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AVALON HOLDINGS CORP - Quarter Report: 2009 June (Form 10-Q)

Form 10-Q
Table of Contents

2009

 

 

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, 2009

 

¨ 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 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 (§ 229.405 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  ¨    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 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   x

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 3,191,038 shares of its Class A Common Stock and 612,293 shares of its Class B Common Stock outstanding as of August 10, 2009.

 

 

 


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, 2009 and 2008 (Unaudited)    3
  Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets at June 30, 2009 (Unaudited) and December 31, 2008    4
  Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Six Months Ended June 30, 2009 and 2008 (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    17
  Item 4. Controls and Procedures    17

PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

  
  Item 1. Legal Proceedings    18
  Item 2. Changes in Securities and Use of Proceeds    18
  Item 3. Defaults upon Senior Securities    18
  Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders    18
  Item 5. Other Information    18
  Item 6. Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K    18
SIGNATURE    19


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,
 
     2009     2008     2009     2008  

Net operating revenues

   $ 8,372      $ 11,720      $ 17,215      $ 22,074   

Costs and expenses:

        

Costs of operations

     6,804        9,464        14,076        17,990   

Depreciation and Amortization

Selling, general and administrative expenses

    

 

423

1,456

  

  

   
 
400
1,652
  
  
   
 
848
3,065
  
  
   

 

719

3,313

  

  

                                

Operating (loss) income

     (311     204        (774     52   

Other income (expense):

        

Interest expense

     (4     (3     (7     (7

Interest income

     11        8        14        37   

Other income, net

     55        59        114        126   
                                

(Loss) income before income taxes

     (249     268        (653     208   

Provision for income taxes

     14        14        14        14   
                                

Net (loss) income

   $ (263   $ 254      $ (667   $ 194   
                                

Net (loss) income per share (Note 2)

   $ (.07   $ .07      $ (.18   $ .05   
                                

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,
2009
    December 31,
2008
 
     (Unaudited)        
Assets:     

Current Assets:

    

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 5,926      $ 3,061   

Accounts receivable, net

     5,720        9,304   

Prepaid expenses

     279        309   

Other current assets

     708        636   
                

Total current assets

     12,633        13,310   

Property and equipment, less accumulated depreciation and amortization of $8,396 in 2009 and $7,761 in 2008

     28,849        29,437   

Leased property under capital leases, less accumulated depreciation and amortization of $1,581 in 2009 and $1,384 in 2008

     5,694        5,882   

Noncurrent deferred tax asset

     25        25   

Other assets, net

     58        59   
                

Total assets

   $ 47,259      $ 48,713   
                

Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity

    

Current Liabilities:

    

Current portion of obligations under capital leases

   $ 1      $ 1   

Accounts payable

     4,151        4,831   

Accrued payroll and other compensation

     536        711   

Accrued income taxes

     11        19   

Other accrued taxes

     163        281   

Other liabilities and accrued expenses

     2,660        2,466   
                

Total current liabilities

     7,522        8,309   

Obligations under capital leases

     230        230   

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

     (18,627     (17,960
                

Total shareholders’ equity

     39,507        40,174   
                

Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity

   $ 47,259      $ 48,713   
                

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,
 
     2009     2008  

Operating activities:

    

Net (loss) income

   $ (667   $ 194   

Reconciliation of (loss) income to cash provided by operating activities:

    

Depreciation and amortization

     848        719   

Loss on disposal of property and equipment

     —          1   

Provision for losses on accounts receivable

     55        1   

Change in operating assets and liabilities:

    

Accounts receivable

     3,529        (445

Prepaid expenses

     30        (12

Other current assets

     (72     (337

Other assets, net

     —          1   

Accounts payable

     (680     (262

Accrued payroll and other compensation

     (175     114   

Accrued income taxes

     (8     (5

Other accrued taxes

     (118     (112

Other liabilities and accrued expenses

     194        635   
                

Net cash provided by operating activities

     2,936        492   
                

Investing activities:

    

Proceeds from disposal of property and equipment

     —          2   

Capital expenditures

     (71     (2,028
                

Net cash used in investing activities

     (71     (2,026
                

Increase (Decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

     2,865        (1,534

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year

     3,061        5,086   
                

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period

   $ 5,926      $ 3,552   
                

Non cash investing activities:

Capital expenditures of $59 are included in accounts payable at June 30, 2008.

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, 2009

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 2008 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, 2009, 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.

Avalon evaluated subsequent events through August 11, 2009, the date the financial statements were issued.

Note 2. Basic Net Income (Loss) per Share

Basic net income (loss) per share has 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, 2009 and 2008.

Note 3. 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 agreement was amended in April 2009 to provide for a minimum interest rate of 3.25%. The line of credit contains certain financial and other covenants, customary representations, warranties and events of defaults. At June 30, 2009, there were no borrowings under the line of credit.

Note 4. Income Taxes

Avalon recorded a net loss of $.3 million in the second quarter of 2009 compared with net income of $.3 million in the second quarter of 2008. Excluding the minor effect of the state income tax provisions, Avalon’s overall effective tax rate was 0% in the second quarter of 2009 and 2008. The income tax benefit for the second quarter of 2009 and the income tax provision for the second quarter of 2008 were offset by a change in the valuation allowance. The overall effective tax rate is different than statutory rates primarily

 

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due to 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. Avalon continues to maintain a valuation allowance against the majority of its deferred tax amounts until it is evident that the deferred tax asset will be utilized in the future.

Avalon recorded a net loss of $.7 million in the first six months of 2009 compared with net income of $.2 million in the first six months of 2008. Excluding the minor effect of the state income tax provisions, Avalon’s overall effective tax rate was 0% in the first six months of 2009 and 2008. The income tax benefit for the first six months of 2009 and the income tax provision for the first six months of 2008 were offset by a change in the valuation allowance. The overall effective tax rate is different than statutory rates primarily due to 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. Avalon continues to maintain a valuation allowance against the majority of its deferred tax amounts until it is evident that the deferred tax asset will be utilized in the future.

Note 5. 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 liquidity, financial position or results of operations.

Note 6. 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, manages a captive landfill for an industrial customer and sells construction mats. The golf and related operations segment includes the operations of golf courses, clubhouses that provide recreational, dining and banquet facilities and a travel agency. Revenue for the golf and related operations segment consists primarily of membership dues, green fees, cart rentals, merchandise, and food and beverage sales. Revenue related to membership dues are recognized proportionately over twelve months. The unrecognized or deferred revenues relating to membership dues were $2.2 million at June 30, 2009 and $2.0 million at December 31, 2008 and are included in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets under the caption “Other liabilities and accrued expenses”. Avalon does not have any 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, 2009 one customer accounted for 14% of the waste management services segment’s net operating revenues to external customers and 10% of Avalon’s consolidated net operating revenues. For the six months ended June 30, 2008, no customer 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) before taxes. Business segment information including the reconciliation of segment income before taxes to income (loss) before taxes is as follows (in thousands):

 

     Three Months Ended
June 30,
    Six Months Ended
June 30,
 
     2009     2008     2009     2008  

Net operating revenues from:

        

Waste management services:

        

External customers revenues

   $ 5,636      $ 8,940      $ 12,870      $ 17,875   

Intersegment revenues

     —          —          —          —     
                                

Total waste management services

     5,636        8,940        12,870        17,875   
                                

Golf and related operations:

        

External customers revenues

     2,736        2,780        4,345        4,199   

Intersegment revenues

     20        19        24        24   
                                

Total golf and related operations

     2,756        2,799        4,369        4,223   
                                

Segment operating revenues

     8,392        11,739        17,239        22,098   

Intersegment eliminations

     (20     (19     (24     (24
                                

Total net operating revenues

   $ 8,372      $ 11,720      $ 17,215      $ 22,074   
                                

Income (loss) before taxes:

        

Waste management services

   $ 415      $ 935      $ 1,011      $ 1,731   

Golf and related operations

     (132     (8     (505     (214
                                

Segment income before taxes

     283        927        506        1,517   

Corporate interest income

     11        1        13        11   

Corporate other income, net

     2        3        7        10   

General corporate expenses

     (545     (663     (1,179     (1,330
                                

Income (loss) before taxes

   $ (249   $ 268      $ (653   $ 208   
                                

Interest income:

        

Waste management services

   $ —        $ 7      $ 1      $ 23   

Golf and related operations

     —          —          —          3   

Corporate

     11        1        13        11   
                                

Total

   $ 11      $ 8      $ 14      $ 37   
                                

 

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     June 30,
2009
    December 31,
2008
 

Identifiable assets:

    

Waste management services

   $ 8,173      $ 13,823   

Golf and related operations

     32,580        32,841   

Corporate

     40,149        35,444   
                

Subtotal

     80,902        82,108   

Elimination of intersegment receivables

     (33,643     (33,395
                

Total

   $ 47,259      $ 48,713   
                

The decrease in the identifiable assets of the waste management services segment is primarily due to a decrease in accounts receivable of the waste brokerage and management services at June 30, 2009 compared with December 31, 2008 and a decrease in intersegment transactions which are eliminated in consolidation. The increase in identifiable assets of corporate is primarily due to an increase in cash and cash equivalents at June 30, 2009 compared with December 31, 2008 and an increase in intersegment transactions which are eliminated in consolidation.

Note 7. Recently Issued Financial Accounting Standards

In June 2009, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 168, “The FASB Accounting Standards Codification and the Hierarchy of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles, a replacement of FASB Statement No. 162” (Codification). The Codification, which was launched on July 1, 2009, became the single source of authoritative nongovernmental U.S. GAAP, superseding existing FASB, American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA)), Emerging Issues Task Force (EITF) and related literature. The Codification eliminates the GAAP hierarchy contained in SFAS No. 162 and establishes one level of authoritative GAAP. All other literature is considered non-authoritative. The Statement is effective for financial statements issued for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. Avalon will adopt this Statement for its quarter ending September 30, 2009. There will be no change to Avalon’s Consolidated Financial Statements due to the implementation of this Statement.

In May 2009, the FASB issued SFAS No. 165, “Subsequent Events.” This Statement sets forth: 1) the period after the balance sheet date during which management of a reporting entity should evaluate events or transactions that may occur for potential recognition of disclosure in the financial statements; 2) the circumstances under which an entity should recognize events or transactions occurring after the balance sheet date in its financial statements; and 3) the disclosures that an entity should make about events or transactions that occurred after the balance sheet date. This Statement is effective for interim and annual periods ending after June 15, 2009. Avalon adopted this Statement in the quarter ended June 30, 2009. This Statement did not impact the consolidated financial results.

 

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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 2009, Avalon utilized existing cash and cash provided from operations to fund capital expenditures and meet operating needs.

Avalon’s aggregate capital expenditures in 2009 are expected to be in the range of $.2 million to $.5 million. Such expenditures will principally relate to equipment purchases and building improvements for the golf and related operations. During the first six months of 2009, capital expenditures for Avalon totaled approximately $.1 million which was principally related to such building improvements.

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 approximately $7.3 million of leasehold improvements as of June 30, 2009. 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 $5.1 million at June 30, 2009 and $5.0 million at December 31, 2008.

The decrease in accounts receivable at June 30, 2009 compared with December 31, 2008 is primarily due to lower net operating revenues of the waste management services segment in the second quarter of 2009 compared with the fourth quarter of 2008, partially offset by a small increase in accounts receivable of the golf and related operations segment. The waste management services segment recorded net operating revenues of $5.6 million in the second quarter of 2009 compared with $10.6 million in the fourth quarter of 2008.

 

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The decrease in accounts payable at June 30, 2009 compared with December 31, 2008 is primarily a result of decreased payables due disposal facilities and transporters used by the waste brokerage and management services business as a result of lower net operating revenues in the second quarter of 2009 compared with the fourth quarter of 2008 and the timing of payments to such vendors in the ordinary course of business.

The decrease in accrued payroll and other compensation is primarily due to the payment of bonus incentives of the waste brokerage and management services business which were accrued at December 31, 2008, partially offset by the accrual for such bonus incentives in the first six months of 2009.

The decrease in other accrued taxes at June 30, 2009 compared with December 31, 2008 is primarily due to the payment of accrued real estate taxes during the second quarter of 2009.

The increase in other liabilities and accrued expenses at June 30, 2009 compared with December 31, 2008 is primarily due to an increase in deferred revenues relating to membership dues of the golf and related operations segment. The deferred revenues relating to membership dues increased to $2.2 million at June 30, 2009 compared with $2.0 million at December 31, 2008.

Management believes that anticipated cash provided from future operations, existing working capital, 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 2009 decreased to $8.4 million from $11.7 million in the prior year’s second quarter. The decrease is primarily the result of a significant decrease in the net operating revenues of the waste management services segment. Costs of operations decreased to $6.8 million in the second quarter of 2009 compared with $9.5 million in the prior year’s second quarter. The decrease is primarily due to the decrease in net operating revenues of the waste management services segment, which resulted in lower transportation and disposal costs, as these costs vary directly with the associated net operating revenues. Fixed costs relating to depreciation and amortization expense were $.4 million in both the second quarter of 2009 and 2008. Consolidated selling, general and administrative expenses declined to $1.5 million in the second quarter of 2009 compared with $1.7 million in the second quarter of 2008 primarily due to a decrease in sales and management bonus incentives of the waste management services segment. Avalon recorded a net loss of $.3 million, or $.07 per share, in the second quarter of 2009 compared with net income of $.3 million or $.07 per share, in the second quarter of 2008.

 

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For the first six months of 2009, net operating revenues decreased to $17.2 million compared with $22.1 million for the first six months of 2008. The decrease is primarily the result of a significant decrease in the net operating revenues of the waste management services segment, partially offset by a slight increase in net operating revenues of the golf and related operations segment. Costs of operations were $14.1 million for the first six months of 2009 compared with $18.0 million for the first six months of 2008. The decrease is primarily due to the decline in net operating revenues of the waste management services segment, which resulted in lower transportation and disposal costs as these costs vary directly with the associated net operating revenues. Fixed costs relating to depreciation and amortization expense were $.8 million for the first six months of 2009 and $.7 million for the same period in 2008. Consolidated selling, general and administrative expenses declined to $3.1 million for the first six months of 2009 compared with $3.3 million for the first six months of 2008 primarily due to a decrease in sales and management bonus incentives of the waste management services segment. Avalon recorded a net loss of $.7 million, or $.18 per share, for the first six months of 2009 compared with net income of $.2 million, or $.05 per share, for the first six months of 2008.

Performance in the Second Quarter of 2009 compared with the Second Quarter of 2008

Segment performance

Segment performance should be read in conjunction with Note 6 to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

Net operating revenues of the waste management services segment decreased approximately 37% to $5.6 million in the second quarter of 2009 compared with $8.9 million in the second quarter of the prior year. For the second quarter of 2009, net operating revenues of the waste brokerage and management services business were $5.1 million compared with $8.3 million in the second quarter of 2008, while the net operating revenues of the captive landfill management operations were $.5 million in the second quarter of 2009 compared with $.6 million in the second quarter of 2008. The decrease in the net operating revenues of the waste brokerage and management services business was primarily due to a decrease of 42% in continuous or ongoing work, and a 29% decrease in event work. The decreased continuous work was primarily the result of a slowdown in the economy which negatively affected the production and manufacturing of the industrial customers. The decrease in event work was due to a decline in the number of projects won in the second quarter of 2009 compared with the second quarter of 2008. Such work is defined as bid projects under contract that occurs on a one-time basis over a short period of time and can fluctuate significantly from quarter to quarter. The decrease in net operating revenues of the captive landfill operations was primarily the result of a decrease in the volume of waste disposed of at the captive landfill. The volume of waste disposed of at the captive landfill is entirely dependent upon the amount of waste generated by the owner of the landfill for whom Avalon manages the facility.

Due to the significant decline in net operating revenues, income before taxes for the waste management services segment decreased to $.4 million in the second quarter of 2009 compared with $.9 million in the second quarter of the prior year. Income before taxes of the

 

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waste brokerage and management services business was $.3 million for the second quarter of 2009 compared with $.7 million for the second quarter of 2008. Income before taxes of the captive landfill operations decreased to $.1 million in the second quarter of 2009 compared with $.2 million in the second quarter of 2008.

Avalon’s golf and related operations segment consists primarily of golf courses, clubhouses which provide dining and banquet facilities, and a travel agency. Although the golf courses will continue to be available to the general public, the primary source of revenues will arise from members of the Avalon Golf and Country Club. Net operating revenues for the golf and related operations were $2.8 million in both the second quarter of 2009 and second quarter of the prior year. The average number of members during the second quarter of 2009 increased to 2,614 compared with 2,580 in the prior year’s second quarter. The ability to attract and retain members is very important to the success of the golf and related operations segment. Avalon is continually using different marketing strategies to attract and retain members, such as local television advertising and various membership promotions. However, due to the state of the economy, retaining members and attracting new members is becoming more difficult. A significant decline in members could adversely impact the financial results of the golf and related operations segment. The golf and related operations segment incurred a loss before taxes of $.1 million in the second quarter of 2009 compared with a loss before taxes of $8,000 in the second quarter of the prior year. The increased loss before taxes is primarily due to increased advertising and depreciation expenses and higher operating costs.

Interest income

Interest income was $11,000 in the second quarter of 2009 compared with $8,000 in the second quarter of 2008. The increase is primarily the result of higher average cash and cash equivalents invested during the second quarter of 2009 compared with the second quarter of the prior year, partially offset by lower average investment rates.

General corporate expenses

General corporate expenses were $.5 million in the second quarter of 2009 compared with $.7 million in the second quarter of 2008. The lower general corporate expenses were the result of decreases in various expense items.

Net income

Avalon recorded a net loss of $.3 million in the second quarter of 2009 compared with net income of $.3 million in the second quarter of 2008. Excluding the minor effect of the state income tax provisions, Avalon’s overall effective tax rate was 0% in the second quarter of 2009 and 2008. The income tax benefit for the second quarter of 2009 and the income tax provision for the second quarter of 2008 were offset by a change in the valuation allowance. The overall effective tax rate is different than statutory rates primarily due to 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. Avalon continues to maintain a valuation allowance against the majority of its deferred tax amounts until it is evident that the deferred tax asset will be utilized in the future.

 

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Performance in the first six months of 2009 compared with the first six months of 2008

Segment performance

Segment performance should be read in conjunction with Note 6 to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

Net operating revenues of the waste management services segment decreased to $12.9 million in the first six months of 2009 compared with $17.9 million in the first six months of the prior year. For the first six months of 2009, net operating revenues of the waste brokerage and management services business were $11.8 million compared with $16.6 million for the first six months of 2008, while the net operating revenues of the captive landfill management operations were $1.1 million in the for the first six months of 2009 compared with $1.3 million for the same period in 2008. The decrease in net operating revenues of the waste brokerage and management services business in the first six months of 2009 compared with the first six months of 2008 was primarily the result of a 37% decline in continuous or ongoing work and a 12% decline in event work. The decrease in continuous work is primarily the result of a slowdown in the economy which negatively affected the production and manufacturing of the industrial customers. The decrease in event work was due to a decline in the number of projects won for the first six months of 2009 compared with the same period in 2008. Net operating revenues of the captive landfill management operations decreased in the first six months of 2009 compared with the first six months of 2008 primarily as a result of a decrease in the amount of waste disposed of at the landfill and a decrease in additional work performed on miscellaneous projects. Income from operations before taxes for the waste management services segment decreased to $1.0 million in the first six months of 2009 compared with $1.7 million in the first six months of the prior year. The decrease is primarily a result of the significant decrease in net operating revenues of the waste brokerage and management services business.

Net operating revenues of the golf and related operations segment increased to $4.4 million in the first six months of 2009 compared with $4.2 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 2009 and 2008 due to adverse weather conditions. The dining and banquet facilities at Sharon were closed during the first two months of 2008 for renovation. The increase in net operating revenues is primarily due to a slight increase in membership dues and an increase in food and beverage sales as a result of the dining and banquet facilities at the Sharon club being open for the entire six months of 2009. The average number of members during the first six months of 2009 increased to 2,623 compared with 2,489 in the prior year’s first six months. Although the average number of members increased, due to the mix between social and golf members, net operating revenues from membership dues increased only slightly. The ability to attract and retain members is very important to the success of the golf and related operations segment. Avalon is continually using different marketing strategies to attract and retain members, such as local television advertising and various membership promotions. However, due to the state of the economy, retaining members and attracting new members is becoming more difficult. A significant decline in members could adversely impact the financial results of the golf and related operations segment. The golf and related operations segment incurred a loss before taxes of $.5 million in the first six months of 2009 compared with a loss before taxes of $.2 million in the first six months of the prior year. The increased loss before taxes is primarily due to higher employee costs and increased advertising, depreciation and utility expenses.

 

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Interest income

Interest income was $14,000 in the first six months of 2009 compared with $37,000 in the first six months of 2008. The decrease is primarily due to lower average investment rates during the first six months of 2009 compared with the first six months of 2008.

General corporate expenses

General corporate expenses were $1.2 million in the first six months of 2009 compared with $1.3 million in the first six months of 2008. The decrease is a result of decreases in various expense items.

Net income

Avalon recorded a net loss of $.7 million in the first six months of 2009 compared with net income of $.2 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 2009 and 2008. The income tax benefit for the first six months of 2009 and the income tax provision for the first six months of 2008 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 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 liquidity, financial position or results of operations.

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 services 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.

Avalon’s waste brokerage and management services business obtains and retains 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

 

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had the effect of reducing the number of competitors offering disposal alternatives which may adversely impact the future financial performance of Avalon’s waste brokerage and management services business.

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 customer 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. Two of the Club’s facilities, Squaw Creek and Sharon, each have a swimming pool, a fitness center and dining and banquet facilities. The Squaw Creek facility also has tennis courts. 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. However, due to the state of the economy, retaining members and attracting new members has become more difficult. Although Avalon has been able to increase the number of members of the Avalon Golf and Country Club year-to-year, as of June 30, 2009, Avalon has not attained its membership goals. A significant decline in members could adversely impact the financial results of the golf and related operations segment. 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 before taxes for the next fiscal year. Avalon currently has no debt outstanding and invests primarily in Certificates of Deposit, 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

As required by Rule 13a-15 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the “Exchange Act”), Avalon’s management conducted an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures as of June 30, 2009. For purposes of the foregoing, the term disclosure controls and procedures means controls and other procedures of an issuer that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by the issuer in the reports that it files or submits under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported, within the time periods specified in the Securities and Exchange Commission’s (“SEC”) rules and forms. Disclosure controls and procedures include, without limitation, controls and procedures designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by an issuer in the reports that it files or submits under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to the issuer’s management, including its principal executive and principal financial officers, or persons performing similar functions, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure. Avalon’s disclosure controls and procedures are designed to provide reasonable assurance of achieving their objectives as outlined above. Based upon that evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have concluded that they believe that, as of June 30, 2009 our disclosure controls and procedures were effective at a reasonable assurance level.

Changes in Internal Controls over Financial Reporting. There were no changes in our internal controls over financial reporting during the fiscal quarter ended June 30, 2009 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal controls over financial reporting.

 

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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, 2008 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 April 30, 2009: 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

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 11, 2009

    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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