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Simpson Manufacturing Co., Inc. - Quarter Report: 2006 September (Form 10-Q)

UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549


FORM 10-Q

(Mark One)

x                              QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the quarterly period ended:  September 30, 2006

OR

o                                 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:  0-23804

Simpson Manufacturing Co., Inc.       

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Delaware

 

94-3196943

(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation

 

(I.R.S. Employer

or organization)

 

Identification No.)

 

5956 W. Las Positas Blvd., Pleasanton, CA 94588

(Address of principal executive offices)

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code):  (925) 560-9000

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

Yes  x    No  o

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

Large accelerated filer  x

 

Accelerated filer  o

 

Non-accelerated filer  o

 

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

Yes  oNo  x

The number of shares of the Registrant’s common stock outstanding as of September 30, 2006:         48,170,928

 




PART I — FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1. Financial Statements.

Simpson Manufacturing Co., Inc. and Subsidiaries
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets
(In thousands, unaudited)

 

 

September 30,

 

December 31,

 

 

 

2006

 

2005

 

2005

 

ASSETS

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Current assets

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents

 

$

104,605

 

$

104,360

 

$

131,203

 

Short-term investments

 

 

6,303

 

 

Trade accounts receivable, net

 

132,946

 

129,590

 

101,621

 

Inventories

 

229,703

 

174,783

 

181,492

 

Deferred income taxes

 

11,622

 

10,160

 

10,088

 

Other current assets

 

5,257

 

3,598

 

10,051

 

Total current assets

 

484,133

 

428,794

 

434,455

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Property, plant and equipment, net

 

190,311

 

151,724

 

166,480

 

Goodwill

 

44,297

 

42,901

 

42,681

 

Equity method investment

 

 

222

 

244

 

Other noncurrent assets

 

15,156

 

16,952

 

15,855

 

Total assets

 

$

733,897

 

$

640,593

 

$

659,715

 

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Current liabilities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Current portion of long-term debt

 

$

326

 

$

545

 

$

2,186

 

Trade accounts payable

 

40,134

 

41,290

 

29,485

 

Accrued liabilities

 

37,704

 

30,471

 

39,076

 

Income taxes payable

 

 

3,313

 

 

Accrued profit sharing trust contributions

 

6,708

 

6,013

 

7,721

 

Accrued cash profit sharing and commissions

 

12,213

 

15,449

 

10,229

 

Accrued workers’ compensation

 

3,312

 

2,724

 

3,262

 

Total current liabilities

 

100,397

 

99,805

 

91,959

 

Long-term debt, net of current portion

 

490

 

1,874

 

2,928

 

Other long-term liabilities

 

1,643

 

1,352

 

1,362

 

Total liabilities

 

102,530

 

103,031

 

96,249

 

Commitments and contingencies (Note 7)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Minority interest in consolidated variable interest entities

 

 

 

5,337

 

Stockholders’ equity

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Common stock, at par value

 

482

 

482

 

483

 

Additional paid-in capital

 

108,033

 

89,383

 

94,398

 

Retained earnings

 

511,552

 

438,773

 

456,474

 

Accumulated other comprehensive income

 

11,300

 

8,924

 

6,774

 

Total stockholders’ equity

 

631,367

 

537,562

 

558,129

 

Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity

 

$

733,897

 

$

640,593

 

$

659,715

 

 

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

2




Simpson Manufacturing Co., Inc. and Subsidiaries
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations
(In thousands except per-share amounts, unaudited)

 

 

Three Months Ended
September 30,

 

Nine Months Ended
September 30,

 

 

 

2006

 

2005

 

2006

 

2005

 

Net sales

 

$

226,718

 

$

233,809

 

$

683,607

 

$

642,359

 

Cost of sales

 

139,803

 

140,607

 

409,259

 

388,640

 

Gross profit

 

86,915

 

93,202

 

274,348

 

253,719

 

Operating expenses (income):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Research and development and other engineering

 

4,531

 

3,519

 

15,337

 

10,722

 

Selling

 

17,955

 

15,679

 

54,105

 

47,057

 

General and administrative

 

22,468

 

27,282

 

72,143

 

76,995

 

Loss (gain) on sale of assets

 

(3

)

(2,027

)

110

 

(2,124

)

 

 

44,951

 

44,453

 

141,695

 

132,650

 

Income from operations

 

41,964

 

48,749

 

132,653

 

121,069

 

Income (loss) in equity method investment, before tax

 

(1

)

54

 

(130

)

222

 

Interest income, net

 

831

 

373

 

2,610

 

595

 

Income before income taxes

 

42,794

 

49,176

 

135,133

 

121,886

 

Provision for income taxes

 

15,704

 

17,569

 

51,151

 

45,057

 

Minority interest

 

 

 

166

 

 

Net income

 

$

27,090

 

$

31,607

 

$

83,816

 

$

76,829

 

Net income per common share

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic

 

$

0.56

 

$

0.66

 

$

1.74

 

$

1.60

 

Diluted

 

$

0.56

 

$

0.65

 

$

1.71

 

$

1.58

 

Cash dividends declared per common share

 

$

0.08

 

$

0.05

 

$

0.24

 

$

0.15

 

Number of shares outstanding

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic

 

48,120

 

48,091

 

48,295

 

48,024

 

Diluted

 

48,587

 

48,658

 

48,935

 

48,532

 

 

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

3




Simpson Manufacturing Co., Inc. and Subsidiaries
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity
for the nine months ended September 30, 2005 and 2006 and the three months ended December 31, 2005
(In thousands except per-share amounts, unaudited)

 

Common Stock

 

Additional
Paid-in

 

Retained

 

Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive

 

Treasury

 

 

 

 

 

Shares

 

Par Value

 

Capital

 

Earnings

 

Income

 

Stock

 

Total

 

Balance, January 1, 2005

 

47,929

 

$

479

 

$

79,877

 

$

369,154

 

$

13,415

 

$

 

$

462,925

 

Comprehensive income:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income

 

 

 

 

76,829

 

 

 

76,829

 

Other comprehensive income:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Change in net unrealized gains or losses on available- for-sale investments

 

 

 

 

 

46

 

 

46

 

Translation adjustment

 

 

 

 

 

(4,537

)

 

(4,537

)

Comprehensive income

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

72,338

 

Options exercised

 

214

 

3

 

2,409

 

 

 

 

 

 

2,412

 

Stock compensation

 

 

 

 

4,414

 

 

 

 

4,414

 

Tax benefit of options exercised

 

 

 

1,976

 

 

 

 

1,976

 

Cash dividends declared on Common stock ($0.15 per share)

 

 

 

 

(7,210

)

 

 

(7,210

)

Common stock issued at $34.30 per share

 

21

 

 

 

707

 

 

 

 

707

 

Balance, September 30, 2005

 

48,164

 

482

 

89,383

 

438,773

 

8,924

 

 

537,562

 

Comprehensive income:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income

 

 

 

 

21,565

 

 

 

21,565

 

Other comprehensive income:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Change in net unrealized gains or losses on available-for-sale investments

 

 

 

 

 

12

 

 

12

 

Translation adjustment

 

 

 

 

 

(2,162

)

 

(2,162

)

Comprehensive income

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

19,415

 

Options exercised

 

158

 

1

 

1,682

 

 

 

 

1,683

 

Stock compensation

 

 

 

1,459

 

 

 

 

1,459

 

Tax benefit of options exercised

 

 

 

1,867

 

 

 

 

1,867

 

Cash dividends declared on Common stock ($0.08 per share)

 

 

 

 

(3,864

)

 

 

(3,864

)

Common stock issued at $38.65 per share

 

 

 

7

 

 

 

 

7

 

Balance, December 31, 2005

 

48,322

 

483

 

94,398

 

456,474

 

6,774

 

 

558,129

 

Comprehensive income:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income

 

 

 

 

83,816

 

 

 

83,816

 

Other comprehensive income:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Translation adjustment, net of tax of $129

 

 

 

 

 

4,526

 

 

4,526

 

Comprehensive income

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

88,342

 

Options exercised

 

343

 

4

 

5,431

 

 

 

 

5,435

 

Stock compensation

 

 

 

5,681

 

 

 

 

5,681

 

Tax benefit of options exercised

 

 

 

2,294

 

 

 

 

2,294

 

Repurchase of common stock

 

(500

)

 

 

 

 

(17,166

)

(17,166

)

Retirement of common stock

 

 

(5

)

 

(17,161

)

 

17,166

 

 

Cash dividends declared on Common stock ($0.24 per share)

 

 

 

 

(11,577

)

 

 

(11,577

)

Common stock issued at $36.35 per share

 

6

 

 

229

 

 

 

 

229

 

Balance, September 30, 2006

 

48,171

 

$

482

 

$

108,033

 

$

511,552

 

$

11,300

 

$

 

$

631,367

 

 

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

4




Simpson Manufacturing Co., Inc. and Subsidiaries
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
(In thousands, unaudited)

 

 

Nine Months
Ended September 30,

 

 

 

2006

 

2005

 

Cash flows from operating activities

 

 

 

 

 

Net income

 

$

83,816

 

$

76,829

 

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash  provided by (used in) operating activities:

 

 

 

 

 

Loss (gain) on sale of assets

 

110

 

(2,124

)

Depreciation and amortization

 

19,100

 

17,850

 

Deferred income taxes

 

(2,610

)

(3,794

)

Noncash compensation related to stock plans

 

5,708

 

4,798

 

Loss (income) in equity method investment

 

130

 

(222

)

Tax benefit of options exercised

 

 

1,976

 

Excess tax benefit of options exercised

 

(2,048

)

 

Provision for obsolete inventory

 

188

 

808

 

Provision for (recovery of) doubtful accounts

 

277

 

(143

)

Minority interest

 

166

 

 

Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of  effects of acquisitions:

 

 

 

 

 

Trade accounts receivable

 

(30,153

)

(41,221

)

Inventories

 

(46,604

)

15,697

 

Trade accounts payable

 

6,430

 

7,340

 

Income taxes payable

 

4,843

 

8,493

 

Accrued profit sharing trust contributions

 

(1,053

)

(1,006

)

Accrued cash profit sharing and commissions

 

1,969

 

7,250

 

Other current assets

 

(1,672

)

(667

)

Accrued liabilities

 

1,893

 

4,015

 

Other long-term liabilities

 

410

 

(97

)

Accrued workers’ compensation

 

50

 

(36

)

Other noncurrent assets

 

(9

)

(245

)

Net cash provided by operating activities

 

40,941

 

95,501

 

Cash flows from investing activities

 

 

 

 

 

Capital expenditures

 

(36,934

)

(31,074

)

Acquisition of minority interest

 

(9,135

)

 

Proceeds from sale of capital assets

 

79

 

4,025

 

Distributions from equity investment

 

114

 

 

Maturities of available-for-sale investments

 

 

7,000

 

Sales of available-for-sale investments

 

 

3,500

 

Net cash used in investing activities

 

(45,876

)

(16,549

)

Cash flows from financing activities

 

 

 

 

 

Line of credit borrowings

 

712

 

724

 

Repayment of debt and line of credit borrowings

 

(1,413

)

(1,047

)

Repurchase of common stock

 

(17,166

)

 

Issuance of Company’s common stock

 

5,435

 

2,412

 

Excess tax benefit of options exercised

 

2,048

 

 

Dividends paid

 

(11,591

)

(7,198

)

Net cash used in financing activities

 

(21,975

)

(5,109

)

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash

 

312

 

(400

)

Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

 

(26,598

)

73,443

 

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period

 

131,203

 

30,917

 

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period

 

$

104,605

 

$

104,360

 

Noncash activity during the period

 

 

 

 

 

Noncash capital expenditures

 

$

3,425

 

$

2,376

 

Dividends declared but not paid

 

$

3,820

 

$

2,410

 

Issuance of Company’s common stock for compensation

 

$

229

 

$

707

 

 

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

5




Simpson Manufacturing Co., Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

(Unaudited)

1. Basis of Presentation

Principles of Consolidation

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Simpson Manufacturing Co., Inc. and its subsidiaries (the “Company”). Investments in 50% or less owned affiliates are generally accounted for using either cost or the equity method. The Company consolidates all variable interest entities where it is the primary beneficiary. All significant intercompany transactions have been eliminated.

Interim Period Reporting

The accompanying unaudited interim condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared pursuant to the rules and regulations for reporting on Form 10-Q. Accordingly, certain information and footnotes required by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America have been condensed or omitted. These interim statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and the notes thereto included in the Company’s 2005 Annual Report on Form 10-K (the “2005 Annual Report”).

The unaudited quarterly condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared on the same basis as the audited annual consolidated financial statements and, in the opinion of management, contain all adjustments (consisting of only normal recurring adjustments) necessary to state fairly the financial information set forth therein, in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. The year-end condensed consolidated balance sheet data were derived from audited financial statements, but do not include all disclosures required by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. The Company’s quarterly results fluctuate. As a result, the Company believes the results of operations for the interim periods are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for any future period.

Revenue Recognition

The Company recognizes revenue when the earnings process is complete, net of applicable provision for discounts, returns and incentives, whether actual or estimated based on the Company’s experience. This generally occurs when products are shipped to the customer in accordance with the sales agreement or purchase order, ownership and risk of loss pass to the customer, collectibility is reasonably assured and pricing is fixed or determinable. The Company’s general shipping terms are F.O.B. shipping point, where title is transferred and revenue is recognized when the products are shipped to customers. When the Company sells F.O.B. destination point, title is transferred and the Company recognizes revenue on delivery or customer acceptance, depending on terms of the sales agreement. Service sales, representing aftermarket repair and maintenance and engineering activities, though significantly less than 1% of net sales and not material to the consolidated financial statements, are recognized as the services are completed. If the actual costs of sales returns, incentives, and discounts were to significantly exceed the recorded estimated allowance, the Company’s sales would be adversely affected.

Net Income Per Common Share

Basic net income per common share is computed based on the weighted average number of common shares outstanding. Potentially dilutive securities, using the treasury stock method, are included in the diluted per-share calculations for all periods when the effect of their inclusion is dilutive.

6




 

The following is a reconciliation of basic net income (earnings) per share (“EPS”), to diluted EPS:

(inthousands, except
per-share amounts)

 

Three Months Ended,
September 30, 2006

 

Three Months Ended,
September 30, 2005

 

 

 

Income

 

Shares

 

Per
Share

 

Income

 

Shares

 

Per
Share

 

Basic EPS

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income available to common stockholders

 

$

27,090

 

48,120

 

$

0.56

 

$

31,607

 

48,091

 

$

0.66

 

Effect of Dilutive Securities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Stock options

 

 

467

 

 

 

567

 

(0.01

)

Diluted EPS

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income available to common stockholders

 

$

27,090

 

48,587

 

$

0.56

 

$

31,607

 

48,658

 

$

0.65

 

 

 

 

Nine Months Ended

September 30, 2006

 

Nine Months Ended,

September 30, 2005

 

 

 

Income

 

Shares

 

Per
Share

 

Income

 

Shares

 

Per
Share

 

Basic EPS

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income available to common stockholders

 

$

83,816

 

48,295

 

$

1.74

 

$

76,829

 

48,024

 

$

1.60

 

Effect of Dilutive Securities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Stock options

 

 

640

 

(0.03

)

 

508

 

(0.02

)

Diluted EPS

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income available to common stockholders

 

$

83,816

 

48,935

 

$

1.71

 

$

76,829

 

48,532

 

$

1.58

 

 

Anti-dilutive shares attributable to outstanding stock options were excluded from the calculation of diluted net income per share. For the three months ended September 30, 2006 and 2005, 989 thousand and 512 thousand shares subject to stock options were anti-dilutive, respectively. For the nine months ended September 30, 2006 and 2005, 989 thousand and 896 thousand shares subject to stock options were anti-dilutive, respectively.

Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation

The Company maintains two stock option plans under which it may grant incentive stock options and non-qualified stock options, though the Company has granted only non-qualified stock options under these plans. The Simpson Manufacturing Co., Inc. 1994 Stock Option Plan (the “1994 Plan”) is principally for the Company’s employees and the Simpson Manufacturing Co., Inc. 1995 Independent Director Stock Option Plan (the “1995 Plan”) is for its independent directors. The Company generally grants options under each of the 1994 Plan and the 1995 Plan once each year. The exercise price per share under each option granted in January 2006 under the 1994 Plan equaled or exceeded the closing market price per share of the Company’s Common Stock as reported by the New York Stock Exchange for the date when the Company first publicly announced its financial results for 2005. In prior years, stock options were granted under the 1994 Plan with the exercise price equal to or in excess of the closing market price per share of the Company’s Common Stock as reported by the New York Stock Exchange on the last trading day of the preceding year. The exercise price per share under each option granted under the 1995 Plan is at the fair market value on the date specified in the 1995 Plan. Options vest and expire according to terms established at the grant date.

Under the 1994 Plan, no more than 16 million shares of the Company’s common stock may be sold (including shares already sold) pursuant to all options granted under the 1994 Plan. Under the 1995 Plan, no more than 320 thousand

7




shares of common stock may be sold (including shares already sold) pursuant to all options granted under the 1995 Plan. Options granted under the 1994 Plan typically vest evenly over the requisite service period of four years and have a term of seven years. The vesting of options granted under the 1994 Plan will be accelerated if there is a change in control of the Company. Options granted under the 1995 Plan are fully vested on the date of grant.

As of January 1, 2006, the Company adopted Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No. 123R, “Share Based Payment (Revised 2004),” using the modified prospective application approach as the transition method. Prior periods are not restated under this method. The cash flow presentation changed whereby cash inflow from excess tax benefits from the exercise of stock options are presented in the consolidated statements of cash flows as a financing activity, where applicable, rather than as an operating activity, as previously presented. Prior to the adoption of SFAS 123R and since January 1, 2003, when the Company adopted SFAS No. 148, “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation — Transition and Disclosure,” and SFAS No. 123, “Accounting for Stock Based Compensation,” the Company accounted for stock options on a fair value basis and used the prospective method of applying SFAS No. 123 for the transition. As of January 1, 2006, the Company had no unvested options which were accounted for using the intrinsic value method prescribed in Accounting Principles Board (“APB”) Opinion No. 25, “Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees,” and related interpretations.

The following table represents the Company’s stock option activity for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2006 and 2005:

(in thousands)

 

Three Months Ended
September 30,

 

Nine Months Ended
September 30,

 

 

 

2006

 

2005

 

2006

 

2005

 

Stock option expense recognized in operating expenses

 

$

1,887

 

$

1,404

 

$

5,442

 

$

4,414

 

Tax benefit of stock option expense in provision for income taxes

 

692

 

501

 

2,063

 

1,633

 

Stock option expense, net of tax

 

$

1,195

 

$

903

 

$

3,379

 

$

2,781

 

Fair value of shares vested

 

$

1,846

 

$

1,404

 

$

5,681

 

$

4,414

 

Proceeds to the Company from the exercise of stock options

 

$

869

 

$

1,534

 

$

5,435

 

$

2,412

 

Excess tax benefit from exercise of stock options

 

$

289

 

$

1,527

 

$

2,294

 

$

1,976

 

 

 

 

At September 30,

 

 

 

 

 

2006

 

2005

 

 

 

 

 

Stock option cost capitalized in inventory

 

$

239

 

$

 

 

 

 

 

 

The amounts included in cost of sales, selling, or general and administrative expenses depend on the job functions performed by the employees to whom the stock options were granted. Shares of common stock issued on exercise of stock options under the plans are registered under the Securities Act of 1933.

The adoption of SFAS No. 123R had no material effect on the Company’s income from continuing operations, income before tax, net income, or net income per share. The adoption of SFAS No. 123R resulted in $2.0 million in additional cash flows from financing activities for the nine months ended September 30, 2006, which previously would have been reported as cash flows from operating activities under SFAS No. 123.

8




Had compensation cost for the Company’s stock options for all grants prior to January 1, 2003, been recognized based on the estimated fair value on the grant date under the fair value methodology prescribed by SFAS No. 123, as amended by SFAS No. 148, the Company’s net income and net income per share would have been as follows:

(in thousands, except
per-share amounts)

 

Three
Months
Ended
September 30,

 

Nine
Months Ended
September 30,

 

 

 

2005

 

2005

 

Net income, as reported

 

$

31,607

 

$

76,829

 

Add:  Stock-based employee compensation
expense included in reported net income,
net of related tax effects

 

903

 

2,781

 

Deduct:  Total stock-based employee compensation
expense determined under the fair value method
for all awards granted prior to January 1, 2003,
net of related tax effects

 

910

 

2,803

 

Net income, pro forma

 

$

31,600

 

76,807

 

Net income per share

 

 

 

 

 

Basic, as reported

 

$

0.66

 

$

1.60

 

Basic, pro forma

 

0.66

 

1.60

 

Diluted, as reported

 

0.65

 

1.58

 

Diluted, pro forma

 

0.65

 

1.58

 

 

The assumptions used to calculate the fair value of options granted are evaluated and revised, as necessary, to reflect market conditions and the Company’s experience.

Under the 1994 Stock Option plan, the Company allows for full vesting on retirement if the employee becomes “retirement-eligible” by reaching age sixty. Prior to the adoption of SFAS 123R, stock-based employee compensation expense was recorded over the nominal vesting period and if a retirement-eligible employee retired before the end of the vesting period, the Company recorded unrecognized compensation cost at the date of retirement (the “nominal vesting period approach”). The nominal vesting period is four years of service subsequent to the grant date. The “non-substantive vesting period approach” specifies that awards, in substance, become vested when the employee’s retention of the award is no longer contingent on providing service. Under this approach, the unrecorded compensation cost is expensed when that condition is met even if the employee continues providing service to the Company. This would be the case for existing grants when an employee becomes retirement-eligible, as well as when a retirement-eligible employee is granted an award. With the adoption of SFAS No. 123R on January 1, 2006, the Company adopted the non-substantive vesting period approach for new grants that have retirement eligibility provisions. The accounting treatment of options granted to retirement-eligible employees prior to the Company’s adoption of SFAS 123R has not changed and financial statements for periods prior to adoption have not been restated for the effects of adopting SFAS 123R. Therefore, the expense recorded in 2006 comprises stock options that vest under both the non-substantive vesting period approach and the nominal vesting period approach. In contrast, the 2005 expense was calculated using the nominal vesting period approach. The effect on net income of applying the nominal vesting period approach versus the non-substantive vesting period approach was not material to the Company’s results of operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2006 and 2005.

Recently Issued Accounting Standards

In June 2006, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued FASB Interpretation 48 (“FIN 48”), “Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes, an interpretation of FASB Statement No. 109.” FIN 48 prescribes a recognition threshold and measurement attribute for the financial statement recognition and measurement of a tax position taken or expected to be taken in a tax return. This interpretation also provides guidance on derecognition, classification, interest and penalties, accounting in interim periods, disclosure, and transition. FIN 48 will be

9




effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2006. Management has not yet determined the effect, if any, on the Company’s financial statements for its fiscal year ending December 31, 2007.

In March 2006, the Emerging Issues Task Force (EITF) issued EITF 06-3 ”How Taxes Collected from Customers and Remitted to Governmental Authorities Should Be Presented in the Income Statement (That Is, Gross versus Net Presentation).” The Task Force agreed that a company should disclose its accounting policy regarding the gross or net presentation of certain taxes. If taxes included in gross revenues are significant, a company should disclose the amount of such taxes for each annual or interim period for which an income statement is presented. Taxes within the scope of EITF 06-3 are those that are imposed on and concurrent with a specific revenue-producing transaction. Taxes assessed on an entity’s activities over a period of time, such as income taxes or gross receipts taxes, are not within the scope of EITF 06-3. EITF 06-3 will be effective for periods beginning after December 15, 2006. Management estimates that the effect on the Company’s financial statements for its fiscal year ending December 31, 2007, or for any quarter of that year will be immaterial.

In September 2006, the FASB issued SFAS No. 157, “Fair Value Measurements.” SFAS No. 157 defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value in generally accepted accounting principles, and expands disclosures about fair value measurements. SFAS No. 157 will be effective for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007, and interim periods within those fiscal years. Management has not yet determined the effect, if any, on the Company’s financial statements for its fiscal year ending December 31, 2008, or its fiscal quarters within that year. SFAS No. 157 will be applied prospectively as of the beginning of the fiscal year in which it is initially applied.

In September 2006, the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) issued Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 108, “Considering the Effects of Prior Year Misstatements when Quantifying Misstatements in Current Year Financial Statements” (“SAB 108”). SAB 108 expresses the SEC’s views regarding the process of quantifying financial statement misstatements. The interpretations in SAB 108 were issued to address diversity in practice in quantifying financial statement misstatements and the potential under current practice for the build-up of improper amounts on the balance sheet. This statement is effective for the Company’s annual financial statements starting this year. Management continues to evaluate SAB 108 and its effect on the Company’s consolidated financial statements and results of operations. Based on current information, management does not believe that the effect will be material.

Revision in Classification

Historically, the Company has reported research and development and other engineering expenses as a component of cost of sales because of the integration of these departments within the manufacturing environment. On analysis of the current production environment, the Company has determined that it is more appropriate to report these amounts as operating expenses. The Company has elected to make this change to the condensed consolidated statement of operations beginning with the first quarter of 2006. Management has concluded that the effect of this revision in classification for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2005, which was an increase in gross profit of $3.5 million and $10.7 million, respectively, was immaterial. The revision in classification had no effect on the Company’s consolidated income from operations, net income, net income per share, cash flows, or any balance sheet item for any period. The Company believes this change enhances the transparency of its financial statements and is appropriate given the organizational changes that have occurred as the Company has grown.

2. Trade Accounts Receivable, net

Trade accounts receivable consist of the following:

(in thousands)

 

At September 30,

 

At December 31,

 

 

 

2006

 

2005

 

2005

 

Trade accounts receivable

 

$

137,917

 

$

133,799

 

$

105,940

 

Allowance for doubtful accounts

 

(2,312

)

(2,196

)

(2,131

)

Allowance for sales discounts and returns

 

(2,659

)

(2,013

)

(2,188

)

 

 

$

132,946

 

$

129,590

 

$

101,621

 

 

10




3. Inventories

Inventories consist of the following:

(in thousands)

 

At September 30,

 

At December 31,

 

 

 

2006

 

2005

 

2005

 

Raw materials

 

$

102,288

 

$

63,740

 

$

65,163

 

 

In-process products

 

26,639

 

25,221

 

30,207

 

 

Finished products

 

100,776

 

85,822

 

86,122

 

 

 

 

$

229,703

 

$

174,783

 

$

181,492

 

 

 

4. Property, Plant and Equipment, net

Property, plant and equipment, net, consists of the following:

(in thousands)

 

At September 30,

 

At December 31,

 

 

 

2006

 

2005

 

2005

 

Land

 

$

22,786

 

$

18,451

 

$

21,720

 

Buildings and site improvements

 

114,363

 

88,045

 

93,751

 

Leasehold improvements

 

4,710

 

5,921

 

5,945

 

Machinery and equipment

 

174,909

 

159,819

 

161,357

 

 

 

316,768

 

272,236

 

282,773

 

Less accumulated depreciation and amortization

 

(151,646

)

(134,323

)

(135,570

)

 

 

165,122

 

137,913

 

147,203

 

Capital projects in progress

 

25,189

 

13,811

 

19,277

 

 

 

$

190,311

 

$

151,724

 

$

166,480

 

 

Included in property, plant and equipment at December 31, 2005, are land, buildings, building improvements and construction-in-progress of consolidated variable interest entities with a net book value of $9.0 million.

5. Investments

Equity Method Investment

The Company has a 35% equity interest in Keymark Enterprises, LLC (“Keymark”), for which it accounts using the equity method. Keymark develops software that assists in the design and engineering of residential structures. The Company’s relationship with Keymark includes the specification of the Company’s products in the Keymark software. The Company has no obligation to make any additional future capital contributions, nor does it intend to provide additional funding, to Keymark. Due to equity losses through September 30, 2006, the carrying amount of the Company’s investment in Keymark has been written down to zero.

Available-for-Sale Investments

As of December 31, 2005, the Company’s available-for-sale investments had either matured or were redeemed. Prior to that, the Company’s investments in all debt securities were classified as available-for-sale investments. As of September 30, 2005, the Company’s investments, classified as short-term investments, were as follows:

(in thousands)

 

 

 

Gross

 

Gross

 

Estimated

 

 

 

Amortized

 

Unrealized

 

Unrealized

 

Fair

 

 

 

Cost

 

Gains

 

Losses

 

Value

 

Debt investments

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Municipal bonds

 

$

6,315

 

$

 

$

12

 

$

6,303

 

 

11




6. Debt

Outstanding debt at September 30, 2006 and 2005, and December 31, 2005, and the available credit at September 30, 2006, consisted of the following:

(dollar amounts in thousands)

 

Available

 

Debt Outstanding

 

 

 

Credit at
September 30,

 

at
September 30,

 

at
December 31,

 

 

 

2006

 

2006

 

2005

 

2005

 

Revolving line of credit, interest at bank’s reference rate less 0.50% (at September 30, 2006, the bank’s reference rate less 0.50% was 7.75%), expires November 2006

 

$

13,800

 

$

 

$

 

$

 

Revolving term commitment, interest at bank’s prime rate less 0.50% (at September 30, 2006, the bank’s prime rate less 0.50% was 7.75%), expires October 2007

 

9,200

 

 

 

 

Revolving line of credit, interest at the bank’s base rate plus 2% (at September 30, 2006, the bank’s base rate plus 2% was 6.75%), expires September 2007

 

1,296

 

 

 

 

Revolving lines of credit, interest rates between 3.3768% and 4.50%

 

5,359

 

 

 

 

Term loan, interest at 7.70%, collateralized by real estate, repaid June 2006

 

 

 

 

1,941

 

Term loan, interest at bank’s base rate plus 1.65% (at September 30, 2006, the bank’s base  rate plus 1.65% was 6.177%), collateralized by real  estate, repaid March 2006

 

 

 

 

1,691

 

Term loan, interest at LIBOR plus 1.375% (at September 30, 2006, LIBOR plus 1.375% was 6.775%), matures May 2008

 

 

600

 

900

 

750

 

Term loans, interest rates between 4.00% and 5.50%, expirations between 2006 and 2018

 

 

216

 

1,519

 

732

 

 

 

29,655

 

816

 

2,419

 

5,114

 

Less current portion of long-term debt

 

 

 

(326

)

(545

)

(2,186

)

Long-term debt, net of current portion

 

 

 

$

490

 

$

1,874

 

$

2,928

 

Available credit

 

$

29,655

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

12




7. Commitments and Contingencies

Note 9 to the consolidated financial statements in the 2005 Annual Report provides information concerning commitments and contingencies. From time to time, the Company is involved in various legal proceedings and other matters arising in the normal course of business. The resolution of claims and litigation is subject to inherent uncertainty and could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial condition, cash flows and results of operations.

The Company’s policy with regard to environmental liabilities is to accrue for future environmental assessments and remediation costs when information becomes available that indicates that it is probable that the Company is liable for any related claims and assessments and the amount of the liability is reasonably estimable. The Company does not believe that these matters will have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial condition, cash flows or results of operations.

Corrosion, hydrogen enbrittlement, cracking, material hardness, wood pressure-treating chemicals, misinstallations, environmental conditions or other factors can contribute to failure of fasteners, connectors and tools. On occasion, some of the fasteners that the Company sells have failed, although the Company has not incurred any material liability resulting from those failures. The Company attempts to avoid such failures by establishing and monitoring appropriate product specifications, manufacturing quality control procedures, inspection procedures and information on appropriate installation methods and conditions.  The Company subjects its products to extensive testing, with results and conclusions published in Company catalogues and on its websites (see www.strongtie.com/info and www.duravent.com). Based on test results to date, the Company believes that, generally, if its products are appropriately selected and installed in accordance with the Company’s guidance, they may be reliably used in appropriate applications.

8. Stock Option Plans

The Company currently has two stock option plans (see Note 1 — Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation). Participants are granted stock options only if the applicable company-wide or profit-center operating goals, or both, established by the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors at the beginning of the year, are met.

The fair value of each option award was estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option pricing model. Expected volatility is based on historical volatilities of the Company’s common stock measured monthly over the expected life of the option. The expected term of options granted is estimated based on the Company’s prior exercise experience and future expectations of the exercise and termination behavior of the grantees. The risk-free rate is based on the yield of U.S. Treasury zero-coupon bonds with maturities comparable to the expected life in effect at the time of grant. The dividend yield is based on the expected dividend rate on the grant date.

Black-Scholes option pricing model assumptions for options granted in 2006 and 2005 are as follows:

Number

 

 

 

Risk

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Weighted

of options

 

 

 

free

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

average

granted

 

Grant

 

interest

 

Dividend

 

Expected

 

 

 

Exercise

 

fair

(in thousands)

 

Date

 

rate

 

yield

 

life

 

Volatility

 

Price Range

 

value

1994 Plan

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1

 

05/30/06

 

4.97%

 

0.90%

 

6.3 years

 

27.2%

 

$35.75

 

$12.25

489

 

01/26/06

 

4.46%

 

0.79%

 

6.3 years

 

27.2%

 

$40.72 to $44.79

 

$13.68

515

 

01/01/05

 

3.87%

 

0.57%

 

6.4 years

 

28.0%

 

$34.90 to $38.39

 

$11.91

1995 Plan

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

5

 

02/15/06

 

4.46%

 

0.81%

 

6.3 years

 

27.2%

 

$39.27

 

$13.14

14

 

02/14/05

 

3.87%

 

0.57%

 

6.3 years

 

28.0%

 

$36.00

 

$12.18

 

13




The following table summarizes the Company’s stock option activity for the nine months ended September 30, 2006:

 

 

Shares

 

Weighted
Average
Exercise

 

Weighted-
Average
Remaining
Contractual

 

Aggregate
Intrinsic
Value *

 

Non-Qualified Stock Options

 

 

 

(in thousands)

 

Price

 

Life

 

(in thousands)

 

Outstanding at January 1, 2006

 

2,950

 

$

22.46

 

 

 

 

 

Granted

 

495

 

40.70

 

 

 

 

 

Exercised

 

(343

)

15.86

 

 

 

 

 

Forfeited

 

(20

)

31.62

 

 

 

 

 

Outstanding at September 30, 2006

 

3,082

 

$

26.06

 

4.2

 

$

13,611

 

Exercisable at September 30, 2006

 

1,895

 

$

22.11

 

3.6

 

$

12,002

 


*                    The intrinsic value represents the amount by which the fair market value of the underlying common stock exceeds the exercise price of the option, using the closing price per share of $27.03 on September 30, 2006.

The total intrinsic value of options exercised during the nine months ended September 30, 2006 and 2005, was $7.2 million and $5.4 million, respectively.

A summary of the status of unvested options as of September 30, 2006, and changes during the nine months ended September 30, 2006, are presented below:

 

Shares

 

Weighted
Average
Grant-Date

 

Unvested Options

 

 

 

(in thousands)

 

Fair Value

 

Unvested at January 1, 2006

 

1,290

 

$

9.52

 

Granted

 

495

 

13.67

 

Vested

 

(578

)

9.40

 

Forfeited

 

(20

)

11.05

 

Unvested at September 30, 2006

 

1,187

 

$

11.28

 

 

As of September 30, 2006, there was $11.6 million of total unrecognized compensation cost related to unvested share-based compensation arrangements granted under the 1994 Plan. This cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 2.4 years. Options granted under the 1995 Plan are fully vested and expensed to income on the date of grant.

9. Segment Information

The Company is organized into two primary operating segments. The segments are defined by types of products manufactured, marketed and distributed to the Company’s customers. The two product segments are connector products and venting products. These segments are differentiated in several ways, including the types of materials, the production processes, the distribution channels and the product applications. Transactions between the two segments were immaterial for each of the periods presented.

14




 

The following table illustrates certain measurements used by management to assess the performance of the segments described above as of or for the following periods:

(in thousands)

 

Three Months Ended
September 30,

 

Nine Months Ended
September 30,

 

 

 

2006

 

2005

 

2006

 

2005

 

Net Sales

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Connector products

 

$

201,739

 

$

209,453

 

$

614,901

 

$

582,194

 

Venting products

 

24,979

 

24,356

 

68,706

 

60,165

 

Total

 

$

226,718

 

$

233,809

 

$

683,607

 

$

642,359

 

Income from Operations

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Connector products

 

$

39,418

 

$

45,839

 

$

128,060

 

$

117,891

 

Venting products

 

2,526

 

2,705

 

5,088

 

3,984

 

Administrative and all other

 

20

 

205

 

(495

)

(806

)

Total

 

$

41,964

 

$

48,749

 

$

132,653

 

$

121,069

 

 

 

 

At September 30,

 

At
December 31,

 

 

 

2006

 

2005

 

2005

 

Total Assets

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Connector products

 

$

542,677

 

$

458,684

 

$

457,071

 

Venting products

 

88,390

 

66,506

 

68,395

 

Administrative and all other

 

102,830

 

115,403

 

134,249

 

Total

 

$

733,897

 

$

640,593

 

$

659,715

 

 

Cash collected by the Company’s subsidiaries is routinely transferred into the Company’s cash management accounts and, therefore, has been included in the total assets of “Administrative and all other.” Cash and cash equivalent and short-term investment balances in the “Administrative and all other” segment were $88.5 million, $103.1 million, and $121.4 million, as of September 30, 2006 and 2005, and December 31, 2005, respectively.

10. Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities

The Company previously leased two facilities from related-party partnerships whose primary purpose was to own and lease these two properties to the Company. The partnerships did not have any other significant assets. These partnerships were considered variable interest entities under FASB Interpretation No. 46(R) “Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities (revised December 2003)—an Interpretation of ARB No. 51” (“FIN 46(R)”). Although the Company did not have direct ownership interests in the partnerships, it was required to consolidate the partnerships, as it was considered the primary beneficiary as interpreted by FIN 46(R). The Company became the primary beneficiary when it agreed to a fixed price purchase option for the properties owned by the related-party partnerships. The Company purchased the two facilities during the nine months ended September 30, 2006.

The real estate owned by the partnerships consisted of land, buildings and building improvements, which were pledged as collateral for mortgages under which the lender had no recourse to the Company. The Company had no off-balance sheet arrangements at September 30, 2006.

15




Noncash consolidation of the assets and liabilities of the variable interest entities at December 31, 2005, consisted of the following:

(in thousands)

 

At

 

 

 

December 31,

 

 

 

2005

 

Assets

 

 

 

Land

 

$

3,271

 

Buildings and site improvements, net of depreciation

 

5,875

 

Capital projects in progress

 

(100

)

Other noncurrent assets

 

(77

)

Liabilities

 

 

 

Current portion of long term debt

 

$

1,727

 

Long term debt, net of current portion

 

1,905

 

Minority interest

 

$

5,337

 

 

The amount of rent expense for the properties owned by the variable interest entities during the nine months ended September 30, 2006, was $0.3 million. There was no rent expense for these properties during the quarter ended September 30, 2006. In March 2006, the Company completed the purchase, for $5.0 million in cash, of the facility that it previously leased from a related party and consolidated variable interest entity in San Leandro, California. In June 2006, the Company completed the purchase, for $6.5 million in cash, of the facility that it previously leased from a related party and consolidated variable interest entity in Vacaville, California. Both of these transactions were unanimously approved by the independent members of the Company’s Board of Directors.

11. Lease Termination

In May 2006, the Company relocated its home office from a leased facility in Dublin, California, to the facility in Pleasanton, California, which it purchased in August 2005. In June 2006, the Company ceased using the leased facility in Dublin, California. As a result of this move, the Company recorded a lease termination expense of $1.2 million, in June 2006, representing the fair value of the remaining rent obligation, reduced by the estimated sublease rentals that the Company believes could reasonably be obtained for the facility. These estimates and assumptions are monitored on at least a quarterly basis for changes in circumstances. Estimates for the liability balance are based on the status of the Company’s efforts to lease vacant office space, including a review of real estate market conditions, projections for sublease income and sublease commencement assumptions. Lease termination charges are reflected in general and administrative expenses in the Company’s condensed consolidated statements of operations.

The following table provides the liability balances and activities of the Company’s lease termination reserve for the three months ended September 30, 2006:

(in thousands)

 

 

 

Balance at beginning of period

 

$

1,226

 

Additional provision

 

94

 

Cash payments

 

(316

)

Balance at end of period

 

$

1,004

 

 

Remaining cash expenditures associated with the lease termination are expected to be paid over the remaining lease term, which concludes in October 2007. Based on the Company’s assumptions as of September 30, 2006, the Company expected its lease payments, net of expected sublease income, to result in a total cash outlay of $1.1 million. Substantially all of the lease termination charge is associated with the connector products segment.

During the quarter-ended September 30, 2006, the Company was not successful in subleasing the facility and has reversed the expected sublease income for the quarter, resulting in an additional expense of $74 thousand.

16




 

12. Subsequent Events

In October 2006, the Company’s Board of Directors declared a dividend of $0.08 per share, estimated to total $3.9 million, to be paid on January 25, 2007, to stockholders of record on January 4, 2007.

 

17




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

This document contains forward-looking statements, based on numerous assumptions and subject to risks and uncertainties. Although the Company believes that the forward-looking statements are reasonable, it does not and cannot give any assurance that its beliefs and expectations will prove to be correct. Many factors could significantly affect the Company’s operations and cause the Company’s actual results to be substantially different from the Company’s expectations. See “Part II, Item 1A - Risk Factors.” Actual results might differ materially from results suggested by any forward-looking statements in this report. The Company does not have an obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of the receipt of new information, the occurrence of future events or otherwise.

The following is a discussion and analysis of the consolidated financial condition and results of operations for the Company for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2006 and 2005. The following should be read in conjunction with the interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements and related Notes appearing elsewhere herein.

Results of Operations for the Three Months Ended September 30, 2006, Compared
with the Three Months Ended September 30, 2005

Net sales decreased 3.0% to $226.7 million in the third quarter of 2006 as compared to net sales of $233.8 million for the third quarter of 2005. Net income decreased 14.3% to $27.1 million for the third quarter of 2006 as compared to net income of $31.6 million for the third quarter of 2005. Diluted net income per common share was $0.56 for the third quarter of 2006 as compared to $0.65 for the third quarter of 2005.

In the third quarter of 2006, sales declined throughout North America, with a significant portion of the decline occurring in California. Sales in Europe and the United Kingdom increased substantially during the quarter. Simpson Strong-Tie’s third quarter sales decreased 3.7% over the same quarter last year, while Simpson Dura-Vent’s sales increased 2.6%. Sales to contractor distributors had the largest percentage rate decreases, reflecting slower homebuilding activity, particularly in California and the western United States. Homecenters and dealer distributors also had above average decreases in sales. Sales decreased across most of Simpson Strong-Tie’s major product lines, particularly the Strong-Wall product line and other products used mostly in new home construction. Simpson Strong-Tie’s Sales of the Quik Drive product line grew significantly, though the rate of increase was lower than that during the first half of 2006. Sales of Anchor Systems products were flat during the third quarter. Sales of Simpson Dura-Vent’s pellet vent and chimney product lines increased in the third quarter of 2006 compared to the third quarter of 2005, while sales of its Direct-Vent products, designed for use with natural gas burning appliances, and its gas vent products decreased.

Income from operations decreased 13.9% from $48.7 million in the third quarter of 2005 to $42.0 million in the third quarter of 2006, while gross margins decreased from 39.9% in the third quarter of 2005 to 38.3% in the third quarter of 2006. Approximately one third of the decrease in income from operations was related to the gain on the sale of a building that was recognized in the third quarter of 2005. The decrease in gross margins was primarily due to higher fixed overhead and labor costs on the lower sales volume. The steel market continues to be dynamic with a high degree of uncertainty. Availability of steel has improved somewhat, but steel prices have not decreased. The Company’s raw material inventory, which is primarily made up of steel, has increased 57.0% since December 31, 2005, and its in-process and finished goods inventory has increased by 9.5% over the same period. The Company believes that steel prices may have stabilized for the near term. If, however, steel prices increase and the Company is not able to increase its prices sufficiently, the Company’s margins would deteriorate.

Research and development and engineering expenses increased 28.8% from $3.5 million in the third quarter of 2005 to $4.5 million in the third quarter of 2006. This increase was primarily due to higher personnel costs of $0.8 million. Selling expenses increased 14.5% from $15.7 million in the third quarter of 2005 to $18.0 million in the third quarter of 2006. The increase was driven primarily by a $1.3 million increase in expenses associated with sales and marketing personnel and a $0.7 million increase in promotional costs. General and administrative expenses decreased 17.6% from $27.3 million in the third quarter of 2005 to $22.5 million in the third quarter of 2006. The decrease was primarily due to a reduction in cash profit sharing and stock compensation costs included in administrative expenses totaling $6.7 million, partially offset by an increase in other personnel costs of $1.4 million and professional service costs of $0.7 million. Interest income, net of interest expense, increased $0.5 million in the third quarter of 2006 as compared to the third quarter of 2005, primarily as a result of higher interest rates. The effective tax rate was 36.7% in the third quarter of 2006, up from 35.7% in the third quarter of 2005.

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Results of Operations for the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2006, Compared
with the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2005

Net sales increased 6.4% to $683.6 million as compared to net sales of $642.4 million for the first nine months of 2005. Net income increased 9.1% to $83.8 million for the first nine months of 2006 as compared to net income of $76.8 million for the first nine months of 2005. Diluted net income per common share was $1.71 for the first nine months of 2006 as compared to $1.58 for the first nine months of 2005.

In the first nine months of 2006, sales growth occurred throughout North America, with the exception of California, primarily due to the growth during the first half of the year. Sales in Europe and the United Kingdom were also higher. The growth rates in the United States were highest in the southern and southeastern regions. In the first nine months of 2006, Simpson Strong-Tie’s sales increased 5.6% over the same period last year, while Simpson Dura-Vent’s sales increased 14.2%. Sales to homecenters and dealer and contractor distributors increased during the first nine months of 2006. The sales increase was broad-based across most of Simpson Strong-Tie’s major product lines. Simpson Strong-Tie’s Quik Drive and Anchor Systems product lines had the highest percentage growth rates in sales. Sales of the Strong-Wall product line were down compared to the first nine months of 2005, consistent with decreased homebuilding activity. Sales of Simpson Dura-Vent’s pellet vent and chimney product lines increased significantly in the first nine months of 2006. Sales of its Direct-Vent products were flat when compared to the first nine months of 2005 and sales of its gas vent products decreased somewhat.

Income from operations increased 9.6% from $121.1 million in the first nine months of 2005 to $132.7 million in the first nine months of 2006, while gross margins increased from 39.5% in the first nine months of 2005 to 40.1% in the first nine months of 2006. This increase in gross margins was primarily due to improved absorption of fixed overhead costs in the first half of 2006 partially offset by increases in these costs in the third quarter.

Research and development and engineering expenses increased 43.0% from $10.7 million in the first nine months of 2005 to $15.3 million in the first nine months of 2006. This increase was primarily due to higher personnel costs of $3.9 million. Selling expenses increased 15.0% from $47.1 million in the first nine months of 2005 to $54.1 million in the first nine months of 2006. The increase was driven primarily by a $3.7 million increase in expenses associated with sales and marketing personnel and a $1.9 million increase in promotional costs. General and administrative expenses decreased 6.3% from $77.0 million in the first nine months of 2005 to $72.1 million in the first nine months of 2006. Interest income, net of interest expense, increased $2.0 million in the first nine months of 2006 as compared to the first nine months of 2005, primarily due to higher interest rates. The effective tax rate was 37.9% in the first nine months of 2006, up from 37.0% in the first nine months of 2005.

Liquidity and Sources of Capital

As of September 30, 2006, working capital was $383.7 million as compared to $328.9 million at September 30, 2005, and $342.5 million at December 31, 2005. The increase in working capital from December 31, 2005, was primarily due to increases of inventories of $48.2 million and net trade accounts receivable of $31.3 million and a decrease of accrued liabilities of $1.4 million. Raw materials and in-process and finished goods increased 57% and 10%, respectively, from December 31, 2005. Net trade accounts receivable increased 31% from December 31, 2005, primarily due to the higher sales levels in the third quarter of 2006 compared to the fourth quarter of 2005. Offsetting this increase in working capital was a decrease in cash and cash equivalents of $26.6 million, increases in trade accounts payable of $10.6 million and accrued cash profit sharing and commissions, primarily as a result of higher operating income in the third quarter of 2006 compared to the fourth quarter of 2005, of $2.0 million. The balance of the change in working capital was due to the fluctuation of various other asset and liability accounts, none of which was individually material. The working capital change and changes in noncurrent assets and liabilities, combined with net income of $83.8 million and noncash expenses, primarily depreciation, amortization and stock-based compensation charges totaling $24.8 million, resulted in net cash provided by operating activities of $40.9 million. As of September 30, 2006, the Company had unused credit facilities available of $29.7 million.

The Company used $45.9 million in its investing activities, mostly for capital expenditures, primarily for facilities or improvements in Vacaville, San Leandro, Stockton and Pleasanton, California, and Columbus, Ohio, as well as for machinery and equipment for various facilities throughout the United States. The facilities in San Leandro and Vacaville, California, were acquired from the Company’s consolidated variable interest entities. The Company estimates its capital spending will be approximately $10.0 million for the remainder of 2006.

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In March 2006 and June 2006, the Company completed purchases, for $5.0 million and $6.5 million, of facilities in San Leandro and Vacaville, California, respectively, from related parties that had been consolidated as variable interest entities. The transactions were unanimously approved by the independent members of the Company’s Board of Directors. In August 2006, the Company purchased a building in Gallatin, Tennessee, for $5.5 million. The Gallatin building is approximately 194,000 square feet and will be used primarily for manufacturing and assembly of the Company’s Quik Drive product line, replacing the facility that the Company currently leases in Gallatin.

The Company vacated its original facility in McKinney, Texas, and has listed it for sale, but the Company cannot estimate when it will be sold or the proceeds of such a sale. The Company has performed an analysis of the valuation of this property and does not believe that the asset is impaired at this time, although conditions may change in the future.

The Company’s financing activities used net cash of $22.0 million. Uses of cash for financing activities were primarily from the repurchase of the Company’s common stock totaling $17.2 million, payments of cash dividends totaling $11.6 million and payments on the Company’s long-term debt, primarily related to its European operations, of $1.4 million. Cash provided by financing activities was primarily from the issuance of the Company’s common stock through the exercise of stock options totaling $5.4 million and the excess tax benefit of options exercised of $2.0 million. In October 2006, the Company’s Board of Directors declared a dividend of $0.08 per share, estimated to total $3.9 million, to be paid on January 25, 2007, to stockholders of record on January 4, 2007.

In June 2006, the Company completed the purchase of 500,000 shares of its common stock for a weighted average price of $34.33 per share. The total cost of the transaction was $17.2 million and was part of the $50 million that the Company’s Board of Directors authorized in December 2005. The number of shares is approximately the same as the number of shares that were subject to stock options granted in 2006.

The Company believes that cash generated by operations and borrowings available under its existing credit agreements will be sufficient for the Company’s working capital needs and planned capital expenditures over the next twelve months. Depending on the Company’s future growth and possible acquisitions, it may become necessary to secure additional sources of financing.

There have been no other material changes to the contractual obligation table represented in Item 7 of the Company’s 2005 Annual Report on Form 10-K (available at www.simpsonmfg.com/docs/10K-2005.pdf or www.sec.gov), which provides information concerning the Company’s commitments and obligations at December 31, 2005.

The Company believes that the effect of inflation on the Company has not been material in recent years, as general inflation rates have remained relatively low. The Company’s main raw material, however, is steel, and increases in steel prices may adversely affect the Company’s gross margins if it cannot recover the higher costs through price increases.

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Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk.

The Company has no variable interest-rate debt investments.

The Company has foreign exchange rate risk in its international operations, primarily Europe and Canada, and through purchases from foreign vendors. The Company does not currently hedge this risk. If the exchange rate were to change by 10% in any one country where the Company has operations, the change in net income would not be material to the Company’s operations taken as a whole. The translation adjustment resulted in an increase in accumulated other comprehensive income of $0.8 million and $4.5 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2006, primarily due to the effect of the weakening of the U.S. dollar in relation to the Canadian dollar and the European currencies during the first three and nine months of 2006.

Item 4. Controls and Procedures.

Disclosure Controls and Procedures.   As of September 30, 2006, an evaluation of the effectiveness of the design and operation of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures was performed under the supervision and with the participation of the Company’s management, including the chief executive officer (“CEO”) and the chief financial officer (“CFO”). Based on that evaluation, the CEO and the CFO concluded that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of that date.

Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting.   During the three months ended September 30, 2006, the Company made no changes to its internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Securities Exchange Act of 1934 Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, its internal control over financial reporting.

The Company is in the process of implementing a new accounting software system initially focused on the general ledger and purchasing and payables modules. The Company has begun testing the general ledger system and is planning to begin using the new systems in 2007.

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PART II — OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1. Legal Proceedings.

From time to time, the Company is involved in various legal proceedings and other matters arising in the normal course of business. The resolution of claims and litigation is subject to inherent uncertainty and it is possible that such resolution could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial condition, cash flows or results of operations.

Item 1A. Risk Factors

We are affected by risks specific to us, as well as risks that affect all businesses operating in global markets.  Some of the significant factors that could materially adversely affect our business, financial condition and operating results appear in Item 1A of our most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K (available at www.simpsonmfg.com/docs/10K-2005.pdf or www.sec.gov), but we have changed the risk factor titled “If we lose a large customer, our sales and profits would decline,” to read as follows and added the following additional risk factor:

If we lose all or a part of a large customer, our sales and profits would decline.

We have substantial sales to a few large customers. Loss of all or a part of our sales to a large customer would have a material adverse effect on our revenues and profits. The Company’s largest customer accounted for 15.9% and 16.8% of net sales in the three and nine months ended September 30, 2006, respectively, as compared to 17.8% and 17.9% of net sales in the three and nine months ended September 30, 2005, respectively. This customer may endeavor to replace, in some or all markets, the Company’s products with lower-priced products supplied by others or may otherwise reduce its purchases of the Company’s products. The Company also might reduce its dependence on its largest customer by reducing or terminating sales to one or more of the customer’s subsidiaries. Any reduction in, or termination of, the Company’s sales to this customer would at least temporarily, and possibly longer, cause a material reduction in the Company’s net sales, income from operations and net income. A reduction in or elimination of the Company’s sales to its largest customer, or another of the Company’s larger customers, would increase the Company’s relative dependence on its remaining large customers.

In addition, our customers include retailers and distributors.  Retail and distribution businesses have consolidated over time, which could increase the material adverse effect of losing any of them.

If we change significantly the nature or extent of some of our manufacturing operations, we may reduce our net income.

If we decide to change significantly the nature or extent of a portion of our manufacturing operations, we may need to record an impairment of our goodwill and correspondingly reduce our net income. We had $44.3 million of goodwill at September 30, 2006.

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Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds.

In December 2005, the Board of Directors authorized the Company to repurchase up to $50.0 million of the Company’s common stock. This replaced the $50.0 million repurchase authorization from December 2004. The authorization will remain in effect through the end of 2006. The amount that may yet be purchased under this authorization is $32.8 million, although the Company does not currently have any plan to repurchase additional shares.

Dividends are determined by the Company’s Board of Directors, based on the Company’s net income, cash flow, financial condition and other factors deemed relevant by the Board of Directors. In addition, existing loan agreements require the Company to maintain tangible net worth of $250.0 million plus 50% of net profit after taxes for each fiscal year. This requirement may limit the amount that the Company may pay as dividends on its common stock. As of September 30, 2006, the Company had $282.0 million available for the payment of dividends under these loan agreements.

Item 3. Defaults upon Senior Securities.

None.

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

None.

Item 5. Other Information.

None.

Item 6. Exhibits.

31.           Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certifications.

32.           Section 1350 Certifications.

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SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.

 

Simpson Manufacturing Co., Inc.

 

 

(Registrant)

DATE: November 8, 2006

By

/s/MICHAEL J. HERBERT

 

 

Michael J. Herbert

 

 

Chief Financial Officer

 

 

(principal accounting and financial officer)

 

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