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AVALON HOLDINGS CORP - Quarter Report: 2008 June (Form 10-Q)

Form 10-Q
Table of Contents

2008

 

 

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

 

FORM 10-Q

 

 

 

x Quarterly Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

For the quarterly period ended June 30, 2008

 

¨ 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 1-14105

 

 

AVALON HOLDINGS CORPORATION

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

 

 

Ohio   34-1863889

(State or other jurisdiction

of incorporation or organization)

 

(I.R.S. Employer

Identification No.)

 

One American Way, Warren, Ohio   44484-5555
(Address of principal executive offices)   (Zip Code)

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (330) 856-8800

 

 

Indicate by a check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.    Yes  x    No  ¨

Indicate by a check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See definition 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   x    Smaller reporting company   ¨

Indicate by a check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act).    Yes  ¨    No  x

The registrant had 3,190,786 shares of its Class A Common Stock and 612,545 shares of its Class B Common Stock outstanding as of August 12, 2008.

 

 

 


Table of Contents

AVALON HOLDINGS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

INDEX

 

               Page

PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

  

Item 1. Financial Statements

  

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations for the Three and Six Months Ended June 30, 2008 and 2007 (Unaudited)

   3

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets at June 30, 2008 (Unaudited) and December 31, 2007

   4

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Six Months Ended June 30, 2008 and 2007 (Unaudited)

   5

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)

   6

Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

   10

Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk

   16

Item 4. Controls and Procedures

   16
PART II. OTHER INFORMATION   

Item 1. Legal Proceedings

   17

Item 2. Changes in Securities and Use of Proceeds

   17

Item 3. Defaults upon Senior Securities

   17

Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders

   17

Item 5. Other Information

   17

Item 6. Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K

   17
SIGNATURE    18


Table of Contents

PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

AVALON HOLDINGS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations (Unaudited)

(in thousands, except per share amounts)

 

     Three Months Ended
June 30,
    Six Months Ended
June 30,
 
     2008     2007     2008     2007  

Net operating revenues

   $ 11,720     $ 11,534     $ 22,074     $ 22,844  

Costs and expenses:

        

Costs of operations

     9,864       9,695       18,709       19,167  

Selling, general and administrative expenses

     1,652       1,677       3,313       3,368  
                                

Operating income from continuing operations

     204       162       52       309  

Other income (expense):

        

Interest expense

     (3 )     (4 )     (7 )     (9 )

Interest income

     8       133       37       285  

Other income (expense), net

     59       (38 )     126       20  
                                

Income from continuing operations before income taxes

     268       253       208       605  

Provision for income taxes

     14       3       14       3  
                                

Income from continuing operations

     254       250       194       602  

Discontinued operations:

        

Income from discontinued operations, net of taxes

     —         113       —         113  
                                

Net income

   $ 254     $ 363     $ 194     $ 715  
                                

Net income per share from continuing Operations (Note 2)

   $ .07     $ .07     $ .05     $ .16  
                                

Net income per share from discontinued Operations (Note 2)

   $ —       $ .03     $ —       $ .03  
                                

Net income per share (Note 2)

   $ .07     $ .10     $ .05     $ .19  
                                

Weighted average shares outstanding (Note 2)

     3,803       3,803       3,803       3,803  
                                

See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

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AVALON HOLDINGS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets

(in thousands, except per share amounts)

 

     June 30,
2008
    December 31,
2007
 
      
     (Unaudited)        
Assets:     

Current Assets:

    

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 3,552     $ 5,086  

Accounts receivable, net

     8,148       7,704  

Prepaid expenses

     299       287  

Other current assets

     703       366  
                

Total current assets

     12,702       13,443  

Property and equipment, less accumulated depreciation and amortization of $7,142 in 2008 and $6,595 in 2007

     29,894       28,568  

Leased property under capital leases, less accumulated depreciation and amortization of $1,204 in 2008 and $1,035 in 2007

     5,739       5,759  

Noncurrent deferred tax asset

     19       19  

Other assets, net

     59       60  
                

Total assets

   $ 48,413     $ 47,849  
                

Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity

    

Current Liabilities:

    

Current portion of obligations under capital leases

   $ 1     $ 1  

Accounts payable

     4,751       5,013  

Accrued payroll and other compensation

     708       594  

Accrued income taxes

     38       43  

Other accrued taxes

     148       260  

Other liabilities and accrued expenses

     2,906       2,271  
                

Total current liabilities

     8,552       8,182  

Obligations under capital leases

     231       231  

Shareholders’ Equity:

    

Class A Common Stock, $.01 par value

     32       32  

Class B Common Stock, $.01 par value

     6       6  

Paid-in capital

     58,096       58,096  

Accumulated deficit

     (18,504 )     (18,698 )
                

Total shareholders’ equity

     39,630       39,436  
                

Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity

   $ 48,413     $ 47,849  
                

See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

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AVALON HOLDINGS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited)

(in thousands)

 

     Six Months Ended
June 30,
 
     2008     2007  

Operating activities:

    

Income from continuing operations

   $ 194     $ 602  

Reconciliation of income from continuing operations to cash provided by operating activities:

    

Depreciation and amortization

     719       563  

Loss on disposal of property and equipment

     1       —    

Provision for losses on accounts receivable

     1       1  

Change in operating assets and liabilities:

    

Accounts receivable

     (445 )     (363 )

Prepaid expenses

     (12 )     (104 )

Other current assets

     (337 )     (163 )

Other assets, net

     1       7  

Accounts payable

     (262 )     (157 )

Accrued payroll and other compensation

     114       120  

Accrued income taxes

     (5 )     (5 )

Other accrued taxes

     (112 )     (17 )

Other liabilities and accrued expenses

     635       220  
                

Net cash provided by operating activities from continuing operations

     492       704  

Net cash provided by operating activities from discontinued operations

     —         113  
                

Net cash provided by operating activities

     492       817  
                

Investing activities:

    

Proceeds from disposal of property and equipment

     2       —    

Capital expenditures

     (2,028 )     (4,571 )
                

Net cash used in investing activities

     (2,026 )     (4,571 )
                

Financing activities:

    

Payments on capital lease obligations

     —         (10 )
                

Net cash used in financing activities

     —         (10 )
                

Decrease in cash and cash equivalents

     (1,534 )     (3,764 )

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year

     5,086       13,251  
                

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period

   $ 3,552     $ 9,487  
                

Non cash investing activities:

Capital expenditures of $59 and $1,211 are included in accounts payable at June 30, 2008 and June 30, 2007, respectively.

Non cash financing activities:

A capital lease obligation of $114 was exchanged for an operating lease in the second quarter of 2007.

See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

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AVALON HOLDINGS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

(Unaudited)

June 30, 2008

Note 1. Basis of Presentation

The unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements of Avalon Holdings Corporation and subsidiaries (collectively “Avalon”) and related notes included herein have been prepared in accordance with the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission. Accordingly, certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles have been omitted consistent with such rules and regulations. The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements and related notes should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and related notes included in Avalon’s 2007 Annual Report to Shareholders.

In the opinion of management, these unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements include all adjustments, consisting of normal recurring adjustments, necessary for a fair presentation of the financial position of Avalon as of June 30, 2008, and the results of its operations and cash flows for the interim periods presented.

The operating results for the interim periods are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the full year.

Note 2. Basic Net Income Per Share

Basic net income per share amounts have been computed using the weighted average number of common shares outstanding each period, which were 3,803,331. There were no common equivalent shares outstanding and, therefore, diluted per share amounts are equal to basic per share amounts for the three and six months ended June 30, 2008 and 2007.

Note 3. Comprehensive Income

Comprehensive income is comprised of two components: net income and other comprehensive income. Comprehensive income is the change in equity during a period from transactions and other events and circumstances from non-owner sources. During the second quarter and six months ended June 30, 2008 and 2007, there were no transactions from non-owner sources. Comprehensive income, net of related tax effects, is as follows (in thousands):

 

     Three Months Ended
June 30,
   Six Months Ended
June 30,
     2008    2007    2008    2007

Net income

   $ 254    $ 363    $ 194    $ 715

Other comprehensive income

     —        —        —        —  
                           

Comprehensive income

   $ 254    $ 363    $ 194    $ 715
                           

 

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Note 4. Credit Facility

On March 21, 2008, Avalon entered into a $3.5 million unsecured line of credit agreement with The Huntington National Bank. Interest on borrowings accrues at LIBOR plus 1.75%. The line of credit contains certain financial and other covenants, customary representations, warranties and events of defaults. At June 30, 2008, there were no borrowings under the line of credit.

Note 5. Discontinued Operations

In January 2004, Avalon sold all of the fixed assets of the remediation business and discontinued the operations of the engineering and consulting business. All income and expenses relating to these operations are included in discontinued operations.

In the second quarter of 2007, Avalon’s remediation business agreed to a settlement of $115,000 from a customer for the payment of services provided on a project in 2002. The settlement is included in discontinued operations in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations for the three and six months ended June 30, 2007. The monies for the settlement were received in May 2007 and are included in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows under the caption “Net cash provided by operating activities from discontinued operations” for the six months ended June 30, 2007.

On July 15, 2004, Avalon sold all the common stock of DartAmerica, Inc., Avalon’s transportation operations. As a result, all income and expenses relating to the transportation operations are included in discontinued operations.

Note 6. Legal Matters

In the ordinary course of conducting its business, Avalon becomes involved in lawsuits, administrative proceedings and governmental investigations, including those related to environmental matters. Some of these proceedings may result in fines, penalties or judgments being assessed against Avalon which, from time to time, may have an impact on its business and financial condition. Although the outcome of such lawsuits or other proceedings cannot be predicted with certainty, Avalon does not believe that any uninsured ultimate liabilities, fines or penalties resulting from such pending proceedings, individually or in the aggregate, will have a material adverse effect on its financial position or results of operations.

Note 7. Business Segment Information

In applying Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 131, “Disclosures About Segments of an Enterprise and Related Information”, Avalon considered its operating and management structure and the types of information subject to regular review by its “chief operating decision maker.” On this basis, Avalon’s reportable segments include waste management services and golf and related operations. Avalon accounts for intersegment net operating revenues as if the transactions were with third parties. The segment disclosures are presented on this basis for all periods presented.

Avalon’s primary business segment, the waste management services segment, provides hazardous and nonhazardous waste disposal brokerage and management services to industrial, commercial, municipal and governmental customers and manages a captive landfill for an industrial customer. The golf and related operations segment includes the operation of golf courses, clubhouses that provide recreational facilities and offer dining and banquet facilities and a travel agency. Avalon does not have significant operations located outside the United States and, accordingly, geographical segment information is not presented.

 

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For the six months ended June 30, 2008 and 2007, no customer individually accounted for 10% or more of Avalon’s consolidated net operating revenues.

The accounting policies of the segments are consistent with those described for the consolidated financial statements in the summary of significant accounting policies. Avalon measures segment profit for internal reporting purposes as income (loss) from continuing operations before taxes. Business segment information including the reconciliation of segment income (loss) to consolidated income from continuing operations before taxes is as follows (in thousands):

 

     Three Months Ended
June 30,
    Six Months Ended
June 30,
 
     2008     2007     2008     2007  

Net operating revenues from:

        

Waste management services:

        

External customers revenues

   $ 8,940     $ 9,377     $ 17,875     $ 19,558  

Intersegment revenues

     —         12       —         12  
                                

Total waste management services

     8,940       9,389       17,875       19,570  
                                

Golf and related operations:

        

External customers revenues

     2,780       2,157       4,199       3,286  

Intersegment revenues

     19       19       24       26  
                                

Total golf and related operations

     2,799       2,176       4,223       3,312  
                                

Segment operating revenues

     11,739       11,565       22,098       22,882  

Intersegment eliminations

     (19 )     (31 )     (24 )     (38 )
                                

Total net operating revenues

   $ 11,720     $ 11,534     $ 22,074     $ 22,844  
                                

Income (loss) from continuing operations before taxes:

        

Waste management services

   $ 935     $ 908     $ 1,731     $ 1,894  

Golf and related operations

     (8 )     (145 )     (214 )     (316 )
                                

Segment income before taxes

     927       763       1,517       1,578  

Corporate interest income

     1       109       11       232  

Corporate other income, net

     3       2       10       4  

General corporate expenses

     (663 )     (621 )     (1,330 )     (1,209 )
                                

Income from continuing operations before taxes

   $ 268     $ 253     $ 208     $ 605  
                                

Interest income:

        

Waste management services

   $ 7     $ 21     $ 23     $ 46  

Golf and related operations

     —         3       3       7  

Corporate

     1       109       11       232  
                                

Total

   $ 8     $ 133     $ 37     $ 285  
                                

 

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     June 30,
2008
    December 31,
2007
 

Identifiable assets:

    

Waste management services

   $ 10,965     $ 9,978  

Golf and related operations

     33,608       31,472  

Corporate

     36,579       37,386  
                

Subtotal

     81,152       78,836  

Elimination of intersegment receivables

     (32,739 )     (30,987 )
                

Total

   $ 48,413     $ 47,849  
                

The increase in identifiable assets of the waste management services segment is primarily a result of an increase in intersegment transactions which are eliminated in consolidation. The increase in identifiable assets of the golf and related operations segment is primarily due to capital expenditures for the construction and renovation of the Sharon Country Club facility.

Note 8. Recently Issued Financial Accounting Standards

In September 2006, the FASB issued SFAS No. 157, “Fair Value Measurements” (SFAS No. 157), which defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value in generally accepted accounting principles, and expands disclosures about fair value measurements. SFAS No. 157 does not require any new measurements, but provides guidance on how to measure fair value by providing a fair value hierarchy used to classify the source of information. This statement was effective for Avalon beginning January 1, 2008. The adoption of SFAS No. 157 did not have a material impact on Avalon’s financial statements.

 

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

The following discussion provides information which management believes is relevant to an assessment and understanding of the operations and financial condition of Avalon Holdings Corporation and its subsidiaries. As used in this report, the term “Avalon” means Avalon Holdings Corporation and its wholly owned subsidiaries, taken as a whole, unless the context indicates otherwise.

Statements included in Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations which are not historical in nature are intended to be, and are hereby identified as, ‘forward looking statements’. Avalon cautions readers that forward looking statements, including, without limitation, those relating to Avalon’s future business prospects, revenues, working capital, liquidity, capital needs, interest costs, and income, are subject to certain risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those indicated in the forward looking statements, due to risks and factors identified herein and from time to time in Avalon’s reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

For the first six months of 2008, Avalon utilized existing cash and cash provided from operations to fund capital expenditures and meet operating needs.

Avalon’s aggregate capital expenditures in 2008 are estimated to be in the range of $2.2 million to $2.8 million, which will relate principally to the construction costs of renovating and building additional banquet and recreational facilities for the golf and related operations. During the first six months of 2008, capital expenditures for Avalon totaled approximately $2 million which were principally related to such construction costs.

Avalon entered into a long-term agreement with Squaw Creek Country Club to lease and operate its golf course and related facilities. The lease, which commenced November 1, 2003, has an initial term of ten (10) years with four (4) consecutive ten (10) year renewal term options unilaterally exercisable by Avalon. Under the lease, Avalon is obligated to pay $15,000 in annual rent and make leasehold improvements of $150,000 per year. Amounts expended by Avalon for leasehold improvements during a given year in excess of $150,000 will be carried forward and applied to future leasehold improvement obligations. Avalon has made $6.9 million of leasehold improvements as of June 30, 2008. Based upon the amount of leasehold improvements already made and leasehold improvements anticipated to be made in the future, Avalon expects to exercise all of its renewal options.

Working capital was $4.2 million at June 30, 2008 compared with $5.3 million at December 31, 2007. The decrease is primarily due to the utilization of cash for the construction and renovation of the Sharon Country Club and an increase in other current liabilities, partially offset by an increase in accounts receivable and other current assets.

The increase in other current liabilities and accrued expenses at June 30, 2008 compared with December 31, 2007 is primarily due to an increase in deferred revenues relating to membership dues of the golf and related operations segment. Such deferred revenues increased from $1.9 million at December 31, 2007 to $2.3 million at June 30, 2008.

 

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The increase in accounts receivable is primarily due to higher receivables of the golf and related operations segment at June 30, 2008 compared with December 31, 2007 as a result of an increase in the number of members of the Avalon Golf and Country Club.

The increase in other current assets is primarily due to increased inventories as a result of opening the dining and banquet facilities at the Sharon facility during the first quarter of 2008.

Management believes that anticipated cash provided from future operations, existing working capital, monies available under its credit facility, as well as, Avalon’s ability to incur indebtedness, will be, for the foreseeable future, sufficient to meet operating requirements and fund capital expenditure programs.

Several private country clubs in the northeast Ohio area are experiencing economic difficulties. Avalon believes some of these clubs may represent an attractive investment opportunity and is giving consideration to the possibility of acquiring one or more additional golf courses. Avalon will continue to consider acquisitions that make economic sense. Such potential acquisitions could be financed by existing working capital, secured or unsecured debt, issuance of common stock, or issuance of a security with characteristics of both debt and equity, any of which could impact liquidity in the future.

Results of Operations

Overall performance

Net operating revenues in the second quarter of 2008 increased to $11.7 million compared with $11.5 million in the prior year’s second quarter. The increase is primarily the result of higher net operating revenues of the golf and related operations segment, partially offset by a decrease in the net operating revenues of the waste management services segment. Costs of operations increased to $9.9 million in the second quarter of 2008 compared with $9.7 million in the prior year quarter. The increase in costs of operations is primarily due to increased operating costs of the golf and related operations segment as a result of higher net operating revenues. Consolidated selling, general and administrative expenses were flat in the second quarter of 2008 compared with the second quarter of 2007. Avalon recorded income from continuing operations of $.3 million or $.07 per share in both the second quarter of 2008 and 2007.

For the first six months of 2008, net operating revenues decreased to $22.1 million compared with $22.8 million for the first six months of 2007. The decrease is primarily the result of lower net operating revenues of the waste management services segment, partially offset by, an increase in the net operating revenues of the golf and related operations segment as a result of the Sharon facility opening in March 2008. Costs of operations were $18.7 million for the first six months of 2008 compared with $19.2 million for the first six months of 2007. The decrease in costs of operations is primarily due to lower transportation and disposal costs of the waste management services segment, in which costs have a direct relationship to revenues, partially offset by higher operating costs of the golf and related operations as a result of the Sharon facility opening. Consolidated selling, general and administrative expenses decreased to $3.3 million for the first six months of 2008 compared with $3.4 million for the first six months of 2007. Avalon recorded income from continuing operations of $.2 million or $.05 per share for the first six months of 2008 compared with income from continuing operations of $.6 million or $.16 per share for the prior year period.

 

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Performance in the Second Quarter of 2008 compared with the Second Quarter of 2007

Segment performance

Segment performance should be read in conjunction with Note 7 to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

Net operating revenues of the waste management services segment decreased to $8.9 million in the second quarter of 2008 compared with $9.4 million in the second quarter of the prior year. The decrease in net operating revenues is primarily due to a decrease in the amount of event work or one-time projects of the waste brokerage and management operations in the second quarter of 2008 compared to the prior year quarter. Net operating revenues of the captive landfill management operations increased slightly in the second quarter of 2008 compared with the second quarter of the prior year. Income from continuing operations before taxes of the waste management services segment was $.9 million in the both the second quarter of 2008 and 2007. Although net operating revenues of the waste brokerage and management operations were lower in the second quarter of 2008, gross margins were higher compared with the prior year quarter. Income from continuing operations before taxes of the captive landfill operations decreased slightly in the second quarter of 2008 compared with the second quarter of the prior year due to higher operating expenses.

Net operating revenues of the golf and related operations increased to $2.8 million in the second quarter of 2008 compared with $2.2 million in the second quarter of the prior year. The increase in net operating revenues is primarily due to an increase in the average number of members during the second quarter of 2008 compared with the second quarter of 2007 and increased merchandise, food and beverage sales as a result of the dining and banquet facilities of the Avalon Golf and Country Club at Sharon being completely operational during the second quarter of 2008. During the second quarter of 2007, this facility was closed for construction and renovation. The golf and related operations segment incurred a loss from continuing operations before taxes of $8,000 in the second quarter of 2008 compared with a loss from continuing operations before taxes of $145,000 in the second quarter of the prior year. The second quarter of the prior year included a one-time expense for the settlement of an employment contract dispute. Excluding the settlement expense, the improvement is primarily due to the increased membership in the Avalon Golf and Country Club resulting in additional membership dues.

Interest income

Interest income was $8,000 in the second quarter of 2008 compared with $133,000 in the second quarter of 2007. The decrease is primarily the result of significantly lower average cash and cash equivalents invested during the second quarter of 2008 compared with the second quarter of the prior year.

General corporate expenses

General corporate expenses were $.7 million in the second quarter of 2008 compared with $.6 million in the second quarter of 2007. The increase is a result of increases in various expense items.

 

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Net income

Avalon recorded net income of $.3 million in the second quarter of 2008 compared with net income of $.4 million in the second quarter of the prior year. Avalon’s overall effective tax rate, excluding the effect of some minor state income tax provisions, was 0% in the second quarter of 2008 and 2007. The income tax provision for the second quarter of 2008 and 2007 were offset by a change in the valuation allowance. A valuation allowance is provided when it is more likely than not that deferred tax assets relating to certain federal and state loss carryforwards will not be realized. The overall effective tax rate is different than statutory rates primarily due to a change in the valuation allowance.

Performance in the first six months of 2008 compared with the first six months of 2007

Segment performance

Segment performance should be read in conjunction with Note 7 to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

Net operating revenues of the waste management services segment decreased to $17.9 million in the first six months of 2008 compared with $19.6 million in the first six months of the prior year. The decrease in net operating revenues is primarily the result of a decrease in the amount of event work or one-time projects of waste brokerage and management operations in the first six months of 2008 compared with the first six months of 2007. Net operating revenues of the captive landfill management operations increased in the first six months of 2008 compared with the first six months of 2007 primarily as a result of an increase in the amount of waste disposed of at the landfill and additional work performed on miscellaneous projects. Income from continuing operations before taxes of the waste management services segment decreased to $1.7 million in the first six months of 2008 compared with $1.9 million in the first six months of the prior year. The decrease is primarily a result of the decrease in the net operating revenues of the waste brokerage and management operations, partially offset by higher gross margins. Income from continuing operations before taxes of the captive landfill operations increased slightly in the first six months of 2008 compared with the first six months of 2007.

Net operating revenues of the golf and related operations segment increased to $4.2 million in the first six months of 2008 compared with $3.3 million in the first six months of the prior year. The golf courses, which are located in northeast Ohio and western Pennsylvania, were unavailable for play during the first three months of 2008 and 2007 due to adverse weather conditions. The dining and banquet facilities at Sharon were opened in March 2008. The Sharon facility was closed for construction and renovation during the first six months of 2007. The increase in net operating revenues is primarily due to an increase in the average number of members during the first six months of 2008 compared with the first six months of 2007, as well as, increased merchandise, food and beverage sales as a result of opening the dining and banquet facilities at the Sharon club in March 2008. The golf and related operations segment incurred a loss from continuing operations before taxes of $214,000 in the first six months of 2008 compared with a loss from continuing operations before taxes of $316,000 in the first six months of the prior year. Prior to opening the dining and banquet facilities in March 2008, the Sharon facility incurred significantly higher expenses in the first two months of 2008 while the facility was being prepared for opening when compared with the first two months of the prior year. The first six months of 2007, also, include a one-time expense for the settlement of an employment contract dispute. Excluding these aforementioned expenses, the improvement is primarily due to increased membership in the Avalon Golf and Country Club resulting in additional membership dues.

 

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Interest income

Interest income was $37,000 in the first six months of 2008 compared with $285,000 in the first six months of 2007. The decrease is primarily due to a significantly lower average amount of cash invested during the first six months of 2008 compared with the first six months of 2007.

General corporate expenses

General corporate expenses were $1.3 million in the first six months of 2008 compared with $1.2 million in the first six months of 2007. The increase is a result of increases in various expense items.

Net income

Avalon recorded net income of $.2 million in the first six months of 2008 compared with net income of $.7 million in the first six months of the prior year. Avalon’s overall effective tax rate, excluding the effect of some minor state income tax provisions, was 0% in both the first six months of 2008 and 2007. The income tax provision for the first six months of 2008 and 2007 was offset by a change in the valuation allowance. A valuation allowance is provided when it is more likely than not that deferred tax assets relating to certain federal and state loss carryforwards will not be realized. The overall effective tax rate differs from statutory rates primarily due to the change in the valuation allowance.

Trends and Uncertainties

In the ordinary course of conducting its business, Avalon becomes involved in lawsuits, administrative proceedings and governmental investigations, including those relating to environmental matters. Some of these proceedings may result in fines, penalties or judgments being assessed against Avalon which, from time to time, may have an impact on its business and financial condition. Although the outcome of such lawsuits or other proceedings cannot be predicted with certainty, management assesses the probability of loss and accrues a liability as appropriate. Avalon does not believe that any uninsured ultimate liabilities, fines or penalties resulting from such pending proceedings, individually or in the aggregate, will have a material adverse effect on its financial position or results of operations.

The Board of Directors of Avalon has explored the possibility of delisting Avalon’s common stock by reducing the number of shareholders of record below 300, thereby eliminating the requirements for compliance with the Sarbanes-Oxley Act (the “Act”). Avalon believes compliance with the requirements of the Act could be very costly. However, as a result of the Securities and Exchange Commission’s (“SEC”) decision to extend the compliance deadline under Section 404 of the Act (“SOX 404”) for small public companies and the ongoing review by the SEC of how to minimize the costly impact of SOX 404 on small companies, the Board of Directors has decided not to pursue delisting at this time, but intends to review the situation again as future developments warrant.

The federal government and numerous state and local governmental bodies are continuing to consider legislation or regulations to either restrict or impede the disposal and/or transportation of waste. A portion of Avalon’s waste brokerage and management operations revenues is derived from the disposal and/or transportation of out-of-state waste. Any law or regulation restricting or impeding the transportation of waste or the acceptance of out-of-state waste for disposal could have a negative effect on Avalon.

 

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Avalon’s waste disposal brokerage and management operations obtain and retain customers by providing services and identifying cost-efficient disposal options unique to a customer’s needs. Consolidation within the solid waste industry has resulted in reducing the number of disposal options available to waste generators and may cause disposal pricing to increase. In addition, consolidation has had the effect of reducing the number of competitors offering disposal alternatives which may adversely impact the future financial performance of Avalon’s waste disposal brokerage and management operations.

A significant portion of Avalon’s business is generated from waste brokerage and management services provided to customers and is not subject to long-term contracts. In light of current economic, regulatory and competitive conditions, there can be no assurance that Avalon’s current customers will continue to transact business with Avalon at historical levels. Failure by Avalon to retain its current customers or to replace lost business could adversely impact the future financial performance of Avalon.

Avalon’s captive landfill management business is dependent upon a single customer as its sole source of revenue. If the captive landfill management business is unable to retain this customer, Avalon’s future financial performance could be adversely impacted.

Economic challenges throughout the industries served by Avalon have resulted in payment defaults by customers. While Avalon continuously endeavors to limit customers credit risks, customer-specific financial downturns are not controllable by management. Significant customer payment defaults would have a material adverse impact upon Avalon’s future financial performance.

The Avalon Golf and Country Club has golf courses and clubhouses at each of its three facilities. The Squaw Creek and Sharon facilities each have a swimming pool, a fitness center and dining and banquet facilities. The Squaw Creek facility also has tennis courts. During the first quarter of 2008, Avalon opened the dining and banquet facilities and fitness center at the Sharon club. The Avalon Golf and Country Club competes with many public courses and country clubs in the area. Although the golf courses continue to be available to the general public, the primary source of revenues is derived from the members of the Avalon Golf and Country Club. Avalon believes that the combination of the three facilities will result in a significant increase in the number of members of the Avalon Golf and Country Club. Although there has been a continual increase in the number of members of the Avalon Golf and Country Club, as of June 30, 2008, Avalon has not attained its membership goals. There can be no assurance as to when such increased membership will be attained and when the golf and related operations will ultimately become profitable. Failure by Avalon to attain increased membership could adversely affect the future financial performance of Avalon.

All three of Avalon’s golf course operations currently hold liquor licenses for their respective facilities. If, for some reason, any one of these facilities were to lose its liquor license, the financial performance of the golf and related operations would be adversely affected.

Avalon’s operations are somewhat seasonal in nature since a significant portion of those operations are primarily conducted in selected northeastern and midwestern states. Additionally, Avalon’s golf courses are located in northeast Ohio and western Pennsylvania and are significantly dependent upon weather conditions during the golf season. As a result, Avalon’s financial performance is adversely affected by adverse weather conditions.

 

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Management is currently evaluating Avalon’s strategic direction for the future. While there are no specific transactions under negotiation or pending at this time, Avalon does not necessarily intend to limit itself in the future to lines of business which it has historically conducted.

 

Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk

Avalon does not have significant exposure to changing interest rates. A 10% change in interest rates would have an immaterial effect on Avalon’s income from continuing operations before taxes. Avalon currently has no debt outstanding and invests primarily in U.S. Treasury notes, short-term money market funds and other short-term obligations. Avalon does not undertake any specific actions to cover its exposure to interest rate risk and Avalon is not a party to any interest rate risk management transactions.

Avalon does not purchase or hold any derivative financial instruments.

 

Item 4. Controls and Procedures

Avalon’s management, including the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, has conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of disclosure controls and procedures pursuant to Exchange Act Rule 13a-14. Based on that evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that the disclosure controls and procedures are effective in ensuring that all material information required to be filed in this quarterly report has been made known to them in a timely fashion. There have been no significant changes in internal controls, or in factors that could significantly affect internal controls, subsequent to the date the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer completed their evaluation.

 

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PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

 

Item 1. Legal Proceedings

Reference is made to “Item 3. Legal Proceedings” in Avalon’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2007 for a description of legal proceedings.

 

Item 2. Changes in Securities and Use of Proceeds

None

 

Item 3. Defaults upon Senior Securities

None

 

Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders

Avalon’s Annual Meeting of Shareholders was held on May 6, 2008; however, no vote of security holders occurred with respect to any matters reportable under this Item 4.

 

Item 5. Other Information

None

 

Item 6. Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K

 

  (a) Exhibits

 

Exhibit 31.1   Certification pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
Exhibit 31.2   Certification pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
Exhibit 32.1   Certification pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
Exhibit 32.2   Certification pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

 

  (b) Reports on Form 8-K

 

  (c) None

 

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SIGNATURE

Pursuant to the requirements 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.

 

    AVALON HOLDINGS CORPORATION
  (Registrant)
Date: August 12, 2008   By:  

/s/ Timothy C. Coxson

    Timothy C. Coxson, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer (Principal Financial and Accounting Officer and Duly Authorized Officer)

 

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