Annual Statements Open main menu

SHYFT GROUP, INC. - Annual Report: 2017 (Form 10-K)

spar20171231_10k.htm
 

 



 

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

_________________

 

FORM 10-K

 

ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2017

 

OR

TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the transition period from ____________________ to _____________________

 

Commission File Number 001-33582

SPARTAN MOTORS, INC.
(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)

Michigan
(State or Other Jurisdiction of
Incorporation or Organization)

 

38-2078923
(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)

 

 

 

1541 Reynolds Road
Charlotte, Michigan

(Address of Principal Executive Offices)

 


48813
(Zip Code)

 

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

 

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

 

 

 

Title of Each Class
Common Stock, $.01 Par Value

 

Name of Each Exchange on which Registered
NASDAQ Global Select Market

     

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

 

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

 

Yes

   

No

X

 

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

 

Yes

   

No

X

 

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

 

Yes

X

 

No

   

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

 

Yes

X

 

No

   

Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K (§ 229.405 of this chapter) is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K.  X 

 

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

Large accelerated filer

 

    Accelerated filer

X

    Non-accelerated filer

 

    Smaller reporting company

      Emerging growth company  

 

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.         

 

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

 

Yes

   

No

X

 

The aggregate market value of the registrant’s voting common stock held by non-affiliates of the registrant, based on the last sales price of such stock on NASDAQ Global Select Market on June 30, 2017, the last business day of the registrant’s most recently completed second fiscal quarter: $295,236,168.

 

The number of shares outstanding of the registrant’s Common Stock, $.01 par value, as of February 23, 2018: 35,089,684 shares

 

Documents Incorporated by Reference

 

Portions of the definitive proxy statement for the registrant’s May 23, 2018 annual meeting of shareholders, to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission no later than 120 days after December 31, 2017, are incorporated by reference in Part III.

 



 

 

 

 

 

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

 

 

This Form 10-K contains some statements that are not historical facts. These statements are called “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. These statements involve important known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors and can be identified by phrases using “estimate,” “anticipate,” “believe,” “project,” “expect,” “intend,” “predict,” “potential,” “future,” “may,” “will,” “should” and similar expressions or words. Our future results, performance or achievements may differ materially from the results, performance or achievements discussed in the forward-looking statements. These statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve certain risks, uncertainties and assumptions (“Risk Factors”) that are difficult to predict with regard to timing, extent, likelihood and degree of occurrence. Therefore, actual results and outcomes may materially differ from what may be expressed or forecasted in such forward-looking statements.

 

Risk Factors include the risk factors listed and more fully described in Item 1A below, “Risk Factors”, as well as risk factors that we have discussed in previous public reports and other documents filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The list in Item 1A below includes all known risks our management believes could materially affect the results described by forward-looking statements contained in this Form 10-K. However, these risks may not be the only risks we face. Our business, operations, and financial performance could also be affected by additional factors that are not presently known to us or that we currently consider to be immaterial to our operations. In addition, new Risk Factors may emerge from time to time that may cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statements. Given these risks and uncertainties, although we believe that the forward-looking statements contained in this Form 10-K are reasonable, we cannot provide you with any guarantee that the anticipated results will be achieved. All forward-looking statements in this Form 10-K are expressly qualified in their entirety by the cautionary statements contained in this section and investors should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements as a prediction of actual results. The Company undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements to reflect developments or information obtained after the date this Form 10-K is filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

 

2

 

 

PART I

Item 1.

Business.

 

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

 

General

 

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

 

We are a niche market leader in the engineering and manufacturing of heavy-duty, purpose-built specialty vehicles. Our products include: walk-in vans and truck bodies used in e-commerce/parcel delivery; up-fit equipment used in the mobile retail, and utility trades; fire trucks and fire truck chassis; luxury Class A diesel motor home chassis; military vehicles; and contract manufacturing and assembly services. We also supply replacement parts and offer repair, maintenance, field service and refurbishment services for the vehicles that we manufacture. Our operating activities are conducted through our wholly-owned operating subsidiary, Spartan Motors USA, Inc. (“Spartan USA”), with locations in Charlotte, Michigan; Brandon, South Dakota; Ephrata, Pennsylvania; Bristol, Indiana; Snyder and Neligh, Nebraska; and Delevan, Wisconsin, along with contract manufacturing in Kansas City, Missouri and Saltillo, Mexico. We employed 2,327 people across all of our business units and corporate location as of January 31, 2018.

 

Our vehicles, parts and services are sold to original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), dealers, commercial and individual end users, and municipalities and other governmental entities. In 2017 55.7% of our revenue was derived from original equipment manufacturers, dealers, and end users, while 44.3% was derived from municipalities and other governmental entities. Our product portfolio gives us access to multiple differentiated markets and corresponding customer bases which help to mitigate the impact of business cycles.

 

In 2015 we began executing against an aggressive turnaround plan targeting a return to profitability within three years. 2017 marks the end of that turnaround phase with our ER business returning to profitability and the beginning of our growth phase. We will continue to work towards maximizing operational efficiency and profitability, and add in a new focus on growing our revenue and market share through a combination of organic growth, acquisitions and entry into new synergistic markets. As illustrated in the charts below, over the past five years our revenue has increased by $237.6 million, a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 10.8%, while net income and adjusted EBITDA have grown by $21.9 million and $22.4 million respectively.  Please see the reconciliation of adjusted EBITDA to Net income attributable to Spartan Motors, Inc., below.

 

 

 

Our diversification across several sectors provides numerous opportunities while reducing overall risk as the various markets we serve tend to have different cyclicality. We have an innovative team focused on building lasting relationships with our customers by designing and delivering market leading specialty vehicles, vehicle components, and services. Additionally, our business structure provides the agility to quickly respond to market needs, take advantage of strategic opportunities when they arise and correctly size and scale operations to ensure stability and growth. Our expansion of equipment up-fit services in our Fleet Vehicles and Services segment, the recent award of a $214 million order from the United States Postal Service, and the growing opportunities that we have capitalized on in last mile delivery as a result of the rapidly changing e-commerce market are excellent examples of our ability to generate growth and profitability by quickly fulfilling customer needs.

 

We have the ability to carry out our long-term growth plan and obtain optimal financial flexibility by using a combination of cash generated from borrowings, borrowings under our credit facilities as well as internally or externally generated equity capital as sources of expansion capital.

 

3

 

 

Our Segments

 

We identify our reportable segments based on our management structure and the financial data utilized by our chief operating decision makers to assess segment performance and allocate resources among our operating units. We have three reportable segments:  Fleet Vehicles and Services, Emergency Response Vehicles and Specialty Chassis and Vehicles. For certain financial information related to each segment, see Note 16, Business Segments, of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements appearing in Item 8 of this Form 10-K. Revenue by segment is as follows:

 

 

 

Fleet Vehicles and Services Segment

 

We manufacture fleet vehicles used in the e-commerce/last mile/parcel delivery, beverage and grocery delivery, mobile retail, and trades and construction industries through our Bristol, Indiana and, beginning in 2018, our Ephrata, Pennsylvania operations. Our fleet vehicles are marketed under the Utilimaster brand name, which serves a diverse customer base and also sells aftermarket parts and accessories for walk-in vans and other delivery vehicles. We also provide vocation-specific equipment up-fit services, which are marketed and sold under the Spartan Up-fit Services go-to-market brand, through our contract manufacturing operations at St. Louis, Missouri and Saltillo, Mexico. Our Fleet Vehicles and Services segment employed 898 associates at our Bristol, Indiana facility, as of January 31, 2018, of which 121 were contracted employees.

 

We offer fleet vehicles in class 1 through 6, the largest range of product offerings among our competitors.

 

 

Class 1 Class 2 Class 3 Class 4 Class 5 Class 6

 

In the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, interior equipment up-fitting and aftermarket parts sales represented 17.3%, 25.9% and 14.9% of the Fleet Vehicles and Services segment sales. 

 

Innovation

Our “Solution Experts” employ a customer-centric approach by working with customers through a process of listening and learning, needs assessment, and design innovation through building and implementing solutions custom designed for our customers. Recent innovations implemented by our Solution Experts include innovative and cost saving solutions for the specialty service segment, utility industry, food and beverage delivery, and mobile retail industry, such as safe loading equipment, keyless entry systems, backup camera systems, and refrigeration solutions. Our teams can deliver product customization ranging from out-of-the-box to 100% custom solutions.

 

4

 

 

Products

 

Walk-in Vans

Assembled on a “stripped” truck chassis supplied with engine and drive train components, but without a cab, our walk-in vans are used in the parcel delivery, mobile retail and construction trades industries and feature a durable and lightweight aluminum body with a highly modular cargo area accessible from the cab. Our walk-in vans offer low step-in height for easy entry and exit and the best driver visibility in the industry.

   

Truck Bodies

Our truck bodies are installed on a chassis from a variety of manufacturers that is supplied with a finished cab and are the industry standard for heavy-duty commercial delivery. They feature a highly customizable cargo area for maximum versatility and are manufactured with anti-rust galvanized steel and aluminum. Available with cargo lengths from 10 to 28 feet and interior heights ranging from 72 to 108 inches.

   

Reach®

The Reach is a smaller, more nimble walk-in van offering up to 35% better fuel economy than traditional walk-in vans. Built on an Isuzu diesel chassis and available in lengths of 12 or 14 feet, the Reach offers a versatile cargo area with integrated logistics tracks allowing for a tailored up-fit through either pre-designed vocational or completely custom packages.

   

Cutaway

Our cutaway truck bodies are installed on a chassis from a variety of manufacturers that is supplied with a finished cab and are the industry standard for medium-duty commercial delivery. The innovative cab can be designed to fit as many as five crew members and can be configured with a set-back walk-through bulkhead allowing access to the cargo area from the cab. Available with cargo lengths from 10 to 18 feet and interior heights ranging from 72 to 90 inches.

   

Velocity®

A productive, efficient and ergonomically designed walk-in van designed to make large product/package deliveries easy, with lower entry/exit height and 3-point grab rails at side and rear doors. Economical to operate with a cost of ownership about half that of a traditional walk-in van.

   

Specialty Up-fit

We install specialty interior and exterior up-fit equipment for walk-in vans, truck bodies and passenger vans for added safety, cargo handling efficiency and vocational functionality.

   

Parts and Accessories

We provide a full line of parts and accessories for our walk-in vans and truck bodies.

 

Marketing

We market our fleet vehicles, including walk-in vans, cutaway vans and truck bodies, under the Aeromaster®, Velocity, Ultimate, Trademaster®, Metromaster®, Utilivan®, Spartan Upfit Services and Reach brand names. We sell our fleet vehicles to leasing companies, national and fleet accounts (national accounts typically have 1,000+ vehicle fleets and fleet accounts typically have 100+ vehicle fleets), and through a network of independent truck dealers in the U.S. and Canada. In 2018 we will begin marketing our truck bodies direct to retail customers in select markets. We provide aftermarket support, including parts sales and field service, to all of our fleet vehicle customers through our Customer Service Department located in Bristol, Indiana, which maintains the only online parts resource among the major delivery vehicle manufacturers. Except in limited circumstances, we do not provide financing to dealers, fleet or national accounts. We also maintain multi-year supply agreements with certain key fleet customers in the parcel and linen/uniform rental industries.

 

5

 

 

Manufacturing

We apply the Spartan Production System of lean manufacturing and continuous improvement to all of our fleet vehicle operations in order to maximize efficiency and reduce costs. We manufacture walk-in vans and truck bodies at our Bristol, Indiana facility and, beginning in 2018, manufacture truck bodies at our Ephrata, Pennsylvania facility. We have dedicated facilities at Kansas City, Missouri and Saltillo, Mexico aligned with our OEM customers for the installation of up-fit equipment. Our walk-in vans and truck bodies are manufactured on non-automated assembly lines utilizing a combination of high- and low-skilled tradespeople and assemblers. Our up-fit facilities utilize teams of workers requiring minimal capital investment for efficient and timely installation of a variety of equipment.

 

Emergency Response Vehicles Segment

 

We are one of the top three fire truck apparatus and cab-chassis manufacturers in North America, with an emphasis on broad categorical coverage. We engineer and manufacture custom emergency response cabs and chassis and complete apparatus to customer specifications, for use by the fire industry throughout the United States and Canada.

 

Our Emergency Response Vehicles segment consists of the emergency response cab-chassis and apparatus operations at our Charlotte, Michigan location and the Spartan apparatus operations at our Brandon, South Dakota; Snyder and Neligh, Nebraska; Ephrata, Pennsylvania; and Delevan, Wisconsin locations, along with our Spartan-Gimaex joint venture.

 

The Emergency Response Vehicles segment has extensive engineering experience in creating custom vehicles that perform specialized tasks, and generally manufactures vehicles only upon receipt of confirmed purchase orders; thus, it does not have significant amounts of completed product inventory. As an emergency response vehicle producer, Spartan Motors believes it holds a unique position for continued growth due to its engineering reaction time, manufacturing expertise and flexibility. The Emergency Response Vehicles segment employed 953 associates as of January 31, 2018, 2 of which were contracted employees.  

 

Innovation

We communicate with end users to continuously identify innovations and bring the latest technology, safety and functionality to our emergency response cab-chassis and apparatus customers. Over the past few years, we have introduced innovations on our emergency response chassis and apparatus such as: our Spartan Select and S-180 truck programs, designed to provide the custom apparatus that emergency response professionals need with unprecedented order-to-delivery cycle times as short as 180 days; our industry-leading Advanced Protection System, which includes side curtain airbags, crew protecting knee bags, outboard accident sensors, smart restraint systems, heavy duty windshield wipers for increased visibility in all weather conditions, and a 360 degree camera that gives around-the truck visibility; our Advanced Climate Control system, the most advanced HVAC system available in the industry; Mobile Gateway, which  provides an extensive group of connectivity features - even if the communications infrastructure is compromised or down; heated roll down side glass; optimized engine tunnel; and a new fire truck cab interior configuration, which provides additional space and comfort in both the driver and officer positions, improved shoulder harness accessibility, increased interior volume and a 45% reduction in in-cab noise levels when traveling at 45 mph.

 

Products

 

Cab & Chassis

Our emergency response chassis consist of the cab, frame and running gear to which the apparatus is fitted. We custom manufacture emergency response chassis to customer specifications through our Spartan USA subsidiary. These specifications vary based on such factors as application, terrain, street configuration and the nature of the community, state or country in which the fire truck will be utilized. We have three fire truck chassis models within this product line: the Gladiator; Metro Star; and Metro Star X.

   

Pumpers

Our pumpers are custom manufactured to customer specifications on Spartan chassis and are available as side, top or rear mount utilizing stainless steel or aluminum bodies with highly customizable storage configurations.

 

6

 

 

 

   

Aerials

We engineer, manufacture and market aerial ladder components for fire trucks under the Spartan, Smeal and Ladder Tower brands. Our aerial products are produced through our Spartan USA operations in Snyder, Nebraska and Ephrata, Pennsylvania, which have developed a full line of aerial products.

   

Rescues

Our rescues are optimized to carry the crew and the right equipment. Custom designs and configurations, include walk-in and walk-around to deliver the ultimate accessibility and storage capacity. 

   

Tankers

Our tankers feature a full-size pump with multiple valve options to fit individual departments’ needs, backed by a vast onboard water tank that can respond to structural operations and serve as a mobile water supply source.

Parts and Accessories

We provide a full line of parts and accessories which are distributed by our dealer channel, and available factory direct.

 

Service

Spartan and its go-to-market brands provide factory service and authorized service across a network of nearly 300 service centers in North America. In addition to routine maintenance, body, aerial, pump, drivetrain, and chassis repair, Spartan and its brands offer departments without the budget for new apparatus the opportunity to refurbish their existing unit or fleet.

 

Marketing

 

We market our custom emergency response cab-chassis and apparatus through a network of dealers throughout the U.S. and Canada, as well as select markets in South America and Asia, under the Spartan, Smeal, Ladder Tower and UST brands. Our dealer organizations establish close working relationships with municipal fire departments. These personal contacts focus on the quality of the group’s specialty products and allow us to keep customers updated on new and improved product lines and end users’ needs. We provide aftermarket support, including parts sales, directly through our refurbishment centers located throughout the United States and through our dealer network.

 

In 2017 and consistent with prior years, we were one of the largest participants of the Fire Department Instructors Conference, the largest fire and safety industry trade show in North America. We also participate in other trade shows throughout the year. Trade shows provide the opportunity to display products and to meet directly with OEMs who purchase chassis, dealers who sell finished vehicles and fire departments that use the finished products. Engineers from our advanced product development team attend these trade shows, and along with communication with our dealer network, work to provide the innovation, functionality and quality that fire departments need.

 

Manufacturing

We apply the Spartan Production System of lean manufacturing and continuous improvement to bring world class efficiency, productivity and quality to our chassis and apparatus operations. We manufacture our emergency response cab-chassis and apparatus at our Charlotte, Michigan; Brandon, South Dakota; Snyder, Nebraska; and Ephrata Pennsylvania locations. Emergency response cab-chassis are manufactured at our Charlotte, Michigan facility, while our apparatus and aerial ladders are manufactured at our Brandon, South Dakota; Snyder, Nebraska; Delavan, Wisconsin; and Ephrata, Pennsylvania locations. We are able to match the manufacturing capabilities of our various locations with the demands of the specific products in order to maximize efficiency. Due to the custom nature of our products, our manufacturing processes utilize skilled workers working on non-automated assembly lines. Our chassis and apparatus are generally manufactured to customer specifications in response to orders received. We also manufacture a limited number of chassis and apparatus for use as demonstration vehicles or to be sold from stock.

 

7

 

 

Specialty Chassis and Vehicles Segment

 

Our Specialty Chassis and Vehicles segment operates out of our Charlotte, Michigan facility where we engineer and manufacture luxury Class A diesel motor home chassis, manufacture our Reach walk-in van, provide contract assembly of defense vehicles and other specialty chassis, and distribute related aftermarket parts and accessories. Our specialty vehicle products are manufactured to customer specifications upon receipt of confirmed purchase orders. As a specialty chassis and vehicle manufacturer, we believe we hold a unique position for continued growth due to the high quality and performance of our products, our engineering reaction time, manufacturing expertise and flexibility, and the scalability of our operations. Our specialty vehicle products are generally sold through original equipment manufacturers in the case of chassis and vehicles and to dealer distributors or directly to consumers for aftermarket parts and accessories. The Specialty Chassis and Vehicles segment employed 461 associates (all in Charlotte, Michigan) as of January 31, 2018, of which 99 were contracted employees. 

 

Innovation

We promote effective communication through trade shows and motor home rallies with a wide variety of motor home owners to identify needs and bring our customers the latest technology and highest quality in our motor home and specialty chassis. Over the past few years, we have introduced innovations on our motor home chassis, including: custom tuned suspensions, independent front suspension, and passive steer tag axle that greatly improve ride, handling and maneuverability; adaptive cruise control, collision mitigation, electronic stability control and lane departure warning to improve safety; and automatic air leveling that adds convenience and functionality to top line motor homes.

 

 

Products

 

Motor home chassis 

We custom manufacture diesel chassis for luxury Class A motor homes to the individual specifications of our motor home OEM customers through our Spartan USA subsidiary. These specifications vary based on specific interior and exterior design specifications, power requirements, horsepower, and electrical needs of the motor home bodies to be attached to the Spartan chassis. Our motor home chassis feature diesel engines of 360 to 605 horsepower and are used in motor homes ranging from 37 to 45 feet. Our motor home chassis are separated into four models: the K1, K2, K3, and K4 series chassis.

   

Isuzu N-gas and F-series

We provide final assembly services for Isuzu N-gas and F-series chassis for the North American market. These class 3 and class 5 chassis are utilized in a variety of final configurations for light duty freight hauling and industrial uses. We have a low-cost structure and a highly skilled team of assembly workers, which, along with a dedication to lean manufacturing and continuous improvement allow us to deliver superior value in contract manufacturing.

   

Defense and Specialty chassis and vehicles

We partner with a variety of OEM customers to provide chassis and complete vehicle assembly for military vehicles, drill rigs, shuttle bus chassis and other specialty chassis and vehicles.

 
   

Parts and Accessories

We provide a full line of parts and accessories for our motor home, defense and specialty chassis as well as maintenance and repair services for our motor home and specialty chassis.

 

 

Marketing

We sell our Class A diesel motor home chassis to OEM manufacturers for use in construction of premium motor homes. We actively participate in a variety of trade shows and motor home rallies that promote our products and aftermarket parts and services in addition to providing an opportunity to communicate with our end customers to showcase Spartan’s latest innovations and identify needs and opportunities for continuous improvement of our chassis.

 

8

 

 

Manufacturing

Our motor home chassis and specialty manufacturing operations benefit from the Spartan Production System of lean manufacturing and continuous improvement to bring efficiency and cost reduction throughout our Specialty Chassis and Vehicles segment. We manufacture motor home chassis, drill rigs, military vehicles and specialty bus chassis on non-automated assembly lines at our Charlotte, Michigan facility. We assemble Isuzu N-gas and F-series chassis on high-volume assembly lines at our Charlotte, Michigan location that utilize a variety of state of the art automation and testing equipment.

 

 

Recent Acquisition

 

On January 1, 2017, we acquired substantially all of the assets and certain liabilities of Smeal Fire Apparatus Co., Smeal Properties, Inc., Ladder Tower Co., and U.S. Tanker Co., resulting in the addition of $124.7 million of revenue in 2017. When used in this Annual Report on Form 10-K, “Smeal” refers to the assets, liabilities, and operations acquired from such entities. The assets acquired consist of the assets used by the former owners of Smeal in the operation of its business designing, manufacturing, and distributing emergency response vehicle bodies and aerial devices for the fire service industry. Smeal has operations in Snyder and Neligh, Nebraska; Delavan, Wisconsin; and Ephrata, Pennsylvania and is operated as part of our Emergency Response Vehicles segment. Our acquisition of Smeal resulted in the expansion of our product portfolio and, with the addition of the Smeal dealer network, an expansion of our geographic reach across 44 states and 13 Canadian provinces and territories. The acquisition strengthened our emergency response vehicle product line with the addition of market leading aerial designs and three manufacturing locations that will allow us to align our product portfolio with location specific manufacturing expertise to further increase efficiency and accelerate our Emergency Response Vehicles segment’s return to profitability. 

 

Our strategy is to accelerate our growth by expanding into additional products and markets through opportunistic, strategic acquisitions. We believe that we have the management expertise, balance sheet strength and capital availability to enable continued growth through both organic expansion and an aggressive acquisition strategy.

 

 

Competition

 

The principal methods we use to build competitive advantages include short engineering reaction time, custom design capability, high product quality, superior customer service and quick delivery. We employ a solutions-based approach to offer specialized products tailored to customer needs across the spectrum of our products. We compete with companies that manufacture for similar markets, including some divisions of large diversified organizations that have total sales and financial resources exceeding ours. Our competition in the fleet vehicle market ranges from one large manufacturer in the walk-in van market to a number of smaller manufacturers in the truck body and equipment up-fit markets. Our direct competitors in the emergency vehicle apparatus market are principally larger manufacturers that compete throughout the North American market and often have a strong international presence. Certain competitors are vertically integrated and manufacture their own emergency response chassis and/or apparatus, although they generally do not sell their chassis to outside customers (other OEMs). Our competitors in the specialty vehicle market are principally large multi-product line manufacturers of specialty and heavy-duty vehicles.

 

 

Suppliers

 

We are dedicated to establishing long-term and mutually beneficial relationships with our suppliers. Through these relationships, we benefit from new innovations, higher quality, reduced lead times, smoother/faster manufacturing ramp-up of new vehicle introductions and lower total costs of doing business. Our accelerating growth and company-wide supply chain management initiatives allow us to benefit from economies of scale and maximize to focus on a common vision.

 

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

 

9

 

 

In the assembly of our fleet vehicles, we use chassis supplied by third parties, and generally do not purchase these chassis for inventory. For this market, we typically accept shipment of truck chassis owned by dealers or end users, for the purpose of installing and/or manufacturing our specialized commercial vehicles on such chassis, but from time to time we do purchase chassis for use in fulfilling certain customer orders.

 

 

Research and Development

 

Our success depends on our ability to innovate and add new products and features ahead of changing market demands and new regulatory requirements. Thus, we emphasize research and development and commit significant resources to develop and adapt new products and production techniques. Our engineering team of nearly 200 technical professionals is looking past “current practices” and “best practices” to deliver “next practices” for our customers and shareholders. Our engineering group is organized as a unified team serving one goal throughout the company, to deliver world class products and manufacturing processes regardless of product line or location, a concept that we refer to as “One Spartan Engineering”. The team balances the synergies of One Spartan Engineering with fully integrated teams dedicated to product line specialization. Results are accomplished with the appropriate blend of predictive analysis and physical property testing in our Research and Development facilities along with ride-and-drive analysis. Our efforts range from executing special orders for current production; to new production development for new functionality and product improvements; to exciting technologies that are new to the markets we serve, like vehicle electrification. Our engineering actions are driven by our firm commitment to safety, quality, delivery, and productivity. We spent $6.5 million, $6.8 million and $4.6 million on research and development in 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively.

 

 

Product Warranties

 

We provide limited warranties against assembly and construction defects. These warranties generally provide for the replacement or repair of defective parts or workmanship for specified periods, ranging from one year to the life of the product, following the date of sale. With the use of validation testing, predictive analysis tools and engineering and design standards, we strive to continuously improve product quality and durability, and reduce our exposure to warranty claims. The end users also may receive limited warranties from suppliers of components that are incorporated into our chassis and vehicles. For more information concerning our product warranties, see Note 10, Commitments and Contingent Liabilities, of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements appearing in this Form 10-K.

 

 

Patents, Trademarks and Licenses

 

We have 27 United States patents (provisional and regular), which include rights to the design and structure of chassis and certain peripheral equipment, and have 14 pending patent applications in the United States. The existing patents will expire on various dates from 2018 through 2033 and all are subject to payment of required maintenance fees. We also own 33 United States trademark and service mark registrations. The trademark and service mark registrations are generally renewable under applicable laws, subject to payment of required fees and the filing of affidavits of use. In addition, we have various international trademark registrations and pending applications.

 

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

 

 

Environmental Matters

 

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

 

 

Joint Venture

 

Spartan USA is a participant in Spartan-Gimaex Innovations, LLC (“Spartan-Gimaex”), a 50/50 joint venture with Gimaex Holding, Inc. that was formed to provide emergency response vehicles for the domestic and international markets. Spartan-Gimaex is reported as a consolidated subsidiary of Spartan Motors, Inc. In February 2015, Spartan USA and Gimaex Holding, Inc. mutually agreed to begin discussions regarding the dissolution of the joint venture. In June 2015, Spartan USA and Gimaex Holding, Inc. entered into court proceedings to determine the terms of the dissolution. In February 2017, by agreement of the parties, the court proceeding was dismissed with prejudice and the judge entered an order to this effect as the parties agreed to seek a dissolution plan on their own. No dissolution terms have been determined as of the date of this Form 10-K.

 

Associates

 

We employed 2,327 associates as of January 31, 2018, substantially all of which are full-time, including 222 contracted associates. Management considers its relations with associates to be positive. Our production processes at our non-unionized facilities employ a combination of high- and low-skilled tradespeople and assemblers involved in body, electrical, mechanical, paint, and assembly operations.  

 

10

 

 

Customer Base

 

We serve customers ranging from municipalities to OEMs to commercial customers and vehicle dealers throughout our product lines. Sales to our top 10 customers in 2017 accounted for 38.8% of our revenue. Sales to customers that individually exceeded 10% of our consolidated revenue for 2016 and 2015 are detailed in the chart below. In 2017 no customer individually exceeded 10% of our consolidated revenue.

 

Year

 

Customer

 

Sales

($ millions)

   

Percentage of

consolidated

revenue

   

Segment

2016

 

Jayco, Inc.

  $ 71.0       12.0 %  

Specialty Chassis and Vehicles

2015

 

Jayco, Inc.

  $ 78.8       14.3 %  

Specialty Chassis and Vehicles

 

We do have other significant customers which, if the relationship changes significantly, could have a material adverse impact on our financial position and results of operations. We believe that we have developed strong relationships with our customers and continually work to develop new customers and markets. See related risk factors in Item 1A of this Form 10-K.

 

 

Sales to customers outside the United States were $81.2 million, $31.7 million and $40.1 million for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively, or 11.5%, 5.4% and 7.3%, respectively, of sales for those years. All of our long-lived assets are located in the United States.

 

 

Order Backlog

 

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

 

   

December 31,

2017

   

December 31,

2016

   

Increase/(decrease)

 

Fleet Vehicles and Services

  $ 267,698     $ 89,549     $ 178,149  

Emergency Response Vehicles

    233,583       139,870       93,713  

Specialty Chassis and Vehicles

    33,806       20,037       13,769  

Total consolidated

  $ 535,087     $ 249,456     $ 285,631  

 

The increase in Fleet Vehicles and Services backlog was driven by a $214.3 million contract received in September, 2017 to supply delivery vehicles, which will be fulfilled through 2019. The increase in our Emergency Response Vehicles backlog was driven by the Smeal acquisition, which added $84.4 million to our backlog at December 31, 2017. The increase in Specialty Chassis and Vehicles backlog was driven by an increase in orders for motor home chassis as a result of new model introductions in 2017.

 

Although the backlog of unfilled orders is one of many indicators of market demand, several factors, such as changes in production rates, available capacity, new product introductions and competitive pricing actions, may affect actual sales. Accordingly, a comparison of backlog from period to period is not necessarily indicative of eventual actual shipments.

 

 

Non-GAAP Financial Measure

 

This report contains adjusted EBITDA (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization), which is a non-GAAP financial measure. This non-GAAP measure is calculated by excluding items that we believe to be infrequent or not indicative of our continuing operating performance. For the periods covered by this report such items include expenses associated with restructuring actions taken to improve the efficiency and profitability of certain of our manufacturing operations, expenses related to product recall campaigns, non-cash charges related to the impairment of assets, expenses related to a recent business acquisition, the impact of the step-up in inventory value associated with the recent business acquisition, and the impact of the business acquisition on the timing of chassis revenue recognition.

 

We present the non-GAAP measure adjusted EBITDA because we consider them it be an important supplemental measure of our performance. The presentation of adjusted EBITDA enables investors to better understand our operations by removing items that we believe are not representative of our continuing operations and may distort our longer term operating trends. We believe this measure to be useful to improve the comparability of our results from period to period and with our competitors, as well as to show ongoing results from operations distinct from items that are infrequent or not indicative of our continuing operating performance. We believe that presenting this non-GAAP measure is useful to investors because it permits investors to view performance using the same tools that management uses to budget, make operating and strategic decisions, and evaluate our historical performance. We believe that the presentation of this non-GAAP measure, when considered together with the corresponding GAAP financial measures and the reconciliations to that measure, provides investors with additional understanding of the factors and trends affecting our business than could be obtained in the absence of this disclosure.

 

Our management uses adjusted EBITDA to evaluate the performance of and allocate resources to our segments. Adjusted EBITDA is also used, along with other financial and non-financial measures, for purposes of determining annual and long-term incentive compensation for our management team.

 

11

 

 

The following table reconciles Net income attributable to Spartan Motors, Inc. to Adjusted EBITDA for the periods indicated.

 

   

2017

   

2016

   

2015

   

2014

   

2013

 

Net Income (loss) attributable to Spartan Motors, Inc.

  $ 15,935     $ 8,610     $ (16,972 )   $ 1,173     $ (5,971 )

Interest expense

    864       410       365       341       311  

Income tax

    90       100       4,880       (2,103 )     (1,881 )

Depreciation & Amortization

    9,937       7,903       7,437       8,378       9,238  

EBITDA

    26,826       17,023       (4,290 )     7,789       1,697  

Restructuring charges

    1,252       1,095       2,855       2,157       -  
Impact of intercompany chassis sales to Smeal     2,073       -       -       -       -  

Acquisition related expenses

    1,354       882       -       -       -  
Impact of inventory fair value step-up     189       -       -       -       -  

Product recall expenses

    (368 )     3,457       8,600       -       1,979  

Contingent consideration

    -       -       -       742       21  

Asset impairment

    -       406       2,234       -       5,198  

NHTSA settlement

    -       -       2,269       -       -  

Joint venture expenses

    1       7       508       144       (2 )

Adjusted EBITDA

  $ 31,327     $ 22,870     $ 12,176     $ 10,832     $ 8,893  

 

 

Available Information

 

Our Annual Reports on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, Current Reports on Form 8-K and other reports (and amendments thereto) filed or furnished pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Securities Exchange Act are available, free of charge, on our internet website (www.SpartanMotors.com) as soon as reasonably practicable after we electronically file or furnish such materials with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

 

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

 

12

 

 

Item 1A.

Risk Factors.

 

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

 

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

 

In 2017, local and municipal governments were the end customer for 42% of our revenue, including custom fire truck chassis, fire truck bodies, aerial ladders and other fire truck related apparatus.  These markets are heavily impacted by municipal capital spending budgets, which may be impacted by fluctuating municipal tax revenues.  These budgetary constraints may have a significant adverse effect on the overall fire and emergency vehicle market and/or cause a shift in the fire and emergency vehicle market away from highly customized products toward commercially produced vehicles.  These changes could result in weakened demand for our products, which may have an adverse impact on our net sales, financial condition, profitability and/or cash flows. 

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

We may, from time to time, re-configure our production lines or relocate production of products between buildings or locations or to new locations in order to maximize the efficient utilization of our existing production capacity or take advantage of opportunities to increase manufacturing efficiencies.  Costs incurred to effect these re-configurations or re-locations may exceed our estimate, and efficiencies gained may be less than anticipated, each of which may have a negative impact on our results of operations and financial position.

 

Disruptions within our dealer network could adversely affect our business.

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

13

 

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

Our financial success is directly related to the willingness of our customers to continue to purchase our products.  Failure to fill customers’ orders in a timely manner or on the terms and conditions they may impose could harm our relationships with our customers.  The importance of maintaining excellent relationships with our major customers may also give these customers leverage in our negotiations with them, including pricing and other supply terms, as well as post-sale disputes.  This leverage may lead to increased costs to us or decreased margins.  Furthermore, if any of our major customers experience a significant downturn in their business, or fail to remain committed to our products or brands, then these customers may reduce or discontinue purchases from us, which could have an adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.  There were no customers that accounted for 10 percent or greater of consolidated sales in 2017.

 

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

 

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

 

In addition, we generally do not purchase chassis for our delivery vehicles.  Rather, we accept shipments of vehicle chassis owned by dealers or end-users for the purpose of installing and/or manufacturing our specialized truck bodies on such chassis.  There are four primary sources for commercial chassis and we have established relationships with all major chassis manufacturers. 

 

Changes in our relationships with these suppliers, shortages, production delays or work stoppages by the employees of such suppliers could have a material adverse effect on our ability to timely manufacture our products and secure sales.  If we cannot obtain an adequate supply of components or commercial chassis, this could result in a decrease in our sales and earnings. 

 

14

 

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

Our manufactured products and the industries in which we operate are subject to extensive federal and state regulations.  Changes to any of these regulations or the implementation of new regulations could significantly increase the costs of manufacturing, purchasing, operating or selling our products and could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations.  Our failure to comply with present or future regulations could result in fines, potential civil and criminal liability, suspension of sales or production, or cessation of operations.

 

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

 

Our operations are subject to a variety of federal and state environmental regulations relating to noise pollution and the use, generation, storage, treatment, emission and disposal of hazardous materials and wastes.  Although we believe that we are currently in material compliance with applicable environmental regulations, our failure to comply with present or future regulations could result in fines, potential civil and criminal liability, suspension of production or operations, alterations to the manufacturing process, costly cleanup or capital expenditures.

 

Our businesses are cyclical and this can lead to fluctuations in our operating results.

 

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

 

 

Commodity prices;

 

Fuel availability and prices.

 

Federal, state and municipal budgets;

 

Unemployment trends;

 

International tensions and hostilities;

 

General economic conditions;

 

Various tax incentives;

 

Strength of the U.S. dollar compared to foreign currencies;

 

Overall consumer confidence and the level of discretionary consumer spending;

 

Dealers’ and manufacturers’ inventory levels; and

 

Interest rates and the availability of financing.

 

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

 

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

 

15

 

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

We are in the process of implementing a new enterprise resource planning (ERP) system.  The ERP system was implemented at our first location in 2017, with the remaining locations expected to be implemented throughout 2018 to 2020.  This project requires significant investment of capital and human resources, the re-engineering of many processes of our business, and the attention of many associates and managers who would otherwise be focused on other aspects of our business.  Should the system not be implemented successfully, we may incur impairment charges that could materially impact our financial results.  If the system does not perform in a satisfactory manner once implementation is complete, our business and operations could be disrupted and our results of operations negatively affected, including our ability to report accurate and timely financial results.

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

In 2017, 2016 and 2015 we derived 11.5%, 5.4% and 7.3% of our revenue from sales to, or related to, end customers outside the United States.  We expect that international sales will continue to account for a meaningful amount of our total revenue, especially in our emergency response vehicles segment.  Accordingly, we face numerous risks associated with conducting international operations, any of which could negatively affect our financial performance, including changes in foreign country regulatory requirements, the strength of the U.S. dollar compared to foreign currencies, import/export restrictions, the imposition of foreign tariffs and other trade barriers and disruptions in the shipping of exported products.

 

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

 

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

 

Gasoline or diesel fuel is required for the operation of the specialty vehicles we manufacture.  There can be no assurance that the supply of these petroleum products will continue uninterrupted, that rationing will not be imposed or that the price of or tax on these petroleum products will not significantly increase in the future.  Increases in gasoline and diesel prices and speculation about potential fuel shortages have had an unfavorable effect on consumer demand for motor homes from time to time in the past and may continue to do so in the future.  This, in turn, may have a material adverse effect on our sales volume.  Increases in the price of oil also can result in significant increases in the price of many of the components in our products, which may have an adverse impact on margins or sales volumes.

 

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

 

Our quarterly operating results depend on a variety of factors including the timing and volume of orders, the completion of product inspections and acceptance by our customers, and various restructuring initiatives that may be undertaken from time to time.  In addition, our Fleet Vehicles and Services segment experiences seasonality whereby product shipments in the first and fourth quarters are generally lower than other quarters as a result of the busy holiday delivery operations experienced by some of its largest customers.  Accordingly, our financial results may be subject to significant and/or unanticipated quarter-to-quarter fluctuations.

 

16

 

 

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

 

We have a significant amount of goodwill, intangible assets and other long-lived assets.  At least annually, we review goodwill and non-amortizing intangible assets for impairment.  Identifiable intangible assets, goodwill and other long-lived assets are also reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable from future cash flows.  In 2016 and 2015 we recorded asset impairment charges totaling $0.4 and $2.2 million against an asset group related to certain locations of our Emergency Response Vehicles segment.  If the operating performance at one or more of our reporting units fails to meet future forecasts, or if future cash flow estimates decline, we could be required, under current U.S. accounting rules, to record additional impairment charges for our goodwill, intangible assets or other long-lived assets.  Any write-off of a material portion of such assets could negatively affect our results of operations or financial position.

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

In 2015 we entered into a settlement agreement with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (“NHTSA”) pertaining to our early warning and defect reporting. The terms of the agreement include certain performance obligations that, if not completed satisfactorily, could subject us to additional fines of up to $5 million.

 

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

 

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

 

 

Item 1B.

Unresolved Staff Comments.

 

None.

 

17

 

 

Item 2.

Properties.

 

The following table sets forth information concerning the properties we own or lease. We consider our properties to generally be in good condition, well maintained, and suitable and adequate to meet our business requirements for the foreseeable future. In 2017, our manufacturing plants, taken as a whole, operated moderately below capacity.

 

 

 

Square Footage

 

Owned/Leased

 

Operating Segment

 Manufacturing/Assembly            
Bristol, Indiana   417,000   Leased   Fleet Vehicles and Services

Charlotte, Michigan

 

110,000

 

Owned

 

Fleet Vehicles and Services
Kansas City, Missouri   60,000   Leased   Fleet Vehicles and Services

Charlotte, Michigan

  181,000   Owned   Specialty Chassis and Vehicles

Charlotte, Michigan

  156,000   Owned   Emergency Response Vehicles

Brandon, South Dakota

  24,000   Owned   Emergency Response Vehicles

Brandon, South Dakota

  21,000   Leased   Emergency Response Vehicles

Delavan, Wisconsin

  39,000   Leased   Emergency Response Vehicles

Ephrata, Pennsylvania

  45,000   Leased   Emergency Response Vehicles

Ephrata, Pennsylvania

  41,400   Leased   Emergency Response Vehicles

Neligh, Nebraska

  42,300   Owned   Emergency Response Vehicles

Snyder, Nebraska

  224,000   Owned   Emergency Response Vehicles
   

1,360,700

       
             

 Warehousing

           
Bristol, Indiana   35,000   Leased   Fleet Vehicles and Services
Charlotte, Michigan   25,000   Owned   Fleet Vehicles and Services
Charlotte, Michigan   74,000   Owned   Specialty Chassis and Vehicles
Charlotte, Michigan   11,000   Owned   Emergency Response Vehicles
Brandon, South Dakota   1,000   Owned   Emergency Response Vehicles
Brandon, South Dakota   10,200   Leased   Emergency Response Vehicles
Ephrata, Pennsylvania   4,500   Leased   Emergency Response Vehicles
Ephrata, Pennsylvania   1,600   Leased   Emergency Response Vehicles
Neligh, Nebraska   6,200   Owned   Emergency Response Vehicles
Snyder, Nebraska   70,500   Owned   Emergency Response Vehicles
   

239,000

       
             

 Research and Development 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Bristol, Indiana  

3,000

  Leased   Fleet Vehicles and Services
Charlotte, Michigan  

12,000

  Owned   Emergency Response/Specialty Chassis and Vehicles
   

15,000

       
             

 Service Area/Inspection

           
Charlotte, Michigan   53,000   Owned   Emergency Response/Specialty Chassis and Vehicles
Brandon, South Dakota   7,000   Leased   Emergency Response Vehicles

Ephrata, Pennsylvania

 

6,800

 

Leased

 

Emergency Response Vehicles

   

66,800

       
             

 Offices

           
Corporate Offices – Charlotte, Michigan   12,000   Owned   Not Applicable
Bristol, Indiana   36,000   Leased   Fleet Vehicles and Services
Kansas City, Missouri   3,000   Leased   Fleet Vehicles and Services
Charlotte, Michigan   127,000   Owned   Emergency Response/Specialty Chassis and Vehicles
Brandon, South Dakota   7,000   Owned   Emergency Response Vehicles
Brandon, South Dakota   3,000   Leased   Emergency Response Vehicles
Delavan, Wisconsin   4,800   Leased   Emergency Response Vehicles
Ephrata, Pennsylvania   12,500   Leased   Emergency Response Vehicles
Ephrata, Pennsylvania   8,000   Leased   Emergency Response Vehicles
Neligh, Nebraska   1,900   Owned   Emergency Response Vehicles
Snyder, Nebraska   19,700   Owned   Emergency Response Vehicles
   

234,900

       
             

Unutilized

           

Charlotte, Michigan

 

84,000

 

Owned

 

Not Applicable

             

Total square footage

 

2,000,400

       

 

18

 

 

Item 3.

Legal Proceedings.

 

At December 31, 2017, we were parties, both as plaintiff or defendant, to a number of lawsuits and claims arising out of the normal conduct of our businesses. Our management does not currently expect our financial position, future operating results or cash flows to be materially affected by the final outcome of these legal proceedings.

 

 

Item 4.

Mine Safety Disclosures.

 

Not applicable

 

PART II

 

Item 5.

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

 

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

 

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

 

   

High

   

Low

 

Year Ended December 31, 2017:

               

Fourth Quarter

  $ 18.10     $ 11.10  

Third Quarter

    11.25       8.50  

Second Quarter

    9.28       7.45  

First Quarter

    9.40       6.45  
                 

Year Ended December 31, 2016:

               

Fourth Quarter

  $ 10.50     $ 7.20  

Third Quarter

    9.95       6.16  

Second Quarter

    6.50       3.95  

First Quarter

    4.12       2.61  

 

 

We paid dividends on our outstanding common shares in 2017, 2016 and 2015 as shown in the table below.

 

Date dividend

declared

 

Record date

 

Payment date

 

Dividend per

share ($)

   

Total

dividend paid

($000)

 

Oct. 24, 2017

 

Nov. 15, 2017

 

Dec. 15, 2017

  $ 0.05     $ 1,753  
                         

May 2, 2017

 

May 15, 2017

 

June 15, 2017

    0.05       1,755  
                         

Nov. 2, 2016

 

Nov. 15, 2016

 

Dec. 15, 2016

    0.05       1,720  
                         

April 28, 2016

 

May 19, 2016

 

June 23, 2016

    0.05       1,724  
                         

Oct. 26, 2015

 

Nov. 12, 2015

 

Dec. 17, 2015

    0.05       1,713  
                         

May 8, 2015

 

May 21, 2015

 

June 25, 2015

    0.05       1,713  

 

19

 

 

No assurance, however, can be given that any future distributions will be made or, if made, as to the amounts or timing of any future distributions as such distributions are subject to earnings, financial condition, liquidity, capital requirements, and such other factors as our Board of Directors deems relevant. The number of shareholders of record of our common stock on February 23, 2018 was 333. See Item 12 below for information concerning our equity compensation plans.

 

The following graph compares the cumulative total stockholder return on our common stock with the cumulative total return on the Nasdaq Composite Index and a company-selected peer group for the period beginning on December 31, 2012 and ending on the last day of 2017. The graph assumes an investment of $100 in our stock, the Nasdaq Composite Index, and the company-selected peer group on December 31, 2012, and further assumes the reinvestment of all dividends. Stock price performance, presented for the period from December 31, 2012 to December 31, 2017, is not necessarily indicative of future results.

 

The company-selected peer group was determined based on a custom peer group of companies in the specialty manufacturing and automotive industries, against whom we compete for sales or management talent, which was identified for the purpose of benchmarking officer salaries in 2014. The peer group includes: LCI Industries, Inc. (formerly, Drew Industries, Inc.); Standard Motor Products, Inc.; Winnebago Industries, Inc.; Federal Signal Corp.; Methode Electronics, Inc.; Shiloh Industries, Inc.; Commercial Vehicle Group, Inc.; Altra Industrial Motion Corp.; Alamo Group, Inc.; ESCO Technologies, Inc.; Miller Industries, Inc.; and Twin Disc, Inc.

 

 

   

12/31/2012

   

12/31/2013

   

12/31/2014

   

12/31/2015

   

12/31/2016

   

12/31/2017

 

Spartan Motors, Inc.

  $ 100.00     $ 138.46     $ 110.74     $ 67.00     $ 202.21     $ 347.38  

NASDAQ Stock Market

  $ 100.00     $ 140.10     $ 160.32     $ 171.53     $ 186.63     $ 202.36  

Peer Group

  $ 100.00     $ 162.79     $ 157.35     $ 151.75     $ 222.37     $ 274.90  

 

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

 

20

 

 

Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

On October 19, 2011, our Board of Directors authorized management to repurchase up to a total of 1.0 million shares of our common stock in open market transactions, contingent upon market conditions. During the second quarter of 2016, we repurchased a total of 422,000 shares of our common stock at an average price of $4.74 per share under this authorization. We did not repurchase any shares in 2015.

 

On April 28, 2016, our Board of Directors terminated the 2011 repurchase authorization effective June 30, 2016, and authorized the repurchase of up to 1.0 million additional shares of our common stock in open market transactions. At December 31, 2017 there were 1.0 million shares remaining under this repurchase authorization. If we were to repurchase the remaining 1.0 million shares of stock under the repurchase program, it would cost us $15.2 million based on the closing price of our stock on February 23, 2018. We believe that we have sufficient resources to fund any potential stock buyback in which we may engage.

 

A summary of our purchases of our common stock during the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2017 is as follows:

 





Period

 


Total
Number of
Shares
Purchased

   



Average
Price Paid
per Share

   

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

   


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

 

Oct. 1, 2017 to Oct. 31, 2017

    -     $ -       -       1,000,000  

Nov. 1, 2017 to Nov. 30, 2017

    -       -       -       1,000,000  

Dec. 1, 2017 to Dec. 31, 2017

    -       -       -       1,000,000  

Total

    -     $ -       -       1,000,000  

 

21

 

 

Item 6.

Selected Financial Data.

 

The selected financial data shown below for each of the five years in the period ended December 31, 2017 has been derived from our Consolidated Financial Statements. The following data should be read in conjunction with the Consolidated Financial Statements and related Notes thereto and “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” included in this Form 10-K.

 

Five-Year Operating and Financial Summary

(In Thousands, Except Per Share Data)

 

   

2017 (1)

   

2016

   

2015

   

2014

   

2013

 
                                         
                                         

Sales

  $ 707,098     $ 590,777     $ 550,414     $ 506,764     $ 469,538  

Cost of products sold (2)

    617,655       518,113       502,783       450,702       424,312  

Restructuring charges

    208       136       519       808       -  

Gross profit

    89,235       72,528       47,112       55,254       45,226  
                                         

Operating expenses:

                                       

Research and development

    6,523       6,772       4,560       3,851       3,074  

Selling, general and administrative

    65,497       56,172       52,695       51,205       45,496  

Goodwill impairment

    -       -       -       -       4,854  

Restructuring charges

    1,044       959       2,336       1,349       -  

Operating income (loss)

    16,171       8,625       (12,479 )     (1,151 )     (8,198 )
                                         

Other income (expense), net

    (147 )     78       (121 )     77       348  

Income (loss) before taxes

    16,024       8,703       (12,600 )     (1,074 )     (7,850 )

Income tax expense (benefit) (3)

    90       100       4,880       (2,103 )     (1,881 )

Net earnings (loss)

    15,934       8,603       (17,480 )     1,029       (5,969 )

Less: Net earnings (loss) attributable to non-controlling interest

    (1 )     (7 )     (508 )     (144 )     2  
                                         

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

  $ 15,935     $ 8,610     $ (16,972 )   $ 1,173     $ (5,971 )
                                         

Basic earnings (loss) per share

  $ 0.46     $ 0.25     $ (0.50 )   $ 0.03     $ (0.18 )
                                         

Diluted earnings (loss) per share

  $ 0.46     $ 0.25     $ (0.50 )   $ 0.03     $ (0.18 )
                                         

Cash dividends per common share

  $ 0.10     $ 0.10     $ 0.10     $ 0.10     $ 0.10  
                                         

Basic weighted average common shares outstanding

    34,949       34,405       33,826       34,251       33,550  

Diluted weighted average common shares outstanding

    34,949       34,405       33,826       34,256       33,550  

Balance Sheet Data:

                                       

Net working capital (4)

  $ 89,055     $ 74,467     $ 82,764     $ 92,832     $ 93,839  

Total assets (4)

    301,164       243,294       228,151       236,807       250,073  

Long-term debt, including current portion

    17,989       139       5,187       5,261       5,340  

Shareholders’ equity

    168,269       152,952       148,491       168,618       171,551  

 

 

(1)

On January 1, 2017, we acquired Smeal. Smeal has been included in our consolidated results of operations starting on the acquisition date. See Note 2, “Acquisition Activities” in Item 8, “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data" in this Annual Report for further discussion.

 

(2)

Beginning in 2015, certain engineering costs related to routine product changes that were formerly classified within Research and development have been classified within Cost of products sold to more consistently align the results of our individual business units. Expenses of $7,825 for 2014 and $7,837 for 2013 have been reclassified accordingly.

 

(3)

See Note 8, "Taxes on Income" in Item 8, "Financial Statements and Supplementary Data" in this Annual Report for a discussion of material items impacting the 2017, 2016 and 2015 income tax provisions.’’

 

(4)

Beginning in the second quarter of 2016, we adopted a new accounting pronouncement which requires net deferred tax assets and liabilities to be classified as non-current on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. We retrospectively adopted this standard, and accordingly our Net working capital and Total assets for prior periods are shown reflecting this change.

 

22

 

 

Item 7.

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

 

General

 

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

 

We are a leading, niche market engineer and manufacturer in the heavy-duty, purpose-built specialty vehicles market. Our operating activities are conducted through our wholly-owned operating subsidiary, Spartan Motors USA, Inc. (“Spartan USA”), with locations in Charlotte, Michigan; Brandon, South Dakota; Ephrata, Pennsylvania; Snyder and Neligh, Nebraska; Delavan, Wisconsin; and Bristol, Indiana along with contract manufacturing in Kansas City, Missouri and Saltillo, Mexico.

 

On January 1, 2017, Spartan USA acquired substantially all of the assets and certain liabilities of Smeal Fire Apparatus Co., Smeal Properties, Inc., Ladder Tower Co., and U.S. Tanker Co. When used in this Annual Report on Form 10-K, “Smeal” refers to the assets, liabilities, and operations acquired from such entities. The assets acquired consist of the assets used by the former owners of Smeal in the operation of its business designing, manufacturing, and distributing emergency response vehicle bodies and aerial devices for the fire service industry. Smeal has operations in Snyder and Neligh, Nebraska; Delavan, Wisconsin; and Ephrata, Pennsylvania and is operated as part of our Emergency Response Vehicles segment.

 

Our Bristol, Indiana location manufactures vehicles used in the parcel delivery, mobile retail and trades and construction industries, and supplies related aftermarket parts and services under the Utilimaster brand name. Our Kansas City, Missouri and Saltillo, Mexico locations sell and install equipment used in fleet vehicles. Our Charlotte, Michigan location manufactures heavy duty chassis and vehicles and supplies aftermarket parts and accessories under the Spartan Chassis and Spartan brand names.  Our Brandon, South Dakota; Snyder and Neligh, Nebraska; Delavan, Wisconsin; and Ephrata, Pennsylvania locations manufacture emergency response vehicles under the Spartan, Smeal, U.S. Tanker and Ladder Tower brand names. Spartan USA is also a participant in Spartan-Gimaex Innovations, LLC (“Spartan-Gimaex”), a 50/50 joint venture with Gimaex Holding, Inc. that was formed to provide emergency response vehicles for the domestic and international markets. Spartan-Gimaex is reported as a consolidated subsidiary of Spartan Motors, Inc. In February 2015, Spartan USA and Gimaex Holding, Inc. mutually agreed to begin discussions regarding the dissolution of the joint venture. In June 2015, Spartan USA and Gimaex Holding, Inc. entered into court proceedings to determine the terms of the dissolution. In February 2017, by agreement of the parties, the court proceeding was dismissed with prejudice and the judge entered an order to this effect as the parties agreed to seek a dissolution plan on their own. No dissolution terms have been determined as of the date of this Form 10-K.

 

Our business strategy is to further diversify product lines and develop innovative design, engineering and manufacturing expertise in order to be the best value producer of custom vehicle products. Our diversification across several sectors provides numerous opportunities while reducing overall risk. Additionally, our business model provides the agility to quickly respond to market needs, take advantage of strategic opportunities when they arise and correctly size operations to ensure stability and growth.

 

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

 

23

 

 

Executive Overview

 

 

Revenue of $707.1 million in 2017, compared to $590.8 million in 2016.

 

Gross Margin of 12.6% in 2017, compared to 12.3% in 2016.

 

Operating expense of $73.1 million, or 10.3% of sales in 2017, compared to $63.9 million or 10.8% of sales in 2016.

 

Operating income of $16.2 million in 2017, compared to $8.6 million in 2016.

 

Income tax expense of $0.1 million in 2017, flat with 2016.

 

Net income of $15.9 million in 2017, compared to $8.6 million in 2016.

 

Earnings per share of $0.46 in 2017, compared to $0.25 in 2016.

 

Operating cash flow of $22.0 million in 2017, compared to $23.3 million in 2016.

 

Order backlog of $535.1 million at December 31, 2017, compared to $249.5 million at December 31, 2016.

 

The following table shows our sales by market for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015 as a percentage of total sales:

 

   

2017

   

2016

   

2015

 

Fleet vehicles

    35.5 %     47.1 %     41.4 %

Motor home chassis

    17.6 %     16.6 %     18.8 %

Other vehicles

    2.6 %     2.6 %     1.7 %

Total business/consumer

    55.7 %     66.3 %     61.9 %

Emergency response vehicles

    41.5 %     29.7 %     34.0 %

Defense vehicles

    0.0 %     1.0 %     0.7 %

Aftermarket parts and accessories

    2.8 %     3.0 %     3.4 %

Total government

    44.3 %     33.7 %     38.1 %

 

We continue to focus on growth by expanding our market share in existing markets, pursuing new commercial opportunities through our alliance with Isuzu and other manufacturers and pursuing strategic acquisitions that enable us to expand into existing or new markets as opportunities occur.

 

24

 

 

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

 

 

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

     
 

Our acquisition of Smeal, completed in January 2017 which brings significant scale to our Emergency Response Vehicles segment, expands the geographic reach of our dealer network and adds complementary products to our existing emergency response product portfolio.
     
 

Our expansion into the equipment up-fit market for vehicles used in the parcel delivery, trades and construction industries. This rapidly expanding market offers an opportunity to add value to current and new customers for our fleet vehicles and vehicles produced by other original equipment manufacturers.

     
 

Our expanding geographical footprint. With the acquisition of Smeal we acquired new locations that will allow us to maximize manufacturing efficiency across product lines and geographical areas.

     
 

Our Spartan Select and 180 truck programs, designed to provide the custom apparatus that emergency response professionals need with unprecedented order-to-delivery cycle times as short as 180 days.

     
 

The introduction of the Velocity, a new delivery vehicle design that combines the productivity of a walk-in van for multi-stop deliveries with the superior fuel economy of the Ford Transit chassis.

     
 

The expansion of our alliance with Isuzu to include the assembly of Isuzu’s new F-Series truck. This expanded relationship demonstrates Isuzu’s confidence in Spartan’s quality, people, flexibility and expertise and provides another positive example of our successful execution of our multi-year plan for improving performance.

     
 

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

 

 

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

 

25

 

 

Results of Operations

 

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

 

   

Year Ended December 31,

 
   

2017

   

2016

   

2015

 

Sales

    100.0       100.0       100.0  

Cost of products sold

    87.4       87.7       91.4  

Gross profit

    12.6       12.3       8.6  

Operating expenses:

                       

Research and development

    0.9       1.1       0.8  

Selling, general and administrative

    9.4       9.7       10.0  

Operating income (loss)

    2.3       1.5       (2.3 )

Other income, net

    -       -       -  

Income (loss) before taxes on income

    2.3       1.5       (2.3 )

Income tax expense (benefit)

    -       -       0.9  

Net earnings (loss)

    2.3       1.5       (3.2 )

Non-controlling interest

    -       -       (0.1 )
                         

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

    2.3       1.5       (3.1 )

 

 

 

 

26

 

 

Year Ended December 31, 2017 compared to Year Ended December 31, 2016

 

Revenue

Consolidated sales for the year ended December 31, 2017 increased by $116.3 million, or 19.7% to $707.1 million from $590.8 million in 2016, driven by our acquisition of Smeal on January 1, 2017. Revenue in our Emergency Response Vehicles segment increased by $119.9 million, mainly due to our acquisition of Smeal. Revenue in our Fleet Vehicles and Services segment decreased by $27.3 million, mainly due to a reduction in equipment up-fit orders received in 2017, while revenue in our Specialty Chassis and Vehicles segment increased by $24.0 million driven by strong shipments of motor home chassis. These changes in revenue are discussed more fully in the discussion of our segments below.

 

Cost of Products Sold

Cost of products sold increased by $99.7 million, or 19.2%, to $617.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2017 from $518.2 million in 2016, primarily due to increased sales volume in 2017 driven by our acquisition of Smeal on January 1, 2017.

 

Gross Profit

Gross profit increased by $16.7 million, or 23.0%, to $89.2 million in 2017 from $72.5 million in 2016. Savings from increased operational efficiency in 2017 contributed $13.8 million to the increase, while the Smeal acquisition and higher overall non-Smeal sales volume contributed $7.1 million and $3.0 million, respectively, to the increase. Lower recall and warranty related charges in 2017 contributed $5.4 million to the increase while pricing adjustments impacting 2017 sales contributed $1.5 million to the increase. These increases were partially offset by a reduction in gross profit of $14.1 million due to a less favorable overall product mix in 2017 compared to 2016.

 

Gross Margin

Gross margin increased by 30 basis points to 12.6% in 2017 from 12.3% in 2016. Operational efficiency added 170 basis points to gross margin in 2017, while reduction of recall and warranty expense added 70 basis points and pricing adjustments added 20 basis points. These increases were largely offset by a 200 basis point decrease due to the unfavorable product mix in 2017.

 

Operating Expenses

Operating expenses for the year ended December 31, 2017 increased by $9.2 million, or 14.4%, to $73.1 million from $63.9 million in 2016. Research and development expense decreased by $0.3 million in 2017, due to lower engineering project spending, mainly related to our discontinuation from the bidding process for the USPS next generation vehicle. Selling, general and administrative expense increased by $9.3 million, to $65.5 million in 2017 from $56.2 million in 2016. $6.0 million of this increase was due our acquisition of Smeal on January 1, 2017, while $3.0 million was due to an increase in legal and professional fees, largely related to acquisition activities, and $0.3 million was due to an increase in information technology related spending. Restructuring charges recorded in 2017 were relatively flat with 2016, as we continued with various operational improvement projects.

 

Income Tax Expense

Income tax expense for the year ended December 31, 2017 was flat with the prior year at $0.1 million. Our effective tax rate in 2017 was 0.6%, compared to 1.1% in 2016.

 

In 2017 higher income before taxes caused a $2.7 million increase to federal income taxes at the statutory rate as compared to 2016. This increase to current income tax expense was favorably offset by three items that had not occurred in 2016: a $1.0 million benefit from the write-off of the tax basis of stock owned by the Company in an inactive, wholly-owned subsidiary that had been deemed worthless; $0.5 million adjustment related to the domestic manufacturing deduction; and a $0.4 million credit from the adoption in 2017 of new accounting guidance regarding the treatment of tax windfalls caused by the vesting of certain stock compensation.

 

The write-off of the worthless stock in the inactive subsidiary caused us to forfeit certain state credit and net operating loss carry-forwards recorded in our deferred tax assets at $3.0 million, which were written off to deferred income tax expense. These carry-forwards had been fully offset by a valuation allowance, which was consequently reduced by $3.0 million. During 2017 we had determined that it was more likely than not that the benefit from our deferred tax assets would be realizable, and recorded an additional $6.5 million reduction to our valuation allowance. Therefore, in 2017 we reduced our valuation allowance by $9.5 million in total, $6.6 million greater than the reduction recorded in 2016. Partially offsetting that reduction was a $3.0 million decrease to the deferred tax assets due to the reduction in the federal corporate income tax rate from 35% to 21%. This rate reduction was a component of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, enacted on December 22, 2017 and effective January 1, 2018. The re-measurement of our deferred tax assets to the new rate was recorded in accordance with current accounting guidance as deferred income tax expense.

 

27

 

 

Net Earnings

Net earnings for the year ended December 31, 2017 increased by $7.3 million, or 84.9%, to $15.9 million compared to $8.6 million in 2016. Driving this increase were the increase in gross profit of $16.7 million, which was partially offset by the $9.2 million increase in operating expenses as discussed above.

 

Net Loss Attributable to Non-Controlling Interest

Net loss attributable to non-controlling interest consists of the portion of the after-tax loss related to the Spartan-Gimaex joint venture that is attributable to our joint venture partner, and was immaterial for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016.

 

Net Earnings Attributable to Spartan Motors, Inc.

Net earnings attributable to Spartan Motors, Inc. for the year ended December 31, 2017 increased by $7.3 million to $15.9 million compared to $8.6 million in 2016. Driving this increase were the increases in gross profit of $16.7 million, which was partially offset by the $9.2 million increase in operating expenses as discussed above. On a per share basis, net earnings increased by $0.21 to $0.46 per share in 2017 compared to $0.25 per share in 2016, due to the factors discussed above.

 

 

Year Ended December 31, 2016 compared to Year Ended December 31, 2015

 

Revenue

Consolidated sales for the year ended December 31, 2016 increased by $40.4 million, or 7.3% to $590.8 million from $550.4 million in 2015, driven by a $50.7 million increase in our Fleet Vehicles and Services segment. This increase was partially offset by decreases of $10.2 million in our Emergency Response Vehicles segment and $0.1 million in our Specialty Chassis and Vehicles segment. These changes in revenue are discussed more fully in the discussion of our segments below.

 

Cost of Products Sold

Cost of products sold increased by $14.9 million, or 3.0%, to $518.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2015 from $503.3 million in 2015, primarily due to increased sales volume in 2016.

 

Gross Profit

Gross profit increased by $25.4 million, or 53.9%, to $72.5 million in 2016 from $47.1 million in 2015. The increase was mainly due to the higher equipment up-fit and other specialty chassis sales in 2016. Also contributing to the increase was an approximately $4.0 million increase resulting from improved manufacturing performance in our Emergency Response Vehicles segment, along with reductions of $1.7 million in accruals for warranty and recalls, $0.7 million in asset impairment charges and $0.4 million in restructuring charges recorded in 2016 compared to 2015. In addition, we incurred $1.0 million of charges related to the wind-down of our Spartan-Gimaex joint venture in 2015 that did not recur in 2016.

 

Gross Margin

Gross margin increased by 370 basis points to 12.3% in 2016 from 8.6% in 2015, mainly driven by a more favorable product mix resulting from the increase in equipment up-fit and other specialty chassis sales in 2016.

 

Operating Expenses

Operating expenses for the year ended December 31, 2016 increased by $4.3 million, or 7.2%, to $63.9 million from $59.6 million in 2015. Research and development expense increased by $2.2 million in 2016, with approximately equal amounts due to charges incurred for testing related to product recalls in our Emergency Response Vehicles segment, new vehicle development expenses incurred in our Fleet Vehicles and Services segment, and increased engineering management and administrative costs experienced in 2016. Selling, general and administrative expense increased by $3.5 million in 2016 compared to 2015. This increase was due to a $4.4 million increase in incentive compensation in 2016 based on company performance, along with $0.8 million of costs related to the Smeal acquisition that closed on January 1, 2017 and a $0.5 million increase in legal fees in 2016. These increases were partially offset by charges of $1.2 million for asset impairments and $1.0 million for a NHTSA penalty recorded in 2015 that did not recur in 2016. Restructuring charges recorded in 2016 were $1.4 million lower than those recorded in 2015 as the activities related to our Emergency Response Vehicles segment restructuring initiated in 2015 wound down.

 

Income Tax Expense

Income tax expense for the year ended December 31, 2016 decreased by $4.8 million to expense of $0.1 million compared to $4.9 million in 2015. Our effective tax rate in 2016 was 1.1% compared to (38.7)% in 2015. Our effective tax rate in 2016 was impacted by a $2.9 million reduction to our deferred tax asset valuation allowance as a result of the taxable income generated in 2016. Our effective tax rate in 2015 was heavily impacted by an increase in the valuation allowances for various deferred tax assets.

 

28

 

 

During the year ended December 31, 2015, we recorded an increase to our deferred tax asset valuation allowance, representing the portion of our deferred tax assets, net of the deferred tax liabilities, that, based on an assessment of available positive and negative evidence, may not be realizable in future periods. During the year ended December 31, 2016, we reversed a portion of the deferred tax asset valuation allowance as a result of the taxable income we generated.

 

Net Earnings

Net earnings for the year ended December 31, 2016 increased by $26.1 million to income of $8.6 million compared to a loss of $17.5 million in 2015. Driving this increase were the increases in gross profit of $25.4 million and decrease of $4.8 million in taxes, which were offset by the $4.3 million increase in operating expenses as discussed above.

 

Net Loss Attributable to Non-Controlling Interest

Net loss attributable to non-controlling interest consists of the portion of the after-tax loss related to the Spartan-Gimaex joint venture that is attributable to our joint venture partner. Net loss attributable to non-controlling interest decreased by $0.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2016 compared to the year ended December 31, 2015 due to charges recorded in 2015 related to the wind-down of the joint venture that did not reoccur in 2016.

 

Net Earnings Attributable to Spartan Motors, Inc.

Net earnings attributable to Spartan Motors, Inc. for the year ended December 31, 2016 increased by $25.6 million to income of $8.6 million compared to a loss of $17.0 million in 2015. On a per share basis, net earnings increased by $0.75 to income of $0.25 per share in 2016 compared to a loss of $0.50 per share in 2015, due to the factors discussed above.

 

 

Our Segments

 

We identify our reportable segments based on our management structure and the financial data utilized by our chief operating decision makers to assess segment performance and allocate resources among our operating units. We have three reportable segments: Fleet Vehicles and Services, Emergency Response Vehicles and Specialty Chassis and Vehicles. As a result of a realignment of our operating segments completed during the second quarter of 2017, certain fleet vehicles are now manufactured by our Specialty Chassis and Vehicles segment and sold via intercompany transactions to our Fleet Vehicles and Services segment, which then sells the vehicles to the final customer. Segment results from prior periods are shown reflecting the estimated impact of this realignment as if it had been in place for those periods.   

 

As a result of a realignment of our operating segments completed during the second quarter of 2016, aftermarket parts and accessories related to emergency response vehicles, which were formerly reported under the Specialty Chassis and Vehicles segment, are now included in the Emergency Response Vehicles segment. Segment results from 2015 are shown reflecting the change.

 

Beginning in 2017, we evaluate the performance of our reportable segments based on Adjusted EBITDA. Adjusted EBITDA is defined as earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization, as adjusted by other adjustments made in order to present comparable results from period to period. These adjustments include restructuring charges and items related to our acquisition of Smeal, such as expenses incurred to complete the acquisition, the impact of fair value adjustments to inventory acquired from Smeal, and the impact on the timing of the recognition of gross profit for our chassis that are utilized by our recently acquired Smeal operations. We exclude these items from earnings in our Adjusted EBITDA measure because we believe they will be incurred infrequently and/or are otherwise not indicative of a segment's regular, ongoing operating performance. For those reasons, Adjusted EBITDA is also used as a performance metric for our executive compensation program, as discussed in our proxy statement for our 2017 annual meeting of shareholders, which proxy statement was filed with the SEC on April 13, 2017.

 

Our Fleet Vehicles and Services segment consists of our operations at our Bristol, Indiana location, and beginning in 2018 certain operations at our Ephrata, Pennsylvania location, along with our operations at our up-fit centers in Kansas City, Missouri and Saltillo, Mexico and focuses on designing and manufacturing walk-in vans for the parcel delivery, mobile retail, and trades and construction industries, and the production of commercial truck bodies, and distributes related aftermarket parts and accessories.

 

Our Emergency Response Vehicles segment consists of the emergency response chassis operations at our Charlotte, Michigan location and our operations at our Brandon, South Dakota; Snyder and Neligh, Nebraska; Delavan, Wisconsin; and Ephrata, Pennsylvania locations, along with our Spartan-Gimaex joint venture. This segment engineers and manufactures emergency response chassis and apparatus.

 

29

 

 

Our Specialty Chassis and Vehicles segment consists of our Charlotte, Michigan operations that engineer and manufacture motor home chassis, defense vehicles and other specialty chassis and distribute related aftermarket parts and assemblies.

 

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

 

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

 

For certain financial information related to each segment, see Note 16, Business Segments, of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements appearing in Item 8 of this Form 10-K.

 

Fleet Vehicles and Services

 

Segment Financial Data

(Dollars in Thousands)

 

Year Ended December 31,

 
   

2017

   

2016

   

2015

 
   

Amount

   

Percentage

   

Amount

   

Percentage

   

Amount

   

Percentage

 
                                                 

Sales

  $ 251,095       100.0

%

  $ 278,389       100.0

%

  $ 227,683       100.0

%

Adjusted EBITDA

  $ 26,958       10.7

%

  $ 31,237       11.2.

%

  $ 17,569       7.7

%

Segment assets

  $ 60,550             $ 65,277             $ 70,491          

 

Year ended December 31, 2017 compared to year ended December 31, 2016

 

Sales in our Fleet Vehicles and Services segment decreased by $27.3 million, or 9.8%, to $251.1 million in 2017 from $278.4 million in 2016. $28.7 million of the decrease was due to lower equipment up-fit sales, driven by an order from 2016 that did not extend into 2017, partially offset by a more favorable mix of vehicle sales driven by a change in our truck body sales strategy. International sales accounted for 5.1% of revenue in our Fleet Vehicles and Services segment in 2017.

 

Adjusted EBITDA for our Fleet Vehicles and Services segment was $27.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2017, a decrease of $4.2 million compared to $31.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2016. $12.1 million of this decrease was due to lower parts and up-fit sales in 2017, which was partially offset by an increase in operational efficiency related to vehicle production. [JW1] 

 

Order backlog for our Fleet Vehicles and Services segment increased by $178.2 million, or 198.9%, to $267.7 million in 2017 compared to $89.5 million in 2016, mainly due to the award of a $214 million contract to supply truck bodies to the United States Postal Service we received in September, 2017 which was partially offset by an $35.9 million decrease in the backlog for other fleet vehicles.

 

Year ended December 31, 2016 compared to year ended December 31, 2015

 

Sales in our Fleet Vehicles and Services segment increased by $50.7 million, or 22.3%, to $278.4 million in 2016 from $227.7 million in 2015. $37.3 million of the increase was due to higher aftermarket parts and accessories sales, driven by higher demand for equipment up-fit. $10.0 million was due to increased vehicle unit volume, while $3.4 million was due to a more favorable mix of vehicle sales driven by a change in our truck body sales strategy. International sales accounted for 1.9% of revenue in our Fleet Vehicles and Services segment in 2016.

 

30

 

 

Adjusted EBITDA for our Fleet Vehicles and Services segment was $31.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2016, an increase of $13.6 million compared to $17.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2015, driven by an increase in parts and equipment up-fit sales in 2016.

 

Order backlog for our Fleet Vehicles and Services segment decreased by $6.6 million, or 6.8%, to $89.5 million in 2016 compared to $96.1 million in 2015, driven by a $25.5 million decrease in equipment up-fit orders, which was partially offset by an $18.9 million increase in vehicle backlog. In January 2017, we received $37.0 million in new orders for our Fleet Vehicles and Services segment, a 21.9% increase from January 2016.

 

 

Emergency Response Vehicles

 

Segment Financial Data

(Dollars in Thousands)

 

Year Ended December 31,

 
   

2017

   

2016

   

2015

 
   

Amount

   

Percentage

   

Amount

   

Percentage

   

Amount

   

Percentage

 
                                                 

Sales

  $ 302,850       100.0

%

  $ 182,981       100.0

%

  $ 193,220       100.0

%

Adjusted EBITDA

  $ 3,192       1.1

%

  $ (7,542 )     (4.1

%)

  $ (8,689 )     (4.5

%)

Segment assets

  $ 133,546             $ 77,887             $ 76,030          

 

Year ended December 31, 2017 compared to year ended December 31, 2016

 

Sales in our Emergency Response Vehicles segment increased by $119.9 million, or 65.5%, from 2016 to 2017 driven by the acquisition of Smeal in January of 2017, along with a $2.0 million increase due to pricing changes in 2017. These increases were partially offset by a $5.2 million decrease due to lower volume outside of the Smeal acquisition and a $1.6 million decrease due to the product mix sold in 2017. International sales accounted for 22.4% of revenue in our Emergency Response Vehicles segment in 2017.

 

Adjusted EBITDA for our Emergency Response Vehicles segment was $3.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2017, an increase of $10.7 million compared to $(7.5) million for the year ended December 31, 2016. The acquisition of Smeal added $3.3 million while volume and operational productivity improvements added $3.5 million to the increase in adjusted EBITDA, respectively. Pricing changes impacting 2017 revenue added $2.0 million, while lower warranty related costs added $1.9 million to the increase in adjusted EBITDA.

 

Order backlog for our Emergency Response Vehicles segment increased by $93.7 million or 67.0% to $233.6 million at December 31, 2017 compared to $139.9 million in 2016, driven by the acquisition of Smeal in January of 2017.

 

Year ended December 31, 2016 compared to year ended December 31, 2015

 

Sales in our Emergency Response Vehicles segment decreased by $10.2 million, or 5.3%, from 2015 to 2016. A $23.2 million sales decrease due to lower unit volume was partially offset by a $13.0 million sales increase due to the product mix sold in 2016, which included fewer low content fire trucks. International sales accounted for 13.5% of revenue in our Emergency Response Vehicles segment in 2016. There were no significant changes in the pricing of the products in our Emergency Response Vehicles segment during 2016.

 

31

 

 

Adjusted EBITDA for our Emergency Response Vehicles segment was $(7.5) million for the year ended December 31, 2016, an increase of $1.2 million compared to $(8.7) million for the year ended December 31, 2015, mainly due to reduced selling expense in 2016 resulting from headcount reductions.

 

Order backlog for our Emergency Response Vehicles segment decreased by $16.4 million or 10.5% to $139.9 million at December 31, 2016 compared to $156.3 million in 2015, driven by a more selective bid process established in 2016 as part of our turnaround strategy.

 

Specialty Chassis and Vehicles

 

Segment Financial Data

(Dollars in Thousands)

 

Year Ended December 31,

 
   

2017

   

2016

   

2015

 
   

Amount

   

Percentage

   

Amount

   

Percentage

   

Amount

   

Percentage

 
                                                 

Sales

  $ 158,810       100.0

%

  $ 134,754       100.0

%

  $ 132,507       100.0

%

Adjusted EBITDA

  $ 14,058       8.9

%

  $ 8,334       6.2

%

  $ 8,833       6.7

%

Segment assets

  $ 33,700             $ 28,825             $ 24,032          

 

Year ended December 31, 2017 compared to year ended December 31, 2016

 

Sales in our Specialty Chassis and Vehicles segment increased by $24.0 million, to $158.8 million in 2017 compared to $134.8 million in 2016.  Motor home chassis sales increased by $26.6 million due to higher unit volumes, which was partially offset by a $0.5 million decrease due to pricing that impacted 2017 sales. Other specialty vehicle sales decreased by $2.7 million, driven by defense sales in 2016 that did not recur in 2017.  These increases were partially offset by a decrease of $0.2 million in aftermarket parts and accessories sales due to decreased unit volumes.

 

Adjusted EBITDA for our Specialty Chassis and Vehicles segment was $14.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2017, an increase of $5.8 million compared to $8.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2016. Operational efficiencies in 2017 resulted in an increase of $4.0 million, while higher unit volume, mainly in motor home chassis, added $2.2 million to the increase in adjusted EBITDA. These increases were partially offset by a $0.5 million decrease due to pricing adjustments that impacted 2017.

 

Order backlog for our Specialty Chassis and Vehicles segment increased by $13.8 million, or 69.0%, to $33.8 million at December 31, 2017 compared to $20.0 million at December 31, 2016. This increase was due to a $14.5 million increase in backlog for motor home chassis, which was partially offset by a $0.7 million decrease in aftermarket parts and accessories backlog in 2016.   

 

Year ended December 31, 2016 compared to year ended December 31, 2015

 

Sales in our Specialty Chassis and Vehicles segment increased by $2.3 million, to $134.8 million in 2016 compared to $132.5 million in 2015. Other specialty vehicles sales increased by $9.7 million due to increased unit volumes. This increase was partially offset by decreases in motor home chassis and aftermarket parts and accessories sales of $5.3 million and $2.1 million, respectively, driven by lower unit volumes in 2016.

 

Adjusted EBITDA for our Specialty Chassis and Vehicles segment was $8.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2016, a decrease of $0.5 million compared to $8.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2016, mainly due to the decrease in marketing and branding expenses in 2016.

 

Order backlog for our Specialty Chassis and Vehicles segment increased by $1.6 million, or 8.7%, to $20.0 million at December 31, 2016 compared to $18.4 million at December 31, 2015. This increase was due to a $6.3 million increase in backlog for motor home chassis and a $0.3 million increase in aftermarket parts and accessories backlog, which were partially offset by a decrease of $4.9 million in backlog for defense vehicles due to the fulfillment of defense orders on hand in 2016.

 

 

Financial Condition

 

Balance sheet at December 31, 2017 compared to December 31, 2016

 

Accounts receivable increased by $17.7 million, or 27.1%, to $83.1 million at December 31, 2017, compared to $65.4 million at December 31, 2016. $16.1 million of the increase was due to accounts receivable acquired through our acquisition of Smeal, with the remainder of the increase due to the timing of invoicing.

 

Inventory increased by $18.8 million, or 31.9%, to $77.7 million at December 31, 2017 compared to $58.9 million at December 31, 2016 mainly due to the addition of Smeal inventory of $26.1 million at December 31, 2017, offset by a decrease of $7.3 million in our Emergency Response Vehicles segment due to a continued focus on inventory reduction actions.

 

32

 

 

Property, plant and equipment, net increased by $2.1 million, or 4.0%, to $55.2 million at December 31, 2017 compared to $53.1 million at December 31, 2016 mainly due to the acquisition of Smeal during the year which resulted in assumption of $5.8 million along with additional purchases of $5.3 million during the year.  These increases were offset by depreciation.

 

Goodwill increased by $11.4 million, or 71.3%, to $27.4 million at December 31, 2017 compared to $16.0 million at December 31, 2016 due to the Smeal acquisition.

 

Intangible assets increased by $3.0 million, or 46.9%, to $9.4 million at December 31, 2017 compared to $6.4 million at December 31, 2016 due to an increase of $3.9 million from trade-names and certain non-patented technology acquired from Smeal, partially offset by amortization during the period.

 

Net deferred tax assets increased by $4.0 million or 121.2%, to $7.3 million at December 31, 2017 from $3.3 million at December 31, 2016 primarily as a result of three factors. A $9.5 million increase resulted from the reduction of our valuation allowance recorded during the year as it was deemed more likely than not that we would realize the benefit of the net deferred tax asset. This increase was offset by a $3.0 million decrease due to the forfeiture of certain state net operating loss and credit carry-forwards, and a $2.9 million reduction due to the new federal corporate income tax rate of 21% as legislated by the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017. Although the tax rate change is not effective until January 1, 2018, the enactment of the law in 2017 required us to revalue our net deferred tax asset from the 2017 statutory rate of 35% to the new 2018 statutory rate of 21%, in accordance with current accounting guidance.

 

Accounts payable increased by $9.3 million, or 29.7%, to $40.6 million at December 31, 2017 from $31.3 million at December 31, 2016. $2.1 million of the increase was due to accounts payable assumed through our acquisition of Smeal, with the remainder of the increase due to the timing of payments.

 

Accrued warranty decreased by $1.0 million, or 5.2%, to $18.3 million at December 31, 2017 from $19.3 million at December 31, 2016, due to payments for repairs made during the year of $13.8 million, offset by $7.5 million for accruals for warranties provided on vehicles produced during the year and additional accruals of $1.6 million for changes in existing warranties. In addition, we assumed $3.7 million in warranty obligations related to the acquisition of Smeal.

 

Deposits from customers increased by $9.3 million or 57.8% to $25.4 million at December 31, 2017 compared to $16.1 million at December 31, 2016. The increase was due to prepayments of $13.4 million remaining at December 31, 2017 related to Smeal, partially offset by more prepayments being applied to invoices for fulfilled orders than were received during 2017 for new orders in our Emergency Response Vehicles segment.

 

Other current liabilities and accrued expenses increased by $4.4 million, or 57.1%, to $12.1 million at December 31, 2017 from $7.7 million at December 31, 2016, with $2.4 million of the increase related to an increase in our accrued taxes, $1.8 million due to liabilities assumed through our acquisition of Smeal, and the remainder due to the timing of accruals for various expenses incurred but not yet invoiced.

 

Other non-current liabilities increased by $2.7 million, or 108.0%, to $5.2 million at December 31, 2017 from $2.5 million at December 31, 2016 due to a $1.7 million vendor rebate pre-payment received in 2017 along with an $0.7 million increase in our supplemental executive retirement plan liabilities and a $0.3 million increase in other liabilities.

 

Balance sheet at December 31, 2016 compared to December 31, 2015

 

Accounts receivable increased by $8.8 million, or 15.5%, to $65.4 million at December 31, 2016 from $56.6 million at December 31, 2015, with approximately equal parts of the increase due to increased sales late in the fourth quarter of 2016 compared to 2015 and the timing of payment receipts in late 2016 compared to late 2015. In January 2017, $7.4 million of our accounts receivable was forgiven as part of our acquisition of Smeal. Our receivable days sales outstanding decreased to 40 days sales at December 31, 2016 from 41 days at December 31, 2015 mainly due to increased sales compared to the previous year.

 

Inventory decreased by $1.7 million, or 2.8%, to $58.9 million at December 31, 2016 from $60.6 million at December 31, 2015, mainly due to completion and shipment of units and continued focus on inventory reduction actions.

 

Other current assets increased by $1.0 million, or 28.6%, to $4.5 million at December 31, 2016 from $3.5 million at December 31, 2015 mainly due to an increase in prepaid expenses during the period.

 

Net deferred tax asset increased by $2.7 million or 450.0%, to $3.3 million at December 31, 2016 from $0.6 million at December 31, 2015 as a result of the change in our valuation allowance during the year. The remaining residual value of $3.3 million represents that portion of our deferred income tax assets that could generate future tax losses and be successfully carried back and offset against current year taxable income to recover taxes paid.

 

33

 

 

Accounts payable increased by $4.0 million, or 14.7%, to $31.3 million at December 31, 2016 from $27.3 million at December 31, 2015, mainly due to increased sales volume which resulted in increased purchases to support production.

 

Accrued warranty increased by $2.7 million, or 16.3%, to $19.3 million at December 31, 2016 from $16.6 million at December 31, 2015, due to $5.7 million of accruals for warranties provided on vehicles produced during the year and additional accruals of $4.0 million for various repair campaigns in 2016 and $3.3 million for changes in existing warranties, offset by $10.3 million of payments for repairs made during the year.

 

Accrued compensation and related taxes increased by $4.5 million, or 51.7%, to $13.2 million at December 31, 2016 from $8.7 million at December 31, 2015, mainly due to an increase in incentive compensation accruals as a result of our financial performance during the year.

 

Deposits from customers increased by $3.0 million, or 22.9%, to $16.1 million at December 31, 2016 from $13.1 million at December 31, 2015, due to more customers electing to make deposits on orders in 2016. We receive deposits on orders at the option of our customers. Consequently, the amount of deposits on hand will vary from time to time.

 

Other current liabilities and accrued expenses increased by $1.1 million, or 16.7%, to $7.7 million at December 31, 2016 from $6.6 million at December 31, 2015 mainly due to the timing of accruals for various expenses incurred but not yet invoiced.

 

 

Liquidity and Capital Resources

 

Cash Flows

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

 

   

Year Ended December 31,

 
   

2017

   

2016

   

2015

 

Cash provided by (used in):

                       

Operating activities

  $ 22,016     $ 23,328     $ 12,856  

Investing activities

    (34,230 )     (13,385 )     (4,687 )

Financing activities

    13,696       (10,603 )     (4,038 )

Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

  $ 1,482     $ (660 )   $ 4,131  

 

During 2017, cash and cash equivalents increased by $1.5 million to a balance of $33.5 million as of December 31, 2017. These funds, in addition to cash generated from future operations and available credit facilities, are expected to be sufficient to finance our foreseeable liquidity and capital needs.

 

 

Cash Flow from Operating Activities

 

We generated $22.0 million of cash from operating activities during the year ended December 31, 2017, a decrease of $1.3 million from $23.3 million of cash generated from operating activities in 2016. Cash flow from operating activities decreased from 2016 due to $3.5 million increase in cash paid for warranty claims and a $5.2 million increase in cash utilized in the fulfilment of customer orders. These decreases which were partially offset by a $5.7 million increase in net income net of non-cash charges in 2017 and $1.7 million increase in cash generated through changes in other working capital items, mainly compensation related accruals.

 

We generated $23.3 million of cash from operating activities during the year ended December 31, 2016, an increase of $10.4 million from $12.9 million of cash generated from operating activities in 2015. Cash flow from operating activities increased from 2015 due to a $14.8 million increase in net income net of non-cash charges and credits in 2016, and $3.6 million of cash generated through changes in various working capital items, mainly compensation related accruals. These increases were partially offset by $8.0 million of cash utilized in the fulfilment of customer orders.

 

34

 

 

In 2018 we expect to incur non-recurring cash outlays of $15 million to $16 million. This estimate includes approximately $5.6 million of cash investment to expand certain production facilities, $3.7 million related to information technology upgrades, along with expenditures of $1.7 million for the replacement and upgrade of machinery and equipment used in operations. We plan to fund these cash outlays with borrowings from our existing $100 million line of credit along with cash generated from our operations in 2018.

 

 

Cash Flow from Investing Activities

 

We utilized $34.2 million in investing activities during the year ended December 31, 2017, a $20.8 million increase compared to the $13.4 million utilized during the year ended December 31, 2016. This increase is mainly the result of our acquisition of Smeal on January 1, 2017.

 

We used $13.4 million of cash for investing activities during the year ended December 31, 2016, an increase of $8.7 million from the $4.7 million utilized in 2015, mainly for the construction of a new assembly plant in Charlotte, Michigan, along with the purchase of property, plant and equipment used in our operations.

 

 

Cash Flow from Financing Activities

 

We generated $13.7 million of cash through financing activities during the year ended December 31, 2017, compared to $10.6 million utilized during the year ended December 31, 2016. This increase is mainly due to the financing of our acquisition of Smeal from our existing $100 million line of credit on January 1, 2017.

 

We used $10.6 million in financing activities during the year ended December 31, 2016, a $6.6 million increase compared to the $4.0 million utilized during the year ended December 31, 2015. This increase was driven by of a $5 million payment on our outstanding debt and $2.0 million utilized to repurchase our common stock.

 

Recent Acquisition

On January 1, 2017, we completed the acquisition of substantially all of the assets and certain liabilities of Smeal pursuant to an Asset Purchase Agreement dated December 12, 2016. This acquisition brought significant scale to our Emergency Response Vehicles segment, expanded the geographic reach of our dealer network and added complementary products to our existing emergency response product portfolio. See Note 2, Acquisition Activities in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements appearing in Item 8 of this Form 10-K for more information on this acquisition.

 

Restructuring Activities

During the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, we incurred $1.3 million, $1.1 million and $2.9 million of restructuring charges. The restructuring charges were incurred in 2017 for a company-wide initiative to streamline operations and integrate our Smeal acquisition. In 2016 and 2015, restructuring charges were incurred within our Emergency Response Vehicles segment related to the relocation of our Ocala, Florida manufacturing operations to our Charlotte, Michigan and Brandon, South Dakota facilities, along with efforts undertaken to upgrade production processes at our Brandon, South Dakota and Ephrata, Pennsylvania locations.

 

See Note 4, Restructuring Charges, in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements appearing in Item 8 of this Form 10-K for further information.

 

Working Capital

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

 

   

As of December 31,

 
   

2017

   

2016

   

2015

 
                         

Current assets

  $ 198,787     $ 162,191     $ 155,137  

Current liabilities

    109,732       87,724       72,373  

Working capital

  $ 89,055     $ 74,467     $ 82,764  

 

 

Working capital increased from December 31, 2016 to December 31, 2017, driven by changes in accounts receivable, inventory, accounts payable, and deposits from customers as described above.

 

35

 

 

Working capital decreased from December 31, 2015 to December 31, 2016, driven by changes in accounts receivable, inventory, accounts payable, accrued warranty, accrued compensation and related taxes, and deposits from customers as described above.

 

Contingent Liabilities

Spartan-Gimaex joint venture

In February 2015, Spartan USA and Gimaex Holding, Inc. mutually agreed to begin discussions regarding the dissolution of the Spartan-Gimaex joint venture. In June 2015, Spartan USA and Gimaex Holding, Inc. entered into court proceedings to determine the terms of the dissolution. In February 2017, by agreement of the parties, the court proceeding was dismissed with prejudice and the judge entered an order to this effect as the parties agreed to seek a dissolution plan on their own. No dissolution terms have been determined as of the date of this Form 10-K. In the fourth quarters of 2015 and 2014, we accrued charges totaling $1.0 million and $0.2 million to write down certain inventory items associated with this joint venture to their estimated fair values. Costs associated with the wind-down will be impacted by the final dissolution agreement. The costs we have accrued so far represent the low end of the range of the estimated total charges that we believe we may incur related to the wind-down. While we are unable to determine the final cost of the wind-down with certainty at this time, we may incur additional charges, depending on the final terms of the dissolution, and such charges could be material to our results.

 

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (“NHTSA”) penalty

In July 2015, we entered into a settlement agreement with the NHTSA pertaining to our early warning and defect reporting. Under the terms of the agreement, we paid a fine of $1.0 million in equal installments over three years, and will complete performance obligations including compliance and regulatory practice improvements, industry outreach, and recalls to remedy potential safety defects in certain of our chassis, which we expect to complete in July of 2018. The following table presents the charges recorded in the Consolidated Statement of Operations during the year ended December 31, 2015 as a result of this agreement (in thousands):

 

Cost of products sold

  $ 1,269  

Selling, general and administrative

    1,000  
    $ 2,269  

 

Debt

On December 1, 2017, we entered into a First Amendment to our Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement (the "Credit Agreement") by and among us, certain of our subsidiaries, Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as administrative agent ("Wells Fargo"), and the lenders party thereto consisting of Wells Fargo, JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. and PNC Bank (the "Lenders"). Under the Credit Agreement, we may borrow up to $100 million from the Lenders under a three-year unsecured revolving credit facility. We may also request an increase in the facility of up to $35 million in the aggregate, subject to customary conditions. The credit facility is available for the issuance of letters of credit of up to $20 million, swing line loans of up to $15 million and revolving loans, subject to certain limitations and restrictions. Interest rates on borrowings under the credit facility are based on either (i) the highest of the prime rate, the federal funds effective rate from time to time plus 0.5%, or the one month adjusted London interbank market rate ("LIBOR") plus 1.0%; or (ii) adjusted LIBOR plus a margin based upon our ratio of debt to earnings from time to time. The Credit Agreement contains certain customary representations and covenants, including performance-based financial covenants on our part. The credit facility matures October 31, 2019, following which we have the option to renew the credit facility, subject to lender approval, for two successive one-year periods with an ultimate maturity date of October 31, 2021. Commitment fees range from 17.5 to 32.5 basis points on the unused portion of the line. In January 2017, we borrowed $32.8 million from our credit line to fund our acquisition of Smeal. At December 31, 2017 we had outstanding borrowings of $17.8 million against our credit line. We had no drawings against this credit line as of December 31, 2016. During the year ended December 31, 2017, and in future years, our revolving credit facility was utilized, and will continue to be utilized, to finance commercial chassis received under chassis bailment inventory agreements with General Motors Company (“GM”) and Chrysler Group, LLC (“Chrysler”). This funding is reflected as a reduction of the revolving credit facility available to us equal to the amount drawn by GM and Chrysler. See Note 10, Commitments and Contingent Liabilities, in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements appearing in Item 8 of this Form 10-K for further details about these chassis bailment inventory agreements. The applicable borrowing rate including margin was 3.0% (or one-month LIBOR plus 1.5%) at December 31, 2017.

 

Under the terms of our credit agreement with our banks, we have the ability to issue letters of credit totaling $20.0 million. At December 31, 2017 and 2016, we had outstanding letters of credit totaling $754 and $1,599 related to certain emergency response vehicle contracts and our workers compensation insurance.

 

36

 

 

Under the terms of the primary line of credit agreement, as amended, we are required to maintain certain financial ratios and other financial conditions, which limited our available borrowings under our line of credit to a total of approximately $66.4 million and $73.6 million at December 31, 2017 and 2016. The agreements prohibit us from incurring additional indebtedness; limit certain acquisitions, investments, advances or loans; limit our ability to pay dividends in certain circumstances; and restrict substantial asset sales. At December 31, 2017, we were in compliance with all covenants in our credit agreement, and, based on our outlook for 2018, we expect to be able to meet these covenants over the next twelve months.

 

We had capital lease obligations outstanding of $0.2 million and $0.1 million as of December 31, 2017 and 2016, due and payable over the next five years.

 

Equity Securities

On October 19, 2011, our Board of Directors authorized management to repurchase up to a total of 1.0 million shares of our common stock in open market transactions, contingent upon market conditions. During the second quarter of 2016, we repurchased a total of 422,000 shares of our common stock under this authorization. We did not repurchase any shares, under any repurchase authorizations, in 2017 or 2015.

 

On April 28, 2016, our Board of Directors terminated the 2011 repurchase authorization effective June 30, 2016, and authorized the repurchase of up to 1.0 million additional shares of our common stock in open market transactions. At December 31, 2017 there were 1.0 million shares remaining under this repurchase authorization. If we were to repurchase the remaining 1.0 million shares of stock under the repurchase program, it would cost us $15.2 million based on the closing price of our stock on February 23, 2018. We believe that we have sufficient resources to fund any potential stock buyback in which we may engage.

 

Dividends

We paid dividends on our outstanding common shares in 2017, 2016 and 2015 as shown in the table below.

 

Date dividend

declared

   

Record date

   

Payment date

   

Dividend per

share ($)

   

Total

dividend paid

($000)

 

Oct. 24, 2017

   

Nov. 15, 2017

   

Dec. 15, 2017

    $ 0.05     $ 1,753  

May 2, 2017

   

May 15, 2017

   

June 15, 2017

      0.05       1,755  

Nov. 2, 2016

   

Nov. 15, 2016

   

Dec. 15, 2016

      0.05       1,720  

April 28, 2016

   

May 19, 2016

   

June 23, 2016

      0.05       1,724  

Oct. 26, 2015

   

Nov. 12, 2015

   

Dec. 17, 2015

      0.05       1,713  

May 8, 2015

   

May 21, 2015

   

June 25, 2015

      0.05       1,713  

 

 

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

 

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

 

 

Contractual Obligations and Commercial Commitments

 

Our future contractual obligations for agreements, including agreements to purchase materials in the normal course of business, are summarized below.

 

   

Payments Due by Period (in thousands)

 
           

Less than

                   

More than

 
   

Total

   

1 Year

   

1-3 Years

   

4-5 Years

   

5 Years

 
                                         

Line of credit revolver (1)

  $ 18,868     $ 534     $ 18,334     $ -     $ -  

Capital leases

    189       64       104       21       -  

Operating leases

    7,715       2,494       3,589       1,632       -  

Contingent payments (2)

    1,394       1,394       -       -       -  

Purchase obligations

    59,071       59,071       -       -       -  
                                         

Total contractual obligations

  $ 87,237     $ 63,557     $ 22,027     $ 1,653     $ -  

 

 

(1)

The line of credit revolver includes estimated interest payments; interest payments on the related variable rate debt were calculated using the effective interest rate of 3.0% at December 31, 2017.

 

(2)

Contingent payments are associated with the Smeal acquisition in January, 2017.

 

37

 

 

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

 

The following discussion of critical accounting policies and estimates is intended to supplement Note 1, General and Summary of Accounting Policies, of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements appearing in Item 8 of this Form 10-K. These policies were selected because they are broadly applicable within our operating units and they involve additional management judgment due to the sensitivity of the methods, assumptions and estimates necessary in determining the related statement of income, asset and/or liability amounts.

 

Revenue Recognition 

 

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

 

Accounts Receivable 

 

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

 

Goodwill and Other Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets 

 

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

 

At December 31, 2017, we had recorded goodwill at our Fleet Vehicles and Services, Emergency Response Vehicles and Specialty Chassis and Vehicles reportable segments. The Fleet Vehicles and Services and Emergency Response Vehicles reportable segments were determined to be reporting units for goodwill impairment testing, while the reporting unit for the goodwill recorded in the Specialty Chassis and Vehicles segment was determined to be limited to the Reach Manufacturing component of that reportable segment. The goodwill recorded in these reporting units was evaluated for impairment as of October 1, 2017 using a discounted cash flow valuation.

 

At December 31, 2016, we had recorded goodwill at our Fleet Vehicles and Services reportable segment, which was also determined to be a reporting unit for goodwill impairment testing. The goodwill recorded in the Fleet Vehicles and Services reporting unit was evaluated for impairment as of October 1, 2016 using a discounted cash flow valuation.

 

38

 

 

We first assess qualitative factors including, but not limited to, macroeconomic conditions, industry conditions, the competitive environment, changes in the market for our products and current and forecasted financial performance to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount. If we determine that it is more likely than not that the fair value of the reporting unit is greater than its carrying amount, we are not required to calculate the fair value of a reporting unit. We have the option to bypass this qualitative assessment and proceed to a quantitative goodwill impairment assessment. If we elect to bypass the qualitative assessment, or if after completing the assessment it is determined to be more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying value, we perform an impairment test by comparing the fair value of a reporting unit with its carrying amount, including goodwill. The fair value of the reporting unit is determined by estimating the future cash flows of the reporting unit to which the goodwill relates, and then discounting the future cash flows at a market-participant-derived weighted-average cost of capital (“WACC”). In determining the estimated future cash flows, we consider current and projected future levels of income based on our plans for that business; business trends, prospects and market and economic conditions; and market-participant considerations. If the fair value of a reporting unit exceeds its carrying amount, goodwill of the reporting unit is considered to not be impaired. If the carrying amount of the reporting unit exceeds its fair value, an impairment loss is recognized in an amount equal to the excess, up to the value of the goodwill.

 

We evaluate the recoverability of our indefinite lived intangible assets, which, as of December 31, 2017, consisted of our Utilimaster and Smeal trade names, by comparing the estimated fair value of the trade names with their carrying values. We estimate the fair value of our trade names based on estimates of future royalty payments that are avoided through our ownership of the trade name, discounted to their present value. In determining the estimated fair value of the trade names, we consider current and projected future levels of revenue based on our plans for Utilimaster and Smeal branded products, business trends, prospects and market and economic conditions.

 

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

 

In 2017, we elected to bypass the qualitative assessment and proceed to the quantitative goodwill impairment assessment for all of our reporting units. The estimated fair values of these reporting units exceeded their carrying values by 232%, 91% and 62%, respectively, as of October 1, 2017, the most recent annual assessment date. Based on the discounted cash flow valuations at October 1, 2017, an increase in the WACC for the reporting units of 500 basis points would not result in impairment.

 

The acquired Utilimaster and Smeal trade names have indefinite lives as it is anticipated that they will contribute to our cash flows indefinitely. The estimated fair values of our Utilimaster and Smeal trade names exceeded their associated carrying values of $2.9 million and $2.4 million, respectively, by 545% and 141%, respectively, as of October 1, 2017. Accordingly, there was no impairment recorded on these trade names. Based on the discounted cash flow valuations at October 1, 2017, an increase in the WACC used for these impairment analyses of 500 basis points would not result in impairment in the trade names.

 

At December 31, 2014, our indefinite lived intangible assets included the Classic Fire trade name. During the quarter ended September 30, 2015, we determined that, based on updated sales forecasts for our Classic line of emergency response vehicles, it was more likely than not that our Classic Fire trade name intangible asset was impaired. Accordingly, we conducted an impairment test by comparing the discounted future cash flows expected to result from our ownership of the trade name with its carrying cost at September 30, 2015. The result of this analysis showed that the carrying cost of the Classic Fire trade name, which was recorded as an asset of our Emergency Response Vehicles segment exceeded its fair value. Accordingly, an impairment charge of $0.6 million was recorded during the three months ended September 30, 2015 to reduce the carrying cost of the trade name to its estimated fair value.

 

See Note 5, Goodwill and Intangible Assets, in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements appearing in Item 8 of this Form 10-K for further details on our goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets.

 

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

 

39

 

 

Warranties 

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

 

Provision for Income Taxes 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

 

New and Pending Accounting Policies

 

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

 

 

Effect of Inflation

 

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

 

 

Item 7A.

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk.

 

Our primary market risk exposure is a change in interest rates and the effect of such a change on outstanding variable rate short-term and long-term debt. At December 31, 2017, we had $17.8 million in debt outstanding under our variable rate short-term and long-term debt agreements. An increase of 100 basis points in interest rates would result in additional interest expense of $0.2 million on an annualized basis for the floating rate debt that we incurred in January 2017 for the acquisition of Smeal. We believe that we have sufficient financial resources to accommodate this hypothetical increase in interest rates. We do not enter into market-risk-sensitive instruments for trading or other purposes.

 

40

 

 

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

 

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

 

41

 

 

Item 8.

Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.

 

 

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

 

Board of Directors and Shareholders

Spartan Motors, Inc.

Charlotte, Michigan

 

Opinion on the Consolidated Financial Statements

 

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Spartan Motors, Inc. (the “Company”) and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2017 and 2016, the related consolidated statements of operations, shareholders’ equity, and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2017, and the related notes and financial statement schedule as listed in the accompanying index in Item 15(a)(2) of this Form 10-K (collectively referred to as the “consolidated financial statements”). In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company and subsidiaries at December 31, 2017 and 2016, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2017, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

 

We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (“PCAOB”), the Company's internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2017, based on criteria established in Internal Control – Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (“COSO”) and our report dated March 1, 2018 expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.

 

Basis for Opinion

 

These consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s consolidated financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (“PCAOB”) and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.

 

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the consolidated financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud.

 

Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the consolidated financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the consolidated financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the consolidated financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

 

 

/S/ BDO USA, LLP

 

 

We have served as the Company's auditor since 2007.

 

 

Grand Rapids, MI

March 1, 2018

 

42

 

 

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

 

Board of Directors and Shareholders

Spartan Motors, Inc.

Charlotte, Michigan

 

Opinion on Internal Control over Financial Reporting

 

We have audited Spartan Motors, Inc.’s (the “Company’s”) internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2017, based on criteria established in Internal Control – Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (the “COSO criteria”). In our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2017, based on the COSO criteria.

 

We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (“PCAOB”), the consolidated balance sheets of the Company and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2017 and 2016, the related consolidated statements of operations, shareholders’ equity, and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2017, and the related notes and schedules and our report dated March 1, 2018 expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.

 

Basis for Opinion

 

The Company’s management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in the accompanying “Item 9A, Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting”. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audit. We are a public accounting firm registered with the PCAOB and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.

 

We conducted our audit of internal control over financial reporting in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, and testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk. Our audit also included performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.

 

Definition and Limitations of Internal Control over Financial Reporting

 

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

 

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

 

/S/ BDO USA, LLP

 

Grand Rapids, MI

March 1, 2018

 

43

 

 

 

SPARTAN MOTORS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(In thousands, except par value)

 

   

December 31,

   

December 31,

 
   

2017

   

2016

 

ASSETS

               

Current assets:

               

Cash and cash equivalents

  $ 33,523     $ 32,041  

Accounts receivable, less allowance of $139 and $487

    83,147       65,441  

Inventories

    77,692       58,896  

Income taxes receivable

    -       1,287  

Other current assets

    4,425       4,526  

Total current assets

    198,787       162,191  
                 

Property, plant and equipment, net

    55,177       53,116  

Goodwill

    27,417       15,961  

Intangible assets, net

    9,427       6,385  

Other assets

    3,072       2,331  

Net deferred tax asset

    7,284       3,310  

TOTAL ASSETS

  $ 301,164     $ 243,294  
                 

LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY

               

Current liabilities:

               

Accounts payable

  $ 40,643     $ 31,336  

Accrued warranty

    18,268       19,334  

Accrued compensation and related taxes

    13,264       13,188  

Deposits from customers

    25,422       16,142  

Other current liabilities and accrued expenses

    12,071       7,659  

Current portion of long-term debt

    64       65  

Total current liabilities

    109,732       87,724  
                 

Other non-current liabilities

    5,238       2,544  

Long-term debt, less current portion

    17,925       74  

Total liabilities

    132,895       90,342  

Commitments and contingencies

               

Shareholders' equity:

               

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

    -       -  

Common stock, $0.01 par value; 80,000 shares authorized; 35,097 and 34,383 outstanding

    351       344  

Additional paid in capital

    79,721       76,837  

Retained earnings

    88,855       76,428  

Total Spartan Motors, Inc. shareholders’ equity

    168,927       153,609  

Non-controlling interest

    (658 )     (657 )

Total shareholders' equity

    168,269       152,952  

TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY

  $ 301,164     $ 243,294  

 

See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

44

 

 

 

SPARTAN MOTORS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF
OPERATIONS

(In thousands, except per share data)

 

   

Year Ended December 31,

 
   

2017

   

2016

   

2015

 
                         

Sales

  $ 707,098     $ 590,777     $ 550,414  

Cost of products sold

    617,655       518,113       502,783  

Restructuring charges

    208       136       519  

Gross profit

    89,235       72,528       47,112  
                         

Operating expenses:

                       

Research and development

    6,523       6,772       4,560  

Selling, general and administrative

    65,497       56,172       52,695  

Restructuring charges

    1,044       959       2,336  

Total operating expenses

    73,064       63,903       59,591  
                         

Operating income (loss)

    16,171       8,625       (12,479 )

Other income (expense):

                       

Interest expense

    (864 )     (410 )     (365 )

Interest and other income

    717       488       244  
                         

Total other income (expense)

    (147 )     78       (121 )
                         

Income (loss) before taxes

    16,024       8,703       (12,600 )
                         

Income tax expense

    90       100       4,880  
                         

Net earnings (loss)

    15,934       8,603       (17,480 )
                         

Less: net loss attributable to non-controlling interest

    (1 )     (7 )     (508 )
                         

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

  $ 15,935     $ 8,610     $ (16,972 )
                         

Basic net earnings (loss) per share

  $ 0.46     $ 0.25     $ (0.50 )
                         

Diluted net earnings (loss) per share

  $ 0.46     $ 0.25     $ (0.50 )
                         

Basic weighted average common shares outstanding

    34,949       34,405       33,826  
                         

Diluted weighted average common shares outstanding

    34,949       34,405       33,826  

 

See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

45

 

 

 

SPARTAN MOTORS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31,
2017, 2016 and 2015

(In thousands, except per share data)

 

   

Number of

   

Common

   

Additional

   

Retained

   

Non-Controlling

   

Total Shareholders'

 
   

Shares

   

Stock

   

Paid In Capital

   

Earnings

   

Interest

   

Equity

 

Balance at December 31, 2014

    34,094     $ 341     $ 75,695     $ 92,724     $ (142 )   $ 168,618  
                                                 

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

    13       -       (419 )     -       -       (419 )
                                                 

Dividends declared ($0.10 per share)

    -       -       -       (3,426 )     -       (3,426 )
                                                 

Issuance of restricted stock, net of cancellation

    164       2       (2 )     -       -       -  
                                                 

Stock based compensation expense related to restricted stock

    -       -       1,198       -       -       1,198  
                                                 
                                                 

Net loss

    -       -       -       (16,972 )     (508 )     (17,480 )
                                                 

Balance at December 31, 2015

    34,271       343       76,472       72,326       (650 )     148,491  
                                                 

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

    16       -       (234 )     -       -       (234 )
                                                 

Dividends declared ($0.10 per share)

    -       -       -       (3,444 )     -       (3,444 )
                                                 

Purchase and retirement of common stock

    (422 )     (4 )     (932 )     (1,064 )     -       (2,000 )
                                                 

Issuance of restricted stock, net of cancellation

    518       5       (5 )     -       -       -  
                                                 

Stock based compensation expense related to restricted stock

    -       -       1,536       -       -       1,536  
                                                 

Net earnings (loss)

    -       -       -       8,610       (7 )     8,603  
                                                 

Balance at December 31, 2016

    34,383       344       76,837       76,428       (657 )     152,952  
                                                 

Issuance of common stock related to stock incentive plan transactions

    29       -       (645 )     -       -       (645 )
                                                 

Dividends declared ($0.10 per share)

    -       -       -       (3,508 )     -       (3,508 )
                                                 

Issuance of restricted stock, net of cancellation

    685       7       (7 )     -       -       -  
                                                 

Stock based compensation expense related to restricted stock

    -       -       3,536       -       -       3,536  
                                                 

Net earnings (loss)

    -       -       -       15,935       (1 )     15,934  
                                                 

Balance at December 31, 2017

    35,097     $ 351     $ 79,721     $ 88,855     $ (658 )   $ 168,269  

 

See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

46

 

 

 

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

(In thousands)

 

   

Year Ended December 31,

 
   

2017

   

2016

   

2015

 

Cash flows from operating activities:

                       

Net earnings (loss)

  $ 15,934     $ 8,603     $ (17,480 )

Adjustments to reconcile net earnings (loss) to net cash provided by operating activities

                       

Depreciation and amortization

    9,937       7,903       7,437  

Gain on disposal of assets

    (13 )     (13 )     (24 )

Impairment of assets

    -       406       2,234  

Accruals for warranty

    9,099       12,989       15,388  

Deferred income taxes

    (3,974 )     (2,666 )     5,147  

Stock based compensation related to stock awards

    3,536       1,536       1,198  
Decrease (increase) in operating assets, net of effects of acquisition:                        

Accounts receivable

    (18,576 )     (8,824 )     (8,255 )

Inventories

    42,920       1,662       10,605  

Income taxes receivable

    1,287       468       (59 )

Other assets

    851       (1,020 )     155  

Increase (decrease) in operating liabilities, net of effects of acquisition:

                       

Accounts payable

    5,366       4,018       4,556  

Cash paid for warranty repairs

    (13,854 )     (10,265 )     (8,015 )

Accrued compensation and related taxes

    (1,530 )     4,504       458  

Deposits from customers

    (33,648 )     3,047       1,571  

Payment of contingent consideration on acquisitions

    -       -       (1,338 )

Other current liabilities and accrued expenses

    240       1,056       (707 )

Other long-term liabilities

    1,725       -       -  

Taxes on income

    2,716       (76 )     (15 )

Total adjustments

    6,082       14,725       30,336  

Net cash provided by operating activities

    22,016       23,328       12,856  
                         

Cash flows from investing activities:

                       

Purchases of property, plant and equipment

    (5,340 )     (13,410 )     (4,895 )

Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment

    13       25       208  

Acquisition of business, net of cash acquired

    (28,903 )     -       -  

Net cash used in investing activities

    (34,230 )     (13,385 )     (4,687 )
                         

Cash flows from financing activities:

                       

Borrowings under credit facilities

    -       -       15,244  

Payments on credit facilities

    -       -       (15,244 )

Proceeds from long-term debt

    32,919       10       -  

Payments on long-term debt

    (15,070 )     (5,058 )     (75 )

Payment of contingent consideration on acquisitions

    -       -       (162 )

Purchase and retirement of common stock

    -       (2,000 )     -  

Net cash used in the exercise, vesting or cancellation of stock incentive awards

    (645 )     (111 )     (375 )

Payment of dividends

    (3,508 )     (3,444 )     (3,426 )

Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities

    13,696       (10,603 )     (4,038 )
                         

Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

    1,482       (660 )     4,131  

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year

    32,041       32,701       28,570  

Cash and cash equivalents at end of year

  $ 33,523     $ 32,041     $ 32,701  

 

See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

47

 

 

SPARTAN MOTORS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Dollar amounts in thousands, except per share data)

 

 

NOTE 1 - GENERAL AND SUMMARY OF ACCOUNTING POLICIES

 

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

 

On January 1, 2017, Spartan USA acquired substantially all of the assets and certain liabilities of Smeal Fire Apparatus Co., Smeal Properties, Inc., Ladder Tower Co., and U.S. Tanker Co. When used in this Annual Report on Form 10-K, “Smeal” refers to the assets, liabilities, and operations acquired from such entities. The assets acquired consist of the assets used by the former owners of Smeal in the operation of its business designing, manufacturing, and distributing emergency response vehicle bodies and aerial devices for the fire service industry. Smeal has operations in Snyder and Neligh, Nebraska; Delavan, Wisconsin; and Ephrata, Pennsylvania and is operated as part of our Emergency Response Vehicles segment.

 

Our operating activities are conducted through our wholly-owned operating subsidiary, Spartan Motors USA, Inc. (“Spartan USA”), with locations in Charlotte, Michigan; Brandon, South Dakota; Snyder and Neligh, Nebraska; Delavan, Wisconsin; Ephrata, Pennsylvania; Bristol, Indiana; Kansas City, Missouri; and Saltillo, Mexico.

 

Our Bristol, Indiana location manufactures vehicles used in the parcel delivery, mobile retail and trades and construction industries, and supplies related aftermarket parts and services under the Utilimaster brand name.  Our Kansas City, Missouri and Saltillo, Mexico locations sell and install equipment used in fleet vehicles.  Our Brandon, South Dakota, Snyder and Neligh, Nebraska, Delavan, Wisconsin and Ephrata, Pennsylvania locations manufacture emergency response vehicles under the Spartan, Smeal, US Tanker and Ladder Tower Company brand names.  Our Charlotte, Michigan location manufactures heavy duty chassis and vehicles and supplies aftermarket parts and accessories under the Spartan Chassis and Spartan brand names.  Spartan USA is also a participant in Spartan-Gimaex Innovations, LLC (“Spartan-Gimaex”), a 50/50 joint venture with Gimaex Holding, Inc. that was formed to provide emergency response vehicles for the domestic and international markets.  Spartan-Gimaex is reported as a consolidated subsidiary of Spartan Motors, Inc.  In February 2015, Spartan USA and Gimaex Holding, Inc. mutually agreed to begin discussions regarding the dissolution of the joint venture.  In June 2015, Spartan USA and Gimaex Holding, Inc. entered into court proceedings to determine the terms of the dissolution.  In February 2017, by agreement of the parties, the court proceeding was dismissed with prejudice and the judge entered an order to this effect as the parties agreed to seek a dissolution plan on their own.  No dissolution terms have been determined as of the date of this Form 10-K.

 

Principles of Consolidation. The consolidated financial statements include our accounts and the accounts of our wholly owned subsidiary, Spartan USA. All intercompany transactions have been eliminated.

 

Non-Controlling Interest

At December 31, 2017, Spartan USA held a 50% share in Spartan-Gimaex, however, due to the management and operational structure of the joint venture, Spartan USA was considered to have had the ability to control the operations of Spartan-Gimaex. Accordingly, Spartan-Gimaex is reported as a consolidated subsidiary of Spartan Motors, Inc., within the Emergency Response Vehicles segment.

 

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

 

48

 

 

SPARTAN MOTORS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Dollar amounts in thousands, except per share data)

 

Revenue Recognition. We recognize revenue in accordance with Accounting Standards Codification Topic (“ASC”) 605. Accordingly, revenue is recognized when title to the product and risk of ownership passes to the buyer. In certain instances, risk of ownership and title passes when the product has been completed in accordance with purchase order specifications and has been tendered for delivery to the customer. On certain customer requested bill and hold transactions, revenue recognition occurs prior to the products being delivered to the buyer. We enter into such transactions when there is a valid business reason and the buyer has committed to the purchase. At the time revenue is recognized, the customer has been notified that the products have been completed according to their specifications, the products have passed all of our quality control inspections and are ready for delivery and the customer has accepted all of the risks of ownership. All sales are shown net of returns, discounts and sales incentive programs, which historically have not been significant. Rebates for certain product sales, which are known and accrued at time of sale, are reflected as a reduction of revenue. Service revenue is immaterial at less than one percent of total sales. The collectability of any related receivable is reasonably assured before revenue is recognized.

 

Business Combinations. When acquiring other businesses, we recognize identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed at their acquisition date fair values, and separately from any goodwill that may be required to be recognized. Goodwill, when recognizable, is measured as the excess amount of any consideration transferred, which is measured at fair value, over the acquisition date fair values of the identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed. Acquisition gain, when recognizable, is measured as the excess of the acquisition date fair values of the identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed over the acquisition date fair value of any consideration transferred.

 

Accounting for such acquisitions requires us to make significant assumptions and estimates and, although we believe any estimates and assumptions we make are reasonable and appropriate at the time they are made, unanticipated events and circumstances may arise that affect their accuracy, which may cause actual results to differ from those estimated by us. When necessary, we will adjust the values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed against the goodwill or acquisition gain, as initially recorded, for a period of up to one year after the acquisition date.

 

Costs incurred to effect an acquisition, such as legal, accounting, valuation or other third-party costs, as well as internal general and administrative costs incurred are charged to expense in the periods incurred.

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

49

 

 

SPARTAN MOTORS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Dollar amounts in thousands, except per share data)

 

Property, Plant and Equipment is stated at cost and the related assets are depreciated over their estimated useful lives on a straight-line basis for financial statement purposes and an accelerated method for income tax purposes. Cost includes an amount of interest associated with significant capital projects. Estimated useful lives range from 20 years for buildings and improvements, 3 to 15 years for plant machinery and equipment, 3 to 7 years for furniture and fixtures and 3 to 5 years for vehicles. Leasehold improvements are depreciated over the shorter of the lease term or the estimated useful life of the asset. Maintenance and repair costs are charged to earnings, while expenditures that increase asset lives are capitalized. We review our property, plant and equipment, along with all other long-lived assets that have finite lives, including finite-lived intangible assets, for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that their carrying amounts may not be recoverable. Assets held-for-sale are recorded at the lower of historical depreciated cost or the estimated fair value less costs to sell. See Note 6, Property, Plant and Equipment for further information on our property and equipment.

 

Related Party Transactions. We purchase certain components used in the manufacture of our products from parties that could be considered related to us because one or more of our executive officers or board members is also an executive officer or board member of the related party. See Note 17, Related Party Transactions, for more information regarding our transactions with related parties.

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

See Note 5, Goodwill and Intangible Assets, for further details on our goodwill and other intangible assets.

 

50

 

 

SPARTAN MOTORS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Dollar amounts in thousands, except per share data)

 

Warranties. Our policy is to record a provision for the estimated cost of warranty-related claims at the time of the sale, and periodically adjust the warranty liability to reflect actual experience. The amount of warranty liability accrued reflects management’s best estimate of the expected future cost of honoring our obligations under the warranty agreements. Expense related to warranty liabilities accrued for product sales, as well as adjustments to pre-existing warranty liabilities, are reflected within Cost of products sold on our Consolidated Statements of Operations. Our estimates are based on historical experience, the number of units involved and the extent of features and components included in product models. See Note 10, Commitments and Contingent Liabilities, for further information regarding warranties.

 

Deposits from Customers. We sometimes receive advance payments from customers for product orders and record these amounts as liabilities. We accept such deposits when presented by customers seeking improved pricing in connection with orders that are placed for products to be manufactured and sold at a future date. Revenue associated with these deposits is deferred and recognized upon shipment of the related product to the customer.

 

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

 

Taxes on Income. We recognize deferred income tax assets and liabilities using enacted tax rates for the effect of temporary differences between the book and tax bases of recorded assets and liabilities. Deferred tax liabilities generally represent tax expense recognized for which payment has been deferred, or expenses which have been deducted in our tax returns but which have not yet been recognized as an expense in our financial statements.

 

We establish valuation allowances for deferred income tax assets in accordance with GAAP, which provides that such valuation allowances shall be established unless realization of the income tax benefits is more likely than not. The ultimate realization of deferred tax assets is dependent upon the generation of future taxable income during the periods in which those temporary differences become deductible. At each reporting period, we consider the scheduled reversal of deferred tax liabilities, available taxes in carryback periods, tax planning strategies and projected future taxable income in making this assessment.

 

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

 

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

 

See Note 8, Taxes on Income, for further details on our income taxes.

 

Earnings (Loss) Per Share. Basic earnings per share is based on the weighted average number of common shares, share equivalents of stock appreciation rights (“SAR”s) and participating securities outstanding during the period. Diluted earnings per share also include the dilutive effect of additional potential common shares issuable from stock options and are determined using the treasury stock method. Basic earnings per share represents net earnings divided by basic weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period, including the average dilutive effect of our SARs outstanding during the period determined using the treasury stock method. Diluted earnings per share represents net earnings divided by diluted weighted average number of common shares outstanding, which includes the average dilutive effect of our stock options outstanding during the period. Our unvested stock awards are included in the number of shares outstanding for both basic and diluted earnings per share calculations, unless a net loss is reported, in which situation unvested stock awards are excluded from the number of shares outstanding for both basic and diluted earnings per share calculations. See Note 15, Earnings Per Share, for further details.

 

Stock Incentive Plans. Share based payment compensation costs for equity-based awards is measured on the grant date based on the fair value of the award at that date, and is recognized over the requisite service period, net of estimated forfeitures. Fair value of stock option and stock appreciation rights awards are estimated using a closed option valuation (Black-Scholes) model. Fair value of restricted stock awards is based upon the quoted market price of the common stock on the date of grant. Our incentive stock plans are described in more detail in Note 13, Stock Based Compensation.

 

51

 

 

SPARTAN MOTORS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Dollar amounts in thousands, except per share data)

 

Fair Value. We are required to disclose the estimated fair value of our financial instruments. The carrying value at December 31, 2017 and 2016 of cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable and accounts payable approximate their fair value due to their short-term nature. The carrying value of variable rate debt instruments approximate their fair value based on their relative terms and market rates.

 

Reclassifications. Certain immaterial amounts in the prior periods’ financial statements have been reclassified to conform to the current period’s presentation. These reclassifications had no impact on previously reported Net earnings (loss), Total assets, Total shareholders’ equity or cash flows.

 

Segment Reporting. We identify our reportable segments based on our management structure and the financial data utilized by the chief operating decision makers to assess segment performance and allocate resources among our operating units.  We have three reportable segments: Fleet Vehicles and Services, Emergency Response Vehicles and Specialty Chassis and Vehicles.  More detailed information about our reportable segments can be found in Note 16, Business Segments.

 

Supplemental Disclosures of Cash Flow Information. Cash paid for interest was $619, $309 and $374 for 2017, 2016 and 2015.  Cash paid (received) for income taxes, net of refunds, was $0, $2,232 and $(18) for 2017, 2016 and 2015. Non-cash investing in 2017 included $7,391 forgiveness of accounts receivable in conjunction with our acquisition of Smeal. See Note 2 for further information about this acquisition.

 

 

New Accounting Standards

 

In February 2017 the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2017-05, Other Income-Gains and Losses from the Derecognition of Nonfinancial Assets (Subtopic 610-20) (“ASU 2017-05”). ASU 2017-05 is intended to provide guidance for when gains and losses on nonfinancial assets should be applied to a financial asset by defining the term “nonfinancial asset”. ASU 2017-05 will go into effect when the revenue standard issued in ASU 2014-09 becomes effective. We believe that the adoption of the provisions of ASU 2017-05 will not have a material impact on our consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

 

In January 2017, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2017-04, Intangibles—Goodwill and Other (Topic 350): Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment (“ASU 2017-04”). ASU 2017-04 eliminates the requirement to determine the fair value of individual assets and liabilities of a reporting unit to measure goodwill impairment. Under the amendments in the new ASU, goodwill impairment testing will be performed by comparing the fair value of the reporting unit with its carrying amount and recognizing an impairment charge for the amount by which the carrying amount exceeds the reporting unit’s fair value, up to the carrying amount of the goodwill. The new standard is effective for annual and interim goodwill impairment tests in fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019, and should be applied on a prospective basis. Early adoption is permitted for annual or interim goodwill impairment testing performed after January 1, 2017. Our adoption of ASU 2017-04 for our goodwill impairment testing performed as of October 1, 2017 did not have an impact on our consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

 

In January 2017, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update 2017-01, Business Combinations (Topic 805): Clarifying the Definition of a Business (“ASU 2017-01”), which provides guidance to entities to assist with evaluating when a set of transferred assets and activities (collectively, the "set") is a business and provides a screen to determine when a set is not a business. Under the new guidance, when substantially all of the fair value of gross assets acquired (or disposed of) is concentrated in a single identifiable asset, or group of similar assets, the assets acquired would not represent a business. Also, to be considered a business, an acquisition would have to include an input and a substantive process that together significantly contribute to the ability to produce outputs. The new standard is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2017, and should be applied on a prospective basis to any transactions occurring within the period of adoption. Early adoption is permitted for interim or annual periods in which the financial statements have not been issued. The adoption of the provisions of ASU 2017-01 had no impact on our consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

 

In August 2016, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2016-15, Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230) (“ASU 2016-15”). ASU 2016-15 is intended to reduce diversity in current practice regarding the manner in which certain cash receipts and cash payments are presented and classified in the cash flow statement. ASU 2016-15 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption is permitted. We early adopted ASU 2016-15, effective with the third quarter of 2017, which did not have an impact on our consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows through December 31, 2017.

 

52

 

 

SPARTAN MOTORS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Dollar amounts in thousands, except per share data)

 

In June 2016, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update 2016-13, Financial Instruments – Credit Losses: Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments (“ASU 2016-13”). ASU 2016-13 is intended to introduce a revised approach to the recognition and measurement of credit losses, emphasizing an updated model based on expected losses rather than incurred losses. The provisions of this standard are effective for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2019 and early adoption is permitted. We believe that that the adoption of the provisions of ASU 2016-13 will not have a material impact on our consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

 

In March 2016, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2016-09, Compensation – Stock Compensation (“ASU 2016-09”). ASU 2016-09 simplifies the accounting for a stock payment’s tax consequences by requiring the recognition of the income tax effects of awards in the income statement when the awards vest or are settled. It also allows a company to elect to account for forfeitures as they occur rather than on an estimated basis and revises the classification of certain tax payments related to stock compensation on the statement of cash flows. ASU 2016-09 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2016, including interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption is permitted. Our adoption of ASU 2016-09 for the year ending December 31, 2017 resulted in a reduction of income tax expense of $394, which under previous accounting guidance would have been recorded to additional paid in capital.

 

In February 2016, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2016-02, Leases (“ASU 2016-02”). The new standard establishes a right-of-use (“ROU”) model that requires a lessee to record a ROU asset and a lease liability on the balance sheet for all leases with terms longer than 12 months. Leases will be classified as either finance or operating, with classification affecting the pattern of expense recognition in the income statement. The new standard is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, including interim periods within those fiscal years. A modified retrospective transition approach is required for lessees for capital and operating leases existing at, or entered into after, the beginning of the earliest comparative period presented in the financial statements, with certain practical expedients available. We are currently evaluating the impact of our pending adoption of ASU 2016-02 on our consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.  Upon adoption, we expect to recognize right of use assets and liabilities on the consolidated statement of financial position for leases currently classified as operating leases.   

 

In July 2015, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update 2015-11, Inventory (Topic 330) – Simplifying the Measurement of Inventory (“ASU 2015-11”). ASU 2015-11 requires entities that measure inventory using the FIFO or average cost methods to measure inventory at the lower of cost or net realizable value to more closely align the measurement of inventory in GAAP with International Financial Reporting Standards. Net realizable value is defined as estimated selling price in the ordinary course of business less reasonably predictable costs of completion and disposal. ASU 2015-11 is effective for public business entities for fiscal years, and for interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2016. Our adoption of ASU 2015-11 did not have an impact on our consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

 

In May 2014, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606) (“ASU 2014-09”). Subsequently the FASB provided additional guidance to clarify certain aspects of the standard in Accounting Standards Updates No. 2016-08, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606), Principal versus Agent Considerations (Reporting Revenue Gross versus Net); No. 2016-10, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606), Identifying Performance Obligations and Licensing; and No. 2016-12, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606), Narrow-Scope Improvements and Practical Expedients. ASU 2014-09, as amended is based on the principle that revenue should be recognized to depict the transfer of goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. The new standard also requires additional disclosure about the nature, amount, timing and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows arising from customer contracts, including significant judgments and changes in judgments and assets recognized from costs incurred to obtain or fulfill a contract. ASU 2014-09 is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods within that reporting period, and may be applied retrospectively to each prior period presented or retrospectively with the cumulative effect recognized as of the date of initial application.

 

53

 

 

SPARTAN MOTORS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Dollar amounts in thousands, except per share data)

 

We substantially completed our assessment of the impacts of the new revenue standard during the fourth quarter.  We have determined that the adoption of ASU 2014-09 will result in a change in the timing of revenue recognition for a significant portion of our contracts. For contracts related to substantially all of our Emergency Response Vehicle segment sales, certain of our Fleet Vehicles and Services segment sales, and certain of our Specialty Chassis and Vehicles segment sales (primarily related to our contract manufacturing operations), we will recognize revenue over time (during the production period) rather than at the point in time that the product is delivered to the customer. These contracts meet the criteria for recognizing revenue over time contracts either because 1) our performance creates or enhances an asset that the customer controls, or 2) our performance does not create an asset with an alternative use (due to significant customization of our products), and, based on our rights under the contract, we have an enforceable right to payment for our performance completed to date during the production period. We expect to utilize the practical expedient to not recognize the effects of financing when we receive customer deposits for contracts that will be fulfilled in less than one year. We expect that the disclosures in the notes to our consolidated financial statements related to revenue recognition will be significantly expanded under the new standard, specifically regarding the quantitative and qualitative information about performance obligations, and changes in contract assets and liabilities. 

 

We adopted ASU 2014-09 as of January 1, 2018 using the modified retrospective approach. As a result, in the first quarter of 2018 we expect to record a transition adjustment to increase retained earnings by approximately $4,900, reflecting the cumulative impact for the accounting change. This adjustment reflects the acceleration of approximately $38,000 in revenues and $33,100 in cost of products sold.

 

We are unable to precisely quantify the impact to revenue, gross profit or net income for future periods since revenue and gross profit recognized in those periods will depend on the actual production levels in those periods, but we expect the increase in revenue, gross profit and net income from recognizing revenue on these contracts over time in 2018 to be similar to the amounts included in the transition adjustment.

 

 

NOTE 2 – ACQUISITION ACTIVITIES

 

On January 1, 2017, we completed the acquisition of substantially all of the assets and certain liabilities of Smeal pursuant to an Asset Purchase Agreement dated December 12, 2016.

 

This acquisition brings significant scale to our Emergency Response Vehicles segment, expands the geographic reach of our dealer network and adds complementary products to our existing emergency response product portfolio.

 

Sales and operating income included in our results since the January 1, 2017 acquisition are as follows:

 

   

Year Ended

December 31,

2017

 

Net sales

  $ 124,669  

Operating income

    2,070  

 

The above operating income amounts include a one-time charge to cost of products sold of $189 for the year ended December 31, 2017 related to the fair value step-up of inventories acquired from Smeal and sold during the period.

 

54

 

 

SPARTAN MOTORS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Dollar amounts in thousands, except per share data)

 

 

Pro forma Results of Operation (Unaudited)

The following table provides unaudited pro forma net sales and results of operations for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016, as if Smeal had been acquired on January 1 of 2016.  The unaudited pro forma results reflect certain adjustments related to the acquisition, such as changes in the depreciation and amortization expense on the Smeal assets acquired resulting from the fair valuation of assets acquired, expenses incurred to complete the acquisition and the impact of acquisition financing.  The pro forma results do not include any anticipated cost synergies or other effects of the integration of Smeal.  Accordingly, such pro forma amounts are not necessarily indicative of the results that actually would have occurred had the acquisition been completed on the date indicated, nor are they indicative of the future operating results of the combined company.

 

   

Years Ended

 
   

December 31,

2017

   

December 31,

2016

 

Net sales

  $ 707,098     $ 656,292  
                 

Net earnings attributable to Spartan Motors, Inc.

  $ 18,792     $ 4,964  
                 

Diluted net earnings per share

  $ 0.54     $ 0.14  

 

Purchase Price Allocation

The total purchase price paid for our acquisition of Smeal was $41,513, subject to a net working capital adjustment and the tax gross-up payment described below. The consideration paid consisted of $28,903 in cash, net of cash acquired of $3,825, and the forgiveness of certain liabilities owed by the former owners of Smeal to the Company in the amount of $7,391. Pursuant to the purchase agreement, the sellers may receive additional consideration in the form of a tax gross-up payment, which is payable no later than April 1, 2018, and is not expected to exceed $1,394. The consideration paid is subject to certain post-closing adjustments, including a net working capital adjustment that we expect to finalize in the first quarter of 2018. Smeal has been a significant chassis customer of Spartan USA. The price paid pursuant to the purchase agreement was the subject of arm's length negotiation between Smeal and us.

 

This acquisition was accounted for using the purchase method of accounting with the purchase price allocated to the assets purchased and liabilities assumed based upon their estimated fair values at the date of acquisition. Identifiable intangible assets include trade-names and certain non-patented technology. The excess of the purchase price over the estimated fair values of the net tangible and intangible assets acquired of $11,456 was recorded as goodwill. During 2017, we made certain adjustments to our purchase price allocation to adjust inventory, other current assets, accrued warranty and other liabilities, which resulted in a $1,787 increase in goodwill. We recorded an estimate for contingent consideration related to the tax gross-up payment, valued in accordance with accounting guidance for business combinations and fair value measurements at $1,394.

 

The allocation of purchase price to assets acquired and liabilities assumed is as follows:

 

Cash

  $ 3,825  

Accounts receivable

    6,523  

Inventory

    61,716  

Other current assets

    662  

Property, plant and equipment

    5,773  

Intangible assets

    3,900  

Goodwill

    11,456  

Total assets acquired

    93,855  
         

Accounts payable

    3,941  

Customer prepayments

    42,929  

Accrued warranty

    3,689  

Other liabilities

    1,783  

Total liabilities assumed

    52,342  
         

Total purchase price

  $ 41,513  

 

55

 

 

SPARTAN MOTORS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Dollar amounts in thousands, except per share data)

 

Contingent Consideration

Pursuant to the purchase agreement, the former owners of Smeal may receive additional consideration in the form of a tax gross-up payment. The purchase agreement specifies that Spartan will make a payment to the former owners of Smeal to cover certain state and federal tax liabilities for the tax year ending December 31, 2017 that result from the transaction. The payment is expected to be $1,394.

 

Goodwill Assigned

The acquisition resulted in the recognition of $11,456 of goodwill, which is expected to be deductible for tax purposes.

 

Goodwill consists of expected synergies resulting from the acquisition and the estimated value of the workforce employed. Key areas of expected cost savings include an expanded dealer network; complementary product portfolios; manufacturing and supply chain work process improvements; and the elimination of redundant corporate overhead.

 

Financing for the Acquisition

Our acquisition of Smeal was financed using $32,800 borrowed from our existing $100,000 line of credit, as set forth in the Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, dated as of October 31, 2016, as amended by a First Amendment on December 1, 2017, by and among us and our affiliates, as borrowers; certain lenders; Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as Administrative Agent; and Wells Fargo Securities, LLC, as Sole Lead Arranger and Sole Bookrunner.

 

Acquisition Related Expenses

During 2017 and 2016, we recorded pretax charges totaling $868 and $882 for legal expenses and other transaction costs related to the acquisition. These charges, which were expensed in accordance with the accounting guidance for business combinations, were recorded in “Selling, general and administrative” and reflected within the “Other” column in the business segment tables in Note 16, Business Segments.

 

 

 

NOTE 3 – INVENTORIES

 

Inventories are summarized as follows:

 

December 31,

 
   

2017

   

2016

 
                 

Finished goods

  $ 15,539     $ 12,743  

Work in process

    15,980       14,063  

Raw materials and purchased components

    48,092       35,458  

Reserve for slow-moving inventory

    (1,919

)

    (3,368

)

                 

Total Inventory

  $ 77,692     $ 58,896  

 

We also have a number of demonstration units as part of our sales and training program. These demonstration units are included in the “Finished goods” line item above, and amounted to $7,435 and $3,558 at December 31, 2017 and 2016. When the demonstration units are sold, the cost related to the demonstration unit is included in Cost of products sold on our Consolidated Statements of Operations. The decrease in the reserve during 2017 is the result of disposals of obsolete inventory and reduction of the reserve associated with this inventory.

 

 

 

NOTE 4 – RESTRUCTURING CHARGES

 

During the year ended December 31, 2017, we incurred restructuring charges related to a company-wide initiative to streamline operations and integrate our Smeal acquisition. During 2016 and 2015, we incurred restructuring charges related to the relocation of our Ocala, Florida manufacturing operations to our Charlotte, Michigan and Brandon, South Dakota facilities, along with efforts undertaken to upgrade production processes at our Brandon, South Dakota and Ephrata, Pennsylvania locations.

 

56

 

 

SPARTAN MOTORS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Dollar amounts in thousands, except per share data)

 

Restructuring charges included in our Consolidated Statements of Operations for the year ended December 31, 2017, broken down by segment, are as follows:

 

   

December 31, 2017

 
   

Fleet

Vehicles

and

Services

   

Emergency

Response

Vehicles

   

Specialty

Chassis

and

Vehicles

   

Other

   

Total

 

Cost of products sold

                                       

Accrual for severance

  $ 97     $ 43     $ 30     $ -     $ 170  

Production relocation

    -       38       -       -       38  
                                         

General and Administrative

                                       

Accrual for severance

    547       367       79       51       1,044  

Total restructuring

  $ 644     $ 448     $ 109     $ 51     $ 1,252  

 

 

During the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015, we incurred restructuring charges related to efforts undertaken to upgrade production processes at our Brandon, South Dakota and Ephrata, Pennsylvania locations.

 

Restructuring charges included in our Consolidated Statements of Operations for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015, which were all related to our Emergency Response Vehicles segment, are as follows:

 

 

   

December 31, 2016

   

December 31, 2015

 

Cost of products sold

               

Inventory impairment

  $ -     $ 345  

Production relocation/equipment impairment

    136       174  

Accrual for severance

    -       -  

Total cost of products sold

    136       519  
                 

General and Administrative

               

Manufacturing process reengineering

    959       2,336  

Accrual for severance

    -       -  

Total general and administrative

    959       2,336  

Total restructuring

  $ 1,095     $ 2,855  

 

The following table provides a summary of the compensation related charges incurred during the year ended December 31, 2017 as part of our restructuring initiatives, along with the related outstanding balances to be paid in relation to those expenses, which is reflected within Accrued compensation and related taxes on our Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.

 

   

Severance

 

Balance January 1, 2017

  $ -  

Accrual for severance

    643  

Payments and adjustments made in period

    (201 )

Balance March 31, 2017

    442  

Accrual for severance

    325  

Payments and adjustments made in period

    (540 )

Balance June 30, 2017

    227  

Accrual for severance

    232  

Payments and adjustments made in period

    (366 )

Balance September 30, 2017

    93  

Accrual for severance

    14  

Payments and adjustments made in period

    (95 )

Balance December 31, 2017

  $ 12  

 

There were no compensation related charges incurred during the years ended December 31, 2016 or 2015.

 

57

 

 

SPARTAN MOTORS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Dollar amounts in thousands, except per share data)

 

 

NOTE 5 – GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS

 

Goodwill

 

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

 

As described in Note 2 - Acquisition Activities, we acquired substantially all of the assets and related liabilities of Smeal on January 1, 2017. The difference between the consideration paid and the acquisition-date fair value of the identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed was recognized as goodwill, as disclosed in the table below. The goodwill at Smeal was evaluated as part of the annual assessment which occurred as of October 1, 2017, since there was no triggering event necessitating an earlier evaluation.

 

During the second quarter of 2017, operations related to the manufacturing of our Reach delivery vehicle were reassigned to our Specialty Chassis and Vehicles segment from our Fleet Vehicles and Services segment to reflect the information and reports that our chief operating decision makers use to allocate resources to and assess the performance of our operating segments. As a result, a portion of the goodwill assigned to our Fleet Vehicles and Services segment was reassigned to our Specialty Chassis and Vehicles segment using a relative fair value approach.

 

At December 31, 2017, we had recorded goodwill at our Fleet Vehicles and Services, Emergency Response Vehicles and Specialty Chassis and Vehicles reportable segments. The Fleet Vehicles and Services and Emergency Response Vehicles reportable segments were determined to be reporting units for goodwill impairment testing, while the reporting unit for the goodwill recorded in the Specialty Chassis and Vehicles segment was determined to be limited to the Reach Manufacturing component of that reportable segment. The goodwill recorded in these reporting units was evaluated for impairment as of October 1, 2017 using a discounted cash flow valuation.

 

At December 31, 2016, we had recorded goodwill at our Fleet Vehicles and Services reportable segment, which was also determined to be a reporting unit for goodwill impairment testing. The goodwill recorded in the Fleet Vehicles and Services reporting unit was evaluated for impairment as of October 1, 2016 using a discounted cash flow valuation.

 

The estimated fair values of our Fleet Vehicles and Services, Emergency Response Vehicles and Reach reporting units exceeded their carrying value by approximately 232%, 91% and 62%, respectively at October 1, 2017, indicating that the goodwill was not impaired.  Based on the discounted cash flow valuations at October 1, 2017, an increase in the weighted average cost of capital (“WACC”) used for these reporting units of 500 basis points would not result in impairment. As discussed in Note 1, General and Summary of Accounting Policies, there are significant judgments inherent in our impairment assessments and discounted cash flow analyses.  These discounted cash flow analyses are most sensitive to the WACC assumption.

 

58

 

 

SPARTAN MOTORS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Dollar amounts in thousands, except per share data)

 

Our goodwill by reportable segment is as follows:

 

   

Fleet Vehicles and

Services

   

Emergency Response

Vehicles

   

Specialty Vehicles and

Chassis

   

Total

 
   

December 31,

   

December 31,

   

December 31,

   

December 31,

 
   

2017

   

2016

   

2017

   

2016

   

 

2017

   

2016

   

2017

   

2016

 

Goodwill, beginning of year

  $ 15,961     $ 15,961     $ -     $ -     $ -     $ -     $ 15,961     $ 15,961  

Acquisition of Smeal

    -       -       11,456       -       -       -       11,456       -  

Reassignment of goodwill

    (638 )     -       -       -       638       -       -       -  

Goodwill, end of year

  $ 15,323     $ 15,961     $ 11,456     $ -     $ 638     $ -     $ 27,417     $ 15,961  

 

 

Other Intangible Assets

 

Fleet Vehicles and Services segment intangible assets

At December 31, 2017, we had other intangible assets associated with our Fleet Vehicles and Services segment, including customer and dealer relationships, non-compete agreements, an acquired product development project and a trade name. The non-compete agreement, acquired product development project and certain other intangible assets are being amortized over their expected remaining useful lives based on the pattern of estimated after-tax operating income generated, or on a straight-line basis.  Our Utilimaster trade name has an indefinite life, and is not amortized. We test our trade name for impairment at least annually, and test other intangible assets for impairment if impairment indicators are present.   

 

We tested our Utilimaster trade name for impairment, as of October 1, 2017 and 2016, by estimating the fair value of the trade name based on estimates of future royalty payments that are avoided through our ownership of the trade name, discounted to their present value.  The estimated fair value of our Utilimaster trade name at October 1, 2017 exceeded its carrying cost by 545%. Accordingly, there was no impairment recorded on this trade name. Based on the discounted cash flow valuation at October 1, 2017, an increase in the WACC used for this impairment analysis of 500 basis points would not result in impairment of the trade name.

 

Emergency Response Vehicles segment intangible assets

With the acquisition of Smeal, we acquired other intangible assets besides goodwill. We recorded $3,900 in intangible assets from the acquisition. The intangible assets consist of unpatented technology and various trade names. The unpatented technology will be amortized using the straight-line method over its estimated remaining useful life of 10 years, consistent with the pattern of economic benefits estimated to be received. The trade names are considered to have indefinite lives, and as such will not be amortized but will be tested for impairment annually or if events or changes in circumstances indicate that it is more likely than not that the trade names are impaired.

 

We tested our Smeal trade name for impairment, as of October 1, 2017, by estimating the fair value of the trade name based on estimates of future royalty payments that are avoided through our ownership of the trade name, discounted to their present value. The estimated fair value of our Smeal trade name at October 1, 2017 exceeded its carrying cost by 136%. Accordingly, there was no impairment recorded on this trade name. Based on the discounted cash flow valuation at October 1, 2017, an increase in the WACC used for this impairment analysis of 500 basis points would not result in impairment of the trade name.

 

The following table provides information regarding our other intangible assets:

 

   

As of December 31, 2017

   

As of December 31, 2016

 
   

Gross

carrying

amount

   

Accumulated

amortization

   

Net

   

Gross

carrying

amount

   

Accumulated

amortization

   

Net

 

Customer and dealer relationships

  $ 6,170     $ 3,709     $ 2,461     $ 6,170     $ 3,348     $ 2,822  

Acquired product development project

    1,860       1,514       346       1,860       1,167       693  

Unpatented technology

    1,500       150       1,350       -       -       -  

Non-compete agreements

    400       400       -       400       400       -  

Backlog

    320       320       -       320       320       -  

Trade Names

    5,270       -       5,270       2,870       -       2,870  
    $ 15,520     $ 6,093     $ 9,427     $ 11,620     $ 5,235     $ 6,385  

 

59

 

 

SPARTAN MOTORS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Dollar amounts in thousands, except per share data)

 

We recorded $858, $708 and $872 of intangible asset amortization expense during 2017, 2016 and 2015.

 

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

 

   

Amount

 
         

2018

  $ 816  

2019

    449  

2020

    423  

2021

    399  

2022

    375  

Thereafter

    1,695  

Total

  $ 4,157  

 

 

 

NOTE 6 - PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT

 

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

 

   

December 31,

 
   

2017

   

2016

 
                 

Land and improvements

  $ 7,754     $ 8,049  

Buildings and improvements

    66,227       63,418  

Plant machinery and equipment

    39,800       34,879  

Furniture and fixtures

    22,285       12,954  

Vehicles

    3,063       2,912  

Construction in process

    1,770       7,876  

Subtotal

    140,899       130,088  

Less accumulated depreciation

    (85,722

)

    (76,972

)

Total property, plant and equipment, net

  $ 55,177     $ 53,116  

 

We recorded depreciation expense of $9,055, $7,195 and $6,565 during 2017, 2016 and 2015. There were no capitalized interest costs in 2017 or 2016.

 

Construction in progress includes $790 and $6,624 at December 31, 2017 and 2016 for the implementation of our ERP system. The decrease construction in progress in 2017 was the result of our first phase of implementation that was completed during the year.  Additional phases of implementation are expected to go live in 2018 through 2020.

 

We review our long-lived assets that have finite lives for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that their carrying amounts may not be recoverable.

 

60

 

 

SPARTAN MOTORS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Dollar amounts in thousands, except per share data)

 

When reviewing long-lived assets for impairment, we group our long-lived assets with other assets and liabilities at the lowest level for which identifiable cash flows are largely independent of the cash flows of other assets and liabilities. During the three months ended September 30, 2016, we determined that an asset group related to certain locations of our Emergency Response Vehicles segment may be impaired due to operating losses recorded in recent years, along with uncertainty regarding future financial performance at these locations. Accordingly, we conducted an impairment test on this asset group as of September 30, 2016 by comparing the non-discounted cash flows expected to result from the use and eventual disposition of the asset group with its carrying value, resulting in a determination that the asset group was impaired.

 

We estimated the fair value of our tangible long-lived assets of this asset group based on assessments or recent sale prices of similar assets. Impairment charges recorded within Cost of goods sold in the Consolidated Statement of Operations to adjust the carrying cost of these long-lived tangible assets to their estimated fair value at September 30, 2016 were $406 for machinery and equipment. No additional charges were recorded in 2016 or for the year ended December 31, 2017.

 

 

 

NOTE 7 - LEASES

 

We lease certain office equipment, computer hardware, manufacturing equipment and manufacturing and warehouse space under operating lease agreements. Building leases generally provide that we pay the cost of utilities, insurance, taxes and maintenance. Rent expense for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015 was $2,989, $3,086 and $2,876.

 

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

 

Year

 

Future Minimum

Operating Lease

Payments

 

2018

  $ 2,494  

2019

    1,915  

2020

    1,674  

2021

    1,483  

2022

    149  

Thereafter

    -  
         

Total

  $ 7,715  

 

We lease certain office equipment, computer hardware and material handling equipment under capital lease agreements. Cost and accumulated depreciation of capitalized leased assets included in machinery and equipment are $728 and $548, respectively, at December 31, 2017. Future minimum capital lease commitments under non-cancelable leases are as follows:

 

 

 

Year

 

Future Minimum

Capital Lease

Payments

 

2018

  $ 70  

2019

    59  

2020

    26  

2021

    26  

2022

    21  

Thereafter

    -  
         

Total lease obligations, including imputed interest

    202  
         

Less imputed interest charges

    (13 )
         

Total outstanding capital lease obligations

  $ 189  

 

61

 

 

SPARTAN MOTORS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Dollar amounts in thousands, except per share data)

 

 

NOTE 8 - TAXES ON INCOME

 

Income taxes consist of the following:

 

   

Year Ended December 31,

 
   

2017

   

2016

   

2015

 

Current (credit):

                       

Federal

  $ 3,809     $ 2,203     $ (520

)

State

    255       563       253  

Total current

    4,064       2,766       (267

)

Deferred (credit):

                       

Federal

    (1,743

)

    (2,666

)

    3,994  

State

    (2,231

)

    -       1,153  

Total deferred

    (3,974

)

    (2,666

)

    5,147  

Total taxes on income

  $ 90     $ 100     $ 4,880  

 

The current tax expense amounts in 2016 and 2015 differ from the actual amounts payable to the taxing authorities due to the tax impact associated with stock incentive plan transactions under the plans described in Note 13, Stock Based Compensation. These adjustments were an addition of $123 and $44 in 2016 and 2015. These adjustments to current taxes on income were recognized as adjustments of additional paid-in capital. Commencing January 1, 2017, all such adjustments are recognized as current taxes on income.

 

On December 22, 2017, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the “Tax Act”) was enacted. The Tax Act makes broad and complex changes to the U.S. tax code that impact the Company, most notably a reduction of the U.S. corporate income tax rate from 35 percent to 21 percent for tax years beginning after December 31, 2017. Other changes provided by the 2017 Tax Act include, but are not limited to the acceleration of depreciation for certain assets placed into service after September 27, 2017. Prospective changes beginning in 2018 from the Tax Act include: additional limitations on executive compensation, the repeal of the domestic manufacturing deduction and capitalization of research and development expenditures.

 

The SEC staff issued Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 118 (“SAB 118”), which provides guidance on accounting for the tax effects of the Tax Act. We recognized the income tax effects of the Tax Act in our 2017 financial statements in accordance with SAB 118, in the reporting period in which the Tax Act was signed into law.  We did not identify items for which the income tax effects of the Tax Act have not been completed and a reasonable estimate could not be determined as of December 31, 2017.

 

In accordance with SAB 118, we have recorded a provisional amount of $2,963 of the deferred tax expense in connection with the re-measurement of certain deferred tax assets and liabilities and we will continue to refine the measurement of the net deferred tax balance during the preparation of the 2017 tax return as additional guidance and information become available.

 

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

 

    Year Ended December 31,  
   

2017

   

2016

   

2015

 
   

Amount

   

Percentage

   

Amount

   

Percentage

   

Amount

   

Percentage

 
                                                 

Federal income taxes at the statutory rate

  $ 5,609       35.00

%

  $ 2,959       34.00

%

  $ (4,284

)

    34.00

%

Increase (decrease) in income taxes resulting from:

                                               

Deferred income tax re-measurement due to Tax Act

    2,963       18.49       -       -       -       -  

Other deferred income tax adjustment

    (241 )     (1.50 )     (51 )     (0.59 )     (156 )     1.24  

Non-deductible compensation

    -       -       459       5.27       -       -  

Non-deductible NHTSA penalty

    -       -       -       -       340       (2.70

)

Other nondeductible expenses

    156       0.97       226       2.60       176       (1.39

)

Domestic manufacturing deduction

    (504

)

    (3.15

)

    -       -       -       -  

Stock based compensation

    (394

)

    (2.46

)

    -       -       -       -  

Worthless stock deduction of dissolved subsidiary

    (966

)

    (6.03

)

                               

State tax expense, net of federal income tax benefit

    547       3.41       68       0.78       (79

)

    0.63  

Forfeiture of state net operating loss and credit carry-forwards from dissolution of subsidiary

    3,039       18.97       -       -       -       -  

Valuation allowance adjustment

    (9,544

)

    (59.56

)

    (2,932 )     (33.69

)

    9,472       (75.17

)

Unrecognized tax benefit adjustment

    314       1.96       129       1.48       (162 )     1.29  

Federal research and development tax credit

    (753

)

    (4.70

)

    (801

)

    (9.20

)

    (364

)

    2.89  

Other

    (136

)

    (0.84

)

    43       0.50       (63

)

    0.48  

Total

  $ 90       0.56

%

  $ 100       1.15

%

  $ 4,880       (38.73

)%

 

62

 

 

SPARTAN MOTORS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Dollar amounts in thousands, except per share data)

 

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

 

   

December 31,

 
   

2017

   

2016

 

Deferred income tax assets:

               

Warranty reserve

  $ 3,595     $ 7,246  

Credit carry-forwards, net of federal income tax benefit

    317       3,199  

Inventory costs and reserves

    1,792       2,194  

Compensation related accruals

    663       1,512  

Net operating loss carry-forwards, net of federal income tax benefit

    954       1,029  

Stock based compensation

    1,061       615  

Vendor compensation

    507       -  

Other

    409       773  

Total deferred income tax assets

  $ 9,298     $ 16,568  
                 
                 

Deferred income tax liabilities:

               

Depreciation

  $ (1,230 )   $ (2,294 )

Intangible assets

    (574 )     (840 )

Prepaid insurance

    (152 )     (522 )

Total deferred income tax liabilities

  $ (1,956 )   $ (3,656 )
                 

Net deferred income tax assets

  $ 7,342     $ 12,912  

Valuation allowance

    (58 )     (9,602 )

Net deferred tax asset

  $ 7,284     $ 3,310  

 

Based upon an assessment of the available positive and negative evidence at December 31, 2016, we determined whether sufficient future taxable income would be generated to realize the benefit of the deferred tax assets as of December 31, 2016 and recorded a valuation allowance of $9,602 against a portion of the deferred tax assets. A significant portion of negative evidence considered was the cumulative loss incurred over the three-year period ending December 31, 2016. During 2017, the Company determined that based on recent operating results, as well as an assessment of expected future operating results, the realization of its remaining deferred tax assets is more likely than not.  As a result, the Company reversed substantially the entire valuation allowance during 2017. The release of the valuation allowance was determined in accordance with the provisions of ASC 740, “Income Taxes,” which requires an assessment of both positive and negative evidence when determining whether it is more likely than not that deferred tax assets are realizable.

 

63

 

 

SPARTAN MOTORS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Dollar amounts in thousands, except per share data)

 

At December 31, 2017 and 2016, we had state deferred income tax assets related to state tax net operating loss carry-forwards, of $1,207 and $1,560, which begin expiring in 2019. Also, as of December 31, 2017 and 2016, we had deferred income tax assets related to state tax credit carry-forwards of $402 and $4,846, which begin expiring in 2026. Due to accumulated losses in several state jurisdictions, we had recorded valuation allowances against certain deferred income tax assets aggregating $58 and $4,228 at December 31, 2017 and 2016.

 

During 2017 certain state NOL and credit carry-forwards were forfeited due to the dissolution of a dormant, wholly-owned subsidiary. As of December 31, 2016, we had recorded a 100% valuation allowance against these carry-forwards. Therefore, the resultant adjustment to deferred tax assets of $3,039 was fully offset by a reduction in the valuation allowance.

 

A reconciliation of the change in the unrecognized tax benefits (“UTB”) for the three years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015 is as follows:

 

   

2017

   

2016

   

2015

 

Balance at January 1,

  $ 345     $ 349     $ 481  

Increase (decrease) related to prior year tax positions

    168       (24

)

    (73

)

Increase related to current year tax positions

    118       20       91  

Settlement

    -       -       (110

)

Expiration of statute

    (66

)

    -       (40

)

Balance at December 31,

  $ 565     $ 345     $ 349  

 

As of December 31, 2017, we had an ending UTB balance of $565 along with $279 of interest and penalties, for a total liability of $847, with $117 recorded as a current liability and $730 recorded as a non-current liability based on the applicable statutes of limitations. The change in interest and penalties amounted to an increase of $94 in 2017, an increase of $133 in 2016, and a decrease of $30 in 2015, which were reflected in Income tax expense within our Consolidated Statements of Operations.

 

As of December 31, 2017, we are no longer subject to examination by federal taxing authorities for 2013 and earlier years. 

 

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

 

 

 

NOTE 9 - TRANSACTIONS WITH MAJOR CUSTOMERS

 

Major customers are defined as those with sales greater than 10 percent of consolidated sales in a given year. There were no customers that accounted for 10 percent or greater of consolidated sales in 2017.

 

We had one customer classified as a major customer in 2016 and 2015, which was a customer of the Specialty Chassis and Vehicles segment. Information about our major customer is as follows:

 

 

2016

   

2015

 



Sales

   

Accounts
Receivable
(at year end)

   



Sales

   

Accounts
Receivable
(at year end)

 
                             
$ 70,954     $ 7,169     $ 78,749     $ 8,512  

 

64

 

 

SPARTAN MOTORS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Dollar amounts in thousands, except per share data)

 

 

NOTE 10 - COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENT LIABILITIES

 

Under the terms of our credit agreement with our banks, we have the ability to issue letters of credit totaling $20,000. At December 31, 2017 and 2016, we had outstanding letters of credit totaling $754 and $1,599 related to certain emergency response vehicle contracts and our workers compensation insurance.

 

At December 31, 2017, we and our subsidiaries were parties, both as plaintiff and defendant, to a number of lawsuits and claims arising out of the normal course of our business. In the opinion of management, our financial position, future operating results or cash flows will not be materially affected by the final outcome of these legal proceedings.

 

Spartan-Gimaex joint venture

 

In February 2015, Spartan USA and Gimaex Holding, Inc. mutually agreed to begin discussions regarding the dissolution of the Spartan-Gimaex joint venture. In June 2015, Spartan USA and Gimaex Holding, Inc. entered into court proceedings to determine the terms of the dissolution. In February 2017, by agreement of the parties, the court proceeding was dismissed with prejudice and the judge entered an order to this effect as the parties agreed to seek a dissolution plan on their own. No dissolution terms have been determined as of the date of this Form 10-Q. Costs associated with the wind-down will be impacted by the final dissolution agreement. In accordance with accounting guidance, the costs we have accrued so far represent the low end of the range of the estimated total charges that we believe we may incur related to the wind-down. While we are unable to determine the final cost of the wind-down with certainty at this time, we may incur additional charges, depending on the final terms of the dissolution, and such charges could be material to our future operating results.

 

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (“NHTSA”) penalty

 

In July 2015, we entered into a settlement agreement with the NHTSA pertaining to our early warning and defect reporting. Under the terms of the agreement we will pay a fine of $1,000 in equal installments over three years, and will complete performance obligations including compliance and regulatory practice improvements, industry outreach, and recalls to remedy safety defects in certain of our chassis. The following table presents the charges recorded in the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Operations during the year ended December 31, 2015 as a result of this agreement:

 

Cost of products sold

  $ 1,269  

Selling, general and administrative

    1,000  
    $ 2,269  

 

Chassis Agreements 

 

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

 

65

 

 

SPARTAN MOTORS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Dollar amounts in thousands, except per share data)

 

We are party to chassis bailment inventory agreements with General Motors Company (“GM”) and Chrysler Group, LLC (“Chrysler”) which allow GM and Chrysler to draw up to $10,000 against our revolving credit line for chassis placed at our facilities. As a result of these agreements, there was $57 and $784 outstanding on our revolving credit line at December 31, 2017 and 2016. Under the terms of the bailment inventory agreements, these chassis never become our property, and the amount drawn against the credit line will be repaid by a GM or Chrysler dealer at the time an order is placed for one of our bodies, utilizing a GM or Chrysler chassis. As such, the chassis, and the related draw on the line of credit, are not reflected in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets. See Note 12 Debt, for further information on our revolving line of credit.

 

Warranty Related

 

We provide limited warranties against assembly/construction defects for periods generally ranging from two years to the life of the product. These warranties generally provide for the replacement or repair of defective parts or workmanship for a specified period following the date of sale. The end users also may receive limited warranties from suppliers of components that are incorporated into our chassis and vehicles.

 

Our policy is to record a provision for the estimated cost of warranty-related claims at the time of the sale and periodically adjust the provision and liability to reflect actual experience. The amount of warranty liability accrued reflects our best estimate of the expected future cost of honoring our obligations under the warranty agreements. Historically, the cost of fulfilling our warranty obligations has principally involved replacement parts and labor for field retrofit campaigns. Our estimates are based on historical experience, the number of units involved and the extent of features and components included in product models.

 

Certain warranty and other related claims involve matters of dispute that ultimately are resolved by negotiation, arbitration or litigation. Material warranty issues can arise which are beyond the scope of our historical experience. We provide for any such warranty issues as they become known and are estimable. It is reasonably possible that additional warranty and other related claims could arise from disputes or other matters beyond the scope of our historical experience.

 

Changes in our warranty liability during the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016 were as follows:

 

   

2017

   

2016

 

Balance of accrued warranty at January 1

  $ 19,334     $ 16,610  

Warranties issued during the period

    7,539       5,705  

Cash settlements made during the period

    (13,854

)

    (10,265

)

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

    1,560       7,284  

Assumed warranties outstanding at Smeal on January 1, 2017

    3,689       -  

Balance of accrued warranty at December 31

  $ 18,268     $ 19,334  

 

 

 

NOTE 11 - COMPENSATION INCENTIVE PLANS

 

We sponsor defined contribution retirement plans which cover all associates who meet length of service and minimum age requirements. Our matching contributions vest over 5 years and were $1,055, $796 and $707 in 2017, 2016 and 2015. These amounts are expensed as incurred.

 

The Spartan Motors, Inc. Incentive Compensation Plan encompasses a quarterly and an annual bonus program. The quarterly program covers certain of our full-time employees. The cash bonuses paid under the quarterly program are equal for all participants. Amounts expensed for the quarterly bonus were $2,193, $3,298 and $1,898 for 2017, 2016 and 2015.

 

The annual bonus provides that executive officers and certain designated managers may earn cash bonuses based on our achievement of pre-defined financial and operational objectives. Amounts expensed for the annual bonus were $4,890, $6,470 and $1,789 for 2017, 2016 and 2015.

 

66

 

 

SPARTAN MOTORS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Dollar amounts in thousands, except per share data)

 

 

NOTE 12 - DEBT

 

Long-term debt consists of the following:

 

   

December 31,
2017

   

December 31,
2016

 

Line of credit revolver (1):

  $ 17,800     $ --  

Capital lease obligations (See Note 7 Leases)

    189       139  

Total debt

    17,989       139  

Less current portion of long-term debt

    (64

)

    (65

)

Total long-term debt

  $ 17,925     $ 74  

 

 

(1)

On December 1, 2017, we entered into a First Amendment to the Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement (the "Credit Agreement") by and among us, certain of our subsidiaries, Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as administrative agent ("Wells Fargo"), and the lenders party thereto consisting of Wells Fargo, JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. and PNC Bank (the "Lenders"). Under the Credit Agreement, we may borrow up to $100,000 from the Lenders under a three-year unsecured revolving credit facility.  The credit facility matures October 31, 2019, following which we have the option to renew the credit facility, subject to lender approval, for two successive one-year periods with an ultimate maturity date of October 31, 2021.  We may also request an increase in the facility of up to $35,000 in the aggregate, subject to customary conditions. This line carries an interest rate of the higher of either (i) the highest of prime rate, the federal funds effective rate plus 0.5%, or the one month adjusted LIBOR plus 1.00%; or (ii) adjusted LIBOR plus margin based upon our ratio of debt to earnings from time to time. In January 2017, we borrowed $32,800 from our credit line to fund our acquisition of Smeal.  At December 31, 2017 we had outstanding borrowings of $17,800 against our credit line.  We had no drawings against this credit line as of December 31, 2016. During the year ended December 31, 2017, and in future years, our revolving credit facility was utilized, and will continue to be utilized, to finance commercial chassis received under chassis bailment inventory agreements with GM and Chrysler.  This funding is reflected as a reduction of the revolving credit facility available to us equal to the amount drawn by GM and Chrysler.  See Note 10, Commitments and Contingent Liabilities for further details about these chassis bailment inventory agreements.  The applicable borrowing rate including margin was 3.0% (or one-month LIBOR plus 1.5%) at December 31, 2017. 

 

Under the terms of the primary line of credit agreement, as amended, we are required to maintain certain financial ratios and other financial conditions, which limited our available borrowings under our line of credit to a total of approximately $66,400 and $73,600 at December 31, 2017 and 2016. The agreement also prohibits us from incurring additional indebtedness; limits certain acquisitions, investments, advances or loans; limits our ability to pay dividends in certain circumstances; and restricts substantial asset sales. At December 31, 2017 and 2016, we were in compliance with all covenants in our credit agreement.

 

 

 

NOTE 13 - STOCK BASED COMPENSATION

 

We have stock incentive plans covering certain employees and non-employee directors. Shares reserved for stock awards under these plans total 2,856,250. Total shares remaining available for stock incentive grants under these plans totaled 2,057,290 at December 31, 2017. We are currently authorized to grant new stock options, restricted stock, restricted stock units, stock appreciation rights and common stock under our Stock Incentive Plan of 2016.

 

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

 

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

 

67

 

 

SPARTAN MOTORS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Dollar amounts in thousands, except per share data)

 

No options were granted in 2017, 2016 or 2015, and there was no related compensation expense nor income tax benefit recognized in the corresponding income statements. We have had no outstanding options since December 31, 2015. The total intrinsic value of options exercised during years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, were $0, $0 and $0.

 

SARs activity for the year ended December 31, 2017 is as follows:

 

   


Total Number
of SARs

(000)

   


Weighted
Average
Grant Date
Fair Value

   



Total
Intrinsic
Value

   

Weighted
Average
Remaining
Contractual
Term (Years)

 

SARs outstanding and exercisable at December 31, 2016

    93     $ 3.20                  

Granted and vested

    -       -                  

Exercised

    (61

)

    3.20                  

Cancelled

    (32

)

    3.20                  

SARs outstanding and exercisable at December 31, 2017

    -     $ -     $ -       -  

 

No SARs were granted in 2017, 2016 or 2015, and there was no related compensation expense nor income tax benefit recognized in the corresponding income statements. The total intrinsic value of SARs exercised during the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015 was $305, $14 and $0.

 

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

 

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

 

 

Restricted stock activity for the year ended December 31, 2017, is as follows:

 

   


Total
Number of
Non
-vested
Shares

(000)

   


Weighted
Average
Grant Date
Fair Value

   

Weighted
Average
Remaining
Vesting Life
(Years)

 

Non-vested shares outstanding at December 31, 2016

    666     $ 4.25          

Granted

    822       7.65          

Vested

    (299

)

    4.53          

Forfeited

    (61

)

    6.60          

Non-vested shares outstanding at December 31, 2017

    1,128       6.53       0.89  

 

The weighted-average grant date fair value of non-vested shares granted was $7.65, $4.01 and $4.86 for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015.

 

68

 

 

SPARTAN MOTORS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Dollar amounts in thousands, except per share data)

 

During 2017, 2016 and 2015, we recorded compensation expense, net of cancellations, of $3,536, $1,536 and $1,198, related to restricted stock awards and direct stock grants. The total income tax benefit recognized in the Consolidated Statements of Operations related to restricted stock awards was $1,238, $538 and $419 for 2017, 2016 and 2015. For the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, restricted shares vested with a fair market value of $1,356, $1,248 and $1,528. When the fair value of restricted shares is lower on the date of vesting than that previously expensed for book purposes, an excess tax liability is booked. As of December 31, 2017, we had unearned stock-based compensation of $4,399 associated with these restricted stock grants, which will be recognized over a weighted average of 0.89 years.

 

Employee Stock Purchase Plan. We instituted an employee stock purchase plan (“ESPP”) beginning on October 1, 2011 whereby essentially all employees who meet certain service requirements can purchase our common stock on quarterly offering dates at 95% of the fair market value of the shares on the purchase date. A maximum of 750,000 shares are authorized for purchase until the ESPP termination date of February 24, 2021, or earlier termination of the ESPP. During the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016, we received proceeds of $98 and $86 for the purchase of 9,000 and 13,000 shares under the ESPP.

 

 

 

NOTE 14 – SHAREHOLDERS EQUITY

 

In October 2011, our Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of up to 1 million shares of the Company’s common stock. In April 2016, our Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of up to 1 million additional shares of our common stock, and terminated the October 2011 authorization effective June 30, 2016.

 

The following table represents our purchases of our common stock during the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016 under these share repurchase programs.

 

Share purchase programs

   

2017

   

2016

         

Authorized

amount

(shares)

(000)

 

Date

approved by

board

 

Program

termination
date

   

Shares

purchased

(000)

   

Purchase

value

   

Shares

purchased

(000)

   

Purchase

value

   

Remaining shares

allowable to be

purchased

 
1,000  

October, 2011

 

 

June 30, 2016       -     $ -       422     $ 2,000       -  
1,000  

April, 2016

    N/A       -     $ -       -     $ -       1,000  

 

 

 

NOTE 15 – EARNINGS PER SHARE

 

The table below reconciles basic weighted average common shares outstanding to diluted weighted average shares outstanding for 2017, 2016 and 2015 (in thousands). The stock awards noted as antidilutive were not included in the diluted (in the case of stock options) or basic (in the case of unvested restricted stock awards) weighted average common shares outstanding. Although these stock awards were not included in our calculation of basic or diluted earnings per share (“EPS”), they may have a dilutive effect on the EPS calculation in future periods if the price of our common stock increases.

 

   

Year Ended December 31,

 
   

2017

   

2016

   

2015

 

Basic weighted average common shares outstanding

    34,949       34,405       33,826  
                         

Diluted weighted average common shares outstanding

    34,949       34,405       33,826  
                         

Antidilutive stock awards:

                       

Unvested restricted stock awards

    -       -       403  

 

 

 

NOTE 16 - BUSINESS SEGMENTS

 

We identify our reportable segments based on our management structure and the financial data utilized by our chief operating decision makers to assess segment performance and allocate resources among our operating units.  We have three reportable segments:  Fleet Vehicles and Services, Emergency Response Vehicles, and Specialty Chassis and Vehicles.   

 

69

 

 

SPARTAN MOTORS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Dollar amounts in thousands, except per share data)

 

As a result of a realignment of our operating segments completed during the second quarter of 2017, certain fleet vehicles are now manufactured by our Specialty Chassis and Vehicles segment and sold via intercompany transactions to our Fleet Vehicles and Services segment, which then sells the vehicles to the final customer. Segment results from prior periods are shown reflecting the estimated impact of this realignment as if it had been in place for those periods. Another realignment of our operating segments was completed during the second quarter of 2016, whereby aftermarket parts and accessories related to emergency response vehicles, which were formerly reported under the Specialty Chassis and Vehicles segment, are now included in the Emergency Response Vehicles segment. Segment results from 2015 are shown reflecting the change. Appropriate expense amounts are allocated to the three reportable segments and are included in their reported operating income or loss.

 

Beginning in 2017, we evaluate the performance of our reportable segments based on Adjusted EBITDA. Adjusted EBITDA is defined as earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization, as adjusted by other adjustments made in order to present comparable results from period to period. These adjustments include restructuring charges and items related to our acquisition of Smeal, such as expenses incurred to complete the acquisition, the impact of fair value adjustments to inventory acquired from Smeal, and the impact on the timing of the recognition of gross profit for our chassis that are utilized by our recently acquired Smeal operations. We exclude these items from earnings when presenting our Adjusted EBITDA measure because we believe they will be incurred infrequently and/or are otherwise not indicative of a segment's regular, ongoing operating performance. For those reasons, Adjusted EBITDA is also used as a performance metric for our executive compensation program, as discussed in our proxy statement for our 2017 annual meeting of shareholders, which proxy statement was filed with the SEC on April 13, 2017.

 

Our Fleet Vehicles and Services segment consists of our operations at our Bristol, Indiana location, and beginning in 2018 certain operations at our Ephrata, Pennsylvania location, along with our operations at our up-fit centers in Kansas City, Missouri and Saltillo, Mexico and focuses on designing and manufacturing walk-in vans for the parcel delivery, mobile retail, and trades and construction industries, and the production of commercial truck bodies, and distributes related aftermarket parts and accessories.

 

Our Emergency Response Vehicles segment consists of the emergency response chassis operations at our Charlotte, Michigan location and our operations at our Brandon, South Dakota; Snyder and Neligh, Nebraska; Delavan, Wisconsin; and Ephrata, Pennsylvania locations, along with our Spartan-Gimaex joint venture. This segment engineers and manufactures emergency response chassis and apparatus and distributes related aftermarket parts and accessories.

 

Our Specialty Chassis and Vehicles segment consists of our Charlotte, Michigan operations that engineer and manufacture motor home chassis, defense vehicles and other specialty chassis and distribute related aftermarket parts and assemblies.

 

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

 

Sales to customers outside the United States were $81,157, $31,716 and $40,058 for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, or 11.5%, 5.4% and 7.3%, respectively, of sales for those years. All of our long-lived assets are located in the United States.

   

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

 

Year Ended December 31, 2017

   

Segment

         
   

Fleet

Vehicles and

Services

   

Emergency

Response

Vehicles

   

Specialty

Chassis

and

Vehicles

   

Other

   

Consolidated

 

Fleet vehicles sales

  $ 207,666     $ -     $ 5,657     $ (5,657 )   $ 207,666  

Emergency response vehicles sales

    -       293,559       -       -       293,559  

Motor home chassis sales

    -       -       124,584       -       124,584  

Other specialty vehicles sales

    -       -       18,416       -       18,416  

Aftermarket parts and accessories sales

    43,429       9,291       10,153       -       62,873  

Total sales

  $ 251,095     $ 302,850     $ 158,810     $ (5,657 )   $ 707,098  

Depreciation and amortization expense

  $ 3,361     $ 2,342     $ 1,314     $ 2,920     $ 9,937  

Adjusted EBITDA

    26,958       3,192       14,058       (12,881 )     31,327  

Segment assets

    60,550       133,546       33,700       73,368       301,164  

Capital expenditures

    562       1,364       386       3,028       5,340  

 

70

 

 

SPARTAN MOTORS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Dollar amounts in thousands, except per share data)

 

Year Ended December 31, 2016

   

Segment

         
   

Fleet

Vehicles and

Services

   

Emergency

Response

Vehicles

   

Specialty

Chassis

and

Vehicles

   

Other

   

Consolidated

 

Fleet vehicles sales

  $ 206,248     $ -     $ 5,347     $ (5,347 )   $ 206,248  

Emergency response vehicles sales

    -       175,730       -       -       175,730  

Motor home chassis sales

    -       -       97,999       -       97,999  

Other specialty vehicles sales

    -       -       21,074       -       21,074  

Aftermarket parts and accessories sales

    72,141       7,251       10,334       -       89,726  

Total sales

  $ 278,389     $ 182,981     $ 134,754     $ (5,347 )   $ 590,777  

Depreciation and amortization expense

  $ 3,185     $ 1,143     $ 789     $ 2,786     $ 7,903  

Adjusted EBITDA

    31,237       (7,542 )     8,334       (9,159 )     22,870  

Segment assets

    65,277       77,887       28,825       71,305       243,294  

Capital expenditures

    2,011       1,558       6,842       2,999       13,410  

 

 

Year Ended December 31, 2015

   

Segment

         
   

Fleet

Vehicles and

Services

   

Emergency

Response

Vehicles

   

Specialty

Chassis

and

Vehicles

   

Other

   

Consolidated

 

Fleet vehicles sales

  $ 193,772     $ -     $ 2,996     $ (2,996 )   $ 193,772  

Emergency response vehicles sales

    -       187,127       -       -       187,127  

Motor home chassis sales

    -       -       103,264       -       103,264  

Other specialty vehicles sales

    -       -       13,849       -       13,849  

Aftermarket parts and accessories sales

    33,911       6,093       12,398       -       52,402  

Total sales

  $ 227,683     $ 193,220     $ 132,507     $ (2,996 )   $ 550,414  

Depreciation and amortization expense

  $ 3,308     $ 914     $ 730     $ 2,485     $ 7,437  

Adjusted EBITDA

    17,569       (8,689 )     8,833       (5,538 )     12,175  

Segment assets

    70,491       76,030       24,032       60,118       230,671  

Capital expenditures

    1,323       1,010       859       1,703       4,895  

 

71

 

 

SPARTAN MOTORS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Dollar amounts in thousands, except per share data)

 

The table below presents the reconciliation of our consolidated income before taxes to total segment Adjusted EBITDA.  Adjusted EBITDA is not a measurement of our financial performance under GAAP and should not be considered as an alternative to net income.  Adjusted EBITDA may have limitations as an analytical tool and should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for analysis of our results as reported under GAAP.  In addition, although we have excluded certain charges in calculating Adjusted EBITDA, we may in the future incur expenses similar to these adjustments, despite our assessment that such expenses are infrequent and/or not indicative of our regular, ongoing operating performance.  Our presentation of Adjusted EBITDA should not be construed as an inference that our future results will be unaffected by unusual or infrequent items.

 

   

Year Ended

December 31,

2017

   

Year Ended

December 31,

2016

   

Year Ended

December 31,

2015

 

Total segment adjusted EBITDA

  $ 44,208     $ 32,029     $ 17,713  

Add (subtract):

                       

Interest expense

    (864 )     (410 )     (365 )

Depreciation and amortization expense

    (9,937 )     (7,903 )     (7,437 )

Restructuring expense

    (1,252 )     (1,095 )     (2,855 )

Acquisition expense

    (1,354 )     (882 )     -  

Impact of intercompany chassis shipments to Smeal

    (2,073 )     -       -  

Recall expense

    368       (3,457 )     (8,600 )

Impact of inventory fair value step-up

    (189 )     -       -  

Joint venture expenses

    (2 )     (14 )     (1,015 )

Asset impairment

    -       (406 )     (2,234 )

NHTSA settlement

    -       -       (2,269 )

Unallocated corporate expenses

    (12,881 )     (9,159 )     (5,538 )

Consolidated income (loss) before taxes

  $ 16,024     $ 8,703     $ (12,600 )

 

 

 

NOTE 17 – RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

 

On January 1, 2017, we completed the acquisition of substantially all of the assets and certain liabilities of Smeal Fire Apparatus Co., Smeal Properties, Inc., Ladder Tower Co., and U.S. Tanker Co. pursuant to an Asset Purchase Agreement dated December 12, 2016 (see Note 2, Acquisition Activities for further information). As of December 31, 2016, the total amount of receivables due from the former owners of Smeal was $7,391. This balance was forgiven as part of the acquisition on January 1, 2017. Sales to the former owners of Smeal were $30,748 and $32,600 in 2016 and 2015.

 

John Forbes, who retired from Spartan Motors on June 30, 2017, served as the President of our Fleet Vehicles and Services segment as well as on the Board of Directors of Patrick Industries, Inc. During the year ended December 31, 2016, we made purchases of $4,009 from subsidiaries of Patrick Industries, Inc. for parts used in the manufacture of our products. These purchases were made through a competitive bid process at arms-length. Purchases made from Patrick Industries, Inc. during John Forbes employment at Spartan Motors during 2017 were immaterial.

 

Richard Dauch, who serves on the Spartan Motors Board of Directors, is the Chief Executive Officer of Accuride, Inc. During the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016, we made purchases of $698 and $836 from Accuride Distributing, a subsidiary of Accuride, Inc., for parts used in the manufacture of our products. These purchases were made through a competitive bid process at arms-length.

 

72

 

 

SPARTAN MOTORS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Dollar amounts in thousands, except per share data)

 

 

NOTE 18 - QUARTERLY FINANCIAL DATA (UNAUDITED)

 

Summarized quarterly financial data for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016 is as follows (full year amounts may not sum due to rounding):

 

   

2017 Quarter Ended

   

2016 Quarter Ended

 
   

Mar 31

   

June 30

   

Sept 30

   

Dec 31

   

Mar 31

   

June 30

   

Sept 30

   

Dec 31

 

Sales

  $ 167,075     $ 169,739     $ 189,215     $ 181,068     $ 133,726     $ 162,537     $ 148,664     $ 145,850  
                                                                 

Gross profit

    16,394       19,501       28,651       24,689       15,820       20,807       18,010       17,890  
                                                                 

Restructuring charges

    642       325       232       52       339       227       304       224  
                                                                 

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

    (1,098 )     1,124       13,470       2,439       543       4,379       2,745       942  
                                                                 

Basic net earnings (loss) per share

    (0.03 )     0.03       0.38       0.07       0.02       0.13       0.08       0.03  
                                                                 

Diluted net earnings (loss) per share

    (0.03 )     0.03       0.38       0.07       0.02       0.13       0.08       0.03  

 

73

 

 

 

Item 9.

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

 

None.

 

Item 9A.

Controls and Procedures.

 

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures.

 

An evaluation was performed under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934) as of December 31, 2017. Based on and as of the time of such evaluation, our management, including the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of the end of the period covered by this report to ensure that information required to be disclosed by us in the reports that we file or submit is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the Securities and Exchange Commission’s rules and forms. Disclosure controls and procedures include, without limitation, controls and procedures designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by us in the reports that we file or submit under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

 

 

Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting.

 

Management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting, as such term is defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f). Under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, we conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2017, based on the framework in Internal Control - Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. Based on that evaluation our management concluded that our internal control over financial reporting was effective as of December 31, 2017. The effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2017 has been audited by BDO USA, LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, as stated in its attestation report, which is included in Item 8 and is incorporated into this Item 9A by reference.

 

Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting.

 

No changes in our internal control over financial reporting were identified as having occurred during the quarter ended December 31, 2017 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

 

 

Item 9B.

Other Information.

 

None.

PART III

 

Item 10.

Directors, Executive Officers, and Corporate Governance.

 

The information required by this item, with respect to directors, executive officers, audit committee, and audit committee financial experts of the Company and Section 16(a) beneficial ownership reporting compliance is contained under the captions “Spartan Motors’ Board of Directors and Executive Officers” and “Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance” in our definitive proxy statement for our annual meeting of shareholders to be held on May 23, 2018, to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission no later than 120 days after December 31, 2017, and is incorporated herein by reference.

 

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

 

74

 

 

Item 11.

Executive Compensation.

 

The information required by this item is contained under the captions “Executive Compensation,” “Compensation of Directors,” “Compensation Committee Report” and “Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation” in our definitive proxy statement for our annual meeting of shareholders to be held on May 23, 2018, to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission no later than 120 days after December 31, 2017, and is incorporated herein by reference.

 

Item 12.

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

 

The information required by this item (other than that set forth below) is contained under the caption “Ownership of Spartan Motors Stock” in our definitive proxy statement for our annual meeting of shareholders to be held on May 23, 2018, to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission no later than 120 days after December 31, 2017, and is incorporated herein by reference.

 

The following table provides information about our equity compensation plans regarding the number of securities to be issued under these plans upon the exercise of outstanding options, the weighted-average exercise prices of options outstanding under these plans, and the number of securities available for future issuance as of December 31, 2017.

 

Equity Compensation Plan Information

 

Plan category

 

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

   

Weighted average
exercise price of
outstanding options,
warrants and rights

   

Number of securities
remaining available for
future issuance under equity compensation plans (excluding securities reflected in column (a)) (3)

 
   

(a)

   

(b)

   

(c)

 

Equity compensation plans approved by security holders (1)

    --       N/A       2,001,040  

Equity compensation plans not approved by security holders (2)

    --       N/A       56,250  

Total

    --       N/A       2,057,290  

 

(1)

Consists of the Spartan Motors, Inc. Stock Incentive Plan of 2016 (the “2016 Plan”).

   

(2)

Consists of the Spartan Motors, Inc. Directors’ Stock Purchase Plan. This plan provides that non-employee directors of the Company may elect to receive at least 25% and up to 100% of their “director’s fees” in the form of the Company’s common stock. The term “director’s fees” means the amount of income payable to a non-employee director for his or her service as a director of the Company, including payments for attendance at meetings of the Company’s Board of Directors or meetings of committees of the board, and any retainer fee paid to such persons as members of the board. A non-employee director who elects to receive Company common stock in lieu of some or all of his or her director’s fees will, on or shortly after each “applicable date,” receive a number of shares of common stock (rounded down to the nearest whole share) determined by dividing (1) the dollar amount of the director’s fees payable to him or her on the applicable date that he or she has elected to receive in common stock by (2) the market value of common stock on the applicable date. The term “applicable date” means any date on which a director’s fee is payable to the participant. To date, no shares have been issued under this plan.

   

(3)

Each of the plans reflected in the above table contains customary anti-dilution provisions that are applicable in the event of a stock split or certain other changes in the Company’s capitalization. Furthermore, the 2016 Plan provides that if a stock option is canceled, surrendered, modified, expires or is terminated during the term of the plan but before the exercise of the option, the shares subject to the option will be available for other awards under the plan.

   
 

The numbers of shares reflected in column (c) in the table above with respect to the 2016 Plan (2,001,040 shares) represent new shares that may be granted by the Company, and not shares issuable upon the exercise of an existing option, warrant or right.

 

75

 

 

Item 13.

Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence.

 

The information required by this item is contained under the captions “Transactions with Related Persons” and “Spartan Motors’ Board of Directors and Executive Officers” in our definitive proxy statement for our annual meeting of shareholders to be held on May 23, 2018, to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission no later than 120 days after December 31, 2017, and is incorporated herein by reference.

 

 

Item 14.

Principal Accounting Fees and Services.

 

The information required by this item is contained under the caption “Independent Auditor Fees” in our definitive proxy statement for our annual meeting of shareholders to be held on May 23, 2018, to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission no later than 120 days after December 31, 2017, and is incorporated herein by reference.

 

 

PART IV

 

Item 15.

Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules.

 

 

Item 15(a)(1).

List of Financial Statements.

 

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

 

 

Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm’s Report on Consolidated Financial Statements – Years Ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015

   
 

Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting – December 31, 2017

   

 

Consolidated Balance Sheets - December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016

 

 

 

Consolidated Statements of Operations - Years Ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015

 

 

 

Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ Equity - Years Ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015

 

 

 

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows - Years Ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015

 

 

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

   

 

 

Item 15(a)(2).

Financial Statement Schedules. Attached as Appendix A.

 

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

 

 

Schedule II-Valuation and Qualifying Accounts

 

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

 

76

 

 

 

Item 15(a)(3).

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

 

Exhibit
Number

 


Document

 

 

  

3.1

 

Spartan Motors, Inc. Restated Articles of Incorporation, as amended to date. Previously filed as an exhibit to the Company’s Form 10-Q Quarterly Report for the period ended June 30, 2007 (Commission File No. 001-33582), and incorporated herein by reference.

 

 

 

3.2

 

Spartan Motors, Inc. Bylaws, as amended to date. Previously filed as an exhibit to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on February 27, 2013 (Commission File No. 001-33582), and incorporated herein by reference.

 

 

 

4.1

 

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

 

 

 

4.2

 

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

 

 

 

4.3

 

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

 

 

 

4.4

 

Rights Agreement dated July 7, 2007, between Spartan Motors, Inc. and American Stock Transfer and Trust Company, which includes the form of Certificate of Designation, Preferences and Rights of Series B Preferred Stock as Exhibit A, the form of Rights Certificate as Exhibit B and the Summary of Rights to Purchase Series B Preferred Stock as Exhibit C. Previously filed as Exhibit 1 to the Company’s Form 8-A (Commission File No. 001-33582) filed on July 10, 2007, and incorporated herein by reference.
     

4.5

 

The Registrant has several classes of long-term debt instruments outstanding, none of which represents an authorized amount of debt exceeding 10% of the Company’s total consolidated assets, except as furnished under Exhibit 10.1 to this Form 10-K below. The Company agrees to furnish copies of any other agreements defining the rights of holders of other such long-term indebtedness to the Securities and Exchange Commission upon request.

 

 

 

10.1

 

Employment Letter Agreement dated October 23, 2015, between the Company and John W. Slawson. Previously filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the period ended December 31, 2015 (Commission File No. 001-33582) and incorporated herein by reference.*

 

 

 

10.2

  Spartan Motors, Inc. Stock Incentive Plan of 2016. Previously filed as Appendix A to the Company’s definitive proxy statement on Schedule 14A filed with the SEC on April 8, 2016 (Commission File No. 001-33582), and incorporated herein by reference.*

 

 

 

10.3

  Spartan Motors, Inc. Stock Incentive Plan of 2007, as amended. Previously filed as Appendix A to the Company’s 2007 Proxy Statement filed April 23, 2007 (Commission File No. 000-13611) and incorporated herein by reference.*
     

10.4

  Spartan Motors, Inc. Leadership Team Compensation Plan. Previously filed as an exhibit to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended June 30, 2015 (Commission File No. 001-33582), and incorporated herein by reference.*

 

 

 

10.5

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

 

77

 

 

Exhibit
Number
  Document
     

10.6

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

 

 

 

10.7

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

 

 

 

10.8

  Form of Indemnification Agreement. Previously filed as an exhibit to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the period ended December 31, 2005 (Commission File No. 000-13611), and incorporated herein by reference.*
     

10.9

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

10.10

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

10.11

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

10.12

  Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, dated October 31, 2016, by and among the Company, Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as administrative agent, and the lenders party thereto. Previously filed as Exhibit 10.12 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the period ended December 31, 2016 (Commission File No. 001-33582), and incorporated herein by reference. 
     

10.13

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

10.14

  Employment Letter Agreement dated September 15, 2015, between Spartan Motors, Inc. and Frederick J. Sohm. Previously filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended September 30, 2015 (Commission File No. 001-33582), and incorporated herein by reference.*
     

10.15

  Employment Letter Agreement Dated January 6, 2005 between Spartan Motors, Inc. and Arthur D. Ickes. Previously filed as Exhibit 10.21 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the period ended December 31, 2015 (Commission File No. 001-33582) and incorporated herein by reference.*
     

10.16

  Employment Letter Agreement dated October 30, 2008 between Spartan Motors, Inc. and Thomas T. Kivell. Previously filed as Exhibit 10.22 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the period ended December 31, 2015 (Commission File No. 001-33582) and incorporated herein by reference.*

 

78

 

 

Exhibit
Number
  Document
     

10.17

  Employment Agreement dated May 7, 2009, between Utilimaster Holdings, Inc. and John A. Forbes. Previously filed as Exhibit 10.23 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the period ended December 31, 2015 (Commission File No. 001-33582) and incorporated herein by reference.*
     

10.18

  Employment Letter Agreement dated December 23, 2014 between Spartan Motors, Inc. and Steve Guillaume. Previously filed as Exhibit 10.24 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the period ended December 31, 2015 (Commission File No. 001-33582) and incorporated herein by reference.*
     

10.19

  Employment Letter Agreement dated May 11, 2015 between Spartan Motors, Inc. and Steve Guillaume. Previously filed as Exhibit 10.25 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the period ended December 31, 2015 (Commission File No. 001-33582) and incorporated herein by reference.*
     

10.20

  Employment Letter Agreement dated July 14, 2014 between Spartan Motors, Inc. and Thomas C. Schultz. Previously filed as Exhibit 10.20 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the period ended December 31, 2016 (Commission File No. 001-33582) and incorporated herein by reference.*
     

10.21

  Asset Purchase Agreement, dated as of December 12, 2016, by and among Spartan Motors USA, Inc., Smeal Fire Apparatus Co., Smeal Properties, Inc., Ladder Tower Co., U.S. Tanker Co., and Rodney Cerny, as Representative. Previously filed as Exhibit 99.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on January 5, 2017, and incorporated herein by reference.
     

10.22

 

First Amendment to the Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, dated December 1, 2017, by and among the Company, Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as administrative agent, and the lenders party thereto.

     

21

 

Subsidiaries of Registrant.

 

 

 

23

 

Consent of BDO USA, LLP, Independent Registered Public Accounting firm.

     

24

 

Limited Powers of Attorney.

 

 

 

31.1

 

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

 

 

 

31.2

 

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

 

 

 

32

 

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

     

101.INS

 

XBRL Instance Document

     

101.SCH

 

XBRL Schema Document

     

101.CAL

 

XBRL Calculation Linkbase Document

     

101.DEF

 

XBRL Definition Linkbase Document

     

101.LAB

 

XBRL Label Linkbase Document

     

101.PRE

 

XBRL Presentation Linkbase Document

_________________________

 

*Management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement.

 

The Company will furnish a copy of any exhibit listed above to any shareholder of the Company without charge upon written request to: Chief Financial Officer, Spartan Motors, Inc., 1541 Reynolds Road, Charlotte, Michigan 48813.

 

 

Item 16.

Form 10-K Summary

 

None.

 

79

 

 

SIGNATURES

 

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

 

 

SPARTAN MOTORS, INC.

 

 

 

March 1, 2018

By

/s/ Frederick J. Sohm

 

 

Frederick J. Sohm
Chief Financial Officer

(Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)

 

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

 

March 1, 2018

By

/s/ Daryl M. Adams

 

 

Daryl M. Adams

Director, President and Chief Executive Officer
(Principal Executive Officer)

 

 

 

     

March 1, 2018

By

/s/ Frederick J. Sohm

 

 

Frederick J. Sohm
Chief Financial Officer

(Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)

 

 

 

     

March 1, 2018

By

*

 

 

James A. Sharman, Director

     
     

March 1, 2018

By

*

 

 

Richard R. Current, Director

 

 

 March 1, 2018

By

*

 

 

Richard F. Dauch, Director

     
     

 March 1, 2018

By

*

   

Ronald E. Harbour, Director

     
     

March 1, 2018

By

*

   

James C. Orchard, Director

     
     

March 1, 2018

By

*

 

 

Dominic Romeo, Director 

     
     

March 1, 2018

By

*

 

 

Andrew M. Rooke, Director

     
     

March 1, 2018

By

* /s/ Frederick J. Sohm

 

 

Frederick J. Sohm

Attorney-in-Fact

 

80

 

 

APPENDIX A

 

 

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

 

Column A

 

Column B

   

Column C

   

Column D

   

Column E

 
                                         





Description

 



Balance at
Beginning
of Period

   


Additions
Charged to
Costs and
Expenses

   

Additions
Charged to
Other
Accounts
(Acquisition)

   





Deductions

   



Balance
at End
of Period

 
                                         

Year ended December 31, 2017:

                                       
                                         

Allowance for doubtful accounts

  $ 487     $ 109     $ -     $ (457

)

  $ 139  
                                         

Year ended December 31, 2016:

                                       
                                         

Allowance for doubtful accounts

  $ 130     $ 368     $ -     $ (11

)

  $ 487  
                                         

Year ended December 31, 2015:

                                       
                                         

Allowance for doubtful accounts

  $ 144     $ 12     $ -     $ (26

)

  $ 130