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spar20141231_10k.htm

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

FORM 10-K

☒	ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2014
	OR
□	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		38-2078923
(State or Other Jurisdiction of Incorporation or Organization)		(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)

1541 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		Name of Exchange on which Registered
Common Stock, $.01 Par Value		NASDAQ Global Select 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

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

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

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§ 232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).

Yes

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. X

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

Large accelerated filer

Accelerated filer

Non-accelerated filer

Smaller reporting company

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

Yes

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 NASDAQ Global Select Market on June 30, 2014, the last business day of the registrant’s most recently completed second fiscal quarter: $133,941,468.

The number of shares outstanding of the registrant’s Common Stock, $.01 par value, as of February 27, 2015: 34,037,967 shares

Documents Incorporated by Reference

Portions of the definitive proxy statement for the registrant’s May 20, 2015 annual meeting of shareholders, to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission no later than 120 days after December 31, 2014, are incorporated by reference in Part III.

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This Form 10-K contains some 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 forecasted in such forward-looking statements.

Risk Factors include the risk factors listed and more fully described in Item 1A below, “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. The list in Item 1A below includes all known risks our management believes could materially affect the results described by forward-looking statements contained in this Form 10-K. However, these risks may not be the only risks we face. Our business, operations, and financial performance could also be affected by additional factors that are not presently known to us or that we currently consider to be immaterial to our operations. In addition, new Risk Factors may 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-looking 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 this Form 10-K is filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

PART I

Item 1.

Business.

When used in this Form 10-K, “Company”, “we”, “us” or “our” refers to Spartan Motors, Inc. and, depending on the context, could also be used to refer generally to the Company and its subsidiaries, which are described below.

General

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

We are known as a leading, niche market engineer and manufacturer in the heavy-duty, custom vehicles marketplace. We have four wholly owned operating subsidiaries: Spartan Motors Chassis, Inc., located at the corporate headquarters in Charlotte, Michigan (“Spartan Chassis”); Spartan Motors USA, Inc. located in Brandon, South Dakota (“Spartan USA”, formerly known as Crimson Fire, Inc.); Crimson Fire Aerials, Inc., located in Ephrata, Pennsylvania (“Crimson Aerials”); and Utilimaster Corporation, located in Wakarusa and Bristol, Indiana (“Utilimaster”). Effective December 31, 2014 we dissolved our Classic Fire, LLC (“Classic Fire”) subsidiary, and are in the process of relocating its operations to our manufacturing facilities in Charlotte, Michigan and Brandon, South Dakota. At December 31, 2014 we were also a participant in a joint venture, Spartan-Gimaex Innovations, LLC (“Spartan-Gimaex”), with Gimaex Holding, Inc.

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. Spartan Chassis customers are original equipment manufacturers (“OEMs”) who complete their heavy-duty vehicle product by mounting the body or apparatus on our chassis. Spartan USA engineers and manufactures fire trucks built on chassis platforms purchased from either Spartan Chassis or outside sources. Crimson Aerials engineers and manufactures aerial ladder components for fire trucks. Utilimaster is a leading manufacturer of specialty vehicles made to customer specifications in the delivery and service market, including walk-in vans and hi-cube vans, as well as truck bodies. Spartan-Gimaex is a 50/50 joint venture that was formed to provide emergency response vehicles for the domestic and international markets. In February, 2015 Spartan USA and Gimaex Holding, Inc. mutually agreed to begin discussions regarding the dissolution of the joint venture. The dissolution is expected to become effective in the second quarter of 2015.

Our 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. Our diversification across several sectors provides numerous opportunities while reducing overall risk. Additionally, our business model provides the agility to quickly respond to market needs, take advantage of strategic opportunities when they arise and correctly size operations to ensure stability and growth.

We have an innovative team focused on building lasting relationships with our customers. This is accomplished by striving to deliver premium custom vehicles, vehicle components, and services. We believe we can best carry out our long-term business plan and obtain optimal financial flexibility by using a combination of borrowings under our credit facilities, as well as internally or externally generated equity capital, as sources of expansion capital.

Our Segments

We identify our reportable segments based on our management structure and the financial data utilized by our chief operating decision makers to assess segment performance and allocate resources among our operating units. We have three reportable segments: Emergency Response Vehicles, Delivery and Service Vehicles, and Specialty Chassis and Vehicles. For certain financial information related to each segment, see Note 15, Business Segments, of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements appearing in Item 8 of this Form 10-K.

Emergency Response Vehicles

Our Emergency Response Vehicles segment consists of the operations of our Spartan USA, Crimson Aerials, Classic Fire and Spartan-Gimaex subsidiaries (together “Spartan ERV”) and the emergency response chassis operations of our Spartan Chassis subsidiary. This segment engineers and manufactures emergency response chassis, emergency response bodies and aerial equipment. Spartan ERV specializes in the manufacture of aerial ladders and emergency response vehicle bodies which are mounted on custom chassis from Spartan Chassis, commercial chassis or other custom chassis. The emergency response chassis operations of Spartan Chassis designs and manufactures custom chassis for emergency response vehicles. Sales from the Emergency Response Vehicles segment represented 36.4%, 35.2% and 34.5% of our consolidated sales for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.

The Emergency Response Vehicles segment has extensive engineering experience in creating custom vehicles that perform specialized tasks, and generally manufactures vehicles only upon receipt of confirmed purchase orders; thus, it does not have significant amounts of completed product inventory. As an emergency response vehicle producer, Spartan Motors believes it holds a unique position for continued growth due to its engineering reaction time, manufacturing expertise and flexibility. Spartan Motors markets its emergency response vehicles throughout the U.S. and Canada, as well as in select markets in South America and Asia. The Emergency Response Vehicles segment employed 600 associates in Charlotte, Michigan; Brandon, South Dakota; Ephrata, Pennsylvania; and Ocala, Florida as of January 31, 2015, 18 of which were contracted employees.

Emergency Response Chassis

We custom manufacture emergency response chassis in response to customer specifications through our Spartan Chassis subsidiary. 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. Spartan Chassis has four fire truck models within this product line: (1) the “Gladiator” chassis; (2) the “Metro Star” chassis; (3) the “Metro Star X” chassis and (4) the “Metro Star RT” (rescue transport).

Spartan Chassis strives to develop innovative engineering solutions to meet customer requirements, and designs new products anticipating the future needs of the marketplace. New vehicle systems and components are regularly introduced by Spartan Chassis that incrementally improve the level of product performance, reliability, and safety for vehicle occupants. Spartan Chassis monitors the availability of new technology and works closely with its component manufacturers to apply new technology to its products.

Over the past few years, Spartan Chassis has introduced innovations on our emergency response chassis such as: heated roll down side glass; optimized engine tunnel; a new fire truck cab interior configuration, which provides additional space and comfort in both the driver and officer positions, improved shoulder harness accessibility, increased interior volume and a 45% reduction in in-cab noise levels when traveling at 45 mph.; and the Spartan Advanced Climate Control heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system that improves heating and cooling within our fire truck cabs. This new HVAC system boasts a dynamic air velocity that on average is over 300 percent higher than our current system and greatly reduces the time needed to warm up or cool down the cab.

Emergency Response Vehicles

We engineer and manufacture emergency response vehicles and apparatus utilizing custom and commercial chassis through our Spartan USA and Spartan-Gimaex subsidiaries. These subsidiaries market products through a network of dealers throughout North America, and in select markets in South America and Asia under the Spartan ERV brand. The Spartan ERV product lines include pumpers and aerial fire apparatus, heavy- and light-duty rescue units, tankers and quick attack units. Spartan ERV is recognized in the industry for its innovative design and engineering, with signature features such as Tubular Stainless Steel body structure (known as the Tri-Max^TM body frame), Vibra-Torq^TM mounting system, and Smart Access pump panels that are designed to offer the safety, reliability and durability that firefighters need to get the job done. Spartan ERV’s product lines also include an array of lower price point apparatus built on commercial chassis such as brush trucks, urban interface rescue vehicles and tankers.

Aerial Ladders

We engineer, manufacture and market aerial ladder components for fire trucks under the Spartan ERV brand through our Crimson Aerials subsidiary in Ephrata, Pennsylvania, which began operations in 2003 and has developed a full line of aerial products. Spartan ERV Aerials introduced its first models in 2004 and is poised to produce the next generation of aerial devices in terms of technology, operation and serviceability. Spartan ERV Aerials primarily sells its products to Spartan ERV.

Delivery and Service Vehicles

We manufacture delivery and service vehicles through our Utilimaster subsidiary, which we acquired in 2009. Utilimaster, which was established in 1973, designs, develops, and manufactures products to customer specifications for use in the package delivery, one-way truck rental, bakery/snack delivery, utility, and linen/uniform rental businesses. Utilimaster serves a diverse customer base and also sells aftermarket parts and assemblies. The majority of its revenues are from walk-in vans sold to customers in the delivery and service market. Its remaining revenues are attributable to commercial truck bodies, along with aftermarket parts and assemblies. Sales from the Delivery and Service Vehicles segment represented 41.5%, 38.2% and 44.2% of our consolidated sales for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively. Utilimaster employed 660 associates as of January 31, 2015, of which 133 were contracted employees.

Utilimaster’s sales and distribution efforts are designed to sell to national, fleet and commercial dealer accounts within these niches under the Aeromaster®, Trademaster®, Metromaster® and Utilivan® brand names. Utilimaster markets its products throughout the U.S. and Canada.

The principal types of commercial vehicles manufactured by Utilimaster are walk-in vans, cutaway vans and truck bodies. Walk-in vans are assembled on a “stripped” truck chassis supplied with engine and drive train components, but without a cab. Walk-in vans are sold under the Aeromaster® brand, and are typically used in multi-stop applications that include the delivery of packages, the distribution of food products and the delivery of uniforms/linens. Cutaway vans are installed on “cutaway” van chassis, and are sold under the Utilimaster, Utilivan®, Metromaster® and Trademaster® brand names. Cutaway bodies are primarily used for local delivery of parcels, freight and perishable food. Truck bodies are installed on a chassis that is supplied with a finished cap. Utilimaster’s truck bodies are typically fabricated with pre-painted panels, aerodynamic front and side corners, hardwood floors and various door configurations to accommodate end-user loading and unloading requirements. Utilimaster’s truck bodies are sold under the Utilimaster brand name and are used for diversified dry freight transportation. In addition to vehicles, Utilimaster sells aftermarket parts and assemblies for its walk-in vans and truck bodies. In the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, aftermarket parts and assemblies sales represented 10.2%, 12.2% and 27.8% of the Delivery and Service Vehicles segment sales.

Specialty Chassis and Vehicles

Our Specialty Chassis and Vehicles segment consists of the Spartan Chassis operations that engineer and manufacture motor home chassis, defense vehicles and other specialty chassis and distribute related aftermarket parts and assemblies. Our specialty vehicle products are manufactured to customer specifications upon receipt of confirmed purchase orders. As a specialty chassis and vehicle manufacturer, we believe we hold a unique position for continued growth due to the high quality and performance of our products, our engineering reaction time, manufacturing expertise and flexibility. Our specialty vehicle products are generally sold through original equipment manufacturers in the case of chassis and vehicles and to dealer distributors or directly to consumers for aftermarket parts and assemblies. Sales from our Specialty Chassis and Vehicles segment represented 22.1%, 26.7% and 21.3% of our consolidated sales for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012. The Specialty Chassis and Vehicles segment employed approximately 300 associates (all in Charlotte, Michigan) as of January 31, 2015, of which approximately 16 were contracted employees.

Motor Home Chassis

We custom manufacture chassis to the individual specifications of our motor home OEM customers through our Spartan Chassis subsidiary. These specifications vary based on specific interior and exterior design specifications, power requirements, horsepower and electrical needs of the motor home bodies to be attached to the Spartan chassis. Spartan Chassis’s motor home chassis are separated into three models: (1) the “Mountain Master” series chassis; (2) the “K2” series chassis and (3) the “K3” series chassis.

Versions of these three basic product models are designed and engineered in order to meet customer requirements. This allows the chassis to be adapted to the specific floor plan and manufacturing process used by the OEM. We seek to develop innovative engineering solutions to meet our customer’s requirements and strive to anticipate future market needs by working closely with OEMs and listening to end users. We monitor the availability of new technology and work closely with our component manufacturers to apply new technology to our products. Over the past few years we have introduced new innovations, including: electronic steering control, heavy duty air ride independent front suspension and multiplexed electrical controls. More recent innovations include our steerable tag axle and front engine gas chassis concepts which target the largest growth segment in class A recreational vehicles.

Specialty Vehicle Chassis

Through our Spartan Chassis subsidiary, we develop specialized chassis to unique customer requirements and actively seek additional applications of our existing products and technology in the specialty vehicle market. Over the past few years we have expanded into highly customized niche markets for specialty vehicle chassis, including high power/high capability drill rigs, specialty bus applications and assembly of the Isuzu N-Series Gasoline Cab-Forward Trucks, a direct result of our alliance with Isuzu Commercial Truck of America.

Aftermarket Parts and Assemblies

The aftermarket parts and assemblies operation of Spartan Chassis supplies aftermarket repair parts and sub-assemblies along with limited servicing and refurbishment for our products in the defense, motor home and emergency response markets.

Marketing

We market our specialty vehicles, including custom emergency response chassis, emergency response bodies and other specialty vehicles, throughout the U.S. and Canada, as well as select markets in South America and Asia, primarily through the direct contact of our sales department with OEMs, dealers and end users. We utilize 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 specialty products and allow us to keep customers updated on new and improved product lines and end users’ needs.

Through our Utilimaster subsidiary, we sell delivery and service vehicles to commercial vehicle dealers, leasing companies and directly to end-users, and the Reach^TM commercial van through the Isuzu dealer network. Utilimaster also markets its products directly to several national and fleet accounts (national accounts typically have 1,000+ vehicle fleets and fleet accounts typically have 100+ vehicle fleets), and through a network of independent truck dealers in the U.S. and, to a lesser extent, in Canada. Utilimaster has organized its sales force and product engineering staff into market teams. Utilimaster also provides aftermarket support, including parts sales and field service, to all of its customers through its Customer Service Department located in Bristol, Indiana, as well as maintaining the only online parts resource among the major delivery and service vehicle manufacturers. Utilimaster does not provide financing to dealers, fleet or national accounts. Utilimaster also maintains multi-year supply agreements with certain key fleet customers in the parcel and linen/uniform rental industries.

In 2014 and consistent with prior years, our representatives attended trade shows, rallies and expositions throughout North America as well as Europe and Asia to promote our 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 us to better identify what customers and end users are looking for in the future. We use these events to create a competitive advantage by relaying this information back to our advanced product development team for future projects.

Our sales and marketing team is responsible for promoting and selling our manufactured goods and producing product literature. The sales group consists of approximately 40 salespeople based in Company locations in Charlotte, Michigan; Brandon, South Dakota; Ephrata, Pennsylvania; and Bristol, Indiana; with 14 additional salespeople located throughout North America and one in South America.

Competition

The principal methods of building competitive advantages we utilize include short engineering reaction time, custom design capability, high product quality, superior customer service and quick delivery. We compete with companies that manufacture for similar markets, including some divisions of large diversified organizations that have total sales and financial resources exceeding ours. 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). Our direct competitors in the emergency vehicle apparatus market are principally smaller manufacturers. Our competition in the delivery and service vehicle market, primarily walk-in vans, comes from a small number of manufacturers.

Because of the lack of reliable published statistics, we are unable to state with certainty our position in most of our markets compared to our competitors. The emergency vehicle market and, to a lesser degree, the custom chassis market are fragmented. We believe that no one company has a dominant position in either of those markets. We are the leading manufacturer of walk-in vans in the United States, and believe we have a market share of approximately 50% in this market. The cutaway and truck body markets are highly fragmented, making the determination of our market share difficult. However, we believe we are one of the top five manufacturers of these products in the United States.

Manufacturing

We manufacture our products in six locations in Charlotte, Michigan, Bristol and Wakarusa, Indiana, Brandon, South Dakota, Ephrata, Pennsylvania and through December 31, 2014, Ocala, Florida. In October, 2014, we announced our intention to close our Ocala, FL facility and consolidate production of emergency response vehicles into our existing Charlotte, Michigan and Brandon, South Dakota facilities.

Spartan Chassis currently has six principal assembly facilities in Charlotte, Michigan for its custom chassis products. Most of these facilities have been updated over the past few years in order to increase efficiencies and to improve the quality of our manufacturing process. Due to the custom nature of our business, our chassis are built to customer specifications on non-automated assembly lines. Generally, Spartan Chassis designs, engineers and assembles its specialized heavy-duty truck chassis using primarily commercially available components purchased from outside suppliers. This approach facilitates prompt 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.

Spartan USA’s products are manufactured and assembled at its manufacturing facility located in Brandon, South Dakota. The chassis for its products are purchased from Spartan Chassis and from outside commercial chassis manufacturers. Spartan USA’s 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 production line as other components are added and connected. The body is manufactured at the facility with components such as pumps, tanks, and electrical control units purchased from outside suppliers.

Crimson Aerials’ products are manufactured and assembled at its manufacturing facility located in Ephrata, Pennsylvania, utilizing a chassis produced by Spartan Chassis. Crimson Aerials also refurbishes aerial ladders and other fire truck components manufactured by it and other manufacturers.

Through December 31, 2014, Classic Fire’s products were manufactured and assembled at its plant in Ocala, Florida, utilizing mainly commercial chassis to build specialty emergency response vehicles. During the first quarter of 2015, manufacturing of these products was consolidated into our manufacturing facilities in Charlotte, Michigan and Brandon, South Dakota, with some engineering functions expected to remain in Ocala until the third quarter of 2015.

Through 2012, Utilimaster’s manufacturing operations were located in Wakarusa, Indiana. During the first quarter of 2013, we completed the move of Utilimaster’s walk-in van production to a new, single building facility in Bristol, Indiana. The move has enabled all walk-in van production to take place in one building, thereby eliminating non value added product movement and increasing manufacturing efficiency. Utilimaster’s truck body production remains in leased facilities in Wakarusa, Indiana. Utilimaster builds commercial vehicles and installs other related equipment on truck chassis. These commercial vehicles are built on an assembly line from engineered structural components, such as floors, roofs, and wall panels. After assembly, Utilimaster installs optional equipment and finishes based on customer specifications. At each step of the manufacturing, installation and finish process, Utilimaster conducts quality control procedures to ensure product and specification integrity.

Suppliers

We are dedicated to establishing long-term and mutually beneficial relationships with our suppliers. Through these relationships, we benefit 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 our subsidiaries and a corporate supply chain management initiative allow us to benefit from economies of scale and to focus on a common vision.

The single largest commodity directly utilized in production is aluminum, which we purchase under purchase agreements based on forecasted production requirements. To a lesser extent we are dependent upon suppliers of lumber, fiberglass and steel for our manufacturing. We have no significant long-term material supply contracts. There are several readily available sources for the majority of these raw materials. However, we are heavily dependent on specific component part products from a few single source vendors. We maintain a qualification, on-site inspection, assistance, and performance measurement system to control risks associated with reliance on suppliers. We normally do not carry inventories of such raw materials or components in excess of those reasonably required to meet production and shipping schedules. Material and component cost increases are passed on to our customers whenever possible. However, there can be no assurance that there will not be any supply issues over the long-term.

In the assembly of delivery and service vehicles, we use chassis supplied by third parties, and generally do not purchase these chassis for inventory. For this market, we typically accept shipment of truck chassis owned by dealers or end users, for the purpose of installing and/or manufacturing our specialized commercial vehicles on such chassis. In the event of a labor disruption or other uncontrollable event adversely affecting the limited number of companies which manufacture and/or deliver such commercial truck chassis, Utilimaster’s level of manufacturing could be substantially reduced.

Research and Development

Our success depends on our ability to respond quickly to changing market demands and new regulatory requirements. Thus, we emphasize research and development and commit significant resources to develop and adapt new products and production techniques. We dedicate a portion of our facilities to research and development projects and focus on implementing the latest technology from component manufacturers into existing products and manufacturing prototypes of new product lines. We spent $11.7 million, $10.9 million and $12.9 million on research and development in 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.

Product Warranties

Our subsidiaries all provide limited warranties against assembly and 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 our chassis and vehicles. For more information concerning our product warranties, see Note 9, Commitments and Contingent Liabilities, of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements appearing in this Form 10-K.

Patents, Trademarks and Licenses

We have 20 United States patents (provisional and regular), which include rights to the design and structure of chassis and certain peripheral equipment, and have 20 pending patent applications in the United States. The existing patents will expire on various dates from 2016 through 2034 and all are subject to payment of required maintenance fees. We also own 26 United States trademark and service mark registrations. 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, we have various international trademark applications pending.

We believe our products are identified by our trademarks and that our trademarks are valuable assets to all of our business segments. We are not aware of any infringing uses or any prior claims of ownership of our trademarks that could materially affect our business. It is our policy to pursue registration of our primary marks whenever possible and to vigorously defend our 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 our capital expenditures, earnings or competitive position.

Associates

We employed approximately 1,600 associates as of January 31, 2015, substantially all of which are full-time, including 167 contracted associates. Management presently considers its relations with associates to be positive.

Customer Base

In 2014, our customer base included one major customer as defined by sales of more than 10% of total net sales. Sales to Jayco, Inc. in 2014, which is a customer of our Specialty Chassis and Vehicles segment, were $57.1 million.

In 2013, our customer base included one major customer as defined by sales of more than 10% of total net sales. Sales to Jayco, Inc. in 2013, which is a customer of our Specialty Chassis and Vehicles segment, were $65.1 million.

In 2012, our customer base included one major customer as defined by sales of more than 10% of total net sales. Sales to United Parcel Service in 2012, which is a customer of our Delivery and Service Vehicles segment, were $59.1 million.

Sales to customers classified as major amounted to 11.3%, 13.9% and 12.6% of total revenues in 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively. We do have other significant customers which, if the relationship changes significantly, could have a material adverse impact on our financial position and results of operations. We believe that we have developed strong relationships with our customers and continually work to develop new customers and markets. See related risk factors in Item 1A of this Form 10-K.

Sales to customers outside the United States were $55.9 million, $33.1 million and $44.2 million for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively, or 11.0%, 7.1% and 9.1%, respectively, of sales for those years. All of our long-lived assets are located in the United States.

Order Backlog

Our order backlog by reportable segment is summarized in the following table (in thousands).

	December 31, 2014		December 31, 2013
Emergency Response Vehicles	$	160,743	$	156,489

Delivery and Service Vehicles		60,630		73,148

Specialty Chassis and Vehicles		22,362		13,024

Total consolidated	$	243,735	$	242,661

The increase in our Emergency Response Vehicles backlog is the result of the mix of products ordered, as unit volume in our order backlog was flat year-over-year. The decrease in Delivery and Service Vehicles backlog was driven by a decrease in orders for walk-in vans. Of the increase in Specialty Chassis and Vehicles backlog, $5.1 million is due to an increase in orders for motor home chassis, while the remainder was mainly due to an order for defense related vehicles received in October, 2014. Our order backlog at December 31, 2014 includes $12.4 million for chassis to be utilized in the production of certain walk-in vans. Revenue associated with these chassis will be essentially equal to their cost.

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

Our 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, free of charge, on our internet website (www.SpartanMotors.com) as soon as reasonably practicable after we electronically file or furnish such materials with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

The public may read and copy materials that we file with the SEC at the SEC’s Public Reference Room at 100 F Street, NW, Washington, DC 20549. The public may obtain information on the operation of the Public Reference Room by calling the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330. The SEC maintains an internet website (www.sec.gov) that contains reports, proxy and information statements, and other information regarding issuers that file electronically with the SEC.

Item 1A.

Risk Factors.

Our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows are subject to various risks, many of which are not exclusively within the our control, that may cause actual performance to differ materially from historical or projected future performance. The risks described below are the risks known to us that we believe could materially affect our business, financial condition, results of operations, or cash flows. However, these risks may not be the only risks we face. Our business could also be affected by additional factors that are not presently known to us, factors we currently consider to be immaterial to our operations, or factors that emerge as new risks in the future.

We depend on local and municipal governments for a substantial portion of our business.

Local and municipal governments are the end customer for a substantial proportion of our products, including custom fire truck chassis, fire truck bodies, aerial ladders and other fire truck related apparatus. These markets are cyclical later in an economic downturn and are heavily impacted by municipal capital spending budgets, which have been negatively impacted by weakened municipal tax revenues. These budgetary constraints may have a significant adverse effect on the overall fire and emergency vehicle market and/or cause a shift in the fire and emergency vehicle market away from highly customized products toward commercially produced vehicles. These changes could result in weakened demand for our products, which may have an adverse impact on our net sales, financial condition, profitability and/or cash flows.

The integration of businesses or assets we have acquired or may acquire in the future involves challenges that could disrupt our business and harm our financial condition.

As part of our growth strategy, we have pursued and expect we will continue to selectively pursue, acquisitions of businesses or assets in order to diversify, expand our capabilities, enter new markets, or increase our market share. Integrating any newly acquired business or assets can be expensive and can require a great deal of management time and other resources. If we are unable to successfully integrate the newly acquired businesses with our existing business, we may not realize the synergies we expect from the acquisition, and our business and results of operations would suffer from our current expectations.

Re-configuration or relocation of our production operations could negatively impact our earnings.

We may, from time to time, re-configure our production lines or relocate production of products between buildings or locations or to new locations in order to maximize the efficient utilization of our existing production capacity or take advantage of opportunities to increase manufacturing efficiencies, including, but not limited to, the consolidation of our emergency response vehicle manufacturing facilities. Costs incurred to effect these re-configurations or re-locations may exceed our estimate, and efficiencies gained may be less than anticipated, each of which may have a negative impact on our results of operations and financial position.

Disruptions within our dealer network could adversely affect our business.

We rely, for certain of our products, on a network of independent dealers to market, deliver, provide training for, and service our products to and for customers. Our business is influenced by our ability to initiate and manage new and existing relationships with dealers.

From time to time, an individual dealer or the Company may choose to terminate the relationship, or the dealership could face financial difficulty leading to failure or difficulty in transitioning to new ownership. In addition, our competitors could engage in a strategy to attempt to acquire or convert a number of our dealers to carry their products. We do not believe our business is dependent on any single dealer, the loss of which would have a sustained material adverse effect upon our business.

However, temporary disruption of dealer coverage within a specific local market could temporarily have an adverse impact on our business within the affected market. The loss or termination of a significant number of dealers could cause difficulties in marketing and distributing our products and have an adverse effect on our business, operating results or financial condition. In the event that a dealer in a strategic market experiences financial difficulty, we may choose to provide financial support, such as extending credit, to a dealership, reducing the risk of disruption, but increasing our financial exposure.

We may not be able to successfully implement and manage our growth strategy.

Our growth strategy includes expanding existing market share through product innovation, continued expansion into industrial and global markets, and merger or acquisition related activities.

We believe our future success depends in part on our research and development and engineering efforts, our ability to manufacture or source the products and customer acceptance of our products. As it relates to new markets, our success also depends on our ability to create and implement local supply chain, sales and distribution strategies to reach these markets.

The potential inability to successfully implement and manage our growth strategy could adversely affect our business and our results of operations. The successful implementation of our growth strategy will depend, in part, on our ability to integrate operations with acquired companies.

Our efforts to grow our business in emerging markets are subject to all of these risks plus additional, unique risks. In certain markets, the legal and political environment can be unstable and uncertain which could make it difficult for us to compete successfully and could expose us to liabilities.

We also make investments in new business development initiatives which, like many startups, could have a relatively high failure rate. We limit our investments in these initiatives and establish governance procedures to contain the associated risks, but losses could result and may be material. Our growth strategy also may involve acquisitions, joint venture alliances and additional arrangements of distribution. We may not be able to enter into acquisitions or joint venture arrangements on acceptable terms, and we may not successfully integrate these activities into our operations. We also may not be successful in implementing new distribution channels, and changes could create discord in our existing channels of distribution.

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 issues that will force a recall of a new product or increase production costs of the product above levels needed to ensure profitability. 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 less marketable products. The costs resulting from these types of problems could be substantial and have a significant adverse effect on our earnings.

Any negative change in our relationship with our major customers could have significant adverse effects on revenues and profits.

Our financial success is directly related to the willingness of our customers to continue to purchase our products. Failure to fill customers’ orders in a timely manner or on the terms and conditions they may impose could harm our relationships with our customers. The importance of maintaining excellent relationships with our major customers may also give these customers leverage in our negotiations with them, including pricing and other supply terms, as well as post-sale disputes. This leverage may lead to increased costs to us or decreased margins. Furthermore, if any of our major customers experience a significant downturn in their business, or fail to remain committed to our products or brands, then these customers may reduce or discontinue purchases from us, which could have an adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition. We had three customers that together accounted for approximately 23% of our total sales in 2014 - any negative change in our relationship with any one of them, or the orders placed by any one of them, could significantly affect our revenues and profits.

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, emergency response vehicle, aerial ladder and specialty vehicle commodity components are readily available from a variety of sources. However, a few proprietary or specialty components are produced by a small group of suppliers.

In addition, Utilimaster generally does not purchase vehicle chassis for its inventory. Utilimaster accepts shipments of vehicle chassis owned by dealers or end-users for the purpose of installing and/or manufacturing its specialized truck bodies on such chassis. There are four primary sources for commercial chassis and Utilimaster has established relationships with all major chassis manufacturers.

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 or commercial chassis, this could result in a decrease in our sales and earnings.

Disruption of our supply base could affect our ability to obtain component parts.

We increasingly rely on component parts from global sources in order to manufacture our products. Disruption of this supply base due to international political events or natural disasters could affect our ability to obtain component parts at acceptable prices, or at all, and have a negative impact on our sales, results of operations and financial position.

Changes to laws and regulations governing our business could have a material impact on our operations.

Our manufactured products and the industries in which we operate are subject to extensive federal and state regulations. Changes to any of these regulations or 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.

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.

Our businesses are cyclical and this can lead to fluctuations in our 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, emergency response vehicles, aerial ladders, specialty vehicles, delivery and service vehicles and other of our products include but are not limited to:

	●	Interest rates and the availability of financing;
	●	Commodity prices;
	●	Fuel availability and prices.
	●	Federal, state and municipal budgets;
	●	Unemployment trends;
	●	International tensions and hostilities;
	●	General economic conditions;
	●	Various tax incentives;
	●	Strength of the U.S. dollar compared to foreign currencies;
	●	Overall consumer confidence and the level of discretionary consumer spending;
	●	Dealers’ and manufacturers’ inventory levels; and
	●	Interest rates and the availability of financing.

Economic, legal and other factors could impact our customers’ ability to pay accounts receivable balances due from them.

In the ordinary course of business, customers are granted terms related to the sale of goods and services delivered to them. These terms typically include a period of time between when the goods and services are tendered for delivery to the customer and when the customer needs to pay for these goods and services. The amounts due under these payment terms are listed as accounts receivable on our balance sheet. Prior to collection of these accounts receivable, our customers could encounter drops in sales, unexpected increases in expenses, or other factors which could impact their ability to continue as a going concern and which could affect the collectability of these amounts. Writing off uncollectible accounts receivable could have a material adverse effect on our earnings and cash flow as the Company has major customers with material accounts receivable balances at any given time.

Our business operations could be disrupted if our information technology systems fail to perform adequately or experience a security breach

We rely on our information technology systems to effectively manage our business data, communications, supply chain, product engineering, manufacturing, accounting and other business processes. While we believe we have robust processes in place to protect our information technology systems, if these systems are damaged, cease to function properly or are subject to a cyber-security breach such as infection with viruses or intentional attacks aimed at theft or destruction of sensitive data, we may suffer an interruption in our ability to manage and operate the business, and our results of operations and financial condition may be adversely affected.

Implementing a new enterprise resource planning system could interfere with our business or operations.

We are in the process of implementing a new enterprise resource planning (ERP) system. Phase 1 of this implementation is expected to be completed in 2017, with the second phase expected to be completed in 2018. This project requires significant investment of capital and human resources, the re-engineering of many processes of our business, and the attention of many associates and managers who would otherwise be focused on other aspects of our business. Should the system not be implemented successfully, or if the system does not perform in a satisfactory manner once implementation is complete, our business and operations could be disrupted and our results of operations negatively affected, including our ability to report accurate and timely financial results.

Global political conditions could have a negative effect on our business.

Concerns regarding acts of terrorism, armed conflicts, natural disasters and budget shortfalls have created significant global economic and political uncertainties that may have material and adverse effects on consumer demand (particularly the specialty and motor home markets), shipping and transportation, the availability of manufacturing components, commodity prices and our ability to engage in overseas markets.

Risks associated with international sales and contracts could have a negative effect on our business.

In 2014, 2013 and 2012 we derived 11.0%, 7.1% and 9.1% of our revenue from sales to, or related to, end customers outside the United States. We expect that international sales will continue to account for an increasing amount of our total revenue, especially in our emergency response vehicles segment. Accordingly we face numerous risks associated with conducting international operations, any of which could negatively affect our financial performance, including, but not limited to, changes in foreign country regulatory requirements, the strength of the U.S. dollar compared to foreign currencies, import/export restrictions, the imposition of foreign tariffs and other trade barriers and disruptions in the shipping of exported products.

Additionally, as a U.S. corporation, we are subject to the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, which may place us at a competitive disadvantage to foreign companies that are not subject to similar regulations.

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

Gasoline or diesel fuel is required for the operation of motor homes, emergency response vehicles, delivery and service vehicles and the specialty vehicles we manufacture. 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 motor homes from time to time in the past and may continue to do so in the future. This, in turn, has a material adverse effect on our sales volume. 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 an adverse impact on margins or sales volumes.

Our operating results may fluctuate significantly on a quarter-to-quarter basis.

Our quarterly operating results depend on a variety of factors including, but not limited to, the timing and volume of orders, the completion of product inspections and acceptance by our customers, and various restructuring initiatives that may be undertaken from time to time. In addition, our Utilimaster subsidiary experiences seasonality whereby product shipments in the first and fourth quarters are generally lower than other quarters as a result of the busy holiday delivery operations experienced by some of Utilimaster’s largest customers. Accordingly, our financial results may be subject to significant and/or unanticipated quarter-to-quarter fluctuations.

We could incur asset impairment charges for goodwill, intangible assets or other long-lived assets.

We have a significant amount of goodwill, intangible assets and other long-lived assets. At least annually, we review goodwill and non-amortizing intangible assets for impairment. Identifiable intangible assets, goodwill and other long-lived assets are also reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable from future cash flows. In 2013, our Emergency Response Vehicles reporting unit recorded a goodwill impairment charge of $4.9 million as a result of that reporting unit’s failure to meet its forecasted results and an expected decline in its future cash flows from levels previously expected. If the operating performance at one or more of our reporting units fails to meet future forecasts, or if future cash flow estimates decline, we could be required, under current U.S. accounting rules, to record additional impairment charges for our goodwill, intangible assets or other long-lived assets. Any write-off of a material portion of such assets could negatively affect our results of operations or financial position.

Our stock price has been and may continue to be volatile, which may result in losses to our shareholders.

The market price of the Company’s common stock has been and may continue to be subject to wide fluctuations in response to, among other things, quarterly fluctuations in operating results, a failure to meet published estimates of or changes in earnings estimates by securities analysts, sales of common stock by existing holders, loss of key personnel, market conditions in our industries, shortages of key product inventory components and general economic conditions.

Credit market developments may reduce availability under our credit agreement.

Due to the current state of the credit markets, there is risk that lenders, even those with strong balance sheets and sound lending practices, could fail or refuse to honor their legal commitments and obligations under existing credit commitments. If our lenders fail to honor their legal commitments under our credit facilities, it could be difficult to replace our credit facilities on similar terms. Although we believe that our operating cash flow, access to capital markets and existing credit facilities will give us the ability to satisfy our liquidity needs for at least the next 12 months, the failure of any of the lenders under our credit facilities may impact our ability to finance our operating or investing activities.

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 product 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. In addition, a major product recall or increased levels of warranty claims could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations.

Increased costs, including costs of raw materials, 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 decrease 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.

Item 1B.

Unresolved Staff Comments.

None.

Item 2.

Properties.

The following table sets forth information concerning the properties we own or lease. We consider that our properties are generally in good condition, are well maintained, and are generally suitable and adequate to meet our business requirements for the foreseeable future. In 2014, our manufacturing plants, taken as a whole, operated moderately below capacity.

	Square Footage		Owned/Leased	Operating Segment
Manufacturing/Assembly
Charlotte, Michigan		235,000	Owned	Emergency Response Vehicles
Charlotte, Michigan		82,000	Owned	Specialty Chassis and Vehicles
Brandon, South Dakota		24,000	Owned	Emergency Response Vehicles
Brandon, South Dakota		21,000	Leased	Emergency Response Vehicles
Ephrata, Pennsylvania		45,000	Leased	Emergency Response Vehicles
Ocala, Florida (1)		50,000	Leased	Emergency Response Vehicles
Bristol, Indiana		417,000	Leased	Delivery and Service Vehicles
Wakarusa, Indiana		149,000	Leased	Delivery and Service Vehicles
		1,023,000

Warehousing
Charlotte, Michigan		38,000	Owned	Emergency Response Vehicles
Charlotte, Michigan		114,000	Owned	Specialty Chassis and Vehicles
Brandon, South Dakota		1,000	Owned	Emergency Response Vehicles
Brandon, South Dakota		3,000	Leased	Emergency Response Vehicles
Ephrata, Pennsylvania		4,500	Leased	Emergency Response Vehicles
Ocala, Florida (1)		10,000	Leased	Emergency Response Vehicles
Wakarusa, Indiana		20,000	Leased	Delivery and Service Vehicles
Bristol, Indiana		35,000	Leased	Delivery and Service Vehicles
		225,500

Research and Development
Charlotte, Michigan		15,000	Owned	Emergency Response/Specialty Chassis and Vehicles
Bristol, Indiana		3,000	Leased	Delivery and Service Vehicles
		18,000

Service Area/Inspection
Charlotte, Michigan		43,000	Owned	Emergency Response/Specialty Chassis and Vehicles
Brandon, South Dakota		7,000	Leased	Emergency Response Vehicles
		50,000

Offices
Corporate Offices – Charlotte, Michigan		12,000	Owned	Not Applicable
Charlotte, Michigan		93,000	Owned	Emergency Response/Specialty Chassis and Vehicles
Brandon, South Dakota		7,000	Owned	Emergency Response Vehicles
Brandon, South Dakota		3,000	Leased	Emergency Response Vehicles
Ephrata, Pennsylvania		12,500	Leased	Emergency Response Vehicles
Ocala, Florida (1)		3,000	Leased	Emergency Response Vehicles
Bristol, Indiana		36,000	Leased	Delivery and Service Vehicles
Wakarusa, Indiana		5,000	Leased	Delivery and Service Vehicles
		171,500

Unutilized
Charlotte, Michigan		189,000	Owned	Not Applicable

Total square footage		1,677,000

(1) The leased facility in Ocala, Florida is expected to be vacated by the third quarter of 2015 following the completion of the relocation of these operations to our facilities in Charlotte, Michigan and Brandon, South Dakota.

Item 3.

Legal Proceedings.

At December 31, 2014, we were parties, both as plaintiff or defendant, to a number of lawsuits and claims arising out of the normal conduct of our businesses. Our management does not currently expect our financial position, future operating results or cash flows to be materially affected by the final outcome of these legal proceedings.

Item 4.

Mine Safety Disclosures.

Not applicable

PART II

Item 5.

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

Our common stock is traded on the NASDAQ Global Select Market under the symbol “SPAR.”

The following table sets forth the high and low sale prices for our common stock for the periods indicated, all as reported by the NASDAQ Global Select Market:

	High		Low
Year Ended December 31, 2014:
Fourth Quarter	$	5.69	$	4.60
Third Quarter		5.65		4.30
Second Quarter		5.55		4.54
First Quarter		6.78		5.04

Year Ended December 31, 2013:
Fourth Quarter	$	7.07	$	5.99
Third Quarter		6.32		5.51
Second Quarter		6.23		5.05
First Quarter		5.90		5.13

On October 23, 2014 our Board of Directors declared a cash dividend of $0.05 per share of common stock, which was paid on December 18, 2014 to shareholders of record on November 13, 2014.

On May 1, 2014 our Board of Directors declared a cash dividend of $0.05 per share of common stock, which was paid on June 19, 2014 to shareholders of record on May 15, 2014.

On October 24, 2013 our Board of Directors declared a cash dividend of $0.05 per share of common stock, payable on December 19, 2013 to shareholders of record on November 14, 2013.

On May 8, 2013 our Board of Directors declared a cash dividend of $0.05 per share of common stock, which was paid on June 27, 2013 to shareholders of record at the close of business on May 23, 2013.

On October 26, 2012, our Board of Directors declared a cash dividend of $0.05 per outstanding share payable on December 13, 2012 to shareholders of record on November 8, 2012.

On April 26, 2012 our Board of Directors declared a cash dividend of $0.05 per outstanding share payable on June 14, 2012 to shareholders of record on May 10, 2012.

No assurance, however, can be given that any future distributions will be made or, if made, as to the amounts or timing of any future distributions as such distributions are subject to earnings, financial condition, liquidity, capital requirements, and such other factors as our Board of Directors deems relevant. The number of shareholders of record of our common stock on February 27, 2015 was 405. See Item 12 below for information concerning our equity compensation plans.

The following graph compares the cumulative total stockholder return on our common stock with the cumulative total return on the Nasdaq Composite Index and two company-selected peer groups for the period beginning on December 31, 2009 and ending on the last day of 2014. The graph assumes an investment of $100 in our stock, the Nasdaq Composite Index and the company-selected peer groups on December 31, 2009, and further assumes the reinvestment of all dividends. Stock price performance, presented for the period from December 31, 2009 to December 31, 2014, is not necessarily indicative of future results.

The company-selected peer groups were determined based on custom peer groups of companies in the specialty manufacturing and automotive industries, against whom we compete for sales or management talent, that were identified for the purpose of benchmarking officer salaries in 2014 (the “2014 Peer Group”) and 2011 (the “2011 Peer Group”). The 2014 Peer Group differs from the 2011 Peer Group largely due to changes that have occurred since 2011 in our business mix and that of the companies that make up the 2011 Peer Group. The 2014 Peer Group includes: Drew Industries, Inc.; Standard Motor Products, Inc.; Winnebago Industries, Inc.; Federal Signal Corp.; Methode Electronics, Inc.; Shiloh Industries, Inc.; Commercial Vehicle Group, Inc.; Altra Industrial Motion Corp.; Alamo Group, Inc.; ESCO Technologies, Inc.; Miller Industries, Inc.; Twin Disc, Inc.; and Supreme Industries, Inc. The 2011 Peer Group includes: Terex Corporation; Oshkosh Corporation; Federal Signal Corporation; Supreme Industries, Inc.; Miller Industries, Inc.; Navistar International Corporation; Alamo Group, Inc.; Thor Industries, Inc.; Drew Industries, Inc.; Winnebago Industries, Inc.; and Rosenbauer International.

	12/31/2009		12/31/2010		12/31/2011		12/31/2012		12/31/2013		12/31/2014
Spartan Motors, Inc.	$	100.00	$	110.17	$	88.61	$	92.52	$	128.10	$	102.46
NASDAQ Stock Market	$	100.00	$	118.02	$	117.02	$	137.40	$	192.50	$	220.26
2014 Peer Group	$	100.00	$	142.36	$	120.33	$	149.80	$	244.10	$	236.62
2011 Peer Group	$	100.00	$	125.98	$	80.80	$	104.08	$	168.40	$	150.15

The stock price performance graph and related information shall not be deemed “filed” with the Securities and Exchange Commission, nor shall such information be incorporated by reference by any general statement incorporating by reference this annual report on Form 10-K into any filing under the Securities Act of 1933 or the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, each as amended, except to the extent that we specifically incorporate this information by reference.

Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

A summary of our purchases of our common stock during the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2014 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 (1)		Number of Shares that May Yet Be Purchased Under the Plans or Programs
Oct. 1, 2014	to	Oct. 31, 2014		-		-		-		618,000
Nov. 1, 2014	to	Nov. 30, 2014		-		-		-		618,000
Dec. 1, 2014	to	Dec. 31, 2014		-		-		-		618,000
Total				-		-		-		618,000

(1)

On October 19, 2011, the Board of Directors authorized management to repurchase up to a total of 1.0 million shares of our common stock in open market transactions, contingent upon market conditions. Repurchase of common stock is based on management’s assessment of market conditions. During the second and third quarters of 2014, we repurchased a total of 382,000 shares of our common stock, leaving 618,000 shares available to be purchased under this repurchase program. If we were to repurchase the remaining 618,000 shares of stock under the repurchase program, it would cost us $3.1 million based on the closing price of our stock on February 27, 2015. We believe that we have sufficient resources to fund any potential stock buyback in which we may engage.

Item 6.

Selected Financial Data.

The selected financial data shown below for each of the five years in the period ended December 31, 2014 has been derived from our Consolidated Financial Statements. 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)

	2014			2013			2012			2011			2010
														(1)

Sales	$	506,764		$	469,538		$	470,577		$	426,010		$	480,736
Cost of products sold		442,877			416,475			405,455			363,662			407,201
Restructuring charges		808			-			6,514			1,731			990
Gross profit		63,079			53,063			58,608			60,617			72,545

Operating expenses:
Research and development		11,676			10,911			12,873			13,931			16,912
Selling, general and administrative		51,205			45,495			45,707			44,305			43,869
Goodwill impairment		-			4,855			-			-			-
Restructuring charges		1,349			-			2,619			1,050			1,006
Operating income (loss)		(1,151	)		(8,198	)		(2,591	)		1,331			10,758

Other income (expense), net		77			348			234			(48	)		(506	)
Income (loss) from continuing operations before taxes		(1,074	)		(7,850	)		(2,457	)		1,283			10,252
Income tax expense (benefit) from continuing operations		(2,103	)		(1,881	)		100			510			3,017
Net earnings (loss) from continuing operations		1,029			(5,969	)		(2,457	)		773			7,235
Loss from discontinued operations, net of tax		-			-			-			-			(3,094	)
Less: Net earnings (loss) attributable to non-controlling interest		(144	)		2			-			-			-

Net earnings (loss) attributable to Spartan Motors, Inc.	$	1,173		$	(5,971	)	$	(2,457	)	$	773		$	4,141

Basic earnings (loss) per share from continuing operations	$	0.03		$	(0.18	)	$	(0.07	)	$	0.02		$	0.22
Basic loss per share from discontinued operations		-			-			-			-			(0.09	)
Basic earnings (loss) per share	$	0.03		$	(0.18	)	$	(0.07	)	$	0.02		$	0.13

Diluted earnings (loss) per share from continuing operations	$	0.03		$	(0.18	)	$	( 0.07	)	$	0.02		$	0.22
Diluted loss per share from discontinued operations		-			-			-			-			(0.09	)
Diluted earnings (loss) per share	$	0.03		$	(0.18	)	$	( 0.07	)	$	0.02		$	0.13

Cash dividends per common share	$	0.10		$	0.10		$	0.10		$	0.10		$	0.10

Basic weighted average common shares outstanding		34,251			33,550			33,165			33,438			33,021
Diluted weighted average common shares outstanding		34,256			33,550			33,165			33,488			33,101
Balance Sheet Data:
Net working capital	$	100,631		$	100,575		$	98,833		$	98,673		$	98,230
Total assets		238,813			253,282			245,151			248,609			241,749
Long-term debt, including current portion		5,261			5,340			5,289			5,139			5,224
Shareholders’ equity		168,618			171,551			178,729			182,838			182,979

(1)

On September 20, 2010, we completed the sale of substantially all of the assets of our Road Rescue, Inc. subsidiary. Accordingly, the results of operations for Road Rescue were reclassified into discontinued operations for 2010 and prior years.

Item 7.

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

General

We are known as a leading, niche market engineer and manufacturer in the heavy-duty, custom vehicles marketplace. We have four wholly owned operating subsidiaries: Spartan Motors Chassis, Inc., located at the corporate headquarters in Charlotte, Michigan (“Spartan Chassis”); Spartan Motors USA, Inc., located in Brandon, South Dakota (“Spartan USA”, formerly known as Crimson Fire, Inc.); Crimson Fire Aerials, Inc., located in Ephrata, Pennsylvania (“Crimson Aerials”); and Utilimaster Corporation, located in Wakarusa and Bristol, Indiana (“Utilimaster”). Effective December 31, 2014, we dissolved our Classic Fire, LLC (“Classic Fire”) subsidiary and are in the process of relocating its operations to our manufacturing facilities in Charlotte, Michigan and Brandon, South Dakota. At December 31, 2014, we were also a participant in a joint venture, Spartan-Gimaex Innovations, LLC (“Spartan-Gimaex”), with Gimaex Holding, Inc.

Executive Overview

●

Revenue of $506.8 million in 2014, compared to $469.5 million in 2013.

●

Gross Margin of 12.4% in 2014, compared to 11.3% in 2013, driven by higher unit volumes in our Delivery and Service Vehicles segment.

●

Operating expense of $64.2 million, or 12.7% of sales in 2014, compared to $61.3 million or 13.0% of sales in 2013.

●

Operating loss of $1.2 million in 2014, compared to a loss of $8.2 million in 2013.

●

Income tax benefit of $2.1 million in 2014 compared to $1.9 million in 2013.

●

Net earnings of $1.2 million in 2014, compared to a net loss of $6.0 million in 2013.

●

Earnings per share of $0.03 in 2014, compared to loss of $0.18 in 2013.

●

Operating cash flow of $6.5 million in 2014.

●

Order backlog of $243.7 million at December 31, 2014.

●

Repurchased 382,000 shares of common stock during 2014.

The following table shows our sales by market for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 as a percentage of total sales:

	2014			2013			2012
Emergency response vehicles		36.4	%		35.2	%		34.5	%
Defense and government		0.0	%		0.9	%		0.3	%
Aftermarket parts and assemblies		3.2	%		5.2	%		4.4	%
Total government		39.6	%		41.3	%		39.2	%

Motor home chassis		17.0	%		19.2	%		15.3	%
Delivery and service vehicles		41.6	%		38.2	%		44.2	%
Other vehicles		1.8	%		1.3	%		1.3	%
Total business/consumer		60.4	%		58.7	%		60.8	%

We continue to focus on diversifying our revenues by expanding our sales in the delivery and service market, pursuing new commercial opportunities through our alliance with Isuzu and pursuing strategic acquisitions that enable us to expand into existing or new markets as opportunities occur.

We are well positioned to take advantage of long-term opportunities as a result of:

	●	Our diversified business model. We believe the major strength of our business model is market diversity and customization. Our Delivery and Service Vehicles and Specialty Chassis and Vehicles segments serve mainly business and consumer markets, effectively diversifying our company and complementing our Emergency Response Vehicles segment, which primarily serves governmental entities. Additionally, the delivery and service vehicle market is an early-cycle industry, complementary to the late-cycle emergency response vehicle industry. We intend to continue to pursue additional areas that build on our core competencies in order to further diversify our business.

	●	The move of our Utilimaster subsidiary’s walk-in van production to a new, single building facility has resulted in greater manufacturing flexibility and efficiency, higher product quality and lower operating costs. Operating in this new facility has eliminated a number of non-value added production steps and will continue to result in increasing profitability as we steadily improve our manufacturing operations.

	●	The recently announced restructuring of our Emergency Response Vehicles segment. This restructuring includes the upgrade of business processes and production capabilities along with consolidation of our fire truck manufacturing to three locations, Charlotte, Michigan, Brandon, South Dakota and Ephrata, Pennsylvania. These changes will reduce our manufacturing footprint and allow us to quote, design, engineer and manufacture products more effectively, profitably and in higher volume.

	●	Our new passive steer tag axle for the recreational vehicle industry. A completely new passive tag axle design that produces a 7% reduction in curb-to-curb turning radius for luxury motor coaches.

	●	A new fire truck cab interior configuration, which provides additional space and comfort in both the driver and officer positions, improved shoulder harness accessibility, increased interior volume and a 45% reduction in in-cab noise levels when traveling at 45 mph.

	●	The Spartan Advanced Climate Control heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system that improves heating and cooling within our fire truck cabs. This new HVAC system boasts a dynamic air velocity that on average is over 300 percent higher than our current system and greatly reduces the time needed to warm up or cool down the cab.

	●	The strength of our balance sheet, which includes robust working capital, low debt and access to credit through our revolving line of credit and private shelf agreement.

We expect revenue in our Emergency Response Vehicles segment to increase moderately in 2015 as a result of strong order intake throughout 2014, including the receipt of an order for 21 pumper trucks for Brazil. 2015 revenue in our Delivery and Service Vehicles segment is expected to be flat with 2014. We expect 2015 revenue in our Specialty Chassis and Vehicles segment to increase slightly from 2014, as we introduce new chassis models in the second half of the year and fulfill an order for military vehicles received in late 2014. Our Delivery and Service Vehicles and Specialty Chassis and Vehicles segments are expected to be profitable in 2015. We expect our Emergency Response Vehicles segment to generate an operating loss in 2015, largely due to expense related to the relocation of our Ocala Florida manufacturing operations and the upgrading of manufacturing processes at our Brandon, South Dakota and Ephrata, Pennsylvania locations. On a consolidated basis, we expect to report net losses in the first quarter, but to be profitable in the second and third quarters and for full-year operating income to improve compared to 2014. Please see “Forward-Looking Statements” above for important information regarding the disclosure of our expectations.

The following section provides a narrative discussion about our financial condition and results of operations. The comments that follow should be read in conjunction with our Consolidated Financial Statements and related Notes thereto appearing in Item 8 of this Form 10-K.

Results of Operations

The following table sets forth, for the periods indicated, the components of our consolidated statements of income, as a percentage of revenues (percentages may not sum due to rounding):

	Year Ended December 31,
	2014			2013			2012
Sales		100.0			100.0			100.0
Cost of products sold		87.6			88.7			87.5
Gross profit		12.4			11.3			12.5
Operating expenses:
Research and development		2.3			2.3			2.7
Selling, general and administrative		10.4			10.7			10.3
Operating loss		(0.2	)		(1.7	)		(0.6	)
Other expense, net		-			0.1			-
Loss before taxes on income		(0.2	)		(1.7	)		(0.5	)
Income tax expense (benefit)		(0.4	)		(0.4	)		-
Net earnings (loss)		0.2			(1.3	)		(0.5	)
Non-controlling interest		-			-			-

Net earnings (loss) attributable to Spartan Motors, Inc.		0.2			(1.3	)		(0.5	)

During 2014 we recorded restructuring charges of $2.2 million, or 0.4% of sales, related to the restructuring of our Emergency Response Vehicles segment operations and the consolidation of our Ocala, Florida operations into our Charlotte, Michigan and Brandon, South Dakota locations. During 2013 we recorded a $4.9 million impairment charge related to goodwill in our Emergency Response Vehicles segment. During 2012, we incurred restructuring charges of $9.1 million, or 1.9% of sales, as the result of the planned move of certain of our Utilimaster operations from Wakarusa, Indiana to Bristol, Indiana and to help align expenses within our Specialty Vehicles segment with current and future revenue expectations. No restructuring charges were recorded during 2013. During 2014, 2013 and 2012, we incurred $0.7 million, $0.0 million and $2.9 million, of expense due to changes in the fair value of the contingent liability for earn-out consideration related to our Utilimaster acquisition in 2009.

Year Ended December 31, 2014 compared to Year Ended December 31, 2013

Consolidated sales for the year ended December 31, 2014 increased by $37.3 million, or 7.9% to $506.8 million from $469.5 million in 2013, driven by increases of $31.3 million in our Delivery and Service Vehicles segment and $19.4 million in our Emergency Response Vehicles segment. These increases were partially offset by a decrease of $13.5 million in our Specialty Vehicles segment. These changes in revenue are discussed more fully in the discussion of our segments below.

Cost of products sold increased by $27.2 million, or 6.5%, to $443.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2014 from $416.5 million in 2013. $17.8 million of this increase was due to the mix of products sold during 2014 compared to those sold in 2013, while $8.6 million of the increase was due to the overall increase in unit volume in 2014. $0.8 million of the increase was due to the restructuring charges incurred in 2014.

Gross profit increased by $10.0 million, or 18.8%, to $63.1 million from $53.1 million in 2013. $8.5 million of this increase was due to higher unit volumes, primarily in our Delivery and Service Vehicles segment, while an additional $1.7 million of the increase was due to increased pricing for certain delivery vehicles and $1.2 million was due to lower warranty costs in 2014, reflecting the large accrual made in 2013 for a motor home related recall. These increases were partially offset by decreases of $0.6 million due to unfavorable sales mix in 2014 and $0.8 million for restructuring reserves recorded in 2014.

Gross margin increased by 110 basis points to 12.4% in 2014 from 11.3% in 2013. Favorable overhead absorption resulting from higher unit volumes in our Delivery and Service Vehicles segment contributed 180 basis points of the increase, while increased pricing for certain delivery vehicles added 40 basis points. These increases were partially offset by decreases of 90 basis points due to less favorable sales mix in 2014 and 20 basis points due to the restructuring charges incurred in 2014.

Operating expenses for the year ended December 31, 2014 increased by $2.9 million, or 4.7%, to $64.2 million from $61.3 million in 2013. Research and development expense increased by $0.8 million in 2014, mainly due to additional resources devoted to product development projects in our Specialty Chassis and Vehicles and Emergency Response Vehicles segments. Selling, general and administrative expense increased by $5.7 million in 2014 compared to 2013. $2.6 million of this increase was due to additional selling expenditures undertaken to increase our international presence in our Emergency Response Vehicles segment, along with increased marketing programs, primarily oriented toward our Specialty Chassis and Vehicles segment. Also contributing to the increase were increases of $2.3 million due to post-employment benefits and recruiting costs for several executive positions incurred in 2014 and $0.8 million due to increased legal fees in 2014. We also incurred $1.3 million of restructuring charges in 2014 related to our initiative to reduce our footprint and improve operations in our Emergency Response Vehicles segment. The above increases were partially offset by the absence in 2014 of goodwill impairment charges, compared to the $4.9 million recorded in 2013.

Income tax credit for the year ended December 31, 2014 increased by $0.2 million to $2.1 million compared to $1.9 million in 2013. $0.9 million of this increase was due to an adjustment to the valuation of certain deferred tax assets made in 2013 that did not recur in 2014. $0.5 million of the increase was due to a reduction to certain valuation allowances as a result of a subsidiary legal entity reorganization we initiated in 2014. Additionally, $0.5 million of the increase was due to non-deductible goodwill expense recorded in 2013 while $0.6 million of the increase was due to various tax credits and adjustments to unrecognized tax benefits in 2014. These increases were partially offset by a $2.3 million decrease in the tax credit recorded as a result of the decrease in the pre-tax loss in 2014 compared to 2013. Our effective tax rate in 2014 was 195.8% compared to 24% in 2013. Our effective tax rate in 2014 was heavily impacted by the reduction of valuation allowances related to our subsidiary legal entity reorganization and adjustments to unrecognized tax benefits, while our effective rate in 2013 was impacted by the inclusion of expense related to an adjustment to the valuation of various deferred tax assets. See Note 7, Taxes on Income, in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements appearing in Item 8 of this Form 10-K for more information on our income tax expense and effective tax rate.

Net earnings for the year ended December 31, 2014 increased by $7.0 million to income of $1.0 million compared to a net loss of $6.0 million in 2013. Driving this increase were increases of gross profit of $10.0 million and the goodwill impairment charge of $4.9 million in 2013 that did not recur in 2014. These increases were partially offset by a $5.7 million increase in Selling, general and administrative expense, a $0.8 million increase in research and development expense and operating restructuring expense of $1.3 million incurred in 2014.

Net loss attributable to non-controlling interest of $0.1 million in 2014 consists of our portion of the after-tax loss related to the Spartan-Gimaex joint venture. This loss is mainly attributable to reserves recorded during 2014 to adjust certain inventory items to their fair market value at December 31, 2014.

Net earnings attributable to Spartan Motors, Inc. for the year ended December 31, 2014 increased by $7.2 million to income of $1.2 million compared to a loss of $6.0 million in 2013. On a per share basis, net earnings increased by $0.21 to earnings of $0.03 per share in 2014 from a net loss of $0.18 per share in 2013, due to the factors discussed above.

Year Ended December 31, 2013 compared to Year Ended December 31, 2012

Consolidated sales for the year ended December 31, 2013 decreased by $1.1 million, or 0.2%, to $469.5 million in 2013 from $470.6 million in 2012, driven by a decrease of $29.0 million in our Delivery and Service Vehicles segment. This decrease was largely offset by increases in revenues of $25.2 million in our Specialty Chassis and Vehicles segment and $2.8 million in our Emergency Response Vehicles segment. These changes in revenue are discussed more fully in the discussion of our segments below.

Cost of products sold increased by $4.5 million or 1.1% to $416.5 million in 2013 from $412.0 million in 2012. $7.7 million of this increase was due to a sales mix that favored products with higher material content while $3.3 million was due to unfavorable overhead absorption, mainly due to inefficiencies related to the start-up of production at our Bristol, Indiana facility. These increases were partially offset by the absence of restructuring charges in 2013 compared to the $6.5 million incurred in 2012, mainly related to the planned relocation of our Utilimaster walk-in van production from Wakarusa, Indiana to Bristol, Indiana.

Gross margin decreased by 120 basis points to 11.3% in 2013 from 12.5% in 2012. 180 basis points of this decrease was due to the unfavorable product mix in 2013, with 80 basis points due to the unfavorable overhead absorption in 2013. These decreases were offset by a 140 basis point increase due to the absence of restructuring charges in 2013.

Operating expenses for the year ended December 31, 2013 were flat with 2012. Research and development expense decreased by $2.0 million in 2013, with $1.0 million of the decrease due to lower development engineering costs on the Reach^TM commercial van in 2013. The completion of the Spartan Advanced Protection System airbag system in 2012 accounted for an additional $1.0 million of the decrease. Selling, general and administrative expenses in 2013 were flat with 2012. During 2013, operating expenses included a $4.9 million impairment charge related to goodwill acquired with the purchase of Spartan USA and Classic Fire. See Note 4, Goodwill and Intangible Assets in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements appearing in Item 8 of this Form 10-K for more information on our goodwill. Operating expenses in 2012 included $2.6 million in restructuring charges, mainly related to the planned move of certain of our Utilimaster operations to Bristol, Indiana, that did not recur in 2013.

Income taxes for the year ended December 31, 2013 decreased by $2.0 million to $(1.9) million, compared to $0.1 million in 2012, driven by the higher pre-tax loss in 2013. $0.7 million of tax expense incurred in 2012 due to the impact of non-deductible expenses was offset by $0.7 million of tax expense incurred in 2013 related to an adjustment to the valuation of various deferred tax assets. Our effective tax rate in 2013 was 24.0%, compared to (4.2)% in 2012. Our effective tax rate in 2013 was impacted by the inclusion of expense related to the adjustment to deferred tax assets, while our effective rate in 2012 was heavily impacted by non-deductible expenses, mainly the $2.9 million Utilimaster earn-out contingency provision recorded in 2012. See Note 7, Taxes on Income, in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements appearing in Item 8 of this Form 10-K for more information on our income tax expense and effective tax rate.

Net loss for the year ended December 31, 2013 increased by $3.5 million to a net loss of $6.0 million in 2013 compared to a net loss of $2.5 million in 2012. On a per share basis, net loss increased by $0.11 to a net loss of $0.18 per share in 2013 from a net loss of $0.07 per share in 2012. Our net loss increased due to the unfavorable product mix, unfavorable overhead absorption and goodwill impairment charge incurred in 2013, partially offset by the absence of restructuring charges compared to 2012.

Our Segments

Our Emergency Response Vehicles segment consists of the operations of our Spartan USA, Crimson Aerials, Classic Fire and Spartan-Gimaex subsidiaries and the emergency response chassis operations of Spartan Chassis. This segment engineers and manufactures emergency response chassis, emergency response bodies and aerial equipment.

Our Delivery and Service Vehicles segment consists of Utilimaster and focuses on designing and manufacturing walk-in vans for the delivery and service market and the production of commercial truck bodies, and distribute related aftermarket parts and assemblies.

Our Specialty Chassis and Vehicles segment consists of the Spartan Chassis operations that engineer, manufacture or assemble motor home chassis, defense vehicles and other specialty chassis and distribute related aftermarket parts and assemblies.

For certain financial information related to each segment, see Note 15, Business Segments, of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements appearing in Item 8 of this Form 10-K.

Emergency Response Vehicles

Segment Financial Data (Dollars in Thousands)	Year Ended December 31,
	2014						2013						2012
	Amount			Percentage			Amount			Percentage			Amount			Percentage

Sales	$	184,532			100.0	%	$	165,087			100.0	%	$	162,320			100.0	%
Operating loss	$	(7,087	)		-3.8	%	$	(7,664	)		-4.6	%	$	(2,951	)		-1.8	%
Segment assets	$	81,748					$	80,540					$	77,806

Year ended December 31, 2014 compared to year ended December 31, 2013

Sales in our Emergency Response Vehicles segment increased by $19.4 million, or 11.8%, from 2013 to 2014. This increase was driven by a change in product mix as a higher proportion of complete vehicles, which carry a higher selling price, and lower proportion of chassis were sold in 2014 compared to 2013. Overall unit volume was flat year-over-year. International sales accounted for 19.7% of revenue in our Emergency Response Vehicles segment in 2014. There were no significant changes in the pricing of the products in our Emergency Response Vehicles segment during 2014.

Operating loss in the segment decreased by $0.6 million, or 7.8%, from 2013 to 2014. This decrease was driven by the $4.9 million goodwill impairment charge recorded in 2013 that did not recur in 2014. Partially offsetting this decrease were increases of $2.2 million due to charges incurred for restructuring initiatives undertaken in 2014 to reduce our footprint and improve operations in the segment, $1.5 million as a result of additional efforts in 2014 focused on international expansion and $0.6 million due to an unfavorable product mix in 2014.

Order backlog for our Emergency Response Vehicles segment increased by $4.2 million or 2.7% to $160.7 million at December 31, 2014 compared to $156.5 million in 2013. This increase is the result of the mix of products ordered, as unit volume in our order backlog was flat year-over-year.

Year ended December 31, 2013 compared to year ended December 31, 2012

Sales in our Emergency Response Vehicles segment increased by $2.8 million, or 1.7%, from 2012 to 2013, as an increase of $14.0 million due to a favorable sales mix and pricing changes was partially offset by an $11.2 million decrease due to lower unit volumes in both chassis and bodies. International sales accounted for 12.9% of revenue in our Emergency Response Vehicles segment in 2013 and 18.7% in 2012.

Operating loss in the segment increased by $4.7 million from 2012 to 2013 mainly due to a $4.9 million goodwill impairment charge.

Backlog for our Emergency Response Vehicles segment increased by $60.7 million or 63.4% to $156.5 million at December 31, 2013 compared to $95.8 million in 2012. This increase was the result of strong order intake for fire truck bodies due to market share gains domestically along with increased international orders, including a $20 million, 70 unit order from Peru.

Delivery and Service Vehicles

Segment Financial Data (Dollars in Thousands)	Year Ended December 31,
	2014					2013						2012
	Amount		Percentage			Amount			Percentage			Amount		Percentage

Sales	$	210,498		100.0	%	$	179,209			100.0	%	$	208,230		100.0	%
Operating Income (loss)	$	8,324		4.0	%	$	(3,942	)		-2.2	%	$	6,035		2.9	%
Segment assets	$	65,827				$	78,654					$	73,567

Year ended December 31, 2014 compared to year ended December 31, 2013

Sales in our Delivery and Service Vehicles segment increased by $31.3 million, or 17.5%, to $210.5 million in 2014 from $179.2 million in 2013. $1.7 million of this increase was due to pricing increases on certain delivery vans enacted in early 2014. The remainder of the increase is mainly due to increased unit sales volumes in 2014. International sales accounted for 5.8% of revenue in our Delivery and Service Vehicles segment in 2014.

Operating income increased by $12.2 million to $8.3 million in 2014 from a loss of $3.9 million in 2013. $1.7 million of this increase was attributable to the pricing increase on certain of our delivery vehicles, with the remainder mainly due to favorable overhead absorption resulting from the increased unit sales volume in 2014.

Order backlog for our Delivery and Service Vehicles segment decreased by $12.5 million, or 17.1%, to $60.6 million in 2014 compared to $73.1 million in 2013, driven by a decrease in orders for walk-in vans. Our order backlog at December 31, 2014 includes $12.4 million for chassis to be utilized in the production of certain walk-in vans. Revenue associated with these chassis will be essentially equal to their cost.

Year ended December 31, 2013 compared to year ended December 31, 2012

Sales in our Delivery and Service Vehicles segment decreased by $29.0 million, or 13.9%, in 2013 compared to 2012. This decrease was due to a $35.5 million decrease in aftermarket parts and field service sales as a result of the decrease in keyless entry system sales after the first half of 2012. Partially offsetting this decrease was a $6.5 million increase in vehicle sales, primarily the Reach^TMcommercial van. There were no changes in the pricing of products sold by our Delivery and Service Vehicles segment that had a significant impact on our financial statements when comparing 2013 to 2012.

Operating income in 2013 decreased by $9.9 million to an operating loss of $3.9 million compared to operating income of $6.0 million in 2012. $8.3 million of this decrease was due to an unfavorable sales mix, with 2013 sales including a lower proportion of higher margin aftermarket parts compared to 2012, while approximately $3.6 million of the decrease was due to overall lower sales levels in 2013. Inefficiencies associated with the ramp up of production at our Bristol, Indiana facility contributed $5.8 million to the decrease. Partially offsetting these decreases was the absence of restructuring charges in 2013 compared to the $7.8 million incurred in 2012.

Order backlog for our Delivery and Service Vehicles segment increased by $33.4 million, or 84.1%, to $73.1 million in 2013 compared to $39.7 million in 2012, driven by an increase in orders for certain walk-in vans.

Specialty Chassis and Vehicles

Segment Financial Data (Dollars in Thousands)	Year Ended December 31,
	2014					2013					2012
	Amount		Percentage			Amount		Percentage			Amount		Percentage

Sales	$	111,734		100.0	%	$	125,242		100.0	%	$	100,027		100.0	%
Operating Income	$	7,426		6.6	%	$	10,030		8.0	%	$	2,198		2.2	%
Segment assets	$	21,269				$	24,399				$	27,565

Year ended December 31, 2014 compared to year ended December 31, 2013

Sales in our Specialty Chassis and Vehicles segment decreased by $13.5 million, or 10.8%, to $111.7 million in 2014 compared to $125.2 million in 2013. Sales of aftermarket parts and assemblies decreased by $8.2 million, while sales of motor home chassis decreased by $3.8 million as a result of lower unit volume. Sales of other specialty vehicles decreased by $1.5 million due to the completion of an order for defense vehicles in 2013 that did not recur in 2014.

Operating income decreased by $2.6 million, or 26.0%, to $7.4 million in 2014 compared to $10.0 million in 2013, mainly due to the lower sales volumes. Increased spending on marketing and sales initiatives of $1.5 million in 2014 was offset by the accrual for a motor home related recall recorded in 2013.

Order backlog for our Specialty Chassis and Vehicles segment increased by $9.4 million, or 72.3%, to $22.4 million at December 31, 2014 compared to $13.0 million at December 31, 2013. $5.1 million of this increase was due to an increase in orders for motor home chassis, while the remainder was mainly due to an order for defense related vehicles received in October, 2014.

Year ended December 31, 2013 compared to year ended December 31, 2012

Sales in our Specialty Chassis and Vehicles segment increased by $25.2 million, or 25.2%, in 2013 compared to 2012, primarily due to higher unit volumes in motor home and bus chassis and other specialty vehicles. There were no significant changes in the pricing of the products in our Specialty Chassis and Vehicles segment during 2013.

Operating income increased by $7.8 million, or 354.5%, in 2013 compared to 2012, mainly due to the increased unit sales volumes.

Order backlog for our Specialty Chassis and Vehicles segment decreased by $13.6 million, or 51.1%, to $13.0 million at December 31, 2013 compared to $26.6 million at December 31, 2012, with decreases of $7.5 million in orders for aftermarket parts and assemblies, $4.0 million in orders for defense related vehicles and $2.1 million in orders for motor home and other specialty chassis.

Fourth Quarter Results

Historically, our sales levels have varied from quarter to quarter. For a description of quarterly financial data, see Note 16, Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited), in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements appearing in Item 8 of this Form 10-K.

2014

Sales in the fourth quarter of 2014 decreased by $25.4 million, or 17.6%, to $118.8 million from our third quarter sales of $144.2 million. $14.8 million of this decrease was due to the completion in the third quarter of a large emergency response vehicle order, along with a $9.1 million decrease in delivery and service vehicles sales in the fourth quarter due to seasonally lower sales to our delivery fleet customers. Additionally, sales in our Specialty Chassis and Vehicles segment decreased by $1.5 million, driven by a decrease in sales of aftermarket parts and assemblies.

Gross profit in the fourth quarter decreased by $4.7 million, or 23.3%, to $15.5 million compared to $20.2 million in the third quarter. This decrease was due to a restructuring charge of $0.8 million recorded in the fourth quarter, with the remainder of the decrease driven by unfavorable overhead absorption as a result of lower sales volume in our Emergency Response Vehicles segment.

Net earnings in the fourth quarter decreased by $3.4 million to a loss of $0.2 million compared to net earnings of $3.2 million in the third quarter. $3.9 million of this decrease was due to the unfavorable overhead absorption as a result of the lower sales levels in the fourth quarter. $1.6 million of the decrease was due to additional restructuring charges incurred in the fourth quarter compared to third quarter, while $0.6 million was due to post-employment benefits and recruiting costs incurred in the fourth quarter. These decreases were partially offset by a decrease of $2.6 million in our tax provision during the quarter, driven by a decrease in fourth quarter pre-tax income.

2013

Sales in the fourth quarter of 2013 were $126.5 million, an increase of $0.4 million, or 0.3%, from our third quarter sales of $126.1 million, as strong sales of motor home chassis were largely offset by lower sales of delivery and service vehicles due to delayed production on Reach^TM commercial vans as a result of supplier constraints.

Gross profit in the fourth quarter decreased by $1.1 million, or 6.8%, to $15.0 million in the fourth quarter from $16.1 million in the third quarter, mainly due to operations in our Emergency Response Vehicles segment, as the result of an unfavorable sales mix and higher warranty accruals in the fourth quarter.

Net income decreased by $3.6 million to a net loss of $3.0 million in the fourth quarter from net income of $0.6 million in the third quarter, mainly due to an impairment charge related to goodwill in our Emergency Response Vehicles segment recorded in the fourth quarter.

2012

Sales in the fourth quarter of 2012 were $124.5 million, an increase of $11.6 million, or 10.3%, from our sales in the third quarter of 2012. The increase was driven by higher sales in our Emergency Response Vehicles segment as a result of the strong order intake we experienced in 2012, along with smaller increases in our Specialty Chassis and Vehicles segment due to increased volume in motor home chassis and our Delivery and Service Vehicles segment due to higher walk-in van unit volumes.

Gross profit in the fourth quarter increased by $0.2 million, or 1.4%, from the third quarter, mainly as the result of lower restructuring charges incurred during the fourth quarter, which were partially offset by an unfavorable product sales mix in the fourth quarter as compared to the third quarter.

Net loss in the fourth quarter of 2012 increased by $2.2 million to $2.5 million in the fourth quarter from $0.3 million in the third quarter, mainly due to additional expense recorded for the earn-out contingency related to our 2009 Utilimaster acquisition as a result of the increased sales level at Utilimaster.

Financial Condition

Balance sheet at December 31, 2014 compared to December 31, 2013

Cash decreased by $2.1 million, or 6.8%, to $28.6 million at December 31, 2014 from $30.7 million at December 31, 2013, due to financing and investing activities that utilized $8.6 million, more than offsetting the $6.5 million generated through operating activities.

Inventory decreased by $10.2 million, or 12.5%, to $71.2 million at December 31, 2014 from $81.4 million at December 31, 2013, mainly due to completion and shipment of vehicles in the first quarter of 2014 that were delayed due to supplier constraints in late 2013.

Deferred income tax assets increased by $1.1 million, or 16.4%, to $7.8 million at December 31, 2014 from $6.7 million at December 31, 2013. $0.5 million of the increase was due to an adjustment of valuation allowances as a result of a reorganization of our subsidiary legal structure commenced in 2014. The remaining increase was mainly due to the change in certain balance sheet reserve accounts that are not deductible until paid.

Other current assets increased by $1.4 million, or 60.9%, to $3.7 million at December 31, 2014 from $2.3 million at December 31, 2013, mainly due to an increase in prepaid insurance at December 31, 2014.

Property, plant and equipment decreased by $3.9 million, or 7.2%, to $50.4 million at December 31, 2014 from $54.3 million at December 31, 2013 due to depreciation of $7.2 million and asset disposals of $0.2 million, which were partially offset by capital expenditures of $3.5 million.

Accounts payable decreased by $7.7 million, or 25.2%, to $22.8 million at December 31, 2014 from $30.5 million at December 31, 2013, mainly due to the timing of check runs in late December, 2014.

Accrued warranty increased by $1.6 million, or 21.1%, to $9.2 million at December 31, 2014 from $7.6 million at December 31, 2013. $0.8 million of the increase was due to lengthened warranty terms offered beginning in 2014 on certain of our emergency response vehicles, while the remainder was mainly due to higher unit volumes in our Delivery and Service Vehicles segment in 2014.

Accrued compensation and related taxes increased by $1.8 million, or 28.1%, to $8.2 million at December 31, 2014 from $6.4 million at December 31, 2013, mainly due to higher accruals for bonus payments in 2014.

Deposits from customers decreased by $6.5 million, or 36.1%, to $11.5 million at December 31, 2014 from $18.0 million at December 31, 2013, mainly due to the completion of a 70 unit fire truck order in 2014 that included a deposit of approximately $5 million, along with the election of fewer customers to make deposits on orders.

Other current liabilities and accrued expenses increased by $1.3 million, or 24.5%, to $6.6 million at December 31, 2014 from $5.3 million at December 31, 2013 mainly due to the reclassification of the contingent liability for our purchase of Utilimaster from long term to current in early 2014.

Deferred income tax liabilities decreased by $1.2 million, or 37.5%, to $2.0 million at December 31, 2014 from $3.2 million at December 31, 2013, mainly due to the change in differences in timing of depreciation and amortization for book and tax purposes on various assets.

Balance sheet at December 31, 2013 compared to December 31, 2012

Cash increased by $9.0 million, or 41.5%, to $30.7 million at December 31, 2013 from $21.7 million at December 31, 2012, mainly due to operating activities that provided $13.0 million of cash in 2013.

Accounts receivable increased by $0.5 million, or 1.1%, to $47.6 million at December 31, 2013 from $47.1 million at December 31, 2012. Our receivable days sales outstanding increased to 38 days sales at December 31, 2013 from 36 days at December 31, 2012 as a result of a change in the customer mix and receivable terms on certain products in the fourth quarter of 2013 compared to the same period of 2012.

Inventories increased by $13.8 million, or 20.4%, to $81.4 million at December 31, 2013 from $67.6 million at December 31, 2012, mainly due to an increase in work in progress inventory caused by supplier constraints that delayed the final production of certain vehicles.

Income taxes receivable decreased by $1.4 million, or 46.7%, to $1.6 million at December 31, 2013 from $3.0 million at December 31, 2012, due to the utilization of prior year overpayments to reduce the current year tax liability.

Other current assets decreased by $3.7 million, or 61.7%, to $2.3 million at December 31, 2013 from $6.0 million at December 31, 2012. This decrease was mainly due to the collection of a short term note receivable of $2.5 million related to the sale of buildings and land at our Wakarusa, Indiana campus. Also contributing to the decrease was a $0.7 million decrease in prepaid insurance fees, and a $0.5 million decrease in miscellaneous prepaid fees.

Property, plant and equipment decreased by $4.8 million, or 8.1%, to $54.3 million at December 31, 2013 from $59.1 million at December 31, 2012, due to depreciation recorded during the year of $8.3 million, partially offset by $3.5 million of investments in property, plant and equipment.

Goodwill decreased by $4.9 million, or 23.1%, to approximately $16.0 million at December 31, 2013 from approximately $20.8 million at December 31, 2012, due to the impairment of goodwill related our Emergency Response Vehicles reporting unit.

Accounts payable increased by $7.5 million, or 32.6%, to $30.5 million at December 31, 2013 from $23.0 million at December 31, 2012, mainly due to the timing of payments in late 2013.

Accrued warranty increased by $1.5 million, or 24.6%, to $7.6 million at December 31, 2013 from $6.1 million at December 31, 2012, mainly due to a $1.4 million charge for a motor home related recall incurred in 2013.

Accrued compensation and related taxes decreased by $1.3 million, or 16.9%, to $6.4 million at December 31, 2013 from $7.7 million at December 31, 2012, due to a $1.1 million decrease in accrued incentive compensation for 2013 as compared to 2012.

Deposits from customers increased by $11.6 million, or 181.3%, to $18.0 million at December 31, 2013 from $6.4 million at December 31, 2012, due to the election of certain customers to make deposits on orders, including a $5.0 million deposit on a 70 unit fire truck order from Peru.

Other current liabilities and accrued expenses decreased by $2.8 million, or 34.6%, to $5.3 million at December 31, 2013 from $8.1 million at December 31, 2012, due to $2.7 million of payments made during the year related to the earn-out provision from our purchase of Utilimaster.

Deferred income tax liabilities decreased by $1.3 million, or 28.9%, to $3.2 million at December 31, 2013 from $4.5 million at December 31, 2012, largely due to the income tax effect of the deductible portion of goodwill impairment expense recorded in 2013.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

Cash Flows

Our cash flows from operating, investing and financing activities, as reflected in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows appearing in Item 8 of this Form 10-K, are summarized in the following table (in thousands):

	Year Ended December 31,
	2014			2013			2012
Cash provided by (used in):
Operating activities	$	6,506		$	13,046		$	6,367
Investing activities		(2,815	)		(846	)		(12,393	)
Financing activities		(5,828	)		(3,241	)		(3,903	)
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	$	(2,137	)	$	8,959		$	(9,929	)

During 2014, cash and cash equivalents decreased by $2.1 million to a balance of $28.6 million as of December 31, 2014. These funds, in addition to cash generated from future operations and available credit facilities, are expected to be sufficient to finance our foreseeable liquidity and capital needs.

Cash Flow from Operating Activities

We generated $6.5 million of cash from operating activities during the year ended December 31, 2014. In addition to our net income of $1.0 million, we generated cash primarily through non-cash expenses of $8.4 million. We utilized $2.9 million of cash due to changes in working capital requirements, including inventories, accounts payable, accrued warranty and deposits from customers.

We generated $13.0 million of cash from operating activities during the year ended December 31, 2013. Cash was generated primarily through non-cash expenses of $14.4 million, which offset our net loss of $6.0 million. Changes in working capital requirements, including accounts receivable, inventories, income taxes receivable, accounts payable and deposits from customers generated $4.6 million of cash.

We generated $6.4 million of cash from operating activities during the year ended December 31, 2012. Cash was generated primarily through non-cash expenses of $16.5 million, which offset our net loss of $2.5 million. Increases in working capital requirements, including accounts receivable, inventories, income taxes receivable, accounts payable and deposits from customers absorbed $7.7 million of cash.

In 2015 we expect to incur non-recurring cash outlays of $6 million to $7 million. This estimate includes expenditures for the replacement and upgrade of machinery and equipment used in operations along with approximately $1.5 million related to our initiative to improve our Emergency Response Vehicles segment operations.

Cash Flow from Investing Activities

We used $2.8 million of cash for investing activities during the year ended December 31, 2014, mainly for the purchase of property, plant and equipment used in our operations.

We used $0.8 million for investing activities during the year ended December 31, 2013, mainly due to the purchase of $3.5 million of property, plant and equipment which was largely offset by the collection of a $2.5 million note receivable.

We used $12.4 million of cash for investing activities during the year ended December 31, 2012, mainly for the purchase of property, plant and equipment, which included approximately $8.8 million for the purchase of equipment related to the relocation of certain of our Utilimaster operations to Bristol, Indiana.

Cash Flow from Financing Activities

We used $5.8 million for financing activities during the year ended December 31, 2014, including $3.4 million for the payment of dividends and $2.0 million for the repurchase of our common stock. See Note 13, Shareholders Equity, in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements appearing in Item 8 of this Form 10-K for further information on our share repurchases.

Cash used in financing activities of $3.2 million during the year ended December 31, 2013 consisted primarily of funds used to pay cash dividends during the year.

Cash used in financing activities of $3.9 million during the year ended December 31, 2012 was due to the payment of $3.4 million of dividends during the year, along with $0.7 million of earn-out payments made in 2012 related to the 2009 Utilimaster acquisition. Additional cash earn-out payments of $1.4 million made during 2012 are reflected within cash provided by operating activities.

Restructuring Activities

During the year ended December 31, 2014 we incurred $2.2 million of restructuring charges within our Emergency Response Vehicles segment related to the relocation of our Ocala, Florida manufacturing operations to our Charlotte, Michigan and Brandon, South Dakota facilities, along with efforts undertaken to upgrade production processes at our Brandon, South Dakota and Ephrata, Pennsylvania locations.

We recorded no restructuring charges during the year ended December 31, 2013.

During the year ended December 31, 2012, we incurred $7.8 million of restructuring charges within our Delivery and Service Vehicles segment, including asset impairments, as the result of our planned relocation of certain of our Utilimaster operations from Wakarusa, Indiana to Bristol, Indiana and the relocation of our Reach^TM delivery van manufacturing from Wakarusa, Indiana to Charlotte, Michigan. We undertook these relocations in order to improve profitability within the segment and eliminate non-value added manufacturing processes related to our walk-in van production. In 2012, we also incurred $1.3 million in severance charges within our Specialty Chassis and Vehicles and Emergency Response Vehicles segments to help align the organizational structure and expenses with current and future revenue expectations.

See Note 3, Restructuring Charges, in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements appearing in Item 8 of this Form 10-K for further information.

Working Capital

Our working capital is summarized in the following table (in thousands):

	As of December 31,
	2014		2013		2012

Current assets	$	161,251	$	170,727	$	152,523
Current liabilities		60,620		70,152		53,690
Working capital	$	100,631	$	100,575	$	98,833

Working capital was flat from December 31, 2013 to December 31, 2014, as decreases in cash, inventory, accounts payable and deposits from customers were offset by increases in deferred income tax assets, accrued compensation and related taxes and accrued warranty. See the description of changes in balance sheet items at December 31, 2014 compared to December 31, 2013 above for more information on changes in components of working capital.

Working capital increased from December 31, 2012 to December 31, 2013 by $1.8 million to $100.6 million, driven by the changes in cash, inventory, income taxes receivable, other current assets, accounts payable, accrued compensation and deposits from customers, as described above. Increases in inventory, mainly due to the delay in final production as a result of supplier constraints, and cash were largely offset by increases in accounts payable due to the timing of payments and increased deposits from customers.

Contingent Obligations

In connection with the acquisition of Utilimaster on November 30, 2009, we incurred contingent obligations in the form of certain performance-based earn-out payments, up to an aggregate maximum amount of $7.0 million, which became due through the first quarter of 2015. Through December 31, 2014, we have made earn-out payments totaling $5.1 million, including $3.1 million made as the result of sales that exceeded targeted levels and $2.0 million as the result of meeting targeted sales levels for the Reach^TM commercial van. At December 31, 2014, we have recorded a contingent liability of $1.5 million within Other current liabilities on our Consolidated Balance Sheet for the remaining payment owed under this contingent obligation, which was paid in January, 2015, bringing the total paid under this contingent obligation to $6.6 million. No further payments are required under this contingent obligation. See Note 9, Commitments and Contingent Liabilities, in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements appearing in Item 8 of this Form 10-K for further details.

Debt

Effective December 31, 2014, we amended and restated our Credit Agreement dated as of November 30, 2009 (the "Credit Agreement") by and among us, certain of our subsidiaries, Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as administrative agent ("Wells Fargo"), and the lenders party thereto consisting of Wells Fargo and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. (the "Lenders"). As amended and restated, we may borrow up to $70 million from the Lenders under a three-year unsecured revolving credit facility. Under the terms of the amended and restated Credit Agreement, we may request an increase in the facility of up to $35 million in the aggregate, subject to customary conditions. The credit facility is available for the issuance of letters of credit of up to $20 million, swing line loans of up to $15 million and revolving loans, subject to certain limitations and restrictions. Interest rates on borrowings under the credit facility are based on either (i) the highest of the prime rate, the federal funds effective rate from time to time plus 0.5%, or the one month adjusted London interbank market rate ("LIBOR") plus 1.0%; or (ii) adjusted LIBOR plus a margin based upon our ratio of debt to earnings from time to time. The amended and restated Credit Agreement contains certain customary representations and covenants, including performance-based financial covenants on our part. As amended and restated, the credit facility matures December 31, 2017, following which we have the option to renew the credit facility, subject to lender approval, for two successive one-year periods with an ultimate maturity date of December 31, 2019. In addition, commitment fees range from 20 to 35 basis points on the unused portion of the line. We had no drawings against this credit line as of December 31, 2014 or 2013. During the year ended December 31, 2014, and in future years, our revolving credit facility was utilized, and will continue to be utilized, to finance commercial chassis received by our Utilimaster subsidiary under chassis bailment inventory agreements with General Motors Company (“GM”) and Chrysler Group, LLC (“Chrysler”). This funding is reflected as a reduction of the revolving credit facility available to us equal to the amount drawn by GM and Chrysler. See Note 9, Commitments and Contingent Liabilities, in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements appearing in Item 8 of this Form 10-K for further details about Utilimaster’s chassis bailment inventory agreements. The applicable borrowing rate including margin was 1.665750% (or one-month LIBOR plus 1.5%) at December 31, 2014.

On November 30, 2012, we entered into an amendment to our existing amended and restated private shelf agreement with Prudential Investment Management, Inc. Under the original private shelf agreement, we issued $5.0 million of 5.46% Series B Senior Notes, due December 1, 2016. The amended agreement extended the period during which we may issue private notes by three years to November 30, 2015 and increased the limit of the uncommitted shelf facility up to $50.0 million. The interest rate is determined based on applicable rates at time of issuance. The total outstanding debt under this agreement was $5.0 million at December 31, 2014 and 2013.

Under the terms of our credit agreement with our banks, we have the ability to issue letters of credit totaling $20.0 million. At December 31, 2014 and 2013, we had outstanding letters of credit totaling $4.7 million and $10.4 million related to certain emergency response vehicle contracts and our workers compensation insurance. The decrease in the outstanding letters of credit at December 31, 2014 is mainly due to the expiration of performance bonds issued in relation to orders for emergency response vehicles from Peru and Chile.

Under the terms of the line of credit and the term notes detailed above, we are required to maintain certain financial ratios and other financial conditions, which limited our available borrowings under our line of credit to a total of approximately $38.6 million and $23.8 million at December 31, 2014 and 2013. The agreements prohibit us from incurring additional indebtedness; limit certain acquisitions, investments, advances or loans; and restrict substantial asset sales. At December 31, 2014, we were in compliance with all debt covenants, and, based on our outlook for 2015, we expect to be able to meet these financial covenants over the next twelve months.

We had capital lease obligations outstanding of $0.3 million and $0.3 million as of December 31, 2014 and 2013, due and payable over the next five years.

Equity Securities

On October 19, 2011, our Board of Directors authorized management to repurchase up to a total of 1.0 million shares of our common stock in open market transactions. Repurchase of common stock is based on our assessment of market conditions. During the year ended December 31, 2014, we repurchased 382,000 shares of our common stock for an aggregate purchase price of $2.0 million, leaving 618,000 shares remaining under this repurchase authorization. If we were to repurchase the full 618,000 shares of stock under the repurchase program, it would cost $3.1 million based on the closing price of our stock on February 27, 2015. We believe that we have sufficient resources to fund this potential stock buyback.

Dividends

On October 23, 2014 our Board of Directors declared a cash dividend of $0.05 per share of common stock, which was paid on December 18, 2014 to shareholders of record on November 13, 2014.

On May 1, 2014 our Board of Directors declared a cash dividend of $0.05 per share of common stock, which was paid on June 19, 2014 to shareholders of record on May 15, 2014. The total amount of dividends paid in 2014 was $3.4 million.

On October 24, 2013 our Board of Directors declared a cash dividend of $0.05 per share of common stock, payable on December 19, 2013 to shareholders of record on November 14, 2013.

On May 8, 2013 our Board of Directors declared a cash dividend of $0.05 per share of common stock, which was paid on June 27, 2013 to shareholders of record at the close of business on May 23, 2013. The total amount of dividends paid in 2013 was $3.4 million.

On October 26, 2012, we declared a cash dividend of $0.05 per outstanding share payable on December 13, 2012 to shareholders of record on November 8, 2012.

On April 26, 2012 we declared a cash dividend of $0.05 per outstanding share payable on June 14, 2012 to shareholders of record on May 10, 2012. The total amount of dividends paid in 2012 was $3.4 million.

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

We have no off balance sheet arrangements that have or are reasonably likely to have a material current or future effect on our financial condition, cash flows, results of operations, liquidity, capital expenditures or capital resources.

Contractual Obligations and Commercial Commitments

Our future contractual obligations for agreements, including agreements to purchase materials in the normal course of business, are summarized below. The weighted average interest rate for long term debt as of December 31, 2014 was 5.46%.

	Payments Due by Period (in thousands)
			Less than						More than
	Total		1 Year		1-3 Years		4-5 Years		5 Years

Long-term debt (1)	$	5,523	$	273	$	5,250	$	-	$	-
Capital leases		291		71		142		78		-
Operating leases		9,835		1,993		2,899		2,406		2,537
Contingent payments (2)		1,500		-		-		-		-
Purchase obligations		28,869		28,869		-		-		-

Total contractual obligations	$	46,018	$	31,206	$	8,291	$	2,484	$	2,537

(1)	Long term debt includes estimated interest payments; interest payments on related variable rate debt were calculated using the effective interest rate at December 31, 2014.
(2)	Contingent payments are associated with the Utilimaster acquisition in November, 2009.

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

The following discussion of critical accounting policies and estimates is intended to supplement Note 1, General and Summary of Accounting Policies, of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements appearing in Item 8 of this Form 10-K. These policies were selected because they are broadly applicable within our 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 income, asset and/or liability amounts.

Revenue Recognition

We recognize revenue in accordance with authoritative guidelines, including those of the SEC. 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 product has been completed in accordance with purchase order specifications and has been tendered for delivery to the customer. On certain customer requested bill and hold transactions, revenue recognition occurs after the customer has been notified that the products have been completed according to the customer specifications, have passed all of our quality control inspections, and are ready for delivery. All sales are shown net of returns, discounts and sales incentive programs, which historically have not been significant. The collectability of any related receivable is reasonably assured before revenue is recognized.

Accounts Receivable

We maintain an allowance for customer accounts that reduces receivables to amounts that are expected to be collected. In estimating the allowance for doubtful accounts, we make certain assumptions regarding the risk of uncollectable open receivable accounts. This risk factor is applied to the balance on accounts that are aged over 90 days: generally this reserve has an estimated range from 10-25%. The risk percentage applied to the aged accounts may change based on conditions such as: general economic conditions, industry-specific economic conditions, historical and anticipated customer performance, historical experience with write-offs and the level of past-due amounts from year to year. However, generally our assumptions are consistent year-over-year and there has been little adjustment made to the percentages used. In addition, in the event there are certain known risk factors with an open account, we may increase the allowance to include estimated losses on such “specific” account balances. The “specific” reserves are identified by a periodic review of the aged accounts receivable. If there is an account in question, credit checks are made and there is communication with the customer, along with other means to try to assess if a specific reserve is required. The inclusion of the “specific” reserve has caused the greatest fluctuation in our allowance for doubtful accounts balance historically. Please see Note 1, General and Summary of Accounting Policies, in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements appearing in Item 8 of this Form 10-K and Appendix A included in this Form 10-K for further details and historical view of our allowance for doubtful accounts balance.

Goodwill and Other Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets

In accordance with authoritative guidance on goodwill and other indefinite-lived intangible assets, such assets are tested for impairment at least annually, and written down when and to the extent impaired. We perform our annual impairment test for goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets as of October 1 of each year, or more frequently if an event occurs or conditions change that would more likely than not reduce the fair value of the asset below its carrying value.

At December 31, 2014 and 2013, all of our goodwill resides at our Utilimaster subsidiary, which comprises the Delivery and Service Vehicles reportable segment. This reportable segment was also determined to be a reporting unit for goodwill impairment testing. We first assess qualitative factors including, but not limited to, macroeconomic conditions, industry conditions, the competitive environment, changes in the market for our products and current and forecasted financial performance to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount. If we determine that it is more likely than not that the fair value of the reporting unit is greater than its carrying amount, we are not required to calculate the fair value of a reporting unit. We have the option to bypass this qualitative assessment and proceed to the first step of a two-step goodwill impairment assessment. If we elect to bypass the qualitative assessment, or if after completing the assessment it is determined to be more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying value, we perform a two-step impairment test, whereby the first step is comparing the fair value of a reporting unit with its carrying amount, including goodwill. The fair value of the reporting unit is determined by estimating the future cash flows of the reporting unit to which the goodwill relates, and then discounting the future cash flows at a market-participant-derived weighted-average cost of capital (“WACC”). In determining the estimated future cash flows, we consider current and projected future levels of income based on our plans for that business; business trends, prospects and market and economic conditions; and market-participant considerations. If the fair value of a reporting unit exceeds its carrying amount, goodwill of the reporting unit is considered to not be impaired and the second step of the test is not performed. The second step of the impairment test is performed when the carrying amount of the reporting unit exceeds its fair value, in which case the implied fair value of the reporting unit goodwill is compared with the carrying amount of that goodwill based on a hypothetical allocation of the reporting unit’s fair value to all of its underlying assets and liabilities. If the carrying amount of the reporting unit goodwill exceeds the implied fair value of that goodwill, an impairment loss is recognized in an amount equal to the excess.

We evaluate the recoverability of our indefinite lived intangible assets, which consist of our Classic Fire and Utilimaster trade names, by comparing the estimated fair value of the trade name with its carrying value. We estimate the fair value of our trade names based on estimates of future royalty payments that are avoided through our ownership of the trade names, discounted to their present value. In determining the estimated fair value of the trade names, we consider current and projected future levels of revenue based on our plans for Classic Fire or Utilimaster, business trends, prospects and market and economic conditions.

Significant judgments inherent in these analyses include assumptions about appropriate sales growth rates, WACC and the amount of expected future net cash flows. The judgments and assumptions used in the estimate of fair value are generally consistent with the projections and assumptions that are used in current operating plans. Such assumptions are subject to change as a result of changing economic and competitive conditions. The determination of fair value is highly sensitive to differences between estimated and actual cash flows and changes in the related discount rate used to evaluate the fair value of the reporting units and trade name.

In 2014, we elected to bypass the qualitative assessment and proceed to the first step of the two-step goodwill impairment assessment for our Delivery and Service Vehicles reporting unit. The estimated fair value of this reporting unit exceeded its carrying value by 17% as of October 1, 2014, the most recent annual assessment date. Based on the discounted cash flow valuation at October 1, 2014, an increase in the WACC for the Utilimaster reporting unit of approximately 160 basis points would not result in impairment.

Our 2013 annual goodwill impairment test indicated that the goodwill that had been recorded for our Emergency Response Vehicles reporting unit was fully impaired. We determined that the carrying cost of the reporting unit exceeded its fair value, requiring us to compare the carrying cost of the goodwill to its implied fair value, which resulted in a non-cash impairment charge of $4.9 million being recorded during the fourth quarter of 2013. While we believe that the future profitability of our Emergency Response Vehicles reporting unit is likely, the impairment reflects our failure to reverse the ongoing operating losses of the reporting unit over the prior three years, and the inability to definitively demonstrate the reporting unit’s ability to generate sufficient cash flow, on a discounted basis, to cover the carrying cost of its assets. The assumptions used to estimate the fair value of the Emergency Response Vehicles reporting unit in 2013 reflected our outlook for the reporting unit, which was revised as a result of the failure to meet forecasts. This revised outlook reflected lowered expectations for future growth in revenue and operating income than the estimates used in the 2012 goodwill impairment analysis for this reporting unit.

The acquired Utilimaster and Classic Fire trade names have an indefinite life as it is anticipated that they will contribute to our cash flows indefinitely. The estimated fair value of our Utilimaster trade name exceeded its associated carrying value of $2.9 million by 319% as of October 1, 2014, while the estimated fair value of our Classic Fire trade name exceeded its associated carrying value of $0.6 million by 9% as of October 1, 2014. Accordingly, there was no impairment recorded on either of these trade names. Based on the discounted cash flow valuations at October 1, 2014, an increase in the WACC used for these impairment analyses of 140 basis points would not result in impairment in either trade name.

See Note 4, Goodwill and Intangible Assets, in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements appearing in Item 8 of this Form 10-K for further details on our goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets.

We cannot predict the occurrence of certain events or changes in circumstances that might adversely affect the carrying value of goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets. Such events may include, but are not limited to, the impact of the general economic environment; a material negative change in relationships with significant customers; or strategic decisions made in response to economic and competitive conditions; and other risk factors as detailed in Item 1A “Risk Factors” in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Warranties

Our policy is to record a provision for the estimated cost of warranty-related claims at the time of the sale, and periodically adjust the warranty liability to reflect actual experience. The amount of warranty liability accrued reflects actual historical warranty cost, which is accumulated on specific identifiable units. From that point, there is a projection of the expected future cost of honoring our obligations under the warranty agreements. Historically, the cost of fulfilling our warranty obligations has principally involved replacement parts and labor for field retrofit campaigns and recalls, which increase the reserve. Our estimates are based on historical experience, the number of units involved and the extent of features and components included in product models. Over time, this method has been consistently applied and has proven to be an appropriate approach to estimating future costs to be incurred. See Note 9, Commitments and Contingent Liabilities, in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements appearing in Item 8 of this Form 10-K for further information regarding warranties.

Provision for Income Taxes

We account for income taxes under a method that requires deferred income tax assets and liabilities to be recognized using enacted tax rates for the effect of temporary differences between the book and tax bases of recorded assets and liabilities. Authoritative guidance also requires deferred income tax assets, which include state tax credit carryforwards, operating loss carryforwards and deductible temporary differences, be reduced by a valuation allowance if it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred income tax assets will not be realized.

We evaluate the likelihood of realizing our deferred income tax assets by assessing our valuation allowance and by adjusting the amount of such allowance, if necessary. The factors used to assess the likelihood of realization include our forecast of future taxable income, the projected reversal of temporary differences and available tax planning strategies that could be implemented to realize the net deferred income tax assets.

We recognize the tax benefit from an uncertain tax position only if it is more likely than not that the tax position will be sustained on examination by the taxing authorities. The determination is based on the technical merits of the position and presumes that each uncertain tax position will be examined by the relevant taxing authority that has full knowledge of all relevant information. Although management believes the estimates are reasonable, no assurance can be given that the final outcome of these matters will not be different than what is reflected in the historical income tax provisions and accruals.

Interest and penalties attributable to income taxes are recorded as a component of income taxes.

New and Pending Accounting Policies

See Note 1, General and Summary of Accounting Policies, in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements appearing in Item 8 of this Form 10-K.

Effect of Inflation

Inflation affects us in two principal ways. First, our revolving note payable is generally tied to the prime and LIBOR interest rates so that increases in those interest rates would be translated into additional interest expense. Second, general inflation impacts prices paid for labor, parts and supplies. Whenever possible, we attempt to cover increased costs of production and capital by adjusting the prices of our products. However, we generally do not attempt to negotiate inflation-based price adjustment provisions into our contracts. Since order lead times can be as much as nine months, we have limited ability to pass on cost increases to our customers on a short-term basis. In addition, the markets we serve are competitive in nature, and competition limits our ability to pass through cost increases in many cases. We strive to minimize the effect of inflation through cost reductions and improved productivity.

Item 7A.

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk.

Our 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, 2014, we had $5.0 million of debt outstanding under our variable rate short-term and long-term debt agreements. An increase of 100 basis points in interest rates would not have a material adverse effect on our financial position or results of operations. We do not enter into market-risk-sensitive instruments for trading or other purposes.

We do 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 our primary risk of loss. As of the date of this report, we do not know of or expect any material changes in the general nature of our 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 our 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 our responsibility for such statements.

Item 8.

Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

Board of Directors and Shareholders
Spartan Motors, Inc.
Charlotte, Michigan

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Spartan Motors, Inc. as of December 31, 2014 and 2013 and the related consolidated statements of operations, shareholders’ equity and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2014. In connection with our audits of the financial statements, we have also audited the financial statement schedule as listed in the accompanying index in Item 15(a)(1) of this Form 10-K. These financial statements and schedule are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements and schedule 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, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements and schedule. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Spartan Motors, Inc. as of December 31, 2014 and 2013, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2014, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

Also, in our opinion, the 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.

We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), Spartan Motors, Inc.’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2013, based on criteria established in Internal Control – Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO) and our report dated March 5, 2015 expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.

/s/ BDO USA, LLP

Grand Rapids, Michigan
March 5, 2015

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

Board of Directors and Shareholders
Spartan Motors, Inc.
Charlotte, Michigan

We have audited Spartan Motors, Inc.’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2014, based on criteria established in Internal Control – Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (the COSO criteria). Spartan Motors, Inc.’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, included in the accompanying Item 9A, Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on 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, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, and testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk. Our audit also included 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, Spartan Motors, Inc. maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2014, 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, Inc. as of December 31, 2014 and 2013 and the related consolidated statements of operations, shareholders’ equity and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2014 and our report dated March 5, 2015 expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.

/s/ BDO USA, LLP

Grand Rapids, Michigan
March 5, 2015

SPARTAN MOTORS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(In thousands, except par value)

	December 31,			December 31,
	2014			2013
ASSETS
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$	28,570		$	30,707
Accounts receivable, less allowance of $144 and $769		48,362			47,560
Inventories		71,163			81,419
Deferred income tax assets		7,799			6,736
Income taxes receivable		1,696			1,641
Assets held for sale		-			373
Other current assets		3,661			2,291
Total current assets		161,251			170,727

Property, plant and equipment, net		50,417			54,278
Goodwill		15,961			15,961
Intangible assets, net		8,958			10,094
Other assets		2,226			2,222
TOTAL ASSETS	$	238,813		$	253,282

LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable	$	22,762		$	30,525
Accrued warranty		9,237			7,579
Accrued customer rebates		2,166			2,190
Accrued compensation and related taxes		8,226			6,440
Deposits from customers		11,524			18,006
Other current liabilities and accrued expenses		6,646			5,333
Current portion of long-term debt		59			79
Total current liabilities		60,620			70,152

Other non-current liabilities		2,365			3,109
Long-term debt, less current portion		5,202			5,261
Deferred income tax liabilities		2,008			3,209

Shareholders' equity:
Preferred stock, no par value: 2,000 shares authorized (none issued)		-			-
Common stock, $0.01 par value; 40,000 shares authorized; 34,094 and 34,210 outstanding		341			342
Additional paid in capital		75,695			75,075
Retained earnings		92,724			96,132
Total Spartan Motors, Inc. shareholders’ equity		168,760			171,549
Non-controlling interest		(142	)		2
Total shareholders' equity		168,618			171,551
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY	$	238,813		$	253,282

See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

SPARTAN MOTORS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

(In thousands, except per share data)

	Year Ended December 31,
	2014			2013			2012

Sales	$	506,764		$	469,538		$	470,577
Cost of products sold		442,877			416,475			405,455
Restructuring charges		808			-			6,514
Gross profit		63,079			53,063			58,608

Operating expenses:
Research and development		11,676			10,911			12,873
Selling, general and administrative		51,205			45,496			45,707
Goodwill impairment		-			4,854			-
Restructuring charges		1,349			-			2,619
Total operating expenses		64,230			61,261			61,199

Operating loss		(1,151	)		(8,198	)		(2,591	)

Other income (expense):
Interest expense		(341	)		(311	)		(335	)
Interest and other income		418			659			569
Total other income		77			348			234

Loss before taxes		(1,074	)		(7,850	)		(2,357	)

Taxes		(2,103	)		(1,881	)		100

Net earnings (loss)		1,029			(5,969	)		(2,457	)

Less: net earnings (loss) attributable to non-controlling interest		(144	)		2			-

Net earnings (loss) attributable to Spartan Motors, Inc.	$	1,173		$	(5,971	)	$	(2,457	)

Basic net earnings (loss) per share	$	0.03		$	(0.18	)	$	(0.07	)

Diluted net earnings (loss) per share	$	0.03		$	(0.18	)	$	(0.07	)

Basic weighted average common shares outstanding		34,251			33,550			33,165

Diluted weighted average common shares outstanding		34,256			33,550			33,165

See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

SPARTAN MOTORS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012

(In thousands, except per share data)

	Number of			Common			Additional			Retained			Non-Controlling			Total Shareholders'
	Shares			Stock			Paid In Capital			Earnings			Interest			Equity
Balance at December 31, 2011		33,596		$	336		$	71,145		$	111,357		$	-		$	182,838

Issuance of common stock and the tax impact of stock incentive plan transactions		70			1			85			-			-			86

Dividends declared ($0.10 per share)		-			-			-			(3,383	)		-			(3,383	)

Issuance of restricted stock, net of cancellation		196			2			(2	)		-			-			-

Stock based compensation expense related to restricted stock		-			-			1,645			-			-			1,645

Net loss		-			-			-			(2,457	)		-			(2,457	)

Balance at December 31, 2012		33,862			339			72,873			105,517			-			178,729

Issuance of common stock and the tax impact of stock incentive plan transactions		217			2			579			-			-			581

Dividends declared ($0.10 per share)		-			-			-			(3,414	)		-			(3,414	)

Issuance of restricted stock, net of cancellation		131			1			(1	)		-			-			-

Stock based compensation expense related to restricted stock		-			-			1,624			-			-			1,624

Net loss		-			-			-			(5,971	)		2			(5,969	)

Balance at December 31, 2013		34,210			342			75,075			96,132			2			171,551

Issuance of common stock and the tax impact of stock incentive plan transactions		25			-			(159	)		-			-			(159	)

Dividends declared ($0.10 per share)		-			-			-			(3,427	)		-			(3,427	)

Purchase and retirement of common stock		(382	)		(3	)		(843	)		(1,154	)		-			(2,000	)

Issuance of restricted stock, net of cancellation		241			2			(2	)		-			-			-

Stock based compensation expense related to restricted stock		-			-			1,624			-			-			1,624

Net earnings (loss)		-			-			-			1,173			(144	)		1,029

Balance at December 31, 2014		34,094		$	341		$	75,695		$	92,724		$	(142	)	$	168,618

See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

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

(In thousands)

	Year Ended December 31,
	2014			2013			2012
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net earnings (loss)	$	1,029		$	(5,969	)	$	(2,457	)
Adjustments to reconcile net earnings (loss) to net cash provided by operating activities
Depreciation and amortization		8,378			9,238			8,990
(Gain) loss on disposal and impairment of assets		(191	)		255			5,621
Goodwill impairment		-			4,854			-
Expense from changes in fair value of contingent consideration		742			21			2,872
Tax benefit related to stock incentive plan transactions		100			118			134
Deferred income taxes		(2,265	)		(1,690	)		(2,771	)
Stock based compensation related to stock awards		1,624			1,624			1,645
Decrease (increase) in operating assets:
Accounts receivable		(802	)		(421	)		(7,097	)
Inventories		10,256			(13,828	)		(600	)
Income taxes receivable		(55	)		1,758			(1,532	)
Other assets		(1,370	)		1,236			661
Increase (decrease) in operating liabilities:
Accounts payable		(7,763	)		7,525			1,350
Accrued warranty		1,658			1,517			260
Accrued customer rebates		(24	)		(109	)		753
Accrued compensation and related taxes		1,786			(1,308	)		2,079
Deposits from customers		(6,482	)		11,620			(1,515	)
Other current liabilities and accrued expenses		(27	)		(2,212	)		(1,896	)
Taxes on income		(88	)		(1,183	)		(130	)
Total adjustments		5,477			19,015			8,824
Net cash provided by operating activities		6,506			13,046			6,367

Cash flows from investing activities:
Purchases of property, plant and equipment		(3,463	)		(3,526	)		(12,468	)
Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment		648			180			75
Proceeds from notes receivable		-			2,500			-
Net cash used in investing activities		(2,815	)		(846	)		(12,393	)

Cash flows from financing activities:
Borrowings under credit facilities		2,191			-			2,891
Payments on credit facilities		(2,191	)		-			(2,891	)
Proceeds from long-term debt		-			138			223
Payments on long-term debt		(80	)		(86	)		(73	)
Payment of contingent consideration on acquisitions		(162	)		(460	)		(756	)
Purchase and retirement of common stock		(2,000	)		-			-
Net cash provided from (used in) the exercise, vesting or cancellation of stock incentive awards		(59	)		699			220
Cash paid related to tax impact of stock incentive plan transactions		(100	)		(118	)		(134	)
Payment of dividends		(3,427	)		(3,414	)		(3,383	)
Net cash used in financing activities		(5,828	)		(3,241	)		(3,903	)

Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents		(2,137	)		8,959			(9,929	)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year		30,707			21,748			31,677
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year	$	28,570		$	30,707		$	21,748

See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

SPARTAN MOTORS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Dollar amounts in thousands, except per share data)

NOTE 1 - GENERAL AND SUMMARY OF ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Nature of Operations. Spartan Motors, Inc. (the “Company”, “we”, or “us”) is a custom engineer and manufacturer of specialized motor vehicle chassis and bodies. Our principal chassis markets are emergency response vehicles, motor homes and other specialty vehicles. We also have various subsidiaries that are manufacturers of bodies for various markets including emergency response vehicles and delivery and service vehicles.

Principles of Consolidation. The consolidated financial statements include our accounts and the accounts of our wholly owned subsidiaries: Spartan Chassis, Inc. (“Spartan Chassis”), Spartan Motors USA, Inc. (“Spartan USA”, formerly known as Crimson Fire, Inc.), Crimson Fire Aerials, Inc. (“Crimson Aerials”), Utilimaster Corporation (“Utilimaster”) and Classic Fire, LLC (“Classic Fire”). In November, 2012, Spartan USA entered into a joint venture with Gimaex Holding, Inc. to form Spartan-Gimaex Innovations, LLC (“Spartan-Gimaex”). In February, 2015, Spartan USA and Gimaex Holding, Inc. mutually agreed to begin discussions regarding the dissolution of the joint venture. The dissolution is expected to become effective in the second quarter of 2015. On December 31, 2014 we dissolved Classic Fire, and its operations were merged with the operations of Spartan USA. All intercompany transactions have been eliminated.

Non-Controlling Interest

At December 31, 2014, Spartan USA held a 50% share in Spartan-Gimaex, however, due to the management and operational structure of the joint venture, Spartan USA was considered to have had the ability to control the operations of Spartan-Gimaex. Accordingly, Spartan-Gimaex is reported as a consolidated subsidiary of Spartan Motors, Inc., within the Emergency Response Vehicles segment.

Use of Estimates. In the preparation of our financial statements in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting Principles (“GAAP”), management uses estimates and makes judgments and assumptions that affect asset and liability values and the amounts reported as income and expense during the periods presented. Certain of these estimates, judgments and assumptions, such as the allowance for credit losses, warranty expenses, impairment assessments and the provision for income taxes, are particularly sensitive. If actual results are different from estimates used by management, they may have a material impact on the financial statements.

Revenue Recognition. We recognize revenue in accordance with Accounting Standards Codification Topic (“ASC”) 605. 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 product has been completed in accordance with purchase order specifications and has been tendered for delivery to the customer. On certain customer requested bill and hold transactions, revenue recognition occurs after the customer has been notified that the products have been completed according to the customer specifications, have passed all of our quality control inspections, and are ready for delivery. All sales are shown net of returns, discounts and sales incentive programs, which historically have not been significant. Rebates for certain product sales, which are known and accrued at time of sale, are reflected as a reduction of revenue. Service revenue is immaterial at less than one percent of total sales. The collectability of any related receivable is reasonably assured 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 sales.

Cash and Cash Equivalents include cash on hand, cash on deposit, treasuries and money market funds. We consider all investments purchased with an original maturity of three months or less to be cash equivalents.

SPARTAN MOTORS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Dollar amounts in thousands, except per share data)

Accounts Receivable. Our receivables are subject to credit risk, and we do not typically require collateral on our accounts receivable. We perform periodic credit evaluations of our customers’ financial condition and generally require a security interest in the products sold. Receivables generally are due within 30 to 60 days. We maintain an allowance for customer accounts that reduces receivables to amounts that are expected to be collected. In estimating the allowance for doubtful accounts, management makes certain assumptions regarding the risk of uncollectable open receivable accounts. This risk factor is applied to the balance on accounts that are aged over 90 days: generally this reserve has an estimated range from 10-25%. The risk percentage applied to the aged accounts may change based on conditions such as: general economic conditions, industry-specific economic conditions, historical and anticipated customer performance, historical experience with write-offs and the level of past-due amounts from year to year. However, generally our assumptions are consistent year-over-year and there has been little adjustment made to the percentages used. In addition, in the event there are certain known risk factors with an open account, we may increase the allowance to include estimated losses on such “specific” account balances. The “specific” reserves are identified by a periodic review of the aged accounts receivable. If there is an account in question, credit checks are made and there is communication with the customer, along with other means to try to assess if a specific reserve is required. The inclusion of the “specific” reserve has caused the greatest fluctuation in the allowance for doubtful accounts balance historically. Past due accounts are written off when collectability is determined to be no longer assured.

Inventories are stated at the lower of first-in, first-out cost or market. Estimated inventory allowances for slow-moving 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.

Property, Plant and Equipment is stated at cost and the related assets are depreciated over their estimated useful lives on a straight line basis for financial statement purposes and an accelerated method for income tax purposes. Cost includes an amount of interest associated with significant capital projects. Estimated useful lives range from 20 to 31.5 years for buildings and improvements, 3 to 15 years for plant machinery and equipment, 3 to 7 years for furniture and fixtures and 3 to 5 years for vehicles. Leasehold improvements are depreciated over the shorter of the lease term or the estimated useful life of the asset. Maintenance and repair costs are charged to earnings, while expenditures that increase asset lives are capitalized. We review our property, plant and equipment, along with all other long-lived assets that have finite lives, including finite-lived intangible assets, for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that their carrying amounts may not be recoverable. Assets held-for-sale are recorded at the lower of historical depreciated cost or the estimated fair value less costs to sell.

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets. Goodwill represents the excess of the cost of a business combination over the fair value of the net assets acquired. Goodwill and intangible assets deemed to have indefinite lives are not amortized, but are subject to impairment tests on an annual basis, or whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value may not be recoverable. Goodwill is allocated to the reporting unit from which it was created. A reporting unit is an operating segment or sub-segment to which goodwill is assigned when initially recorded. We review indefinite lived intangible assets annually for impairment by comparing the carrying value of those assets to their fair value.

Other intangible assets with finite lives are amortized over their estimated useful lives and are tested for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that their carrying amounts may not be recoverable.

We perform our annual goodwill and indefinite lived intangible assets impairment test as of October 1 and monitor for interim triggering events on an ongoing basis. For goodwill we first assess qualitative factors to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount. Under authoritative guidance, we are not required to calculate the fair value of a reporting unit unless we determine that it is more likely than not that the fair value of the reporting unit is less than its carrying amount. We have the option to bypass the qualitative assessment and proceed to the first step of the two-step impairment test.

SPARTAN MOTORS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Dollar amounts in thousands, except per share data)

If we elect to bypass the qualitative assessment for a reporting unit, or if after completing the assessment we determine that it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying value, we perform a two-step impairment test, whereby the first step is comparing the fair value of a reporting unit with its carrying amount, including goodwill. The fair value of the reporting unit is determined by estimating the future cash flows of the reporting unit to which the goodwill relates, and then discounting the future cash flows at a market-participant-derived weighted-average cost of capital (“WACC”). In determining the estimated future cash flows, we consider current and projected future levels of income based on our plans for that business; business trends, prospects and market and economic conditions; and market-participant considerations. If the fair value of a reporting unit exceeds its carrying amount, goodwill of the reporting unit is considered to not be impaired and the second step of the test is not performed. The second step of the impairment test is performed if the carrying amount of the reporting unit exceeds the fair value, in which case the implied fair value of the reporting unit goodwill is compared with the carrying amount of that goodwill based on a hypothetical allocation of the reporting unit’s fair value to all of its underlying assets and liabilities. If the carrying amount of the reporting unit goodwill exceeds the implied fair value of that goodwill, an impairment loss is recognized in an amount equal to the excess.

We evaluate the recoverability of our indefinite lived intangible assets, which consist of our Utilimaster and Classic Fire trade names, based on estimates of future royalty payments that are avoided through our ownership of the trade names, discounted to their present value. In determining the estimated fair value of the trade names, we consider current and projected future levels of revenue based on our plans for Utilimaster and Classic Fire, business trends, prospects and market and economic conditions.

Significant judgments inherent in these assessments and analyses include assumptions about macroeconomic and industry conditions, appropriate sales growth rates, WACC and the amount of expected future net cash flows. The judgments and assumptions used in the estimate of fair value are generally consistent with the projections and assumptions that are used in current operating plans. Such assumptions are subject to change as a result of changing economic and competitive conditions. The determination of fair value is highly sensitive to differences between estimated and actual cash flows and changes in the related discount rate used to evaluate the fair value of the reporting units and trade names.

See Note 4, Goodwill and Intangible Assets, for further details on our goodwill and other intangible assets.

Warranties. Our policy is to record a provision for the estimated cost of warranty-related claims at the time of the sale, and periodically adjust the warranty liability to reflect actual experience. The amount of warranty liability accrued reflects management’s best estimate of the expected future cost of honoring our obligations under the warranty agreements. Our estimates are based on historical experience, the number of units involved and the extent of features and components included in product models. See Note 9, Commitments and Contingent Liabilities, for further information regarding warranties.

Deposits from Customers. We sometimes receive advance payments from customers for product orders and record these amounts as liabilities. We accept such deposits 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.

Research and Development. Our research and development costs, which consist of compensation costs, travel and entertainment, administrative expenses and new product development among other items, are expensed as incurred.

Taxes on Income. We recognize deferred income tax assets and liabilities using enacted tax rates for the effect of temporary differences between the book and tax bases of recorded assets and liabilities. Authoritative guidance also requires deferred income tax assets, which include state tax credit carryforwards, operating loss carryforwards and deductible temporary differences, to be reduced by a valuation allowance if it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred income tax assets will not be realized.

SPARTAN MOTORS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Dollar amounts in thousands, except per share data)

We recognize the tax benefit from an uncertain tax position only if it is more likely than not that the tax position will be sustained on examination by the taxing authorities. The determination is based on the technical merits of the position and presumes that each uncertain tax position will be examined by the relevant taxing authority that has full knowledge of all relevant information. Although we believe the estimates are reasonable, no assurance can be given that the final outcome of these matters will not be different than what is reflected in the historical income tax provisions and accruals.

Interest and penalties attributable to income taxes are recorded as a component of income taxes.

See Note 7, Taxes on Income, for further details on our income taxes.

Earnings Per Share. Basic earnings per share is based on the weighted average number of common shares, share equivalents of stock appreciation rights (“SAR”s) and participating securities outstanding during the period. Diluted earnings per share also include the dilutive effect of additional potential common shares issuable from stock options and are determined using the treasury stock method. Basic earnings per share represents net earnings divided by basic weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period, including the average dilutive effect of our SARs outstanding during the period determined using the treasury stock method. Diluted earnings per share represents net earnings divided by diluted weighted average number of common shares outstanding, which includes the average dilutive effect of our stock options outstanding during the period. Our unvested stock awards are included in the number of shares outstanding for both basic and diluted earnings per share calculations, unless a net loss is reported, in which situation unvested stock awards are excluded from the number of shares outstanding for both basic and diluted earnings per share calculations. See Note 14, Earnings Per Share, for further details.

Stock Incentive Plans. Share based payment compensation costs for equity-based awards is measured on the grant date based on the fair value of the award at that date, and is recognized over the requisite service period, net of estimated forfeitures. Fair value of stock option and stock appreciation rights awards are estimated using a closed option valuation (Black-Scholes) model. Fair value of restricted stock awards is based upon the quoted market price of the common stock on the date of grant. Our incentive stock plans are described in more detail in Note 12, Stock Based Compensation.

Fair Value. We are required to disclose the fair value of our financial instruments. The carrying value at December 31, 2014 and 2013 of cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable and accounts payable approximate their fair value due to their short term nature. The carrying value of variable rate debt instruments approximate their fair value based on their relative terms and market rates.

Reclassifications. Certain immaterial amounts in the prior years’ financial statements have been reclassified to conform to the current year’s presentation.

Segment Reporting. We identify our reportable segments based on our management structure and the financial data utilized by the chief operating decision makers to assess segment performance and allocate resources among our operating units. We have three reportable segments: Emergency Response Vehicles, Delivery and Service Vehicles, and Specialty Chassis and Vehicles. More detailed information about our reportable segments can be found in Note 15, Business Segments.

Supplemental Disclosures of Cash Flow Information. Cash paid for interest was $327, $311 and $273 for 2014, 2013 and 2012. Cash paid for income taxes, net of refunds, was $1,168, $370 and $3,873 for 2014, 2013 and 2012.

New Accounting Standards

In May, 2014 the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606) (“ASU 2014-09”). ASU 2014-09 is based on the principle that revenue should be recognized to depict the transfer of goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. The new standard also requires additional disclosure about the nature, amount, timing and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows arising from customer contracts, including significant judgments and changes in judgments and assets recognized from costs incurred to obtain or fulfill a contract. ASU 2014-09 is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016, including interim periods within that reporting period, and may be applied retrospectively to each prior period presented or retrospectively with the cumulative effect recognized as of the date of initial application. Early adoption is not permitted. We are currently evaluating the adoption method and the impact of the adoption of the new revenue recognition standard on our consolidated financial statements.

SPARTAN MOTORS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Dollar amounts in thousands, except per share data)

In July 2013, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2013-11, “Presentation of an Unrecognized Tax Benefit When a Net Operating Loss Carryforward, a Similar Tax Loss, or a Tax Credit Carryforward Exists” (“ASU 2013-11”). ASU 2013-11 amends the guidance related to the presentation of unrecognized tax benefits and allows for the reduction of a deferred tax asset for a net operating loss (“NOL”) carryforward whenever the NOL or tax credit carryforward would be available to reduce the additional taxable income or tax due if the tax position is disallowed. ASU 2013-11 is effective for annual and interim periods for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2013, and early adoption is permitted. The adoption of the provisions of ASU 2013-11 did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

NOTE 2 – INVENTORIES

Inventories are summarized as follows:	December 31,
	2014			2013

Finished goods	$	16,981		$	17,168
Work in process		16,698			25,453
Raw materials and purchased components		41,072			41,093
Reserve for slow-moving inventory		(3,588	)		(2,295	)

Total Inventory	$	71,163		$	81,419

We also have a number of demonstration units as part of our sales and training program. These demonstration units are included in the “Finished goods” line item above, and amounted to $8,718 and $8,861 at December 31, 2014 and 2013. When the demonstration units are sold, the cost related to the demonstration unit is included in Cost of products sold on our Consolidated Statements of Operations.

Work in process inventory decreased from December 31, 2013 primarily due to supplier issues that delayed the final production of units in the Delivery and Service Vehicle segment in 2013, resulting in unusually high work in process inventory at December 31, 2013.

NOTE 3 – RESTRUCTURING CHARGES

During 2014, we incurred restructuring charges related to the relocation of our Ocala, FL manufacturing operations to our Charlotte, Michigan and Brandon, South Dakota facilities, along with efforts undertaken to upgrade production processes at our Brandon, South Dakota and Ephrata, Pennsylvania locations.

During 2012, we incurred restructuring charges within our Delivery and Service Vehicles segment, including asset impairments, as the result of the relocation of certain of our Utilimaster operations from Wakarusa, Indiana to Bristol, Indiana and the relocation of our Reach^TM manufacturing from Wakarusa, Indiana to Charlotte, Michigan, along with certain severance charges incurred within our Specialty Chassis and Vehicles and Emergency Response Vehicles segments to help align expenses with current and future revenue expectations.

There were no restructuring charges recorded during the year ended December 31, 2013.

The following table provides a summary of the compensation related charges incurred through December 31, 2014 as part of our restructuring initiatives, along with the related outstanding balances to be paid in relation to those expenses.

	Severance
Balance January 1, 2012	$	-
Accrual for severance		1,642
Payments and adjustments made in period		(1,012	)
Balance December 31, 2012		630
Accrual for severance		-
Payments made in period		630
Balance December 31, 2013		-
Accrual for severance		165
Payments made in period		-
Balance December 31, 2014	$	165

SPARTAN MOTORS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Dollar amounts in thousands, except per share data)

Restructuring charges included in our Consolidated Statements of Operations for the year ended December 31, 2014, which were all related to our Emergency Response Vehicles segment, are as follows:

Cost of products sold
Inventory impairment	$	584
Relocation/retention costs		93
Accrual for severance		131
Total cost of products sold		808

General and Administrative
Manufacturing process reengineering		1,017
Relocation/retention costs		298
Accrual for severance		34
Total general and administrative		1,349

Total restructuring	$	2,157

Restructuring charges included in our Consolidated Statements of Operations for the year ended December 31, 2012, broken down by segment, are as follows:

	Year ended December 31, 2012
	Emergency Response		Delivery and Service Vehicles		Specialty Chassis and Vehicles		Other		Total
Cost of products sold
Asset impairment	$	-	$	4,315	$	-	$	-	$	4,315
Accrual for severance		74		-		158		-		232
Production relocation costs		-		1,967		-		-		1,967
Total cost of products sold		74		6,282		158		-		6,514

General and Administrative
Asset impairment		-		1,153		-		-		1,153
Accrual for severance		454		259		638		59		1,410
Production relocation costs		-		56		-		-		56
Total general and administrative		454		1,468		638		59		2,619
Total restructuring	$	528	$	7,750	$	796	$	59	$	9,133

SPARTAN MOTORS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Dollar amounts in thousands, except per share data)

NOTE 4 – GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS

We test goodwill for impairment at the reporting unit level on an annual basis as of October 1, or whenever an event or change in circumstances occurs that would more likely than not reduce the fair value of a reporting unit below its carrying amount. See “Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets” within Note 1, General and Summary of Accounting Policies for a description of our accounting policies regarding goodwill and other intangible assets.

At December 31, 2014 and 2013, we had recorded goodwill at our Utilimaster subsidiary. Utilimaster comprises the Delivery and Service Vehicles reportable segment, which was also determined to be a reporting unit for goodwill impairment testing. The goodwill recorded in the Delivery and Service Vehicles reporting unit was evaluated for impairment as of October 1, 2014 using a discounted cash flow valuation.

The estimated fair value of our Delivery and Service Vehicles reporting unit exceeded its carrying value by approximately 17% in 2014, indicating that the goodwill was not impaired. Based on the discounted cash flow valuation at October 1, 2014, an increase in the weighted average cost of capital (“WACC”) used for the Delivery and Service Vehicles reporting unit of approximately 160 basis points would not result in impairment. As discussed in Note 1, General and Summary of Accounting Policies, there are significant judgments inherent in our impairment assessments and discounted cash flow analyses. These discounted cash flow analyses are most sensitive to the WACC assumption.

Our 2012 goodwill impairment test for the Emergency Response Vehicles reporting unit indicated no impairment. Our 2013 impairment test for the goodwill recorded under our Emergency Response Vehicles reporting unit, as of October 1, 2013, indicated that the reporting unit’s carrying cost exceeded its estimated fair value. As a result, we were required to compare the carrying value of this goodwill to its implied fair value, resulting in a non-cash impairment charge of $4,854 being recorded during the quarter ended December 31, 2013. This impairment reflected the failure of the Company to reverse the ongoing operating losses of this reporting unit over the previous three years, and the inability to definitively demonstrate the reporting unit’s ability to generate sufficient cash flow, on a discounted basis, to cover the carrying cost of its assets.

The Company’s goodwill by reportable segment is as follows:

	Emergency Response Vehicles						Delivery and Service Vehicles				Total
	December 31,						December 31,				December 31,
	2014			2013			2014		2013		2014			2013
Goodwill, beginning of year	$	-		$	4,854		$	15,961	$	15,961	$	15,961		$	20,815
Impairment losses during the year		-			(4,854	)		-		-		-			(4,854	)
Goodwill, end of year	$	-		$	-		$	15,961	$	15,961	$	15,961		$	15,961

Acquired goodwill	$	4,854		$	4,854		$	15,961	$	15,961	$	20,815		$	20,815
Accumulated impairment		(4,854	)		(4,854	)		-		-		(4,854	)		(4,854	)
Goodwill, net	$	-		$	-		$	15,961	$	15,961	$	15,961		$	15,961

SPARTAN MOTORS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Dollar amounts in thousands, except per share data)

We have other intangible assets associated with our Utilimaster and Spartan USA subsidiaries, including customer and dealer relationships, non-compete agreements, unpatented technology, an acquired product development project and trade names. The non-compete agreement, unpatented technology, acquired product development project and certain other intangible assets are being amortized over their expected remaining useful lives based on the pattern of estimated of after-tax operating income generated, or on a straight-line basis. Our Utilimaster and Classic Fire trade names have indefinite lives, and are not amortized. We test our trade names for impairment at least annually, and test other intangible assets for impairment if impairment indicators are present.

We tested our Utilimaster and Classic Fire trade names for impairment, as of October 1, 2014 and 2013, by estimating the fair value of the trade names based on estimates of future royalty payments that are avoided through our ownership of the trade names, discounted to their present value. The estimated fair value of our Utilimaster trade name at October 1, 2014 exceeded its carrying cost by 219%. The estimated fair value of our Classic Fire trade name at October 1, 2014 exceeded its carrying cost by 9%. Accordingly, there was no impairment recorded on either of these trade names. Based on the discounted cash flow valuations at October 1, 2014, an increase in the WACC used for these impairment analyses of 140 basis points would not result in impairment in either trade name.

We considered the 2014 operating loss and the 2013 goodwill impairment recorded in our Emergency Response Vehicles reporting unit to be impairment indicators for the intangible assets subject to amortization, and other long-lived assets, of the reporting unit. During the fourth quarters of 2014 and 2013, we conducted impairment analyses on these assets and found that the carrying cost of these assets was recoverable, and that the assets, accordingly, are not impaired.

We recorded $1,136, $958 and $891 of intangible asset amortization expense during 2014, 2013 and 2012.

The following table provides information regarding our other intangible assets:

	As of December 31, 2014						As of December 31, 2013
	Gross carrying amount		Accumulated amortization		Net		Gross carrying amount		Accumulated amortization		Net
Customer and dealer relationships	$	6,760	$	2,924	$	3,836	$	6,760	$	2,268	$	4,492
Acquired product development project		1,860		475		1,385		1,860		128		1,732
Unpatented technology		380		143		237		380		105		275
Non-compete agreements		520		450		70		520		355		165
Backlog		320		320		-		320		320		-
Trade Names		3,430		-		3,430		3,430		-		3,430
	$	13,270	$	4,312	$	8,958	$	13,270	$	3,176	$	10,094

The estimated remaining amortization associated with finite-lived intangible assets is expected to be expensed as follows:

	Amount

2015	$	887
2016		767
2017		743
2018		726
2019		358
Thereafter		2,047
	$	5,528

SPARTAN MOTORS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Dollar amounts in thousands, except per share data)

NOTE 5 - PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT

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

	December 31,
	2014			2013

Land and improvements	$	4,892		$	4,778
Buildings and improvements		59,621			59,170
Plant machinery and equipment		34,449			35,357
Furniture and fixtures		16,273			15,899
Vehicles		3,008			2,888
Construction in process		4,223			2,947
Subtotal		122,466			121,039
Less accumulated depreciation		(72,049	)		(66,761	)
Total property, plant and equipment, net	$	50,417		$	54,278

Construction in progress includes $3,960 and $2,760 at December 31, 2014 and 2013 for the implementation of our ERP system, which has been delayed from its original targeted go-live dates of 2013 through 2015. Work continues on the system, which is now expected to go live in 2017 and 2018.

At December 31, 2013, one building at our Wakarusa, Indiana facility was recorded as held-for-sale at its estimated selling price less costs to sell. During the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, we incurred impairment charges of $43 and $344, which were recorded within Selling, general and administrative expense on our Consolidated Statement of Operations, to write down the value of the building to its then current estimated selling price, less costs to sell. The building was sold during the second quarter of 2014.

During 2012, we engaged in certain restructuring activities related to the move of certain of our Delivery and Service Vehicles operations from our Wakarusa, Indiana campus to a leased facility in Bristol, Indiana. These restructuring activities included the write down of $5,468 for buildings and equipment at our Wakarusa, Indiana campus that were reclassified as held-for-sale in 2012. On December 31, 2012 we completed the sale of certain buildings and the associated land at our Wakarusa, Indiana facility and recorded an immaterial loss on the sale. The terms of the sale include our receipt of a note receivable of $2,500, recorded within other current assets on our Consolidated Balance Sheet at December 31, 2012. The note matured, and was collected, during the first half of 2013, leaving a balance of $0 at December 31, 2013.

There were no capitalized interest costs in 2014 or 2013.

NOTE 6 - LEASES

We lease certain office equipment, computer hardware, manufacturing equipment and manufacturing and warehouse space under operating lease agreements. Building leases generally provide that we pay the cost of utilities, insurance, taxes and maintenance. Rent expense for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 was $2,286, $2,600 and $2,205.

Future minimum operating lease commitments under non-cancelable leases are as follows:

Year	Future Minimum Operating Lease Payments
2015	$	1,993
2016		1,518
2017		1,381
2018		1,213
2019		1,193
Thereafter		2,537

Total	$	9,835

SPARTAN MOTORS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Dollar amounts in thousands, except per share data)

We lease certain office equipment, computer hardware and material handling equipment under capital lease agreements. Cost and accumulated depreciation of capitalized leased assets included in machinery and equipment are $609 and $360, respectively, at December 31, 2014. Future minimum capital lease commitments under non-cancelable leases are as follows:

Year	Future Minimum Capital Lease Payments
2015	$	71
2016		71
2017		71
2018		44
2019		34
Thereafter		-
Total lease obligations, including imputed interest		291
Less imputed interest charges		(30	)
Total outstanding capital lease obligations	$	261

NOTE 7 - TAXES ON INCOME

Income taxes consist of the following:

	Year Ended December 31,
	2014			2013			2012
Current:
Federal	$	269		$	111		$	2,156
State		(107	)		(302	)		715
Total current		162			(191	)		2,871
Deferred (credit):
Federal		(1,426	)		(1,499	)		(2,762	)
State		(839	)		(191	)		(9	)
Total deferred		(2,265	)		(1,690	)		(2,771	)

TOTAL TAXES ON INCOME	$	(2,103	)	$	(1,881	)	$	100

The above current tax expense amounts differ from the actual amounts payable to the taxing authorities due to the tax impact associated with stock incentive plan transactions under the plans described in Note 12, Stock Based Compensation. These adjustments were an addition of $100, $118 and $134 in 2014, 2013 and 2012. The adjustments to current taxes on income were recognized as adjustments of additional paid-in capital.

SPARTAN MOTORS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Dollar amounts in thousands, except per share data)

The American Taxpayer Relief Act of 2012 (the “Act”) was signed into law in 2013. Among other things the Act renewed the federal research and development tax credit for calendar years 2012 and 2013. We included the credit in our 2012 federal income tax return and therefore reflected it in the computation of taxes on income in 2012.

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

	Year Ended December 31,
	2014						2013						2012
	Amount			Percentage			Amount			Percentage			Amount			Percentage

Federal income taxes at the statutory rate	$	(365	)		34.00	%	$	(2,669	)		34.00	%	$	(801	)		34.00	%
Increase (decrease) in income taxes resulting from:
Deferred income tax adjustment		(275	)		25.61			654			(8.33	)		-			-
Non-deductible goodwill impairment		-			-			525			(6.69	)		-			-
Nondeductible earn-out expense		207			(19.27	)		63			(0.80	)		961			(40.77	)
Other nondeductible expenses		242			(22.53	)		141			(1.80	)		108			(4.58	)
State tax expense, net of federal income tax benefit		(201	)		18.72			7			(0.09	)		541			(22.95	)
Net impact of adjustment of valuation allowance		(505	)		47.02			(19	)		0.24			40			(1.70	)
Section 199 production deduction		(113	)		10.52			(70	)		0.89			(182	)		7.72
Unrecognized tax benefit adjustment, expiration of statute		(765	)		71.23			(400	)		5.10			(118	)		5.00
Federal research and development tax credit		(296	)		27.56			(135	)		1.72			(294	)		12.47
Other		(32	)		2.95			22			(0.28	)		(155	)		6.57
TOTAL	$	(2,103	)		195.81	%	$	(1,881	)		23.96	%	$	100			(4.24	)%

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

	December 31,
	2014			2013
Current asset (liability):
State tax credit and net operating loss carry-forwards, net of federal income tax benefit	$	3,948		$	3,932
Warranty reserve		3,646			3,315
Inventory costs and reserves		1,917			1,840
Compensation related accruals		874			817
Workers compensation accrual		337			231
Prepaid insurance		(474	)		(147	)
Other		613			315
Total - Current		10,861			10,303
Valuation allowance		(3,062	)		(3,567	)

Total - Current, net	$	7,799		$	6,736

Noncurrent asset (liability):
Goodwill	$	(1,777	)	$	(2,181	)
Depreciation		(1,306	)		(2,172	)
Stock based compensation		1,051			1,082
Other		24			62
Total – Noncurrent, net	$	(2,008	)	$	(3,209	)

SPARTAN MOTORS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Dollar amounts in thousands, except per share data)

At December 31, 2014 and 2013, we had state deferred tax assets, related to state tax net operating loss carry-forwards, of approximately $1,151 and $1,202, which begin expiring in 2018. Also, as of December 31, 2014 and 2013, we had state deferred tax assets, related to state tax credit carry-forwards, of approximately $4,924 and $4,848, which begin expiring in 2019. Due to accumulated losses in several state jurisdictions, we had recorded valuation allowances against certain deferred tax assets aggregating $3,567 at December 31, 2013. During 2014, we commenced a reorganization of our subsidiary legal structure. Together with an assessment of anticipated future operating results, we determined that the realization of a substantial portion of the state net operating loss carryforwards was more likely than not. As a result, we recorded a reduction in our valuation allowance of $505 during the year ended December 31, 2014.

A reconciliation of the change in the unrecognized tax benefits (“UTB”) for the three years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 is as follows:

	2014			2013			2012
Balance at January 1,	$	833		$	1,166		$	990
Increase related to prior year tax positions		73			16			245
Increase related to current year tax positions		99			42			76
Settlements		-			-			(25	)
Expiration of statute		(524	)		(391	)		(120	)
Balance at December 31,	$	481		$	833		$	1,166

As of December 31, 2014, we had an ending UTB balance of $481 along with $86 of interest and penalties, for a total of $567. Of this total, $191 was recorded as current and $376 as non-current, based on the applicable statute of limitations. The change in interest and penalties amounted to a decrease of $198 in 2014, an increase of $176 in 2013, and an increase of $165 in 2012, which were reflected in taxes on income within our Consolidated Statements of Operations.

Our 2010 through 2012 federal income tax returns are currently under examination by federal taxing authorities. Although the examination is ongoing, we believe adequate provision for federal income taxes has been recorded.

As of December 31, 2014, we are no longer subject to examination by federal taxing authorities for 2007 and earlier years.

We also file tax returns in a number of states and those jurisdictions remain subject to audit in accordance with relevant state statutes. These audits can involve complex issues that may require an extended period of time to resolve and may cover multiple years. To the extent we prevail in matters for which reserves have been established, or are required to pay amounts in excess of its reserves, our effective income tax rate in a given fiscal period could be materially affected. An unfavorable tax settlement would require use of our cash and could result in an increase in our effective income tax rate in the period of resolution. A favorable tax settlement could result in a reduction in our effective income tax rate in the period of resolution. We do not expect the total amount of unrecognized tax benefits to significantly increase or decrease over the next twelve months.

In September, 2013, the U.S. Treasury Department and the U.S. Internal Revenue Service issued final regulations that address costs incurred in acquiring, producing, or improving tangible property (the "tangible property regulations"). The tangible property regulations became effective for our fiscal year ended December 31, 2014. Depending on our election, certain portions may require an accounting method change for tax purposes on a retroactive basis. We continue to review the regulations, but do not believe there will be a material impact on our consolidated financial position or results of operations when they are fully adopted.

SPARTAN MOTORS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Dollar amounts in thousands, except per share data)

NOTE 8 - TRANSACTIONS WITH MAJOR CUSTOMERS

Major customers are defined as those with sales greater than 10 percent of consolidated sales in a given year. For comparative purposes, amounts are presented for those customers in the other years presented.

We had one customer classified as a major customer in 2014 and 2013 (Customer A), which was a customer of the Specialty Chassis and Vehicles segment, while the customer classified as major in 2012 (Customer B) was a customer of the Delivery and Service Vehicles segment. Information about our major customers is as follows:

	2014				2013				2012
Customer	Sales		Accounts Receivable (at year end)		Sales		Accounts Receivable (at year end)		Sales		Accounts Receivable (at year end)

Customer A	$	57,093	$	7,541	$	65,144	$	6,684	$	41,792	$	4,824
Customer B		24,305		279		27,152		209		59,074		331

NOTE 9 - COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENT LIABILITIES

Under the terms of our credit agreement with our banks, we have the ability to issue letters of credit totaling $20,000. At December 31, 2014 and 2013, we had outstanding letters of credit totaling $4,742 and $10,429 related to certain emergency response vehicle contracts and our workers compensation insurance. The decrease in the outstanding letters of credit at December 31, 2014 is mainly due to the expiration of performance bonds issued in relation to the award of an order from Peru for 70 emergency response vehicles, which was fulfilled in 2014.

At December 31, 2014, we and our subsidiaries were parties, both as plaintiff and defendant, to a number of lawsuits and claims arising out of the normal course of our business. In the opinion of management, our financial position, future operating results or cash flows will not be materially affected by the final outcome of these legal proceedings.

Chassis Agreements

Utilimaster assembles van and truck bodies onto original equipment manufacturer (“OEM”) chassis. The majority of such OEM chassis are purchased directly by Utilimaster’s customers from the OEM and drop-shipped to Utilimaster’s premises. Utilimaster is a bailee of most other chassis under converter pool agreements with the OEMs, as described below. Chassis possessed under converter pool agreements are invoiced to the customer by the OEM or its affiliated financial institution based upon the terms of the converter pool agreements. On an annual basis, Utilimaster purchases and takes title to an immaterial number of chassis that ultimately are recorded as sales and cost of sales. Converter pool chassis obtained from the OEMs are based upon estimated future requirements and, to a lesser extent, confirmed orders from customers. Although each manufacturer’s agreement has different terms and conditions, the agreements generally provide that the manufacturer will provide a supply of chassis to be maintained at Utilimaster’s production facility under the conditions that Utilimaster will store such chassis, will not make any additions or modifications to such chassis and will not move, sell or otherwise dispose of such chassis, except under the terms of the agreement. The manufacturer does not transfer the certificate of origin to Utilimaster and, accordingly, Utilimaster accounts for the chassis in its possession as bailed inventory belonging to the manufacturer.

Utilimaster is party to chassis bailment inventory agreements with General Motors Company (“GM”) and Chrysler Group, LLC (“Chrysler”) which allow GM and Chrysler to draw up to $10,000 against our revolving credit line for chassis placed at Utilimaster. As a result of these agreements, there was $3,043 and $1,865 outstanding on our revolving credit line at December 31, 2014 and 2013. Under the terms of the bailment inventory agreements, these chassis never become the property of Utilimaster, and the amount drawn against the credit line will be repaid by a GM or Chrysler dealer at the time an order is placed for a Utilimaster body, utilizing a GM or Chrysler chassis. As such, the chassis, and the related draw on the line of credit, are not reflected in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets. See Note 11 Debt, for further information on our revolving line of credit.

SPARTAN MOTORS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Dollar amounts in thousands, except per share data)

Warranty Related

Our 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 our chassis and vehicles.

Our 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 and liability to reflect actual experience. The amount of warranty liability accrued reflects our best estimate of the expected future cost of honoring our obligations under the warranty agreements. Historically, the cost of fulfilling our warranty obligations has principally involved replacement parts and labor for field retrofit campaigns. Our estimates are based on historical experience, the number of units involved and the extent of features and components included in product models.

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 our historical experience. We provide 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 our historical experience.

Changes in our warranty liability during the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 were as follows:

	2014			2013
Balance of accrued warranty at January 1	$	7,579		$	6,062
Warranties issued during the period		5,670			3,915
Cash settlements made during the period		(4,875	)		(4,394	)
Changes in liability for pre-existing warranties during the period, including expirations		863			1,996
Balance of accrued warranty at December 31	$	9,237		$	7,579

Contingent Consideration

In connection with our acquisition of Utilimaster in November 2009, we incurred contingent obligations through 2014 in the form of certain performance-based earn-out payments, up to an aggregate maximum amount of $7,000. Through December 31, 2014 we have made earn-out payments totaling $5,069, including $3,069 made as the result of sales that exceeded targeted levels and $2,000 as the result of meeting targeted sales levels for the Reach commercial van. At December 31, 2014, we have recorded a contingent liability of $1,500 within Other current liabilities on our Consolidated Balance Sheet for the remaining payment owed under this contingent obligation, which was paid in January 2015.

In connection with the acquisition of Classic Fire in April, 2011, we incurred contingent obligations through 2013 in the form of certain performance-based earn-out payments, up to an aggregate maximum amount of $1,000. No payments were made, and no payments will be required to be made, under this earn-out agreement. During the year ended December 31, 2012, the Company recorded an adjustment to operating expenses of $(83) to bring the contingent liability to $0 based on the expected future payment amounts.

During the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, we recorded additional expense reflecting changes in the present value of the contingent liability as detailed below:

	Contingent Liability
Contingent liability fair value at January 1, 2012	$	2,934
Expense from discount amortization		483
Expense from changes in estimated fair value of contingent payments (1)		2,389
Payments made		(2,100	)
Contingent liability fair value at December 31, 2012		3,706
Expense from discount amortization		215
Credit from changes in estimated fair value of contingent payments (1)		(194	)
Payments made		(2,720	)
Contingent liability fair value at December 31, 2013		1,007
Expense from discount amortization		114
Expense from changes in estimated fair value of contingent payments (1)		628
Payments made		(249	)
Contingent liability fair value at December 31, 2014	$	1,500

(1)

Represents adjustments to the contingent consideration liability based on expected or actual Classic Fire or Utilimaster sales levels for 2012, 2013 and 2014, along with the expectation of or success in meeting the targeted sales levels for the Reach^TM commercial van in 2012 and 2013.

SPARTAN MOTORS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Dollar amounts in thousands, except per share data)

We believe that we have sufficient liquidity to fund the contingent obligations as they become due.

NOTE 10 - COMPENSATION INCENTIVE PLANS

We sponsor defined contribution retirement plans which cover all associates who meet length of service and minimum age requirements. Our matching contributions vest over 5 years and were $625, $604 and $380 in 2014, 2013 and 2012. These amounts are expensed as incurred.

The Spartan Motors, Inc. Incentive Compensation Plan encompasses a quarterly and an annual bonus program. The quarterly program covers certain of our full-time employees. The cash bonuses paid under the quarterly program are equal for all participants. Amounts expensed for the quarterly bonus were $1,789, $867 and $1,134 for 2014, 2013 and 2012.

The annual bonus provides that executive officers and certain designated managers may earn cash bonuses based on our achievement of pre-defined financial and operational objectives. Amounts expensed for the annual bonus were $1,644, $236 and $1,698 for 2014, 2013 and 2012.

NOTE 11 - DEBT

Long-term debt consists of the following:

	December 31, 2014			December 31, 2013
Note payable to Prudential Investment Management, Inc. Principal due December 1, 2016 with quarterly interest only payments of $68 at 5.46%. Unsecured debt. (1)	$	5,000		$	5,000
Line of credit revolver (2):		--			--
Capital lease obligations (See Note 6 – Leases)		261			340
Total debt		5,261			5,340
Less current portion of long-term debt		(59	)		(79	)
Total long-term debt	$	5,202		$	5,261

The long-term debt due is as follows; $59 in 2015; $5,062 in 2016; $65 in 2017; $42 in 2018 and $33 thereafter.

(1)

We have a private shelf agreement with Prudential Investment Management, Inc., which allows us to borrow up to $50,000 to be issued in $5,000 minimum increments. On November 30, 2012, we entered into an amendment to our existing amended and restated private shelf agreement with Prudential Investment Management, Inc. The amended agreement extended the period during which we may issue private notes by three years to November 30, 2015 and increased the limit of the uncommitted shelf facility up to $50,000. The interest rate is determined based on applicable rates at the time of issuance. We had $5,000 of private placement notes outstanding at December 31, 2014 and 2013 with Prudential Investment Management, Inc.

(2)

Our primary line of credit is a $70,000 unsecured revolving line with Well Fargo Bank and JPMorgan Chase Bank, expiring on December 31, 2017, with an option to renew for two successive one year terms thereafter. Both lending institutions equally share this commitment. The terms of this credit agreement allow us to request an increase in the facility of up to $35,000 in the aggregate, subject to customary terms. This line carries an interest rate of the higher of either (i) the highest of prime rate, the federal funds effective rate plus 0.5%, or the one month adjusted LIBOR plus 1.00%; or (ii) adjusted LIBOR plus margin based upon our ratio of debt to earnings from time to time. We had no borrowings on this line at December 31, 2014 or 2013. GM and Chrysler have the ability to draw up to $10,000 against our primary line of credit in relation to chassis supplied to Utilimaster under chassis bailment inventory programs. See Note 9, Commitments and Contingent Liabilities for further information about this chassis bailment inventory program. The applicable borrowing rate including margin was 1.655750% (or one-month LIBOR plus 1.5%) at December 31, 2014.

Under the terms of the primary line of credit agreement and the private shelf agreement, we are required to maintain certain financial ratios and other financial conditions, which limited our available borrowings under our line of credit to a total of approximately $38,600 and $23,800 at December 31, 2014 and 2013. The agreements also prohibit us from incurring additional indebtedness; limit certain acquisitions, investments, advances or loans; and restrict substantial asset sales. At December 31, 2014 and 2013, we were in compliance with all debt covenants.

SPARTAN MOTORS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Dollar amounts in thousands, except per share data)

NOTE 12 - STOCK BASED COMPENSATION

We have stock incentive plans covering certain employees and non-employee directors. Shares reserved for stock awards under these plans total 4,725,000. Total shares remaining available for stock incentive grants under these plans totaled 2,519,000 at December 31, 2014. We are currently authorized to grant new stock options, restricted stock, restricted stock units, stock appreciation rights and common stock under our various stock incentive plans which include our Stock Incentive Plan of 2005, Stock Incentive Plan of 2007 and Stock Incentive Plan of 2012. The stock incentive plans allow certain employees, officers and non-employee directors to purchase common stock of Spartan Motors at a price established on the date of grant. Incentive stock options granted under these plans must have an exercise price equal to or greater than 100% of the fair market value of Spartan Motors stock on the grant date.

Stock Options and Stock Appreciation Rights. Granted options and Stock Appreciation Rights (SARs) vest immediately and are exercisable for a period of 10 years from the grant date. The exercise price for all options and the base price for all SARs granted have been equal to the market price at the date of grant. Dividends are not paid on unexercised options or SARs. SARs have historically been settled with shares of common stock upon exercise.

We receive a tax deduction for certain stock option exercises during the period the options are exercised, generally for the excess of the fair value of the stock on the date of exercise over the exercise price of the options. As required, we report any excess tax benefits in our Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows as financing cash flows. Excess tax benefits derive from the difference between the tax deduction and the fair market value of the option as determined by the Black-Scholes valuation model.

Option activity for the year ended December 31, 2014 is as follows for all plans:

	Total Number of Options (000)			Weighted Average Exercise Price		Total Intrinsic Value		Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term (Years)

Options outstanding and exercisable at December 31, 2013		233		$	5.18
Granted and vested		--			--
Exercised		(178	)		5.31
Cancelled		(16	)		5.30
Options outstanding and exercisable at December 31, 2014		39			4.57	$	26		1.0

No options were granted in 2014, 2013 or 2012, and there was no related compensation expense nor income tax benefit recognized in the corresponding income statements. The total intrinsic value of options exercised during years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, were $10, $339 and $30.

SARs activity for the year ended December 31, 2014 is as follows for all plans:

	Total Number of SARs (000)			Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value		Total Intrinsic Value		Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term (Years)
SARs outstanding and exercisable at December 31, 2013		305		$	3.04
Granted and vested		-			-
Exercised		-			-
Cancelled		(16	)		3.24
SARs outstanding and exercisable at December 31, 2014		289			3.03	$	41		2.2

No SARs were granted in 2014, 2013 or 2012, and there was no related compensation expense nor income tax benefit recognized in the corresponding income statements. The outstanding SARS could have been exercised for the issuance of 7,864 shares of our common stock at December 31, 2014. The total intrinsic value of SARs exercised during the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 was $0, $4 and $7.

Restricted Stock Awards. We issue restricted stock, at no cash cost, to our directors, officers and key employees. Shares awarded entitle the shareholder to all rights of common stock ownership except that the shares are subject to the risk of forfeiture and may not be sold, transferred, pledged, exchanged or otherwise disposed of during the vesting period, which is generally three to five years. The unearned stock-based compensation related to restricted stock awards, using the market price on the date of grant, is being amortized to compensation expense over the applicable vesting periods. Cash dividends are paid on unvested restricted stock grants and all such dividends vest immediately.

We receive an excess tax benefit or liability during the period the restricted shares vest. The excess tax benefit (liability) is determined by the excess (shortfall) of the market price of the stock on date of vesting over (under) the grant date market price used to amortize the awards to compensation expense. As required, any excess tax benefits or liabilities are reported in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows as financing cash flows.

SPARTAN MOTORS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Dollar amounts in thousands, except per share data)

Restricted stock activity for the year ended December 31, 2014, is as follows:

	Total Number of Non-vested Shares (000)			Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value		Weighted Average Remaining Vesting Life (Years)
Non-vested shares outstanding at December 31, 2013		486		$	5.34
Granted		328			5.09
Vested		(331	)		5.40
Forfeited		(44	)		5.19
Non-vested shares outstanding at December 31, 2014		439			5.13		0.8

The weighted-average grant date fair value of non-vested shares granted was $5.09, $5.24 and $5.43 for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012.

During 2014, 2013 and 2012, we recorded compensation expense, net of cancellations, of $1,624, $1,624 and $1,645, related to restricted stock awards and direct stock grants. The total income tax benefit recognized in the Consolidated Statements of Operations related to restricted stock awards was $568, $568 and $576 for 2014, 2013 and 2012. For the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, restricted shares vested with a fair market value of $1,785, $1,397 and $1,603. When the fair value of restricted shares is lower on the date of vesting than that previously expensed for book purposes, an excess tax liability is booked. As of December 31, 2014, we had unearned stock-based compensation of $1,314 associated with these restricted stock grants, which will be recognized over a weighted average of 0.8 years.

Employee Stock Purchase Plan. We instituted an employee stock purchase plan (“ESPP”) beginning on October 1, 2011 whereby essentially all employees who meet certain service requirements can purchase our common stock on quarterly offering dates at 95% of the fair market value of the shares on the purchase date. A maximum of 750,000 shares are authorized for purchase until the ESPP termination date of February 24, 2021, or earlier termination of the ESPP. During the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, we received proceeds of $44 and $81 for the purchase of 9,000 and 16,000 shares under the ESPP.

NOTE 13 – SHAREHOLDERS EQUITY

On October 19, 2011, our Board of Directors authorized the re-purchase of up to 1 million shares of our common stock. At December 31, 2014, there were 618,000 shares remaining in this repurchase authorization. The following table represents our purchases of our common stock during the year ended December 31, 2014 under this share purchase program. We did not repurchase any of our common stock during 2013 or 2012.

	Average Purchase Price		Shares Purchased (000)		Purchase Value
April - June 2014	$	5.07		197	$	1,000
July - September 2014	$	5.40		185		1,000
	$	5.23		382	$	2,000

NOTE 14 – EARNINGS PER SHARE

The table below reconciles basic weighted average common shares outstanding to diluted weighted average shares outstanding for 2014, 2013 and 2012 (in thousands). The stock awards noted as antidilutive were not included in the diluted (in the case of stock options) or basic (in the case of unvested restricted stock awards) weighted average common shares outstanding. Although these stock awards were not included in our calculation of basic or diluted earnings per share (“EPS”), they may have a dilutive effect on the EPS calculation in future periods if the price of our common stock increases.

	Year Ended December 31,
	2014		2013		2012
Basic weighted average common shares outstanding		34,251		33,550		33,165
Effect of dilutive stock options		5		-		-
Diluted weighted average common shares outstanding		34,256		33,550		33,165

Antidilutive stock awards:
Stock options		175		45		250
Unvested restricted stock awards		-		531		637

SPARTAN MOTORS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Dollar amounts in thousands, except per share data)

NOTE 15 - BUSINESS SEGMENTS

The Emergency Response Vehicles segment consists of the emergency response chassis operations of Spartan Chassis and the operations of Spartan USA, Crimson Aerials, and Spartan-Gimaex. This segment engineers and manufactures emergency response chassis and vehicles. Since 2012, when the emergency response vehicles business was aligned under the Spartan brand, the chassis and body operations have become increasingly aligned. As a result, the company believes it is appropriate to report revenue for this segment as one product group, Emergency Response Vehicles. Reporting for prior periods has been recast accordingly.

The Delivery and Service Vehicles segment consists of Utilimaster and focuses on designing and manufacturing walk-in vans for the delivery and service market and the production of commercial truck bodies along with related aftermarket parts and assemblies.

The Specialty Chassis and Vehicles segment consists of the Spartan Chassis operations that engineer and manufacture motor home chassis, defense vehicles and other specialty chassis and distribute related aftermarket parts and assemblies.

Appropriate expense amounts are allocated to the three reportable segments and are included in their reported operating income or loss.

The accounting policies of the segments are the same as those described, or referred to, in Note 1, General and Summary of Accounting Policies. Assets and related depreciation expense in the column labeled “Other” pertain to capital assets maintained at the corporate level. Segment loss from operations in the “Other” column contains corporate related expenses not allocable to the reportable segments. Interest expense and Taxes on income are not included in the information utilized by the chief operating decision makers to assess segment performance and allocate resources, and accordingly, are excluded from the segment results presented below. Intercompany transactions between reportable segments were immaterial in all periods presented.

Sales to customers outside the United States were $55,919, $33,150 and $44,205 for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, or 11.0%, 7.1% and 9.4%, respectively, of sales for those years. All of our long-lived assets are located in the United States.

Sales and other financial information by business segment are as follows:

Year Ended December 31, 2014

	Segment
	Emergency Response Vehicles			Delivery and Service Vehicles		Specialty Chassis and Vehicles		Other			Consolidated
Emergency response vehicles sales	$	184,532		$	-	$	-	$	-		$	184,532
Delivery and service vehicles sales		-			189,016		-		-			187,690
Motor home chassis sales		-			-		86,186		-			86,186
Other specialty vehicles sales		-			-		9,165		-			9,165
Aftermarket parts and assemblies sales		-			21,482		16,383		-			39,191
Total sales	$	184,532		$	210,498	$	111,734	$	-		$	506,764
Depreciation and amortization expense	$	1,030		$	4,297	$	669	$	2,382		$	8,378
Operating income (loss)		(7,087	)		8,324		7,426		(9,814	)		(1,151	)
Segment assets		81,748			65,827		21,269		69,669			238,813
Capital expenditures		516			989		412		1,546			3,463

SPARTAN MOTORS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Dollar amounts in thousands, except per share data)

Year Ended December 31, 2013

	Segment
	Emergency Response Vehicles			Delivery and Service Vehicles			Specialty Chassis and Vehicles		Other			Consolidated
Emergency response vehicles sales	$	165,087		$	-		$	-	$	-		$	165,087
Delivery and service vehicles sales		-			156,401			-		-			157,291
Motor home chassis sales		-			-			90,008		-			90,008
Other specialty vehicles sales		-			-			10,678		-			10,678
Aftermarket parts and assemblies sales		-			22,808			24,556		-			46,474
Total sales	$	165,087		$	179,209		$	125,242	$	-		$	469,538
Depreciation and amortization expense	$	1,390		$	3,781		$	1,498	$	2,569		$	9,238
Operating income (loss)		(7,664	)		(3,942	)		10,030		(6,622	)		(8,198	)
Segment assets		80,540			78,654			24,399		69,689			253,282
Capital expenditures		312			1,964			209		1,041			3,526

Year Ended December 31, 2012

	Segment
	Emergency Response Vehicles			Delivery and Service Vehicles		Specialty Chassis and Vehicles		Other			Consolidated
Emergency response vehicle sales	$	162,320		$	-	$	-	$	-		$	162,320
Delivery and service vehicles sales		-			150,255		-		-			150,255
Motor home chassis sales		-			-		72,127		-			72,127
Other specialty vehicles sales		-			-		7,426		-			7,426
Aftermarket parts and assemblies sales		-			57,975		20,474		-			78,449
Total sales	$	162,320		$	208,230	$	100,027	$	-		$	470,577
Depreciation and amortization expense	$	1,711		$	2,648	$	1,945	$	2,686		$	8,990
Operating income (loss)		(2,951	)		6,035		2,198		(7,873	)		(2,591	)
Segment assets		77,806			73,567		27,565		66,213			245,151
Capital expenditures		374			9,424		959		1,711			12,468

SPARTAN MOTORS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Dollar amounts in thousands, except per share data)

NOTE 16 - QUARTERLY FINANCIAL DATA (UNAUDITED)

Summarized quarterly financial data for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 is as follows (full year amounts may not sum due to rounding):

	2014 Quarter Ended										2013 Quarter Ended
	Mar 31			June 30		Sept 30		Dec 31			Mar 31			June 30		Sept 30		Dec 31
Sales	$	127,959		$	115,795	$	144,239	$	118,771		$	96,136		$	120,874	$	126,074	$	126,454

Gross profit		12,745			14,662		20,162		15,510			6,347			15,626		16,131		14,960

Net earnings (loss) attributable to Spartan Motors, Inc.		(2,140	)		247		3,199		(133	)		(4,254	)		691		563		(2,970	)

Basic net earnings (loss) per share		(0.06	)		0.01		0.09		(0.00	)		(0.13	)		0.02		0.02		(0.09	)

Diluted net earnings (loss) per share		(0.06	)		0.01		0.09		(0.00	)		(0.13	)		0.02		0.02		(0.09	)

During the third and fourth quarters of 2014, we incurred restructuring charges of $275 and $1,882, respectively. We did not incur any restructuring charges during 2013.

NOTE 17 – SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

In February, 2015, Spartan USA and Gimaex Holding, Inc. mutually agreed to begin discussions regarding the dissolution of the Spartan-Gimaex joint venture. The dissolution is expected to become effective in the second quarter of 2015. Costs associated with the wind-down will be impacted by the final dissolution agreement. Accordingly, we are unable to estimate the cost of the wind-down at this time. Spartan USA and Gimaex Holding, Inc. will share any costs associated with the wind-down on a 50/50 basis.

In February 2015, we were notified by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (“NHTSA”) staff that the agency may seek civil penalties related to possible violations of NHTSA regulations. The agency has invited the company to commence pre-enforcement settlement negotiations with the NHTSA regarding these potential violations. Civil penalties associated with these matters may become material to our results of operations and/or financial position; however, at this time we are unable to estimate the amount of any civil penalties or any other associated costs that may be incurred in settlement of these matters.

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 our management, including the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934) as of December 31, 2014. Based on and as of the time of such evaluation, our management, including the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of the end of the period covered by this report to ensure that information required to be disclosed by us in the reports that we file or submit is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the Securities and Exchange Commission’s rules and forms. Disclosure controls and procedures include, without limitation, controls and procedures designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by us in the reports that we file or submit under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting.

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, 2014, based on the framework in Internal Control - Integrated Framework (2013) 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, 2014. The effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2014 has been audited by BDO USA, LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, as stated in its attestation report, which is included in Item 8 and is incorporated into this Item 9A by reference.

Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting.

No changes in our internal control over financial reporting were identified as having occurred during the quarter ended December 31, 2014 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

Item 9B.

Other Information.

None.

PART III

Item 10.

Directors, Executive Officers, and Corporate Governance.

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” and “Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance” in our definitive proxy statement for our annual meeting of shareholders to be held on May 20, 2015, to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission no later than 120 days after December 31, 2014, and is incorporated herein by reference.

We have adopted a Code of Ethics that applies to our principal executive officer, principal financial officer and principal accounting officer. This Code of Ethics is posted under “Code of Ethics” on our website at www.spartanmotors.com. We have also adopted a Code of Ethics and Compliance applicable to all directors, officers and associates, which is posted under “Code of Conduct” on our website at www.spartanmotors.com. Any waiver from or amendment to a provision of either code will be disclosed on our website.

Item 11.

Executive Compensation.

The information required by this item is contained under the captions “Executive Compensation,” “Compensation of Directors,” “Compensation Committee Report” and “Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation” in our definitive proxy statement for our annual meeting of shareholders to be held on May 20, 2015, to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission no later than 120 days after December 31, 2014, 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 our definitive proxy statement for our annual meeting of shareholders to be held on May 20, 2015, to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission no later than 120 days after December 31, 2014, and is incorporated herein by reference.

The following table provides information about our equity compensation plans regarding the number of securities to be issued under these plans upon the exercise of outstanding options, the weighted-average exercise prices of options outstanding under these plans, and the number of securities available for future issuance as of December 31, 2014.

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)		328,000	$	7.57		2,494,000
Equity compensation plans not approved by security holders (2)		--	N/A			25,000
Total		328,000	$	7.57		2,519,000

(1)	Consists of the Spartan Motors, Inc. Stock Incentive Plan of 2012 (the “2012 Plan”), Spartan Motors, Inc. Stock Incentive Plan of 2007 (the “2007 Plan”), 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”), and the Spartan Motors, Inc. 1996 Stock Option and Restricted Stock Plan for Outside Market Advisors (the “1996 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 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 table 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 2012 Plan, the 2007 Plan, the 2005 Plan, the 2003 Plan and the 1996 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 2012 Plan (1,434,000 shares), 2007 Plan (796,000 shares) and the 2005 Plan (264,000 shares, which can only be granted through May 24, 2015) represent new shares that may be granted by the Company, and not shares issuable upon the exercise of an existing option, warrant or right.

Item 13.

Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence.

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 our definitive proxy statement for our annual meeting of shareholders to be held on May 20, 2015, to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission no later than 120 days after December 31, 2014, and is incorporated herein by reference.

Item 14.

Principal Accounting Fees and Services.

The information required by this item is contained under the caption “Independent Auditor Fees” in our definitive proxy statement for our annual meeting of shareholders to be held on May 20, 2015, to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission no later than 120 days after December 31, 2014, and is incorporated herein by reference.

PART IV

Item 15.

Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules.

Item 15(a)(1).

List of Financial Statements.

The following consolidated financial statements of the Company and its subsidiaries, and reports of our registered independent public accounting firm, are filed as a part of this report under Item 8 - Financial Statements and Supplementary Data:

	Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm’s Report on Consolidated Financial Statements – Years Ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012

	Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting – December 31, 2014

	Consolidated Balance Sheets - December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013

	Consolidated Statements of Operations - Years Ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012

	Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ Equity - Years Ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012

	Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows - Years Ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012

	Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

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.

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 June 30, 2007 (Commission File No. 001-33582) , and incorporated herein by reference.

3.2		Spartan Motors, Inc. Bylaws, as amended to date. Previously filed as an exhibit to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on February 27, 2013 (Commission File No. 001-33582), 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 July 7, 2007, between Spartan Motors, Inc. and American Stock Transfer and Trust Company, which includes the form of Certificate of Designation, Preferences and Rights of Series B Preferred Stock as Exhibit A, the form of Rights Certificate as Exhibit B and the Summary of Rights to Purchase Series B Preferred Stock as Exhibit C. Previously filed as Exhibit 1 to the Company’s Form 8-A filed on July 10, 2007, and incorporated herein by reference.

4.5		The Registrant has several classes of long-term debt instruments outstanding, none of which represents an authorized amount of debt exceeding 10% of the Company’s total consolidated assets, except as furnished under Exhibit 10.11 and Exhibit 10.15 to this Form 10-K below. The Company agrees to furnish copies of any other agreements defining the rights of holders of other such long-term indebtedness to the Securities and Exchange Commission upon request.

10.1		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 (Commission File No. 001-13611), and incorporated herein by reference.*

10.2		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 (Commission File No. 001-13611), and incorporated herein by reference.*

10.3		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 (Commission File No. 001-13611), and incorporated herein by reference.*

10.4		Spartan Motors, Inc. Stock Incentive Plan of 2007, as amended. Previously filed as Appendix A to the Company’s 2007 Proxy Statement filed April 23, 2007 and incorporated herein by reference.*

10.5		Spartan Motors, Inc. Executive Leadership Team Incentive Compensation Framework. Previously filed as an exhibit to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the period ended December 31, 2011 (Commission File No. 001-33582), and incorporated herin by reference.*

Exhibit Number		Document
10.6		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.*

10.7		Form of Stock Appreciation Rights Agreement. Previously filed as an exhibit to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the period ended December 31, 2007 (Commission File No. 001-33582) and incorporated herein by reference.*

10.8		Form of Restricted Stock Agreement. Previously filed as an exhibit to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended June 30, 2009 (Commission File No. 001-33582), and incorporated herein by reference.*

10.9		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 (Commission File No. 001-13611), and incorporated herein by reference.*

10.10		Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan. Previously filed as an exhibit to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the period ended December 31, 2007 (Commission File No. 001-33582), and incorporated herein by reference. *

10.11		Amended and Restated Note Purchase and Private Shelf Agreement with Prudential Investment Management, Inc. and certain of its affiliates and managed accounts, dated November 30, 2009. Previously filed as an exhibit to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the period ended December 31, 2009 (Commission File No. 001-33582), and incorporated herein by reference. Amendment No. 1 to Amended and Restated Note Purchase and Private Shelf Agreement with Prudential Investment Management, Inc. and certain of its affiliates and managed accounts, dated February 12, 2012. Previously filed as an exhibit to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the period ended December 31, 2012 (Commission File No. 001-33582), and incorporated herein by reference. Amendment No. 2 to Amended and Restated Note Purchase and Private Shelf Agreement with Prudential Investment Management, Inc. and certain of its affiliates and managed accounts, dated November 30, 2012. Previously filed as an exhibit to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the period ended December 31, 2012 (Commission File No. 001-33582), and incorporated herein by reference.

10.12		Spartan Motors, Inc. Stock Incentive Plan of 2012. Previously filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed May 15, 2012 (Commission File No. 001-33582), and incorporated herein by reference.*

10.13		Lease agreement dated February 13, 2012 between the Company and Fruit Hills Investments, LLC. Previously filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended March 31, 2012 (Commission File No. 001-33582) and incorporated herein by reference.

10.14		Consulting Agreement dated February 12, 2015 between the Company and John Sztykiel.*

10.15		Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, dated December 31, 2014, by and among the Company, Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as administrative agent, and the lenders party thereto.

Exhibit Number		Document
10.16		Employment Letter Agreement dated July 22, 2014, between the Company and Daryl M. Adams. Previously filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended September 30, 2014 (Commission File No. 001-33582) and incorporated herein by reference.*

21		Subsidiaries of Registrant.

23		Consent of BDO USA, LLP, 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.

101.INS		XBRL Instance Document

101.SCH		XBRL Schema Document

101.CAL		XBRL Calculation Linkbase Document

101.DEF		XBRL Definition Linkbase Document

101.LAB		XBRL Label Linkbase Document

101.PRE		XBRL Presentation Linkbase Document

_________________________

*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: Chief Financial Officer, Spartan Motors, Inc., 1541 Reynolds Road, Charlotte, Michigan 48813.

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 5, 2015	By	/s/ Lori L. Wade
		Lori L. Wade Chief Financial Officer (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 5, 2015	By	/s/ Daryl M. Adams
		Daryl M. Adams Director, President and Chief Executive Officer (Principal Executive Officer)

March 5, 2015	By	/s/ Lori L. Wade
		Lori L. Wade Chief Financial Officer (Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)

March 5, 2015	By	* /s/ Lori L. Wade
		Richard R. Current, Director

March 5, 2015	By	* /s/ Lori L. Wade
		Richard F. Dauch, Director

March 5, 2015	By	* /s/ Lori L. Wade
		Ronald Harbour, Director

March 5, 2015	By	* /s/ Lori L. Wade
		Kenneth Kaczmarek, Director

March 5, 2015	By	* /s/ Lori L. Wade
		Andrew Rooke, Director

March 5, 2015	By	* /s/ Lori L. Wade
		Hugh W. Sloan, Director

March 5, 2015	By	* /s/ Lori L. Wade
		John E. Sztykiel, Director

March 5, 2015	By	* /s/ Lori L. Wade
		James C. Orchard, Director

March 5, 2015	* By	/s/ Lori L. Wade
		Lori L. Wade Attorney-in-Fact

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 Charged to Costs and Expenses		Additions Charged to Other Accounts (Acquisition)		Deductions			Balance at End of Period

Year ended December 31, 2014:

Allowance for doubtful accounts	$	769	$	71	$	-	$	(696	)	$	144

Reserve for slow-moving inventory		2,295		5,343		-		(4,050	)		3,588

Accrued warranty		7,579		6,533		-		(4,875	)		9,237

Valuation allowance for deferred tax assets		3,567		-		-		(505	)		3,062

Year ended December 31, 2013:

Allowance for doubtful accounts	$	1,021	$	15	$	-	$	(267	)	$	769

Reserve for slow-moving inventory		3,056		2,645		-		(3,406	)		2,295

Accrued warranty		6,062		5,911		-		(4,394	)		7,579

Valuation allowance for deferred tax assets		3,586		110		-		(130	)		3,567

Year ended December 31, 2012:

Allowance for doubtful accounts	$	749	$	324	$	-	$	(52	)	$	1,021

Reserve for slow-moving inventory		3,565		671		-		(1,180	)		3,056

Accrued warranty		5,802		5,102		-		(4,842	)		6,062

Valuation allowance for deferred tax assets		3,546		50		-		(10	)		3,586

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 June 30, 2007 (Commission File No. 001-33582), and incorporated herein by reference.

3.2		Spartan Motors, Inc. Bylaws, as amended to date. Previously filed as an exhibit to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on February 27, 2013 (Commission File No. 001-33582), 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 July 7, 2007, between Spartan Motors, Inc. and American Stock Transfer and Trust Company, which includes the form of Certificate of Designation, Preferences and Rights of Series B Preferred Stock as Exhibit A, the form of Rights Certificate as Exhibit B and the Summary of Rights to Purchase Series B Preferred Stock as Exhibit C. Previously filed as Exhibit 1 to the Company’s Form 8-A filed on July 10, 2007, and incorporated herein by reference.

4.5		The Registrant has several classes of long-term debt instruments outstanding, none of which represents an authorized amount of debt exceeding 10% of the Company’s total consolidated assets, except as furnished under Exhibit 10.11 and Exhibit 10.15 to this Form 10-K below. The Company agrees to furnish copies of any other agreements defining the rights of holders of other such long-term indebtedness to the Securities and Exchange Commission upon request.

10.1		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 (Commission File No. 001-13611), and incorporated herein by reference.*

10.2		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 (Commission File No. 001-13611), and incorporated herein by reference.*

10.3		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 (Commission File No. 001-13611), and incorporated herein by reference.*

10.4		Spartan Motors, Inc. Stock Incentive Plan of 2007, as amended. Previously filed as Appendix A to the Company’s 2007 Proxy Statement filed April 23, 2007 and incorporated herein by reference.*

10.5		Spartan Motors, Inc. Executive Leadership Team Incentive Compensation Framework. Previously filed as an exhibit to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the period ended December 31, 2011 (Commission File No. 001-33582), and incorporated herin by reference.*

10.6		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.*

10.7		Form of Stock Appreciation Rights Agreement. Previously filed as an exhibit to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the period ended December 31, 2007 (Commission File No. 001-33582), and incorporated herein by reference.*

10.8		Form of Restricted Stock Agreement. Previously filed as an exhibit to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended June 30, 2009 (Commission File No. 001-33582), and incorporated herein by reference.*

10.9		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 (Commission File No. 001-13611), and incorporated herein by reference.*

10.10		Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan.* Previously filed as an exhibit to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the period ended December 31, 2007 (Commission File No. 001-33582) and incorporated herein by reference.

10.11		Amended and Restated Note Purchase and Private Shelf Agreement with Prudential Investment Management, Inc. and certain of its affiliates and managed accounts, dated November 30, 2009. Previously filed as an exhibit to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the period ended December 31, 2009 (Commission File No. 001-33582), and incorporated herein by reference. Amendment No. 1 to Amended and Restated Note Purchase and Private Shelf Agreement with Prudential Investment Management, Inc. and certain of its affiliates and managed accounts, dated February 12, 2012. Previously filed as an exhibit to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the period ended December 31, 2012 (Commission File No. 001-33582), and incorporated herein by reference. Amendment No. 2 to Amended and Restated Note Purchase and Private Shelf Agreement with Prudential Investment Management, Inc. and certain of its affiliates and managed accounts, dated November 30, 2012. Previously filed as an exhibit to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the period ended December 31, 2012 (Commission File No. 001-33582), and incorporated herein by reference.

10.12		Spartan Motors, Inc. Stock Incentive Plan of 2012. Previously filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed May 15, 2012 (Commission File No. 001-33582), and incorporated herein by reference.*

10.13		Lease agreement dated February 13, 2012 between the Company and Fruit Hills Investments, LLC. Previously filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended March 31, 2012 (Commission File No. 001-33582) and incorporated herein by reference.

10.14		Consulting Agreement dated February 12, 2015 between the Company and John Sztykiel.*

10.15		Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, dated December 31, 2014, by and among the Company, Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as administrative agent, and the lenders party thereto.

10.16		Employment Letter Agreement dated July 22, 2014, between the Company and Daryl M. Adams. Previously filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended September 30, 2014 (Commission File No. 001-33582) and incorporated herein by reference.*

21		Subsidiaries of Registrant.

23		Consent of BDO USA, LLP, 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.

101.INS		XBRL Instance Document

101.SCH		XBRL Schema Document

101.CAL		XBRL Calculation Linkbase Document

101.DEF		XBRL Definition Linkbase Document

101.LAB		XBRL Label Linkbase Document

101.PRE		XBRL Presentation Linkbase Document

_________________________

*Management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement.

ex10-14.htm

Exhibit 10.14

CONSULTING AGREEMENT

THIS CONSULTING AGREEMENT (this “Agreement”) is made between Spartan Motors, Inc. (“Spartan Motors”) located at 1541 Reynolds Road, Charlotte, MI 48813, and John E. Sztykiel (“Mr. Sztykiel”) of 6040 Stony Point Drive, Lansing, MI 48917. Individually, Spartan Motors and Mr. Sztykiel shall be referred to as “Party” and collectively Spartan Motors and Mr. Sztykiel shall be referred to as the “Parties.”

FACTUAL RECITALS:

WHEREAS, Spartan Motors desires to retain Mr. Sztykiel’s professional consulting services and avail itself of Mr. Sztykiel’s experience and knowledge;

WHEREAS, Mr. Sztykiel desires to furnish professional consulting services to Spartan Motors upon the terms, provisions and conditions herein set forth;

WHEREAS, Mr. Sztykiel has expertise in specialty chassis and vehicle business operations, product development and marketing.

NOW, THEREFORE, the Parties agree as follows:

1) Services to be Rendered and Scope. Subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement, Spartan Motors shall retain the services of Mr. Sztykiel to work on average 8 hours per week on projects assigned to him by Spartan Motors’ President and CEO-Elect (Daryl M. Adams or Mr. Adams) and the Board of Directors. Such projects may include developing new customers and markets for the company’s specialty chassis¹, marketing, product development, attendance at trade shows, and other work related to preserving and enhancing relationships with key customers, dealers and industry groups. These projects may include travel to these key customers, dealers and industry groups as reasonably requested.

Mr. Adams, will identify the need for Mr. Sztykiel to perform the services in this Paragraph 1. Mr. Sztykiel must provide Mr. Adams with a description of the proposed services and an estimate of the number of hours required to perform such services. Mr. Adams must approve Mr. Sztykiel’s proposal and estimate before Mr. Sztykiel begins performing such services. For all services described in this Paragraph 1, Mr. Sztykiel must receive Mr. Adams approval before working hours in excess of the estimated hours for the services.

2) Deliverables. Mr. Sztykiel shall provide Mr. Adams with Monthly Activity Reports detailing the services performed during that period, the services expected to be performed in the future under this Agreement, and the amount of time spent or to be spent on each task.

3) Term of Agreement. This Agreement shall commence 23 February 2015 and remain in force until 31 August 2016. Either Party may terminate the Agreement by giving thirty (30) calendar days written notice to the other Party, provided that if Spartan Motors terminates the Consulting Agreement other than on account of a material breach of the restrictive covenants by Mr. Sztykiel, it shall continue to pay Mr. Sztykiel the remaining consulting payments as scheduled through the end of the term.

¹ In the context of this agreement, this activity does not mean P&L responsibility, general management or responsibility for the overall success or failure of a business unit. It does mean, planning and executing new business development activities in terms of customers and markets, for the company’s products and proposed derivative products.

Form Contract for Mr. Sztykiel – Non-Government Related

4) Compensation & Expenses. Spartan Motors will pay Mr. Sztykiel the equivalent of his regular base pay (as in effect as of February 19, 2015) during the term of his consulting agreement in 18 monthly installments beginning in March 2015 and continuing thereafter each month through August 2016. Spartan Motors will make this payment (estimated at $33,750.00 based on Mr. Sztykiel’s current annual salary of $405,000.00 after the first payment, which will be greater than the others to account for the last week of February ) on the first check run after the beginning of each month. Sztykiel will be considered an independent contractor and will be responsible for all taxes during the term of his Consulting Agreement, and will not receive any benefits, unless provided herein. Spartan Motors will reimburse Sztykiel for his reasonable and verifiable travel, meal and business expenses incurred in connection his consulting work.

5) Death or Disability of Mr. Sztykiel. Spartan Motors’ obligation to compensate Mr. Sztykiel as provided herein is dependent upon Mr. Sztykiel’s rendering the services contemplated hereunder and therefore, shall terminate on Mr. Sztykiel’s death, or any disability that prevents Mr. Sztykiel from performing the services specified in this Agreement.

6) Conflicts of Interest. Mr. Sztykiel warrants and represents he has no real or apparent personal conflicts of interest (collectively “Conflicts”), according to the company’s Code of Ethics and Compliance, which Code is attached as Annex 2. Mr. Sztykiel further acknowledges his affirmative obligation to monitor for any real or apparent Conflicts in the course of all services performed pursuant to this Agreement and to immediately notify Spartan Motors if a real or apparent Conflict arises. Mr. Sztykiel has the burden of ensuring that none of the work performed under this Agreement presents a Conflict for Spartan Motors.

7) Non-Competition/Non-Solicitation. The Parties incorporate by reference the Non-Competition and Non-Solicitation provisions from their Retirement Agreement, which is attached as Annex 3.

8) Independent Contractor Status. In furnishing his services hereunder, Mr. Sztykiel shall act as an independent contractor in relation to Spartan Motors. Accordingly, Mr. Sztykiel shall have no authority to act for or on behalf of Spartan Motors or to bind Spartan Motors without its express written consent and shall not be considered as having employee status for the purpose of any employee benefit plan applicable to Spartan Motors’ employee’s generally. Mr. Sztykiel understands that he is not an employee of Spartan Motors, that Spartan Motors is not required to provide him with workers’ compensation, and that he is responsible for his own federal and state income, social security, unemployment, and disability taxes and administrative support.

9) Confidentiality. The Parties incorporate by reference the Confidentiality provisions from their Retirement Agreement .

10) Ownership. Any and all work product produced and provided by Mr. Sztykiel in the course of Mr. Sztykiel’s performance of services under this Agreement, including, without limitation, all creations, designs, copyrightable materials, works of authorship created by Mr. Sztykiel and all underlying intellectual property rights (the “Work Product”) shall be the sole and exclusive property of Corporation and Mr. Sztykiel shall have no rights to retain or use any of the Work Product, except as otherwise agreed in writing by Corporation and Mr. Sztykiel.

Form Contract for Mr. Sztykiel – Non-Government Related

11) Insurance, Indemnification and Release. If requested by Spartan Motors, Mr. Sztykiel agrees to carry single limit general liability insurance in an amount of not less than $1,000,000 naming Corporation as an additional insured, and automobile insurance at amounts no less than State required minimums. Spartan Motors, in the event it determines the insurance is required, will reimburse Mr. Sztykiel for the cost of the insurance.

12) Severability. Any provision of this Agreement that is prohibited or unenforceable, to any extent, shall be void to the extent of that prohibition or unenforceability only. The remainder of this Agreement, including the remainder of any provision found only partially invalid or unenforceable, shall continue to be in full force and effect and shall not be affected by such invalidity or unenforceability.

13) Notices. All notices or other communication required or permitted under this agreement shall be served in writing by hand to the other Party or by registered mail, return receipt requested. Notice by mail shall be addressed to each Party at the address set forth above.

14) Entire Agreement. The Agreement and the attached Retirement Agreement (Annex 3) constitute the entire agreement between the Parties and supersedes all prior agreements or understandings between Mr. Sztykiel and Spartan Motors.

15) Amendment. No amendment, modification or termination of, or addition to this Agreement shall be valid unless and until executed in writing by the Parties to this Agreement.

16) No Assignment. This Agreement may not be assigned by either Party.

17) Applicable Law. This Agreement shall be governed by, and constructed and enforced in accordance with, the laws of the State of Michigan.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Parties have executed this Agreement on 12 February 2015.

SPARTAN MOTORS, INC.

By: /s/ Thomas T. Kivell	Dated: February 17, 2015

Its: General Council


By: /s/ John E. Sztykiel	Dated: February 13, 2015
John E. Sztykiel

Form Contract for Mr. Sztykiel – Non-Government Related

Annex 3

retirement AGREEMENT

Introduction and General Information. This Retirement Agreement between John Sztykiel (“Sztykiel”) and Spartan Motors, Inc. (“Spartan Motors” or the “Company”) (collectively “the Parties”) dated January 16, 2015 (the “Effective Date”) sets forth the terms regarding Sztykiel’s separation from Spartan Motors.

Whereas, Sztykiel has worked for Spartan Motors since 1985;

Whereas, Sztykiel has served as President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Spartan Motors;

Whereas, Sztykiel’s service to Spartan Motors is of a special, unique, and extraordinary nature and has been of particular importance to the Company.

NOW, THEREFORE, the Parties hereby agree as follows:

Retirement. Sztykiel will resign from his position as President and CEO of Spartan Motors and retire from the Company on February 19, 2015. Sztykiel will retain his seat on the Spartan Motors Board of Directors until the Annual Meeting of the Shareholders on May 20, 2015, after which his seat on the Spartan Motors Board of Directors will expire.

Transition. Sztykiel will cooperate fully with Spartan Motors to transition his duties to his successor and effectuate a smooth and seamless transfer of leadership. Additionally, Sztykiel will provide any assistance reasonably requested by Spartan Motors in communicating with Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs), dealers, shareholders, customers, suppliers, associates of Spartan Motors, and the media to promote Spartan Motors’ interests and to minimize any disruption to the business that his departure might cause.

2014 Compensation and Bonus. From the Effective Date through December 31, 2014, Sztykiel will receive his base salary as CEO of the Company of $405,000 per year. Sztykiel will also receive any cash bonus to which he is entitled for services performed in 2014 under the Executive Leadership Team Incentive Compensation Framework, with a guaranteed minimum of $150,000.00. This bonus payment will be made in the first quarter of 2015 when these bonuses are paid to other eligible employees of Spartan Motors.

2015 Compensation and Bonus. From January 1, 2015 through February 19, 2015, Sztykiel will earn the same base compensation he earned as CEO of the Company in 2014. In addition, he will be entitled to payment of a pro-rated bonus for 2015 under the Executive Leadership Team Incentive Compensation Framework, with a guaranteed minimum of $50,000.00. This bonus payment will be made in the first quarter of 2016 when these bonuses are paid to other eligible employees of Spartan Motors.

Additional Payments and Benefits.

Spartan Motors will extend the period in which Sztykiel can exercise his stock appreciation rights (SARs) until the end of the original ten-year terms of those stock appreciation rights, such that each of the 11,250 SARs granted to Sztykiel on December 31, 2005 may be exercised by Sztykiel until December 31, 2015, each of the 28,125 SARs granted to Sztykiel on December 29, 2006 may be exercised by Sztykiel until December 29, 2016, and each of the 23,000 SARs granted to Sztykiel on December 31, 2007 may be exercised by Sztykiel until December 31, 2017.

Spartan Motors agrees to accelerate the vesting dates for all shares of restricted stock awarded to Sztykiel to February 18, 2015, such that 74,572 shares of Restricted Stock will become vested as of such date.

Any accrued base salary, incurred but unreimbursed business expenses, and accrued but unused vacation that Sztykiel has as of the date of his retirement will be paid to him in full at the next payroll cycle after February 19, 2015.

Sztykiel will be entitled to receive all vested benefits he has in the Spartan Motors employee benefit plans (including the 401k Savings Plan and SERP) in accordance with the terms of those plans. Sztykiel will be entitled to receive 100% of any deferred balance he has under the Executive Leadership Incentive Compensation Framework, and this sum will be paid to Sztykiel in the next payroll cycle after February 19, 2015.

Consulting Period.

Term. Beginning February 23, 2015 and continuing through August 31, 2016 (“the Consulting Period”), Sztykiel will serve as a consultant for Spartan Motors pursuant to a written Consulting Agreement agreed to between the Parties. Either party may terminate the Consulting Agreement with 30 days’ advance notice, provided that if Spartan Motors terminates the Consulting Agreement other than on account of a material breach by Sztykiel of the Restrictive Covenants and Non-Disclosure provision in section 4 below, it shall continue to pay Sztykiel the remaining consulting payments, and pay his COBRA insurance premiums, described in section (c) and (d) below, as scheduled through the end of the Consulting Period along with all other payments and benefits provided in this Agreement. If Sztykiel terminates the Consulting Agreement early, he will no longer be entitled to consulting payments, but will be entitled to all other payments and other benefits provided for in this Agreement unless he commits a material breach of the Restrictive Covenants and Non-Disclosure provision in section 4 below during the Consulting Period.

Responsibilities. During the term of his consultancy, Sztykiel will work on average eight hours per week on projects assigned to him by his successor and the Board of Directors. Such projects may include marketing, product development, attendance at trade shows, and other work related to preserving and enhancing relationships with key customers, dealers and industry groups. These projects may include travel to these key customers, dealers and industry groups as reasonably requested.

Consulting Compensation. Spartan Motors will pay Sztykiel the equivalent of his base pay (as in effect as of February 19, 2015) during the term of his Consulting Agreement in 18 equal monthly installments beginning in March 2015 and continuing thereafter each month through August 31, 2016. Spartan Motors will make this payment (estimated at $33,750.00 based on Sztykiel’s current annual salary of $405,000.00 except for the first payment which will be greater because it will include consulting compensation for the last week of February 2015) on the first check run after the beginning of each month. Sztykiel will be considered an independent contractor and will be responsible for all taxes during the term of his Consulting Agreement, and will not receive any benefits, unless provided herein. Spartan Motors will reimburse Sztykiel for his reasonable and verifiable travel, meal and business expenses incurred in connection with his consulting work.

COBRA and Health Insurance Premiums. Spartan Motors will pay or reimburse Sztykiel for the full cost of COBRA premiums for Sztykiel and his dependents for the 18 month COBRA period (plus any extensions). Sztykiel will be entitled to these reimbursements, even if he exercises his right or the Company exercises its right to terminate the Consulting Agreement prior to August 31, 2016, provided he remains in compliance with the Restrictive Covenants in Section 4 below. He will forfeit these reimbursements if he materially breaches the Restrictive Covenants in Section 4 below. Additionally, if Sztykiel complies with the Restrictive Covenants in paragraph 4 below through August 31, 2016, Spartan Motors will pay Sztykiel $1,800 per month for two years in a lump sum for his anticipated health insurance costs. This payment of $43,200.00 will be made by Spartan Motors on or about September 30, 2016.

Restrictive Covenants and Non-Disclosure.

Non-Compete.

During the Consulting Period, Sztykiel shall not: (A) engage in Competitive Activity, as defined in section (ii) below, globally, whether as an owner, officer, employee, franchise, franchisor, investor, consultant, contractor, agent, or otherwise; or (B) assist any entity or person to engage in Competitive Activity globally, whether as an owner, officer, employee, franchisee, franchisor, investor, consultant, contractor, agent, or otherwise.

“Competitive Activity” means performing any work associated with the design, development, manufacture, marketing and sale of chassis and complete vehicles in the emergency response, military, delivery and service, recreational vehicle, and school bus markets to the extent Spartan Motors is currently competing in such market as of the Effective Date. “Competitive Activity” also means performing any work associated with the contracted assembly of vehicles for Isuzu, and the design, development, manufacture and sale of low floor shuttle buses used for the transport of disabled persons. “Competitive Activity” excludes purchase or ownership of stock in a publicly-held corporation if such ownership amounts to less than five (5) percent of the outstanding capital stock of such corporation.

If Sztykiel has an offer of employment from a prospective employer, he may at his option request an opinion from Spartan Motors regarding whether the Company believes such employment would violate this Non-Compete provision. Spartan Motors must provide its opinion within 10 business days.

If Spartan Motors believes Sztykiel has violated this agreement by engaging in a Competitive Activity with another company, Spartan Motors shall provide Sztykiel written notice and an opportunity to terminate the engagement within 10 business days of this notice. If Sztykiel terminates the engagement within 10 business days of receipt of this notice, he will still be eligible to receive the $100,000.00 payment described in Section 4(g) below.

Non-Solicitation.

During the Consulting Period, unless he receives prior written approval from the Company, Sztykiel shall not: (A) solicit, encourage, or cause any “Customer” or “Prospective Customer” (as defined in sections (ii) and (iii) below) to purchase any products or services from anyone other than the Company that are competitive with or a substitute for the products or services offered by the Company, as defined in section 4(a)(ii), above; (B) sell or provide any products or services to any Customer or Prospective Customer that are competitive with or a substitute for the Company’s services or products, as defined in section 4(a)(ii), above; (C) solicit, encourage, or cause any Customer or Prospective Customer not to do business with or to reduce any part of its business with the Company; or (D) solicit, encourage, or cause any supplier of goods or services to the Company not to do business with or to reduce any part of its business with the Company.

“Customer” means any current Spartan Motor customer in the emergency response, military, delivery and service, recreational vehicle, and school bus markets to the extent Spartan Motors is competing in such market as of the Effective Date.

“Prospective Customer” means any potential customer to whom the Company made a written proposal in the one year time period preceding the Effective Date or for whom the Company was in the process of preparing a written proposal as of the Effective Date.

Non-Raiding. During the Consulting Period, Sztykiel shall not directly or indirectly solicit any person currently employed by the Company as of the Effective Date to end their employment with the Company or work as an owner, officer, employee, franchisee, franchisor, investor, consultant, contractor, agent, or otherwise for a business engaged in the design, development, manufacture, marketing and sale of chassis in the emergency response, military, delivery and service, recreational vehicle or school bus markets.

Non-Disclosure.

Sztykiel agrees that, except to the extent the use or disclosure of any Confidential Information is required to carry out his responsibilities as an employee or consultant: (A) Sztykiel shall keep strictly confidential and not disclose to any person not employed by the Company any Confidential Information (defined below); and (B) Sztykiel shall not use any Confidential Information for his benefit or for any other person’s or entity’s benefit.

This provision shall not preclude Sztykiel from: (A) the use or disclosure of information known generally to the public (other than information known generally to the public as a result of Sztykiel’s violation of this Agreement), or (B) any disclosure required by law or court order so long as Sztykiel provides the Company immediate written notice of any potential disclosure under this subsection and fully cooperates with the Company to lawfully prevent or limit such disclosure.

“Confidential Information” means all trade secret and confidential, proprietary, or business information related to the Company’s business that was furnished to, obtained by, or created by Sztykiel or Sztykiel had access to during his employment with the Company and which could be used to harm or compete against the Company. Confidential Information includes, by way of illustration, such information relating to: (A) customers and suppliers, including customer lists, supplier lists, contact information, contractual terms, prices, and billing histories; (B) the Company’s finances, including financial statements, balance sheets, sales data, forecasts, profit margins and cost analyses; (C) the Company’s plans and projections for new and developing business opportunities; and (D) the Company’s operating methods, business processes and techniques, services, products, prices, costs, service performance, and operating results.

Term of Restrictive Covenants and Non-Disclosure Obligation. The Restrictive Covenants in sections (a) through (c) will remain in effect for the duration of the Consulting Period, irrespective of whether Sztykiel exercises his right to terminate the Consulting Agreement prior to August 31, 2016. The Non-Disclosure Obligation in section (d) will remain in effect as long as the Confidential Information this section protects remains a protected trade secret or confidential or proprietary information.

Restrictive Covenants Payment. If Sztykiel complies with the Restrictive Covenants for the duration of the Consulting Period, he will receive a lump sum payment of $100,000.00 on August 31, 2016, irrespective of whether he exercises his right or the Company exercises its right to terminate the Consulting Agreement prior to August 31, 2016. If Sztykiel violates these Restrictive Covenants, he will forfeit this sum as a liquidated damage. Sztykiel acknowledges that it will be difficult to estimate monetary damages which might flow from such a violation of these Restrictive Covenants, and further acknowledges that this liquidated damage is reasonable.

Return of Property. Sztykiel shall return upon the Company’s request at any time (and, in any event, before the end of the Consulting Period) all documents, data, Confidential Information, and other property belonging to the Company in Sztykiel’s possession or control, regardless of how stored or maintained and including all originals, copies and compilations, with the following exceptions:

Sztykiel may retain his current Company cellular phone after an inspection by the Company’s I.T. department to ensure it does not contain Confidential Information;

Sztykiel may retain his Rolodex of contacts after inspection by an appropriate Spartan Motors official to ensure this Rolodex does not contain Confidential Information beyond Sztykiel’s business contacts;

Sztykiel may retain a sample of documents and templates to assist him in a job search after inspection and approval by an appropriate Company official. Such approval may not be unreasonably withheld.

Sztykiel may retain any other documents for which he receives express permission from an appropriate Company official.

Releases. In consideration for the compensation to which Sztykiel would not otherwise be entitled in Sections 2, 3 and 4 above, Sztykiel agrees to the following Releases.

General Release.

Sztykiel, for himself, his spouse, executors, heirs, beneficiaries, representatives, agents, attorneys, assigns, insurers and assurers, hereby releases the Company, its owners, officers, employees, shareholders, directors, attorneys, agents and assigns, and all other persons, firms, partnerships, or corporations in control of, under the direction of, or in any way presently or formerly affiliated or associated with the Company (collectively, the “Released Parties”), of and from all manner of actions, causes of action, suits, charges, claims, complaints, or liabilities whatsoever (including, attorneys’ fees), whether based in contract or tort, statute or common law, of every kind and nature whatsoever, arising from the beginning of time to the Effective Date, whether known or unknown on the Effective Date, (collectively, “Claims”), excluding any Claims to enforce Sztykiel’s rights under this Agreement or the Consulting Agreement or any vested rights Sztykiel has to benefits under a plan governed by the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA).

Nothing in this Agreement prohibits Sztykiel from filing a charge or complaint with a governmental agency, such as the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission or the National Labor Relations Board, that is responsible for enforcing a law on behalf of the government, from cooperating with or participating in a government investigation, or from exercising non-waivable statutory rights to engage in protected activity under the National Labor Relations Act or other law. Sztykiel understands and agrees, however, that because he is waiving and releasing all claims for monetary damages and any other form of personal relief in exchange for the benefits of this Agreement, that he will not seek or accept monetary damages or other forms of personal relief through or resulting from any charge or complaint for any claims arising before the execution of this Agreement. Should any third party bring any action, charge or claim against the Company on Sztykiel’s behalf, Sztykiel acknowledges that this Agreement provides him with full relief for any claims arising before he signed this Agreement, and he will not accept any additional relief for such claims.

Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA) Release. Sztykiel releases and irrevocably discharges each of the Released Parties, of and from any and all liabilities, claims, actions, demands, or causes of action arising under the ADEA on or before the Effective Date (the “ADEA Release”). Sztykiel further acknowledges that he has been given a period of up to twenty-one (21) days to consider the ADEA Release prior to executing it, he will be given a period of seven (7) days from the Effective Date to revoke this ADEA Release, and that he has consulted with counsel regarding his release of age discrimination claims and understands and acknowledges that the ADEA Release will not become effective or enforceable until the revocation period has expired. If Sztykiel elects to revoke this ADEA Release, he shall do so in writing and present it to Thomas Kivell within seven (7) days from the Effective Date.

No Other Claims. Sztykiel represents that he does not presently have on file, and further represents that he will not hereafter file, any lawsuits, claims, charges, grievances or complaints against the Company or any of the Released Parties in or with any administrative, state, federal or governmental entity, agency, board, or court, or before any other tribunal or panel of arbitrators, based upon any actions or omissions by the Company or any of the Released Parties occurring prior to the Effective Date.

Indemnification.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, nothing in this Release is intended to be construed as a release of Sztykiel’s rights of indemnification for actions as a director or officer of the Company that he has at law or under the Company’s Bylaws or any insurance policy, plan, or coverage.

Spartan Motors will defend, indemnify, and hold harmless Sztykiel to the maximum extent possible under law, the Company’s Bylaws, or any insurance policy, plan or coverage, from any and all claims, investigations, charges or suits brought against Sztykiel for actions he took or actions which arose while he was an officer or Board Member of Spartan Motors, including actions by Spartan Motors. As part of its agreement to defend Sztykiel, Spartan Motors will allow him to select defense counsel of his choice and will pay his counsel’s reasonable attorneys’ fees and costs. Spartan Motors further agrees to pay any civil judgments or penalties awarded against Mr. Sztykiel to the maximum extent possible under law, the Company’s Bylaws, or any insurance policy, plan or coverage.

Costs of Negotiation. Spartan Motors agrees to pay Sztykiel’s reasonable attorneys’ fees and costs incurred in connection with negotiating this Agreement and his separation from Spartan Motors.

Confidentiality. The Parties agree to keep the terms of this Agreement confidential, except for any discussion with family members, accountants, or legal counsel, or as required by law.

Severability.

If a court of competent jurisdiction determines that any provision of this Agreement is void, illegal, or unenforceable, then the parties request that such court modify such provision to render such provision not void, illegal, or unenforceable, and then enforce the provision as modified.

If, despite any modification called for in Section (a), any provision contained in this Agreement is determined to be void, illegal, or unenforceable, then the other provisions contained herein shall remain in full force and effect as if the provision which was determined to be void, illegal, or unenforceable had not been contained herein.

Miscellaneous.

This Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original, and which when taken together, shall constitute the Agreement.

A waiver of the breach of any term or condition of this Agreement shall not be deemed to constitute a waiver of any subsequent breach of the same or any other term or condition.

No modification or amendment of this Agreement shall be valid unless in writing and signed by or on behalf of the party to be bound.

Headings used in this Agreement are provided for convenience only and shall not be used to construe meaning or intent.

The terms of this Agreement relating to any payments, if any, that constitute non-exempt “deferred compensation” under Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (“Section 409A”), are intended to comply with Section 409A and shall be interpreted in accordance with such intent. Each payment described in this Agreement shall be deemed a separate payment for purposes of applying any applicable exemption under Section 409A.

Choice of Law. This Release shall be interpreted under and governed by, construed and enforced in accordance with, and subject to, the laws of the State of Michigan, without giving effect to any principles of conflicts of law.

Entire Agreement. This Agreement contains the entire agreement of the parties with respect to the subject matter herein and supersedes any prior written or oral agreements or understandings between the Parties with respect to the subject matter herein, including any prior employment agreements or offer letters and the Term Sheet for Separation of John Sztykiel executed on December 8, 2014, but not including the Consulting Agreement entered into contemporaneously with this Agreement.

JOHN SZTYKIEL	SPARTAN MOTORS, INC.

/s/ John E. Sztykiel	/s/ Thomas T. Kivell
John E. Sztykiel
	By: Thomas T. Kivell

	Title: General Council

January 21, 2015	January 16, 2015
Date	Date

ex10-15.htm

Exhibit 10.15

FOURTH AMENDMENT TO CREDIT AGREEMENT

THIS FOURTH AMENDMENT TO CREDIT AGREEMENT, dated as of December 29, 2014 (this "Amendment"), with an effective date of December 31, 2014, is among SPARTAN MOTORS, INC., SPARTAN MOTORS CHASSIS, INC., [SPARTAN MOTORS USA, INC. (f/k/a Crimson Fire, Inc.)], CRIMSON FIRE AERIALS, INC., [SPARTAN MOTORS GLOBAL, INC.] and UTILIMASTER CORPORATION (collectively, “Borrowers”), the LENDERS party hereto, and WELLS FARGO BANK, N.A., as Administrative Agent (in such capacity, the "Administrative Agent").

RECITALS:

WHEREAS, the Borrowers (other than Spartan Motors Global, Inc. (“SMG”) and Classic Fire, LLC (“Classic Fire”), the Lenders and the Administrative Agent have entered into an Amended and Restated Credit Agreement dated as of December 16, 2011 (as amended or modified from time to time, the "Credit Agreement").

WHEREAS, Classic Fire, LLC has been dissolved and its assets distributed to Spartan Motors USA, Inc. (f/k/a Crimson Fire, Inc.).

WHEREAS, the Borrowers have requested that SMG be added as a co-borrower under the Credit Agreement and the other Loan Documents so that SMG shall have all of the obligations and benefits of a Loan Party thereunder as if it had executed the Credit Agreement.

WHEREAS, the Borrowers desire to otherwise amend the Credit Agreement as set forth herein, and the Lenders are willing to do so in accordance with the terms hereof.

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and of the mutual agreements herein contained, the parties agree as follows:

ARTICLE 1. JOINDER

1.1 SMG hereby acknowledges, agrees and confirms that, by its execution of this Amendment, it will be deemed to be a “Borrower” for all applicable purposes of the Credit Agreement and shall have all of the obligations and benefits of a Borrower thereunder and the other Loan Documents as if it had executed each of the Credit Agreement and the other Loan Documents. SMG hereby ratifies, as of the date hereof, and agrees to be bound by, all of the terms, provisions and conditions contained in the Credit Agreement and the Loan Documents. SMG acknowledges and confirms that it has received a copy of the Credit Agreement and the schedules and exhibits thereto and the Loan Documents and the schedules and exhibits thereto.

1.2 The parties hereto confirm and agree that immediately upon SMG becoming a Loan Party, the term “Obligations” as used in the Credit Agreement shall include all obligations of SMG under the Credit Agreement and under each of other Loan Documents.

1.3 SMG agrees that at any time and from time to time it will execute and deliver such further documents and do such further acts as the Administrative Agent may reasonably request in writing in accordance with the terms and conditions of the Credit Agreement in order to affect the purposes of this Amendment.

ARTICLE 2. AMENDMENTS TO CREDIT AGREEMENT

Upon the satisfaction of the conditions specified in Article 4 hereof, the Credit Agreement is amended as of the date hereof as follows:

2.1

The following definitions in Section 1.01 of the Credit Agreement are restated as follows:

“Applicable Rate” means, for any day, with respect to any Eurodollar Loan or with respect to the commitment fees payable hereunder, as the case may be, the applicable rate per annum set forth below under the caption “Eurodollar Spread” or “Commitment Fee Rate”, as the case may be, based upon the Leverage Ratio as of the most recent determination date;

Level	Leverage Ratio	Eurodollar Spread	Commitment Fee Rate
I	< 1.00:1.0	125.0 bps	17.5 bps
II	< 1.50:1.0 but ≥ 1.00:1.0	150.0 bps	22.5 bps
III	< 2.00:1.0 but ≥ 1.50:1.0	175.0 bps	27.5 bps
IV	< 2.50:1.0 but ≥ 2.00:1.0	200.0 bps	30.0 bps
V	≥ 2.50:1.0	225.0 bps	32.5 bps

The Applicable Rate shall be determined in accordance with the foregoing table based on the Leverage Ratio as of the end of each Fiscal Quarter, as calculated for the four most recently ended consecutive Fiscal Quarters of the Company. Adjustments, if any, to the Applicable Rate shall be effective on the date which is five (5) Business Days after the Administrative Agent’s receipt of the applicable financials under Section 5.01(a) or (b) and certificate under Section 5.01(c). During all times any Event of Default exists, in addition to any increase in rates under Section 2.13(c), the Applicable Rate shall be automatically set at Level V. Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, the Applicable Rate shall be set at Level II as of December 31, 2014, and shall be adjusted for the first time based on receipt of the financials for the Fiscal Quarter ending December 31, 2014 and certificate under Section 5.01(c).

“Availability Period” means the period from and including the Effective Date to but excluding the earlier of the Maturity Date (as such date may be extended pursuant to subsections (c) and (d) of Section 2.01) and the date of termination of the Commitments.

“Borrower” means each of the Company, Spartan Motors Chassis, Inc., a Michigan corporation, Spartan Motors USA, Inc. (f/k/a Crimson Fire, Inc.), a South Dakota corporation, Crimson Fire Aerials, Inc., a Pennsylvania corporation, Spartan Motors Global, Inc., a Michigan corporation, and Utilimaster Corporation, a Delaware corporation, and “Borrowers” shall refer to the entities collectively.

“Maturity Date” means December 31, 2017 (as such may be extended pursuant to subsections (c) and (d) of Section 2.01).

2.2 Section 2.01 of the Credit Agreement is hereby amended by adding the following new paragraph (c) in its proper order:

(c) The Borrowers shall have the option to extend the term of the Availability Period (the “First Option to Extend”) from the initial Maturity Date of December 31, 2017 (the “First Stated Maturity Date”) to December 31, 2018 (the “First Extended Maturity Date”), upon receipt of written notice from Borrowers of Borrowers’ request to exercise the First Option to Extend, which notice shall be provided to Administrative Agent not more than 90 days but not less than 30 days prior to the First Stated Maturity Date, and upon satisfaction of each of the following conditions precedent:

(i) Administrative Agent and each Lender shall agree (in the exercise of its sole and absolute discretion) in writing to the extension of the Availability Period to the First Extended Maturity Date;

(ii) As of the date of Borrowers’ delivery of notice of their request to exercise the First Option to Extend, and as of the First Stated Maturity Date, no Event of Default or Unmatured Default shall have occurred and be continuing, and Borrowers shall so certify in writing;

(iii) Borrowers shall execute or cause the execution of all documents reasonably required by Administrative Agent to exercise the First Option to Extend and to evidence the extension of the Availability Period; and

(iv) Borrowers shall pay all costs of Administrative Agent in connection with the exercise of the First Option to Extend.

From and after the First Stated Maturity Date (inclusive) until, but not including, the First Extended Maturity Date, the definition of Maturity Date shall be deemed modified to be the First Extended Maturity Date. Except as modified by this First Option to Extend, the terms and conditions of this Agreement and the other Loan Documents shall remain unmodified and in full force and effect following Borrowers’ proper exercise of the First Option to Extend.

2.3 Section 2.01 of the Credit Agreement is hereby amended by adding the following new paragraph (d) at the end thereof:

(d) Provided the Borrowers, Administrative Agent and the Lenders have agreed to and Borrowers have properly exercised the First Option to Extend, the Borrowers shall have the option to extend the term of the Availability Period (the “Second Option to Extend”) from the First Extended Maturity Date to December 31, 2019 (the “Second Extended Maturity Date”), upon receipt of written notice from Borrowers of Borrowers’ request to exercise the Second Option to Extend, which notice shall be provided to Administrative Agent not more than 90 days but not less than 30 days prior to the First Extended Maturity Date, and upon satisfaction of each of the following conditions precedent:

(ii) Administrative Agent and each Lender shall agree (in the exercise of its sole and absolute discretion) in writing to the extension of the Availability Period to the Second Extended Maturity Date;

(ii) As of the date of Borrowers’ delivery of notice of their request to exercise the Second Option to Extend, and as of the First Extended Maturity Date, no Event of Default or Unmatured Default shall have occurred and be continuing, and Borrowers shall so certify in writing;

(iii) Borrowers shall execute or cause the execution of all documents reasonably required by Administrative Agent to exercise the Second Option to Extend and to evidence the extension of the Availability Period; and

(v) Borrowers shall pay all costs of Administrative Agent in connection with the exercise of the Second Option to Extend.

From and after the First Extended Maturity Date (inclusive) until, but not including, the Second Extended Maturity Date, the definition of Maturity Date shall be deemed modified to be the Second Extended Maturity Date. Except as modified by this Second Option to Extend, the terms and conditions of this Agreement and the other Loan Documents shall remain unmodified and in full force and effect following Borrowers’ proper exercise of the Second Option to Extend.

2.4 Section 2.05(a) of the Credit Agreement is restated as follows:

(a) General. Subject to the terms and conditions set forth herein, the Swingline Lender agrees to make Swingline Loans to the Borrowers from time to time during the Availability Period, in an aggregate principal amount at any time outstanding that will not result in (i) the aggregate principal amount of outstanding Swingline Loans exceeding $15,000,000, (ii) the sum of the total Revolving Credit Exposures exceeding the total Commitments, (iii) the aggregate principal amount of outstanding Floorplan Swingline Loans exceeding $10,000,000 (the “Floorplan Swingline Commitment”), and (iv) the aggregate principal amount of outstanding W/C Swingline Loans exceeding $5,000,000; provided that the Swingline Lender shall not be required to make a Swingline Loan to refinance an outstanding Swingline Loan. Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, for purposes of determining the amount of the Loans and Letters of Credit that may be made under this Agreement, the Administrative Agent may assume that the aggregate amount of the Swingline Loans made by the Swingline Lender is $15,000,000, absent a written agreement to the contrary among the Company, the Swingline Lender and the Administrative Agent. Within the foregoing limits and subject to the terms and conditions set forth herein, the Borrowers may borrow, prepay and reborrow Swingline Loans.

2.4 Section 2.06(c) of the Credit Agreement is restated as follows:

(b) Notice of Issuance, Amendment, Renewal, Extension; Certain Conditions. To request the issuance of a Letter of Credit (or the amendment, renewal or extension of an outstanding Letter of Credit), the applicable Borrower shall hand deliver or telecopy (or transmit by electronic communication, if arrangements for doing so have been approved by the applicable Issuing Bank) to the applicable Issuing Bank and the Administrative Agent (reasonably in advance of the requested date of issuance, amendment, renewal or extension) a notice requesting the issuance of a Letter of Credit, or identifying the Letter of Credit to be amended, renewed or extended, and specifying the date of issuance, amendment, renewal or extension (which shall be a Business Day), the date on which such Letter of Credit is to expire (which shall comply with paragraph (c) of this Section), the amount of such Letter of Credit, the name and address of the beneficiary thereof and such other information as shall be necessary to prepare, amend, renew or extend such Letter of Credit. If requested by the applicable Issuing Bank, the applicable Borrower also shall submit a letter of credit application on such Issuing Bank’s standard form in connection with any request for a Letter of Credit. A Letter of Credit shall be issued, amended, renewed or extended only if (and upon issuance, amendment, renewal or extension of each Letter of Credit the applicable Borrower shall be deemed to represent and warrant that), after giving effect to such issuance, amendment, renewal or extension (i) the LC Exposure shall not exceed $20,000,000 and (ii) the total Revolving Credit Exposures shall not exceed the total Commitments;

2.5 Section 6.13(c) of the Credit Agreement is restated as follows:

(c) Tangible Net Worth. Permit or suffer the Consolidated Tangible Net Worth at any time to be less than (i) $110,000,000, plus (ii) 50% of Consolidated Net Income of the Company and its Subsidiaries for each Fiscal Year, commencing with the Fiscal Year ending December 31, 2014, provided that if such net income is negative in any such Fiscal Year, the amount added for such Fiscal Year shall be zero and such amount shall not reduce the amount added pursuant to any other Fiscal Year.

2.6 Schedule 3.05 to the Credit Agreement is hereby amended by substituting Schedule 3.05 attached hereto.

ARTICLE 3. REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES

In order to induce the Lenders to enter into this Amendment, each Borrower represents and warrants that:

3.1 The execution, delivery and performance by each Borrower of this Amendment have been duly authorized by all necessary corporate or limited liability company action, as applicable, and are not in material contravention of any applicable law, or of the terms of the any Borrower's bylaws or other charter documents, or of any material contractual obligation of any Borrower and will not result in the imposition of any Lien on any of its property or of the property of any of its Subsidiaries.

3.2 This Amendment is the legal, valid and binding obligation of the each Borrower, enforceable against each Borrower in accordance with its terms, subject to applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium or other laws affecting creditors' rights generally and subject to general principles of equity, regardless of whether considered in a proceeding in equity or at law.

3.3 After giving effect to this Amendment, the representations and warranties of the Loan Parties set forth in the Loan Documents are true and correct in all material respects (except that any representation or warranty which is already qualified as to materiality or by reference to Material Adverse Effect shall be true and correct in all respects) on and as of the date hereof (other than those representations and warranties that by their terms speak as of a particular date, which representations and warranties shall be true and correct as of such particular date).

3.4 After giving effect to this Amendment, no Unmatured Default or Event of Default exists or has occurred and is continuing on the date hereof.

ARTICLE 4. CONDITIONS PRECEDENT.

This Amendment shall be effective as of the date hereof when each of the following conditions is satisfied:

4.1 This Amendment shall be executed by each of the Borrower and the Required Lenders.

4.2 The Consent and Agreement attached hereto shall be executed by the Guarantor.

4.3 The Borrowers and Guarantor shall have satisfied such other conditions as may be reasonably required by the Administrative Agent.

ARTICLE 5. MISCELLANEOUS

5.1 All references in any Loan Document to the Credit Agreement shall be deemed references to the Credit Agreement as amended hereby and as further amended or modified from time to time.

5.2 Except as expressly amended hereby, each Borrower agrees that all Loan Documents are ratified and confirmed and shall remain in full force and effect and that it has no set off, counterclaim, defense or other claim or dispute with respect to any Loan Document.

5.3 Capitalized terms used but not defined herein shall have the respective meanings ascribed thereto in the Credit Agreement. This Amendment is a Loan Document. This Amendment shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Michigan. This Amendment may be executed upon any number of counterparts with the same effect as if the signatures thereto were upon the same instrument, and signatures sent by facsimile or other electronic imaging shall be enforceable as originals.

[Signature pages follow]

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Amendment to be duly executed and delivered as of the day and year first-above written.

SPARTAN MOTORS, INC.

By: /s/ Lori Wade

Name: Lori Wade

Title: Treasurer

SPARTAN MOTORS CHASSIS, INC.

By: /s/ Lori Wade

Name: Lori Wade

Title: Treasurer

SPARTAN MOTORS USA, INC.

(f/k/a Crimson Fire, Inc.)

By: /s/ Lori Wade

Name: Lori Wade

Title: Treasurer

CRIMSON FIRE AERIALS, INC.

By: /s/ Lori Wade

Name: Lori Wade

Title: Treasurer

SPARTAN MOTORS GLOBAL, INC.

By: /s/ Lori Wade

Name: Lori Wade

Title: Treasurer

UTILIMASTER CORPORATION

By: /s/ Lori Wade

Name: Lori Wade

Title: Treasurer

WELLS FARGO BANK, N.A.,

individually and as Administrative Agent, a Swingline Lender and an Issuing Bank

By: /s/ Charles W. Lott

Name: Charles W. Lott

Title: Senior Vice President

JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, N.A.,

individually and as a Swingline Lender

and an Issuing Bank

By: /s/ James Keyes

Name: James Keyes

Title: Vice President

CONSENT AND AGREEMENT

As of the date and year first above written, the undersigned hereby: (a) fully consents to the terms and provisions of the above Amendment and the consummation of the transactions contemplated thereby; (b) agrees that the Guaranty to which it is a party and each other Loan Document to which it is a party are hereby ratified and confirmed and shall remain in full force and effect, acknowledges and agrees that it has no setoff, counterclaim, defense or other claim or dispute with respect the Guaranty to which it is a party and each other Loan Document to which it is a party; and (c) represents and warrants to the Administrative Agent and the Lenders that the execution, delivery and performance of this Consent and Agreement are within its corporate powers, have been duly authorized by all necessary corporate action, and are not in contravention of any applicable law or regulation or of any terms of its organizational documents or of any material agreement or undertaking to which it is a party or by which it is bound, except where such contravention would not reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect and this Consent and Agreement is the legal, valid and binding obligations of it, enforceable against it in accordance with the terms hereof and thereof, subject to applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium or other laws affecting creditors' rights generally and subject to general principles of equity, regardless of whether considered in a proceeding in equity or at law. Terms used but not defined herein shall have the respective meanings ascribed thereto in the Credit Agreement.

UTILIMASTER HOLDINGS, INC.

By: /s/ Lori Wade

Its: Treasurer

UPDATED SCHEDULE 3.05

(Existing Subsidiaries of Spartan Motors, Inc.)

Entity	Jurisdiction of Formation	Capital Stock Owned by (100%)


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

Spartan Motors USA, Inc. f/k/a Crimson Fire, Inc.	South Dakota	Spartan Motors, Inc.

Spartan Motors Global, Inc.	Michigan	Spartan Motors, Inc.

Crimson Fire Aerials, Inc.	Pennsylvania	Spartan Motors, Inc.

Former RR, Inc.	South Carolina	Spartan Motors, Inc.

Utilimaster Holdings, Inc.	Delaware	Spartan Motors, Inc.

Utilimaster Corporation	Delaware	Utilimaster Holdings,Inc.

Utilimaster Canada Limited	Ontario	Utilimaster Holdings,Inc.

Utilimaster Services, LLC f/k/a UTM Acquisition Company, LLC	Indiana	Utilimaster Holdings,Inc.

ex21.htm

Exhibit 21

SUBSIDIARIES OF SPARTAN MOTORS, INC.

Name of Subsidiary		Jurisdiction of Incorporation

Spartan Motors Chassis, Inc.		Michigan, United States

Spartan Motors USA, Inc.*		South Dakota, United States

Crimson Fire Aerials, Inc.		Pennsylvania, United States

Utilimaster Holdings, Inc.		Delaware, United States

- Utilimaster Corporation (100% owned by Utilimaster Holdings, Inc.)		Delaware, United States

- Utilimaster Canada Limited (100% owned by Utilimaster Holdings, Inc.)		Ontario, Canada

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

ex23.htm

Exhibit 23

CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

Board of Directors and Shareholders

Spartan Motors, Inc.
Charlotte, Michigan

We hereby consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statements on Form S-3 (No. 333-25357) and Form S-8 (Nos. 333-98083, 333-111887, 333-126269, 333-145674, 333-177088 and 333-183871) of Spartan Motors, Inc. of our reports dated March 5, 2015, relating to the consolidated financial statements and the financial statement schedule, and the effectiveness of Spartan Motors, Inc.’s internal control over financial reporting, which appear in this Form 10-K.

/s/ BDO USA, LLP

Grand Rapids, Michigan

March 5, 2015

ex24.htm

Exhibit 24

POWER OF ATTORNEY

The undersigned, in his or her capacity as a director or officer, or both, as the case may be, of Spartan Motors, Inc., does hereby appoint Daryl M. Adams, Lori L. Wade, and Thomas T. Kivell, and each of them, his attorney, with full power of substitution and resubstitution, for such individual and in his name, place and stead, in any and all capacities, to sign the Form 10-K of Spartan Motors, Inc. for its fiscal year ended December 31, 2014, together with any and all amendments thereto, and to file the same, with all exhibits thereto, and all documents in connection therewith, with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

	Signature:	/s/ Hugh W. Sloan

	Print Name:	Hugh W. Sloan

	Title:	Director

	Date:	January 30, 2015

POWER OF ATTORNEY

	Signature:	/s/ Andrew Rooke

	Print Name:	Andrew Rooke

	Title:	Director

	Date:	February 13, 2015

POWER OF ATTORNEY

	Signature:	/s/ Kenneth Kaczmarek

	Print Name:	Kenneth Kaczmarek

	Title:	Director

	Date:	February 7, 2015

POWER OF ATTORNEY

	Signature:	/s/ Ronald E. Harbour

	Print Name:	Ronald E. Harbour

	Title:	Director

	Date:	February 1, 2015

POWER OF ATTORNEY

	Signature:	/s/ Richard R. Current

	Print Name:	Richard R. Current

	Title:	Director

	Date:	January 31, 2015

POWER OF ATTORNEY

	Signature:	/s/ Richard F. Dauch

	Print Name:	Richard F. Dauch

	Title:	Director

	Date:	February 2, 2015

POWER OF ATTORNEY

	Signature:	/s/ James C. Orchard

	Print Name:	James C. Orchard

	Title:	Director

	Date:	February 6, 2015

POWER OF ATTORNEY

	Signature:	/s/ John E. Sztykiel

	Print Name:	John E. Sztykiel

	Title:	Director

	Date:	February 16, 2015

POWER OF ATTORNEY

	Signature:	/s/ Daryl M. Adams

	Print Name:	Daryl M. Adams

	Title:	President and Chief Executive Officer

	Date:	February 9, 2015

ex31-1.htm

Exhibit 31.1

CEO CERTIFICATION

I, Daryl M. Adams, 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 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 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 5, 2015		/s/ Daryl M. Adams
		Daryl M. Adams
		President and Chief Executive Officer
		Spartan Motors, Inc.

ex31-2.htm

Exhibit 31.2

CFO CERTIFICATION

I, Lori L. Wade, certify that:

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

(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 5, 2015		/s/ Lori L. Wade
		Lori L. Wade
		Chief Financial Officer
		Spartan Motors, Inc.

ex32.htm

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, 2014 (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 5, 2015		/s/ Daryl M. Adams
		Daryl M. Adams
		President and Chief Executive Officer

Date: March 5, 2015		/s/ Lori L. Wade
		Lori L. Wade
		Chief Financial Officer

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.