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WABASH NATIONAL Corp - Quarter Report: 2008 September (Form 10-Q)

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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, 2008
OR
     
  [ ] TRANSITION REPORT UNDER SECTION 13 OR 15 (d) OF
THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the transition period from                        to                  
Commission File Number: 1-10883
WABASH NATIONAL CORPORATION
( Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
         
Delaware
(State of Incorporation)

1000 Sagamore Parkway South,
Lafayette, Indiana
(Address of Principal
Executive Offices)
  (WABASH)   52-1375208
(IRS Employer
Identification Number)

47905
(Zip Code)
Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (765) 771-5300
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, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):
             
Large accelerated filer o   Accelerated filer ý  Non-accelerated filer o  Smaller reporting company o
        (Do not check if a smaller reporting company)    
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).
Yes o No x
The number of shares of common stock outstanding at October 27, 2008 was 30,700,337.

 


 

WABASH NATIONAL CORPORATION
INDEX
FORM 10-Q
         
       
Page
PART I – FINANCIAL INFORMATION    
   
 
   
Item 1.  
Financial Statements
   
   
 
   
      3
   
 
   
      4
   
 
   
      5
   
 
   
      6
   
 
   
Item 2.     14
   
 
   
Item 3.     22
   
 
   
Item 4.     23
   
 
   
PART II – OTHER INFORMATION    
   
 
   
Item 1A.     23
   
 
   
Item 2.     24
   
 
   
Item 6.     24
   
 
   
      24

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WABASH NATIONAL CORPORATION
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(Dollars in thousands)
                 
    September 30,     December 31,  
    2008     2007  
    (Unaudited)          
ASSETS
               
CURRENT ASSETS
               
Cash and cash equivalents
  $ 12,345     $ 41,224  
Accounts receivable, net
    75,856       68,752  
Inventories
    132,841       113,125  
Deferred income taxes
    15,248       14,514  
Prepaid expenses and other
    3,715       4,046  
 
           
Total current assets
    240,005       241,661  
 
               
PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT, net
    122,221       122,063  
 
               
DEFERRED INCOME TAXES
    7,887       2,772  
 
               
GOODWILL
    66,317       66,317  
 
               
INTANGIBLE ASSETS
    29,925       32,498  
 
               
OTHER ASSETS
    16,536       18,271  
 
           
 
  $ 482,891     $ 483,582  
 
           
 
               
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
               
CURRENT LIABILITIES
               
Current portion of capital lease obligation
  $ 590     $ -  
Accounts payable
    80,496       40,787  
Other accrued liabilities
    48,496       54,258  
 
           
Total current liabilities
    129,582       95,045  
 
               
LONG-TERM DEBT
    79,000       104,500  
 
               
CAPITAL LEASE OBLIGATION
    4,636       -  
 
               
OTHER NONCURRENT LIABILITIES AND CONTINGENCIES
    4,481       4,108  
 
               
STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
               
Preferred stock, 25,000,000 shares authorized, no shares issued or outstanding
    -       -  
Common stock 75,000,000 shares authorized, $0.01 par value, 29,993,606 and 29,842,945 shares issued and outstanding, respectively
    324       321  
Additional paid-in capital
    350,610       347,143  
Retained deficit
    (60,125 )     (42,058 )
Accumulated other comprehensive income
    (140 )     -  
Treasury stock at cost, 1,675,600 common shares
    (25,477 )     (25,477 )
 
           
Total stockholders’ equity
    265,192       279,929  
 
           
 
  $ 482,891     $ 483,582  
 
           
See Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

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WABASH NATIONAL CORPORATION
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
(Unaudited)
                                 
    Three Months     Nine Months  
    Ended September 30,     Ended September 30,  
    2008     2007     2008     2007  
NET SALES
  $ 242,953     $ 291,017     $ 605,498     $ 844,720  
 
                               
COST OF SALES
    233,965       266,424       579,832       772,110  
 
                       
 
                               
Gross profit
    8,988       24,593       25,666       72,610  
 
                               
GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES
    10,060       13,173       32,016       38,332  
 
                               
SELLING EXPENSES
    3,420       3,916       10,189       12,029  
 
                       
 
                               
(Loss) Income from operations
    (4,492 )     7,504       (16,539 )     22,249  
 
                               
OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE)
                               
Interest expense
    (1,154 )     (1,416 )     (3,349 )     (4,410 )
Foreign exchange, net
    (85 )     65       (91 )     461  
Gain on debt extinguishment
    -       -       151       -  
Other, net
    113       (86 )     (83 )     (592 )
 
                       
 
                               
(Loss) Income before income taxes
    (5,618 )     6,067       (19,911 )     17,708  
 
                               
INCOME TAX (BENEFIT) EXPENSE
    (1,288 )     2,289       (5,991 )     7,059  
 
                       
 
                               
NET (LOSS) INCOME
  $ (4,330 )   $ 3,778     $ (13,920 )   $ 10,649  
 
                       
 
                               
COMMON STOCK DIVIDENDS DECLARED
  $ 0.045     $ 0.045     $ 0.135     $ 0.135  
 
                       
 
                               
BASIC NET (LOSS) INCOME PER SHARE
  $ (0.14 )   $ 0.13     $ (0.47 )   $ 0.35  
 
                       
 
                               
DILUTED NET (LOSS) INCOME PER SHARE
  $ (0.14 )   $ 0.12     $ (0.47 )   $ 0.35  
 
                       
 
                               
COMPREHENSIVE (LOSS) INCOME
                               
Net (loss) income
  $ (4,330 )   $ 3,778     $ (13,920 )   $ 10,649  
Changes in fair value of derivatives (net of tax)
    (140 )     -       (140 )     -  
Foreign currency translation adjustment
    -       113       -       339  
 
                       
NET COMPREHENSIVE (LOSS) INCOME
  $ (4,470 )   $ 3,891     $ (14,060 )   $ 10,988  
 
                       
See Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

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WABASH NATIONAL CORPORATION
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(Dollars in thousands)
(Unaudited)
                 
    Nine Months Ended September 30,  
    2008     2007  
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES
               
Net (loss) income
  $ (13,920 )   $ 10,649  
Adjustments to reconcile net (loss) income to net cash provided by operating activities
               
Depreciation and amortization
    15,535       14,477  
Net loss on the sale of assets
    236       106  
Gain on early debt extinguishment
    (151 )     -  
Deferred income taxes
    (5,849 )     6,596  
Excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation
    (6 )     (33 )
Stock-based compensation
    3,452       3,213  
Changes in operating assets and liabilities
               
Accounts receivable
    (7,104 )     10,120  
Inventories
    (19,716 )     (21,211 )
Prepaid expenses and other
    2,028       2,260  
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities
    33,705       (9,991 )
Other, net
    81       826  
 
           
Net cash provided by operating activities
    8,291       17,012  
 
               
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES
               
Capital expenditures
    (8,037 )     (5,196 )
Acquisition, net of cash acquired
    -       (4,500 )
Proceeds from the sale of property, plant and equipment
    131       124  
 
           
Net cash used in investing activities
    (7,906 )     (9,572 )
 
               
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES
               
Proceeds from exercise of stock options
    97       74  
Excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation
    6       33  
Borrowings under revolving credit facilities
    139,250       99,424  
Payments under revolving credit facilities
    (60,250 )     (99,424 )
Payments under long-term obligations
    (104,133 )     -  
Principal payments under capital lease obligation
    (107 )     -  
Repurchases of common stock
    -       (11,668 )
Common stock dividends paid
    (4,127 )     (4,107 )
 
           
Net cash used in financing activities
    (29,264 )     (15,668 )
 
           
 
               
NET DECREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS
    (28,879 )     (8,228 )
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT BEGINNING OF PERIOD
    41,224       29,885  
 
           
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT END OF PERIOD
  $ 12,345     $ 21,657  
 
           
See Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

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WABASH NATIONAL CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)
1. GENERAL
     The condensed consolidated financial statements of Wabash National Corporation (the Company) have been prepared without audit, pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission. Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles have been condensed or omitted pursuant to such rules and regulations. In management’s opinion, the accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements contain all material adjustments (consisting only of normal recurring adjustments) necessary to present fairly the consolidated financial position of the Company, its results of operations and cash flows. The condensed consolidated financial statements included herein should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and the notes thereto included in the Company’s 2007 Annual Report on Form 10-K.
2. NEW ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS
     Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities. In March 2008, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 161, Disclosures about Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities — an amendment of FASB Statement No. 133. The statement requires enhanced disclosures for derivative and hedging activities, including information that would enable financial statement users to understand how and why a company uses derivative instruments, how derivative instruments and related hedged items are accounted for under SFAS No. 133, Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities, and how derivative instruments and related hedged items affect an entity’s financial position, financial performance and cash flows. This statement is effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years and interim periods beginning after November 15, 2008 and will be applicable to the Company in the first quarter of 2009. As SFAS No. 161 only requires enhanced disclosures, the Company does not anticipate that this standard will have a material impact on its financial position, results of operations or cash flows.
     Fair Value Measurements. In September 2006, the FASB issued SFAS No. 157, Fair Value Measurements. The Statement provides guidance for using fair value to measure assets and liabilities and only applies when other standards require or permit the fair value measurement of assets and liabilities. It does not expand the use of fair value measurement. In February 2008, the FASB announced that it was deferring the effective date to fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2008 for certain non-financial assets and non-financial liabilities, except those that are recognized or disclosed at fair value in the financial statements on a recurring basis. For these financial and non-financial assets and liabilities that are remeasured at least annually, this statement was effective for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007. Derivative instruments and hedging activities are carried at fair value. The adoption of SFAS No. 157 has not and is not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s financial position, results of operations or cash flows. See Note 6 for further discussion of fair value for derivative instruments.

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3. INVENTORIES
     Inventories consisted of the following (in thousands):
                 
    September 30,     December 31,  
    2008     2007  
Raw materials and components
  $ 42,075     $ 29,666  
Work in progress
    5,801       1,023  
Finished goods
    62,775       64,772  
Aftermarket parts
    5,730       5,324  
Used trailers
    16,460       12,340  
 
           
 
  $ 132,841     $ 113,125  
 
           
4. LONG-TERM BORROWINGS
     The Company maintains a $200 million loan and security agreement (Revolving Facility) with its lenders that matures March 6, 2012. The Revolving Facility is subject to a borrowing base and as of September 30, 2008, borrowings outstanding on the Revolving Facility totaled $79.0 million.
     On July 24, 2008, the Company entered into a three-year lease for a manufacturing facility located in Cadiz, Kentucky. The lease includes a bargain purchase option. As of September 30, 2008, the present value of future minimum lease payments totaled $5.2 million with annual minimum payments of $0.1 million, $0.6 million, $0.6 million and $4.6 million for the years ending 2008 through 2011, respectively, including interest of approximately $0.7 million. The assets related to the manufacturing facility are recorded within Property, Plant and Equipment in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet for $5.3 million (net of less than $0.1 million of accumulated depreciation).
     During the third quarter of 2008, the Company purchased and retired the remaining $26.4 million in aggregate principal amount of the Company’s Senior Convertible Notes outstanding.
5. DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS AND HEDGING ACTIVITIES
     On September 26, 2008, the Company entered into a two-year interest rate swap agreement (“Swap”) whereby the Company pays a fixed rate of 3.753% on $30 million of notional principal to its counterparty, and the counterparty pays to the Company a variable rate on the same notional amount based on the three-month London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”). The Company is exposed to credit loss in the event of nonperformance by the counterparty. However, the Company considers this risk to be low.
     Under the provisions of SFAS No. 133, Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities, as amended and interpreted, the Company has designated the Swap as a cash flow hedge in an effort to reduce its exposure to fluctuations in interest rates by converting a portion of its variable rate borrowings to a fixed rate for a specific period of time. The changes in the fair value of a derivative designated as a cash flow hedge are recorded in other comprehensive income and are recognized in the statement of operations when the hedged item affects net income.
     As of September 30, 2008, the Company estimates the fair value of the $30 million notional Swap to be a liability of $0.2 million. The fair value of the Swap is estimated using Level 3 inputs. The fair

7


 

value is an estimate of the net amount that the Company would be required to pay or would receive on September 30, 2008, if the agreement was transferred to another party or cancelled by the Company.
     6. FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS
     As discussed in Note 2, in September 2006, the FASB issued SFAS No. 157 which addresses aspects of expanding the application of fair value accounting. Effective January 1, 2008, the Company adopted SFAS No. 157. Pursuant to the provisions of FSP No. 157-2, the Company has deferred the adoption of SFAS No. 157 for non-financial assets and liabilities that are recognized or disclosed at fair value in the financial statements on a nonrecurring basis.
     SFAS No. 157 establishes a three-level valuation hierarchy for fair value measurements. These valuation techniques are based upon the transparency of inputs (observable and unobservable) to the valuation of an asset or liability as of the measurement date. Observable inputs reflect market data obtained from independent sources, while unobservable inputs reflect the Company’s market assumptions. These two types of inputs create the following fair value hierarchy:
    Level 1 — Valuation is based on quoted prices for identical assets or liabilities in active markets;
 
    Level 2 — Valuation is based on quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets, or other inputs that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly, for the full term of the financial instrument; and
 
    Level 3 — Valuation is based upon other unobservable inputs that are significant to the fair value measurement.
     The following table sets forth by level within the fair value hierarchy the Company’s financial assets and liabilities that were accounted for at fair value on a recurring basis as of September 30, 2008 (in thousands):
                                 
    Level 1     Level 2     Level 3        
    Quoted Prices                    
    in Active     Significant              
    Markets for     Other     Significant        
    Identical Assets     Observable     Unobservable        
    Or Liabilities     Inputs     Inputs     Total  
Assets
                               
Interest rate derivatives
  $ -     $ -     $ -     $ -  
 
                       
 
                               
Liabilities
                               
Interest rate derivatives
  $ -     $ -     $ 230     $ 230  
 
                       

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     Financial instruments classified as Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy represent derivative contracts in which management has used at least one significant unobservable input in the valuation model. The following table presents a reconciliation of activity for such derivative contracts on a net basis (in thousands):
                 
    Three Months Ended     Nine Months Ended  
    September 30, 2008     Septembr 30, 2008  
Balance at beginning of period
  $ -     $ -  
Total realized/unrealized (losses) or gains included in other comprehensive income
    (230 )     (230 )
Purchases, sales, issuances, and settlements
    -       -  
Transfers in and (or) out of Level 3
    -       -  
 
           
Balance at end of period
  $ (230 )   $ (230 )
 
           
7. STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION
     The Company adopted SFAS No. 123(R), Share-Based Payment, using the modified prospective method. This Statement requires that all share-based payments to employees, including grants of employee stock options, be recognized in the financial statements based upon their fair value.
     SFAS No. 123(R) requires the use of a valuation model to calculate the fair value of stock option awards. The Company has valued new stock option awards granted using a binomial model, which incorporates various assumptions including volatility, expected life, dividend yield and risk-free interest rates. The expected life and volatility assumptions are based on the Company’s historical experience as well as the terms and conditions of stock option awards it grants to employees.
     The Company’s policy is to recognize expense for awards subject to graded vesting using the straight-line attribution method. The amount of after-tax compensation costs related to nonvested stock options and restricted stock not yet recognized was $7.5 million at September 30, 2008, for which the expense will be recognized through 2011.
8. CONTINGENCIES
     Various lawsuits, claims and proceedings have been or may be instituted or asserted against the Company arising in the ordinary course of business, including those pertaining to product liability, labor and health related matters, successor liability, environmental and possible tax assessments. While the amounts claimed could be substantial, the ultimate liability cannot now be determined because of the considerable uncertainties that exist. Therefore, it is possible that results of operations or liquidity in a particular period could be materially affected by certain contingencies. However, based on facts currently available, management believes that the disposition of matters that are currently pending or asserted will not have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial position, liquidity or results of operations.
     Brazil Joint Venture. In March 2001, Bernard Krone Indústria e Comércio de Máquinas Agrícolas Ltda. (“BK”) filed suit against the Company in the Fourth Civil Court of Curitiba in the State of Paraná, Brazil. Because of the bankruptcy of BK, this proceeding is now pending before the Second Civil Court of Bankruptcies and Creditors Reorganization of Curitiba, State of Paraná (No. 232/99).
     This case grows out of a proposed joint venture with BK and the Company related to marketing of RoadRailerâ trailers in Brazil and other areas of South America. BK was placed into the Brazilian equivalent of bankruptcy late in 2000. BK subsequently filed its lawsuit against the Company alleging

9


 

that it was forced to terminate business with other companies because of exclusivity and non-compete clauses related to the proposed joint venture. BK asserts damages of approximately $8.4 million.
     The Company answered the complaint in May 2001, denying any wrongdoing. The matter is set for trial in December 2008. The Company believes that the claims asserted by BK are without merit and will defend its position. The Company believes that the resolution of this lawsuit will not have a material adverse effect on its financial position, liquidity or future results of operations; however, at this stage of the proceeding no assurances can be given as to the ultimate outcome of the case.
     Intellectual Property. In October 2006, the Company filed a patent infringement suit against Vanguard National Corporation (“Vanguard”) regarding U.S. Patent Nos. 6,986,546 and 6,220,651 in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Indiana (Civil Action No. 4:06-cv-135); and amended the Complaint in April 2007. In May 2007, Vanguard filed its Answer to the Amended Complaint, along with Counterclaims seeking findings of non-infringement, invalidity, and unenforceability of the subject patents. The Company filed a reply to Vanguard’s counterclaims in May 2007, denying any wrongdoing or merit to the allegations as set forth in the counterclaims.
     The Company believes that the claims asserted by Vanguard are without merit and will defend its position. The Company believes that the resolution of this lawsuit will not have a material adverse effect on its financial position, liquidity or future results of operations; however, at this stage of the proceeding, no assurance can be given as to the ultimate outcome of the case.
     Environmental Disputes. In September 2003, the Company was noticed as a potentially responsible party (PRP) by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency pertaining to the Motorola 52nd Street, Phoenix, Arizona Superfund Site pursuant to the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act. PRPs include current and former owners and operators of facilities at which hazardous substances were disposed. EPA’s allegation that the Company was a PRP arises out of the operation of a former branch facility located approximately five miles from the original site. The Company does not expect that these proceedings will have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial condition or results of operations.
     In January 2006, the Company received a letter from the North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources indicating that a site that the Company formerly owned near Charlotte, North Carolina has been included on the state’s October 2005 Inactive Hazardous Waste Sites Priority List. The letter states that the Company was being notified in fulfillment of the state’s “statutory duty” to notify those who own and those who at present are known to be responsible for each Site on the Priority List. No action is being requested from the Company at this time. The Company does not expect that this designation will have a material adverse effect on its financial condition or results of operations.
9. NET INCOME PER SHARE
     Per share results have been computed based on the average number of common shares outstanding. The computation of basic and diluted net income per share is determined using net income as the numerator and the number of shares included in the denominator as follows (in thousands, except per share amounts):

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    Three Months Ended September 30,     Nine Months Ended September 30,  
    2008     2007     2008     2007  
Basic net (loss) income per share
                               
Net (loss) income applicable to common stockholders
  $ (4,330 )   $ 3,778     $ (13,920 )   $ 10,649  
 
                       
Weighted average common shares outstanding
    29,993       29,874       29,933       30,132  
 
                       
Basic net (loss) income per share
  $ (0.14 )   $ 0.13     $ (0.47 )   $ 0.35  
 
                       
Diluted net (loss) income per share
                               
Net (loss) income applicable to common stockholders
  $ (4,330 )   $ 3,778     $ (13,920 )   $ 10,649  
After-tax equivalent of interest on convertible notes
    -       741       -       2,222  
 
                       
Diluted net (loss) income applicable to common stockholders
  $ (4,330 )   $ 4,519     $ (13,920 )   $ 12,871  
 
                       
 
                               
Weighted average common shares outstanding
    29,993       29,874       29,933       30,132  
Dilutive stock options/shares
    -       234       -       255  
Convertible notes equivalent shares
    -       6,692       -       6,675  
 
                       
Diluted weighted average common shares outstanding
    29,993       36,800       29,933       37,062  
 
                       
Diluted net (loss) income per share
  $ (0.14 )   $ 0.12     $ (0.47 )   $ 0.35  
 
                       
     Average diluted shares outstanding for the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2008 exclude the antidilutive effects of the Company’s Convertible Notes. For the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2008, the after-tax equivalent of interest on Convertible Notes was $0.1 million and $0.8 million, respectively, and the Convertible Notes equivalent shares were 0.5 million and 2.3 million, respectively. Diluted shares outstanding for the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2008 also exclude the antidilutive effects of potentially dilutive stock options and restricted stock totaling approximately 125,000 and 107,000 shares of common stock, respectively.
10. INCOME TAXES
     The Company recognized an income tax benefit of $6.0 million in the first nine months of 2008 compared to an expense of $7.1 million in the prior year period. The effective tax rate for the nine months of 2008 was 30.1% compared to 39.9% for the prior year period. For 2008, the effective tax rate differs from the U.S. Federal statutory rate of 35% primarily due to a valuation allowance provided for state income taxes and other permanent differences between book income and taxable income.
     The following table provides reconciliation of differences from the U.S. federal statutory rate of 35% (in thousands):
                 
    Nine Months Ended September 30,  
    2008     2007  
Pretax book income
  $ (19,911 )   $ 17,708  
 
               
Federal tax expense at 35% statutory rate
    (6,969 )     6,198  
State and local income taxes
    (724 )     755  
Provision for (utilization of) valuation allowance for net operating losses - U.S. and state
    786       (86 )
Other
    916       192  
 
           
Total income tax (benefit) expense
  $ (5,991 )   $ 7,059  
 
           

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11. PRODUCT WARRANTIES
     The following table presents the changes in the product warranty accrual included in Other Accrued Liabilities (in thousands):
                 
    2008     2007  
Balance as of January 1
  $ 17,246     $ 14,978  
Provision for warranties issued in current year
    2,250       3,238  
Additional provisions for pre-existing warranties
    635       2,133  
Payments
    (3,320 )     (3,341 )
 
           
Balance as of September 30
  $ 16,811     $ 17,008  
 
           
     The Company offers a limited warranty for its products. With respect to Company products manufactured prior to 2005, the limited warranty coverage period is five years. Beginning in 2005, the coverage period for DuraPlate® trailer panels was extended to ten years, with all other products remaining at five years. The Company passes through component manufacturers’ warranties to our customers. The Company’s policy is to accrue the estimated cost of warranty coverage at the time of the sale.
12. SEGMENTS
     a. Segment Reporting
     Under the provisions of SFAS No. 131, Disclosure about Segments of an Enterprise and Related Information, the Company has two reportable segments: manufacturing and retail and distribution. The manufacturing segment produces and sells new trailers to the retail and distribution segment or to customers who purchase trailers directly from the Company or through independent dealers. The retail and distribution segment includes the sale of new and used trailers, as well as the sale of after-market parts and service, through its retail branch network.

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     Reportable segment information is as follows (in thousands):
                                 
Three Months Ended           Retail and             Consolidated  
September 30, 2008   Manufacturing     Distribution     Eliminations     Totals  
Net sales
                               
External customers
  $ 199,838     $ 43,115     $ -     $ 242,953  
Intersegment sales
    17,819       -       (17,819 )   $ -  
 
                       
Total net sales
  $ 217,657     $ 43,115     $ (17,819 )   $ 242,953  
 
                       
 
                               
(Loss) Income from operations
  $ (3,221 )   $ (1,381 )   $ 110     $ (4,492 )
Assets
  $ 582,014     $ 131,377     $ (230,500 )   $ 482,891  
 
                               
Three Months Ended
September 30, 2007
                               
Net sales
                               
External customers
  $ 256,847     $ 34,170     $ -     $ 291,017  
Intersegment sales
    13,207       544       (13,751 )   $ -  
 
                       
Total net sales
  $ 270,054     $ 34,714     $ (13,751 )   $ 291,017  
 
                       
 
                               
Income (Loss) from operations
  $ 8,165     $ (699 )   $ 38     $ 7,504  
Assets
  $ 654,252     $ 125,924     $ (236,574 )   $ 543,602  
 
                               
Nine Months Ended
September 30, 2008
                               
Net sales
                               
External customers
  $ 493,201     $ 112,297     $ -     $ 605,498  
Intersegment sales
    42,837       32       (42,869 )   $ -  
 
                       
Total net sales
  $ 536,038     $ 112,329     $ (42,869 )   $ 605,498  
 
                       
 
                               
(Loss) Income from operations
  $ (14,613 )   $ (2,767 )   $ 841     $ (16,539 )
Assets
  $ 582,014     $ 131,377     $ (230,500 )   $ 482,891  
 
                               
Nine Months Ended
September 30, 2007
                               
Net sales
                               
External customers
  $ 727,695     $ 117,025     $ -     $ 844,720  
Intersegment sales
    49,516       544       (50,060 )   $ -  
 
                       
Total net sales
  $ 777,211     $ 117,569     $ (50,060 )   $ 844,720  
 
                       
 
                               
Income (Loss) from operations
  $ 24,212     $ (1,337 )   $ (626 )   $ 22,249  
Assets
  $ 654,252     $ 125,924     $ (236,574 )   $ 543,602  
     b. Product Information
     The Company offers products primarily in three general categories: new trailers, used trailers and parts and service. Other sales include leasing and freight revenue. The following table sets forth the major product categories and their percentage of consolidated net sales (dollars in thousands):
                                                                     
    Three Months Ended September 30,   Nine Months Ended September 30,
    2008   2007   2008   2007
    $   %   $   %   $   %   $   %
New trailers
    215,978       88.9       265,020       91.1       530,213       87.6       763,489       90.4  
Used trailers
    11,097       4.6       8,098       2.8       29,560       4.9       29,763       3.5  
Parts and service
    13,804       5.7       14,811       5.1       41,330       6.8       43,500       5.2  
Other
    2,074       0.8       3,088       1.0       4,395       0.7       7,968       0.9  
 
                                                               
Total net sales
    242,953       100.0       291,017       100.0       605,498       100.0       844,720       100.0  
 
                                                               

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ITEM 2.   MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
CAUTIONARY NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
     This report contains forward-looking statements. Additional written or oral forward-looking statements may be made by Wabash National Corporation (the Company) from time to time in filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission or otherwise. The words “believe,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “project” and similar expressions identify forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date the statement is made. Such forward-looking statements are within the meaning of that term in Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Such statements may include, but are not limited to, information regarding our business plan, our expected revenues, income or loss, capital expenditures, acquisitions, divestitures, contingencies, financing and refinancing needs or plans, liquidity, plans for future operations, commodity pricing and our ability to obtain commodities, the impact of inflation and plans relating to services of the Company, as well as assumptions related to the foregoing. Forward-looking statements are inherently subject to risks and uncertainties, some of which cannot be predicted or quantified. Future events and actual results could differ materially from those set forth in, contemplated by or underlying forward-looking statements. Statements in this report, including those set forth in “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations,” describe factors, among others, that could contribute to or cause such differences.
     Although we believe that our expectations expressed in these forward-looking statements are reasonable, we cannot ensure that our expectations will turn out to be correct. Our actual results could be materially different from and worse than our expectations. Important risks and factors that could cause our actual results to be materially different from our expectations include the factors that are disclosed under the heading “Risk Factors” in our Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2007 and elsewhere herein, including, but not limited to, Item 1A of Part II hereof.
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
     The following table sets forth certain operating data as a percentage of net sales for the periods indicated:

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    Percentage of Net Sales  
    Three Months Ended September 30,     Nine Months Ended September 30,  
    2008     2007     2008     2007  
Net sales
    100.0 %     100.0 %     100.0 %     100.0 %
Cost of sales
    96.3       91.5       95.8       91.4  
 
                               
Gross profit
    3.7       8.5       4.2       8.6  
 
                               
General and administrative expenses
    4.1       4.5       5.3       4.5  
Selling expenses
    1.4       1.4       1.6       1.5  
 
                               
(Loss) Income from operations
    (1.8 )     2.6       (2.7 )     2.6  
 
                               
Interest expense
    (0.5 )     (0.5 )     (0.6 )     (0.5 )
Foreign exchange, net
    -       -       -       0.1  
Other, net
    -       -       -       (0.1 )
 
                               
(Loss) Income before income taxes
    (2.3 )     2.1       (3.3 )     2.1  
 
                               
Income tax (benefit) expense
    (0.5 )     0.8       (1.0 )     0.8  
 
                               
Net (loss) income
    (1.8) %     1.3 %     (2.3 )%     1.3 %
 
                               
     For the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2008, we recorded net sales of $243.0 million and $605.5 million, respectively, compared to $291.0 million and $844.7 million in the prior year periods. Despite an increase in average selling prices, net sales declined year over year for the nine month period ended September 30, 2008 due to an 11,600, or 32.6%, decline in trailer volumes compared to the prior year period resulting from continued weak market demand which is a product of the current macroeconomic environment and the continuing recessionary conditions in the transportation industry. Gross profit margin as a percentage of sales declined to 3.7% in the third quarter of 2008 compared to 8.5% in the third quarter of 2007. Gross profit was negatively impacted by reduced volumes and increased material costs. Loss from operations in the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2008, was $4.5 million and $16.5 million, respectively, compared to income of $7.5 million and $22.2 million for the same periods in 2007. Operating income was favorably impacted for the three and nine month periods of 2008 due to a decrease in selling, general and administrative costs compared to the 2007 periods resulting from reductions in professional services, salaries and other employee related expenses.
     As a recognized industry leader, we continue to focus on product innovation, lean manufacturing, strategic sourcing and workforce rationalization in order to strengthen our industry position and improve operating results.
Three Months Ended September 30, 2008
Net Sales
     Net sales decreased $48.0 million, or 16.5%, compared to the third quarter of 2007. By business segment, net external sales and related units sold were as follows (dollars in millions):

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    Three Months Ended September 30,  
    2008     2007     % Change  
Sales by segment
                       
Manufacturing
  $ 199.9     $ 256.8       (22.2 )
Retail and distribution
    43.1       34.2       26.0  
 
                   
Total
  $ 243.0     $ 291.0       (16.5 )
 
                   
 
                       
    (units)
       
 
                       
New trailer units
                       
Manufacturing
    8,800       11,500       (23.5 )
Retail and distribution
    900       600       50.0  
 
                   
Total
    9,700       12,100       (19.8 )
 
                   
 
                       
Used trailer units
    2,200       1,000       120.0  
 
                 
     Manufacturing segment sales were $199.9 million in the third quarter of 2008, down $56.9 million, or 22.2%, compared to the third quarter of 2007. Due to continued weak market demand, new trailer sales decreased approximately 2,700 units, or $58.1 million. The decrease in sales volume in the third quarter of 2008 was only partially offset by higher average selling prices totaling $1.6 million as continued efforts to offset increased material prices were muted by shipping a higher percentage of lower priced pup trailers in 2008 as compared to the same period in 2007.
     Retail and distribution segment sales were $43.1 million in the third quarter of 2008, up $8.9 million, or 26.0% compared to the prior year third quarter. New trailer sales increased $7.5 million due to higher volumes, increased average selling prices and favorable product mix. Used trailer sales were up $3.0 million, or 37.0%, due to higher volumes offset by lower average selling prices as depressed market conditions for used trailers have driven values down. Parts and service sales were down $1.5 million in the third quarter of 2008 compared to the prior year period due to continued weak market demand.
Gross Profit
     Gross profit was $9.0 million in the third quarter of 2008, down $15.6 million, or 63.4%, from the prior year period. Gross profit as a percent of sales was 3.7% for the quarter compared to 8.5% for the same period in 2007. Gross profit by segment was as follows (in millions):
                         
    Three Months Ended September 30,  
    2008     2007     % Change  
Gross profit by segment
                       
Manufacturing
  $ 7.4     $ 21.9       (66.2 )
Retail and distribution
    1.5       2.7       (44.4 )
Eliminations
    0.1       -          
 
                 
Total gross profit
  $ 9.0     $ 24.6       (63.4 )
 
                 
     Manufacturing segment gross profit in the third quarter of 2008 was $7.4 million, a decrease of $14.5 million, or 66.2%, compared to the third quarter of 2007. Gross profit as a percentage of sales was 3.7% compared to 8.5% for the prior year period. The decrease in gross profit and gross profit percentage

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was primarily driven by the 23.5% decline in new trailer volumes and increases in raw material costs which outpaced selling price increases.
     Retail and distribution segment gross profit in the third quarter of 2008 was $1.5 million, a decrease of $1.2 million, or 44.4%, compared to the 2007 period. Gross profit as a percentage of sales was 3.5% compared to 7.9% for the prior year period due to decreased parts and service volume coupled with continued pricing pressures for new trailer sales and depressed valuations for used trailers.
General and Administrative Expenses
     General and administrative expenses decreased $3.1 million to $10.1 million in the third quarter of 2008 compared to the prior year period primarily due to reductions in professional services, employee related costs and bad debt expense.
Selling Expenses
     Selling expenses decreased $0.5 million to $3.4 million in the third quarter of 2008 compared to the prior year period primarily due to decreases in employee related costs.
Income Taxes
     An income tax benefit of $1.3 million was recognized for the three months ending September 30, 2008, compared to an expense of $2.3 million in the prior year period. The effective tax rate for the third quarter of 2008 was 22.9% compared to 37.7% for the third quarter of 2007. For the third quarter of 2008, the effective tax rate differs from the U.S. Federal statutory rate of 35% primarily due to a valuation allowance provided for state income taxes and other permanent differences between book income and taxable income.
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2008
Net Sales
     Net sales for the first nine months were $605.5, a decrease of $239.2 million, or 28.3%, compared to the 2007 period. By business segment, net external sales and related units sold were as follows (dollars in millions):

17


 

                         
    Nine Months Ended September 30,  
    2008     2007     % Change  
Sales by segment
                       
Manufacturing
  $ 493.2     $ 727.7       (32.2 )
Retail and distribution
    112.3       117.0       (4.0 )
 
                 
Total
  $ 605.5     $ 844.7       (28.3 )
 
                 
 
                       
          (units)              
 
                       
New trailer units
                       
Manufacturing
    22,000       33,300       (33.9 )
Retail and distribution
    2,000       2,300       (13.0 )
 
                 
Total
    24,000       35,600       (32.6 )
 
                 
 
                       
Used trailer units
    5,300       3,600       47.2  
 
                 
     Manufacturing segment sales were $493.2 million for the first nine months of 2008, a decrease of $234.5 million, or 32.2%, compared to the prior year period. The decrease was attributable to lower trailer volumes of 11,300 units which had an impact of $240.2 million. The volume decline was due to weak market demand. This decrease in sales volume for the first nine months of 2008 was partially offset by higher average selling prices totaling $8.9 million due to efforts made to offset material price increases and product mix.
     Retail and distribution segment sales were $112.3 million for the first nine months of 2008, down $4.7 million, or 4.0%, compared to the prior year period. This decrease was primarily the result of lower new trailer volumes from weak demand and lower selling prices for used trailers resulting from depressed market conditions and unfavorable product mix in the current year period due to the model age and condition of used trailers sold. Parts and service sales in the first nine months of 2008 were down $2.5 million, or 7.9%, compared to the prior year period due to weak market demand.
Gross Profit
     Gross profit for the first nine months of 2008 was $25.7 million, down $46.9 million, or 64.6%, compared to the first nine months of 2007. Gross profit as a percent of sales was 4.2% compared to 8.6% for the same period in 2007. Gross profit by segment was as follows (in millions):
                         
    Nine Months Ended September 30,  
    2008     2007     % Change  
Gross profit by segment
                       
Manufacturing
  $ 18.9     $ 65.0       (70.9 )
Retail and distribution
    5.9       8.3       (28.9 )
Eliminations
    0.9       (0.7 )        
 
                 
Total gross profit
  $ 25.7     $ 72.6       (64.6 )
 
                 
     Manufacturing segment gross profit was $18.9 million for the first nine months of 2008, a decrease of $46.1 million, or 70.9%, compared to the prior year period. Gross profit as a percentage of sales was 3.8% compared to 8.9% for the first nine months of 2007. The decrease in gross profit and

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gross profit margin percentage was primarily driven by the 33.9% decline in new trailer volumes and continued increases in raw material costs which outpaced increases in selling prices.
     Retail and distribution segment gross profit for the first nine months of 2008 was $5.9 million, a decrease of $2.4 million, or 28.9%, compared to the prior year period. Gross profit as a percentage of sales was 5.3% compared to 7.1% in the prior year period due to product mix, pricing pressures on new and used trailers and reduced parts and service volumes.
General and Administrative Expenses
     General and administrative expenses decreased $6.3 million to $32.0 million in the first nine months of 2008 compared to the prior year period primarily due to lower professional services, salaries and employee related costs.
Selling Expenses
     Selling expenses decreased $1.8 million to $10.2 million in the first nine months of 2008 compared to the prior year period primarily due to decreases in salaries, employee related costs, advertising and promotional activities.
Income Taxes
     An income tax benefit of $6.0 million was recognized for the nine months ending September 30, 2008 compared to an expense of $7.1 million in the prior year period. The effective tax rate for the first nine months of 2008 was 30.1% compared to 39.9% for the prior year period. For 2008, the effective tax rate differs from the U.S. Federal statutory rate of 35% primarily due to a valuation allowance provided for state income taxes and other permanent differences between book income and taxable income.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Capital Structure
     Our capital structure is comprised of a mix of equity and debt. As of September 30, 2008, our debt to equity ratio was approximately 0.3:1.0. Our objective is to generate operating cash flows sufficient to fund normal working capital requirements, capital expenditures, pay dividends and take advantage of market opportunities.
Debt Facilities
     We maintain a $200 million loan and security agreement (“Revolving Facility”) with our lenders that matures March 6, 2012. The Revolving Facility is subject to a borrowing base and as of September 30, 2008, borrowings outstanding on the Revolving Facility totaled $79.0 million.
     On July 24, 2008, we entered into a three year lease for a manufacturing facility located in Cadiz, Kentucky. The lease includes a bargain purchase option. As of September 30, 2008, the present value of future minimum lease payments totaled $5.2 million with annual minimum payments of $0.1 million, $0.6 million, $0.6 million and $4.6 million for the years ending 2008 through 2011, respectively, including interest of approximately $0.7 million. The assets related to the manufacturing facility are recorded within Property, Plant and Equipment in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet for $5.3 million (net of less than $0.1 million of accumulated depreciation).

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     During the third quarter of 2008, we purchased and retired the remaining $26.4 million in aggregate principal amount of our Senior Convertible Notes outstanding.
Cash Flow
     Cash provided by operating activities for the nine-month period ended September 30, 2008 amounted to $8.3 million compared to $17.0 million in the same period in 2007. The change was primarily a result of a $27.0 million improvement in working capital offset by a $35.7 million reduction in net income, adjusted for non-cash items. The following is a discussion of factors impacting certain working capital items in the nine-month period ended September 30, 2008 compared to the comparable prior year period:
  -   Accounts receivable increased $7.1 million during 2008 compared to a decrease of $10.1 million in 2007. The increase for 2008 is due to the timing of shipments and higher sales volumes recorded during the latter portion of the period. Days sales outstanding, a measure of working capital efficiency that measures the amount of time a receivable is outstanding, improved to approximately 29 days in 2008 compared to 32 days in 2007.
 
  -   Inventory increased $19.7 million during 2008 compared to an increase of $21.2 million in 2007. Inventory turns, a commonly used measure of working capital efficiency that measures how quickly inventory turns per year, was approximately six times in 2008 compared to seven times in 2007 due to weaker market conditions.
 
  -   Accounts payable and accrued liabilities increased $33.7 million in 2008 compared to a decrease of $10.0 million in 2007. The increase was primarily due to higher raw material levels and improved vendor management.
     Investing activities used $7.9 million for the nine-month period ending September 30, 2008 compared to $9.6 million used in the comparable prior year period. The 2008 period includes $2.8 million used to acquire certain equipment from Benson International, LLC, a manufacturer of aluminum flatbeds, dump trailers and other truck bodies. The 2007 period included an additional $4.5 million purchase price payment based on Transcraft’s achievement of 2006 performance targets.
     Financing activities used $29.3 million during the first nine months of 2008 as borrowings under the Revolving Facility were used to purchase and retire $104.1 million of Convertible Notes.
     As of September 30, 2008, our liquidity position, defined as cash on hand and available borrowing capacity, amounted to approximately $113.2 million and total debt and lease obligations amounted to approximately $87.8 million, including $5.2 million and $3.6 million of capital and operating leases, respectively. We expect that in 2008, we will be able to generate sufficient cash flow from operations and available borrowings under the Revolving Facility to fund our anticipated working capital, capital expenditures and quarterly dividend payments.
Capital Expenditures
     Capital spending amounted to $8.0 million for the first nine months of 2008 and is anticipated to be approximately $11.0 million for 2008, including $2.8 million for the assets purchased on July 24, 2008 from Benson International, LLC. The majority of our capital spending for 2008 will be related to improvements to our Lafayette facilities intended to streamline production flow and enhance manufacturing efficiency. In addition, in February 2008, we announced the construction of a new $25

20


 

million manufacturing facility in Franklin, Kentucky. Construction of the new facility will not commence until leading market indicators dictate.
Off-Balance Sheet Transactions
     As of September 30, 2008, we had approximately $3.6 million in operating lease commitments. We did not enter into any material off-balance sheet debt or operating lease transactions during the quarter.
Contractual Obligations and Commercial Commitments
     We have included a summary of our Contractual Obligations and Commercial Commitments in our annual report on Form 10-K, for the year ended December 31, 2007. With the exception of the changes to our outstanding debt and capital lease obligations as discussed in Note 4 of the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements, there have been no material changes to the summary provided in that report.
Backlog
     Orders that have been confirmed by customers in writing and can be produced during the next 18 months are included in backlog. Orders that comprise the backlog may be subject to changes in quantities, delivery, specifications and terms. Our backlog of orders was approximately $283 million at September 30, 2008 compared to $336 million at December 31, 2007. We expect to complete the majority of our existing backlog orders within the next 12 months.
OUTLOOK
     According to the most recent A.C.T. Research Co., LLC (ACT) estimates, total trailer industry shipments for 2008 are expected to be down 34% from 2007 to approximately 144,000 units. The decrease in the demand for trailers reflects the weakness of truck freight, which has trended down since the latter part of 2006 as a result of general economic conditions and, more particularly, declines in new home construction and automotive manufacturing. ACT estimates that sales in 2009 will drop 4% to approximately 138,000 units. The most significant concern in 2008 remains the global economy, especially credit markets, high fuel prices and commodity costs, as well as housing and construction-related markets in the United States. Management’s expectation is that the trailer industry will continue to be soft in the last quarter of 2008 and in 2009, recovering in 2010.
     Despite the overall weakness in our industry, we believe we are in a strong position relative to our competitors because: (1) our core customers are among the dominant participants in the trucking industry; (2) our DuraPlate® trailer continues to have increased market acceptance; and (3) our focus is on developing solutions that reduce our customers’ total cost of ownership.
     Pricing will remain difficult in 2008 and 2009 due to weak demand and fierce competitive activity. Raw material and component costs are expected to be volatile. For the remainder of 2008 raw material and component costs are expected to trend upward based on contractual commitments and then become more moderate beginning in 2009. As has been our policy, we will endeavor to pass along raw material and component price increases to our customers. However, we expect that the imbalance between commodity costs and selling prices and the constrained demand for trailers resulting from a weak freight environment and excess capacity will impact near-term profitability.

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     We continue to focus on developing innovative new products that both add value to our customers’ operations and allow us to continue to differentiate our products from the competition to increase profitability. Longer term, we are implementing our strategic plan that includes increased focus on expanding sales of our DuraPlate® products, implementing strategic purchasing solutions and improving our manufacturing footprint.
CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND ESTIMATES
     We have included a summary of our Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates in our annual report on Form 10-K, for the year ended December 31, 2007. There have been no material changes to the summary provided in that report.
NEW ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS
     Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities. In March 2008, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 161, Disclosures about Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities – an amendment of FASB Statement No. 133. The statement requires enhanced disclosures for derivative and hedging activities, including information that would enable financial statement users to understand how and why a company uses derivative instruments, how derivative instruments and related hedged items are accounted for under SFAS No. 133, Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities, and how derivative instruments and related hedged items affect an entity’s financial position, financial performance and cash flows. This statement is effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years and interim periods beginning after November 15, 2008 and will be applicable to our financial statements beginning in the first quarter of 2009. As SFAS No. 161 only requires enhanced disclosures, we do not anticipate that this standard will have a material impact on our financial position, results of operations or cash flows.
     Fair Value Measurements. In September 2006, the FASB issued SFAS No. 157, Fair Value Measurements. The Statement provides guidance for using fair value to measure assets and liabilities and only applies when other standards require or permit the fair value measurement of assets and liabilities. It does not expand the use of fair value measurement. In February 2008, the FASB announced that it was deferring the effective date to fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2008 for certain non-financial assets and non-financial liabilities, except those that are recognized or disclosed at fair value in the financial statements on a recurring basis. For these financial and non-financial assets and liabilities that are remeasured at least annually, this statement was effective for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007. Derivative instruments and hedging activities are carried at fair value. The adoption of SFAS No. 157 has not and is not expected to have a material impact on our financial position, results of operations or cash flows. See Note 6 of our Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for further discussion of fair value for derivative instruments.
ITEM 3.   QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISKS
     In addition to the risks inherent in our operations, we have exposure to financial and market risk resulting from volatility in commodity prices and interest rates. The following discussion provides additional detail regarding our exposure to these risks.
Commodity Prices
     We are exposed to fluctuations in commodity prices through the purchase of raw materials that are processed from commodities such as aluminum, steel, wood and polyethylene. Given the historical

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volatility of certain commodity prices, this exposure can materially impact product costs. Historically, we have managed aluminum price changes by entering into fixed price contracts with our suppliers. As of September 30, 2008, we had $27.7 million in raw material purchase commitments through September 2009 for materials that will be used in the production process. We typically do not set prices for our products more than 45-90 days in advance of our commodity purchases and can, subject to competitive market conditions, take into account the cost of the commodity in setting our prices for each order. To the extent that we are unable to offset the increased commodity costs in product prices, results would be adversely, and possibly materially, affected.
Interest Rates
     On September 26, 2008, we entered into an interest rate swap agreement that fixed a portion of our underlying variable rate borrowings under our Revolving Facility at 3.753% compared to the variable rate of the three-month LIBOR plus the applicable margin set forth within the Revolving Facility. The notional amount of the interest rate swap agreement totaled $30.0 million and expires on September 26, 2010. Based on amounts outstanding at September 30, 2008, (after taking into account the effect of the interest rate swap agreement) if the interest rate on our variable rate debt were to change by a hypothetical 100 basis-points, the interest expense over a one-year period would change by approximately $0.5 million. This sensitivity analysis does not account for the change in the competitive environment indirectly related to the change in interest rates and the potential managerial action taken in response to these changes.
ITEM 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
Disclosure Controls and Procedures
     Based on an evaluation under the supervision and with the participation of the Company’s management, the Company’s principal executive officer and principal financial officer have concluded that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 14a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (Exchange Act)) were effective as of September 30, 2008.
Changes in Internal Controls
     There were no changes in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting, as defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Exchange Act, during the third quarter of fiscal 2008 that have materially affected or are reasonably likely to materially affect the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.
PART II – OTHER INFORMATION
ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS
     You should carefully consider the risks described in our Annual Report on Form 10-K, for the year ended December 31, 2007, including those under the heading “Risk Factors” appearing in Item 1A of Part I of the Form 10-K and other information contained in this Quarterly Report before investing in our securities. Realization of any of these risks could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, cash flows and results of operations.

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ITEM 2.   UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS
     The Company’s stock repurchase program (Repurchase Program) that allowed for the repurchase of common stock up to $50 million expired September 15, 2008 with $25.8 million remaining available under the program. During the third quarter of 2008, no stock repurchases under the Repurchase Program were made.
     During the third quarter of 2008, we purchased and retired the remaining $26.4 million of our Convertible Notes. In addition, 206 shares were surrendered or withheld to cover withholding tax obligations upon vesting of restricted stock awards.
ITEM 6. EXHIBITS
(a)   Exhibits:
 
    31.01     Certification of Principal Executive Officer
 
    31.02     Certification of Principal Financial Officer
 
    32.01     Written Statement of Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (18 U.S.C. Section 1350)
SIGNATURE
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
             
 
      WABASH NATIONAL CORPORATION    
 
           
          Date: October 30, 2008
  By:   /s/ Robert J. Smith
 
Robert J. Smith
   
 
      Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer    
 
      (Principal Financial Officer)    

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