MILLER INDUSTRIES INC /TN/ - Quarter Report: 2017 March (Form 10-Q)

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

FORM 10-Q

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

Yes x                            No o

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 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).

Yes x                            No o

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

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. o

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

Yes o                            No x

The number of shares outstanding of the registrant’s common stock, par value $.01 per share, as of April 28, 2017 was 11,351,982.

Index

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

Certain statements in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, including but not limited to statements made in Part I, Item 2–“Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations,” statements made with respect to future operating results, expectations of future customer orders and the availability of resources necessary for our business may be deemed to be forward-looking statements, as defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of words such as “may,” “will,” “should,” “could,” “continue,” “future,” “potential,” “believe,” “project,” “plan,” “intend,” “seek,” “estimate,” “predict,” “expect,” “anticipate” and similar expressions, or the negative of such terms, or other comparable terminology. Forward-looking statements also include the assumptions underlying or relating to any of the foregoing statements. Such forward-looking statements are made based on our management’s beliefs as well as assumptions made by, and information currently available to, our management. These forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, including, the cyclical nature of our industry and changes in consumer confidence; economic and market conditions; our customers’ access to capital and credit to fund purchases; our dependence on outside suppliers of raw materials; changes in the cost of aluminum, steel and related raw materials; changes in fuel and other transportation costs, insurance costs and weather conditions; changes in government regulation; various political, economic and other uncertainties relating to our international operations, including restrictive taxation and foreign currency fluctuation; competitors could impede our ability to attract or retain customers; our ability to develop or acquire proprietary products and technology; assertions against us relating to intellectual property rights; problems hiring or retaining skilled labor; a disruption in our information technology systems; the effects of regulations relating to conflict minerals; the catastrophic loss of one of our manufacturing facilities; environmental and health and safety liabilities and requirements; loss of the services of our key executives; product warranty or product liability claims in excess of our insurance coverage; potential recalls of components or parts manufactured for us by suppliers or potential recalls of defective products; an inability to acquire insurance at commercially reasonable rates; and those other risks referenced herein, including those risks referred to in Part II, Item 1A–“Risk Factors” in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q and those risks discussed in our other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including those risks discussed under the caption “Risk Factors” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for fiscal 2016 (as the same may be updated from time to time in subsequent quarterly reports), which discussion is incorporated herein by this reference. Such factors are not exclusive. We do not undertake to update any forward-looking statement that may be made from time to time by, or on behalf of, our company.

PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

MILLER INDUSTRIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(In thousands, except share data)

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

MILLER INDUSTRIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME

(In thousands, except per share data)
(Unaudited)

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

MILLER INDUSTRIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

(In thousands)
(Unaudited)

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

MILLER INDUSTRIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(In thousands)
(Unaudited)

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

MILLER INDUSTRIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)
(in thousands, except share data and except as otherwise noted)

The condensed consolidated financial statements of Miller Industries, Inc. and subsidiaries (the “Company”) included herein have been prepared by the Company pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission. Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in annual financial statements prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America have been condensed or omitted pursuant to such rules and regulations. Nevertheless, the Company believes that the disclosures are adequate to make the financial information presented not misleading. In the opinion of management, the accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements reflect all adjustments, which are of a normal recurring nature, to present fairly the Company’s financial position, results of operations and cash flows at the dates and for the periods presented. Cost of goods sold for interim periods for certain entities is determined based on estimated gross profit rates. Interim results of operations are not necessarily indicative of results to be expected for the fiscal year.

These condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016. The condensed consolidated financial statements include accounts of certain subsidiaries whose fiscal closing dates differ from December 31^st by 31 days (or less) to facilitate timely reporting. Certain prior year amounts have been reclassified to conform to current year presentation, with no impact on previously reported shareholders’ equity. The Company evaluated subsequent events through the date the financial statements were issued.

Basic income per share is computed by dividing net income by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding. Diluted income per share is calculated by dividing net income by the weighted average number of common and potential dilutive common shares outstanding. Diluted income per share takes into consideration the assumed exercise of outstanding stock options resulting in approximately 30,000 and 28,000 potential dilutive common shares for the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively. For the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016, none of the outstanding stock options would have been anti-dilutive.

Inventory costs include materials, labor and factory overhead. Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market (net realizable value), determined on a first-in, first-out basis. Appropriate consideration is given to obsolescence, valuation and other factors in determining net realizable value. Revisions of these factors could result in the need for adjustments. Inventories, net of reserves, at March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 consisted of the following:

The Company periodically reviews the carrying amount of its long-lived assets to determine if those assets may be recoverable based upon the future operating cash flows expected to be generated by those assets. Management believes that its long-lived assets are appropriately valued.

Goodwill consists of the excess of cost of acquired entities over the sum of the amounts assigned to identifiable assets acquired less liabilities assumed. Goodwill is not amortized. However, the Company evaluates the carrying value of goodwill for impairment at least annually or if an event or circumstance occurs that would indicate that the carrying amount had been impaired. The Company reviews goodwill for impairment utilizing a qualitative assessment or a two-step process. If we choose to perform a qualitative analysis of goodwill and determine that the fair value more likely than not exceeds the carrying value, no further testing is needed. If we choose the two-step approach or if qualitative analysis determines the carrying value more likely than not exceeds fair value, the first step identifies potential impairment by comparing the fair value of the reporting unit with its carrying value. If the fair value exceeds the carrying value the second step is not necessary. If the carrying value is more than the fair value, the second step of testing is performed to compare the fair value of the goodwill with its carrying value. An impairment loss would be recognized to the extent that the carrying value of the goodwill exceeds its fair value.

Credit Facility and Other Long-Term Obligations

Credit Facility

On April 6, 2010 we entered into a Loan Agreement with First Tennessee Bank National Association for a $20,000 unsecured revolving credit facility. On December 21, 2011, our unsecured revolving credit facility was increased to $25,000. On June 11, 2015, the credit facility was further renewed to extend the maturity date to March 31, 2018 and our unsecured revolving credit facility was increased to $30,000. On June 22, 2016, the credit facility was further increased to $50,000 to give the Company greater flexibility to finance current capital expenditure projects. On April 5, 2017, the credit facility was further renewed to extend the maturity date to May 31, 2019. The current credit facility contains customary representations and warranties, events of default, and financial, affirmative and negative covenants for loan agreements of this kind. Covenants under the current credit facility restrict the payment of cash dividends if the Company would be in violation of the minimum tangible net worth test or the leverage ratio test in the current loan agreement as a result of the dividend, among various restrictions. We have been in compliance with these covenants throughout 2016 and during the first quarter of 2017 and anticipate that we will continue to be in compliance during the remainder of 2017.

In the absence of a default, all borrowings under the current credit facility bear interest at the LIBOR Rate plus 1.50% per annum. The Company will pay a non-usage fee under the current loan agreement at a rate per annum equal to between 0.15% and 0.35% of the unused amount of the current credit facility, which fee is paid quarterly.

At March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, the Company had $10,000 and $5,000 in outstanding borrowings under the credit facility, respectively. At April 28, 2017, the Company had $15,000 in outstanding borrowings under the credit facility.

Interest Rate Risk

Changes in interest rates affect the interest paid on indebtedness under the credit facility because outstanding amounts of indebtedness under the credit facility are subject to variable interest rates. Under the credit facility, the non-default rate of interest was equal to the LIBOR Market Index Rate plus 1.50% per annum (for a rate of interest of 2.48% at March 31, 2017). At the borrowing level under the credit facility at March 31, 2017, a one percent change in the interest rate on our variable-rate debt would not have a material impact on our financial position, results of operations or cash flows for the three-month period ended March 31, 2017.

Other Long-Term Obligations

At March 31, 2017, the Company had approximately $1,505 in non-cancelable operating lease obligations.

During the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016, the Company did not issue any stock options and no stock options were exercised. For additional disclosures related to the Company’s stock-based compensation refer to Notes 2 and 4 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016.

Commitments

The Company has entered into arrangements with third-party lenders where it has agreed, in the event of default by a customer, to repurchase from the third-party lender Company products repossessed from the customer. These arrangements are typically subject to a maximum repurchase amount. The maximum amount of collateral that the Company could be required to purchase was approximately $49,393 at March 31, 2017, and $45,196 at December 31, 2016. However, the Company’s risk under these arrangements is mitigated by the value of the products that would be repurchased as part of the transaction. The Company considered the fair value at inception of its liability under these arrangements and concluded that the liability associated with these potential repurchase obligations is not material and not probable at March 31, 2017.

At March 31, 2017, the Company had commitments of approximately $14,097 for construction and acquisition of property, plant and equipment. The Company is finalizing the consolidation and expansion of its Pennsylvania manufacturing operations to increase capacity and improve operating efficiencies. The plan includes consolidating primary manufacturing operations at one location. The current estimated costs of this project are approximately $24,700, including machinery and equipment, buildings and improvements and land. Approximately $23,400 of these costs were incurred as of March 31, 2017 and are included in property, plant and equipment, net on the consolidated balance sheets. The remainder of these costs are expected to be incurred during the second quarter of 2017. The timing and costs of the project are subject to change. We do not anticipate any employee severance costs or any material relocation expense associated with the consolidation since the two existing facilities are very close to each other. At March 31, 2017, we continued to utilize the remaining location for production of certain equipment and raw material inventory storage. In February 2017, the Company entered into a contingent agreement for the potential sale of the remaining plant location.

The Company also began several capital projects during 2016 involving machinery and equipment and building improvements at its Ooltewah, Tennessee and Greeneville, Tennessee facilities that it currently estimates will cost in total approximately $21,100. Approximately $12,500 of these costs were incurred as of March 31, 2017 and are included in property, plant and equipment, net on the consolidated balance sheets. The remainder of these costs are expected to be incurred during the remainder of 2017. In addition, the Company intends to construct an administrative building at its Ooltewah, Tennessee facility. The current estimated costs of such project are approximately $4,200, which are expected to be incurred during 2017. The timing and cost of the project are subject to change.

Contingencies

The Company is, from time to time, a party to litigation arising in the normal course of its business. Litigation is subject to various inherent uncertainties, and it is possible that some of these matters could be resolved unfavorably to the Company, which could result in substantial damages against the Company. The Company has established accruals for matters that are probable and reasonably estimable and maintains product liability and other insurance that management believes to be adequate. Management believes that any liability that may ultimately result from the resolution of these matters in excess of available insurance coverage and accruals will not have a material adverse effect on the consolidated financial position or results of operations of the Company.

In November 2015, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) amended the Income Taxes topic of the Accounting Standards Codification to simplify the presentation of deferred income taxes by requiring that deferred tax liabilities and assets be classified as noncurrent in a classified statement of financial position. The amendments will be effective for financial statements issued for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2016, and interim periods within those annual periods, with early adoption permitted. The Company has elected to early adopt this standard on a retrospective basis. The effect of this adoption was to present the Company’s deferred income tax accounts as a long-term deferred income tax liability on the consolidated balance sheets as of December 31, 2016 and a long-term deferred income tax asset on the consolidated balance sheets as of December 31, 2015.

As of March 31, 2017, the Company has no federal or state net operating loss carryforwards.

As of March 31, 2017 the Company had approximately $1,103 of unrecognized tax benefits recorded as liabilities, and we are uncertain about if or when such amounts may be settled. Related to the unrecognized tax benefits, the Company has also recorded a liability for potential penalties of $235 and interest of $20.

The Company is subject to United States federal income taxes, as well as income taxes in various states and foreign jurisdictions. The Company’s tax years 2015 and later tax years remain open to examination for U.S. federal income taxes. With few exceptions, the Company is no longer subject to state or non-U.S. income tax examinations prior to 2013.

Dividends

The Company has paid consecutive quarterly cash dividends since May 2011. Dividend payments made for 2017, 2016, 2015 and 2014 were as follows:

On May 2, 2017, the Company’s Board of Directors declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.18 per share. The dividend is payable June 20, 2017 to shareholders of record as of June 13, 2017.

Net sales and long-lived assets (property, plant and equipment and goodwill and intangible assets) by region were as follows (revenue is attributed to regions based on the locations of customers):

No single customer accounted for 10% or more of consolidated net sales for the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016.

Other (income) expense, net for the three months ended March 31, 2017 consisted of a foreign currency translation net gain of $14. For the three months ended March 31, 2016, other (income) expense, net consisted of a foreign currency translation net gain of $341.

The Company periodically enters into foreign currency exchange contracts designed to mitigate the impact of foreign currency risk. At March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, the Company had no outstanding foreign currency exchange contracts.

Recently Issued Standards

In May 2014, the FASB issued guidance to change the recognition of revenue from contracts with customers. The core principle of the new guidance is that an entity should recognize revenue to reflect the transfer of goods and services to customers in an amount equal to the consideration the entity receives or expects to receive. In addition, during 2016 the FASB issued additional guidance to clarify certain implementation guidance previously issued and to rescind certain SEC guidance effective upon an entity’s adoption of the new standard. The guidance will be effective for the Company for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017. The Company plans to use the modified retrospective approach to implement the standard and is currently evaluating the effect that implementation will have on its consolidated financial position, results of operations and cash flows.

The FASB's new leases standard Accounting Standard Update (“ASU”) 2016-02 Leases (Topic 842) was issued on February 25, 2016 and is intended to improve financial reporting about leasing transactions. The standard affects all companies and other organizations that lease assets such as real estate, airplanes, and manufacturing equipment. The standard will require organizations that lease assets referred to as “Lessees” to recognize on the balance sheet the assets and liabilities for the rights and obligations created by those leases. An organization is to provide disclosures designed to enable users of financial statements to understand the amount, timing, and uncertainty of cash flows arising from leases. These disclosures include qualitative and quantitative requirements concerning additional information about the amounts recorded in the financial statements. Under the new guidance, a lessee will be required to recognize assets and liabilities for leases with lease terms of more than 12 months. Consistent with current GAAP, the recognition, measurement, and presentation of expenses and cash flows arising from a lease by a lessee primarily will depend on its classification as a finance or operating lease. However, unlike current GAAP which requires only capital leases to be recognized on the balance sheet the new standard will require both types of leases (i.e. operating and capital) to be recognized on the balance sheet. The FASB lessee accounting model will continue to account for both types of leases. The capital lease will be accounted for in substantially the same manner as capital leases are accounted for under existing GAAP. The operating lease will be accounted for in a manner similar to operating leases under existing GAAP, except that lessees will recognize a lease liability and a lease asset for all of those leases.

The standard will be effective for financial statements issued for annual periods, and interim periods within these annual periods, beginning December 15, 2018, with early adoption permitted. See Note 6 for the Company’s current lease commitments. The Company plans to use the modified retrospective approach to implement the standard and is currently evaluating the effect that implementation will have on its consolidated financial position, results of operations and cash flows.

Recently Adopted Standards

In November 2015, the FASB amended the Income Taxes topic of the Accounting Standards Codification to simplify the presentation of deferred income taxes by requiring that deferred tax liabilities and assets be classified as noncurrent in a classified statement of financial position. The amendments will be effective for financial statements issued for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2016, and interim periods within those annual periods, with early adoption permitted. The Company has elected to early adopt this standard on a retrospective basis. The effect of this adoption was to present the Company’s deferred income tax accounts as a long-term deferred income tax liability on the consolidated balance sheets as of December 31, 2016 and a long-term deferred income tax asset on the consolidated balance sheets as of December 31, 2015.

In July 2015, the FASB issued amendments to the Inventory topic of the Accounting Standards Codification to require inventory to be measured at the lower of cost and net realizable value. Other than the change in the subsequent measurement guidance from the lower of cost or market to the lower of cost and net realizable value for inventory, there are no other substantive changes to the guidance on measurement of inventory. The amendments will be effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2016, with early adoption permitted. The Company adopted these amendments in the first quarter of 2017 and it did not have a material effect on its consolidated financial statements.

Executive Overview

Miller Industries, Inc. is The World’s Largest Manufacturer of Vehicle Towing and Recovery Equipment^®, with domestic manufacturing subsidiaries in Tennessee and Pennsylvania, and foreign manufacturing subsidiaries in France and the United Kingdom. We offer a broad range of equipment to meet our customers’ design, capacity and cost requirements under our Century^®, Vulcan^®, Challenger^®, Holmes^®, Champion^®, Chevron™, Eagle^®, Titan^®, Jige™ and Boniface™ brand names. In this Item 2 – “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations,” the words “Miller Industries,” “the Company,” “we,” “our,” “ours” and “us” refer to Miller Industries, Inc. and its subsidiaries or any of them.

Our management focuses on a variety of key indicators to monitor our overall operating and financial performance. These indicators include measurements of revenue, operating income, gross margin, earnings per share, capital expenditures and cash flow.

We derive revenues primarily from product sales made through our network of domestic and foreign independent distributors. Our revenues are sensitive to a variety of factors including general economic conditions as well as demand for, and price of, our products, our technological competitiveness, our reputation for providing quality products and reliable service, competition within our industry, and the cost of raw materials (including aluminum, steel and petroleum-related products).

Our industry is cyclical in nature. In recent years, the overall demand for our products and resulting revenues have been positively affected by favorable economic conditions, such as lower fuel prices, and positive consumer sentiment in our industry. However, historically, the overall demand for our products and our resulting revenues have at times been negatively affected by:

We remain concerned about the effects of these factors on the towing and recovery industry, and we continue to monitor our overall cost structure to see that it remains in line with business conditions.

In addition, we have been and will continue to be affected by changes in the prices that we pay for raw materials, particularly aluminum, steel, petroleum-related products and other raw materials, which represent a substantial part of our total cost of operations. In the past, as we have determined necessary, we have implemented price increases to offset higher costs. We also developed alternatives to some of the components used in our production process that incorporate these raw materials, and our suppliers have implemented these alternatives in the production of our component parts. We continue to monitor raw material prices and availability in order to more favorably position the Company in this dynamic market.

At March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, the Company had $10,000 and $5,000 in outstanding borrowings under the credit facility, respectively. At April 28, 2017, the Company had $15,000 in outstanding borrowings under the credit facility. The borrowings under the credit facility were primarily used to finance our current capital expenditure projects for our Pennsylvania manufacturing operations and at our Ooltewah, Tennessee and Greeneville, Tennessee facilities.

Critical Accounting Policies

Our condensed consolidated financial statements are prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America, which require us to make estimates. Certain accounting policies are deemed “critical,” as they require management’s highest degree of judgment, estimates and assumptions. A discussion of critical accounting policies, the judgments and uncertainties affecting their application and the likelihood that materially different amounts would be reported under different conditions or using different assumptions follows:

Accounts receivable

We extend credit to customers in the normal course of business. Collections from customers are continuously monitored and an allowance for doubtful accounts is maintained based on historical experience and any specific customer collection issues. While such bad debt expenses have historically been within expectations and the allowance established, there can be no assurance that we will continue to experience the same credit loss rates as in the past.

Inventory

Inventory costs include materials, labor and factory overhead. Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market (net realizable value), determined on a first-in, first-out basis. Appropriate consideration is given to obsolescence, valuation and other factors in determining net realizable value. Revisions of these estimates could result in the need for adjustments.

Long-lived assets

Long-lived assets are reviewed for impairment whenever events or circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of these assets may not be fully recoverable. When a determination has been made that the carrying amount of long-lived asset may not be fully recovered, the amount of impairment is measured by comparing an asset’s estimated fair value to its carrying value. The determination of fair value is based on projected future cash flows discounted at a rate determined by management, or if available independent appraisals or sales price negotiations. The estimation of fair value includes significant judgment regarding assumptions of revenue, operating costs, interest rates, property and equipment additions, and industry competition and general economic and business conditions among other factors. We believe that these estimates are reasonable; however, changes in any of these factors could affect these evaluations. Based on these estimates, we believe that our long-lived assets are appropriately valued.

Goodwill

Goodwill is tested for impairment annually or if an event or circumstance occurs that would more likely than not reduce the fair value of the reporting unit below the carrying amount. Goodwill is reviewed for impairment utilizing a qualitative assessment or a two-step process. If we choose to perform a qualitative analysis of goodwill and determine that fair value more likely than not exceeds the carrying value, no further testing is needed. If we choose the two-step approach, the first step identifies potential impairment by comparing the fair value of the reporting unit with its carrying value. If the fair value exceeds the carrying value the second step is not necessary. If the carrying value is more than the fair value, the second step of testing is performed to compare the fair value of the goodwill with its carrying value. An impairment loss would be recognized to the extent that the carrying value of the goodwill exceeds its fair value. We cannot predict the occurrence of certain events or changes in circumstances that might adversely affect the carrying value of goodwill. Such events might include, but are not limited to, the impact of the economic environment or a material change in a relationship with significant customers.

Warranty reserves

We estimate expense for product warranty claims at the time products are sold. These estimates are established using historical information about the nature, frequency, and average cost of warranty claims. We review trends of warranty claims and take actions to improve product quality and minimize warranty claims. We believe the warranty reserve is adequate; however, actual claims incurred could differ from the original estimates, requiring adjustments to the accrual.

Income taxes

Our income tax expense, deferred tax assets and liabilities and liabilities for unrecognized tax benefits reflect management’s best assessment of estimated current and future taxes to be paid. We are subject to income taxes in both the United States and foreign jurisdictions. Significant judgments and estimates are required in determining the consolidated income tax expense.

Deferred income taxes arise from temporary differences between the tax basis of assets and liabilities and their reported amounts in the financial statements, which will result in taxable or deductible amounts in the future. In evaluating our ability to recover our deferred tax assets within the jurisdiction from which they arise, we consider all available positive and negative evidence, including scheduled reversals of deferred tax liabilities, projected future taxable income, tax-planning strategies, and results of recent operations. The assumptions about future taxable income require significant judgment and are consistent with the plans and estimates we use to manage the underlying businesses.

The calculation of our tax liabilities involves dealing with uncertainties in the application of complex tax laws and regulations in multiple foreign jurisdictions. ASC 740 states that a tax benefit from an uncertain tax position may be recognized when it is more likely than not that the position will be sustained upon examination, including resolutions of any related appeals or litigation process, on the basis of the technical merits.

We (1) record unrecognized tax benefits as liabilities in accordance with ASC 740 and (2) adjust these liabilities when our judgment changes as a result of the evaluation of new information not previously available. Because of the complexity of some of these uncertainties, the ultimate resolution may result in a payment that is materially different from our current estimate of the unrecognized tax benefit liabilities. These differences will be reflected as increases or decreases to income tax expense in the period in which new information is available.

Revenues

Under our accounting policies, revenues are recorded when the risk of ownership for products has transferred to independent distributors or other customers, which generally occurs on shipment. From time to time, revenue is recognized under a bill and hold arrangement. Recognition of revenue on bill and hold arrangements occurs when risk of ownership has passed to the customer, a fixed written commitment has been provided by the customer, the goods are complete and ready for shipment, the goods are segregated from inventory, no performance obligation remains and a schedule for delivery has been established. While we manufacture only the bodies of wreckers, which are installed on truck chassis manufactured by third parties, we frequently purchase the truck chassis for resale to our customers. Sales of company-purchased truck chassis are included in net sales. Margin percentages are substantially lower on completed recovery vehicles containing company-purchased chassis because the markup over the cost of the chassis is nominal.

Foreign Currency Translation

The functional currency for our foreign operations is the applicable local currency. The translation from the applicable foreign currencies to U.S. dollars is performed for balance sheet accounts using current exchange rates in effect at the balance sheet date, historical rates for equity and the weighted average exchange rate during the period for revenue and expense accounts. Foreign currency translation adjustments are included in shareholders’ equity. Intercompany transactions denominated in a currency other than the functional currency are remeasured into the functional currency. Gains and losses resulting from foreign currency transactions are included in other income and expense in our consolidated statements of income.

Results of Operations–Three Months Ended March 31, 2017 Compared to Three Months Ended March 31, 2016

Net sales for the three months ended March 31, 2017 increased slightly to $148,933 from $148,815 for the comparable period in 2016. These historically strong levels of revenue were primarily attributable to continued solid demand in our domestic and international markets based on positive consumer sentiment. Domestic net sales for the period decreased from $133,620 to $130,678 offset by an increase in foreign net sales for the period from $15,195 to $18,255.

Costs of operations for the three months ended March 31, 2017 decreased 1.7% to $133,538 from $135,845 for the comparable period in 2016. Overall, costs of operations decreased as a percentage of sales from 91.3% to 89.7% primarily due to product mix and continued efforts to monitor costs while meeting customer demand.

Selling, general, and administrative expenses for the three months ended March 31, 2017 increased to $9,044 from $8,010 for the three months ended March 31, 2016. The increase in expense was primarily attributable to increased personnel costs related to an increase in staffing levels. As a percentage of sales, selling, general, and administrative expenses increased to 6.1% for the three months ended March 31, 2017 from 5.4% for the three months ended March 31, 2016.

Total interest expense increased to $378 from $198 for the three months ended March 31, 2017 as compared to the prior year period. Increases in interest expense were primarily due to increases in interest on distributor floor planning and on chassis purchases and borrowings under the credit facility.

Other (income) expense, net relates to foreign currency translation gains and losses. For the three months ended March 31, 2017, other (income) expense, the net gain of $14 compared to a net gain of $341 for the three months ended March 31, 2016.

The provision for income taxes for the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016 reflects a combined effective U.S. federal, state and foreign tax rate of 35.9% and 34.2%, respectively.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

Cash used by operating activities was $3,077 for the three months ended March 31, 2017, compared to cash used by operating activities of $7,691 for the comparable period in 2016. The cash provided by operating activities for the 2017 period was primarily attributable to consolidated net income. Cash used by operating activities reflects increases in accounts receivable, inventories and prepaid expenses offset by increases in accounts payable and accrued liabilities. Certain components of accounts receivable and accounts payable have extended collection and payment terms.

Cash used in investing activities was $6,393 for the three months ended March 31, 2017 compared to $5,749 for the comparable period in 2016. The cash used in investing activities for the 2017 period was primarily for the purchase of property, plant and equipment relating to the capital projects described below.

Cash provided by financing activities was $2,957 for the three months ended March 31, 2017, compared to cash provided by financing activities of $8,071 for the comparable period in 2016. The cash provided by financing activities for the 2017 period resulted from borrowings on the credit facility of $5,000 offset by the cash used to pay dividends for the 2017 period of $2,043.

During the three months ended March 31, 2017, we borrowed a total of $15,000 and repaid a total of $10,000 under our credit facility. At April 28, 2017, our outstanding borrowings under the credit facility increased to $15,000 from $10,000 at March 31, 2017. All of the borrowings under the credit facility during 2017 were primarily used to finance our current capital expenditure projects for our Pennsylvania manufacturing operations and our Ooltewah, Tennessee and Greeneville, Tennessee facilities.

As of March 31, 2017, we had cash and cash equivalents of $24,499 not including $40,000 of unused availability under our credit facility. Our primary cash requirements include working capital, capital expenditures, the funding of any declared cash dividends and principal payments on indebtedness. At March 31, 2017, the Company had commitments of approximately $14,097 for construction and acquisition of property and equipment. We expect our primary sources of cash to be cash flow from operations, cash and cash equivalents on hand at March 31, 2017 and additional borrowings under our credit facility as needed. We expect these sources to be sufficient to satisfy our cash needs during 2017 and for the next several years. However, our ability to satisfy our cash needs will substantially depend upon a number of factors including our future operating performance, taking into account the economic and other factors discussed above and elsewhere in this Quarterly Report, as well as financial, business and other factors, many of which are beyond our control.

As of March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, $23,710 and $21,675, respectively, of the Company’s cash and temporary investments were held by foreign subsidiaries and their holdings are generally based in the local currency. Amounts held by foreign subsidiaries are generally subject to U.S. income taxation on repatriation to the U.S.

The Company is finalizing the consolidation and expansion of its Pennsylvania manufacturing operations to increase capacity and improve operating efficiencies. The plan includes consolidating primary manufacturing operations at one location. The current estimated costs of this project are approximately $24,700, including machinery and equipment, buildings and improvements and land. Approximately $23,400 of these costs were incurred as of March 31, 2017 and are included in property, plant and equipment, net on the consolidated balance sheets. The remainder of these costs are expected to be incurred during the second quarter of 2017. The timing and costs of the project are subject to change. We do not anticipate any employee severance costs or any material relocation expense associated with the consolidation since the two existing facilities are very close to each other. At March 31, 2017, we continued to utilize the remaining location for production of certain equipment and raw material inventory storage. In February 2017, the Company entered into a contingent agreement for the potential sale of the remaining plant location.

The Company also began several capital projects during 2016 involving machinery and equipment and building improvements at its Ooltewah, Tennessee and Greeneville, Tennessee facilities that it currently estimates will cost in total approximately $21,100. Approximately $12,500 of these costs were incurred as of March 31, 2017 and are included in property, plant and equipment, net on the consolidated balance sheets. The remainder of these costs are expected to be incurred during the remainder of 2017. In addition, the Company intends to construct an administrative building at its Ooltewah, Tennessee facility. The current estimated costs of such project are approximately $4,200, which are expected to be incurred during 2017. The timing and cost of the project are subject to change.

Credit Facilities and Other Obligations

Credit Facility

On April 6, 2010 we entered into a Loan Agreement with First Tennessee Bank National Association for a $20,000 unsecured revolving credit facility. On December 21, 2011, our unsecured revolving credit facility was increased to $25,000. On June 11, 2015, the credit facility was further renewed to extend the maturity date to March 31, 2018 and our unsecured revolving credit facility was increased to $30,000. On June 22, 2016, the credit facility was further increased to $50,000 to give the Company greater flexibility to finance current capital expenditure projects. On April 5, 2017, the credit facility was further renewed to extend the maturity date to May 31, 2019. The current credit facility contains customary representations and warranties, events of default, and financial, affirmative and negative covenants for loan agreements of this kind. Covenants under the current credit facility restrict the payment of cash dividends if the Company would be in violation of the minimum tangible net worth test or the leverage ratio test in the current loan agreement as a result of the dividend, among various restrictions. We have been in compliance with these covenants throughout 2016 and during the first quarter of 2017 and anticipate that we will continue to be in compliance during the remainder of 2017.

In the absence of a default, all borrowings under the credit facility bear interest at the LIBOR Rate plus 1.50% per annum. The Company will pay a non-usage fee under the current loan agreement at a rate per annum equal to between 0.15% and 0.35% of the unused amount of the credit facility, which fee is paid quarterly.

At March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, the Company had $10,000 and $5,000 in outstanding borrowings under the credit facility, respectively. At April 28, 2017, the Company had $15,000 in outstanding borrowings under the credit facility. The borrowings under the credit facility were primarily used to finance our current capital expenditure projects for our Pennsylvania manufacturing operations and at our Ooltewah, Tennessee and Greeneville, Tennessee facilities.

Other Long-Term Obligations

At March 31, 2017, we had approximately $1,505 in non-cancelable operating lease obligations.

In the normal course of our business, we are exposed to market risk from changes in interest rates and foreign currency exchange rates that could impact our results of operations and financial position.

Interest Rate Risk

Changes in interest rates affect the interest paid on indebtedness under our credit facility because the outstanding amounts of indebtedness under our credit facility are subject to variable interest rates. Under our credit facility, the non-default rate of interest was equal to the LIBOR Market Index Rate plus 1.50% per annum (for a rate of interest of 2.48% at March 31, 2017). At the borrowing level under the credit facility at March 31, 2017, a one percent change in the interest rate on our variable-rate debt would not have a material impact on our financial position, results of operations or cash flows for the three-month period ended March 31, 2017.

Foreign Currency Exchange Rate Risk

We are subject to risk arising from changes in foreign currency exchange rates related to our international operations in Europe. We manage our exposure to our foreign currency exchange rate risk through our regular operating and financing activities. Additionally, from time to time, we enter into certain forward foreign currency exchange contracts.

Because we report in U.S. dollars on a consolidated basis, foreign currency exchange fluctuations could have a translation impact on our financial position. At March 31, 2017, we recognized a $111 decrease in our foreign currency translation adjustment account compared with December 31, 2016 because of fluctuations of the U.S. dollar against certain foreign currencies compared to a $59 increase for the prior year period.

For the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016, the impact of foreign currency exchange rate changes on our results of operations and cash flows was a net gain of $14 and a net gain of $341, respectively.

Within 90 days prior to the filing date of this report, we carried out an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our co-Chief Executive Officers (CEOs) and Chief Financial Officer (CFO), of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures as defined in Rules 13a-14(c) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Based upon this evaluation, our CEOs and CFO have concluded that the disclosure controls and procedures are effective to ensure that information required to be disclosed by us in reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act are recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in Securities and Exchange Commission rules and forms.

There were no significant changes in our internal controls or in other factors that could significantly affect internal controls subsequent to the date of this evaluation.

PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

We are, from time to time, a party to litigation arising in the normal course of our business. Litigation is subject to various inherent uncertainties, and it is possible that some of these matters could be resolved unfavorably to us, which could result in substantial damages against us. We have established accruals for matters that are probable and reasonably estimable and maintain product liability and other insurance that management believes to be adequate. Management believes that any liability that may ultimately result from the resolution of these matters in excess of available insurance coverage and accruals will not have a material adverse effect on our consolidated financial position or results of operations.

There have been no material changes to the Risk Factors included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2016.

None. 

None. 

Not applicable. 

None. 

SIGNATURES

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

Date: May 3, 2017