478,110

 

Goodwill

 

2,457,028

 

 

4,543,422

 

Other assets

 


554,774


 

 


530,533


 

          TOTAL ASSETS

$


190,647,511


 

$


123,208,270


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY

 

 

 

 

 

 

Current liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

     Accounts payable

$

30,703,496

 

$

20,745,549

 

     Accrued warranty

 

6,380,740

 

 

4,502,772

 

     Accrued customer rebates

 

3,470,617

 

 

1,755,334

 

     Accrued compensation and related taxes

 

7,712,421

 

 

4,241,293

 

     Accrued vacation

 

1,483,389

 

 

1,188,692

 

     Deposits from customers

 

7,465,422

 

 

13,640,197

 

     Other current liabilities and accrued expenses

 

2,591,484

 

 

2,853,283

 

     Taxes on income

 

1,565,629

 

 

--

 

     Current portion of long-term debt

 


521,105


 

 


52,831


 

          Total current liabilities

 

61,894,303

 

 

48,979,951

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Long-term debt, less current portion

 

25,218,120

 

 

1,317,003

 

Deferred tax liabilities

 

355,000

 

 

309,000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Shareholders' equity:

 

 

 

 

 

 

     Preferred stock, no par value; 2,000,000 shares authorized (none issued)

 

--

 

 

--

 

     Common stock, $0.01 par value; 23,900,000 shares authorized; issued
        21,111,339 shares and 18,954,987 shares as of December 31, 2006
        and 2005, respectively

 



211,113

 

 



189,550

 

     Additional paid in capital

 

54,338,573

 

 

37,822,630

 

     Retained earnings

 

48,630,402

 

 

35,447,985

 

     Unearned compensation

 

--

 

 

(845,969

)

     Accumulated other comprehensive loss

 


--


 

 


(11,880


)


          Total shareholders' equity

 


103,180,088


 

 


72,602,316


 

          TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY

$


190,647,511


 

$


123,208,270


 

See Accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.


24


SPARTAN MOTORS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME

 

Year Ended December 31,


 

 

2006


 

2005


 

2004


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sales

$

445,377,639

 

$

343,006,608

 

$

312,270,384

 

Cost of products sold

 


372,001,666


 

 


294,231,467


 

 


270,891,827


 

Gross profit

 

73,375,973

 

 

48,775,141

 

 

41,378,557

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating expenses:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

     Research and development

 

12,622,487

 

 

9,431,394

 

 

7,943,487

 

     Selling, general and administrative

 

31,359,187

 

 

26,693,005

 

 

24,450,503

 

     Goodwill impairment

 


2,086,394


 

 


--


 

 


--


 

Operating income

 

27,307,905

 

 

12,650,742

 

 

8,984,567

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other income/(expense):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

     Interest expense

 

(347,071

)

 

(140,698

)

 

(366,183

)

     Interest and other income

 

1,011,613

 

 

822,801

 

 

551,063

 

     Miscellaneous, net

 


--


 

 


36,000


 

 


24,277


 

Earnings before taxes on income

 

27,972,447

 

 

13,368,845

 

 

9,193,724

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Taxes on income

 


11,144,000


 

 


5,077,000


 

 


3,312,000


 

Net earnings

$


16,828,447


 

$


8,291,845


 

$


5,881,724


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic net earnings per share

$


0.85


 

$


0.44


 

$


0.32


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Diluted net earnings per share

$


0.83


 

$


0.43


 

$


0.31


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic weighted average common shares outstanding

 


19,737,000


 

 


18,836,000


 

 


18,527,000


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Diluted weighted average common shares outstanding

 


20,354,000


 

 


19,212,000


 

 


19,115,000


 

See Accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.


25


SPARTAN MOTORS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004

 


Number
of
Shares


 



Common
Stock


 


Additional
Paid
In Capital


 



Retained
Earnings


 



Unearned
Compensation


 

Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Loss


 




Total


 

                                         

Balance at January 1, 2004

18,297,168

 

$

182,972

 

$

32,167,976

 

$

28,769,256

 

 

--

 

 

--

 

$

61,120,204

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

     

 

 

 

 

 

 

Purchase and constructive
   retirement of stock


(120,000


)

 


(1,200


)

 


(214,822


)

 


(731,830


)

 


- --

 

 


- --

 

 


(947,852


)

Stock options exercised and
   related tax benefit


622,195

 

 


6,222

 

 


4,194,783

 

 


- --

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


4,201,005

 

Dividends paid ($0.15 per
   share)


- --

 

 


- --

 

 


- --

 

 


(2,736,897


)

 


- --

 

 


- --

 

 


(2,736,897


)

Comprehensive income:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

   Net earnings

--

 

 

--

 

 

--

 

 

5,881,724

 

 

--

 

 

--

 

 

5,881,724

 

   Other comprehensive
      items:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

      Unrealized loss on
         marketable securities



- --


 

 


- --


 

 


- --


 

 


- --


 

 


- --


 

 


(7,066



)



 



(7,066



)


         Total comprehensive
            income


 


 


 



 


 


 



 


 


 



 


 


 



 


 


 



 


 


 



5,874,658


 

Balance at December 31, 2004

18,799,363

 

$

187,994

 

$

36,147,937

 

$

31,182,253

 

$

--

 

$

(7,066

)

$

67,511,118

 

Purchase and constructive
   retirement of stock


(150,000


)

 


(1,500


)

 


(289,500


)

 


(759,235


)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


(1,050,235


)

Stock options exercised and
   related tax benefit


176,248

 

 


1,762

 

 


1,042,612

 

 


- --

 

 


- --

 

 


- --

 

 


1,044,374

 

Dividends paid ($0.17 per
   share)


- --

 

 


- --

 

 


- --

 

 


(3,266,878


)

 


- --

 

 


- --

 

 


(3,266,878


)

Issuance of restricted stock

129,376

 

 

1,294

 

 

921,581

 

 

--

 

 

(922,875

)

 

--

 

 

--

 

Amortization of unearned
   compensation

                       


76,906

         


76,906

 

Comprehensive income:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

     

 

 

 

 

 

 

   Net earnings

--

 

 

--

 

 

--

 

 

8,291,845

 

     

 

 

 

 

8,291,845

 

   Other comprehensive
      items:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

     

 

 

 

 

 

 

      Unrealized loss on
         marketable securities



- --


 

 


- --


 

 


- --


 

 


- --


 

 


- --


 

 


(4,814



)



 



(4,814



)


         Total comprehensive
            income


 


 


 



 


 


 



 


 


 



 


 


 



 


 


 



 


 


 



8,287,031


 

Balance at December 31, 2005

18,954,987

 

$

189,550

 

$

37,822,630

 

$

35,447,985

 

$

(845,969

)

$

(11,880

)

$

72,602,316

 

                                         

Reclassification of unearned
  compensation upon adopting
  new stock based payment
  accounting principle




- --

   




- --

   




(845,969




)

 




- --

   




845,969

   




- --

   




- --

 

Issuance of common stock
  and the tax benefit of
  stock incentive plan
  transactions




1,995,477

   




19,955

   




15,929,162

   




- --

   




- --

   




- --

   




15,949,117

 

Dividends declared ($0.18
  per share)


- --

   


- --

   


- --

   


(3,646,030


)

 


- --

   


- --

   


(3,646,030


)

Issuance of restricted
  stock net of cancellation


160,875

   


1,608

   


(1,608


)

 


- --

   


- --

   


- --

   


- --

 

Stock based compensation
  expense related to SARs and
  Restricted Stock



- --

   



- --

   



1,434,358

   



- --

   



- --

   



- --

   



1,434,358

 

Comprehensive income:

                                       

Net earnings

--

   

--

   

--

   

16,828,447

   

--

   

--

   

16,828,447

 

Change in unrealized loss
  on marketable securities



- --


   


- --


   


- --


   


- --


   


- --


   


11,880


 


 



11,880


 

Total comprehensive income

                                   

16,840,327

 
 

 


 

 


 


 

 


 


 

 


 


 

 


 


 

 


 


 

 


 


 

Balance at December 31, 2006


21,111,339


 

$


211,113


 

$


54,338,573


 

$


48,630,402


 

$


--


 

$


--


 

$


103,180,088


 

See Accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.


26


SPARTAN MOTORS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

 

Year Ended December 31,


 

 

2006


 

2005


 

2004


 

Cash flows from operating activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net earnings from continuing operations

$

16,828,447

 

$

8,291,845

 

$

5,881,724

 

Adjustments to reconcile net earnings from continuing operations

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

      Depreciation

 

2,862,721

 

 

2,646,990

 

 

2,309,569

 

      (Gain)/Loss on disposal of assets

 

(54,817

 

21,524

 

 

76,527

 

      Goodwill impairment

 

2,086,394

 

 

--

 

 

--

 

      Tax benefit from stock options exercised

 

(3,141,000

)

 

118,000

 

 

588,000

 

      Deferred taxes (credit)

 

(775,261

 

373,060

 

 

1,134,391

 

      Stock based compensation related to stock appreciation
        rights and restricted stock

 


1,434,358

 

 


76,906

 

 


- --

 

      Decrease (increase) in operating assets:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

         Accounts receivable

 

(25,603,578

)

 

(4,657,599

)

 

(12,754,892

)

         Inventories

 

(19,907,805

)

 

(11,823,677

)

 

(5,853,647

)

         Taxes receivable

 

989,896

 

 

966,639

 

 

(998,656

)

         Other assets

 

(10,857,151

)

 

(885,602

)

 

(113,639

)

      Increase (decrease) in operating liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

         Accounts payable

 

9,957,947

 

 

1,497,650

 

 

4,181,358

 

         Accrued warranty

 

1,877,968

 

 

832,011

 

 

1,132,557

 

         Accrued compensation and related taxes

 

3,471,128

 

 

976,556

 

 

518,620

 

         Accrued vacation

 

294,697

 

 

101,278

 

 

66,977

 

         Deposits from customers

 

(6,174,775

)

 

5,052,063

 

 

1,791,185

 

         Other current liabilities and accrued expenses

 

1,453,484

 

 

1,211,228

 

 

1,303,747

 

         Taxes on income

 


4,706,629


 

 


--


 

 


--


 

      Total adjustments

 

(37,379,165

)

 

(3,492,973

)

 

(6,617,903

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities

 

(20,550,718

)

 

4,798,872

 

 

(736,179

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash flows from investing activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

         Purchases of property, plant and equipment

 

(14,435,019

)

 

(2,932,092

)

 

(5,862,739

)

         Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment

 

456,902

 

 

50,002

 

 

21,724

 

         Purchases of marketable securities

 

--

 

 

(2,000,000

)

 

(4,313,636

)

         Proceeds from sale of marketable securities

 


1,989,190


 

 


1,487,986


 

 


2,800,000


 

Net cash used in investing activities

 

(11,988,927

)

 

(3,394,104

)

 

(7,354,651

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash flows from financing activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

         Proceeds from long-term debt

 

24,500,000

 

 

1,250,000

 

 

150,000

 

         Payments on long-term debt

 

(130,609

)

 

(25,424

)

 

(4,742

)

         Net proceeds from exercise of stock options

 

12,808,117

 

 

926,374

 

 

3,613,005

 

         Repurchases of common stock

 

 

 

 

(1,050,235

)

 

(947,852

)

         Cash retained on taxes due to options exercised

 

3,141,000

 

 

--

 

 

--

 

         Payment of dividends

 


(3,646,030


)


 


(3,266,878


)


 


(2,736,897


)


Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities

 


36,672,478


 

 


(2,166,163


)


 


73,514


 

Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

 

4,132,833

 

 

(761,395

)

 

(8,017,316

)

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year

 


9,702,059


 

 


10,463,454


 

 


18,480,770


 

Cash and cash equivalents at end of year

$


13,834,892


 

$


9,702,059


 

$


10,463,454


 

Supplemental disclosures: Cash paid for interest was $308,000, $194,000 and $366,000 for 2006, 2005 and 2004, respectively.

Cash paid for income taxes was $6,294,000, $3,707,000 and $2,758,000 for 2006, 2005 and 2004, respectively.

See Accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.


27


SPARTAN MOTORS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

NOTE 1 - GENERAL AND SUMMARY OF ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Nature of Operations. Spartan Motors, Inc. (the "Company") is an international engineer and manufacturer of custom motor vehicle chassis and bodies. The Company's principal chassis markets are fire trucks, motorhomes and specialty vehicles. The Company also has various subsidiaries that are manufacturers of bodies for various markets including fire trucks and ambulances.

Principles of Consolidation. The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its four wholly owned subsidiaries: Spartan Chassis, Inc., Crimson Fire, Inc., Crimson Fire Aerials, Inc. and Road Rescue, Inc. Crimson Fire, Inc. was created via the merger of the Company's wholly owned subsidiaries, Luverne Fire Apparatus, Ltd. and Quality Manufacturing, Inc., on January 1, 2003. All intercompany transactions have been eliminated.

Financial Instruments. The Company values financial instruments as required by Statement of Financial Accounting Standards ("SFAS") No. 107, Disclosures about Fair Values of Financial Instruments. The carrying amounts of cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, accounts payable and long-term debt approximate fair value. The Company does not utilize derivative instruments.

Revenue Recognition. The Company recognizes revenue when title to its product passes to the customer. In certain instances, risk of ownership and title passes when production and testing of the product has been completed and the product has been tendered for delivery. Any related receivable is also evaluated for collectibility before revenue is recognized.

Shipping and Handling of Products. Costs incurred related to the shipment and handling of products are classified in cost of products sold. Amounts billed to customers for shipping and handling of products are included in net sales.

Use of Estimates. The preparation of the consolidated financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Cash and Cash Equivalents include cash on hand, cash on deposit and money market funds. The Company considers all investments purchased with a maturity of three months or less to be cash equivalents.

Marketable Securities are classified as available-for-sale securities and are reported at fair value, with offsetting adjustments to shareholders' equity, in accordance with SFAS No. 115, Accounting for Certain Investments in Debt and Equity Securities. The fair value of marketable securities is determined based on quoted market prices. The basis on which the cost of a marketable security is reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income and into earnings is based on the specific cost of the marketable security.

Accounts Receivable. The Company's receivables are subject to credit risk, and the Company does not typically require collateral on its accounts receivable. The Company performs periodic credit evaluations of its customers' financial condition and generally requires a security interest in the products sold. Receivables generally are due within 30 days and allowances are maintained for potential credit losses. Historically, such losses consistently have been within management's expectations. Past due accounts are written off when collectibility is determined to be no longer forthcoming.

Inventories are stated at the lower of first-in, first-out (FIFO) cost or market. Estimated inventory allowances for slow-moving and obsolete inventory are based upon current assessments about future demands, market conditions and related management initiatives. If market conditions are less favorable than those projected by management, additional inventory allowances may be required.


28


SPARTAN MOTORS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

NOTE 1 - GENERAL AND SUMMARY OF ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued)

During the third quarter of 2004, the Company modified its methodology for recognizing reserves for excess and obsolete inventory to better match required reserves with its specific inventory components. Prior to this change, the Company primarily utilized a general write-off percentage applied to total inventories to calculate required reserves. This methodology had become outdated based on changes in business circumstances that now resulted in a greater proportion of inventory being assigned to specific orders in a current production period. The change in methodology decreased recorded inventory reserves by $645,000 at the date of revision.

Property, Plant and Equipment are stated at cost and are depreciated over their estimated useful lives using principally an accelerated method for both financial statement and income tax purposes. Estimated useful lives range from: 20 to 31.5 years for buildings and improvements, 3 to 7 years for plant machinery and equipment, 3 to 7 years for furniture and fixtures and 3 to 5 years for vehicles.

Goodwill. The Company applies the provisions of SFAS No. 142, Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets, which prohibits the amortization of goodwill and intangible assets with indefinite lives and requires the Company to evaluate these intangibles for impairment on an annual basis. Goodwill is allocated to the reporting unit from which it was created. The Company completes its required annual impairment test as of October 1 each year. Based upon the estimated fair values of the Company's reporting units using a discounted cash flow valuation, the goodwill at its Road Rescue subsidiary which is included in the Company's EVTeam reportable segment was evaluated as impaired and goodwill totaling $2,086,394 was recognized as a charge against operating income during 2006. The remaining balance of the goodwill of the Company relates to its Crimson Fire subsidiary and was not impaired.

Warranties. The Company's policy is to record a provision for the estimated cost of warranty-related claims at the time of the sale, and periodically adjust the provision to reflect actual experience. The amount of warranty liability accrued reflects management's best estimate of the expected future cost of honoring the Company's obligations under the warranty agreements. The Company's estimates are based on historical experience, the number of units involved and the extent of features and components included in product models. See Note 11, Commitments and Contingent Liabilities, for further information regarding warranties.

Deposits from Customers - The Company receives advance payments from customers for future product orders and records these amounts as liabilities. Such deposits are accepted by the Company when presented by customers seeking improved pricing in connection with orders that are placed for products to be manufactured and sold at a future date. Revenue associated with these deposits is deferred and recognized upon shipment of the related product to the customer.

Taxes on Income. The Company accounts for income taxes in accordance with SFAS No. 109, "Accounting for Income Taxes" which requires that deferred tax assets and liabilities be recognized using enacted tax rates for the effect of temporary differences between the book and tax bases of recorded assets and liabilities. SFAS No. 109 also requires deferred tax assets be reduced by a valuation allowance, if it is more likely than not, some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized.

The Company evaluates the realizability of its deferred tax assets by assessing its valuation allowance and by adjusting the amount of such allowance, if necessary. The factors used to assess the likelihood of realization are the Company's forecast of future taxable income and available tax planning strategies that could be implemented to realize the net deferred tax assets.

Earnings Per Share. Basic earnings per share represents net earnings divided by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted earnings per share represents net earnings outstanding divided by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding plus the average dilutive effect of the Company's stock options, restricted stock, and stock appreciation rights ("SARs") outstanding during the period. The effect of dilutive stock options, restricted stock and SARs was 617,000, 376,000 and 588,000 shares in 2006, 2005 and 2004 respectively. All shares related to stock options outstanding at the end of 2006 were included in the diluted weighted average shares. For 2005 and 2004, 1,148,000 and 52,000 shares respectively related to stock option plans were not included in diluted weighted average common shares outstanding because their inclusion would be antidilutive.


29


SPARTAN MOTORS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

NOTE 1 - GENERAL AND SUMMARY OF ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued)

Stock Options. Effective January 1, 2006, the Company adopted SFAS No. 123 (revised), "Share-Based Payment" [SFAS 123(R)] utilizing the modified prospective approach. Prior to the adoption of SFAS 123(R), the Company accounted for stock option grants under the recognition and measurement principles of APB Opinion No. 25, "Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees", and related interpretations, and accordingly, recognized no compensation expense for stock option grants in net income because the exercise price of options granted was equal to the market price of the related common stock at the date of grant.

Under the modified prospective approach, compensation expense is recognized for all share-based payments granted prior to, but not yet vested as of December 31, 2005, based on the grant-date fair value estimated in accordance with the original provisions of SFAS 123, and compensation cost for all share-based payments granted subsequent to December 31, 2005, based on the grant-date fair value estimated in accordance with the provisions of SFAS 123 (R). All outstanding options and SARs were vested as of December 31, 2005. The Company's incentive stock plans are described in more detail in Note 10.

For the twelve-month period ended December 31, 2006 the Company recorded compensation expense of $841,611 as a result of adopting SFAS 123(R) on January 1, 2006.

Prior to the adoption of SFAS 123(R) the Company presented all tax benefit deductions resulting from the exercise of stock options as operating cash flows in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows. SFAS 123(R) requires the cash flows resulting from the tax benefits resulting from the tax deductions in excess of the compensation cost recognized for those options to be classified as financing cash flows. The $3,141,000 reported as cash retained on taxes due to options exercised classified as a financing cash flow would have been classified as an operating cash inflow prior to the adoption of SFAS 123(R).

Stock Split. On November 2, 2006 the Company's Board of Directors declared a 3-for-2 stock split which was issued on December 15, 2006 to shareholders of record on November 15, 2006. After the split and the related retirement of fractional shares, the number of shares of common stock outstanding increased from 14,032,986 to 21,048,753 shares outstanding. Earnings per share, all share data and additional paid in capital have been restated in all prior periods to reflect this stock split.

New Accounting Standards. In July 2006, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Interpretation No. 48, "Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes." This interpretation clarifies the accounting for uncertainty in income taxes recognized in an enterprise's financial statements in accordance with FASB Statement No. 109, "Accounting for Income Taxes." Interpretation No. 48 prescribes a recognition threshold and measurement attribute for the financial statement recognition and measurement of a tax position taken or expected to be taken in a tax return. This Interpretation also provides guidance on derecognition, classification, interest and penalties, accounting in interim periods, disclosure and transition. This Interpretation is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2006. The Company has not yet determined the affect the adoption of Interpretation No. 48 will have on the Company's consolidated financial position or results of operations but does not anticipate a mater ial impact.






30


SPARTAN MOTORS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

NOTE 2 - MARKETABLE SECURITIES

The Company's marketable securities consisted of U.S. Treasury securities and are summarized below:

 



Cost


 

Gross
Unrealized
Loss


 


Fair
Value


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  December 31, 2006

$

--

 

$

--

 

$

--

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  December 31, 2005

$

2,000,000

 

$

(11,880

)

$

1,988,120

 

NOTE 3 - INVENTORIES

Inventories are summarized as follows:


December 31,


 

 

2006


 

 

2005


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Finished goods

$

14,937,698

 

 

$

9,369,658

 

Work in process

 

14,407,108

 

 

 

9,520,905

 

Raw materials and purchased components

 

37,274,183

 

 

 

27,447,857

 

Obsolescence and slow-moving reserves

 


(2,445,795


)


 

 


(2,073,031


)


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

TOTAL INVENTORY

$


64,173,194


 

 

$


44,265,389


 

NOTE 4 - PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT

Property, plant and equipment are summarized by major classifications as follows:

 

December 31,


 

 

2006


 

 

2005


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Land and improvements

$

2,014,732

 

 

$

1,655,120

 

Buildings and improvements

 

18,241,956

 

 

 

18,765,820

 

Plant machinery and equipment

 

10,390,834

 

 

 

10,520,764

 

Furniture and fixtures

 

11,671,808

 

 

 

8,225,530

 

Vehicles

 

2,353,152

 

 

 

1,865,197

 

Construction in process

 


9,159,300


 

 

 


246,027


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

SUBTOTAL

 

53,831,782

 

 

 

41,278,458

 

Less accumulated depreciation

 


(24,172,649


)


 

 


(22,800,348


)


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

TOTAL PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT, NET

$


29,659,133


 

 

$


18,478,110


 

NOTE 5 - LEASES

The Company leases certain office equipment and manufacturing and warehouse space under operating lease agreements. Leases generally provide that the Company shall pay the cost of utilities, insurance, taxes and maintenance. Rent expense for the years ended December 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004 was $773,000, $729,000, and $744,000 respectively. Future minimum lease commitments under non-cancelable leases are as follows: $451,000 in 2007; $406,000 in 2008; $338,000 in 2009, $141,000 in 2010 and none thereafter.




31


SPARTAN MOTORS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

NOTE 6 - TAXES ON INCOME (Continued)

Income tax expense (credit) is summarized as follows:

 

Year Ended December 31,


 

 

2006


 

2005


 

2004


 

Current:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

     Federal

$

10,996,402

 

$

4,430,000

 

$

2,166,000

 

     State

 


922,859


 

 


273,940


 

 


11,609


 

Total current

 


11,919,261


 

 


4,703,940


 

 


2,177,609


 

Deferred (credit):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

     Federal

 

(718,816

 

433,000

 

 

1,100,000

 

     State

 


(56,445


)


 


(59,940


)


 


34,391


 


Total deferred

 


(775,261


)


 


373,060


 

 


1,134,391


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

TOTAL PROVISION FOR INCOME TAXES

$


11,144,000


 

$


5,077,000


 

$


3,312,000


 

Current taxes on income are further reduced by tax benefits associated with the exercise of stock options under the plans described in Note 10. This reduction totaled $3,141,000 in 2006, $118,000 in 2005, and $588,000 in 2004 and was recognized as an adjustment of additional paid-in capital.

Differences between the expected income tax expense attributable to continuing operations, derived from applying the federal statutory income tax rate to earnings before taxes on income from continuing operations and the actual tax expense, are as follows:

 

Year Ended December 31,


 

2006


 

2005


 

2004


 

Amount


 

Percentage


 

Amount


 

Percentage


 

Amount


 

Percentage


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Federal income taxes at the

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  statutory rate

$

9,790,356

 

35.00

%

 

$

4,545,407

 

34.00

%

 

$

3,126,000

 

34.00

%

Increase (decrease) in income taxes

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  resulting from:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

   Nondeductible expenses

 

74,000

 

0.26

 

 

 

39,000

 

0.29

 

 

 

76,000

 

0.83

 

   State tax expense

 

168,000

 

0.60

 

 

 

74,000

 

0.55

 

 

 

(243,000

)

(2.64

)

Non-deductible goodwill impairment
  adjustment

 


700,000

 


2.50

 

 

 


- --

 


- --

 

 

 


- --

 


- --

 

Adjustments to federal and state tax
  reserve

 


414,000

 


1.48

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Adjustment of valuation allowance
      on state net operating loss
      carryforward

 



105,000

 



0.37

 

 

 



150,000

 



1.12

 

 

 



274,000

 



2.98

 

   Adjustment of valuation allowance
      on charitable contribution
      carryforward

 



- --

 



- --

 

 

 



230,000

 



1.72

 

 

 



566,000

 



6.16

 

   Section 199 production deduction

 

(238,000

)

(0.85

)

 

 

(122,000

)

(0.91

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

   Reversal of prior year tax accruals

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(409,000

)

(4.45

)

   Adjustment of valuation allowance
      on capital loss carryforward

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


(103,000


)


(1.12


)

   Other

 


130,644


 

0.47


 


 

 


160,593


 

1.20


 


 

 


25,000


 

0.26


 


TOTAL

$


11,144,000


 

39.83


%


 

$


5,077,000


 

37.97


%


 

$


3,312,000


 

36.02


%



32


SPARTAN MOTORS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

NOTE 6 - TAXES ON INCOME (Continued)

Temporary differences which give rise to deferred tax assets (liabilities) are as follows:

 

December 31,


 

 

2006


 

2005


 

Current asset (liability):

 

 

 

 

 

 

    Additional capitalized inventory costs

$

148,000

 

$

145,000

 

    Vacation accrual

 

561,000

 

 

444,000

 

    Warranty reserve

 

2,489,000

 

 

1,747,000

 

    Inventory allowance

 

909,000

 

 

747,000

 

    Allowance for doubtful accounts

 

146,000

 

 

78,000

 

    Charitable contribution carryover

 

--

 

 

631,000

 

    State tax net operating loss carryforward

 

529,000

 

 

424,000

 

    Valuation allowance for state tax net operating loss carryforward

 

(529,000

)

 

(424,000

)

    State tax reserves

 


219,000


 

 


--


 

    Other

 


94,657


 

 


(46,604


)


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

TOTAL CURRENT DEFERRED TAX ASSETS

$


4,566,657


 

$


3,745,396


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Noncurrent asset (liability):

 

 

 

 

 

 

    Charitable contribution carryover

$

--

 

$

40,000

 

    Other

 


(355,000


)


 


(349,000


)


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

TOTAL NONCURRENT DEFERRED TAX ASSETS (LIABILITIES)

$


(355,000


)


$


(309,000


)


At December 31, 2006 and 2005, the Company had state tax net operating loss carryforwards of approximately $802,000 and $642,000 respectively, that begin expiring in 2017. The Company increased its valuation allowance by $105,000 for state tax net operating loss carryforwards. The Company expects to continue and maintain a valuation allowance on future tax benefits of state net operating losses until an appropriate level of profitability is sustained or it is able to develop tax strategies that will enable it to conclude that, more likely than not, a portion of the deferred tax assets will be realizable.

The Company operates within multiple taxing jurisdictions and is subject to audit in these jurisdictions. In management's opinion, adequate provisions for income taxes have been made for all years.





33


SPARTAN MOTORS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

NOTE 7 - DEBT

Long-term debt consists of the following:

 

December 31,
2006


 

December 31,
2005


 

Mortgage notes payable to Brandon Revolving Loan Foundation:

 

 

 

 

 

 

    Due March 1, 2009 with monthly installments of $834 including
        interest at 3%. Collateralized by land.


$


134,123

 


$


140,016

 

    Due July 1, 2010 with monthly installments of $6,933 including
        interest at 3%. Collateralized by building.

 


1,182,879

 

 


1,229,818

 

Note Payable to Charter One Bank

 

6,922,223

 

 

--

 

Line of credit with JP Morgan Chase Bank

 


17,500,000


 

 


--


 

 

 

25,739,225

 

 

1,369,834

 

Less current portion of long-term debt

 


(521,105


)


 


(52,831


)


 TOTAL

$


25,218,120


 

$


1,317,003


 

The long-term debt is due as follows: $18,022,666 in 2008; $524,464 in 2009; $1,506,697 in 2010; $473,505 in 2011; and $4,690,788 thereafter.

The Company's primary line of credit is a $25,000,000 unsecured revolving note payable to a bank that expires on September 30, 2008. This line carries an interest rate equal to the money market rate plus an applicable margin. At December 31, 2006 borrowings on this line amounted to $17,500,000. The applicable money market rate was 5.72%. There were no borrowings under this line at December 31, 2005. Under the terms of the credit agreement for the line of credit, 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 December 31, 2006 and 2005, the Company was in compliance with all debt covenants.

In October 2006, the Company entered into an unsecured note agreement with a bank at a fixed interest rate of 4.99%. The loan is repayable in equal monthly installments and matures in October 2011.

The Company also has a secured line of credit of $200,000 which carries an interest rate of 1% above the bank's prime rate (prime rate at December 31, 2006 was 8.25%) and is secured by accounts receivable, inventory and equipment. This line of credit will expire on July 5, 2007. There were no borrowings under this line at December 31, 2006 and 2005.

NOTE 8 - TRANSACTIONS WITH MAJOR CUSTOMERS

The Company had two Chassis customers classified as major customers in 2006 and 2005 and 2004, as follows:

 

 

2006


 

2005


 

2004



Customer


 


Sales


 

Accounts
Receivable


 


Sales


 

Accounts
Receivable


 


Sales


 

Accounts
Receivable


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Newmar

 

$

92,440,000

 

$

1,706,000

 

$

83,396,000

 

$

2,121,000

 

$

92,139,000

 

$

5,196,000

Fleetwood

 

$

56,858,000

 

$

3,330,000

 

$

75,518,000

 

$

5,364,000

 

$

68,624,000

 

$

9,697,000



34


SPARTAN MOTORS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

NOTE 9 - PROFIT-SHARING PLAN

The Spartan Motors, Inc. Profit-Sharing Plan and Trust covers all employees who meet length of service and minimum age requirements. Contributions to the plan are determined annually by the Board of Directors and were approximately $599,000, $564,000 and $561,000 in 2006, 2005 and 2004 respectively. The Company's policy is to fund plan costs accrued.

NOTE 10 - STOCK BASED COMPENSATION

Stock Options The Company has stock option plans covering certain employees, non-employee directors and outside market advisors. Shares reserved for options under these plans total 5,400,000. The options granted are exercisable for a period of 10 years from the grant date. The exercise price for all options is equal to the market price at the date of grant.

Activity for the years ended December 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004 is as follows for all plans:

 

Price
Range


 

Weighted-Average
Exercise Price


 

Option
Shares


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Balance at January 1, 2004

$1.13 - $10.21

 

$5.93

 

3,100,265

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Options granted

$6.63 - $9.39

 

$7.95

 

816,008

 

Options exercised

$2.63 - $8.83

 

$5.81

 

(622,196

)

Options expired


$2.63 - $8.83


 

$8.40


 

(203,730


)


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Balance at December 31, 2004

$1.13 - $10.21

 

$5.93

 

3,090,347

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Options granted

$6.60 - $7.74

 

$6.87

 

439,462

 

Options exercised

$1.13 - $6.73

 

$5.28

 

(172,499

)

Options expired


$2.63 - $8.83


 

$7.13


 

(195,450


)


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Balance at December 31, 2005

$1.13 - $10.21

 

$6.42

 

3,161,860

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Options granted

--

 

--

 

--

 

Options exercised

$2.63 - 8.83

 

$6.53

 

(1,949,196

)

Options expired


$4.38 - $7.95


 

$6.19


 

(95,850


)


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Balance at December 31, 2006


$1.13 - $10.21


 

$6.30


 

1,116,814


 


35


SPARTAN MOTORS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

NOTE 10 - STOCK BASED COMPENSATION (Continued)

The following table summarizes information regarding stock options outstanding at December 31, 2006 under the plans:

 

 

Options Outstanding


 

Options Exercisable


 


Exercise Price
Range


 

Number
Outstanding
at 12/31/06


 

Weighted-Average
Remaining
Contractual Life


 

Weighted-
Average
Exercise Price


 

Number
Exercisable at
12/31/06


 

Weighted-
Average
Exercise Price


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

$1.13 - $1.13

 

10,500

 

4.0

 

$1.13     

 

10,500

 

$1.13     

 

$2.63 - $3.83

 

197,400

 

3.3

 

$3.16     

 

197,400

 

$3.16     

 

$4.08 - $5.50

 

134,700

 

2.9

 

$4.51     

 

134,700

 

$4.51     

 

$6.17 - $8.17

 

742,714

 

7.5

 

$7.43     

 

741,890

 

$7.43     

 

$9.39- $10.21


 

31,500


 

5.9


 

$10.08     


 

31,500


 

$10.08     


 

 

 

1,116,814


 

6.1


 

$6.30     


 

1,116,814


 

$6.30     


 

The Company is currently authorized to grant stock options, restricted stock, restricted stock units, stock appreciation rights and common stock under its various stock incentive plans which include its Non Qualified Stock Option Plan, 1994 Incentive Stock Option Plan, 1996 Stock Option and Restricted Stock Plan for Outside Market Advisors, Stock Option and Restricted Stock Plan of 1998, Stock Option and Restricted Stock Plan of 2003 and Stock Incentive Plan of 2005. The stock incentive plans allow certain employees, officers, non-employee directors and outside market advisors to purchase common stock of Spartan Motors at a price established on the date of grant. Total shares remaining available for stock incentive grants under these plans totaled 564,138 at December 31, 2006. Options granted under the Stock Option and Restricted Stock Plan of 1998 to non-employee directors must have an exercise price equal to at least 85% of the fair market value of Spartan Motors common stock on the date of grant. (Opti ons under these plans to date were granted with exercise prices at 100% of the fair market value on the date of grant.) Incentive stock options granted under the 1994 Incentive Stock Option Plan or the Stock Option and Restricted Stock Plan of 1998 must have an exercise price equal to at least 100% of the fair market value on the date of grant. The exercise price of stock options and the compensation value of restricted stock granted under the Stock Option and Restricted Stock Plan of 2003 or the Stock Incentive Plan of 2005 must be equal to or greater than 100% of the fair market value of Spartan Motors stock on the grant date. The options or Stock Appreciation Rights (SARs) granted are exercisable for a period of 10 years from the grant date. The exercise price for all options and SARs granted has been equal to the market price at the date of grant.

We receive a tax deduction for certain stock option exercises during the period the options are exercised, generally for the excess of the price at which the options are sold over the exercise price of the options. Prior to the adoption of SFAS 123(R), we reported all tax benefits resulting from the exercise of stock options as operating cash flows in our consolidated statement of cash flows. Upon adoption of SFAS 123(R) any excess tax benefits are required to be shown in our consolidated statement of cash flows as financing cash flows. Excess tax benefits derive from the difference between the exercise price of a stock option and the fair market value of the option as determined by a valuation model which in our case is the Black-Scholes model.

The following table illustrates the effect on net income and earnings per share if the Company had applied the fair value recognition provisions of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 123, "Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation," to stock-based employee compensation for the years ended December 31, 2005 and 2004:



36


SPARTAN MOTORS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

NOTE 10 - STOCK BASED COMPENSATION (Continued)

 

Year Ended
December 31, 2005


 

Year Ended
December 31, 2004


 

     Net earnings

 

 

 

 

 

 

     As reported

$

8,291,845

 

$

5,881,724

 

     Deduct:  Compensation expense - fair value
            Method

 


(1,335,965


)

 


(2,747,275


)

     Add: Income tax benefit for disqualifying
            dispositions associated with incentive
            stock options previously expensed



 




80,848


 



 




534,633


 

     Pro forma

$


7,036,728


 

$


3,669,082


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic net earnings per share

 

 

 

 

 

 

     As reported

$

0.44

 

$

0.32

 

     Pro forma

 

0.37

 

 

0.20

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Diluted net earnings per share

 

 

 

 

 

 

     As reported

$

0.43

 

$

0.31

 

     Pro forma

 

0.37

 

 

0.19

 

The table below lists the weighted-average assumptions used in the Black-Scholes option-pricing model and the resulting estimated fair value of SARs in 2006 and options in 2005 and 2004.

 

 

Dividend
Yield


 

Expected
Volatility


 

Risk Free
Interest Rate


 

Expected
Lives


 

Estimated Fair
Value


 

2006

1.5%

 

35.0%

 

4.7%

 

5 years

 

$5.09

 

2005

2%

 

54.4%

 

4.38%

 

5 years

 

$4.56

 

2004

2%

 

54.4%

 

3.60%

 

5 years

 

$5.18

The following table summarizes information regarding the Company's stock options at December 31, 2005 and December 31, 2006:





Plan


 

Number
Outstanding
and
Exercisable
at 12/31/05


 


Weighted-
Average
Exercise
Price


 




Number
Exercised


 


Number
Cancelled,
Expired
or Adjusted


 

Number
Outstanding
and
Exercisable
at 12/31/06


 


Weighted-
Average
Exercise
Price


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Non-Qualified Stock Option Plan

 

120,570

 

$ 4.19   

 

110,068

 

2

 

10,500

 

$ 4.08   

1994 Incentive Stock option Plan

 

645,599

 

5.04   

 

444,123

 

17,047

 

184,429

 

4.46   

1996 Stock Option and
  Restricted Stock Plan for
  Outside Market Advisors

 



70,065

 



4.71   

 



24,750

 



34,500

 



10,815

 



4.55   

Stock Option and Restricted
  Stock Plan of 1998

 


734,594

 


6.23   

 


363,186

 


10,211

 


361,197

 


5.79   

Stock Option and Restricted
  Stock Plan of 2003

 


1,159,833

 


7.53   

 


699,175

 


26,933

 


433,725

 


7.56   

Stock Incentive Plan of 2005


 

431,245


 

6.86   


 

307,894


 

7,203


 

116,148


 

6.86   


 

 

3,161,906


 

$ 6.44   


 

1,949,196


 

95,896


 

1,116,814


 

$ 6.30   



37


SPARTAN MOTORS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

NOTE 10 - STOCK BASED COMPENSATION (Continued)

All stock options vest fully on the date of grant. No stock options were granted in 2006. Based on the closing price of Spartan Motors, Inc. common stock on December 31, 2006, the aggregate intrinsic values of options outstanding and exercisable at December 31, 2006 and exercised during the twelve months ended December 31, 2006 were $9,917,000 and $17,309,000, respectively.

Restricted Stock The Company issues restricted stock to directors, officers and key employees of the Company. Shares awarded entitle the shareholder to all rights of common stock ownership except that the shares may not be sold, transferred, pledged, exchanged or otherwise disposed of during the vesting period, which is generally three to five years.

On September 30, 2005, the Company issued 86,250 shares of restricted stock to directors, officers and key employees of the Company. On June 30 and July 14, 2006, 118,535 shares and 1,000 shares respectively of restricted common stock were issued to directors, officers, and key employees of the Company.

On December 31, 2006 and 2005, the Company had 290,251 and 129,376 shares of restricted stock outstanding, respectively. As of December 31, 2006 41,550 shares were vested. During 2006 and 2005 the Company recorded compensation expense of $592,747 and $76,906 related to these awards. No restricted stock shares were vested as of December 31, 2005. As of December 31, 2006, the Company has unearned stock-based compensation of $2,075,988 associated with these restricted stock grants. The unearned stock-based compensation related to these grants is being amortized to compensation expense over the applicable vesting periods.

Stock Appreciation Rights The Company issues stock appreciation rights (SARs) to directors, officers and key employees of the Company. A SAR is a right that entitles the recipient to receive Common Stock having a value on the date the SAR is exercised equal to the excess of the market value of a share of common stock at the time of exercise over the Base Price per Share, which equals the market value of the common stock on the grant date. At December 31, 2006 the Company had outstanding stock appreciation rights based on 240,621 shares of stock. Of those rights, 98,651 had a base price below the $15.18 fair market value of the stock on December 31, 2006. Those SARs could have been exercised for the issuance of 41,240 shares of the Company's common stock. All outstanding SARs were vested as of December 31, 2006. SARs are valued using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model referenced above using the same weighted-average assumptions included in the above table. In 2006, the Company recorded $841,611 in compensation expense related to SARs granted on December 29, 2006 which was based on a grant date fair value of $5.09 per share which was computed using the Black Scholes model.

NOTE 11 - COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENT LIABILITIES

Under the terms of its credit agreement with its bank, the Company has the ability to issue letters of credit totaling $2,500,000. At December 31, 2006 and 2005, the Company had outstanding letters of credit totaling $200,000.

At December 31, 2006, the Company and its subsidiaries were parties, both as plaintiff and defendant, to a number of lawsuits and claims arising out of the normal course of their businesses. In the opinion of management, the financial position, future operating results or cash flows of the Company will not be materially affected by the final outcome of these legal proceedings.

The Company has repurchase agreements with third-party lending institutions, which have provided floor plan financing to customers. These agreements provide for the repurchase of products from the lending institution in the event of the customer's default. The total contingent liability on December 31, 2006 was approximately $200,000. Historically, losses under these agreements have not been significant and it is management's opinion that any future losses will not have a material effect on the Company's financial position or future operating results and cash flows.

The Company's products generally carry limited warranties, based on terms that are generally accepted in the marketplace. Selected components included in the Company's end products (such as engines, transmissions, tires, etc.) may include manufacturers' warranties. These manufacturers' warranties are generally passed on to the end customer of the Company's products.



38


SPARTAN MOTORS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

NOTE 11 - COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENT LIABILITIES (Continued)

Certain warranty and other related claims involve matters of dispute that ultimately are resolved by negotiation, arbitration or litigation. Infrequently, a material warranty issue can arise which is beyond the scope of the Company's historical experience. The Company provides for any such warranty issues as they become known and are estimable. It is reasonably possible that additional warranty and other related claims could arise from disputes or other matters beyond the scope of the Company's historical experience.

Changes in the Company's warranty liability during the years ended December 31, 2006 and 2005 were as follows:

 

2006


 

2005


 

 

 

 

 

 

Balance of accrued warranty at January 1

$

4,502,772

 

$

3,670,761

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Warranties issued during the period

 

4,048,923

 

 

2,951,180

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash settlements made during the period

 

(5,015,422

)

 

(3,813,170

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Changes in liability for pre-existing warranties during
     the period, including expirations


 



2,844,467


 


 



1,694,001


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Balance of accrued warranty at December 31

$


6,380,740


 

$


4,502,772


 

NOTE 12 - BUSINESS SEGMENTS

The Company segregates its operations into two reportable business segments: Chassis and EVTeam. The Chassis segment is an international engineer and manufacturer of custom motor vehicle chassis. The segment's principal markets are fire truck, motorhome and specialty vehicle chassis. The Company's EVTeam consists of three subsidiaries that are manufacturers of emergency vehicle bodies. Sales in the column labeled "other" represent sales from the Chassis segment to the EVTeam segment, which are eliminated from the consolidated sales totals.

The accounting policies of the segments are the same as those described in the summary of significant accounting policies. Sales and other financial information by business segment is as follows (amounts in thousands):

Year Ended December 31, 2006

 

Business Segments


 

 

 

 

 

 

Chassis


 

EVTeam


 

Other


 

Consolidated


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Motorhome chassis sales

$

204,165

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

$

204,165

 

Fire truck chassis sales

 

108,302

 

 

 

 

$

(23,631

)

 

84,671

 

EVTeam product sales

 

--

 

$

77,365

 

 

 

 

 

77,365

 

Other sales

 


79,177


 

 


--


 

 


--


 

 


79,177


 

Sales

$


391,644


 

$


77,365


 

$


(23,631


)


$


445,378


 

Goodwill Impairment

$

 

 

$

2,086

 

$

 

 

$

2,086

 

Interest expense

 

1

 

 

942

 

 

(596

)

 

347

 

Depreciation expense

 

1,142

 

 

1,298

 

 

423

 

 

2,863

 

Taxes/(Credit) on Income

 

13,405

 

 

(1,853

)

 

(408

)

 

11,144

 

Segment earnings (loss) from
     operations

 


24,681

 

 


(5,453


)

 


(2,400


)

 


16,828

 

Segment assets

 

123,282

 

 

49,941

 

 

17,425

 

 

190,648

 


39


SPARTAN MOTORS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

NOTE 12 - BUSINESS SEGMENTS (Continued)

Year Ended December 31, 2005

 

Business Segments


 

 

 

 

 

 

Chassis


 

EVTeam


 

Other


 

Consolidated


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Motorhome chassis sales

$

189,170

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

$

189,170

 

Fire truck chassis sales

 

85,498

 

 

 

 

$

(15,946

)

 

69,552

 

EVTeam product sales

 

--

 

$

64,793

 

 

 

 

 

64,793

 

Other sales

 


19,492


 

 


--


 

 


--


 

 


19,492


 

Sales

$


294,160


 

$


64,793


 

$


(15,946


)


$


343,007


 

Interest expense

$

0

 

$

867

 

$

(726

)

$

141

 

Depreciation expense

 

1,040

 

 

1,143

 

 

417

 

 

2,600

 

Taxes/(Credit) on Income

 

7,455

 

 

(2,173

)

 

(205

)

 

5,077

 

Segment earnings (loss) from
     operations

 


14,498

 

 


(4,714


)

 


(1,492


)

 


8,292

 

Segment assets

 

52,447

 

 

50,282

 

 

20,479

 

 

123,208

 


Year Ended December 31, 2004

 

Business Segments


 

 

 

 

 

 

Chassis


 

EVTeam


 

Other


 

Consolidated


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Motorhome chassis sales

$

191,843

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

$

191,843

 

Fire truck chassis sales

 

74,752

 

 

 

 

$

(13,950

)

 

60,802

 

EVTeam product sales

 

--

 

$

52,281

 

 

--

 

 

52,281

 

Other sales

 


7,344


 

 


--


 

 


--


 

 


7,344


 

Sales

$


273,939


 

$


52,281


 

$


(13,950


)


$


312,270


 

Interest expense

$

9

 

$

883

 

$

(526

)

$

366

 

Depreciation expense

 

896

 

 

988

 

 

426

 

 

2,310

 

Taxes/(Credit) on Income

 

6,170

 

 

(2,467

)

 

(391

)

 

3,312

 

Segment earnings (loss) from

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

     operations

 

11,345

 

 

(5,290

)

 

(173

)

 

5,882

 

Segment assets

 

45,545

 

 

41,130

 

 

20,238

 

 

106,913

 

Foreign sales are not significant.

NOTE 13 - QUARTERLY FINANCIAL DATA (UNAUDITED)

Summarized quarterly financial data for the year ended December 31, 2006 is as follows:

 

Quarter Ended


 

 

March 31


 

June 30


 

September 30


 

December 31


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sales

$

103,665,931

 

$

109,227,185

 

$

108,876,342

 

$

123,608,181

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gross profit

$

16,767,642

 

$

18,673,924

 

$

17,166,646

 

$

20,767,761

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net earnings from operations

$

4,481,481

 

$

4,992,797

 

$

4,073,877

 

$

3,280,292

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic net earnings per share

$

0.24

 

$

0.26

 

$

0.21

 

$

0.16

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Diluted net earnings per share

$

0.23

 

$

0.25

 

$

0.20

 

$

0.16

 



40


SPARTAN MOTORS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

NOTE 13 - QUARTERLY FINANCIAL DATA (UNAUDITED) (Continued)

During the three month period ended December 31, 2006 the Company recorded a goodwill impairment related to its EVTeam segment totaling $2,086,394 as a charge against operating income.

Summarized quarterly financial data for the year ended December 31, 2005 is as follows:

 

Quarter Ended


 

 

March 31


 

June 30


 

September 30


 

December 31


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sales

$

88,901,133

 

$

89,341,252

 

$

89,314,540

 

$

75,449,683

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gross profit

$

11,733,990

 

$

12,372,367

 

$

13,519,457

 

$

11,149,327

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net earnings from operations

$

2,045,818

 

$

2,557,180

 

$

2,702,969

 

$

985,878

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic net earnings per share

$

0.16

 

$

0.20

 

$

0.22

 

$

0.08

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Diluted net earnings per share

$

0.16

 

$

0.20

 

$

0.21

 

$

0.08

 













41


Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm


Board of Directors and Shareholders
Spartan Motors, Inc.

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Spartan Motors, Inc. and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2006 and 2005, and the related consolidated statements of income, shareholders' equity and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2006. Our audits also included the financial statement schedule listed in the Index at Item 15(a)(2). These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits.

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

In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of Spartan Motors, Inc. and subsidiaries at December 31, 2006 and 2005, and the consolidated results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2006, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. Also, in our opinion, the related financial statement schedule, when considered in relation to the basic consolidated financial statements taken as a whole, presents fairly, in all material respects, the information set forth therein.

As discussed in Note 1 to the consolidated financial statements, in 2006 the Company changed its method of accounting for share-based payments in connection with the required adoption of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 123(R).

We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the effectiveness of Spartan Motors' internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2006, based on criteria established in Internal Control-Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission and our report dated March 2, 2007 expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.

 

/s/ Ernst & Young LLP

Grand Rapids, Michigan
March 2, 2007






42


Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
On Internal Control Over Financial Reporting


Board of Directors and Shareholders
Spartan Motors, Inc.

We have audited management's assessment, included in the accompanying Management's Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting, that Spartan Motors, Inc. and subsidiaries maintained effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2006, based on criteria established in Internal Control-Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (the COSO criteria). The Company's management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on management's assessment and an opinion on the effectiveness of the company's internal control over financial reporting based on our audit.

We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, evaluating management's assessment, testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control, and performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.

A company's internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company's internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company' s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

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

In our opinion, management's assessment that Spartan Motors, Inc. and subsidiaries maintained effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2006, is fairly stated, in all material respects, based on the COSO criteria. Also, in our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2006, based on the COSO criteria.

We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the consolidated balance sheets of Spartan Motors and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2006 and 2005, and the related consolidated statements of income, shareholders' equity, and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2006, and our report dated March 2, 2007 expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.

 

/s/ Ernst & Young LLP

Grand Rapids, Michigan
March 2, 2007


43


Item 9.

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

None.

Item 9A.

Controls and Procedures.

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures.

An evaluation was performed under the supervision and with the participation of the Company's Management, including the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of the Company's disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934) as of December 31, 2006. Based on and as of the time of such evaluation, the Company's management, including the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, concluded that the Company's disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of the end of the period covered by this report in timely alerting them to material information relating to the Company (including its consolidated subsidiaries) required to be included in the Company's periodic filings with the SEC.

Management's Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting.

Our management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting, as such term is defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f). Under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, we conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2006, based on the framework in Internal Control - Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. Based on that evaluation our management concluded that our internal control over financial reporting was effective as of December 31, 2006. Our management's assessment of the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2006, has been audited by Ernst & Young LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, as stated in its attestation report on management's assessment, which is in cluded in Item 8 and is incorporated into this Item 9A by reference.

Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting.

There was no change in the Company's internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the fiscal quarter ended December 31, 2006 that has materially affected, or that is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company's internal control over financial reporting.

Item 9B.

Other Information.

None.


PART III

Item 10.

Directors and Executive Officers of the Registrant.

The information required by this item, with respect to directors, executive officers, audit committee, and audit committee financial experts of the Company and Section 16(a) beneficial ownership reporting compliance is contained under the captions "Spartan Motors' Board of Directors and Executive Officers," "Audit Committee Report" and "Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance" in the Company's definitive proxy statement for its annual meeting of shareholders to be held on May 23, 2007, to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission no later than 120 days after December 31, 2006, and is incorporated herein by reference.



44


The Company has adopted a Code of Ethics that applies to the Company's principal executive officer, principal financial officer and principal accounting officer. This Code of Ethics is posted on the "Corporate Information" section of the Company's website at www.spartanmotors.com. The Company has also adopted a Code of Business Conduct and Compliance applicable to all directors, officers and employees, which is posted on the "Corporate Information" section of the Company's website at www.spartanmotors.com. Any waiver from or amendment to a provision of either code will be disclosed on the Company's website.

Item 11.

Executive Compensation.

The information required by this item is contained under the captions "Compensation Discussion and Analysis," "Compensation of Directors," "Executive Compensation", "Compensation Committee Report" and "Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation" in the Company's definitive proxy statement for its annual meeting of shareholders to be held on May 23, 2007, to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission no later than 120 days after December 31, 2006, and is incorporated herein by reference.

Item 12.

Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Shareholder Matters.

The information required by this item (other than that set forth below) is contained under the caption "Ownership of Spartan Motors Stock" in for the Company's definitive proxy statement for its annual meeting of shareholders to be held on May 24, 2006, to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission no later than 120 days after December 31, 2006, and is incorporated herein by reference.

The following table provides information about the Company's equity compensation plans regarding the number of securities to be issued under these plans, the weighted-average exercise prices of options outstanding under these plans and the number of securities available for future issuance as of December 31, 2006.

Equity Compensation Plan Information





Plan category


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


Weighted average
exercise price of
outstanding options,
warrants and rights



Number of securities
remaining available for
future issuance (3)


 


(a)


(b)


(c)


  Equity compensation plans
  approved by security holders(1)



1,116,814          



$6.30          



564,100



 


  Equity compensation plans not
  approved by security  holders(2)



- --          



N/A          



25,000



 


  Total


1,116,814          


$6.30          


589,100


 



(1)

Consists of the Spartan Motors, Inc. Stock Incentive Plan of 2005 (the "2005 Plan"), the Spartan Motors, Inc. Stock Option and Restricted Stock Plan of 2003 (the "2003 Plan"), the Spartan Motors, Inc. Stock Option and Restricted Stock Plan of 1998 (the "1998 Plan"), the Spartan Motors, Inc. 1996 Stock Option and Restricted Stock Plan for Outside Market Advisors (the "1996 Plan") and the Spartan Motors, Inc. 1994 Incentive Stock Option Plan (the "1994 Plan").

 

 

(2)

Consists of the Spartan Motors, Inc. Directors' Stock Purchase Plan. This plan provides that non-employee directors of the Company may elect to receive at least 25% and up to 100% of their "director's fees" in the form of the Company's common stock. The term "director's fees" means the amount of income payable to a non-employee director for his or her service as a director of the Company, including payments for attendance at meetings of the Company's Board of Directors or meetings of committees of the board, and any retainer fee paid to such persons as members of the board. A non-employee director who elects to receive Company common stock in lieu of some or all of his or her director's fees will, on or shortly after each "applicable date," receive a number of shares of common stock (rounded down to the nearest whole share) determined by dividing (1) the dollar amount of the director's fees payable to him or her on the applicable date that he or she has elected to receive in common stock by ( 2) the market value of common stock on the applicable date. The



45


 

term "applicable date" means any date on which a director's fee is payable to the participant. To date, no shares have been issued under this plan.

 

 

(3)

Each of the plans reflected in the above chart contains customary anti-dilution provisions that are applicable in the event of a stock split or certain other changes in the Company's capitalization. Furthermore, each of the 2005 Plan, the 2003 Plan, the 1998 Plan, the 1996 Plan, the 1994 Plan and the 1988 Plan provides that if a stock option is canceled, surrendered, modified, expires or is terminated during the term of the plan but before the exercise of the option, the shares subject to the option will be available for other awards under the plan.

 

 

 

The numbers of shares reflected in column (c) in the table above with respect to the 2005 Plan (314,950 shares), the 2003 Plan (167,450 shares), the 1998 Plan (13,400 shares), the 1996 Plan (84,500 shares) represent shares that may be issued other than upon the exercise of an option, warrant or right.


Item 13.

Certain Relationships and Related Transactions.

The information required by this item is contained under the captions "Transactions with Related Persons" and "Spartan Motors' Board of Directors and Executive Officers" in the Company's definitive proxy statement for its annual meeting of shareholders to be held on May 23, 2007, to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission no later than 120 days after December 31, 2006, and is incorporated herein by reference.

Item 14.

Principal Accountant Fees and Services.

The information required by this item is contained under the caption "Ernst & Young's Fees" in the Company's definitive proxy statement for its annual meeting of shareholders to be held on May 23, 2007, to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission no later than 120 days after December 31, 2006, and is incorporated herein by reference.


PART IV

Item 15.

Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules and Reports on Form 8-K.


 

Item 15(a)(1).

List of Financial Statements.

The following consolidated financial statements of the Company and its subsidiaries are filed as a part of this report under Item 8 - Financial Statements and Supplementary Data:

 

Consolidated Balance Sheets - December 31, 2006 and December 31, 2005

 

 

 

Consolidated Statements of Income - Years Ended December 31, 2006, 2005, and 2004

 

 

 

Consolidated Statements of Shareholders' Equity - Years Ended December 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004

 

 

 

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows - Years Ended December 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004

 

 

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements - December 31, 2006

 

 

 

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm


 

Item 15(a)(2).

Financial Statement Schedules. Attached as Appendix A.

The following consolidated financial statement schedule of the Company and its subsidiaries is filed as part of this report:

 

Schedule II-Valuation and Qualifying Accounts

All other financial statement schedules are not required under the related instructions or are inapplicable and therefore have been omitted.


46


 

Item 15(a)(3).

List of Exhibits. The following exhibits are filed as a part of this report:


Exhibit
Number

 


Document

 

 

 

3.1

 

Spartan Motors, Inc. Restated Articles of Incorporation, as amended to date. Previously filed as an exhibit to the Company's Form 10-Q Quarterly Report for the period ended March 31, 2005, and incorporated herein by reference.

 

 

 

3.2

 

Spartan Motors, Inc. Bylaws, as amended to date. Previously filed as an exhibit to the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended March 31, 2003, and incorporated herein by reference.

 

 

 

4.1

 

Spartan Motors, Inc. Restated Articles of Incorporation. See Exhibit 3.1 above.

 

 

 

4.2

 

Spartan Motors, Inc. Bylaws. See Exhibit 3.2 above.

 

 

 

4.3

 

Form of Stock Certificate. Previously filed as an exhibit to the Registration Statement on Form S-18 (Registration No. 2-90021-C) filed on March 19, 1984, and incorporated herein by reference.

 

 

 

4.4

 

Rights Agreement dated June 4, 1997, between Spartan Motors, Inc. and American Stock Transfer and Trust Company. Previously filed as an exhibit to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2002, and incorporated herein by reference.

 

 

 

4.5

 

The Registrant has several classes of long-term debt instruments outstanding. The authorized amount of none of these classes of debt exceeds 10% of the Company's total consolidated assets. The Company agrees to furnish copies of any agreement defining the rights of holders of any such long-term indebtedness to the Securities and Exchange Commission upon request.

 

 

 

10.1

 

Restated Spartan Motors, Inc. 1988 Non-Qualified Stock Option Plan, as amended to date. Previously filed as an exhibit to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2002 and incorporated by reference herein.*

 

 

 

10.2

 

Restated Spartan Motors, Inc. 1994 Incentive Stock Option Plan, as amended to date. Previously filed as an exhibit to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2002 and incorporated by reference herein.*

 

 

 

10.3

 

Spartan Motors, Inc. 1996 Stock Option and Restricted Stock Plan for Outside Market Advisors, as amended. Previously filed as an exhibit to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the period ended December 31, 2005, and incorporated herein by reference.*

 

 

 

10.4

 

Spartan Motors, Inc. Stock Option and Restricted Stock Plan of 1998, as amended. Previously filed as an exhibit to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the period ended December 31, 2005, and incorporated herein by reference.*

 

 

 

10.5

 

Spartan Motors, Inc. Stock Option and Restricted Stock Plan of 2003, as amended. Previously filed as an exhibit to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the period ended December 31, 2005, and incorporated herein by reference.*

 

 

 

10.6

 

Spartan Motors, Inc. Stock Incentive Plan of 2005, as amended. Previously filed as an exhibit to the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended September 30, 2005, and incorporated herein by reference.*

 

 

 



47


10.7

 

Spartan Motors, Inc. Spartan Profit and Return Management Incentive Bonus Plan. Previously filed as an exhibit to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the period ended December 31, 2005, and incorporated herein by reference.*

 

 

 

10.8

 

Spartan Motors, Inc. Directors' Stock Purchase Plan. Previously filed as an exhibit to the Company's Form S-8 Registration Statement (Registration No. 333-98083) filed on August 14, 2002, and incorporated herein by reference.*

 

 

 

10.9

 

Form of Stock Appreciation Rights Agreement.*

 

 

 

10.10

 

Form of Restricted Stock Agreement.*

 

 

 

10.11

 

Form of Indemnification Agreement. Previously filed as an exhibit to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the period ended December 31, 2005, and incorporated herein by reference.*

 

 

 

21

 

Subsidiaries of Registrant.

 

 

 

23

 

Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting firm.

 

 

 

24

 

Limited Powers of Attorney

 

 

 

31.1

 

Certification of President and Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act.

 

 

 

31.2

 

Certification of Chief Financial Officer, Secretary and Treasurer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act.

 

 

 

32

 

Certification pursuant to 18 U.S.C. § 1350.

_________________________

*Management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement.

          The Company will furnish a copy of any exhibit listed above to any shareholder of the Company without charge upon written request to James W. Knapp, Chief Financial Officer, Spartan Motors, Inc., 1165 Reynolds Road, Charlotte, Michigan 48813.








48


SIGNATURES

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

 

SPARTAN MOTORS, INC.

 

 

 

 

 

 

March 16, 2007

By

/s/ James W. Knapp


 

 

James W. Knapp
Chief Financial Officer, Secretary and Treasurer
(Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.

March 16, 2007

By

/s/ John E. Sztykiel


 

 

John E. Sztykiel, Director, President and Chief
Executive Officer
(Principal Executive Officer)

 

 

 

March 16, 2007

By

/s/ James W. Knapp


 

 

James W. Knapp
Chief Financial Officer, Secretary and Treasurer
(Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)

 

 

 

March 16, 2007

By

/s/ Richard J. Schalter


 

 

Richard J. Schalter, Director

 

 

 

 

 

 

March 16, 2007

By

/s/ William F. Foster


 

 

William F. Foster, Director

 

 

 

 

 

 

March 16, 2007

By

* /s/ George Tesseris


 

 

George Tesseris, Director

 

 

 

 

 

 

March 16, 2007

By

* /s/ David R. Wilson


 

 

David R. Wilson, Director

 

 

 

 

 

 

March 16, 2007

By

* /s/ Charles E. Nihart


 

 

Charles E. Nihart, Director

 

 

 

 

 

 

March 16, 2007

By

* /s/ Kenneth Kaczmarek


 

 

Kenneth Kaczmarek, Director

 

 

 

 

 

 

March 16, 2007

*By

/s/ James W. Knapp


 

 

James W. Knapp
Attorney-in-Fact


49


APPENDIX A

SCHEDULE II
VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS
SPARTAN MOTORS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Column A


 

Column B


 

Column C


 

Column D


 

Column E


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 





Description


 



Balance at
Beginning
of Period


 


Additions
Charges to
Costs and
Expenses


 

Additions
Charged to
Other
Accounts
(Acquisition)


 





Deductions


 



Balance
at End
of Period


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Year ended December 31, 2006:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Allowance for doubtful accounts

 

$

202,000

 

$

219,494

 

$

--

 

$

48,494

 

$

373,000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Obsolescence and slow-moving
   reserves

 

 


2,073,031

 

 


1,288,033

 

 


- --

 

 


915,269

 

 


2,445,795

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Accrued warranty

 

 

4,502,772

 

 

6,893,390

 

 

--

 

 

5,015,422

 

 

6,380,740

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Valuation allowance for deferred
   tax assets

 

 


424,000

 

 


105,000

 

 


- --

 

 


- --

 

 


529,000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Year ended December 31, 2005:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Allowance for doubtful accounts

 

$

400,000

 

$

(77,959

)

$

--

 

$

120,041

 

$

202,000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Obsolescence and slow-moving
   reserves

 

 


2,240,007

 

 


624,327

 

 


- --

 

 


791,303

 

 


2,073,031

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Accrued warranty

 

 

3,670,761

 

 

4,645,181

 

 

--

 

 

3,813,170

 

 

4,502,772

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Valuation allowance for deferred
   tax assets

 

 


10,334,000

 

 


408,000

 

 


- --

 

 


10,318,000

 

 


424,000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Year ended December 31, 2004:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Allowance for doubtful accounts

 

$

408,000

 

$

32,324

 

$

--

 

$

40,324

 

$

400,000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Obsolescence and slow-moving
   reserves

 

 


2,234,598

 

 


1,372,768

 

 


- --

 

 


1,367,359

 

 


2,240,007

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Accrued warranty

 

 

2,538,204

 

 

4,248,791

 

 

--

 

 

3,116,234

 

 

3,670,761

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Valuation allowance for deferred
   tax assets

 

 


9,596,500

 

 


840,000

 

 


- --

 

 


102,500

 

 


10,334,000





EXHIBIT INDEX

Exhibit
Number

 


Document

 

 

 

3.1

 

Spartan Motors, Inc. Restated Articles of Incorporation, as amended to date. Previously filed as an exhibit to the Company's Form 10-Q Quarterly Report for the period ended March 31, 2005, and incorporated herein by reference.

 

 

 

3.2

 

Spartan Motors, Inc. Bylaws, as amended to date. Previously filed as an exhibit to the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended March 31, 2003, and incorporated herein by reference.

 

 

 

4.1

 

Spartan Motors, Inc. Restated Articles of Incorporation. See Exhibit 3.1 above.

 

 

 

4.2

 

Spartan Motors, Inc. Bylaws. See Exhibit 3.2 above.

 

 

 

4.3

 

Form of Stock Certificate. Previously filed as an exhibit to the Registration Statement on Form S-18 (Registration No. 2-90021-C) filed on March 19, 1984, and incorporated herein by reference.

 

 

 

4.4

 

Rights Agreement dated June 4, 1997, between Spartan Motors, Inc. and American Stock Transfer and Trust Company. Previously filed as an exhibit to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2002, and incorporated herein by reference.

 

 

 

4.5

 

The Registrant has several classes of long-term debt instruments outstanding. The authorized amount of none of these classes of debt exceeds 10% of the Company's total consolidated assets. The Company agrees to furnish copies of any agreement defining the rights of holders of any such long-term indebtedness to the Securities and Exchange Commission upon request.

 

 

 

10.1

 

Restated Spartan Motors, Inc. 1988 Non-Qualified Stock Option Plan, as amended to date. Previously filed as an exhibit to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2002 and incorporated by reference herein.*

 

 

 

10.2

 

Restated Spartan Motors, Inc. 1994 Incentive Stock Option Plan, as amended to date. Previously filed as an exhibit to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2002 and incorporated by reference herein.*

 

 

 

10.3

 

Spartan Motors, Inc. 1996 Stock Option and Restricted Stock Plan for Outside Market Advisors, as amended. Previously filed as an exhibit to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the period ended December 31, 2005, and incorporated herein by reference.*

 

 

 

10.4

 

Spartan Motors, Inc. Stock Option and Restricted Stock Plan of 1998, as amended. Previously filed as an exhibit to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the period ended December 31, 2005, and incorporated herein by reference.*

 

 

 

10.5

 

Spartan Motors, Inc. Stock Option and Restricted Stock Plan of 2003, as amended. Previously filed as an exhibit to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the period ended December 31, 2005, and incorporated herein by reference.*

 

 

 

10.6

 

Spartan Motors, Inc. Stock Incentive Plan of 2005, as amended. Previously filed as an exhibit to the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended September 30, 2005, and incorporated herein by reference.*

 

 

 



i


10.7

 

Spartan Motors, Inc. Spartan Profit and Return Management Incentive Bonus Plan. Previously filed as an exhibit to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the period ended December 31, 2005, and incorporated herein by reference.*

 

 

 

10.8

 

Spartan Motors, Inc. Directors' Stock Purchase Plan. Previously filed as an exhibit to the Company's Form S-8 Registration Statement (Registration No. 333-98083) filed on August 14, 2002, and incorporated herein by reference.*

 

 

 

10.9

 

Form of Stock Appreciation Rights Agreement.*

 

 

 

10.10

 

Form of Restricted Stock Agreement.*

 

 

 

10.11

 

Form of Indemnification Agreement. Previously filed as an exhibit to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the period ended December 31, 2005, and incorporated herein by reference.*

 

 

 

21

 

Subsidiaries of Registrant.

 

 

 

23

 

Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting firm.

 

 

 

24

 

Limited Powers of Attorney

 

 

 

31.1

 

Certification of President and Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act.

 

 

 

31.2

 

Certification of Chief Financial Officer, Secretary and Treasurer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act.

 

 

 

32

 

Certification pursuant to 18 U.S.C. § 1350.


_________________________

*Management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement.













ii

Spartan Motors Exhibit 10.9 to Form 10-K - 03/16/07

EXHIBIT 10.9


Grantee:

 

 

Grant Date:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Address:

 

 

Expiration Date:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Base Price per Share:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Number of Shares:

 

 

SAR No.:

 


STOCK APPRECIATION RIGHTS AGREEMENT

                    This Stock Appreciation Rights Agreement ("Agreement") is made as of the Grant Date set forth above (the "Grant Date") between SPARTAN MOTORS, INC., a Michigan corporation ("Spartan"), and the grantee named above ("Grantee").

                    The Spartan Motors, Inc. Stock Incentive Plan of 2005 (the "Plan") is administered by the Compensation Committee of Spartan's Board of Directors (the "Committee"). The Committee has determined that Grantee is eligible to participate in the Plan. The Committee has granted stock appreciation rights to Grantee, subject to the terms and conditions contained in this Agreement and in the Plan. This Agreement is intended to comply with the provisions governing stock appreciation rights under Internal Revenue Service Notice 2005-1 in order to exempt the stock appreciation rights from application of Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code ("Section 409A").

                    Grantee acknowledges receipt of a copy of the Plan and accepts the stock appreciation rights subject to all of the terms, conditions and provisions of this Agreement and the Plan.

          1.          Grant.  Spartan grants to Grantee stock appreciation rights (the "Stock Appreciation Rights") with respect to the number of shares of Spartan's common stock, $.01 par value ("Common Stock") equal to the Number of Shares set forth above. A Stock Appreciation Right is a right awarded to Grantee that entitles Grantee to receive Common Stock having a value on the date the Stock Appreciation Right is exercised equal to the excess of (a) the Market Value (as defined in the Plan) of a share of Common Stock at the time of exercise over (b) the Base Price per Share set forth above, which equals the Market Value of the Common Stock on the Grant Date. The Stock Appreciation Rights consist of a single Stock Appreciation Right for each share of Common Stock.

          2.          Price.  The per-share base price of the Stock Appreciation Rights shall equal the Base Price per Share set forth above (subject to adjustment as provided in the Plan).

          3.          Term and Vesting.  The right to exercise the Stock Appreciation Rights shall vest immediately and shall terminate on the Expiration Date set forth above, unless earlier terminated pursuant to the terms of the Plan.

          4.          Exercise.  Grantee shall exercise the Stock Appreciation Rights by giving Spartan a written notice of the exercise of the Stock Appreciation Rights in the form of Exhibit A to this Agreement and providing any other documentation that the Committee may require from time to time.




The notice shall set forth the number of shares with respect to which Grantee is exercising the Stock Appreciation Rights. The notice shall be effective when received at Spartan's main office. The Stock Appreciation Rights will be considered exercised with respect to the number of shares specified in the notice on the latest of (i) the date of exercise designated in the notice, (ii) if the date so designated is not a business day, the first business day following such date or (iii) the earliest business day by which Spartan has received the notice and all documentation required by the Committee. Spartan shall deliver to Grantee a certificate or certificates for the shares received upon exercise of the Stock Appreciation Rights: provided, however, that the time of delivery may be postponed for such period as may be required for Spartan with reasonable diligence to comply with any requirements or provisions of the Securities Act of 1933 or the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, any law, ord er or regulation of any governmental authority, or any rule or regulation of, or agreement of Spartan with, any applicable securities exchange or quotation system. If at any time the number of shares to be received upon exercise of the Stock Appreciation Rights includes a fractional share, the number of shares actually issued shall be rounded down to the nearest whole share. If Grantee fails to accept delivery or tender of all or any of the shares to be received upon exercise of the Stock Appreciation Rights specified in the notice, Grantee's right to exercise the Stock Appreciation Rights with respect to such unaccepted shares shall terminate.

          5.          Withholding.  Spartan and its subsidiaries shall be entitled to (a) withhold and deduct from Grantee's future wages (or from other amounts that may be due and owing to Grantee from Spartan and/or its subsidiaries), or make other arrangements for the collection of, all legally required amounts necessary to satisfy any and all federal, state, and local withholding and employment-related tax requirements attributable to the Stock Appreciation Rights under this Agreement, including without limitation, attributable to the award, vesting or exercise of the Stock Appreciation Rights; or (b) require Grantee promptly to remit the amount of such withholding to Spartan before taking any action with respect to the Stock Appreciation Rights. Grantee acknowledges that Grantee is obligated to pay the amount of such withholding. Unless the Committee provides otherwise, withholding may be satisfied by withholding shares to be receive d upon exercise of the Stock Appreciation Rights or by delivery to Spartan of previously owned Common Stock.

          6.          Transferability.  The Plan provides that the Stock Appreciation Rights are generally not transferable by Grantee except by will or according to the laws of descent and distribution, and are exercisable during Grantee's lifetime only by Grantee or Grantee's guardian. The Stock Appreciation Rights may be transferred to a revocable living trust established by the Grantee under which Grantee is treated as the owner of property held by the trust for tax purposes, and in such circumstances, during Grantee's lifetime, ownership by the trust shall be treated as ownership by Grantee for purposes of all actions taken or to be taken under the terms of this Plan or the related Stock Appreciation Rights. All options granted to Grantee during his or her lifetime shall be exercisable during his or her lifetime only by Grantee, Grantee's guardian, or legal representative. Grantee may designate a "beneficiary" to be the person or ent ity entitled to be Grantee's successor in interest in the event of Grantee's death. The designated beneficiary shall be treated for all purposes as Grantee's successor in interest entitled to exercise and receive the proceeds of exercise the Stock Appreciation Rights. If no revocable trust is named as owner during Grantee's lifetime and no beneficiary is designated, Grantee's estate is the successor in interest. Spartan may, in the event it deems the same desirable to assure compliance with applicable federal and state securities laws, place an appropriate restrictive legend upon any certificate representing shares received upon exercise of the Stock Appreciation Rights, and may also issue appropriate stop-transfer instructions to its transfer agent with respect to such shares.



2


          7.          Termination of Employment, Directorship or Officer Status.  If Grantee's employment (and directorship and/or officer status, if applicable) with Spartan or any of its subsidiaries terminates for any reason except for Retirement (as defined in the Plan), death, or Disability (as defined in the Plan), such termination shall affect the Stock Appreciation Rights, and Grantee's rights with respect to the Stock Appreciation Rights, as set forth in the Plan. If Grantee Retires, dies, or becomes Disabled while an employee or director of the Company or one if its subsidiaries, the Stock Appreciation Rights shall become exercisable with respect to any and all unexercised shares subject to the Stock Appreciation Rights as of the time immediately preceding Grantee's Retirement, death or Disability pursuant to Section 6.1 of the Plan. In no event will Grantee's Retirement, death, or Disab ility extend the last date to exercise the Stock Appreciation Rights.

          8.          Acceleration.  The Stock Appreciation Rights shall be immediately exercisable in the event of any Change in Control (as defined in the Plan) of Spartan.

          9.          Shareholder Rights.  Grantee shall have no rights as a shareholder by reason of the Stock Appreciation Rights or with respect to any shares to be received upon exercise of the Stock Appreciation Rights until the date of issuance of a stock certificate to Grantee for such shares.

          10.          Employment by Spartan.  To the extent Grantee is or becomes an employee of Spartan or any of its subsidiaries, the grant of the Stock Appreciation Rights shall not impose upon Spartan or any of its subsidiaries any obligation to retain Grantee in its employ for any given period or upon any specific terms of employment. Spartan or any of its subsidiaries, as appropriate, may at any time dismiss Grantee from employment, free from any liability or claim under the Plan or this Agreement, except as otherwise expressly provided in any written agreement with Grantee.

          11.          Certifications.  Grantee agrees that Spartan may impose reasonable restrictions on the sale or distribution of the shares to be received upon exercise of the Stock Appreciation Rights to ensure compliance with federal and state securities laws.

          12.          Effective Date.  The Stock Appreciation Rights Agreement shall be effective as of the Grant Date.

          13.          Amendment.  Neither the Stock Appreciation Rights nor this Agreement shall be modified except in a writing executed by the parties to this Agreement and except as Spartan, upon advice of legal counsel, determines is necessary or advisable because of the promulgation of, or change in or of the interpretation of, any law or governmental rule or regulation, including without limitation, Section 409A and any applicable federal or state securities laws.

          14.          Agreement Controls.  The Plan is incorporated in this Agreement by reference. Capitalized terms not defined in this Agreement shall have those meanings provided in the Plan. In the event of any conflict between the terms of this Agreement and the terms of the Plan, the terms of this Agreement shall control.

          15.          Corporate Changes.  In the event of any stock dividend, stock split or other increase or reduction in the number of shares of Common Stock outstanding, the number and class of shares that may be received upon exercise of the Stock Appreciation Rights, and the Base Price per Share, are subject to adjustment as provided in the Plan; provided however, that no adjustment shall be contrary to Section 409A or shall be effected in a manner that would subject Grantee to taxes and penalties under Section 409A.



3


          16.          Administration.  The Committee has full power and authority to interpret the provisions of the Plan, to supervise the administration of the Plan and to adopt forms and procedures for the administration of the Plan, except as limited by the Plan. All determinations made by the Committee shall be final and conclusive.

          17.          Illegality.  Grantee shall not exercise the Stock Appreciation Rights, and Spartan shall not be obligated to issue any shares of Common Stock to Grantee pursuant to the exercise of the Stock Appreciation Rights, if the exercise thereof or the issuance of such shares would constitute a violation by Grantee or Spartan of any provisions of the Securities Act of 1933 or the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, any other law, order or regulation of any governmental authority, or any rule or regulation of, or agreement of Spartan with, any applicable securities exchange or quotation system. Spartan will in no event be obligated to take any affirmative action in order to cause the exercise of the Stock Appreciation Rights or the resulting issuance of shares of Common Stock to comply with any such law, order, rule, regulation or agreement.

          18.          Governing Law.   This Agreement will be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the internal laws of the State of Michigan, without regard to conflict of law principles. Each party irrevocably submits to the general jurisdiction of the state and federal courts located in the State of Michigan in the counties of Kent and Eaton, in any action to interpret or enforce this Agreement and irrevocably waives any objection to jurisdiction that such party may have based on inconvenience of forum.

 

SPARTAN MOTORS, INC.

 

 

 

 

 

By

 


 

 

James W. Knapp

 

 

Chief Financial Officer

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

GRANTEE

 

 

 

 

 

 


 

Signature

 

 

 

 

 

 


 

Print or type name










4


Spartan Motors Exhibit 10.10 to Form 10-K - 03/16/07

EXHIBIT 10.10


Grantee:

 


 

Date of Award:

 


 

 

 

 

 

("Date of Award")

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Number of Shares:

 


 

 

 

RESTRICTED STOCK AGREEMENT

                    This Restricted Stock Agreement ("Agreement") is made as of                                , between SPARTAN MOTORS, INC., a Michigan corporation ("Spartan Motors"), and                                         ("Grantee").

                    The Spartan Motors, Inc. Stock Incentive Plan of 200__ (the "Plan") is administered by the Compensation Committee of Spartan Motors's Board of Directors (the "Committee"). The Committee has determined that Grantee is eligible to participate in the Plan. The Committee agrees to award restricted stock to Grantee, subject to the terms and conditions contained in this Agreement and in the Plan.

                    Grantee acknowledges receipt of a copy of the Plan and the Plan Description, and accepts this restricted stock award subject to all of the terms, conditions, and provisions of this Agreement and the Plan.

          1.          Award.  Spartan Motors hereby awards to Grantee, as of the Date of Award, ______ shares of Spartan Motors' common stock, $.01 par value, subject to conditions and restrictions imposed under this Agreement and the Plan (the "Restricted Stock"). Spartan Motors may issue share certificates with respect to the Restricted Stock or may issue shares by depositing the Restricted Stock into an electronic account maintained by a third party and may place an appropriate legend upon any such issued shares as well as appropriate stop transfer restrictions.

          2.          Transferability.  Until the restrictions lapse as set forth in paragraph 3 below, the Plan provides that Restricted Stock granted under this Agreement is generally not transferable by Grantee except by will or according to the laws of descent and distribution, and further provides that all rights with respect to the Restricted Stock are exercisable during Grantee's lifetime only by Grantee, Grantee's guardian, or legal representative. Notwithstanding the preceding sentence, Restricted Stock may be transferred to a revocable living trust established by the Grantee under which Grantee is treated as the owner of property held by the trust for tax purposes, and in such circumstances, during Grantee's lifetime, ownership by the trust shall be treated as ownership by Grantee for purposes of all actions taken or to be taken under the terms or this Plan or the related Restricted Stock. Spartan Motors may place an appropriate legend upon any certificate representing shares of Restricted Stock awarded under this Agreement and may also issue appropriate stop transfer instructions to its transfer agent with respect to such shares.

          3.          Lapsing of Restrictions.  Except as otherwise provided in this Agreement, the restrictions imposed on the Restricted Stock awarded pursuant to this Agreement shall lapse as follows: ______ shares of the Restricted Stock will vest on _________________; _______ shares of the Restricted Stock will vest on _________________ (_______ shares vested) and ______ shares of the Restricted Stock will vest on ___________________ (______ shares vested). The periods during which Restricted Stock is subject to restrictions imposed by the Plan and under this Agreement shall be known as "Restricted Periods."





          4.          Securities Laws. The Restricted Stock award under this Agreement is conditional upon (ii) the effective registration of the Plan and the Restricted Stock granted thereunder under the Securities Act of 1933 and the effective registration or exemption of the Plan and the Restricted Stock granted thereunder under applicable state or foreign securities laws, and (ii) the effective listing of the stock on any applicable securities exchange or quotation system. Grantee shall not resell or distribute the Restricted Stock after any Restricted Period except in compliance with such conditions as Spartan Motors may reasonably specify to ensure compliance with federal and state securities laws.

          5.          Termination of Employment or Officer/Director Status.  Subject to certain exemptions as set forth in the Plan, the Plan generally provides that if Grantee terminates employment (and directorship status, if applicable) with Spartan Motors during any Restricted Period, whether for cause or for any other reason other than Grantee's death, Disability (as defined in the Plan) or Retirement (as defined in the Plan), all Restricted Stock still subject to restrictions at the date of termination shall automatically be forfeited and returned to Spartan Motors. If Grantee terminates employment (and directorship status, if applicable) with Spartan Motors because of Retirement, death or Disability, during any Restricted Period, then any unvested shares of Restricted Stock will vest as of the date of Retirement, death, or Disability.

          6.          Employment by Spartan Motors.  The award of Restricted Stock under this Agreement shall not impose upon Spartan Motors any obligation to retain Grantee in its employ for any given period or upon any specific terms of employment. Spartan Motors may at any time dismiss Grantee from employment, free from any liability or claim under the Plan or this Agreement, unless otherwise expressly provided in any written agreement with Grantee.

          7.          Shareholder Rights.  During the Restricted Period, Grantee shall have all voting, dividend, liquidation, and other rights with respect to the Restricted Stock held of record by Grantee as if Grantee held unrestricted common stock; provided, however, that the unvested portion of any Restricted Stock award shall be subject to any restrictions on transferability or risks of forfeiture imposed pursuant to this Agreement or the Plan. Any noncash dividends or distributions paid with respect to shares of unvested Restricted Stock shall be subject to the same restrictions as the shares to which such dividends or distributions relate. After the restrictions applicable to the Restricted Stock lapse, Grantee shall have all shareholder rights, including the right to transfer the shares, subject to such conditions as Spartan Motors may reasonably specify to ensure compliance with federal and state securities laws.< /P>

          8.          Withholding.  Spartan Motors shall be entitled to (a) withhold and deduct from Grantee's future wages (or from other amounts that may be due and owing to Grantee from Spartan Motors), or make other arrangements for the collection of, all legally required amounts necessary to satisfy any and all federal, state, and local withholding and employment-related tax requirements attributable to the Restricted Stock award under this Agreement, including, without limitation, the award or vesting of, or payments of dividends with respect to, the Restricted Stock; or (b) require Grantee promptly to remit the amount of such withholding to Spartan Motors before taking any action with respect to the Restricted Stock. Unless the Committee provides otherwise, withholding may be satisfied by withholding common stock to be received or by delivery to Spartan Motors of previously owned common stock of Spartan Motors.

          9.          Effective Date.  This Agreement shall be effective as of __________________.

          10.        Amendment.  This Agreement shall not be modified except in a writing executed by the parties to this Agreement.

          11.        Agreement Controls.  The Plan is incorporated in this Agreement by reference. Capitalized terms not defined in this Agreement will have those meanings provided in the Plan. In the


- -2-


event of any conflict between the terms of this Agreement and the terms of the Plan, the provisions of this Agreement will control as long as the provision of this Agreement does not violate a limitation of the Plan or the law. If any provision of this Agreement does violate a limitation of the Plan or the law, that limitation will control.


 

SPARTAN MOTORS, INC.

 

 

 

 

 

By

 


 

 

Its Chief Financial Officer

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

GRANTEE

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


 

 

Its

 








- -3-

Spartan Motors Exhibit 21 to Form 10-K - 03/16/07

EXHIBIT 21

SUBSIDIARIES OF SPARTAN MOTORS, INC.



Name of Subsidiary

 

Jurisdiction of
Incorporation

 

 

 

Spartan Motors Chassis, Inc.

 

Michigan, United States

 

 

 

Crimson Fire, Inc.*

 

South Dakota, United States

 

 

 

Road Rescue, Inc.

 

South Carolina, United States

 

 

 

Crimson Fire Aerials, Inc.

 

Pennsylvania, United States

*Formerly also did business under the names Luverne Fire Apparatus Co., Ltd. and Quality Manufacturing Inc.

Spartan Motors Exhibit 23 to Form 10-K - 03/16/07

Exhibit 23-CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

We consent to the incorporation by reference in the following Registration Statements (Form S-8 Nos. 033-80980, 333-69028, 333-98083, 333-111887, 333-111888, and 333-126269, and Form S-3 No. 333-25357) pertaining to various stock option and incentive plans of Spartan Motors, Inc. of our reports dated March 2, 2007, with respect to the consolidated financial statements and schedule of Spartan Motors, Inc. and subsidiaries, Spartan Motors, Inc. management's assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, and the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting of Spartan Motors, Inc. and subsidiaries, included in this Annual Report (Form 10-K) for the year ended December 31, 2006.

 

/s/ Ernst & Young LLP

Grand Rapids, Michigan
March 14, 2007

Spartan Motors Exhibit 24 to Form 10-K - 03/16/07

EXHIBIT 24

LIMITED POWER OF ATTORNEY

          The undersigned hereby appoints JOHN E. SZTYKIEL and JAMES W. KNAPP, and each of them, such individual's attorneys or attorney, with full power of substitution, to execute in his or her name an Annual Report of Spartan Motors, Inc., on Form 10-K for its fiscal year ended December 31, 2006, and any amendments to that report, and to file it with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Each attorney shall have power and authority to do and perform in the name and on behalf of the undersigned, in any and all capacities, every act to be done in the premises as fully and to all intents and purposes as the undersigned could do in person, and the undersigned hereby ratifies and approves the acts of such attorneys.

Dated:  February 19, 2007

 

/s/ Charles E. Nihart


 

 

(signature)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Print Name:

Charles E. Nihart


 

 

 

 

Title:

Director













LIMITED POWER OF ATTORNEY

          The undersigned hereby appoints JOHN E. SZTYKIEL and JAMES W. KNAPP, and each of them, such individual's attorneys or attorney, with full power of substitution, to execute in his or her name an Annual Report of Spartan Motors, Inc., on Form 10-K for its fiscal year ended December 31, 2006, and any amendments to that report, and to file it with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Each attorney shall have power and authority to do and perform in the name and on behalf of the undersigned, in any and all capacities, every act to be done in the premises as fully and to all intents and purposes as the undersigned could do in person, and the undersigned hereby ratifies and approves the acts of such attorneys.

Dated:  February 20, 2007

 

/s/ Kenneth Kaczmarek


 

 

(signature)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Print Name:

Kenneth Kaczmarek


 

 

 

 

Title:

Director













LIMITED POWER OF ATTORNEY

          The undersigned hereby appoints JOHN E. SZTYKIEL and JAMES W. KNAPP, and each of them, such individual's attorneys or attorney, with full power of substitution, to execute in his or her name an Annual Report of Spartan Motors, Inc., on Form 10-K for its fiscal year ended December 31, 2006, and any amendments to that report, and to file it with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Each attorney shall have power and authority to do and perform in the name and on behalf of the undersigned, in any and all capacities, every act to be done in the premises as fully and to all intents and purposes as the undersigned could do in person, and the undersigned hereby ratifies and approves the acts of such attorneys.

Dated:  February 26, 2007

 

/s/ David R. Wilson


 

 

(signature)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Print Name:

David R. Wilson


 

 

 

 

Title:

Chairman of the Board













LIMITED POWER OF ATTORNEY

          The undersigned hereby appoints JOHN E. SZTYKIEL and JAMES W. KNAPP, and each of them, such individual's attorneys or attorney, with full power of substitution, to execute in his or her name an Annual Report of Spartan Motors, Inc., on Form 10-K for its fiscal year ended December 31, 2006, and any amendments to that report, and to file it with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Each attorney shall have power and authority to do and perform in the name and on behalf of the undersigned, in any and all capacities, every act to be done in the premises as fully and to all intents and purposes as the undersigned could do in person, and the undersigned hereby ratifies and approves the acts of such attorneys.

Dated:  March 16, 2007

 

/s/ George Tesseris


 

 

(signature)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Print Name:

George Tesseris


 

 

 

 

Title:

Director


Spartan Motors Exhibit 31.1 to Form 10-K - 03/16/07

EXHIBIT 31.1

CEO CERTIFICATION

I, John E. Sztykiel, certify that:

1. I have reviewed this annual report on Form 10-K of Spartan Motors, Inc.;

2. Based on my knowledge, this annual 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(s) 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)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and 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 report is being prepared;

(b) Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

(c) 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

(d) 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(s) 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 the 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 control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant's ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

(b) Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting.

Date: March 16, 2007

/s/ John E. Sztykiel


 

John E. Sztykiel
President and Chief Executive Officer
Spartan Motors, Inc.

Spartan Motors Exhibit 31.2 to Form 10-K - 03/16/07

EXHIBIT 31.2

CFO CERTIFICATION

I, James W. Knapp, certify that:

1. I have reviewed this annual report on Form 10-K of Spartan Motors, Inc.;

2. Based on my knowledge, this annual 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(s) 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)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and 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 report is being prepared;

(b) Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

(c) 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

(d) 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(s) 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 the 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 control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant's ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

(b) Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting.

Date: March 16, 2007

/s/ James W. Knapp


 

James W. Knapp
Chief Financial Officer,
Secretary and Treasurer
Spartan Motors, Inc.

Spartan Motors Exhibit 32 to Form 10-K - 03/16/07

EXHIBIT 32

CERTIFICATION

Solely for the purpose of complying with 18 U.S.C. § 1350, each of the undersigned hereby certifies in his capacity as an officer of Spartan Motors, Inc. (the "Company"), pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, 18 U.S.C. Section 1350 that:

 

1.

The Annual Report on Form 10-K of the Company for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2006 (the "Report") fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934 (15 U.S.C. 78m); and

 

 

 

 

2.

The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company for such period.




Date: March 16, 2007

/s/ John E. Sztykiel


 

John E. Sztykiel
President and Chief Executive Officer

 

 

 

 

 

 

Date: March 16, 2007

/s/ James W. Knapp


 

James W. Knapp
Chief Financial Officer,
Secretary and Treasurer




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