THOR INDUSTRIES INC - Quarter Report: 2017 April (Form 10-Q)

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-Q

☑ QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 for the quarterly period ended April 30, 2017.

☐ TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 for the transition period from              to             .

COMMISSION FILE NUMBER 1-9235

THOR INDUSTRIES, INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

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      ☑                                                                   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      ☑                                                                   No      ☐

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

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

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

                                            Yes      ☐                                                                   No      ☑

As of May 31, 2017, 52,586,041 shares of the registrant’s common stock, par value $0.10 per share, were outstanding.

PART I – FINANCIAL INFORMATION (Unless otherwise indicated, amounts in thousands except share and per share data.)

ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

THOR INDUSTRIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (UNAUDITED)

See Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

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THOR INDUSTRIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

FOR THE THREE AND NINE MONTHS ENDED APRIL 30, 2017 AND 2016 (UNAUDITED)

See Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

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THOR INDUSTRIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

FOR THE NINE MONTHS ENDED APRIL 30, 2017 AND 2016 (UNAUDITED)

See Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

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NOTES TO THE CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)

(All dollar amounts presented in thousands except per share data)

Nature of Operations

Thor Industries, Inc. was founded in 1980 and, through its subsidiaries (collectively, the “Company”), manufactures a wide range of recreational vehicles (“RVs”) in the United States at various manufacturing facilities located primarily in Indiana and Ohio, with additional facilities in Oregon and Idaho. These products are sold to independent, non-franchise dealers primarily throughout the United States and Canada. Unless the context requires or indicates otherwise, all references to “Thor”, the “Company”, “we”, “our” and “us” refer to Thor Industries, Inc. and its subsidiaries.

The July 31, 2016 amounts are derived from the annual audited financial statements. The interim financial statements are unaudited. In the opinion of management, all adjustments (which consist of normal recurring adjustments) necessary to present fairly the financial position, results of operations and cash flows for the interim periods presented have been made. These financial statements should be read in conjunction with the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended July 31, 2016. Due to seasonality within the recreational vehicle industry, annualizing the results of operations for the nine months ended April 30, 2017 would not necessarily be indicative of the results for a full fiscal year.

Accounting Pronouncements

In January 2017, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2017-04, “Intangibles—Goodwill and Other (Topic 350): Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment,” which eliminates the requirement to calculate the implied fair value of goodwill to measure a goodwill impairment charge (referred to as Step 2 in the goodwill impairment test). Instead, if the carrying amount of a reporting unit exceeds its fair value, an impairment charge equal to that excess shall be recognized, not to exceed the amount of goodwill allocated to the reporting unit. The standard is effective for annual and any interim impairment tests for periods beginning after December 15, 2019, with early adoption permitted after January 1, 2017. The standard is effective for the Company in its fiscal year 2021 beginning on August 1, 2020. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of this standard on its consolidated financial statements, which will depend on the outcomes of future goodwill impairment tests.

In March 2016, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2016-09 (“ASU 2016-09”) “Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting,” which simplifies several aspects of the accounting for employee share-based payment transactions, including the accounting for the related income taxes, forfeitures, statutory tax withholding requirements and classification in the statement of cash flows. ASU 2016-09 is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016, including interim periods within those annual reporting periods. Early adoption is permitted and the Company adopted the provisions of ASU 2016-09 as of August 1, 2016. Applicable provisions of the standard have been adopted prospectively as allowed under the standard. The provisions related to income taxes resulted in a tax benefit of $0 and $1,843 for the three and nine months ended April 30, 2017, respectively. The Company did not change its policy related to forfeitures, which is estimated based on historical forfeiture rates over the vesting period of employee awards. Provisions related to the statement of cash flows have been adopted prospectively and result in the recognition of the excess tax benefits from share-based awards being reflected in cash provided by operating activities.

In September 2015, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2015-16 (“ASU 2015-16”) “Business Combinations (Topic 805): Simplifying the Accounting for Measurement-Period Adjustments,” to simplify the accounting for measurement-period adjustments in a business combination. Under the new standard, an acquirer must recognize adjustments to provisional amounts in a business combination in the reporting period in which the adjustment amounts are determined, rather than retrospectively adjusting the provisional amounts recognized at the acquisition date with a corresponding adjustment to goodwill as under current guidance. ASU 2015-16 is effective for fiscal years, and the interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2015. The Company adopted ASU 2015-16 on August 1, 2016 and there was no impact upon adoption of this standard.

In July 2015, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2015-11 (“ASU 2015-11”) “Inventory (Topic 330): Simplifying the Measurement of Inventory.” ASU 2015-11 requires inventory measured using any method other than last-in, first-out (“LIFO”) or the retail inventory method to be subsequently measured at the lower of cost or net realizable value, rather than at the lower of cost or market. Under this ASU, subsequent measurement of inventory using the LIFO and retail inventory method is unchanged. ASU 2015-11 is effective prospectively for fiscal years, and for interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2016. The standard is effective for the Company in its fiscal year 2018 beginning on August 1, 2017. Early adoption is permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of this ASU on its consolidated financial statements.

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In May 2014, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2014-09 “Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606),” which outlines a single comprehensive model for entities to use in accounting for revenue arising from contracts with customers. This standard will supersede most current revenue recognition guidance. Under the new standard, entities are required to identify the contract with a customer, identify the separate performance obligations in the contract, determine the transaction price, allocate the transaction price to the separate performance obligations in the contract and recognize the appropriate amount of revenue when (or as) the entity satisfies each performance obligation. The standard is effective for fiscal years, and the interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2017. The standard is effective for the Company in its fiscal year 2019 beginning on August 1, 2018. Entities have the option of using either retrospective transition or a modified approach in applying the new standard. The Company is currently evaluating the approach it will use to apply the new standard and the impact that the adoption of the new standard will have on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

Jayco, Corp.

On June 30, 2016, the Company closed on a Stock Purchase Agreement (“Jayco SPA”) for the acquisition of all the issued and outstanding capital stock of towable and motorized recreational vehicle manufacturer Jayco, Corp. (“Jayco”) for initial cash consideration of $576,060, subject to adjustment. This acquisition was funded from the Company’s cash on hand and $360,000 from an asset-based revolving credit facility as more fully described in Note 11 to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements. The final purchase price adjustment of $5,039, included in accounts payable as of July 31, 2016, was based on the final determination of net assets as of the June 30, 2016 closing date and was paid during the first quarter of fiscal 2017. Jayco operates as an independent operation in the same manner as the Company’s other recreational vehicle subsidiaries, and its towables operations are aggregated within the Company’s towable recreational vehicle reportable segment and its motorized operations are aggregated within the Company’s motorized recreational vehicle reportable segment. The Company purchased Jayco to complement its existing towable and motorized RV product offerings and dealer base.

The following table summarizes the preliminary fair values assigned to the Jayco net assets acquired, which are based on internal and independent external valuations, and subject to the finalization of certain current liabilities:

On the acquisition date, amortizable intangible assets had a weighted-average useful life of 19.3 years. The dealer network was valued based on the Discounted Cash Flow Method and is amortized on an accelerated basis over 20 years. The trademarks were valued on the Relief from Royalty Method and are amortized on a straight-line basis over 20 years. Backlog was valued based on the Discounted Cash Flow Method and was amortized on a straight-line basis over 3 months. Goodwill is deductible for tax purposes.

The following unaudited pro forma information represents Thor’s results of operations for the periods presented as if the fiscal 2016 acquisition of Jayco had occurred at the beginning of fiscal 2015. These performance results may not be indicative of the actual results that would have occurred under the ownership and management of Thor.

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The Company has two reportable segments: (1) towable recreational vehicles and (2) motorized recreational vehicles. The towable recreational vehicle reportable segment consists of the following operating segments that have been aggregated: Airstream (towable), Heartland (including Bison, CRV and DRV), Jayco (including Jayco towable, Starcraft and Highland Ridge), Keystone (including CrossRoads and Dutchmen) and KZ (including Livin’ Lite). The motorized recreational vehicle reportable segment consists of the following operating segments that have been aggregated: Airstream (motorized), Jayco (including Jayco motorized and Entegra Coach) and Thor Motor Coach.

The operations of the Company’s Postle subsidiary are included in “Other,” which is a non-reportable segment. Net sales included in Other mainly relate to the sale of aluminum extrusions and specialized component products. Intercompany eliminations adjust for Postle sales to the Company’s towable and motorized segments, which are consummated at established arm’s-length transfer prices generally consistent with the selling prices of extrusion components to third-party customers.

All manufacturing is conducted within the United States. Total assets include those assets used in the operation of each reportable and non-reportable segment, and the Corporate assets consist primarily of cash and cash equivalents and deferred income tax assets.

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The following table reflects the weighted-average common shares used to compute the basic and diluted earnings per common share as included on the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income:

At April 30, 2017 and 2016, the Company had 57,253 and 43,782, respectively, of unvested restricted stock and restricted stock units outstanding which were excluded from this calculation as their effect would be antidilutive.

The Company assesses the inputs used to measure the fair value of certain assets and liabilities using a three-level hierarchy as prescribed in ASC 820, “Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures”, as discussed in Note 10 in the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements in our fiscal 2016 Form 10-K.

The financial assets that were accounted for at fair value on a recurring basis at April 30, 2017 and July 31, 2016, all using Level 1 inputs, are as follows:

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Cash equivalents represent investments in government and other money market funds traded in an active market, and are reported as a component of Cash and Cash Equivalents in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.

Deferred compensation plan assets represent investments in securities (primarily mutual funds) traded in an active market held for the benefit of certain employees of the Company as part of a deferred compensation plan. Deferred compensation plan asset balances are recorded as components of Other long-term assets in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets. An equal and offsetting liability is also recorded in regards to the deferred compensation plan as a component of Other long-term liabilities in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets. Changes in the fair value of the plan assets and the related liability are reflected in Other income (expense), net and Selling, general and administrative expenses, respectively, in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income.

Major classifications of inventories are as follows:

Of the $491,678 and $434,004 of inventories at April 30, 2017 and July 31, 2016, $290,923 and $219,050, respectively, was valued on the last-in, first-out (LIFO) basis, and $200,755 and $214,954, respectively, was valued on the first-in, first-out (FIFO) method.

Property, plant and equipment is stated at cost, net of accumulated depreciation, and consists of the following:

Property, plant and equipment at both April 30, 2017 and July 31, 2016 includes buildings and improvements under capital leases of $6,527 and related amortization included in accumulated depreciation of $1,088 and $680 at April 30, 2017 and July 31, 2016, respectively.

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The components of amortizable intangible assets, net, are as follows:

Estimated annual amortization expense is as follows:

Of the recorded goodwill of $377,693 at both April 30, 2017 and July 31, 2016, $334,822 resides in the towable recreational vehicle segment and $42,871 resides in the other non-reportable segment.

As of the second quarter of fiscal 2016, the Company determined that sufficient evidence existed to warrant an interim goodwill impairment analysis for one of its reporting units. As a result of this analysis, the Company recorded a pre-tax, non-cash goodwill impairment charge of $9,113 related to this reporting unit within the towables reportable segment. For the purpose of this goodwill test, the fair value of the reporting unit was determined by employing a discounted cash flow model, which utilized Level 3 inputs as defined by ASC 820. The $9,113 charge represented the full impairment of the goodwill related to this reporting unit.

The Company completed its annual goodwill impairment test as of April 30, 2017 and no impairment of goodwill was identified.

One dealer, FreedomRoads, LLC, accounted for 18% and 20% of the Company’s continuing consolidated net sales for the nine-month periods ended April 30, 2017 and April 30, 2016, respectively. This dealer also accounted for 23% of the Company’s consolidated trade accounts receivable at April 30, 2017 and 18% at July 31, 2016. The loss of this dealer could have a significant effect on the Company’s business.

The Company generally provides retail customers of its products with a one-year or two-year warranty covering defects in material or workmanship, with longer warranties on certain structural components. The Company records a liability based on its best estimate of the amounts necessary to settle future and existing claims on products sold as of the balance sheet date. Factors used in estimating the warranty liability include a history of units sold, existing dealer inventory, average cost incurred and a profile of the distribution of warranty expenditures over the warranty period. Management believes that the warranty reserves are adequate, however, actual claims incurred could differ from estimates, requiring adjustments to the reserves. Warranty reserves are reviewed and adjusted as necessary on at least a quarterly basis.

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Changes in our product warranty reserves are as follows:

The Company has a five-year credit agreement, which was entered into on June 30, 2016 and matures on June 30, 2021. See Note 12 in the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements in our fiscal 2016 Form 10-K for details regarding the credit agreement. Borrowings outstanding on this facility totaled $295,000 at April 30, 2017 and $360,000 at July 31, 2016. As of April 30, 2017, the available and unused credit line under the revolver was $202,825, and the Company was in compliance with the financial covenant in the credit agreement.

For the three months ended April 30, 2017, the total LIBOR and base rate interest expense on the facility was $1,879 and the weighted-average interest rate on borrowings from the facility was 2.38%. For the nine months ended April 30, 2017, the total LIBOR and base rate interest expense on the facility was $5,583 and the weighted-average interest rate on borrowings from the facility was 2.25%. The Company incurred fees to secure the facility of $7,850 in fiscal 2016, and those fees are being amortized ratably over the five-year term of the agreement, or a shorter period if the credit agreement period is shortened for any reason. The Company recorded charges related to the amortization of these fees, which are included in interest expense, of $392 and $1,177 for the three and nine months ended April 30, 2017, respectively, and the unamortized balance of these facility fees was $6,542 at April 30, 2017 and is included in Other long-term assets in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet.

The carrying value of the Company’s long-term debt at April 30, 2017 approximates fair value as the entire balance is subject to variable market interest rates that the Company believes are market rates for a similarly situated Company. The fair value of debt is largely estimated using level 2 inputs as defined by ASC 820.

The overall effective income tax rate for the three months ended April 30, 2017 was 33.1% compared with 31.9% for the three months ended April 30, 2016. The primary reason for the increase in the effective income tax rate is due to the larger amount of uncertain tax benefit settlements and expirations that occurred in the three months ended April 30, 2016 compared to the three months ended April 30, 2017.

The overall effective income tax rate for the nine months ended April 30, 2017 was 33.0% compared with 32.6% for the nine months ended April 30, 2016. The effective income tax rate for the fiscal 2017 nine-month period includes a benefit of $1,843 related to the adoption of ASU 2016-09 as discussed in Note 1 to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements. The effective income tax rate for the fiscal 2016 nine-month period was favorably impacted by the retroactive reinstatement of the federal research and development credit and other credits that were enacted on December 18, 2015. The effective income tax rates for the fiscal 2017 and fiscal 2016 periods were both favorably impacted by various uncertain tax benefit settlements and expirations.

The Company anticipates a decrease of approximately $5,036 in unrecognized tax benefits, and $734 in accrued interest related to unrecognized tax benefits recorded as of April 30, 2017, within the next 12 months from expected settlements or payments of uncertain tax positions and lapses of the applicable statutes of limitations. Actual results may differ from these estimates.

Generally, fiscal years 2015 and 2016 remain open for federal income tax purposes and fiscal years 2013, 2014, 2015 and 2016 remain open for state and Canadian income tax purposes. The Company and its subsidiaries file a consolidated U.S. federal income tax return and multiple state income tax returns. During the three months ended April 30, 2017 the Company finalized its IRS audit for fiscal year 2014. There were no tax assessments related to the completion of the IRS audit. The Company is also under exam by various state authorities for fiscal years ended July 31, 2013 through 2015. The Company believes it has adequately reserved for its exposure to additional payments for uncertain tax positions related to its Federal and State income tax returns in its liability for unrecognized tax benefits.

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The Company’s total commercial commitments under standby repurchase obligations on dealer inventory financing, as discussed in Note 14 in the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements in our fiscal 2016 Form 10-K, were $2,443,451 and $1,898,307 as of April 30, 2017 and July 31, 2016, respectively. The commitment term is generally up to eighteen months.

The Company accounts for the guarantee under repurchase agreements of dealers’ financing by deferring a portion of the related product sale that represents the estimated fair value of the guarantee at inception. The estimated fair value takes into account an estimate of the losses that may be incurred upon resale of any repurchases. This estimate is based on recent historical experience supplemented by the Company’s assessment of current economic and other conditions affecting its dealers. This deferred amount is included in the repurchase and guarantee reserve balances of $7,175 and $6,068 as of April 30, 2017 and July 31, 2016, respectively, which are included in Other current liabilities on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.

The following table reflects losses incurred related to repurchase agreements that were settled in the periods noted. The Company believes that any future losses under these agreements will not have a significant effect on the Company’s consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows:

The Company is also involved in certain litigation arising out of its operations in the normal course of its business, most of which is based upon state “lemon laws”, warranty claims and vehicle accidents (for which the Company carries insurance above a specified self-insured retention or deductible amount). The outcomes of legal proceedings and claims brought against the Company are subject to significant uncertainty. There is significant judgment required in assessing both the probability of an adverse outcome and the determination as to whether an exposure can be reasonably estimated. In management’s opinion, the ultimate disposition of any current legal proceedings or claims against the Company will not have a material effect on the Company’s financial condition, operating results or cash flows. Litigation is, however, inherently uncertain and an adverse outcome from such litigation could have a material effect on the operating results of a particular reporting period.

During fiscal 2013, the Compensation and Development Committee of the Board (the “Committee”) approved a program to award restricted stock units (the “RSU program”) to certain employees at the operating subsidiary and corporate levels. In December 2016, the stockholders of the Company approved a new equity compensation plan that allows the RSU program to continue in subsequent years on similar terms, but includes a double-trigger change in control provision. The double-trigger provision, which is applicable to awards granted in fiscal 2017 and subsequent years, stipulates that immediate vesting of an outstanding grant would occur only upon the occurrence of both a change in control, as defined by the plan, and a corresponding change in employment status.

Under the RSU program, the Committee has approved awards each October related to the financial performance of the most recently completed fiscal year since 2012. The awarded employee restricted stock units vest, and shares of common stock are issued, in equal installments on the first, second and third anniversaries of the date of grant. In addition, concurrent with the timing of the employee awards, the Nominating and Governance Committee of the Board has awarded restricted stock units to Board members that will vest, and shares of common stock will be issued, on the first anniversary of the date of the grant.

Total expense recognized in the three-month periods ended April 30, 2017 and April 30, 2016 for these restricted stock unit awards and other stock-based compensation was $3,166 and $2,312, respectively. Total expense recognized in the nine-month periods ended April 30, 2017 and April 30, 2016 for these restricted stock unit awards and other stock-based compensation was $9,058 and $6,991, respectively.

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For the restricted stock units that vested during the nine-month periods ended April 30, 2017 and April 30, 2016, a portion of the vested shares awarded were withheld as treasury shares to cover the recipients’ estimated withholding taxes. Tax payments made by the Company related to these stock-based awards for the nine months ended April 30, 2017 and April 30, 2016 totaled $4,572 and $2,484, respectively.

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

Unless otherwise indicated, all dollar amounts are presented in thousands except per share data.

Forward Looking Statements

This report includes certain statements that are “forward looking” statements within the meaning of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. These forward looking statements are made based on management’s current expectations and beliefs regarding future and anticipated developments and their effects upon Thor, and inherently involve uncertainties and risks. These forward looking statements are not a guarantee of future performance. We cannot assure you that actual results will not differ from our expectations. Factors which could cause materially different results include, among others, raw material and commodity price fluctuations, raw material or chassis supply restrictions, the level of warranty claims incurred, legislative, regulatory and tax policy developments, the impact of rising interest rates on our operating results, the costs of compliance with increased governmental regulation, legal and compliance issues including those that may arise in conjunction with recent transactions, the potential impact of increased tax burdens on our dealers and retail consumers, lower consumer confidence and the level of discretionary consumer spending, interest rate fluctuations and the potential impact of rising interest rates on the general economy, restrictive lending practices, management changes, the success of new product introductions, the pace of obtaining and producing at new production facilities, the pace of acquisitions, the potential loss of existing customers of acquisitions, the integration of new acquisitions, our ability to retain key management personnel of acquired companies, the loss or reduction of sales to key dealers, the availability of delivery personnel, asset impairment charges, cost structure changes, competition, the impact of potential losses under repurchase agreements, the potential impact of the strengthening U.S. dollar on international demand, general economic, market and political conditions and the other risks and uncertainties discussed more fully in ITEM 1A of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended July 31, 2016.

We disclaim any obligation or undertaking to disseminate any updates or revisions to any forward looking statements contained in this report or to reflect any change in our expectations after the date hereof or any change in events, conditions or circumstances on which any statement is based, except as required by law.

Executive Overview

We were founded in 1980 and have grown to be one of the largest manufacturers of RVs in North America. According to Statistical Surveys, Inc. (“Stat Surveys”), for the calendar quarter ended March 31, 2017, Thor’s combined U.S. and Canadian market share, including Jayco, was approximately 49.8% for travel trailers and fifth wheels and approximately 41.8% for motorhomes.

Our business model includes decentralized operating units, and we compensate operating management with a combination of cash and restricted stock units, based primarily upon the profitability of the business unit which they manage. Our corporate staff provides financial management, insurance, legal, human resource, risk management and internal audit functions to our operating units. Senior corporate management interacts regularly with operating management to assure that corporate objectives are understood and are monitored appropriately.

Our RV products are sold to independent, non-franchise dealers who, in turn, retail those products. We generally do not finance dealers directly, but do provide industry-customary repurchase agreements to certain of the dealers’ floor plan lenders.

Our growth has been achieved both organically and by acquisition. Our strategy is designed to increase our profitability by driving innovation, servicing our customers, manufacturing quality products, improving the efficiencies of our facilities and making acquisitions.

We have historically relied on internally generated cash flows from operations to finance substantially all of our growth, however, we obtained an asset-based revolving credit facility to partially fund the fiscal 2016 acquisition of Jayco as discussed in Notes 2 and 11 to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements. Capital expenditures of $79,456 for the nine months ended April 30, 2017 were made primarily for land and production building additions and improvements, as well as for replacing machinery and equipment used in the ordinary course of business.

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Recent Events

On June 30, 2016, the Company closed on a Stock Purchase Agreement (“Jayco SPA”) for the acquisition of all the issued and outstanding capital stock of towable and motorized recreational vehicle manufacturer Jayco, Corp. (“Jayco”) for total cash consideration of $581,099. This acquisition was funded from the Company’s cash on hand and $360,000 from an asset-based revolving credit facility as more fully described in Notes 2 and 11 to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements. Jayco operates as an independent operation in the same manner as the Company’s other recreational vehicle subsidiaries. The Company purchased Jayco to complement its existing towable and motorized RV product offerings and dealer base.

Industry Outlook

The Company monitors the industry conditions in the RV market through the use of monthly wholesale shipment data as reported by the Recreation Vehicle Industry Association (“RVIA”), which is typically issued on a one-month lag and represents manufacturers’ RV production and delivery to dealers. In addition, we also monitor monthly retail sales trends as reported by Stat Surveys, whose data is typically issued on a month-and-a-half lag. The Company believes that monthly RV retail sales data is important as consumer purchases impact future dealer orders and ultimately our production.

RV dealer inventory of Thor products as of April 30, 2017 increased 54.8% to approximately 127,100 units from approximately 82,100 units as of April 30, 2016. The acquisition of Jayco accounted for 37,800 of the 45,000 unit increase and 46.0% of the 54.8% percentage increase with an organic increase of 8.8% in correlation with current retail demand. We believe our dealer inventory levels are appropriate for seasonal consumer demand.

Thor’s RV backlog as of April 30, 2017 increased $1,303,313, or 123.3%, to $2,360,124 from $1,056,811 as of April 30, 2016, with Jayco’s backlog accounting for $569,102 and 53.9% of these increases, respectively.

Industry Wholesale Statistics

Key wholesale statistics for the RV industry, as reported by RVIA for the periods indicated, are as follows:

RVIA releases calendar year unit shipment forecasts periodically throughout the calendar year, updating their prior forecast by factoring actual year-to-date wholesale and retail unit shipments and current economic indicators into their new forecast. We expect the next RVIA forecast will be published in June 2017 and will take into consideration current wholesale and retail shipment data.

Industry Retail Statistics

We believe that retail demand is the key to continued growth in the RV industry, and that annual RV industry wholesale shipments will generally be in line with annual retail sales going forward.

Key retail statistics for the RV industry, as reported by Stat Surveys for the periods indicated, are as follows: